Glass bowl assembly for bowl lift mixer

A bowl assembly for a stand mixer includes an at least partially translucent container that includes a sidewall and a bottom wall. The container includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and an open upper edge. A channel is disposed on the outer surface substantially parallel with the open upper edge. The channel includes upper and lower circumferential walls and a channel wall that extends between the upper and lower circumferential walls. A gasket includes top and bottom sealing flanges and is configured for reception in the channel. A band assembly includes at least one elongate band and a tensioning mechanism. The band assembly is configured for reception in the channel. First and second support members extend substantially orthogonally from the at least one elongate band.

BACKGROUND

The present application generally relates to mixing bowls, and more specifically, to a mixing bowl with a removable support band assembly.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a bowl assembly for a stand mixer includes an at least partially translucent container that includes a sidewall and a bottom wall. The container includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and an open upper edge. A channel is disposed on the outer surface substantially parallel with the open upper edge. The channel includes upper and lower circumferential walls and a channel wall that extends between the upper and lower circumferential walls. A gasket includes top and bottom sealing flanges and is configured for reception in the channel. A band assembly includes at least one elongate band and a tensioning mechanism. The band assembly is configured for reception in the channel. First and second support members extend substantially orthogonally from the at least one elongate band.

In another aspect, a bowl assembly for a stand mixer includes a substantially clear container having a sidewall and a bottom wall. The container includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and an open upper edge. A channel is disposed on the outer surface substantially parallel with the open upper edge. The channel includes upper and lower circumferential walls and a channel wall that extends between the upper and lower circumferential walls. At least one engagement protuberance is disposed in and integral with the channel. A band assembly includes at least one elongate band and a tensioning mechanism. The band assembly is configured for reception in the channel. First and second support members extend substantially orthogonally from the at least one elongate band.

In yet another aspect, a bowl assembly for a stand mixer includes a substantially clear container. A channel is disposed on an outer surface of the container substantially parallel with an open upper edge. At least one engagement protuberance is disposed in and integral with the channel. A band assembly includes at least one elongate band and a tensioning mechanism. The band assembly is configured for reception in the channel. A plurality of engagement protuberances are spaced about the channel and integrally formed with the container. A plurality of keyed notches are disposed in the band assembly. The plurality of keyed notches are configured to receive the engagement protuberances. First and second support members extend substantially orthogonally from the at least one elongate band.

These and other features, advantages, and objects will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, reference identifier10generally refers to a bowl assembly for a stand mixer having an at least partially translucent container12that includes a sidewall14and a bottom wall16. The container12includes an inner surface18, an outer surface20, and an open upper edge22. A channel24is disposed on the outer surface20substantially parallel with the open upper edge22. The channel24includes upper and lower circumferential walls26,28and a channel wall30that extends between the upper and lower circumferential walls26,28(shown inFIGS. 7-13). A gasket32includes top and bottom sealing flanges34,36and is configured for reception in the channel24(shown inFIGS. 9-10and12-13). A band assembly38includes at least one elongate band40and a tensioning mechanism42. The band assembly38is configured for reception in the channel24. First and second support members44,46extend substantially orthogonally from the at least one elongate band40.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2-7, the container12has a substantially hemispheric bottom wall16and a cylindrical sidewall14that extends from the hemispheric bottom wall16. The container12also includes a flared lip48extending from the open upper edge22and away from the inner surface18. The hemispheric bottom wall16also includes a substantially flat base50to allow the container12to sit upright.

As shown inFIG. 7, the outer surface20of the container12contains a channel24around a circumference of the cylindrical sidewall14for receiving the band assembly38. The channel24includes a recessed portion56in the outer surface20of the sidewall14, where the recessed portion56defines the upper and lower circumferential walls26,28of the channel wall30.

As further shown inFIG. 7, in one embodiment, the top and bottom circumferential walls26,28of the channel24includes arcuate cutout58that defines an orientation wall60of the channel24. The orientation wall60is configured to receive an orienting portion62of the band assembly38that is cooperatively shaped with the orienting wall60to insure that the band assembly38is disposed in the channel24in a specific predetermined orientation.

As best illustrated inFIGS. 7-11, several engagement proturbances extend from the surface of the channel wall30. Each of the engagement proturbances includes an engagement surface66that extends to an engagement edge68at the apex of the engagement proturbances. The engagement surfaces66and engagement edges68of the engagement proturbances are configured to receive specific portions of the band assembly38to prevent lateral slippage of the band assembly38within the channel24. In addition, at least one engagement proturbance includes an orienting proturbance72disposed within the orienting wall60of the channel24to engage the orienting portion62and to further orient the band assembly38in a specific predetermined location within the channel24.

As shown inFIGS. 7 and 9, the engagement proturbances also include a plurality of support protuberances70that extend from the channel wall30and are configured to receive the band assembly38where the first and second support members44,46engage the band assembly38. In this manner, the support protuberances70can orient the first and second support members44,46in a specific location about the outer surface20of the container12, and also prevent lateral movement of the first and second support members44,46about the container12.

As illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, the support protuberances70are disposed within the channel24, approximately 180° apart on the outer surface20of the container12. While not preferred, the support proturbances70may be spaced apart less than 180°. The support and orienting proturbances70,72are integrally formed with the container12. In less preferred embodiments, the support and orienting proturbances70,72may be separate members that are coupled to the container12, in the predetermined locations discussed above, by mechanical fasteners or adhesive fasteners.

Referring again to the illustrated embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 1-7, the container12can be made of glass or other ceramic material. The container12can range from being partially translucent to being substantially transparent. The material selected for the container12should also be of a substantially sturdy material that can substantially withstand mixing functions selectively performed within the container12. While less preferred, the container12can also be made of acrylic or other materials that are at least partially translucent.

Referring back toFIGS. 1-6, the container12can include a pour spout74disposed within the flared lip48of the container12. In addition, the container12may include a handle76coupled with the outer surface20of the container12at first and second handle ends78,80. The handle76extends substantially orthogonally from the outer surface20of the container12from the first handle end78to a first angle portion79. The handle76further extends substantially downward from the first angle portion79to an arcuate handle transition83extending toward the second handle end80coupled to the outer surface20of the container12.

In alternate embodiments, the handle76may be coupled to the outer surface20of the container12at the first handle end78and extend upward or downward to the second handle end80that is distal from the outer surface20of the container12, thereby defining an open ended handle76. This alternate configuration can assist in selectively removing and reattaching the band assembly38from the outer surface20of the container12by allowing the band assembly38to be removed through the open end of the handle76. The pour spout74and handle76are integrally formed with the container12. In alternate embodiments, the handle76and pour spout74may be separate fixtures coupled with the container by mechanical or adhesive fasteners.

In other alternate embodiments, the channel24may be defined by top and bottom circumferential protrusions that extend from the outer surface20of the sidewall14, where the channel wall30extends between the top and bottom circumferential protrusions. In yet other alternate embodiments, the channel wall may extend from an upper circumferential wall26of the channel24, where the channel wall30extends downward and tapers to merge into the outer surface20of the container12. In such an embodiment, the channel24does not include a lower circumferential wall28.

Referring again to the illustrated embodiment, as best illustrated in FIGS.3and7-13, the mixing bowl10also includes a band assembly38that is configured to be disposed in the channel24of the outer surface20of the container12. The band assembly38can include first and second elongate members82,84, each with first and second ends86,88where the first end86of the first elongate member82couples to the second end88of the second elongate member84and vice versa to attach the band assembly38to the outer surface20of the container12, within the channel24. The first and second elongate members82,84have a thickness that can be substantially similar to a depth of the channel24. Each of the first and second elongate members82,84has top and bottom edges94,96. The top edge94of each elongate member82,84is configured to engage the upper circumferential wall26of the channel24. The bottom edge96of each elongate member82,84is configured to engage the lower circumferential wall28of the channel24.

As illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 11, the first elongate member82can include the orienting portion62that is configured to be received by the orientation wall60of the channel24. The orienting portion62also includes an orientation notch100for receiving the orienting proturbance72. An orientation slot102can also be disposed in the orienting portion62and configured to be in communication with the orientation notch100. The orientation slot102can also be configured to slidably receive the orientation proturbance72to secure the first and second elongate members82,84and the band assembly38to the outer surface20of the container12.

It should be understood that the orienting portion62can also be disposed on the second elongated member84. In addition, the orienting portion62and the band assembly orienting position can have a different shape, such as, but not limited to orthogonal, irregular, or other arcuate shapes.

Referring again to the illustrated embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS. 7-10, the first and second ends86,88of the first and second elongate members82,84are configured to couple at first and second tension interfaces104,106and are disposed proximate the area where the first and second support members44,46couple with the first and second elongated members82,84. The first tension interface104can include the first end86of the first elongate member82and the second end88of the second elongate member84. The second tension interface106can include the second end88of the first elongate member82and the first end86of the second elongate member84.

As illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 10, the first and second tension interfaces104,106define support notches108for receiving the support proturbances70disposed on the channel wall30of the container12. The first and second tension interfaces104,106can also include support slots110disposed in communication with the support notches108. The support slots110being configured to slidably receive the support proturbances70to secure the first and second elongate members82,84and the band assembly38to the outer surface20of the container12, within the channel24.

As further shown inFIGS. 7 and 10, the first and second ends86,88of the first and second elongate members82,84each include first and second coupling tabs112,114. The first and second coupling tabs112,114are configured such that when the first and second elongate members82,84are disposed within the channel24according to the predetermined orientation, defined by the support and orienting proturbances70,72, each of the first coupling tabs112are disposed proximate one of the second coupling tabs114.

In addition, as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 10, the first tensioning interface104also includes a first tensioning member116and a first tensioning receptacle117. The first tensioning member and receptacle116,117cooperatively define a first tab tensioning receptacle120that is configured to receive the first and second coupling tabs112,114of the first and second elongated members82,84, respectively. When so slidably engaged, the first tensioning member and receptacle116,117and the first and second coupling tabs112,114of the first and second elongated members82,84, respectively, define the first support member44.

As also illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 10, the second tensioning interface106includes a second tensioning member118and a second tensioning receptacle119. The second tensioning member and receptacle118,119cooperatively define a second tab tensioning receptacle122that is configured to receive the first and second coupling tabs112,114of the second and first elongated members84,82, respectively. The second tensioning member and receptacle118,119slidably engage the first and second coupling tabs112,114of the second and first elongated members84,82. When so slidably engaged, the second tensioning member and receptacle118,119and the first and second coupling tabs112,114of the second and first elongated members84,82define the second support member46.

In addition, as shown inFIGS. 7-8and10, when the first tensioning member and receptacle116,117and the second tensioning member and receptacle118,117are slidably engaged, the first and second tab tensioning receptacles120,122provide a sufficient tensioning force upon the first and second coupling tabs112,114and the first and second elongated members82,84, such that the elongated members82,84are secured to the container12within the channel24.

In alternate embodiments, the coupling tabs112,114may be configured so that the first coupling tabs112of the first and second elongated members82,84matingly engage the second coupling tabs114of the first and second elongated members82,84, thereby providing the requisite tension to the first and second elongated members82,84to secure the band assembly38to the outer surface20of the container12. In other alternate embodiments, other forms of mechanical fasteners may be used to exert a tensioning force upon the band assembly38to secure it to the outer surface20of the container12that include, but are not limited to, screw fasteners, hasps, clasps or hooks.

Referring again to the illustrated embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 7-13, the mixing bowl10may also include a gasket32that is configured to be disposed in the channel24between the outer surface20of the mixing bowl10and the band assembly38. The gasket32can be made of a rubberized or otherwise elastic material that can provide a seal between the band assembly38and the outer surface20of the container12to substantially prevent liquid and debris from becoming disposed between the band assembly38and the container12. The gasket32can contain top and bottom end walls34,36where the top and bottom end walls34,36are configured to engage the upper and lower circumferential walls26,28of the channel24, respectively, and also receive the top and bottom edges94,96of the first and second elongate members82,84. The gasket32can also include an extruded tubular portion124that extends from and is integral with the gasket32. The extruded tubular portion124can be configured to abut the channel wall32of the channel24. When the band assembly38is disposed in the channel24with the gasket32disposed between the band assembly38and the channel24, the extruded tubular portion124is compressed, thereby creating a seal between the band assembly38and the container12.

As illustrated inFIGS. 9,10,12and13, the gasket32also includes top and bottom flanges123,125that extend outwardly from the top and bottom end walls34,36, respectively. The top and bottom sealing flanges123,125each include first and second portions127,129. The first portions127of the top and bottom flanges123,125are configured to cover at least a portion of the outer surface20of the container12. The second portions129of the top and bottom flanges123,125are configured to cover at least a portion of the band assembly38.

Also, as shown inFIGS. 7,10and13, a pressure sensitive adhesive126may be disposed to the gasket32and configured to receive the band assembly38. In addition, when the band assembly38is disposed to the pressure sensitive adhesive126on the gasket32, the gasket32is adhered to the band assembly38, thereby integrating the gasket32with the first and second elongate members82,84.

The elongate members82,84, as illustrated inFIGS. 7-13, can be made of a material configured to receive a tensioning force sufficient to secure the elongate members82,84about the container12. Such materials can include, but are not limited to, plastics, metals, or a combination thereof.

In alternate embodiments, as illustrates inFIG. 7, the gasket32can also include at least one pocket member128for receiving the support and orienting proturbances70,72, whereby the gasket32can provide a continuous seal around the channel24and the support and orienting proturbances70,72.

In another alternate embodiment, the gasket32may contain proturbance openings through which the support and orienting proturbances70,72can extend, to allow the support and orienting proturbances70,72to interface with the elongated members82,84.

Referring back toFIGS. 5-10, the mixing bowl10also includes first and second support members44,46that are disposed to the band assembly38proximate the support proturbance70. The first and second support members44,46include the first and second tensioning members116,118and receptacles117,119.

As shown inFIGS. 7-10, the first and second tensioning receptacles117,119each include an engaging connector130that matingly interfaces with an opposing connector132disposed on the first and second tensioning members116,118. In addition, the first and second tensioning receptacles117,119each define a recess134within each of the first and second support members44,46that are configured to be received by a bowl receptacle of a mixer. The first and second support members44,46can thereby selectively rest upon the bowl receptacle and support the mixing bowl10for use on the mixer.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 10, the first and second tensioning receptacles117,119and the first and second tensioning members116,118can be coupled together, respectively, by first and second connection members136,138. The use of selectively removable connectors can allow the bowl assembly to be disassembled for storage, cleaning or replacement of parts, or other purposes.

As illustrated inFIGS. 7-10, the first and second connection members136,138can be screws that connect the first and second tension receptacles117,119to the first and second tensioning members116,118, respectively, at the recesses134. In alternate embodiments, the tension receptacles117,119and the tensioning members116,118can be connected through the use of other mechanical fasteners that can include, but are not limited to, clips, clasps, and the like.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described application and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the application disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present application. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodiments only. Modifications of the application will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the application. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the application, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.