CONTAINER DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DISPENSING EDIBLE COLLOIDS

A container includes a housing defining a chamber. An edible colloid is carried within the chamber. An agitator is carried by the housing within the chamber and is adapted to agitate the edible colloid and provide a modified edible colloid. A dispenser is carried by the housing. The dispenser is adapted to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to container devices and methods for carrying and dispensing edible colloids. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure specifically relates to container devices and methods for dispensing freshly whipped dairy cream.

BACKGROUND

People have been consuming the milk of domesticated animals for thousands of years. However, with the industrialization and urbanization of society, supplying dairy products became a commercial industry, thus giving more people access to this valuable type of nutrition. Currently, about one-third of the U.S. milk supply is actually processed into milk and cream products; the remaining two-thirds of the milk supply is used to manufacture a wide range of dairy products. Sales of these dairy products, such as butter, cheese, ice cream and yogurt, account for tens of billions of dollars annually in the U.S. With such high demand and widespread distribution, people involved in the dairy industry have begun to explore alternative ways to improve both the efficiency of producing dairy products and maintaining their freshness.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a container includes a housing defining a chamber; an edible colloid carried within the chamber; an agitator movably carried by the housing within the chamber and adapted to agitate the edible colloid and provide a modified edible colloid, the agitator including an open frame structure; and a dispenser carried by the housing, the dispenser being adapted to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of paragraph [0004], wherein the open frame structure defines an overall spherical shape.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0005], wherein the open frame structure includes a plurality of arms.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0006], wherein the edible colloid is dairy cream, and the modified edible colloid is whipped dairy cream.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0007], wherein the chamber has a first volume, the edible colloid has a second volume prior to agitation by the agitator, and the second volume is about 75 percent of the first volume to about 25 percent of the first volume.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0008], wherein the housing is flexible to facilitate deforming the housing to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0009], wherein the agitator is a first agitator, and further including a second agitator movably carried by the housing within the chamber and adapted to agitate the edible colloid, the second agitator including an open frame structure that defines an overall spherical shape.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0010], wherein the dispenser includes: a base including an outlet adapted to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container; and a cover movably coupled to the base; the cover adapted to selectively inhibit the outlet from dispensing the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0011], further including a handle assembly for detachably receiving the housing, the handle assembly including a trigger adapted to be manipulated by a user to dispense the modified edible colloid from the dispenser.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0012], wherein the handle assembly further includes a handle frame pivotably carrying the trigger, and wherein the handle frame detachably receives the housing.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0013], wherein the dispenser further includes a piston movably carried by the frame, the piston being engageable with the housing to dispense the modified edible colloid from the outlet.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0014], wherein the edible colloid comprises at least one flavor selected from a group consisting of sweet, savory, inclusions, and variegates.

In some embodiments, a container includes a housing defining a chamber; an edible colloid carried within the chamber; an agitator carried by the housing within the chamber and adapted to agitate the edible colloid and provide a modified edible colloid, the agitator including a plurality of blades; and a dispenser carried by the housing, the dispenser being adapted to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of paragraph [0016], wherein the edible colloid is dairy cream, and the modified edible colloid is whipped dairy cream.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0017], wherein the chamber has a first volume, the edible colloid has a second volume prior to agitation by the agitator, and the second volume is about 75 percent of the first volume to about 25 percent of the first volume.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0018], wherein the housing is flexible to facilitate deforming the housing to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0019], wherein the agitator is movably carried by the housing within the chamber.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0020], wherein the housing includes a wall defining the chamber, and the agitator is monolithically coupled to the wall.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0021], wherein the agitator is monolithically coupled to the dispenser.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0022], wherein each of the plurality of blades includes: a body; and a plurality of apertures extending through the body and adapted to permit passage of the edible colloid therethrough.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0023], wherein the dispenser includes: a base including an outlet adapted to dispense the edible colloid from the container; and a cover movably coupled to the base; the cover adapted to selectively inhibit the outlet from dispensing the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0024], further including a handle assembly for detachably receiving the housing, the handle assembly including a trigger adapted to be manipulated by a user to dispense the modified edible colloid from the dispenser.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0025], wherein the handle assembly further includes a handle frame pivotably carrying the trigger, and wherein the handle frame detachably receives the housing.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0026], wherein the dispenser further includes a piston movably carried by the frame, the piston being engageable with the housing to dispense the modified edible colloid from the outlet.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0027], wherein the plurality of blades are fixedly coupled to the piston so as to be movable with the piston relative to the frame.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0028], wherein the edible colloid comprises at least one flavor selected from a group consisting of sweet, savory, inclusions, and variegates.

In some embodiments, a container includes a housing including a wall defining a chamber; an edible colloid carried within the chamber; an agitator adapted to agitate the edible colloid, the agitator including a plurality of protrusions extending from the wall in the chamber; and a dispenser carried by the housing, the dispenser being adapted to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of paragraph [0030], wherein the edible colloid is dairy cream, and the modified edible colloid is whipped dairy cream.

The container of any of paragraphs [0030]-[0031], wherein the chamber has a first volume, the edible colloid has a second volume prior to agitation by the agitator, and the second volume is about 75 percent of the first volume to about 25 percent of the first volume.

The container of any of paragraphs [0030]-[0032], wherein the housing is flexible to facilitate deforming the housing to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of any of paragraphs [0030]-[0033], wherein the agitator is monolithically coupled to the wall.

The container of any of paragraphs [0030]-[0034], wherein the dispenser includes: a base including an outlet adapted to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container; and a cover movably coupled to the base; the cover adapted to selectively inhibit the outlet from dispensing the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of any of paragraphs [0030]-[0035], further including a handle assembly for detachably receiving the housing, the handle assembly including a trigger adapted to be manipulated by a user to dispense the modified edible colloid from the dispenser.

The container of any of paragraphs [0030]-[0036], wherein the handle assembly further includes a handle frame pivotably carrying the trigger, and wherein the handle frame detachably receives the housing.

The container of any of paragraphs [0030]-[0037], wherein the dispenser further includes a piston movably carried by the frame, the piston being engageable with the housing to dispense the modified edible colloid from the outlet.

The container of any of paragraphs [0030]-[0038], wherein the edible colloid comprises at least one flavor selected from a group consisting of sweet, savory, inclusions, and variegates.

It should be understood that the drawings are intended facilitate understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates an embodiment of a container110for carrying and dispensing an edible colloid according to the present invention. The container110generally includes a housing112that defines a chamber114for carrying the edible colloid EC. The housing112carries a dispenser118that dispenses the edible colloid in a modified form (referred to herein as a modified edible colloid) from the container110. As described in further detail below, the container110also carries one or more agitators that agitate the edible colloid EC to provide the modified edible colloid prior to dispensing the modified edible colloid from the container110.

The edible colloid EC may be, for example, a dairy product. In some embodiments, the edible colloid EC may be dairy cream that is derived from milk by separation, either cold or heated, with no homogenization applied to the cream portion. In these embodiments, the cream portion is standardized to about 40 percent milk fat content (that is, 40 percent±1 percent), processed to provide the appropriate microbiological kill per the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Food and Drug Administration, and cooled. In some embodiments, the edible colloid EC may be dairy cream as described above, except with about 32 percent milk fat content (that is, 32 percent±1 percent) to about 36 percent milk fat content (that is, 36 percent±1 percent). In some embodiments, the edible colloid EC may be a dairy product that is formulated with emulsification levels to facilitate agitation and maintenance of the modified edible colloid, such as, for example, monoglycerides, diglycerides, polysorbate 80, and the like. In some embodiments, the edible colloid EC may be a dairy product including other formulations that may obtain light cream levels of fat content and maintain agitation characteristics. In some embodiments, the edible colloid EC may be a dairy product produced with partial replacement of milk fat with vegetable fat (that is, a blended product). Optionally, blended products may include stabilizing and/or emulsifying agents. In some embodiments, the edible colloid includes one or more flavors selected from a group including sweet, savory, inclusions, and variegates.

In addition to carrying the edible colloid EC, the chamber114carries a separate gas G (for example, air). Prior to agitation, the edible colloid EC may have a volume that is from about 75 percent (that is, 75 percent±5 percent) to about 25 percent (that is, 25 percent±5 percent) of the volume of the chamber114, and the gas G occupies the remainder of the volume of the chamber114. During agitation, the gas G is dispersed within the edible colloid EC, or the gas G forms gas cells within the edible colloid EC, to provide a modified edible colloid. The modified edible colloid may have a volume that is greater than about 90 percent (that is, 90 percent±5 percent) of the volume of the chamber114, and the gas G occupies the remainder, if any, of the volume of the chamber114. In some embodiments, the modified edible colloid may be a whipped dairy product, such as whipped dairy cream.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, the housing112includes a wall120that defines the chamber114. The wall120defines an opening122adjacent the dispenser118. The wall120may provide the container110with a variety of shapes, such a generally-cylindrical shape as shown inFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the wall120provides the container110with a non-cylindrical shape, such as a three-dimensional rectangular shape or the like.

The wall120may be a monolithic component, or it could be formed of multiple sections. The wall120may be formed of one or more food-grade materials. For example, the wall120may be formed of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to facilitate shaking and squeezing the housing112, as described in further detail below. As another example, the wall120may be formed of a laminated foil (that is, a “pouch” or “bag”) to facilitate squeezing the housing112, as described in further detail below.

Still referring toFIG. 1, the dispenser118includes a base124that couples to the wall120of the housing112proximate the opening122. The base124may couple to the wall120in a variety of manners, such as a mating threaded surfaces (not shown), snap-fit components (not shown), or the like. In some embodiments, the base124may monolithically couple to the wall120. The base124also defines an outlet126through which the modified edible colloid is dispensed from the container110. The base124may be formed of one or more food-grade materials. For example, the base124may be formed of LDPE.

The dispenser118further includes a cover128that movably couples to the base124and selectively inhibits the base124from dispensing the edible colloid EC from the outlet126. The cover128may couple to the base124in a variety of manners, such as a mating threaded surfaces (not shown), snap-fit components (not shown), or the like. In some embodiments, the cover128may monolithically and hingedly couple to the base124(hinge not shown). The cover128may be formed of one or more food-grade materials. For example, the cover128may be formed of LDPE.

Turning now toFIG. 2, the housing112is illustrated movably carrying an embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator is an open frame structure210that includes one or more arms212. The arm(s)212defines a plurality of openings in the frame structure210through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass, as described in further detail below. In some embodiments, a plurality of arms212couple to each other (for example, via one or more fasteners, welding, or the like; not shown) to define the open frame structure210. In other embodiments, a single curved arm212may define the open frame structure210.

In some embodiments, the arm(s)212may provide the open frame structure210with an overall spherical shape. In some embodiments, the arm(s)212may provide the open frame structure210with a non-spherical shape, such as an ellipsoidal shape or the like.

The open frame structure210may be formed of one or more food-grade materials. For example, the open frame structure210may be formed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). As another example, the open frame structure210may be formed of stainless steel.

As described briefly above, the arm(s)212defines a plurality of openings in the frame structure210through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass. Passage of the edible colloid EC and the gas G through the openings facilitates dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC, thereby providing the modified edible colloid. In some embodiments, such as those in which the housing wall120is formed of LDPE, the housing112may be shaken to cause the open frame structure210to move within the chamber114and facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC. In some embodiments, such as those in which the housing wall120is formed of a laminated foil, the housing112may be kneaded to cause the gas G and edible colloid EC to move through the open frame structure210and facilitate dispersion of the gas Gin the edible colloid EC.

Referring toFIG. 3, the housing112is illustrated movably carrying a plurality of agitators according to an embodiment of the present invention. The agitators are each an open frame structure310, which may be identical or similar to the open frame structure210. Generally, the open frame structures310each include one or more arms312. The arm(s)312defines a plurality of openings in the frame structure210through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass to facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC and provide the modified edible colloid, as described above.

Referring now toFIGS. 4 and 5, the housing112is illustrated carrying another embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator is a fan structure410that includes a plurality of blades412. The blades412define a plurality of openings in the fan structure410through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass to facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC. In some embodiments, the fan structure410may be fixedly coupled to the housing112, for example, via one or more fasteners, monolithically, or the like. In some embodiments, the fan structure410may be fixedly coupled to the dispenser118proximate the outlet126, for example, via one or more fasteners, monolithically, or the like. In some embodiments, the fan structure410may be translatably carried within the housing112.

The fan structure410includes an outer hub414that couples to the blades412, for example, via fasteners, monolithically, or the like. Opposite the outer hub414, the fan structure410includes an inner hub416that couples to the blades412, for example, via fasteners, monolithically, or the like. In some embodiments, the blades412are disposed at an angle, or extend helically, relative to the inner hub416, the outer hub414, and the housing wall120.

The fan structure410may be formed of one or more food-grade materials. For example, the fan structure410may be formed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). As another example, the fan structure410may be formed of stainless steel.

As described briefly above, the blades412define a plurality of openings in the fan structure410through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass. Passage of the edible colloid EC and the gas G through the openings facilitates dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC, thereby providing the modified edible colloid. In some embodiments, such as those in which the housing wall120is formed of LDPE, the housing112may be shaken to cause the fan structure410to translate within the chamber114and facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC. In some embodiments, such as those in which the housing wall120is formed of a laminated foil and the fan structure410is coupled to the dispenser118, the container110may be kneaded to cause the gas G and edible colloid EC to move through the fan structure410and facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC.

Referring toFIG. 6, the housing112is illustrated carrying another embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator is a fan structure610that includes one or more blades612. The blades612define a plurality of openings in the fan structure610through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass to facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC. The fan structure610is similar to the fan structure410, although the fan structure lacks an outer hub and an inner hub. Instead, the blades612monolithically couple to the housing wall120and extend toward each other. In some embodiments, the blades612each have a first dimension in a radial direction that is relatively large compared to a second dimension in a transverse direction. For example, the second dimension may be about 30 percent of the first dimension (that is, 30 percent±5 percent). In some embodiments, the blades612may be disposed apart at equal angles on the wall120. In some embodiments, the blades612may be omitted on one or more portions of the wall120to facilitate squeezing the housing112and dispensing the modified edible colloid.

Referring toFIG. 7, the housing112is illustrated carrying another embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator is a fan structure710that includes one or more blades712. The blades712define a plurality of openings in the fan structure710through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass to facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC. The fan structure710is similar to the fan structure410, although the fan structure lacks an outer hub and an inner hub. Instead, the blades712monolithically couple to the housing wall120and extend toward each other. In some embodiments, the blades712each have a first dimension in a radial direction that is relatively small compared to a second dimension in a transverse direction. For example, the first dimension may be about 30 percent of the second dimension (that is, 30 percent±5 percent). In some embodiments, the blades712may be disposed apart at equal angles on the wall120. In some embodiments, the blades712may be omitted on one or more portions of the wall120to facilitate squeezing the housing112and dispensing the modified edible colloid.

Referring toFIG. 8, a blade810is illustrated. The blade810may be used as any of the blades of the fan structures described herein. The blade810includes a body812that in turn includes one or more apertures814. Passage of the edible colloid EC and the gas G through the apertures814facilitates dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC, thereby providing the modified edible colloid.

Turning now toFIG. 9, the housing112is illustrated carrying an embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator includes a plurality of protrusions910that extend toward each other from the housing wall120. In some embodiments, the protrusions910monolithically couple to the housing wall120. The edible colloid EC and the gas G pass over the protrusions910, as described in further detail below.

In some embodiments and as shown inFIG. 9, the protrusions910each include a pyramid shape. In some embodiments, the protrusions910each include a non-pyramid shape, such as a cylindrical shape or the like. In some embodiments and as shown inFIG. 9, the protrusions910are arranged in several rows and columns within the chamber114. In some embodiments, the protrusions910are not arranged in rows. In some embodiments, the protrusions910are not arranged in columns.

As described briefly above, the edible colloid EC and the gas G pass over the protrusions910. Passage of the edible colloid EC and the gas G over the protrusions910facilitates dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC, thereby providing the modified edible colloid. In some embodiments, such as those in which the housing wall120is formed of LDPE, the housing112may be shaken to cause the edible colloid EC and the gas G to pass over the protrusions910and facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC. In some embodiments, such as those in which the housing wall120is formed of a laminated foil, the housing112may be kneaded to cause the edible colloid EC and the gas G to pass over the protrusions910and facilitate dispersion of the gas Gin the edible colloid EC.

FIG. 10illustrates another embodiment of a container1010for carrying and dispensing an edible colloid, such as any of the edible colloids EC described above, according to the present invention. The container1010generally includes a housing1012that defines a chamber1014for carrying the edible colloid EC. The housing1012carries a dispenser1018that dispenses the modified edible colloid from the container1010. As described in further detail below, the container1010also carries one or more agitators that agitate the edible colloid EC to provide the modified edible colloid prior to dispensing the modified edible colloid from the container1010.

With continued reference toFIG. 10, the housing1012includes a wall1020that defines the chamber1014. The wall1020may provide the container1010with a variety of shapes, such a generally-cylindrical shape as shown inFIG. 10. In some embodiments, the wall1020provides the container1010with a non-cylindrical shape, such as a three-dimensional rectangular shape or the like.

The wall1020may be a monolithic component, or it could be formed of multiple sections. The wall1020may be formed of one or more food-grade materials. For example, the wall1020may be formed of LDPE to facilitate shaking and squeezing the housing1012, as described in further detail below. As another example, the wall1020may be formed of a laminated foil (that is, a pouch or bag) to facilitate squeezing the housing1012, as described in further detail below.

Still referring toFIG. 10, the dispenser1018couples to the wall1020of the housing1012. The dispenser1018may couple to the wall1020in a variety of manners, such as a mating threaded surfaces (not shown), snap-fit components (not shown), or the like. In some embodiments, the dispenser1018may monolithically couple to the wall1020. The dispenser1018also defines an outlet1026through which the modified edible colloid is dispensed from the container1010. The outlet1026may taper to provide the dispenser1018with a nozzle-like structure. The dispenser1018may be formed of one or more food-grade materials. For example, the dispenser1018may be formed of LDPE.

The container1010further includes a handle assembly1030that detachably receives the housing1012and the dispenser1018. The handle assembly1030includes a handle frame1032that detachably receives the housing1012and the dispenser1018. The handle frame1032carries a trigger1034that is manipulated by a user (for example, moved by a user relative to the handle frame1032) to dispense the modified edible colloid from the dispenser1018. In some embodiments, the trigger1034is pivotably carried by the handle frame1032, and the user pivots the trigger1034relative to the handle frame1032to translate a rod1036and a piston1038relative to the handle frame1032. As a result, the piston1038engages the housing1012and moves through the chamber1014to dispense the modified edible colloid from the dispenser1018. After dispensing the modified edible colloid from the housing1012, the piston1038may be withdrawn from the housing1012(for example, by translating the rod1036and the piston1038away from the dispenser1018). The housing1012and dispenser1018may then be replaced by a housing1012and dispenser1018including another supply of the edible colloid EC. The dispenser1018may be formed of one or more food-grade materials. For example, the handle assembly1030may be formed of one or more appropriate materials, such as, for example, metals, specifically aluminum.

Referring toFIG. 11, the housing1012is illustrated movably carrying an embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator is an open frame structure1110, which may be identical or similar to the open frame structure210. Generally, the open frame structure1110includes one or more arms1112. The arm(s)1112defines a plurality of openings in the frame structure1110through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass to facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC and provide the modified edible colloid, as described above. In some embodiments, the housing1012may be manipulated (for example, shaken, kneaded, or the like) to provide the modified edible colloid prior to coupling the housing1012to the handle assembly1030. In some embodiments, the housing1012may be manipulated to provide the modified edible colloid after coupling the housing1012to the handle assembly1030.

Referring toFIG. 12, the housing1012is illustrated movably carrying a plurality of agitators according to an embodiment of the present invention. The agitators are each an open frame structure1210, which may be identical or similar to the open frame structure210. Generally, each open frame structure1210includes one or more arms1212. The arm(s)1212defines a plurality of openings in the frame structure1210through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass to facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC and provide the modified edible colloid, as described above. In some embodiments, the housing1012may be manipulated (for example, shaken, kneaded, or the like) to provide the modified edible colloid prior to coupling the housing1012to the handle assembly1030. In some embodiments, the housing1012may be manipulated to provide the modified edible colloid after coupling the housing1012to the handle assembly1030.

Referring toFIG. 13, the housing1012is illustrated carrying another embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator is a fan structure1310, which may be identical or similar to the fan structure410. Generally, the fan structure1310includes a plurality of blades1312. The blades1312define a plurality of openings in the fan structure1310through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass to facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC. In some embodiments, the fan structure1310may be fixedly coupled to the housing1012, for example, via one or more fasteners, monolithically, or the like. In some embodiments, the fan structure1310may be fixedly coupled to the dispenser118proximate the outlet126, for example, via one or more fasteners, monolithically, or the like. In some embodiments, the fan structure1310may be translatably carried within the housing1012. In some embodiments, the housing1012may be manipulated (for example, shaken, kneaded, or the like) to provide the modified edible colloid prior to coupling the housing1012to the handle assembly1030. In some embodiments, the housing1012may be manipulated to provide the modified edible colloid after coupling the housing1012to the handle assembly1030.

Referring toFIG. 14, the housing1012is illustrated carrying another embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator is a fan structure1410, which may be identical or similar to the fan structure410. Generally, the fan structure1410includes a plurality of blades1412. The blades1412define a plurality of openings in the fan structure1410through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass to facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC. The fan structure1410is fixedly coupled to the piston1038, for example, via a fastener1414, monolithically, or the like, so as to move with the piston1038relative to the housing1012. In some embodiments and as shown inFIG. 14, the fan structure1410may be disposed apart from the piston1038. In some embodiments, the housing1012may be manipulated (for example, shaken, kneaded, or the like) to provide the modified edible colloid after coupling the housing1012to the handle assembly1030. In some embodiments, movement of the piston1038and the fan structure1410is sufficient to provide and dispense the modified edible colloid.

Turning now toFIG. 15, the housing1012is illustrated carrying an embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator includes a plurality of protrusions1510that extend toward each other from the housing wall1020. The protrusions1510may be structured and/or arranged in an identical or similar manner to the protrusions910. In some embodiments, the housing1012may be manipulated (for example, shaken, kneaded, or the like) to provide the modified edible colloid prior to coupling the housing1012to the handle assembly1030. In some embodiments, the housing1012may be manipulated to provide the modified edible colloid after coupling the housing1012to the handle assembly1030.

Although the embodiments of agitators described herein are shown as being carried separately by the housing, the housing may alternatively carry any combination of the agitators described herein.