Magnet-actuated mixing device, system and method of use

A mixing device, system and method of use for mixing liquids in a container using a separate magnet in a wearable. The mixing device receives a magnet insert that is magnetically coupled with the separate magnet. The separate magnet is placed in a wearable and can be actuated by a finger or a hand, and the actuation causes the mixing device to move and rotate. An insertable stem on the mixing device can have different shapes or functional attachments for enhancing function of the mixing device in different embodiments. In some embodiments, the magnet insert can be stored together with the wearable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification relates to a magnet-actuated mixing device for use in liquids and as beverage and fish-tank accessories and methods of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many beverages primarily consist of a single liquid phase, such as wine, beer, milk, etc. while other beverages may contain more than one liquid phase, such as mixed drinks, coffee with cream and sugar, etc. Many beverages benefit for various reasons from being mixed (i.e., stirred) at least occasionally. This objective to mix is most evident after a multi-phase beverage is placed or poured into a container, such as a glass or cup, to prevent or at least minimize the separation of the beverage into component phases (or layers).

While various accessories for beverages and aquatic life containers (e.g., a fish tank) are currently available, such as straws, stirrers and swizzle sticks for beverages and skimmers, filters and filtration air pumps, for aquariums, there continues to be a need for new and better accessories.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicant introduces herein a novel mixing device for mixing liquids. Applicant's mixing device is part of a system driven by a magnet in a wearable accessory that together can be used with containers of consumable beverages and viable research motility in aquatic life. Additionally or alternatively, the mixing device can draw attention to or add educational interest of beverage and motility in aquatic life.

The mixing device can also be used in aquatic environments for research studies of fish by stimulating motility in fish through attraction to the mixing device or attachments to its stem or feeding the fish.

Another benefit is to use the mixing device to enhance oxygen solubility in liquids for aquatic life or beverages.

Another benefit of using the mixing device is to prevent or at least minimize separation of the beverage into component phases or layers.

Another benefit is to provide a novel process for stirring (i.e., mixing) of consumable beverages and conducting aquatic life motility studies using the mixing device.

These and other objects, features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

In this application, mixing will refer to the mixing (i.e., stirring) and pre-mixing of a mixing device comprising a housing containing a magnetic insert connected to mixing arms that is magnetically coupled to a magnet propelled by movement with finger or hand that actuates the mixing device causing it to rotate.

In the drawings, like numbers represent like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This specification is directed to mixing devices that are magnetically actuated by an external magnet. The external magnet may be in a wearable or accessory including a ring, necklace, watch, bracelet or cell phone/phone case. This mixing device may have various functional stem designs as discussed below. These can be used, among other places, with various types of containers of consumable beverages and research interacting with aquatic life.FIG. 1shows a first exemplary embodiment of a mixing device, including mixing arms1shown in a flared or dilated propeller position with a magnetic insert3, cylinder housing4for holding the magnetic insert23and the stem2. Stem2can be a stem stick or a stem pick or have other shapes or functions such as the ones shown herein. Mixing arms1may include, among other things, spikes (shown inFIGS. 1, 3, 4, 6A-6E, 7 and 8) or blades (shown inFIGS. 2C and 5A-5C).

FIGS. 2A-2Cshows exemplary embodiment of a magnetic ring23having a removeable magnetic insert22insertable into magnetic insert holding area24, a cavity. In some embodiments the magnet insert may be permanently fixed into the mixing device.FIG. 2Ashows a perspective view of magnetic ring23with the magnetic insert22outside of the ring.FIG. 2Bshows a close-up view of the magnetic insert22about to be inserted in the magnetic insert holding area24. Magnetic insert22is also shown as reference numeral3because the magnetic insert can be stored in the magnetic ring23or it can be stored in the mixing device's cylindrical housing4.FIG. 2Cillustrates this dual nature of the magnetic insert3,22that can go into the mixing device or into the magnetic ring23.FIG. 2Calso shows clip25, which will be discussed below withFIGS. 5B and 5C.

FIG. 3shows an enlarged view of the food stem stick or stem pick holding a garnish (olive)26. The stem stick or stem pick2can hold items by poking or piercing through food garnishes, hors d′oeuvres and aquatic food thick paste. The magnet insert and the stem can be inserted in the interior cylinder or housing4to make it a whole finished one piece workable part. The device is still operable to rotate without the stem inserted.

FIG. 4shows an enlarged view of the wearable magnet necklace27for conveniently storing and actuating the mixing device. As discussed later, the stem2inFIG. 4holds a grabbing attachment.

FIGS. 5A-5Cshows embodiment of this invention an enlarged view of the accessory rotator coordinator connector with mixing arms (blades)1.FIG. 5Adepicts the blades in a dilated propeller position whereasFIG. 5Bdepicts the blades in a condensed position29for storage during non-use,FIGS. 2C and 5Cillustrates clips25for conveniently attaching the blades to the stem3for device storage during non-use. The clips may be at different relative heights so as not to interfere with one another during clipping. Snap sockets (not shown) may also be used in addition or alternative to clip25to attach the mixing arms to the stem2. Exemplary housing4is shown in more detail with a cavity or opened hollowed in area28for the cylinder base design.FIG. 5Balso shows the backs29of the blades on the mixing device from the angle of the bottom30of the housing4.

FIGS. 6A-6EandFIG. 7show various embodiments of the wearables including magnets in use with the mixing device.FIGS. 6A, 6D and 7depict the human or animal propulsion of magnetic ring23used to control the magnetic device in a martini glass, a beverage glass and an aquarium respectively.FIG. 6Bshows the human or animal propulsion of a phone or phone case containing an embedded magnet used to the control the mixing device in a beverage glass.FIG. 6Cshows the human or animal propulsion of a watch strap32containing an embedded magnet used to the control the mixing device in a beverage glass.FIG. 6Eshows the human or animal propulsion of a bracelet33containing an embedded magnet used to the control the mixing device in a beverage glass.

The stem2of the mixing device can be different shapes and optionally have different functional attachments.FIGS. 1 and 3show the stem2as a stem stick with a blunt tip.FIGS. 2C and 5Cshow stem2as a stem pick with a sharp tip for piercing into food.FIGS. 4 and 6Dshow stem2having a gripper attachment.FIG. 6Adepicts stem2holding a garnish (olive)26used to flavor in a martini.FIG. 7depicts stem2holding aquatic fish food34to attach and encourage fish motility in an aquarium.FIG. 8depicts stem2holding a porous container35used a tea infuser. Use of the mixing device in an aquarium can help oxygen or food dissolve into the water. Also, it can attract fish encouraging motility of fish and other marine life.