Patent ID: 12201241

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention discloses an electric spice grinder with digital thermometer. The present invention provides users with a device that dispenses milled spices automatically and includes a digital thermometer that can be used to monitor the temperature of food products being cooked. As can be seen inFIGS.1through8and13, the present invention comprises a grinder housing1, a food thermometer7, a grinder mechanism13, a portable power source23, and a controller24. The grinder housing1corresponds to the main structure of the present invention that houses the rest of the components in a portable and ergonomic way. The food thermometer7can be used to monitor the temperature of the desired food product separate from the grinder housing1. The grinder mechanism13corresponds to the motorized mechanism that automatically dispenses a desired amount of milled spice at a desired grind level. The portable power source23provides the power necessary to sustain the automatic operation of the food thermometer7, the grinder mechanism13, and the controller24. The controller24enables the user to selectively control the operation of the food thermometer7and the grinder mechanism13.

The general configuration of the aforementioned components enables the user to more efficiently condiment and track the temperature of a desired food product using a single device. As can be seen inFIGS.1through8and13, the grinder housing1is preferably a portable structure designed to be operated single-handedly or with two hands. For example, the grinder housing1can be an elongated tubular structure with a thinner end that can be used as the handle portion of the structure and a wider end from which the milled spice is dispensed. So, in general, the grinder housing1comprises a closed housing base2, an open housing base3, a housing lateral wall4, and a thermometer slot5. The closed housing base2and the open housing base3correspond to the opposite terminal bases of the grinder housing1. The closed housing base2corresponds to the housing base adjacent to the portion of the grinder housing1where most of the electrical and electronic components are positioned. The open housing base3corresponds to the housing base through which the milled spices are dispensed. The portion of the grinder housing1adjacent to the open housing base3preferably stores the desired spices that can be grinded by the grinder mechanism13. Further, the housing lateral wall4corresponds to the lateral structure of the grinder housing1that accommodates different control features. The thermometer slot5corresponds to the space that retains the food thermometer7when not in use.

As can be seen inFIGS.1through8and13, the food thermometer7is preferably a digital thermometer that can be designed to monitor a wide range of temperatures while being exposed to high temperatures. This allows the food thermometer7to be used while cooking the desired food products. In addition, the food thermometer7preferably has an elongated design that can be inserted into the desired food product. So, the food thermometer7generally comprises a pointed thermometer end8and a graspable thermometer end9corresponding to the opposite terminal ends of the food thermometer7. The pointed thermometer end8corresponds to the end of the food thermometer7that can be inserted into the desired food product. On the other hand, the graspable thermometer end9corresponds to the end of the food thermometer7that can be safely grabbed by the user when monitoring the temperature of the desired food product. Different materials can be implemented on the graspable thermometer end9to protect the user's hand from high temperatures. In other embodiments, the structure of the food thermometer7can be modified for specific applications.

In the preferred embodiment, the present invention can be arranged as follows: the closed housing base2is positioned opposite to the open housing base3about the housing lateral wall4due to the elongated design of the grinder housing1, as can be seen inFIGS.1through8and13. The controller24and the portable power source23are mounted within the grinder housing1, adjacent to the closed housing base2, to isolate the controller24and the portable power source23from the environment. In addition, the thermometer slot5is integrated into the housing lateral wall4to receive the food thermometer7. The thermometer slot5is preferably aligned with the longitudinal axis of the grinder housing1so that the food thermometer7fits on the grinder housing1without obstructing the grinder mechanism13. Further, the grinder mechanism13is operatively integrated into the open housing base3to incorporate the grinder mechanism13in the grinder housing1. The grinder mechanism13is used to dispense a quantity of granular spice out of the open housing base3. The quantity of granular spice can be predetermined amounts of spice that are dispensed in controlled intervals every time the user engages the grinder mechanism13. The quantity of granular spice can be adjusted via the controller24so that the desired amount of spice is milled and dispensed.

Furthermore, as can be seen inFIGS.1through8and13, the food thermometer7is detachably mounted into the thermometer slot5so that the user can retrieve the food thermometer7whenever necessary. Due to the elongated design of the food thermometer7, the pointed thermometer end8and the graspable thermometer end9are positioned opposite to each other along the food thermometer7. Further, the pointed thermometer end8is preferably positioned adjacent to the open housing base3, while the graspable thermometer end9is positioned adjacent to the closed housing base2. This way, the arrangement of the food thermometer7matches the design of the grinder housing1to facilitate the use of the present invention. Further, the food thermometer7is communicably coupled to the controller24so that the signals generated by the food thermometer7can be transmitted to the controller24for processing. The grinder mechanism13is also electronically connected to the controller24so that the operation of the grinder mechanism13can be adjusted via the controller24. Furthermore, the grinder mechanism13and the controller24are electrically connected to the portable power source23to receive the power necessary for the operation of each component. In other embodiments, the arrangement of the components of the present invention can be altered to accommodate different designs of the grinder housing1.

As previously discussed, the food thermometer7is preferably a detachable component to allow the safe monitoring of the temperature of the desired food product. As can be seen inFIGS.1through8and13, to allow the recharging of the food thermometer7, the present invention may further comprise a grinder induction coil25that allows for the wireless charging of the food thermometer7. To enable the wireless charging of the food thermometer7, the food thermometer7may comprise a thermometer housing10, a thermometer battery11, and a thermometer induction coil12. To implement the grinder induction coil25, the grinder induction coil25is mounted within the grinder housing1, adjacent to the thermometer slot5. This way, the grinder induction coil25is protected by the grinder housing1. Further, the grinder induction coil25is electrically connected to the portable power source23to receive charge from the portable power source23. On the other hand, the thermometer battery11and the thermometer induction coil12are mounted within the thermometer housing10, adjacent to the grasping end, so that the thermometer battery11and the thermometer induction coil12are protected within the food thermometer7. Further, the thermometer induction coil12is positioned adjacent to the grinder induction coil25to allow for the induction charging of the food thermometer7when the food thermometer7is placed within the thermometer slot5. Furthermore, the thermometer induction coil12is electrically connected to the thermometer battery11to enable the food thermometer7to operate when removed from the grinder housing1. In other embodiments, different charging mechanisms can be implemented, such as a direct wired connection between the food thermometer7and the grinder housing1.

As can be seen inFIGS.1through8and13, in some embodiments, the food thermometer7may include a digital display to visually indicate the food temperature measured using the food thermometer7so that the user can directly monitor the food temperature from the food thermometer7. In other embodiments, the display can be implemented on the grinder housing1so that the user can monitor the food temperature from the grinder housing1. In this embodiment, the present invention may further comprise a temperature display26designed to output in real time the temperature readings from the food thermometer7. The temperature display26is preferably a digital display that outputs the temperature readings based on the thermometer signals transmitted by the food thermometer7. To do so, the temperature display26is positioned adjacent to the thermometer slot5to not obstruct the operation of the grinder mechanism13. The positioning of the temperature display26also facilitates the monitoring of the food temperature by maintaining the temperature display26in the same location from which the food thermometer7is retrieved. Further, the temperature display26is integrated onto the housing lateral wall4to incorporate the temperature display26into the grinder housing1. Furthermore, the temperature display26is electronically connected to the controller24and electrically connected to the portable power source23. This way, the temperature display26can be powered by the portable power source23and the operation can be controlled via the controller24.

Due to the food thermometer7being a digital thermometer, different functions can be implemented to enhance the operation of the food thermometer7. As can be seen inFIGS.1through8and13, in one embodiment, the present invention may further comprise a hold button27that allows the user to hold onto a specific temperature reading while cooking the desired food product. The hold button27is preferably positioned adjacent to the thermometer slot5so that the hold button27is positioned adjacent to the temperature display26. Further, the hold button27is integrated into the housing lateral wall4to incorporate the hold button27on the grinder housing1. In addition, the hold button27is electronically connected to the controller24to generate the hold signal once the hold button27is pressed. This way, when the user presses the hold button27while monitoring the food temperature, the current temperature reading is continuously displayed on the temperature display26.

In addition to the hold button27, the present invention may further comprise a reset button28that resets the temperature reading on the temperature display26to a predetermined value, such as zero degrees. As can be seen inFIGS.1through8and13, the reset button28is positioned adjacent to the thermometer slot5. The reset button28can be provided adjacent to the hold button27for easy access by the user. In addition, the reset button28is integrated into the housing lateral wall4to incorporate the reset button28into the grinder housing1. Further, the reset button28is electronically connected to the controller24to generate the reset signal once the reset button28is pressed. In other embodiments, different user interface features can be implemented that enhance the functionality of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the present invention may include means to monitor the temperature of the desired food product remotely. For example, the present invention may include an accompanying software application that allows the user to monitor the temperature readings of the food thermometer7from a separate computing device. The software application can be developed for different computing devices including, but not limited to, smartphones, tablet computers, laptops, desktops, etc. Further, the present invention may comprise a wireless module that allows the controller24to be communicably coupled with the wireless features of the computing device with the software application. For example, the smartphone with the software application can be paired with the present invention via the wireless module to enable the transmission of the temperature readings from the food thermometer7. The wireless module is electronically connected to the controller24so that the processed signals from the controller24can be wirelessly transmitted to the user's computing device. Furthermore, the software app can include several functions that facilitate the cooking process of different food products. For example, the software application can include a current temperature function, a cooking time feature, etc. In alternate embodiments, different cooking features can be implemented into the software application.

As can be seen inFIGS.1through8and13, the present invention includes means for the user to keep track of the operation of the different components. In some embodiments, the present invention may further comprise a thermometer indicator29that allows the user to monitor when the food thermometer7is activated. The thermometer indicator29can be one or more Light Emitting Diode (LEDs) or other appropriate light sources. The thermometer indicator29is positioned adjacent to the thermometer slot5to keep the thermometer indicator29adjacent to the temperature display26. In addition, the thermometer indicator29is integrated into the housing lateral wall4to incorporate the thermometer indicator29into the grinder housing1. Further, the thermometer indicator29is electronically connected to the controller24and is electrically connected to the portable power source23. This way, the thermometer indicator29can activate when the food thermometer7is activated and is powered by the portable power source23. In other embodiments, different indicators for other functions of the present invention can be implemented.

As previously discussed, the grinder mechanism13allows for a controlled amount of milled spices to be dispensed at periodical intervals. In addition, the grinder mechanism13allows the user to control the grind level of the milled spices being dispensed. As can be seen inFIGS.1through8and13, the grinder mechanism13may comprise a motor14, a grinder axle17, a spring-loaded grinder wheel20, an annular grinder base21, and a gap-adjusting fastener22. The motor14enables the automatic dispensing of the predetermined amount of milled spices. The grinder axle17, the spring-loaded grinder wheel20, and the annular grinder base21allow for the milling of the desired spices. The gap-adjusting fastener22allows the user to control the grind level of the milled spices being dispensed. Further, the motor14comprises a rotor15and a stator16corresponding to the rotating portion and the static portion of the motor14. The grinder axle17also comprises a first axle end18and a second axle end19corresponding to the terminal ends of the grinder axle17.

In the preferred embodiment, as can be seen inFIGS.1through8and13, the grinder mechanism13can be implemented as follows: the stator16is mounted within the closed housing base2to secure the motor14within the grinder housing1. The grinder axle17, the spring-loaded grinder wheel20, and the annular grinder base21are axially aligned to the rotor15so that the arrangement matches the overall tubular design of the grinder housing1. Further, the annular grinder base21is mounted within the open housing base3to also secure the annular grinder base21within the grinder housing1. The annular grinder base21corresponds to the structure against which the spices are grinded by the spring-loaded grinder wheel20. In addition, the first axle end18is torsionally connected to the rotor15so that the motor14drives the rotation of the grinder axle17. On the other, the second axle end19is positioned adjacent to the annular grinder base21to physically position the spring-loaded grinder wheel20adjacent to the annular grinder base21.

As can be seen inFIGS.1through8and13, the spring-loaded grinder wheel20is further enmeshed onto the annular grinder base21, opposite to the motor14, so that the spring-loaded grinder wheel20mills the spices that fall between the spring-loaded grinder wheel20and the annular grinder base21. Furthermore, the spring-loaded grinder wheel20is torsionally connected to the second axle end19by the gap-adjusting fastener22so that the rotation of the grinder axle17drives the rotation of the spring-loaded grinder wheel20. The gap-adjusting fastener22is preferably a fastener with an external lever that the user can manually rotate to engage the fastener in order to adjust the positioning of the spring-loaded grinder wheel20relative to the annular grinder base21. For example, the tighter the user fastens the gap-adjusting fastener22, the closer the spring-loaded grinder wheel20is positioned to the annular grinder base21. This results in spices being milled and dispensed with a finer grind. On the other hand, the looser the user fastens the gap-adjusting fastener22, the farther apart the spring-loaded grinder wheel20is positioned from the annular grinder base21. This results in spices being milled and dispensed with a coarser grind.

In the preferred embodiment, the present invention can be used to dispensed different milled spices including, but not limited to, salt, pepper, etc. As can be seen inFIGS.1through8and13, the grinder housing1is designed to retain a quantity of desired spices to automatically mill and dispense a predetermined amount of the spices when necessary. To allow the user to refill the quantity of spices within the grinder housing1, the present invention may further comprise a refilling cap30. In addition, the grinder housing1may further comprise a refilling opening6that accommodates the refilling cap30on the grinder housing1. The refilling opening6is positioned offset from the closed housing base2to not expose the electronic and electrical components mounted within. In addition, the refilling opening6traverses into the housing lateral wall4to allow access into the interior of the grinder housing1adjacent to the open housing base3. The space adjacent to the open housing base3can be altered to retain different amounts of spices within the grinder housing1. Furthermore, the refilling cap30is mounted onto the refilling opening6to seal the refilling opening6. This way, the user can remove the refilling cap30to refill the spices and then securely seal the refilling opening6to prevent the spices from falling out. In other embodiments, different refilling mechanisms can be implemented in the present invention.

As previously discussed, the present invention allows for the automatic dispensing of milled spices. As can be seen inFIGS.1through8and13, to allow the user to control when the grinder mechanism13is engaged, the present invention may further comprise a power button31. The power button31is a physical interface that allows the user to manually control when the grinder mechanism13is engaged to dispense a predetermined amount of milled spice. The power button31is preferably positioned adjacent to the closed housing base2so that the power button31can be pressed by a finger when the user grabs onto the grinder housing1. In addition, the power button31is integrated into the housing lateral wall4to implement the power button31on the grinder housing1. Further, the power button31is electronically connected to the controller24and is electrically connected to the portable power source23. This way, when the user presses the power button31, the grinder mechanism13is engaged under predetermined operational settings. In other embodiments, different control inputs can be implemented on the grinder housing1to allow the user to configure different operational settings of the present invention.

The portable power source23allows the present invention to be freely used anywhere by retaining a charge to power the electrical and electronic components for a predetermined period of time. The portable power source23is preferably provided as a rechargeable battery to enable the continuous use of the present invention by recharging the portable power source23. As can be seen inFIG.13, the present invention may further comprise a charging port32that allows the temporary wire connection between the portable power source23and an external electric utility to recharge the portable power source23. The charging port32is integrated into the housing lateral wall4to accommodate the appropriate power cable. For example, the power cable can be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) power cable and the charging port32can be the corresponding USB port. Further, the charging port32is electrically connected to the portable power source23to enable the current flow from the power cable to the portable power source23.

In another embodiment, the portable power source23can be wirelessly charged using inductive charging. As can be seen inFIGS.9through12and14, the present invention may further comprise a source induction coil33and a charging base34. The charging base34corresponds to a separate structure that can retain the grinder housing1while charging. The charging base34may further comprise a base housing35, a grinder-receiving slot36, a power cord37, and a base induction coil38. The base housing35corresponds to the main structure of the charging base34. The grinder-receiving slot36corresponds to the portion of the charging base34that accommodates the open housing base3. The power cord37allows the charging base34to be connected to external electrical utilities. The source induction coil33and the base induction coil38enable the inductive charging of the portable power source23.

In the preferred embodiment, the charging base34can be implemented as follows: the source induction coil33is mounted within the grinder housing1, adjacent to the open housing base3, so that the source induction coil33is protected by the grinder housing1, as can be seen inFIGS.9through12and14. The source induction coil33is also electrically connected to the portable power source23to relay the generated current to the portable power source23. Further, the grinder-receiving slot36is integrated into the base housing35to form a space that accommodates the open housing base3. In addition, the base induction coil38is mounted within the base housing35, adjacent to the grinder-receiving slot36, so that the base induction coil38is protected by the base housing35. The base inducting coil is also electrically connected to the power cord37to generate a magnetic field that allows for the inductive charging to occur. Furthermore, the power cord37traverses out of the base housing35to allow the power cord37to be connected to the external electrical utilities. In other embodiments, the charging base34can be altered to accommodate several units of the present invention so that all the units can be simultaneously recharged.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.