IP Library Granted Patent US 12,171,372
Granted Patent B2
US 12,171,372 · App. 17/473,056 · Granted Dec 24, 2024

Blending volume reducing device

Inventors: Eugene J. Kozlowski (Medina, OH); Mark F. Fleming (Strongsville, OH); David J. Kolar (Stow, OH); Stephen Hosey (North Olmsted, OH); Fred H. Mehlman (Brunswick, OH); Jonathan Emerson (Olmsted Township, OH); Brian Harvanec (Olmsted Township, OH); Richard D. Boozer (Wakeman, OH); Stephen P. Rukavina (Rocky River, OH)
Assignee: Vita-Mix Management Corporation
A47J43/046A47J43/0727
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,171,372
App. No.
17/473,056
Granted
Dec 24, 2024
Kind
B2
Abstract

A blending system is disclosed herein. The blending system may comprise a blender base, a container and a blending volume reduction device. The blending volume reduction device may be removably inserted into the container of the blender system at various positions. The positions may alter the working volume of the container when the blending volume reduction device is inserted in the container.

Claims (27)

1. A blending system comprising:

a container comprising a closed end and an open end, the open end operatively attachable to a blade base; and

a cover member disposed within the container and engaged with the container, the cover member comprising at least two arms coupled to and extending from the cover member into a cavity of the container.

2. The blending system of claim 1 further comprising a sealing member formed in the cover member sealing the cover member to at least a portion of the inner wall of the container.

3. The blending system of claim 1 further comprising a magnetic connection coupling the cover member to an inner wall of the container.

4. The blending system of claim 1 further comprising a handle connected to the cover member and configured to position the cover member.

5. The blending system of claim 2 , wherein the at least the portion inner wall comprises the closed end.

6. A blending system comprising:

a container comprising a sidewall, a first end, wherein the first end is open, and a second end remote of the first end;

a chamber defined by the container;

a blade base receivable at the first end; and

a volume reducing device disposed proximal the second end and at least partially disposed within the chamber, the volume reducing device comprising an outer perimeter disposed about a center and a concave inner surface extending from the center to the outer perimeter.

7. The blending system of claim 6 further comprising a blender base, wherein the first end of the container body is configured to be coupled to the blender base.

8. The blending system of claim 6 , wherein the volume reducing device is formed of rubber or plastic.

9. The blending system of claim 6 , wherein the volume reducing device comprises one or more arms extending into the chamber.

10. The blending system of claim 9 , wherein the at least one arm comprises a pair of arms.

11. The blending system of claim 6 , wherein the volume reducing device is formed from elastic, viscoelastic material that forms a seal between the volume reducing device and the container.

12. The blending system of claim 6 , wherein the volume reducing device comprises a sealing member formed sealing the volume reducing device to an inner wall of the container.

13. A blending system comprising:

a container comprising a sidewall, a first end configured to be mounted to a blender base, and a second end remote of the first end, the first end being open;

a chamber defined by the container; and

a volume reducing device comprising one or more arms, a handle, and an engaging member comprising one or more tabs, and wherein the one or more arms move in response to movement of the handle.

14. The blending system of claim 13 , wherein the volume reducing device is extendable into the chamber from the second end while maintaining a seal at the second end.

15. The blending system of claim 13 , wherein the engaging member includes one or more magnets.

16. The blending system of claim 13 , wherein the one or more arms are rotatable about an axis passing through the open end and the closed end, via rotation of the handle.

17. The blending system of claim 13 , wherein the handle is removable from the volume reducing device.

18. The blending system of claim 13 further comprising a blade assembly positioned in the container, wherein the one or more arms of the volume reducing device do not contact the blade assembly upon operative insertion of the volume reducing device into the container.

Assignments (1)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 28, 2023
From: VITA-MIX MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 064425/0099 →
Continuity (6)
Continuation 16442766 · Jun 17, 2019
Continuation 14826975 · Aug 14, 2015
Provisional Application 62175773 · Jun 15, 2015
Provisional Application 62083659 · Nov 24, 2014
Provisional Application 62038041 · Aug 15, 2014
Related Publication 20220192426A1 · Jun 23, 2022