A device for agitating non-homogenous combinations of liquids and solids, such as peanut butter, other nut butters, yogurt, salad dressings and mixed drinks. The device mixes products in their containers without insertion into the product, eliminating the mess associated with stirring. A receptacle has a cylindrical chamber configured for receiving a container of product and is pivotably mounted along a single axis that is disposed near a first end of the receptacle. A rotatable body has a first shaft inserted into an elongated channel in a second end of the receptacle. A second shaft is inserted into a bearing and has a second pivot axis spaced radially from the first pivot axis. A prime mover drives the rotatable shaft in rotation and reciprocates the receptacle about the single axis. The elongated channel is substantially parallel with the single axis and the first shaft has a first pivot axis.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to devices used to mechanically agitate, and more specifically to devices used to agitate in order to mix separate components within a container.

Natural peanut and other nut butters are healthier alternatives to commercial products that are processed, such as being stabilized by the addition of hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. Many nut butters are produced in natural and highly processed form. Unfortunately, between the time natural nut butters leave their production facilities and are purchased by consumers, they are more prone to separation into layers of oil and densely packed solids than the less healthy, more highly processed, forms of nut butters. This separation of components requires the consumer to re-mix the product back to a palatable and spreadable consistency. The stirring process is typically accomplished by opening the product container and using a knife, small spatula or other device to manually mix the butter by stirring. This process is time-consuming, requires significant strength and almost always results in spilled nut oil, which is difficult to remove from countertops, the outsides of nut butter jars and clothing.

There is a need for an inexpensive, convenient and easy-to-use means of mixing natural nut butters, and other separated components, to result in a better consistency.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is an agitating device comprising a receptacle having a chamber configured for receiving a container of product to be agitated. The receptacle pivotably mounts along a single axis that is disposed nearer a first end of the receptacle than a second, opposite end of the receptacle. A drive system is drivingly linked to the receptacle near one of the ends, and the drive system is configured to drive the receptacle reciprocatingly about the single axis.

In some embodiments, the drive system comprises a rotatable body with a first shaft having a first pivot axis and a second shaft having a second pivot axis that is spaced radially from the first pivot axis. In some embodiments, the drive system is drivingly linked to the receptacle near the first end and the first rotating shaft is inserted into an elongated channel in the second end of the receptacle. In some embodiments, the elongated channel is substantially parallel with the single axis.

In some embodiments, the drive system comprises a prime mover with a rotatable shaft, a belt drivingly linked to the rotatable shaft and extending around the rotatable body, and the rotatable body's first shaft extending into the elongated channel and the second shaft extending into a bearing. In some embodiments, the drive system comprises a prime mover with a rotatable shaft coaxial with the rotatable body's second shaft and the rotatable body's first shaft extending into the elongated channel.

Disclosed herein is an agitating device comprising a receptacle having a substantially cylindrical chamber configured for receiving a container of product to be agitated. The receptacle is pivotably mounted along a single axis that is disposed nearer a first end of the receptacle than a second, opposite end of the receptacle. A rotatable body has a first shaft inserted into an elongated channel in the second end of the receptacle. The elongated channel is substantially parallel with the single axis and the first shaft has a first pivot axis. A second shaft is inserted into a bearing, wherein the second shaft has a second pivot axis that is spaced radially from the first pivot axis. A prime mover with a rotatable shaft has a belt drivingly linked to the rotatable shaft and extending around the rotatable body. Upon rotation of the rotatable shaft, the belt drives the rotatable body in rotation and reciprocates the receptacle about the single axis.

Some embodiments have a base to which the receptacle and the prime mover are mounted. Some embodiments have a spacer configured to insert between the container of product and the receptacle.

The agitating device accomplishes an effective re-mixing of nut butters and other non-homogenous liquids, pastes, semi-liquids and other states without opening the original product container. The disclosed apparatus effectively eliminates the mess associated with a step that is necessary prior to the use of natural nut butters and other non-homogenous liquids, pastes and other components of varying thickness. The apparatus works by the user inserting a container of nut butter or other product to be mixed into a cup, and then activating the device. The operation of the apparatus causes the product to be mixed by the movement of the cup, and, by extension, the product, thereby avoiding the mess and the possible contamination of the product that accompanies the conventional process of inserting a mixing tool into the separated nut butter and oil. With the invention, the user simply removes the jar of product from the device after mixing, opens the jar and enjoys the product.

While other devices have been proposed for a mixing purpose, they differ in design from the disclosed apparatus in that they: (a) rely on the insertion of a “paddle” or other component into the product to be mixed, which results in contamination and spillage; (b) require that the product be transferred to another container, which results additional products that need to be cleaned and possibly spillage; (c) are manually powered; or (d) rely on some form of circular, rotational or spinning vortex motion to accomplish the mixing.

In order for a nut butter or other separated product to be mixed, the design of the apparatus described herein relies on oscillating linear motion about a pivot axis that is vertically offset from the product's center of gravity. This establishes multiple competing wave forms, which results in effective mixing. Spinning motions are effective for mixing separated fluids of similar viscosities or distributing a small amount of a suspended solid in a large volume of liquid, but neither of these describes nut butter separation. This apparatus operates on the theory that lateral reciprocating vibration more effectively imparts kinetic energy into large dense particles, such as nut solids, causing them to mix more rapidly and thoroughly with a small volume of much lower relative viscosity fluid, such as nut oil.

The design of the disclosed apparatus also favors a broader coverage of wave patterns formed within the product being mixed so as to accomplish a faster and more thorough mixing. To this end, the product to be mixed is supported at a point in which the portions of the product container above and below the support point are different and their heights do not share a small common multiple. As an example, in one embodiment, the support point, and thus the pivot axis of the shaking motion, for the container holding the product being mixed may be at 63.2% of the height of the container. This is from the bottom of the container, which results in the pivot axis being 36.8% of the height of the container from the container's top. Any similar proportion is contemplated that has more than about half of the mass of the product above or below the pivot axis and less than about half of the mass of the product on the opposite side of the pivot axis.

Some advantages of the disclosed apparatus include that it effectively mixes nut butters and other non-homogenous liquids, pastes and other components of varying thickness. When well-mixed nut butters are stored in a refrigerator, the product may not separate even after several weeks of storage. Thus, the product may only need to be stirred once. The apparatus effectively eliminates the considerable mess and inconvenience of other mixing methods. The simple design allows for inexpensive manufacture and a low price point. The device is relatively small and self-contained in one embodiment that may be approximately 9″×8″×5″ in overall size.

A preferred embodiment may include a functional and decorative cover to enclose the moving parts of the apparatus for safety and to provide an attractive appearance. The disclosed embodiment does not include an external cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/000,042, filed Mar. 26, 2020, is hereby incorporated in this application by reference.

The apparatus10may be an electrically-powered appliance designed for in-home use. The size is contemplated to be approximately 9″×8″×5″ (height×length×width), but this is only exemplary and not limiting. Such a size is convenient for use on a working surface, such as a countertop, a conventional table, a workbench or any other surface upon which an appliance may be used by a human operator. Nevertheless, a larger or smaller size may be constructed, as will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill from the disclosure herein, based on preference and/or the materials being mixed.

One embodiment of the apparatus is shown having a base12that may rest upon a working surface. The base12serves as a foundation or framework to integrate other separate components into a unitary apparatus, such as by supporting numerous structures in relative position to one another. The base may be an oblong rounded triangular plastic component that may measure roughly 6″ wide×8″ long by 1½″ thick. This size is not critical.

In another embodiment, the base may be made of heavier construction, such as metal, to provide greater stability and durability.

The base12provides mounting points for the suction cups, motor mounts, and drive pulley bearings, as described herein. The base12also provides device stability, such as when suction cup feet (not visible) rest on, and maintain the base12in contact with, a working surface. Such feet may be attached to the bottom of the base12and may extend toward the working surface8(FIG. 1). In one embodiment shown inFIG. 7, the feet7and9are flat-bottomed and made of hollow soft rubber and extend into cavities formed in the bottom of the base12.

In another embodiment, six soft rubber suction cup feet may be attached, for example with hot glue, to the base12to provide device stability during use. The feet may include an internal hard plastic component which causes the sides and top of the feet to retain their shape. When the apparatus10is activated, suction may be applied to the feet, evacuating a hollow core and causing the bottom of the feet to deform slightly, creating suction between the feet and the supporting surface (table, counter, etc.) for stability during use. At the end of the operational cycle the suction may be released to allow for easy movement of the device.

An adjustable holding cup20receives and secures one of many various product containers for nut butters, such as a conventional peanut butter jar/receptacle. The cup20has a cylindrical sidewall26joined at one end to a floor28, thereby forming a chamber21into which the product container may be inserted and held during use of the apparatus10. The cup20includes a thick base with a recess in the center of the exterior face of the cup floor28, which securely holds the raceway30. The cup20provides secure retention of the product to be stirred during device operation and connects to the sizing inserts, raceway and support arm mounts. A lid may also be added to retain the product container in the chamber during use.

To accommodate various sizes of product containers, some embodiments utilize a cup designed to firmly hold the largest desired container. If a container is smaller than the larges desired container, one of various plastic sizing inserts (e.g., insert22,FIGS. 1 and 15) may be used to effectively reduce the size of the cup chamber21as appropriate. The sizing inserts insert between the smaller container and the sidewall26to enable the cup20to hold various sizes of product containers tightly enough that reciprocation of the cup does not cause the product container to move relative to the cup sufficiently that any damage occurs. In another embodiment an adjustable cup accommodates product containers of a wide variety of sizes and the sizing inserts are not required.

The cup20is mounted to the base12by cup support arms23and24having lower ends that extend into the retention sockets133in the base12and attach firmly, such as by adhesive, welding or fasteners. The support arms23and24have axles, which may be circular cylindrical protrusions23′ and24′ (FIG. 7) mounted on the upper ends of the support arms, that are perpendicular to the planes of the support arms23and24, respectively. The protrusions23′ and24′ are retained in corresponding voids123′ and124′ (FIG. 13) formed in the support arm mounts123and124. The protrusions23′ and24′ are coaxial to form an axis of rotation of the cup20. The support arm mounts123and124are preferably made of a flexible, vibration-dampening material, which may be rubber, polyurethane or another elastic material, in order to minimize the amount of mechanical energy transferred to the support arms23and24from the rapidly moving cup20, as will be described below. One embodiment employs a non-toxic RoHS-compliant thermoplastic polyurethane for the support arm mounts123and124. The support arm mounts123and124preferably dampen the vibrations of the cup20from being transmitted to the support arms, thus improving the durability of the support arms.

The support arms23and24are vertical members (in the orientation ofFIG. 1) that attach to the base12and hold the cup20through the support arm bearings and the support arm mounts123and124at a proper height above the base12. This permits movement of the cup20during use and allows routing of a drive belt16from the motor pulley to the drive pulley18. The protrusions23′ and24′ insert into the support arm mounts123and124in an operable position and connect to the cup20to the support arms23and24.

In an operable position, the support arm mounts123and124are disposed in retention sockets, which may be the cradles123″ and124″, respectively, that are mounted or formed integrally on opposite sides of the cup20. In an embodiment with a cup and a product container that are 4¾ inches tall, these retention sockets are located on the cup20in a position that disposes the axis of rotation of the cup20about 3 inches (63.2% of product container height) from the bottom of the product container and 1¾ inches (36.8% of product container height) from the top of the product container. In some embodiments, the cup has a static support arm mount height corresponding to the most common product container size. In other embodiments an adjustable support arm mount height preserves the desired relative height of the support arm mounts.

Some of the surfaces of the mechanism that are in contact and move relative to one another may have low-friction bearings, which may be low friction coatings, to reduce the friction between the surfaces. The coated surfaces may include the cup support arms23and24, the support arm mounts123and124, the protrusions23′ and24′ and the support arm mounts123and124.

The protrusions23′ and24′ are located on the support arms23and24, respectively, to support the cup20at a position above the center of gravity of the product container that will be held in the cup, as explained further herein. The support arms23and24thus support the cup20in an operable position at a point vertically higher than the center of the product's center of gravity when the product container is retained in the chamber21of the cup20. Thus, the axis of rotation of the cup20is vertically offset from the center of gravity of the product when in an operable position.

The drive mechanism of the apparatus10is shown inFIGS. 4 and 7, among others. The drive mechanism includes an offset-axis drive pulley18that has a lower shaft13, an upper shaft17and a central disk15interposed between the lower shaft13and upper shaft17. The lower shaft13and the central disk15are preferably coaxial. Thus, upon rotation about the axis of the lower shaft13, the axis of the central disk15does not move appreciably radially relative to the axis of the lower shaft13. The axis of the upper shaft17, however, is intentionally offset radially from being coaxial with the lower shaft13and the central disk15. Therefore, upon rotation about the axis of the lower shaft13, the upper shaft17moves in a circular path and revolves around the axis of the lower shaft13at a distance spaced radially from the axis of the lower shaft. The radial distance that the axis of the upper shaft17is spaced from the axis of the lower shaft13and the central disk15remains the same at all times during operation of the embodiment of the apparatus10.

The lower shaft13of the drive pulley18is supported by a drive pulley bearing13′ that interfaces with the base12. The upper (offset) shaft17supports the bearing17′, which interfaces the drive pulley18with the raceway30while reducing friction. The drive pulley18is driven by the drive belt16which engages the central disk15of the drive pulley18in a conventional manner. The drive pulley18thus connects to the drive pulley bearing13′, the raceway bearing30, and the drive belt16. The drive belt16drivingly links the motor pulley with the drive pulley18. In one embodiment a flexible rubber drive belt16is used that forms a circular loop about three inches in diameter, but any adaptation to the appropriate drive belt will be understood by the person of ordinary skill from the description herein. The drive pulley central disk15may have a 3/16″ diameter half-round groove15′ (seeFIG. 4) around its peripheral edge that guides the drive belt16during operation. One embodiment uses a drive pulley18with a central disk15having outside diameter of 1⅞″ which corresponds to a diameter of 1 11/16″ for the drive belt bearing surface.

The lower shaft13extends into a cavity113(FIG. 2) formed in the base12, and may have a low friction bearing13′ interposed between the lower shaft13and the sidewalls of the base12that define the cavity113. This bearing13′ reduces friction between the drive pulley18and the base12. The drive pulley bearing13′ may attach directly to the base12and provide support for the drive pulley18while reducing the friction between the rotating drive pulley18and the base12. In one embodiment, a pair (stacked) of ¾″ (ID)×1¾″ (OD)×½″ (W) bearings may be utilized.

The drive pulley18may be rotated about the axis of the lower shaft13in a conventional manner by the drive belt16(FIGS. 1 and 18). The belt16extends in the groove15′ of the central disk15, and transfers power from a conventional motor pulley (not visible) mounted on a conventional driveshaft (not visible) of the motor14. A plurality of differently sized motor pulleys214are shown inFIG. 17, and these pulleys214are contemplated to modify the speed at which the pulley18is driven by exchanging one of the pulleys214for the motor pulley on the motor's14driveshaft. The pulleys214may have various drive diameters: for example from 7 mm to 20 mm in diameter. The motor14transfers rotary motion to the drive belt16, which then drives the drive pulley18in rotation. In some embodiments the motor pulley has an optimal drive diameter that is constant, but a variable-diameter pulley, as well as a variable-speed transmission, is also contemplated.

The motor14may be an electric motor, pneumatic motor or any other rotary prime mover. In some embodiments, a single-speed 2.5 amp 110 VAC 9750 rpm motor is used. The motor14is mounted to the base12by motor mounts14′ and14″ (FIGS. 1 and 16), which insert into slots114(FIG. 2) formed in the base12and attach firmly, such as by adhesive, welding or fasteners to hold the motor in a proper orientation and at a proper height above the base. The motor mounts are vertical members (in the orientation ofFIG. 1) that are inserted into the base and hold the motor14at a proper height above the base12. The motor mount14′ that is closer to the center of the base includes a slot to allow the passage of the drive belt16between the motor pulley and the drive pulley18.

Upon actuation of the motor14, the motor pulley drives the drive belt16, which rotates the drive pulley18about the lower shaft13, thereby revolving the upper shaft17, which is inserted into a raceway30, in a circular path about the axis of the lower shaft13. The raceway30(FIG. 12) is a shock-absorbing insert that is disposed in the void30′ (FIG. 11) in the bottom of the cup20when the cup is in an operable position, as shown inFIG. 1. The raceway30has sidewalls32that connect on ends with one another and on edges with a floor36to define a chamber34into which the upper shaft17is disposed in an operable position (seeFIG. 7).

The raceway30is an interface between the cup20and, via the bearing17′, the drive pulley18. The raceway30is a bearing that provides a friction-reducing interface between the cup20and the offset upper shaft17of the drive pulley18. It is contemplated that the raceway30may be made of a flexible material to dampen the striking of the raceway bearing with the inner sides of the raceway. Thus, the raceway is preferably a shock-dampening material, such as rubber or polyurethane, and preferably a non-toxic RoHS-compliant thermoplastic polyurethane. It is further contemplated that the friction-reducing bearing17′ may reduce the friction between the upper shaft17and the raceway30. When driven by the drive belt16the drive pulley18guides the raceway bearing17′ in a circular, or an approximately circular, path. Due to the shape of the raceway30, this circular raceway bearing motion is converted into lateral back-and-forth motion of the raceway, and, therefore, the cup20in which the raceway is inserted and attached. One embodiment has a ¼″ (Inner Diameter)×⅝″ (Outer Diameter)×¼″ (Wide) raceway bearing17′.

The raceway30has a specifically designed shape that causes the raceway bearing17′ to move without substantial resistance along one dimension (fore-aft) of its circular path that is contained within a plane preferably parallel to the drive belt16. This raceway shape is elongated, and preferably rectangular. Alternatively, the raceway may be oval or a rectangle with rounded corners. Resistance to movement of the raceway bearing17′ along the second (lateral) dimension results in the raceway being moved in a lateral back-and-forth motion. The raceway30is firmly attached to the cup as an insert into the cup floor28, and thus the cup20moves about the pivot axis as the bearing17′ moves the raceway30.

FIGS. 5 and 6are shown from the same perspective, andFIG. 6is a cross-sectional view of the structure ofFIG. 5through the line6-6about halfway across (laterally) the support arms23and24.FIG. 7is an enlarged, head-on view of the embodiment ofFIG. 6, and is helpful to the explanation of the drive mechanism. As shown inFIG. 7, the lower shaft13is inserted into the base12with the bearing13′ in position to reduce friction. The central disk15is rotated by the drive belt16(not visible inFIG. 7) about the shared axis of the central disk15and lower shaft13. The offset upper shaft17, which is inserted in the raceway30that is inserted in the lower end of the cup20, has a bearing17′ that rotates with little resistance on the upper shaft17. The bearing17′ may be a roller bearing. As the upper shaft17revolves in a circular path about the axis of the lower shaft13, the outer edge of the bearing17′ follows a circular path, and is in contact with the inside of the raceway chamber34. Thus, the upper shaft17drives the cup20as the bearing17′ seats against and displaces the raceway30. In a preferred embodiment, the circular path that the outer edge of the bearing17′ on the upper shaft17follows is no longer than the total length of the chamber34, but is wider than the total width of the chamber34. When this circular path is centered on the chamber34, as shown inFIG. 7, and does not exceed the length of the chamber34but exceeds the width of the chamber34, the moving pulley18thus drives the cup20in a back-and-forth motion. This is the configuration of the embodiment of at leastFIG. 1when the rotary motion of the pulley18causes revolution of the upper shaft17in a circular path about the axis of the lower shaft13, and when the upper shaft17is in the elongated raceway chamber34. In these circumstances, the bottom of the cup20is displaced in lateral movement about the axis of rotation of the cup, which is coaxial with the protrusions23′ and24′. The circular movement of the upper shaft17causes the reciprocating (back-and-forth) movement of the lower end of the cup20along an arcuate path due to the parallel alignment of the axis of rotation of the cup20, which is along a line through the centers of the circular protrusions23′ and24′, with the length of the raceway chamber34.

This reciprocating movement of the cup20is sufficient to mix the material that has been placed in a container disposed in the cup's chamber21. The container with the material to be mixed is preferably positioned with the center of gravity of the material to be mixed offset vertically from the axis of rotation of the cup20. The offset of the center of gravity is substantial, meaning more than 5%.

It is contemplated to use a counterweight to reduce vibration of the reciprocating movement of the cup20, which vibration may otherwise be transmitted through the base12to a work surface upon which the base rests. In one embodiment, the drive pulley18may include a counterweight to reduce overall device vibration of the apparatus10during use while not inhibiting movement of the cup20. The embodiments shown do not employ a counterweight, but such a counterweight will be understood by the person having ordinary skill from the disclosure herein.

As noted above, there may be one or more sizing inserts22placed in the chamber21of the cup20to occupy space between the outer surface of the product container and the inner surface of the cup sidewall26that defines the chamber21. An insert22may be a plastic component shaped like the void formed between the sidewall26and any product container. The insert22effectively changes the volume of the cup20by occupying space between the cup sidewall26and the exterior of the product container. An external cover may also extend over most of the working structures to protect users from the motor14, drive pulley18, drive belt16and other moving structures. This is not shown in the embodiment disclosed.

In operation, a user places a product container, such as a glass, plastic or any other peanut butter jar or other receptacle, in the chamber21of the cup20. If the fit is relatively tight, the insertion is completed. If the fit is loose, an appropriate sizing insert22is inserted between the jar and the cup sidewall26. The insert22may offset a cylindrical jar's axis from the axis of the cylindrical cup20, but because of the reciprocating movement of the cup20this does not lead to any substantial disadvantages.

Once the product container is fixed in the cup20, the motor14is actuated, which drives the drive belt16. This causes rotation of the drive pulley18, which causes the upper shaft17to revolve around the axis of rotation of the lower shaft13. This causes movement of the lower end of the cup20in reciprocating motion about the pivot axis formed along an axis of the protrusions23′ and24′. The rotary speed of the motor14, along with the relative diameters of the pulley18and the motor pulley, determine the reciprocating speed (i.e., the number of cycles of reciprocation per unit time) of the cup20. A desirable range of revolutions per minute of the motor14is 9,000 to 20,000 rpm, which desirably results in cup cycles in the range of 1,000 to 2,500 cycles of reciprocation per minute. Of course, this can be varied, as will be understood by a person having ordinary skill. After a sufficient period of vibrating the cup20, the motor14is disengaged and the product container is removed from the chamber21. The product within the product container may be enjoyed.

In an alternative embodiment, shown inFIG. 19, a cup220is pivotably mounted to the base212along the axis, A formed near the upper end of the cup220in the orientation ofFIG. 19. A motor240may be disposed in the base212. The motor240has a driveshaft213that drivingly mounts to the drive disk218and forms a lower shaft. The driveshaft213is radially offset from the upper shaft217that extends from the drive disk218into the elongated channel230in the lower end of the cup220. Upon actuation of the motor240, the driveshaft213rotates, thereby rotating the drive disk218, which causes the upper shaft217that is inserted in the elongated channel230to revolve around the axis of the driveshaft213and reciprocate the cup220about the single pivot axis, A.