Abstract:
The disclosed apparatus, system and method relate to a shaft-actuated spindle mixer where the spindle mixer includes a motor and at least one motor switch enclosed in a mixer housing. A spindle shaft extends from the housing and is mechanically connected to the motor. The motor is mounted to a moveable mixer component such that the spindle shaft can be displaced to thereby causing the associated movement of the enclosed motor and moveable mixer component to which the motor is mounted. Movement of the movable mixer component actuates a switch. Actuating the switch causes the selective activation of the mixer motor. Activating the mixer motor rotates the spindle shaft. The disclosed apparatus and method provide for the optional one-handed operation of a spindle mixer, eliminate the need for a user or a cup to directly contact a switch to engage the spindle mixer, and further provides for the sanitary operation of a spindle mixer.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/318,591, filed on Mar. 29, 2010. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present disclosure is directed to a spindle mixer. Specifically, the disclosure relates to a spindle mixer wherein a mixer motor is optionally activated via manual displacement of a spindle shaft extending from the motor. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an internally housed switch that is actuated via the displacement of the spindle shaft where the switch selectively energizes the mixer motor. The movement of the spindle shaft causes the corresponding movement of a spindle mixer component such as a motor mount plate, a ball and socket arrangement, or the like. The movement of the mixer component engages and actuates a switch electrically connected (as through a printed circuit board assembly) to the mixer motor. In this manner, a user of the spindle mixer can start and stop the spindle mixer motor (i.e., start or stop a mix cycle), which is concealed in a housing, by displacing the spindle shaft. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Spindle mixers are used to mix food or a viscous product in a cup. The typical mixers comprise stands or housings supporting a motor in an elevated position. A spindle shaft extends downwardly from the motor. Users typically insert the cup around the spindle shaft with one hand. With the other hand, the user engages an on-off switch. Engaging the motor causes a blade/agitator on the spindle shaft to rotate so as to mix, blend, cut, or otherwise agitate the contents of the cup. 
         [0004]    Spindle mixers are employed in residential and commercial settings. Spindle mixers found in commercial establishments may be used by an employee or on a self-serve basis. 
         [0005]    In a conventional spindle mixer, the motor is engaged by manually actuating the on-off switch. Typically, one of the user&#39;s hands holds the cup with the contents to be mixed while the user&#39;s other hand engages the on-off switch. This may be inconvenient or difficult for the user to accomplish. 
         [0006]    Spindle mixers can include switches that are directly contacted by the mixing cup in order to engage a motor. For instance, the cup can be inserted into a cup guide where the rim of the cup engages a slidable switch. A cup could also press against an activation “paddle”. However, problems exist with known spindle mixer constructions. Specifically, the exposed switches, paddles and/or interlock assemblies can be fouled or contaminated with the product to be mixed. Any external structure, parts, or the like proximate to the spindle shaft can not only become contaminated/fouled but can also generally complicate the cleaning process. The owner of the present application has previously addressed this issue, at least in part, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,780,338. 
         [0007]    In further detail, once a spindle mixer motor is activated, a spindle shaft with an agitator rotates to mix the contents of a cup. The spindle mixer&#39;s agitator may splash food or drink from the cup during a mix cycle. The user may also prematurely remove the cup from the agitator (i.e., while the spindle shaft is still rotating) in which case food product will be dispersed from the agitator onto the spindle mixer. For that reason, the space around the agitator shaft may be enclosed or at least partially enclosed. Further, it is generally advisable to clean a spindle mixer after use. Any brackets, switches, cup guides, or the like on the spindle mixer can require additional cleaning or otherwise hamper the cleaning process. The operation of any exposed switches, cup guides, or the like can also be impaired by food contamination or by frequent exposure to the cleaning process. 
         [0008]    An improved spindle mixer would be easy to operate and clean. An improved apparatus would prevent a drink or food product from entering the mixer housing or fouling any exterior components. A spindle mixer in accordance with the following disclosure addresses these or other shortcomings of conventional spindle mixers. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The present disclosure is directed to a spindle mixer and method of operating the same wherein the manual displacement of a spindle shaft can activate a mixer motor. The subject spindle mixer permits for one-handed operation by providing a motor switch directly activated by the manual displacement of the spindle shaft. More particularly, at least one motor switch is completely concealed within a mixer housing. As a result, the motor switch(es) will not come into contact with any food or drink product. A separate, manual on-off and/or pulse switch can also be provided to manually activate the mixer motor and to bypass the spindle-actuated motor switch. 
         [0010]    Broadly, the subject apparatus and system comprises a spindle mixer with a housing. A motor is enclosed in the housing, and the motor mounted to a moveable mixer component positioned within the housing. At least one motor switch is also enclosed by the housing. The at least one motor switch is actuated by the movement of the moveable mixer component. A spindle shaft is mechanically connected to the motor and extends from the housing. The spindle shaft can be forcibly displaced by a user. The displacement of the spindle shaft actuates the (one or more) motor switch(es) via the moveable mixer component. The actuation of the motor switch selectively energizes the motor in order to rotate the spindle shaft. 
         [0011]    The space around the spindle shaft may be at least partially enclosed. The housing is free of any cup guides, cup-engaged paddles or switches, or the like. 
         [0012]    In further detail, the subject motor is mounted to a mixer component, such as a plate, ball-in-socket arrangement, or other structure, that permits the relative movement of the motor about one or more axes. Similarly, as the spindle shaft is connected to the motor, the spindle shaft also has a range of motion. Movement of the motor is caused by the manual, forcible displacement of the spindle shaft by a user. Movement of the motor causes the associated movement of the mixer component to which the motor is mounted. The movement of the mixer component selectively actuates at least one motor switch. The at least one motor switch is electrically connected to the mixer motor. Actuating the switch selectively energizes the mixer motor. When energized, the mixer motor rotates the spindle shaft. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the mixing motor connected to the spindle shaft is mounted to a moveable component where the component comprises a motor mount plate. Displacement of the spindle shaft causes the relative movement of the motor mount plate. One or more switches are actuated via the movement of the motor mount plate so as to selectively energize the motor. The motor then rotates the spindle shaft to mix the contents of a cup. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment, a switch apparatus comprises at least one motor switch and a ball and socket arrangement wherein the at least one switch is engaged via rotation of the ball within the socket. The mixer motor is mounted to the ball member, and the ball member rotates due to the displacement of the spindle shaft and mixer motor. 
         [0015]    In yet another embodiment, the switch assembly may instead comprise a contact ring wherein movement of the spindle shaft displaces the contact ring in order to create a contact point. The connection at the contact point would be operable to energize the mixer motor. Other techniques for actuating the internal motor switch will become evident to one of skill in the art based on subject disclosure. 
         [0016]    In use, a user selects a mode of operation, such a manual mode or preset mix cycle mode. The user then places the cup in position so as to partially surround the spindle shaft. The user then manually displaces the spindle shaft so as to cause the movement of the mixer motor as mounted to a moveable mixer component. The corresponding movement of the mixer component engages at least one motor switch. The actuation of the motor switch then selectively energizes or de-energizes the mixer motor so as to start or stop the rotation of the spindle shaft. The user need not engage an on-off switch, and the cup does not come into direct contact with a switch. 
         [0017]    The manual mode would allow the mixing mode to operate at a user-selected speed. In the preset mix cycle mode, the motor is energized and operated to preset parameters or operating characteristics. For instance, a ramp up speed, target speed, variable speeds, time of operation, and the like might be electronically controlled so that the cycle proceeds and terminates automatically upon activation of the motor. A separate, manual on-off and/or pulse switch can also be provided to manually activate the mixer motor and to bypass the spindle-actuated motor switch. 
         [0018]    A spindle mixer in accordance with the present disclosure is easy to operate relative to conventional spindle mixers. The ease of operation is specifically aided by the fact that in at least one mode of operation, the user and/or cup do not have to directly contact a switch, actuating paddle or arm, cup guide, or the like. In fact, the spindle mixer does not include any switches, cup guides, brackets, or the like to be directly engaged by the cup. As such, the spindle mixer disclosed herein is relatively easy to clean and is more sanitary. Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of skill in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a spindle mixer including a shaft-actuated motor switch in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1A  is view of a control panel for the same; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of one embodiment of a spindle mixer where a motor housing is revealed to illustrate a motor switch, moveable mixer component, and a motor mounted to the component as disclosed herein; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view along line  3 - 3  further illustrating one embodiment of the subject apparatus; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3B  is a magnified view of a portion thereof; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view along line  4 - 4  to further illustrate one embodiment of the subject apparatus; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a cross-section view along line  5 - 5  to further illustrate one embodiment of the subject apparatus; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a rear view of another embodiment of a spindle mixer where the motor housing is open to illustrate a motor switch, moveable mixer component, and a motor mounted to the component as disclosed herein; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is an additional view thereof with the mixer motor removed; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is an additional view thereof; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the moveable mixer component of the subject embodiment; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is additional exploded view thereof. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    The present disclosure is directed to spindle mixer. The spindle mixer is described in terms of various embodiments disclosed and illustrated herein. In general, the spindle mixer comprises a novel construction and method of operation. A displaceable spindle shaft actuates a mixer motor via at least one motor switch internally housed by the spindle mixer. The area proximate the spindle shaft, and exterior to a housing defining the spindle mixer, is free of switches, brackets, cup guides, or the like that might otherwise become contaminated by foodstuff due to the operation of the spindle mixer. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein but also includes variations and equivalent structures that would be apparent to one of skill in the art in light of the subject disclosure. 
         [0032]    Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a spindle mixer  10  with a spindle shaft  12  and mixer housing  14 . A mixer motor is enclosed by housing  14 . Broadly, the displacement or actuation of spindle shaft  12  activates the mixer motor, as described in detail below. A control panel  11  also provides a separate, manual on-off switch and/or pulse switch to thereby allow for the activation the spindle mixer without displacement of the spindle shaft. It is, therefore, possible in one embodiment to bypass the spindle-actuated motor switch as described herein. 
         [0033]    In further detail, the subject spindle mixer  10  facilitates the one-handed operation of a spindle mixer by providing a means to actuate at least one motor switch that is internally housed in mixer  10  via spindle shaft  12 . The at least one motor switch is actuated via a moveable mixer component to which the mixer motor is mounted. The component might comprise a mounting plate, a ball and socket arrangement, a contact ring, or the like. 
         [0034]    With further reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , spindle mixer  10 , in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, comprises housing  14 , a motor  16  enclosed in housing  14 , and agitator  12  extending downwardly from the motor through an aperture in the housing. Motor  16  is more particularly enclosed in a motor housing  17  that can further enclose various electronic components such as would be understood by one of skill in the art based on the disclosure herein. 
         [0035]    For illustrative purposes, in  FIG. 2 , a back panel of housing  14  has been removed to expose motor  16  in motor housing  17 . Motor  16  is mechanically linked to an agitator  18  at the end of the spindle shaft  12 . The motor is energized to rotate agitator  18 . 
         [0036]    The subject spindle mixer  10  may also include a control panel  16  with  FIG. 1A  provide one example thereof. Control panel  16  provides, in one embodiment, a mode selection switch  88 , a manual speed selection switch  20 , an on-off switch  22  and/or a pulse switch  24 . Control panel  16  is electrically connected to the at least one motor switch, as described below, as well as motor  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, mixer  10  further includes a recess  13  that partially encloses the space around spindle shaft  12 . A selectively removable splash shield  15  can further enclose spindle shaft  12 . 
         [0037]    Mixer  10  does not include any separate actuator or switch located adjacent to spindle shaft  12  to the exterior of the spindle mixer housing  14 . In other words, mixer  10  does not include any exterior cup-engaged switches, cup guides, brackets, or the like. Other than an aperture for spindle shaft  12  to extend from motor  16  and outwardly from housing  14 , recess  13  comprises smooth walls to facilitate cleaning. 
         [0038]    With reference now to  FIG. 2-5 , one embodiment the subject apparatus comprises motor  16  mounted in motor housing  17  to a moveable mixer component. In one embodiment, the moveable mixer component is a motor mounting plate  30 . 
         [0039]    Motor housing  17  further includes at least one motor switch  32 . Motor switch  32  is fixedly mounted to a sidewall of motor housing  17 . A switch arm  34  contacts the moveable component, namely plate  30 . 
         [0040]    While motor switch  32  is illustrated as a micro-switch in the various embodiments herein, it should be understood that switch  32  could comprise any number of mechanisms that use the physical movement of the moveable mixer component to selectively energize a mixer motor. For instance, switch  32  could be a hall effect or magnetic switch whereby a sensor could detect the movement of a target mounted on the moveable component (or vice versa). Switch  32  could also be an optical-based switch. Basically, switch  32  can be any suitable switch to open or close a circuit based on the movement of a moveable mixer component where the moveable mixer component is mechanically linked to the spindle shaft. 
         [0041]    Housing  14  further includes an inwardly projecting and fixed shelf  36  on at least two sides of mixer housing  14 . Moveable plate  30  is supported, in the illustrated embodiment, above shelf  36  via a fastener arrangement  40  in a manner that permits the relative movement of plate  30  to fixed shelf  36 . 
         [0042]    In the illustrated fastener arrangement, a socket head shaft is inserted upwardly through corresponding apertures in shelf  36  and plate  30 . A screw  44  is threaded into socket head shaft  42  thereby securing shaft  42  in place. A pliable bushing  46 , such as a rubber bushing, is placed around shaft  42  between plate  30  and shelf  36 . The same or a corresponding upper bushing is also located between a head of screw  44  and plate  30 . A washer  48  can be disposed between the screw head and the upper bushing portion. A spring  50  is located around shaft  42  below shelf  36 . Shaft  42  contains a shoulder  52  as a spring seat. 
         [0043]    As a result of the fastener arrangement  40 , plate  30  can be biased away from or towards shelf  36 . The motion of plate  30  actuates switch arm  34  to selectively open or close motor switch  32 . Switch  32 , in turn, selectively energizes motor  16  to thereby rotate spindle shaft  12 . 
         [0044]    Motor  16  is directly mounted or otherwise fastened to plate  30 . The movement of plate  30  is effected by manually displacing spindle shaft  12 . The displacement of shaft  12  causes motor  16  to rotate away from its vertical axis. The rotation of motor  16  causes the upward movement of plate  30  at switch  32  or compresses bushing  46  to move plate  30  away from switch  32  and switch arm  34 . 
         [0045]    Another embodiment of a motor switch assembly is illustrated in  FIGS. 6-10 . Motor  16  is secured to a moveable mixer component that comprises a ball and socket arrangement  60 . The ball and socket arrangement includes a socket  62  mounted to a fixed floor  61  of motor housing  17 . An aperture through socket  62  conforms to a spindle shaft aperture in housing  14 . That is, the agitator shaft  12  extends through fixed socket  62 . 
         [0046]    At least one motor switch  64 , such as a microswitch, is mounted on or proximate to socket  22  in a fixed relationship. Switch  64  includes a switch arm  65  in contact with a ball member  68  that fits in socket  62 . Ball member  68  is rotatable in any direction within socket  62 . 
         [0047]    Motor  16  is mounted to ball member  68  via a collar  66 . Spindle shaft  12  extends from motor  16  through collar  66 , ball member  68 , and socket  62 , and floor  61 . By this construction, manual force by the user on spindle shaft  12  causes spindle shaft  12  to move vertically or away from a vertical alignment. The movement of spindle shaft  12  causes an opposing movement of motor  16  and ball member  68 , which are connected together by collar  66 . As a result, ball member  68  rotates within socket  62  or is lifted away from socket  62 . At least one switch arm  65  is actuated by the movement of ball member  68  to close a circuit (not illustrated) and initiate a mix cycle (i.e., energize mixer motor  16 ). The operation of spindle mixer motor  16  is thereby optionally shaft-actuated. 
         [0048]    The subject mixer motor  16  is centered on the ball member  68 . Socket  62  provides a concave recess. The lower portion of ball member  68  includes a convex surface. The convex surface rotates within the socket recess such that ball member  68  is naturally biased into a centered position within socket  62 . As such, spindle shaft  12  is biased to a vertical position when a user does not engage spindle shaft  12 . 
         [0049]    Variations on the moveable mixer component are envisioned. Operation of a motor switch  32 ,  64  may also vary. In one embodiment, the at least one switch  32 ,  64  is in the open position until movement of the moveable component closes one or more of the switches  32 ,  64  via switch arms  34 ,  65 . Closing a switch  32 ,  64  may instantly engage mixer motor  16 . 
         [0050]    In one embodiment, it is envisioned that a switch  32 ,  64  must be held in the closed position for a period of time prior to activation of motor  16 . To accomplish this, a user of spindle mixer  10  would displace spindle shaft  12  for a predetermined period of time. It is also possible to require constant displacement pressure on shaft  12  to maintain operation of motor  16 . In other words, the user would have to continually hold or press shaft  12 . Releasing shaft  12  would release switch  32  and motor  16  would then de-energize. On the other hand, a motor switch in accordance with the disclosure herein does not need to stay closed during a mix cycle to maintain operation of motor  16 . Instead, a user of spindle mixer  10  can release pressure on spindle shaft  12  as soon as motor  16  is activated. A corresponding, later displacement of spindle shaft  12  can then deactivate motor  16  or a user can select the on/off button on control  16  to bypass motor switch  65 , as described above. 
         [0051]    Using mode selection switch/knob  88 , a user can place spindle mixer  10  in a manual mode whereby actuation of spindle shaft  12  or on/off switch  22  causes motor  16  to engage at a speed determined by speed selection switch/knob  20 . Motor  16  will remain energized until the user displaces shaft  12  or actuates on/off switch  22 . 
         [0052]    Alternatively, a user can select a number of preset cycles via mode selection switch  88 . In this mode, once motor  16  is activated via shaft  12  or on/off switch  22 , a mix cycle will run for a predetermined period of time and with predetermined characteristics. For instance, a predetermined mix cycle may include a ramp up speed, one or more target speeds that the motor will alternate between, and a ramp down speed. In this manner, preset mix cycles can be used for different food/drink recipes. During a preset cycle, the user can move the cup (not illustrated) during the mix cycle. If the user displaces spindle shaft  12  during the mix cycle, the mix cycle will continue until it is complete. In one embodiment, it is thought that displacing spindle shaft  12  during a mix cycle might terminate the cycle if there is time remaining during the preset mix cycle. 
         [0053]    As referenced above, bypass on/off switch  22  permits a user to terminate a manual mix cycle or prematurely terminate end a preset mix cycle. It is also possible that logic controls in the mixer could adjust a mix program (e.g., mix time and agitator speed) automatically. 
         [0054]    Pulse switch  24  provides additional motor control in that it can be actuated to temporarily activate motor  16 . In yet another embodiment, the spindle mixer may include a visual or audible “start” signal/alarm to indicate the mixer motor is about to be engaged. Therefore, there is some indication to the user that spindle shaft  12  is about to rotate. 
         [0055]    Overall, the subject motor switch  32 ,  64  is wholly housed within mixer housing  14  or, more specifically, motor housing  17 . By mounting shaft  12  to a moveable motor  16  on a moveable mixer component such as a moveable mounting plate  30  or ball member  68 , a user can engage a spindle mixer without the user or cup directly touching a switch, cup guide, or the like. The resulting shaft-actuated spindle mixer  10  is easier to clean, less prone to contamination, and easier to operate relative to known spindle mixers. 
         [0056]    While the apparatus has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that numerous variations, modifications and additional embodiments are possible, and all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.