Abstract:
An egg scrambler device includes an upper shell constructed with an outer shell surface, an inner shell surface and a connector, where the inner shell surface defines an inner volume and includes baffles to effect mixing of fluid content. A lower shell is constructed with an outer shell surface, an inner shell surface and a connector, where the inner shell surface defines an inner volume and includes baffles for mixing of fluid content. The upper and lower shells are detachably connected to allow fluid communication between the upper and lower volumes and to aerate and homogenize the content by shaking or otherwise agitating the device with the shells in a connected state.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to, and hereby incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/448276, filed on Mar. 2, 2011. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a device for the improved handling and food processing of raw eggs. 
         [0003]    Eggs have been part of human diets for time immemorial. Bird eggs in particular are a common food and one of the most versatile ingredients used in cooking, including in baked goods. The most commonly used bird eggs are those from the chicken, while duck, goose and quail eggs are occasionally used as a gourmet ingredient. Eggs can be scrambled, fried, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, pickled and refrigerated. For that matter, eggs can be eaten raw, for example, in salads and shakes or nogs. 
         [0004]    As an ingredient, egg yolks are an important emulsifier in the kitchen, and the proteins in egg white allow it to form foams and aerated dishes. The albumen, or egg white, contains protein but little or no fat. The egg white can be used in cooking separately from the yolk. Egg whites may be aerated or whipped to a light, fluffy consistency and are often used in desserts such as meringues and mousse. Ground egg shells are sometimes used as a food additive to deliver calcium. Every part of an egg is edible, although the eggshell is generally discarded. 
         [0005]    As anyone who has attempted to separate an egg white from an egg yolk knows, effectively separating an egg is a difficult task. That is, attempts to segregate an egg yolk from an egg white require somehow limiting the flow of one part while facilitating the flow of the other part into a container, mixing or cooking means. This invariably requires some type of contact with the egg yolk or egg white. More often than not, there will be some portion of egg white with the yoke portion, and some yolk with the egg white portion. 
         [0006]    In addition to separation problems, there also are know combining problems in handling eggs for food processing. For example, scrambling of eggs can be quite messy. First the eggs must be broken. You cannot make an omelette without breaking a few eggs so they say. In some cases, the egg is struck by a utensil, to split it while maintaining some of its structural integrity, where often times the egg separates and the parts fall. In other cases the egg itself is struck against an edge of a mixing container, such as a bowl, and further handled to pour into same. This typically results in shell mixing with the content, and loss of some egg material on the side of the bowl. 
         [0007]    In a case where an egg must be mixed, or scrambled, the egg is placed in a container, usually an open bowl, and agitated with a fork. 
         [0008]    The egg material typically spins within a vessel, and some portion invariably is ejected from same. Effectively combining and scrambling egg white with egg yolks can be more of a challenge, particularly where aeration and whipping is desired. There is always a risk of under combining in order to avoid spillage. Under-combined scrambled eggs, for example, results in a cooked egg dish with white and yellow parts having different tastes and textures, which are thought to be unpalatable to some. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention provides a device for handling, including mixing of food content designed to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the invention includes an egg scrambler device includes an upper shell constructed with an outer shell surface, an inner shell surface and a connector, where the inner shell surface defines an inner volume and includes baffles to effect mixing of fluid content. A lower shell is constructed with an outer shell surface, an inner shell surface and a connector, where the inner shell surface defines an inner volume and includes baffles for mixing of fluid content. The upper and lower shells are detachably connected to allow fluid communication between the upper and lower volumes and to aerate and homogenize the content by shaking or otherwise agitating the device with the shells in a connected state. A mixing ball is preferably inserted within the inner volume prior to connecting the upper and lower shells, which further facilitates aeration and homogenization of the fluid content upon shaking and agitation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The present invention can best be understood in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown in drawings, in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  a side perspective view of one embodiment of an egg scrambler device of the invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  a side cutaway view of the  FIG. 1  egg scrambler device; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective of the  FIG. 1  egg scrambler device; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is side view depicting the internal structure of the  FIG. 1  egg scrambler device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    The following is a detailed description of example embodiments of the invention depicted in the accompanying drawings. The example embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the invention and are designed to make such embodiments obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of an egg scrambler device  10  in a form of an egg-shaped housing. Please note, however, that the depiction an egg-shaped housing is for a preferred embodiment, and the invention is not meant to be limited to any particular shape. The egg scrambler device  10  comprises an upper shell  20  and a lower shell  40  that are fitted together in a way to maintain their connection during agitation of contents inserted within an inner volume. While shown fully assembled together in  FIG. 1 , the respective shells are readily separated during intended use. When assembled as shown, a connecting circumferential edge of the upper shell extends over and connects with a recessed circumferential edge of the lower shell, sealing the two shells along a seam  12  to prevent leakage. 
         [0018]      FIG. 2  highlights some of the outer physical dimensions of the  FIG. 1  egg scrambler device  10 . At its widest part, the egg scrambler device  10  is approximately 85 to 90 mm, preferably 90 mm (dimension “A”). The egg scrambler device has a base  14 , which is flat to allow the device to be securely placed on flat surfaces. The base  14  is approximately 35-45 mm wide, preferably 41 mm (dimension “B”). The height from the base  14  to the seam  12  is approximately 50 to 55 mm, preferably 53 mm (dimension C) and the height from the base  14  to a an uppermost point or top  16  on upper shell  20  is approximately 115 to 130 mm, preferably 123 mm (dimension D). 
         [0019]      FIG. 3  highlights an inner volume of the  FIG. 1  egg scrambler device  10 , including the structural elements therein. In the egg scrambler device, a central axis that extends from the top  16  to an axial center of base  14 . The lower shell  40  is substantially hollow but for a series of baffles  44  that are attached and integral with an interior wall or surface  45 . The baffles  44  are positioned in a number of positions about the inner circumferential extent of the interior wall or surface  45 . For example, the baffles may be affixed at positions along the circular inner wall corresponding to π/4 or π/3 radians. The baffles  44  extend vertically along a contour of the inner wall  44  from a position substantially just below a connecting rim  48  to an outer circumferential edge of the base  14 . 
         [0020]    The baffles  44  are thin (on the order of 1 to 2 mm, preferably 1.5 mm.) 
         [0021]    and extend radially inwardly from the interior wall or surface  44  (within the inner lower shell volume) towards the central axis of the egg scrambler device. At the flat bottom, where the baffles meet the base  14 , they extend towards the axial center an insignificant amount (for example, 0 to 10 mm, and preferably 5 mm). The baffles  44  do, however, increase in radial extent as a function of increasing vertical distance between the base  14  and the connecting rim  48 . The baffles assist in mixing or scrambling device content when the upper shell is connected to the lower shell and the closed device is agitated. 
         [0022]    The rim  48  preferably includes at least one recessed portion  47  configured therein to better enable eggs to be broken against the rim  48 . That is, a whole egg is struck against the rim  48  at the recessed portion  47  in order to more readily crack the shell at the point of contact, and to minimize chance of egg content spillage thereby. The egg within the cracked shell is thereafter deposited into the lower shell inner volume. 
         [0023]    The connecting rim  48  defines an outer recess  42 . The recess  42  extends radially from the outer surface of the lower shell  40  in towards the central axis approximately 1 to 3 mm to the outer wall surface of the rim  48 , but preferably 1. 5 mm. The vertical extent of the recessed rim  48  is between 5 and 15 mm, but preferably 8 mm, as shown. A number of detent elements  46  are included along the circumferential extent of the rim  48  to effect secure connection with upper housing shell  20  (discussed in more detail below). The connecting rim  48  also includes an inner recess  43 . The inner recess  43  extends radially from the inner surface of the lower shell  40 , radially outwardly approximately 1 to 3 mm (preferably 1.5 mm) to the inner wall surface of the rim  48 . 
         [0024]    The upper shell  20  of the egg scrambler device is substantially hollow but for a series of baffles  24  that are attached and integral with an interior wall or surface  21 . The baffles  24  are positioned in a number of positions about the inner circumferential extent of the interior wall or surface  21 , for example, at positions corresponding to π/4 or π/3 radians. The baffles  24  extend vertically along a contour or the inner wall or surface  21  from a position substantially just above a connecting rim  26  to the top  16 . The connecting rim is formed as a recess  27  in the shell structure, set off from inner surface  21  in a way that enables connection with the rim  48  of the lower shell  40 . 
         [0025]    That is, the connecting rim  26  includes openings  22  to channels  23  for receiving the detent elements  46  on rim  48  of the lower shell  40 . The upper and lower shells are pressed together to insert the detent elements  46  into openings  22 . The shells are twisted to cause the detent elements  46  to slide horizontally into channels  23  to secure the detent elements  46  therein. To open the inner volume and separate the upper and lower shells, they are twisted the other way to allow the detent elements to be displaced from the openings  22 . 
         [0026]    An insert  50  is seated within the lower shell  40  upon the inner recess  43 , radially inward of rim  48 . The insert  50  includes an internal spherical seat formed as a continuous spherical surface between an upper rim or edge  51  and a surface bottom. The bottom of the spherical surface includes a via  58  at an axial center, which is between 4 and 10 mm, but preferably 7 mm. While the spherical seat so formed captures content, for example, liquid egg components and like materials, the central via allows for some to pass through and down. Horizontal openings  56  are formed in the sides of the spherical seat to facilitate separation of egg whites from egg yokes when a whole egg (without the shell) is deposited therein. There are three openings  56  in the embodiment shown, which are between 20 mm and 50 mm long (preferably 25 mm) and 2-10 mm wide (preferably 5 mm). The width may be varied as a function of length to better facilitate egg part separation. 
         [0027]    A number of insert legs  52  extend contiguously down and radially outwards from the insert rim  51  to form seating members  54 . Seating members  54  abut an inner surface of rim  48 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The legs  52  are formed between openings or breaks in the outer circumference of the insert to facilitate passage of separated egg content into the inner volume of lower shell  40 . 
         [0028]    The upper circumferential edge  51  of insert  50  preferably includes at least one recessed portion  53 , upon which an egg may be struck to crack the egg&#39;s shell. Breaking an egg against the recessed portion of the insert  50  assures that the egg content is delivered into the spherical seat. The recessed portion  53  is preferably straight, as distinguished from a circumferential line of the circumferential edge  51 , but may be curved to follow the curve of surface  51 . The length of the recessed portion is between 10 mm and 40 mm, but preferably 20 mm. 
         [0029]    When use of the insert  50  is no longer required, the insert  50  is removed from the lower shell  40 . In order to then thoroughly mix the egg content within the lower shell inner volume, a mixing ball  60  may be placed therein (in the lower shell  40 ). Upon connection of the upper and lower shells, the egg scrambler is shaken to agitate the content therein, whereby the mixing ball  60  is dislodged. The movement of the mixing ball within an inner volume of the upper shell  20  and lower shell  40  acts to mix and agitate any liquid and like components its contacts, in cooperation with the baffles ( 24 ;  44 ). For example, the movement of the mixing ball  60  more efficiently mixes of scrambled eggs delivered into the egg scrambler device  10  for that purpose. The mixing ball may be hollow, but is preferably solid or semi-solid as its effectiveness as a mixing means increases with its overall weight. 
         [0030]    If an egg is to be separated into a yoke portion and a white portion, it is broken on the insert recessed portion  53  and poured into the spherical seat of the insert  50 . The egg white portion naturally slides through the openings  56  into the lower volume comprising the lower shell  40 , where the egg yoke remains in the spherical seat. The insert with the egg yolk in the spherical seat may be removed and the egg yoke content poured or delivered to another vessel. This leaves the egg white portion in the lower shell without the insert  50 . The egg white portion is then mixed by inserting the mixing ball  60  into the lower shell inner volume, connecting the top shell  20  with the lower shell  40 , and agitating the connected shells. 
         [0031]    Upon removing the top shell  20 , the mixing ball may be removed before the mixed content is poured or delivered to another vessel, e.g., a frying pan. Removing the mixing ball  60 , however, is messy. Alternatively, the mixing ball  60  may be left in the inner volume of the lower shell  40 , and the insert  50  replaced prior to pouring in order that the insert operate to prevent the mixing ball  60  from passing out of the lower shell  40  when it is tilted to discharge (pour) the mixed content. Put another way, when seated in lower shell  40 , insert  50  acts as a colander and allows the contents to flow out without the mixing ball, and without any need to “touch” the content or otherwise restrain the mixing ball. 
         [0032]    The egg scrambler device  10  is adapted to be opened by separating the upper shell  20  from the lower shell  40 , and content for mixing (or separating in a case of eggs) is inserted therein. The lower shell  40  may be filled up to inner recess  43  without spillage. If no separation of egg content is required, use of the insert  50  is not necessary, but for its use as a colander, as described above. Eggs are merely cracked against the recessed portion  47  in rim  48  and passed into the inner volume of the lower shell  40 . The mixing ball  60  is then inserted into the lower shell  40  before the upper shell is secured to the lower shell. 
         [0033]    Once secured the shells are secured, the egg scrambler device  10  is thoroughly shaken to agitate and mix the content against the baffles and with the help of the moving mass of the mixing ball. Doing so aerates and homogenizes the egg components, as well as any other contents inserted for mixing. For example, the egg scrambler device may effectively and efficiently form a batter, such as a pancake batter, where additional elements such as flour and milk are added with any eggs. 
         [0034]    The egg scrambler device is preferably manufactured as a hard plastic, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, parts of the device shown in  FIG. 3  are manufactured separately, by injection molding.  FIG. 4  provides the dimensional details of the various features comprising the preferred embodiment. For example, the thickness of the upper shell  20  proximate its top is between 1 and 2 mm, but preferably 1.5 mm. (dimension “E”), where the length of the upper shell between the top  16  and the seam  12  is between 65 and 75 mm, but preferably 70 mm (dimension “F”). The thickness of the base  14  is between 1 and 3 mm, but preferably 2 mm (dimension G). The maximum radial extent of the lower shell baffles (proximate the seam  12 ) is between 10 and 14 mm, but preferably 12 mm (dimension “H”). The maximum radial extent of the upper shell baffles (proximate the seam  12 ) is between 8 and 12 mm, but preferably 10 mm (dimension “I”). 
         [0035]    The thickness of the structure forming the insert  50  is between 1 and 3 mm, but preferably 1.85 mm (dimension “J”). The length of the separating vent  56  within insert  50  is between 20 and 40 mm, but preferably 25 mm (dimension “K”), where its width is between 2 and 4 mm, but preferably 2.8 mm (dimension “L”). The radius of the mixing ball  60  is between 20 and 30 mm, but preferably 25 mm (dimension “M”). While the mixing ball may be hollow, the effectiveness of mixing is increased with its weight so is preferably solid, or semi-solid. 
         [0036]    All of the parts of the egg scrambler device are readily cleanable using known means. For that matter, the insert  50  and mixing ball  60  may be stored in the inner volume during non-use. Please note, while the mixing ball  60  is intended for placement in the lower shell  40  after removal of the insert  50  (if the insert is used at all), the invention is not limited to such operation. For example, the insert might be used, and the mixing ball merely seated within the insert&#39;s spherical seat, whereby both the insert and the mixing ball remain upon closure. 
         [0037]    This is not preferred, however, as the mixing ball is thereby segregated in the inner volume of the upper shell  20  (or the lower shell  40 ) when the shells are connected with the insert remaining in place. Upon agitation and mixing, and removal of the top shell  20 , both the insert  50  and mixing ball  60  may be removed before attempting to pour out the mixed content in the inner volume of the lower shell. Alternatively, just the mixing ball  60  may be removed while leaving the insert  50  in place when pouring. 
         [0038]    In the foregoing description, certain terms and visual depictions are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be construed by the terms used or illustrations depicted, beyond what is shown in the prior art, since the terms and illustrations are exemplary only, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0039]    It is further known that other modifications may be made to the present invention, without departing the scope of the invention, as noted in the appended claims.