Patent Description:
Home use machines that are intended to make ice creams, gelatos, frozen yogurts, sorbets and the like are known in the art. Typically, a user adds a series of non-frozen ingredients to a beaker. The ingredients are then churned by a paddle while a refrigeration mechanism simultaneously freezes the ingredients. These devices have known shortcomings including, but not limited to, the amount of time and effort required by the user to complete the ice cream making process. Machines of this nature are impractical for preparing most non-dessert food products.

An alternative type of machine known to make a frozen food product is a micro-puree machine. Typically, machines of this nature spin and plunge a blade into a pre-frozen ingredient or combination of ingredients. While able to make frozen desserts like ice creams, gelatos, frozen yogurts, sorbets and the like, micro puree style machines can also prepare non-dessert types of foods such as non-dessert purees and mousses. In addition, consumers can prepare either an entire batch of ingredients or a pre-desired number of servings.

Some current micro puree machines have both a position motor subassembly for moving the spinning blade up and down relative to the ingredients, and a separate drive motor subassembly for rotating the blade. In these cases, the drive motor subassembly may be required to move up and down with the position motor subassembly, complicating the internal drive mechanisms.

<CIT> describes an electric mixer to modify the consistency of the phase of a confectionery product, that includes a container for the product, a member closing the container and a tool for working the product which are in line with each other and a movement device capable of moving the container. The movement device includes a first reversible movement of the open container with respect to the closing member between an initial position in which the container is open and a final position in which the container is closed, and a second reversible movement of the closed container with respect to the tool between an initial position of minimum penetration of the tool into the container and a final position of maximum penetration of the tool into the container. <CIT> discloses an apparatus, preferably a domestic or culinary appliance, which is suitable for producing creamy or mousse-like food. The apparatus comprises a vessel for holding food which is substantially in block form. A mincing arrangement (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) with variable advance of a mincing member (<NUM>) in the direction of the vessel comprises a rotary blade at its end facing the vessel. Means (<NUM>) are also provided for varying the ratio between the speed of rotation of the blade and the advance speed. <CIT> describes a device for shredding deep-frozen food products in block form that comprises a tool which is rotated around an axis of rotation (X) and advanced towards the block, thereby scraping off layers from the block. The device comprises two drive motors for generating rotational and feed movements of the tool, which can be controlled separately, at least one being of variable-speed. The device also includes a gear arrangement coupled to the drive motors in such a way that only one of the drive motors rotates the tool and other drive motors together serve to feed the tool, in a way that at a certain rotational speed ratio of the two drive motors the tool is rotated without axial movement of the latter and, at other rotational speed ratios advancing or retracting movement of the tool along the axis of rotation (X) occurs.

This disclosure describes a micro puree machine having a spinning bowl assembly, which solves the problems of the prior art. The bowl assembly includes a beaker removeably attachable to a beaker coupling located inside a bowl. The beaker coupling operatively couples to a rotation motor subassembly for rotation of the beaker coupling (and hence the beaker) relative to the bowl while the mixing blade for mixing ingredients remains stationary. The bowl in turn locks onto a bayonet structure on a base of the micro puree machine, which secures the bowl in position on the base while the beaker coupling and the beaker rotate.

Embodiments of the micro puree machine of this disclosure may include one or more of the following, in any suitable combination.

In embodiments, a micro puree machine of this disclosure includes a bowl assembly. The bowl assembly includes a beaker configured to receive ingredients therein. The beaker has a bottom surface that includes at least one first alignment structure. A beaker coupling is configured to receive the beaker therein. The beaker coupling has an upper surface that includes at least one second alignment structure. A bowl is configured to receive the beaker coupling and the beaker therein. The beaker coupling is operatively coupled to a drive motor for rotation about an axis relative to the bowl. The at least one first alignment structure is complementary to the at least one second alignment structure such that, when the beaker is positioned within the beaker coupling, the at least one first alignment structure and the at least one second alignment structure prevent rotation of the beaker relative to the beaker coupling.

In further embodiments, the bowl has a bottom surface that includes at least one coupling member configured to receive and attach to a portion of a platform of the micro puree machine. In embodiments, the beaker has an upper rim that defines an outwardly projecting lip along a portion of the rim. In embodiments, the at least one second alignment structure extends upward into a beaker volume defined by the beaker. In embodiments, the at least one second alignment structure is positioned closer to an outer circumference of the beaker coupling than to a central axis of the beaker coupling. In embodiments, the at least one first alignment structure creates a void on the exterior bottom surface of the beaker. In embodiments, the at least one first alignment structure and the at least one second alignment structure are generally rectangular. In embodiments, the at least one first alignment structure comprises at least three first alignment structures. In embodiments, the at least one second alignment structure comprises at least three second alignment structures. In embodiments, the beaker coupling is attached to a drive motor coupling of the drive motor.

In embodiments, a method of operating a micro puree machine of this disclosure includes positioning a beaker within a beaker coupling of the micro puree machine. The beaker is configured to receive ingredients therein. The beaker has a bottom surface that includes at least one first alignment structure. The beaker coupling has an upper surface that includes at least one second alignment structure. The beaker coupling is located within a bowl. The method also includes attaching the bowl to a platform of the micro puree machine. The beaker coupling is operatively coupled to a drive motor for rotation about an axis relative to the bowl. The at least one first alignment structure is complementary to the at least one second alignment structure such that, when the beaker is positioned within the beaker coupling, the at least one first alignment structure and the at least one second alignment structure prevent rotation of the beaker relative to the beaker coupling.

In further embodiments, the bowl has a bottom surface that includes at least one coupling member configured to receive and attach to a portion of the platform of the micro puree machine. In embodiments, the beaker has an upper rim that defines an outwardly projecting lip along a portion of the rim. In embodiments, the at least one second alignment structure extends upward into a beaker volume defined by the beaker. In embodiments, the at least one second alignment structure is positioned closer to an outer circumference of the beaker coupling than to a central axis of the beaker coupling. In embodiments, the at least one first alignment structure creates a void on the exterior bottom surface of the beaker. In embodiments, the at least one first alignment structure includes at least three first alignment structures. In embodiments, the at least one second alignment structure includes at least three second alignment structures. In embodiments, the beaker coupling is attached to drive motor coupling of the drive motor.

A reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings will make apparent the advantages of these and other structures. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description serve as an explanation only and do not restrict aspects of the disclosure as claimed.

Reference to the detailed description, combined with the following figures, will make the disclosure more fully understood, wherein:.

In the following description, like components have the same reference numerals, regardless of different illustrated embodiments. To illustrate embodiments clearly and concisely, the drawings may not necessarily reflect appropriate scale and may have certain structures shown in somewhat schematic form. The disclosure may describe and/or illustrate structures in one embodiment, and in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments, and/or combined with or instead of the structures of the other embodiments.

In the specification and claims, for the purposes of describing and defining the invention, the terms "about" and "substantially" represent the inherent degree of uncertainty attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The terms "about" and "substantially" moreover represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. Open-ended terms, such as "comprise," "include," and/or plural forms of each, include the listed parts and can include additional parts not listed, while terms such as "and/or" include one or more of the listed parts and combinations of the listed parts. Use of the terms "top," "bottom," "above," "below" and the like helps only in the clear description of the disclosure and does not limit the structure, positioning and/or operation of the feed chute assembly in any manner.

<FIG> shows an isometric view of a micro puree machine <NUM> according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. The micro puree machine <NUM> may include a lower housing or base <NUM> and an upper housing <NUM>. A middle housing <NUM> may extend between the lower housing <NUM> and the upper housing <NUM>. The upper housing <NUM> may include an interface <NUM> for receiving user inputs to control the micro puree machine <NUM> and/or display information. The micro puree machine <NUM> may also include a removable bowl <NUM> and a lid <NUM> coupled to the bowl <NUM>. The bowl <NUM> may contain one or more pre-frozen ingredients for processing. A user may place the bowl <NUM> and the lid <NUM> on the lower housing <NUM>. The user then may rotate the bowl <NUM> and the lid <NUM> on a lifting platform <NUM> from a down position to an up position, and vice versa.

<FIG> shows the micro puree machine <NUM> of <FIG> with the bowl <NUM> removed for ease of illustration. When the user raises the bowl <NUM> and the lid <NUM> vertically to the up position, a blade <NUM> (<FIG>) within the lid <NUM> engages with a mixing shaft <NUM> extending from the upper housing <NUM>. The mixing shaft <NUM> delivers a rotational force to the blade <NUM> to spin one or more blades as they engage with ingredients inside the bowl <NUM>. Further non-limiting embodiments of the micro puree machine <NUM> are described in <CIT>), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

<FIG> shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the blade <NUM> of this disclosure. Embodiments of the blade <NUM> can comprise a unitary structure or distinct structures joined together either directly or indirectly. In embodiments, the material of the blade <NUM> may comprise cast stainless steel with a PVD titanium coating. The blade <NUM> may comprise one or more cutting arms <NUM>, <NUM> (for example, two as shown) and one or more mixing arms <NUM>, <NUM> (for example, two as shown). The blade <NUM> may further comprise a central support hub <NUM>. The cutting arms <NUM>, <NUM> and the mixing arms <NUM>, <NUM> extend outward from the central support hub <NUM>. The central support hub <NUM> may define a central opening <NUM> for accepting the mixing shaft <NUM> (<FIG>). The cutting arms <NUM> and <NUM> may comprise a horizontally extending length having a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>. The proximal end <NUM> may meet the central support hub <NUM>. Likewise, mixing arms <NUM>, <NUM> may extend from the central support hub <NUM> and may be generally positioned in an opposing orientation. In embodiments, the blade <NUM> may be configured to move up and down with the vertical movement of the mixing shaft <NUM> relative to the upper housing <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the beaker assembly <NUM> of this disclosure in an assembled view (<FIG>) and a disassembled view (<FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, the beaker assembly <NUM> may include a beaker <NUM> and a beaker coupling <NUM>. In embodiments, the beaker assembly <NUM> is sized to fit within the bowl <NUM> (<FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, the beaker <NUM> may have one or more alternating beaker alignment structures <NUM>, <NUM> on the bottom surface 351a of the beaker <NUM>. The beaker alignment structures <NUM>, <NUM> may be generally rectangular and may create a void on the exterior bottom surface of the beaker <NUM>. In embodiments, the number of coupling structures <NUM>, <NUM> is at maximum eight structures <NUM>, <NUM>, as shown. However, the disclosure also contemplates as few as three structures <NUM>, <NUM>. In an illustrative embodiment, the beaker alignment structures <NUM> have a peripheral wall <NUM> that meets the bottom surface 351a of the beaker <NUM> at an angle. The alignment structures <NUM> have a peripheral wall <NUM> that creates a vertical face <NUM>. Once the beaker <NUM> is joined with the beaker coupling <NUM>, the vertical face <NUM> prevents rotation of the beaker <NUM> relative to the beaker coupling <NUM> when the moving blade assembly <NUM> is operating during use of the device. The beaker alignment structures <NUM>, <NUM> also prevent ingredients from rotational movement relative to the beaker <NUM> in the direction of the movement of the beaker <NUM> during use. In embodiments, the beaker <NUM> can be manufactured from a disposable material to enhance the convenience of using the micro puree machine <NUM>. Further, the beaker <NUM> can be sold as a stand-alone item, and further can be prefilled with ingredients to be processed during use of the micro puree machine <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the top surface 358b of the beaker coupling <NUM> may comprise one or more alignment structures <NUM> that extend upward into the beaker <NUM>. The alignment structures <NUM> may be generally rectangular and may engage with the alignment structures <NUM>, <NUM> on the bottom surface 351a of the beaker <NUM>. The vertical faces <NUM> of the beaker alignment structures <NUM> may abut the beaker coupling alignment structures <NUM> to prevent the relative rotational movement of the beaker <NUM> within the beaker coupling <NUM> during use of the micro puree machine <NUM>. The alignment structures <NUM> may be positioned closer to an outer circumference of the beaker coupling <NUM> than to a central axis of the beaker coupling <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the beaker <NUM> assembled to the beaker coupling <NUM> according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, a height of a wall <NUM> of the beaker coupling <NUM> may be selected to aid in the fixing of the beaker <NUM> to prevent the beaker <NUM> from moving during rotation of the beaker coupling <NUM>.

<FIG> is an isometric view of the top of the lifting platform <NUM> according to an embodiment of this disclosure. <FIG> is an isometric view of the bowl <NUM>, which may be coupleable to the lifting platform <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the bowl <NUM> may comprise locating and locking elements for positioning and connecting the bowl <NUM> to the top of the lifting platform <NUM>. For example, as can be seen in <FIG>, the underside of the bowl <NUM> may comprise one or more indentations <NUM> sized to receive corresponding projections <NUM> on the top of the lifting platform <NUM>. At least one such projection on the top of the lifting platform <NUM> may comprise a cutaway <NUM> to receive a corresponding ledge <NUM> on the bowl <NUM> when the bowl <NUM> is rotated on the lifting platform <NUM>, locking the bowl <NUM> and the lifting platform <NUM> together.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the beaker <NUM> and beaker coupling <NUM> inserted into the bowl <NUM> according to an embodiment of this disclosure. In embodiments, the beaker coupling <NUM> may attach to a drive motor coupling <NUM>, which is operatively coupled to a drive motor <NUM> via a shaft <NUM> for rotation of the beaker coupling <NUM> (and hence the beaker <NUM>) within the bowl <NUM>. In embodiments, when the beaker <NUM> is coupled to the beaker coupling <NUM>, an outward facing flange <NUM> extends above the bowl <NUM> to act as a gripping surface for the ease of removal of the beaker <NUM> from the bowl <NUM>. Activation of the drive motor occurs <NUM> when an interlock lever <NUM> integrated into a handle <NUM> of the bowl <NUM> which depresses a micro-switch located in the base <NUM> of the micro puree machine <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A micro puree machine (<NUM>) including a bowl assembly, the bowl assembly comprising:
a beaker (<NUM>) configured to receive ingredients therein, the beaker (<NUM>) comprising a bottom surface (351a) that includes at least one first alignment structure (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a beaker coupling (<NUM>) configured to receive the beaker (<NUM>) therein, the beaker coupling (<NUM>) comprising an upper surface (358b) that includes at least one second alignment structure (<NUM>); and
a bowl (<NUM>) configured to receive the beaker coupling (<NUM>) and the beaker (<NUM>) therein;
wherein the at least one first alignment structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) is complementary to the at least one second alignment structure (<NUM>) such that, when the beaker (<NUM>) is positioned within the beaker coupling (<NUM>), the at least one first alignment structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the at least one second alignment structure (<NUM>) prevent rotation of the beaker (<NUM>) relative to the beaker coupling (<NUM>), characterized in that the beaker coupling (<NUM>) is operatively coupled to a drive motor (<NUM>) for rotation about an axis relative to the bowl (<NUM>).