Modular appliance apparatus configured for multiple attachments

A modular appliance apparatus is disclosed for use in the preparation of food products. The modular appliance apparatus may have a housing to contain internal components. The housing may contain a motor, a controller, and electronic circuitry. On a bottom portion of the housing, at least one base contact may be present. An attachment may secure to the bottom portion of the housing and contain at least one attachment contact. An electronic connection between the at least one base contact and at least one attachment contact may be interpreted by the controller to determine a speed of operation by the motor. Depending on the type of attachment secured to the housing, various different combinations of electronic connections may be made to operate the motor at different speeds to meet the requirements for food preparation by the specific attachment.

INTRODUCTION

Kitchen appliances come in many different forms, and most kitchen appliances are suitable only for a single use. For example, if a user wished to have an appliance for chopping nuts, the user would have to buy an individual appliance solely for the purpose of chopping nuts. If the user then wished to have an appliance for blending purposes, the nut chopper appliance would be inadequate, and the user would have to purchase another appliance solely for the purpose of blending. Further, if the user wished to have an appliance for shredding a salad, both the nut cutter and the blender would be inadequate, and the user would have to purchase another appliance for shredding salads. The number of single use designed appliances available and purchased by consumers is extremely vast. Moreover, this process of purchasing and using single use appliances becomes time consuming, expensive, and a waste of kitchen space. What is needed is a way to have one appliance that could attach to and function as multiple other appliances. Such a device would reduce the expense of multiple devices, reduce the space needed to store multiple devices, and simplify the shopping process for kitchen appliances—thereby saving consumers time.

One problem to be overcome with such a device, however, is that the speeds at which the various devices operate are drastically different. For example, peeling and mashing devices operate at low speeds that are unsuitable for tasks such as blending or whisking. Similarly, devices for blending or whisking operate at high speeds and using such devices to mash or peel could result in damage to the device, food, or the user. A variable speed device may be employed to overcome this problem, but such a device raises its own issues.

Even if the device operates at variable speeds, the large difference in speeds at which the device would have to operate would make it difficult for the consumer to select appropriate speeds themselves. Furthermore, it would be possible that the consumer would accidentally select an incorrect speed, which could lead to harm to the consumer, appliance, or the food product being prepared. As a result, what is needed is a way to have the speed selection for the multiple appliances to be preset for each device so there is no risk that the consumer causes harm to themselves, the appliance, or the food preparation process with manual speed selections. Automatically selected speeds would also simplify the consumer's experience by facilitating ease of use of the device and ensuring an optimal speed is selected for each device—which eliminates guesswork on the part of the user.

This disclosure is related to a modular appliance apparatus that overcomes these issues. The modular appliance apparatus has electrical contact points allowing the modular appliance apparatus to attach to various attachments, thereby accomplishing multiple kitchen needs. As a result, the modular appliance apparatus may connect to other apparatuses that function as the above referenced devices. Additionally, the user may grip the modular appliance apparatus and press a switch that activates the modular appliance apparatus at a set speed that corresponds to the proper operational speed of the attachment to which it is connected. When different attachments are connected via the electrical contacts, the circuitry within the modular appliance apparatus allows a microprocessor or circuitry inside the modular appliance apparatus to determine a correct functional speed for the specific attachment once the switch is activated by the user. Because of this, the user has the advantage of allowing the internal circuitry of the modular appliance apparatus to determine the optimal set for functionality of the attachment. This facilitates ease of use and improves consumer safety when using the device.

Further features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments, as well as the structure and operation of various elements of the disclosed embodiments, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the accompanying drawings,FIG.1illustrates an example modular appliance apparatus100. The modular appliance apparatus100shown inFIG.1comprises a housing105. Within the housing105, there may be located electronic circuitry to run the modular appliance apparatus as well as motor components. The housing105inFIG.1comprises a top end110and a bottom end115. The top end110and the bottom end115of the housing105shown inFIG.1are connected by a shaft portion125of the housing105. The housing105further comprises a power base120. The modular appliance apparatus100as seen inFIG.1is a cordless to provide power, but it should be understood that the modular appliance apparatus100may be constructed with a cord attached to a power source. It should also be understood that cordless embodiments may further comprise a battery located within the housing105, though a battery is not shown in the figures. In some embodiments, the battery may be rechargeable and permanently mounted within the housing105. In other embodiments, however, the battery may be removable and replaceable. The housing105inFIG.1may also contain a mechanical switch130on its surface.

The mechanical switch130shown inFIG.1is located on the shaft portion125of the modular appliance apparatus100, but the mechanical switch130may be located in another position on the housing105. For example, the mechanical switch130may be located at a top surface135of the housing105. The mechanical switch130shown inFIG.1is illustrated as a power button, but the mechanical switch130may be any type of mechanical switch. For example, the mechanical switch130may be a power knob or another type of actuating switch used to operate the modular appliance apparatus100. In some embodiments, there may also be a speed knob (not shown) located on the shaft portion125of the housing105. The speed knob can allow the user to manually adjust the speed of the modular appliance apparatus100to override stored operational speeds determined by the programming of the modular appliance apparatus100.

The housing105shown inFIG.1may be comprised of any material. For example, the housing105may be comprised of plastic, metal, some combination of the two, or any other suitable material able to create a sufficiently rigid and strong structure of the modular appliance apparatus100.FIG.1shows the housing105comprising a single shaft, but the power base120may include other portions. For example and without limitation, the power base120may be comprised of multiple shafts or may include a handle. The top end110and bottom end115of the housing105shown inFIG.1show the bottom end115having the power base120.

FIG.2illustrates a top down view of a bottom surface210of the power base120of the modular appliance apparatus100. The bottom surface210, located on the underside of the power base120, may contain a plurality of base contacts200. The plurality of base contacts200may connect to like contacts on an attachment to complete circuitry within the modular appliance apparatus100, thereby powering the apparatus. Also located on the underside of the power base120may be a drive mechanism205. The drive mechanism205may mechanically attach to a like drive coupling on the attachment at one end to drive the operation of the attachment by the modular appliance apparatus100. At the other end, the drive mechanism205may attach to a drive shaft, and in turn, a motor contained within the housing105to drive both the modular appliance apparatus100and the secured attachment when power switch130is activated by the user.

FIG.3illustrates an example layout300of the plurality of base contacts200on the power base120of the modular appliance apparatus100.FIG.3shows the plurality of base contacts200aligned in a single row, but the base contacts200may be arranged in any configuration. For example and without limitation, the base contacts200could be arranged in two rows of three or three rows of two.FIG.3also shows the base contacts200as having four sides in a rectangular shape305, but the base contacts200may consist of any number of sides and may come in any shape. For example and without limitation, the base contacts200may be circular.FIG.3shows a row of six base contacts200on the power base120, but there may be any number of base contacts200on the power base120. The plurality of base contacts200are aligned so that one of the base contacts is connected to a source of power, a power contact310, one of the base contacts is connected to a ground, a ground contact315, and the other base contacts are control contacts320to control the operational speed of the motor.

Each control contact320can either be in an “on” or “off” state. When connected to a source of power, the control contacts320communicate their states to a controller, such as a microprocessor, located within the housing105of the modular appliance apparatus100.FIG.3shows four control contacts320for a total of sixteen speed options. The different speed rates for each of the control communications are shown in greater detail withFIGS.5and6. However, the amount of base contacts200and the rates of speed are not limited by the amounts given inFIGS.5-6and may be any amount desirable by the user and the number of binary combinations afforded by the number of control contacts320. The use of the different speeds is not limited by the applications shown inFIG.6and may be any other suitable use.

FIG.4illustrates an example of the layout of the plurality of attachment contacts400on an attachment405connected and in electrical communication with the power base120of the modular appliance apparatus100.FIG.4shows the plurality of attachment contacts400aligned in a single row, but the attachment contacts400may be arranged in any configuration. For example and without limitation, the attachment contacts400could be arranged in two rows of three or three rows of two.FIG.4also shows the attachment contacts400being slightly raised in a semicircular configuration410. The raised semicircular configuration can assist in ensuring electrical communication between the attachment contacts400and the base contacts200of the modular appliance apparatus100. In addition, the attachment contacts400may have four sides in a rectangular shape, but the attachment contacts400may consist of any number of sides and may come in any shape. For example and without limitation, the attachment contacts400may be circular and may protrude like pogo pins to facilitate the connection to the plurality of base contacts200. The arrangement and shape of the attachment contacts400on an appliance will be in accordance with the arrangement and shape of the plurality of base contacts200on the power base120of the modular appliance apparatus100. This is to facilitate the connection to the plurality of base contacts200.

The attachment405may also have a drive coupling (not shown) that can connect to the drive mechanism205of the modular appliance apparatus100. The drive coupling can mate with the drive mechanism to facilitate movement of the mechanical components contained within the attachment405. The attachment may also have a locking mechanism (not shown) which can mechanically couple the attachment to the power base120of the modular appliance apparatus100so that the attachment405does not dislodge or allow for disconnection of the base contacts200and the attachment contacts400when the modular appliance apparatus100is in use. Depending on the desired speed of the attachment405, the attachment may have additional circuitry that connects the necessary attachment contacts400to the ground contact315thereby allowing the controller to determine the desired speed of operation by the modular appliance apparatus100.

Turning now toFIG.5, a reference table500of various speed settings for each combination of activated controls, which are determined by the plurality of base contacts in connection with the plurality of attachment contacts, can be seen. A memory may store this table of various speed settings either in the controller, such as a microprocessor, or a motor controller of the modular appliance apparatus. Based on a binary state of the control contacts320, the processing logic may look up this reference table500from the memory to output the correct speed. For example, if four control contacts320are present, sixteen position operational states may be stored within the reference table500in the memory and accessed for motor speed control.

If the control contacts320are in electrical communication with their respective attachment contacts400to create a “0000” state505, the motor of the modular appliance apparatus does not operate. The same result can be achieved if the control contacts320are in electrical communication with their respective attachment contacts400to create an “1111” state580. Each of these states are safety mechanisms that prevent the modular appliance apparatus100from operating in unsafe conditions such as when an attachment is not present or if the power base120is in contact with a conductive surface that may inadvertently create an electronic circuit between the base contacts200.

A first speed of operation by the modular appliance apparatus100can be achieved when the control contacts320are in electrical communication with their respective attachment contacts400to create a “0001” state510. A second speed of operation by the modular appliance apparatus100can be achieved when the control contacts320are in electrical communication with their respective attachment contacts400to create a “0010” state515. A third speed of operation by the modular appliance apparatus100can be achieved when the control contacts320are in electrical communication with their respective attachment contacts400to create a “0011” state520. A fourth speed of operation by the modular appliance apparatus100can be achieved when the control contacts320are in electrical communication with their respective attachment contacts400to create a “0100” state525. A fifth speed of operation by the modular appliance apparatus100can be achieved when the control contacts320are in electrical communication with their respective attachment contacts400to create a “0101” state530. A sixth speed of operation by the modular appliance apparatus100can be achieved when the control contacts320are in electrical communication with their respective attachment contacts400to create a “0110” state535. A seventh speed of operation by the modular appliance apparatus100can be achieved when the control contacts320are in electrical communication with their respective attachment contacts400to create a “0111” state540.

Additionally, one of the control contacts320can control whether a power signal is passed from the controller, or motor power source, to the attachment405. In this type of example, the attachment405may have powered components such as a timer or light that requires a power input to operate. If the power control contact is in an “on” state, power may flow to the attachment405. For example, if the power contact is active in an “on” state but the other control contacts are “off” to create a “1000” state545, the modular appliance apparatus100may not function. This is an additional safety measure to prevent unintended operation of the modular appliance apparatus100.

A first speed of operation with power provided to the attachment405can be achieved when the control contacts320are in electrical communication with their respective attachment contacts400to create a “1001” state550. A second speed of operation with power provided to the attachment405can be achieved when the control contacts320are in electrical communication with their respective attachment contacts400to create a “1010” state555. A third speed of operation with power provided to the attachment405can be achieved when the control contacts320are in electrical communication with their respective attachment contacts400to create a “1011” state560. A fourth speed of operation with power provided to the attachment405can be achieved when the control contacts320are in electrical communication with their respective attachment contacts400to create a “1100” state565. A fifth speed of operation with power provided to the attachment405can be achieved when the control contacts320are in electrical communication with their respective attachment contacts400to create a “1101” state570. A sixth speed of operation with power provided to the attachment405can be achieved when the control contacts320are in electrical communication with their respective attachment contacts400to create a “1110” state575.

As viewed inFIG.6, a speed legend600is provided for operation of the modular appliance apparatus. The speed legend600can be stored within the memory of the controller or another component of the modular appliance apparatus100and accessed by processing applications based on the detected state of operation determined by the connection between the base contacts200and the attachment contacts400. The speed legend600provides a revolutions per minute speed output create by the motor and sent to a drive shaft to operate the drive mechanism205.

The maximum and minimum number of revolutions per minute may vary for each of the associated speeds of operation of the modular appliance apparatus100. This range of operation is acceptable for the ranges of operation needed for the intended use of the modular appliance apparatus100with an attachment405in a specific method of food preparation. For a first speed605, the motor may output a regular revolutions per minute of 50 and a maximum revolutions per minute of 150. The first speed605could be used for a slow stir application of food products or a peeling operation such as peeling a fruit. For a second speed610, the motor may output a regular revolutions per minute of 500 and a maximum revolutions per minute of 750. The second speed610could be used for spiralizing vegetables, for use of the modular appliance apparatus100as a hand mixer, a low blender setting, or for potato mashing or ricing. For a third speed615, the motor may output a regular revolutions per minute of 400 and a maximum revolutions per minute of 1000. The third speed615could be used for an ice crushing operation. For a fourth speed620, the motor may output a regular revolutions per minute of 1000 and a maximum revolutions per minute of 1500. The fourth speed620could be used for a whisking operation. For a fifth speed625, the motor may output a regular revolutions per minute of 4000 and a maximum revolutions per minute of 8000. The fifth speed625could be used for a food processing operation or a medium to high blender operation. For a sixth speed630, the motor may output a regular revolutions per minute of 7000 and a maximum revolutions per minute of 9000. The sixth speed630could be used for an immersion blender type of operation. For a seventh speed635, the motor may output a regular revolutions per minute of 12000 and a maximum revolutions per minute of 12000. The seventh speed635could be used for a sonic blade operation or a high blender operation. As can be seen from the multitude of example food operations discussed above, the modular appliance apparatus100can be used in many different ways for a variety of food operations. It should be understood, however, that this list of food preparation operations is in no way limiting. Alternative food preparations may be made, and one of the desired speeds of the modular appliance apparatus100may also function for the alternative food preparation.

An example of the electronic circuitry700for the attachment-driven motor speed control is shown inFIG.7.FIG.7includes a motor control circuit705. The motor control circuit communicates with a controller710and is provided a speed setting from the controller710. A motor730is also connected to the motor control circuit705to provide the speed output determined by the motor control circuit705. A power source735is also provided and connected to the electronic circuitry700to drive the overall operation of the electronic circuitry700. The power source735may provide AC power or DC power dependent on the other components of the electronic circuitry700. Controller710may be a microprocessor that has a memory. The memory may store the reference table500and the speed legend600. The controller710may also have a plurality of pins that can connect to additional components of the electronic circuitry700. One pin of the controller710may connect to the power source735to provide power to the controller. Another pin of the controller710may connect to the motor control circuit705to provide the output speed to the motor730via the motor control circuit705. Yet another pin of the controller710may connect to a trigger switch745. The trigger switch745is activated by the user pressing the mechanical switch130on the housing105of the modular appliance apparatus100thereby connecting the circuit to allow a signal to pass into the controller710. A ground pin725of the controller is connected to ground contact315of the base contacts200. The ground pin725connection provides a power ground for the electronic circuitry700. A power pin720is connected to a power contact310of the base contacts200. The control pins740connect to their respective control contacts320of the base contacts200.

As further seen inFIG.7, the base contacts200on the power base120are connected to the different attachments. A sample attachment715is shown inFIG.7. As opposed to the attachment405seen inFIG.4, sample attachment715only has three attachment contacts400to complete the circuit. The reference table500gives example speed rates for the different combinations of contacts communicating an “on” state to the controller710. In theFIG.7example, “on” contacts 1 and 3 (connected to pins 2 and 4) connect to the ground to complete the circuit of the sample attachment715. This configuration sends a “1010” state555to the controller710that controls the motor speed. The motor speed for this sample attachment would be a second speed with power provided to the power pin720and to be used by the sample attachment715. According toFIG.6, the speed of the motor may be outputted at a regular revolutions per minute of 500 and a maximum revolutions per minute of 750. The second speed610could be used for spiralizing vegetables, for use of the modular appliance apparatus100as a hand mixer, a low blender setting, or for potato mashing and potato ricing.

An example of the control flow chart800for the digital motor control is shown inFIG.8. The example given inFIG.8starts with plugging in the modular appliance apparatus100at step805. Plugging in the modular appliance apparatus100in this sense means mating and securing the modular appliance apparatus100with the attachment405to connect the plurality of base contacts200to the plurality of attachment contacts400on the attachment405. Once the attachment405is attached, the controller710queries and receives whether any of the pins are enabled at step810. If no pins are enabled, the controller710registers a reading of the “0000” state505. According to the reference table500inFIG.5, the motor will be set to MOTOR OFF. At this point, in step815, the motor is disabled until the pin state changes. If at least one pin is enabled, the controller710then queries and receives whether all of the pins are enabled at step820. If all of the pins are enabled, a controller registers a reading of the “1111” state580. According to the reference table500inFIG.5, the motor will be set to MOTOR OFF, and the motor is disabled until the pin state changes. If at least one, but fewer than all of the pins are enabled, the controller queries and receives whether the power pin720is enabled at step825. If the power pin720is enabled, power is passed through the modular appliance apparatus100to the attachment405to possible power various components of the attachment405at step830. If the power pin720is not enabled, or if the power pin720is enabled with power flowing through to the attachment405, the speed of the motor is adjusted to the corresponding speed based off of the reference table500inFIG.5as seen in step835. Next, the user pushes the mechanical switch130at step840and the motor runs at the programmed speed for the attachment405at step845.

An example of an analog control system900for the modular appliance apparatus100with static resistors is shown inFIG.9. Unlike the digital control system, the analog control system accomplishes motor speed control915by a plurality of diodes925and static resistors930. Depending on the attachment contacts400, mating with the base contacts200creates the completed circuitry to output the speed control to motor935. Base contacts200work with attachment contacts400to create a set of switches950. Each switch950is formed by the pairing of the respective base contact200with the attachment contact400. When connected, current is allowed to flow through each the static resistor930and the diode925of the representative path and provide a current output to the motor varying from the amount of connections activated a specific instance. The motor935will then output the correct speed to the drive mechanism205based on the received current. The power source905may provide AC power or DC power dependent on the other components of the electronic circuitry. A trigger switch910is also present. The trigger switch910is activated by the user pressing the mechanical switch130on the housing105of the modular appliance apparatus100thereby connecting the circuit to allow a power to pass into the speed control915. In this analog embodiment, the trigger switch910may be connected to a ground pin of the base contacts200that is no longer being used for grounding. The ground pin would then mate with a corresponding attachment contact400to power to pass through the attachment405and then back into the speed control915based on the other contact combinations in place between the base and attachment contacts200and400.

Additionally, passing power to the attachment405is accomplished in a different way with the analog circuitry design. A transformer940is provided power by the power source905. The output of transformer940can then pass power to the attachment power supply955if there is a connection between the representative base contact200and the attachment contact400of the attachment405. In this manner, power is provided to the attachment405.

An example of an alternate analog control system1000with variable resistors for an attachment405is given inFIG.10. UnlikeFIG.9, which utilizes multiple static resistors920,FIG.10uses a variable resistor1005configured to change the resistance value based on the number of contacts connections between the plurality of base contacts200and the plurality of attachment contacts400. Depending on the number of contact connections, the variable resistor1005will output an adjusted current to the motor1025for operation of the modular appliance apparatus100. This variable resistor1005will equal the set value of resistance from the different combinations of contact points between the plurality of base contacts200and the plurality of attachment contacts400being activated as shown inFIG.9. Each attachment405will have a different combination of contact points being activated and each combination will have an outputted current flow based on the variable resistance going into the motor1025. In this alternate analog circuitry, the variable resistor1005will act as the speed control for the motor1025.FIG.10starts with power supply1010. The power supply1010may provide AC power or DC power dependent on the other components of the electronic circuitry. A trigger switch1015is also present. The trigger switch910is activated by the user pressing the mechanical switch130on the housing105of the modular appliance apparatus100thereby connecting the circuit to allow a power to pass into the variable resistor1005.FIG.10shows the trigger switch1015in an “off” position. At this position, the circuit is not fully connected and no power is being transferred from the power supply1010to the variable resistor1005. At this state, the motor will not run. In this analog embodiment, the trigger switch1015may be connected to a ground pin of the base contacts200that is no longer being used for grounding. The ground pin would then mate with a corresponding attachment contact400to pass power through the attachment405and then back into the variable resistor1005based on the other contact combinations in place between the base and attachment contacts200and400.

Additionally, passing power to the attachment405is accomplished in a different way with the alternate analog circuitry design. A transformer1020is provided power by the power source1010. The output of transformer1020can then pass power to the attachment power supply1030if there is a connection between the representative base contact200and the attachment contact400of the attachment405. In this manner, power is provided to the attachment405.

FIG.11illustrates an example embodiment of an attachment for the modular appliance apparatus100. The example embodiment shown inFIG.11is a nut chopper1100. The nut chopper1100inFIG.11has a housing1105. The housing1105inFIG.11includes of a top end1110and a bottom end1115. The top end1110of the housing1105has a hole1120large enough to fit a rotating blade1125. The top end1110and the bottom end1115of the housing1105are connected by a boundary1130. The boundary1130serves to create a bounded region to contain the nuts and to prevent the nuts at all stages of the chopping function from escaping outside of the contained area. The boundary1130also ensures that the nuts are kept within reach of the blade1125so they may be repeatedly chopped until they reach the desired size rather than scatter after the initial chopping. The boundary1130shown inFIG.11is circular but the boundary can be any shape. The boundary1130shown inFIG.11is transparent, but the boundary is not limited only to transparent boundaries. In fact, the boundary1130may be made from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, plastic or glass.

The nut chopper1100shown inFIG.11has a nut chopping rotating blade1125. The rotating blade1125has a plurality of cutting edges1135located at the bottom end of the rotating blade1125, and a blade shaft1140extending upward from the plurality of cutting edges1135. The blade shaft1140fits through the hole1120on the top end1110of the nut chopper housing1105. The rotating blade1125shown inFIG.11does not show the number of cutting edges1135, but the rotating blade1125is not limited to any number of cutting edges.

At the top end of the housing1105, a plurality of attachment contacts may be present (not shown). These attachment contacts mate with the plurality of base contacts200on the modular appliance apparatus100to complete the circuitry of the modular appliance apparatus100. The top end of the housing1105may also have a drive coupling (not shown). Within this drive coupling, the drive mechanism205of the modular appliance apparatus100may attach to and operationally drive the attached nut chopper1100.

The nut chopper1100may be operated by connecting the plurality of attachment contacts400to the plurality of base contacts200, slotting the drive mechanism205into the drive coupling, and engaging the mechanical switch130. Creating the contact connections and slotting the drive mechanism205into the drive coupling may occur simultaneously and be accomplished by the same action, though the connections may also be accomplished through independent actions. Once the nut chopper1100has been attached to the modular appliance apparatus100and the mechanical switch130engaged, the motor will spin up to the speed selected via one of the above described methods and nuts may be chopped within the housing1105.

FIG.12illustrates an example embodiment of an attachment for the modular appliance apparatus100. The example embodiment shown inFIG.12is an immersion blender1200. The immersion blender1200consists of a rotating blade1205. The rotating blade1205consists of a top section1210and a bottom section1215. The top section1210comprises a shaft, and the bottom section1215comprises a plurality of cutting edges. The rotating blade1205inFIG.12does not show the number of cutting edges, but the rotating blade1205is not limited to any number of cutting edges. The rotating blade1205may be made from various materials including, without limitation, plastic or metal. Like previous embodiments, a plurality of attachment contacts (not shown) and a drive coupling (not shown) may be located on the rotating blade1205to fit and mate with the modular appliance apparatus100to allow operation of the immersion blender.

The immersion blender1200may be operated by connecting the plurality of attachment contacts400to the plurality of base contacts200, slotting the drive mechanism205into the drive coupling, and engaging the mechanical switch130. Creating the contact connections and slotting the drive mechanism205into the drive coupling may occur simultaneously and be accomplished by the same action, though the connections may also be accomplished through independent actions. Once the immersion blender1200has been attached to the modular appliance apparatus100and the mechanical switch130engaged, the motor will spin up to the speed selected via one of the above described methods and various items may be blended.

FIG.13illustrates an example embodiment of an attachment for the modular appliance apparatus100. The example embodiment shown inFIG.13is a mixer1300. The mixer1300shown inFIG.13comprises a housing1305. The housing1305of the mixer1300contains a main body1310and a handle1315. The main body1310of the housing1305comprises a top end1320, a bottom end1325, and a cylindrical base1330. The top end1320of the main body1310is connected to the handle1315of the housing1305. The bottom end1325of the main body1310has protrusion points1335. The protrusion points1335contain the mechanical mixing blades1340.FIG.13shows two protrusion points1335containing two mixing blades1340, but the main body1310of the housing1305is not limited to two protrusion points1335containing two mixing blades1340.

In the pictured embodiment, the mixing blades1340each include a shaft1345and three mixing sub-blades1350that rotate around the shaft1345. The mixing blades1340are not limited to three mixing sub-blades1350and may have more or less. In other embodiments, however, the mixing blades may take other forms. For example, and without limitation, the mixing blades may be large whisks or dough hooks. The mixing blades1340may be constructed from various materials including, but not limited to, plastic or metal. The cylindrical base1330of the housing1305is the central part of the housing1305. The cylindrical base1330is connected to the handle1315, the modular appliance apparatus100, and the protrusion points1335at different locations. The handle1315of the housing1305of the mixer1300inFIG.13is connected to the main body1310of the housing1305at the top end1320of the main body1310. The handle1315extends outwards from the main body1310and contains a curved surface design for gripping. Like previous embodiments, a plurality of attachment contacts and a drive coupling (both of which are not shown) may be located on the attachment to fit and mate with the modular appliance apparatus100to allow operation of the mixer.

The mixer1300may be operated by connecting the plurality of attachment contacts400to the plurality of base contacts200, slotting the drive mechanism205into the drive coupling, and engaging the mechanical switch130. Creating the contact connections and slotting the drive mechanism205into the drive coupling may occur simultaneously and be accomplished by the same action, though the connections may also be accomplished through independent actions. Once the mixer1300has been attached to the modular appliance apparatus100and the mechanical switch130engaged, the motor will spin up to the speed selected via one of the above described methods and various items may be mixed.

FIG.14is an example embodiment of an attachment for the modular appliance apparatus100. The example embodiment shown inFIG.14is a salad shredder1400. The salad shredder shown inFIG.14comprises a housing1405. The housing1405comprises a base end1410, a connection point1415to the modular appliance apparatus100, an insert opening1420and a shredding opening1425. The base end1410of the housing1405comprises a flat bottom1430for support and a curved cylindrical siding1435. The curved cylindrical siding1435connects to the shredding opening1425section of the housing1405at the top end of the base end1410. The connection point1415to the modular appliance apparatus100comprises a cylindrical ring. The cylindrical ring contains a mechanical connection point to the modular appliance apparatus100. The insert opening1420comprises a circular opening at the top of the housing1405. The insert opening1420is not limited to a circular shape and can be any shape. The insert opening1420is designed to fit a pushing apparatus1440that will push a desired object into the shredding opening1425. The shredding opening1425contains the rotating salad shredder1445. The rotating salad shredder1445rotates at the speed supplied by the modular variable speed appliance in order to shred the salad. The shredded salad then exits a circular opening in the shredding opening1425. Like previous embodiments, a plurality of attachment contacts and a drive coupling (both of which are not shown) may be located on the attachment to fit and mate with the modular appliance apparatus100to allow operation of the salad shredder1400.

The salad shredder1400may be operated by connecting the plurality of attachment contacts400to the plurality of base contacts200, slotting the drive mechanism205into the drive coupling, and engaging the mechanical switch130. Creating the contact connections and slotting the drive mechanism205into the drive coupling may occur simultaneously and be accomplished by the same action, though the connections may also be accomplished through independent actions. Once the salad shredder1400has been attached to the modular appliance apparatus100and the mechanical switch130engaged, the motor will spin up to the speed selected via one of the above described methods and salad may be shredded.

FIG.15is an example embodiment of an attachment for the modular appliance apparatus100. The example embodiment shown inFIG.15is a spiralizer1500. The spiralizer1500shown inFIG.15comprises a housing1505. The housing1505comprises a top end1510and a bottom end1520. The top end1510of the housing1505contains a mechanical connecting point1525to connect the spiralizer1500to the modular variable speed appliance. The bottom end1520of the housing1505comprises a flat surface for support1530. The top end1510and the bottom end1520of the housing1505are connected by a main body1535. The main body1535of the housing is curved along the outside. The upper end of the main body1535is the narrowest end of the main body1535. The main body1535continually becomes a wider curve as the main body1535heads toward the bottom end1520of the housing1505. The upper end of the housing1505contains a blade for spiralizing on the inside of the housing (not shown). The blade for spiralizing rotates once the motor is activated in the modular appliance apparatus100. Like previous embodiments, a plurality of attachment contacts400and a drive coupling (both of which are not shown) may be located on the attachment to fit and mate with the modular appliance apparatus100to allow operation of the spiralizer1500.

The spiralizer1500may be operated by connecting the plurality of attachment contacts400to the plurality of base contacts200, slotting the drive mechanism205into the drive coupling, and engaging the mechanical switch130. Creating the contact connections and slotting the drive mechanism205into the drive coupling may occur simultaneously and be accomplished by the same action, though the connections may also be accomplished through independent actions. Once the spiralizer1500has been attached to the modular appliance apparatus100and the mechanical switch130engaged, the motor will spin up to the speed selected via one of the above described methods and various food products may be spiralized.

FIG.16is an example embodiment of an attachment for the modular appliance apparatus100. The example embodiment shown inFIG.16is a pasta maker1600. The pasta maker1600shown inFIG.16comprises a housing1605. The housing1605comprises a bottom section1610and a rotating upper section1615. The bottom section1610is a support section and is flat at the bottom. The sides of the support section flow upwards to the bottom of the rotating upper section1615where the bottom section1610connects to the upper section1615. At the connection point, there is a slight blade1620that extrudes the pasta as it is rolled through the rotating upper section1615. The upper section1615comprises a left end1625and a right end1630. The left end1625and the right end1630are connected by the rotating main body cylinder1635. One of the ends of the rotating upper section contains a mechanical connection point1640which connects the housing1605to the modular appliance apparatus100. The other end of the rotating upper section comprises and end base1645. The rotating main body cylinder1635which connects the two ends rotates when the motor from the modular appliance apparatus100is activated by the user. Pasta then extrudes through the slight blade1620while being feed via the rotating main body cylinder1635. Like previous embodiments, a plurality of attachment contacts400and a drive coupling (both of which are not shown) may be located on the attachment to fit and mate with the modular appliance apparatus100to allow operation of the pasta maker1600.

FIG.17is an example embodiment of an attachment for the modular appliance apparatus100. The example embodiment shown inFIG.17is a juicer1700. The juicer is comprised of a housing1705. The housing comprises a base1710, a container for storing juice1730, and a tap1720. The housing base1710comprises a bottom for support1725and the container for storing juice1730. The container for storing juice1730shown in the example embodiment is transparent, but the container for storing juice1730is not limited to a transparent material. The container for storing juice1730may be made from various materials including, without limitation, plastic or glass. The housing base1710also contains a mechanical connection point1735to the modular appliance apparatus100. The mechanical connection point1735can extrude remains of the food products used by the juicer1700. The chamber for juicing1740is located at the top end of the housing base. The chamber for juicing contains an opening for the foods which will be juiced. The tap1720of the juicer1700is located on the upper side of the housing base1710. The tap1720allows for juice to be drained from the container for storing juice1730of the housing base1710. Like previous embodiments, a plurality of attachment contacts400and a drive coupling (both of which are not shown) may be located on the attachment to fit and mate with the modular appliance apparatus100to allow operation of the juicer1700.

The juicer1700may be operated by connecting the plurality of attachment contacts400to the plurality of base contacts200, slotting the drive mechanism205into the drive coupling, and engaging the mechanical switch130. Creating the contact connections and slotting the drive mechanism205into the drive coupling may occur simultaneously and be accomplished by the same action, though the connections may also be accomplished through independent actions. Once the juicer1700has been attached to the modular appliance apparatus100and the mechanical switch130engaged, the motor will spin up to the speed selected via one of the above described methods and various food products may be juiced.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

As various modifications could be made in the construction and method herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. For example, design of the modular appliance apparatus, different attachments, and different electronic circuitry within the modular appliance apparatus may be employed but can achieve the same functionality of the underlying invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described example embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.