CN110267573B

CN110267573B - Portable stirrer group

Info

Publication number: CN110267573B
Application number: CN201680092061.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·J·米兹拉希
Original assignee: Aenegi Brand
Current assignee: Aenegi Brand
Priority date: 2016-11-30
Filing date: 2016-11-30
Publication date: 2023-03-07
Anticipated expiration: 2036-11-30
Also published as: CA3044957A1; WO2018101940A1; CN110267573A; MX2019006323A

Abstract

A portable blender includes a handle having at least one first attachment structure, an activation button, and a power activation member positioned in mechanical engagement with each of the activation button and power switch. The portable blender also includes a container body having at least one second attachment structure. The at least one first attachment structure and the at least one second attachment structure are configured to engage with each other to attach the handle to the container body and to disengage from each other to detach the handle from the container body. The portable blender also includes a container base configured to removably engage the container body. In one configuration, the blender set includes a motor subunit configured to removably engage the container base and a power supply subunit configured to removably engage the motor subunit. In another configuration, the blender includes a motor subunit configured to removably engage the base of the container and a power supply subunit included in the handle.

Description

Portable stirrer group

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to appliances for mixing food items into beverages, and more particularly, to a portable blender set including various components of different configurations that can be assembled to form blenders, each blender being adapted for portable use.

Background

Conventional blenders are large and heavy kitchen appliances that are powered by connection to an electrical outlet. Because of these physical characteristics and power requirements, conventional blenders are not easily transportable and have limited use outside of the kitchen environment. Furthermore, conventional blenders are not modular in nature. That is, they cannot be disassembled and reassembled into different configurations suitable for different uses or users.

It is desirable to have a compact, lightweight, easily transportable blender that can be operated independently of an electrical outlet. It is also desirable to have a compact, lightweight, easily transportable blender that can be assembled into different configurations. Embodiments of such a portable blender are described herein.

Drawings

Some embodiments of apparatus and/or methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which like reference symbols indicate similar components throughout:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of various components of a portable blender set that may be assembled to form various configurations of a portable blender.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a portable blender assembled from the components of the portable blender set of FIG. 1, including a container unit and a motor power supply unit that are detachable from each other, wherein the container unit has a detachable handle.

Fig. 3 and 4 are illustrations of a lower portion of the portable blender of fig. 2 with the motor power supply unit removed from the container unit. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the top of the motor power supply unit, and fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the container unit.

Fig. 5 and 6 are illustrations of a lower portion of the portable blender of fig. 2, with the power supply sub-unit and the motor sub-unit of the motor power supply unit detached from each other. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the top of the power supply subunit, and fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the motor subunit.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a container unit of the portable blender of FIG. 2 including a container body, a detachable handle attached to the container body, and a lid secured to the top of the container body.

Fig. 8 is an illustration of the upper portion of the container unit of fig. 7 with the lid removed from the container body.

Fig. 9A and 9B are illustrations of the portable blender of fig. 2 from different perspectives, and without showing the container body to show the components that control the operation of the blender.

Fig. 10A, 10B and 10C are illustrations of components associated with the detachable handle of fig. 2 that control operation of the blender.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of components associated with the container unit and motor power unit of FIG. 2 that control operation of the blender.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a lower region of the portable blender set of FIG. 2, showing components of the container unit and the motor power unit that control operation of the blender.

Fig. 13 is a schematic view of the portable blender of fig. 2.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of the portable blender set of FIG. 2 with the detachable handle removed from the container body.

Fig. 15, 16 and 17 are a series of illustrations of the container unit depicting different stages of removal of the detachable handle from the container body.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a portable blender assembled from the components of the portable blender set of FIG. 1, including a container unit and a motor power supply unit that are detachable from one another, wherein the container unit has a detachable insert in place of the handle.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of the portable blender set of FIG. 18 with the detachable insert removed from the container body.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of a portable blender including a motor sub-unit and a receptacle unit having a detachable handle with a power supply sub-unit for powering the motor.

Fig. 21A and 21B are illustrations of the portable blender of fig. 20 with portions of the container unit, motor subunit, and handle not shown to illustrate components that control operation of the blender.

Fig. 22A and 22B are illustrations of the lower portion of the portable blender as shown in fig. 21A, showing the electrical interconnection between the power supply subunit and the motor subunit of the handle.

Fig. 23 is a schematic view of the portable blender of fig. 20.

Disclosure of Invention

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some example embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of the embodiments disclosed throughout this specification and the claims appended hereto.

In one embodiment, a portable blender set includes a handle having at least one first attachment structure, an activation button, and a power activation member positioned in mechanical engagement with each of the activation button and a power switch. The portable blender set also includes a container body having at least one second attachment structure. The at least one first attachment structure and the at least one second attachment structure are configured to engage with one another to attach the handle to the container body and to disengage from one another to detach the handle from the container body. The portable blender set also includes a container base configured to removably engage the container body. In one configuration, the blender set further includes a motor subunit configured to removably engage the container base and a power supply subunit configured to removably engage the motor subunit. In this configuration, the motor sub-unit includes a power switch and attachment of the handle by engagement of the first and second attachment structures positions, e.g., aligns, the power activating member in mechanical engagement with the power switch through one or more intermediate mechanical structures of one or more of the container base and the motor sub-unit. In another configuration, the blender set further includes a motor subunit configured to removably engage the container base and a power supply subunit included in the handle. In this configuration, the handle includes a power switch and attachment of the handle by engagement of the first and second attachment structures establishes an electrical engagement, e.g., an interconnection, between the motor subunit and the power switch in the handle.

In another embodiment, a portable blender includes a motor power unit including a power switch configured to transition between an on state during which the portable blender is on and an off state during which the portable blender is off. The on state of the power switch may correspond to the switch being closed and the off state may correspond to the switch being open. The blender also includes a container unit removably coupled to the motor power supply unit. The container unit includes: a detachable handle having a handle activation button configured to transition between a first state and a second state; and a power activation member aligned to mechanically engage the handle activation button at a first end and to mechanically engage the power switch at a second end. The first state of the handle activation button may correspond to the button being pressed and the second state may correspond to the button being released. The mechanical engagement of the power activation member with the power switch and the handle activation button is such that the transition of the handle activation button from the first state to the second state causes the transition of the power switch. For example, the transition of the handle activation button from the released state to the depressed state may cause the power activation member to close the power switch, thereby turning on the blender. Subsequent transition of the handle activation button from the released state to the depressed state may cause the power activation member to open the power switch, thereby turning off the blender.

In yet another embodiment, a portable blender includes a power supply sub-unit, a motor sub-unit, and a receptacle unit removably coupled to the motor sub-unit. The container unit includes a container body and a detachable handle removably coupled to the container body. The portable blender also includes a power safety mechanism at least partially associated with the container unit and a power activation mechanism also at least partially associated with the container unit. The power safety mechanism, which may include a safety switch and one or more mechanically engageable structures, is configured to transition between an enabled state during which the portable blender can be turned on and a disabled state during which the portable blender cannot be turned on. To this end, the one or more mechanically engageable structures may be arranged to engage the safety switch to switch the safety switch between an open state and a closed state. The power activation mechanism, which may include a power activation button, a power switch, and one or more mechanically engageable structures, is configured to transition between an on state during which the portable blender is on and an off state during which the portable blender is off with the power safety mechanism in the activated state. To this end, the power activation button and the one or more mechanically engageable structures may be arranged to engage the power switch to switch the power switch between an open state and a closed state.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description, only certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, by way of illustration. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The specification and drawings are merely illustrative of the principles of various embodiments. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and are within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all embodiments described herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the embodiments, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited embodiments and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

In the context of this specification, when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or be indirectly on the other element with one or more intervening elements interposed therebetween. Also, in the context of this specification, when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" or "attached" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled or attached to the other element or indirectly connected, coupled or attached to the other element with one or more intervening elements interposed therebetween. Further, when an element is referred to as being "coupled" to another element, it may be directly coupled or in contact with the other element or be indirectly coupled or in contact with the other element with one or more intervening elements interposed therebetween.

As mentioned above, conventional blenders are large and heavy kitchen appliances that are powered by connection to an electrical outlet. Because of these physical characteristics and power requirements, conventional blenders are not easily transportable and have limited use outside of the kitchen environment. Disclosed below is a blender set that includes various components that may be selected and assembled to form different configurations of a portable blender. Each configuration is compact, lightweight, easily transportable and capable of operating independently of an electrical outlet.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of various components of a portable blender set 100 that may be selected and assembled to form various configurations of portable blenders. For descriptive purposes, the components of the portable blender set 100 may be divided into different groups based on their function. For this reason, those components of the portable blender set of FIG. 1 that are typically used to contain or hold food items are referred to as "container components," while those components that are associated with the operation of the blender are referred to as "power components.

The container components include a container body 102, a bladed container base 104, a non-bladed container base 106, a cover 108, a handle 110, and an insert 112. These components of the portable blender set 100 may be assembled to form different configurations of container units for holding food items for processing. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a container unit 202 having a handle 110 may be assembled if it is more convenient for a user of the blender group to consider having a handle for holding the container unit. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 18, if a user of the blender set prefers to hold the receptacle unit by grasping the receptacle body 102, a receptacle unit 202 having an insert 112 in place of the handle may be assembled. In other variations, the receptacle unit 202 may include a bladed receptacle base 104 for mixing large pieces of food (e.g., fruit, vegetables, and ice) into a beverage. Alternatively, the pod unit 202 may include a pod base 106 without blades for mixing or blending the beverage. In one exemplary embodiment, the assembled container unit 202 is approximately 3.25 inches in diameter at the top, approximately 2.75 inches in diameter at the top, approximately 7 inches in height, and has a capacity of approximately 16.5 fluid ounces.

The container components of the portable blender array 100 are easily assembled by rotational coupling or press fitting. To this end, each of the bladed and

non-bladed container bases

104, 106 includes a threaded region that may be mechanically coupled to a complementary threaded region at the bottom 118 of the container body 102. The container bases 104, 106 and the container body 102 are secured together by rotation to form a seal (e.g., a water-tight seal) between the components. The lid 108 may be mechanically coupled to the top 120 of the container body 102 by a press fit or a rotational coupling. Details of the components of the container unit 202 are further described below with reference to fig. 7 and 8.

With continuing reference to figure 1 of the drawings, the power components of portable blender set 100 include motor subunit 114 and power supply subunit 116. These components of the portable blender set 100 may be assembled to form a motor power unit for operating the portable blender. An example of the motor power supply unit 208 is shown in fig. 2. In one exemplary embodiment, the motor power unit has a maximum diameter of about 3.0 inches and a height of about 3.2 inches. These dimensions allow the motor power supply unit 208 to fit into a standard sized cup holder of an automobile.

The power supply components of the portable blender set 100 are easily assembled by rotational coupling. To this end, the motor subunit 114 may be mechanically coupled to the power supply subunit 116 by rotation and interlocking of the respective interlocking members. The motor subunit 114 and the power supply subunit 116 include electrical contacts that electrically couple when the motor subunit 114 and the power supply subunit 116 are mechanically coupled. The electrical coupling provides power from the power supply subunit 116 to the motor of the motor subunit 114. The interconnecting members and electrical contacts of these components are further described below with reference to fig. 5 and 6.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a portable blender 200 assembled from the components of the portable blender set 100 of FIG. 1 to form a blender including a container unit 202 having a handle 110 and a bladed container base 104. The handle 110 includes an activation button 204 that is mechanically coupled to a power activation member (not shown) that extends along a sidewall 206 of the container body 102. The power activation member is in turn mechanically coupled to a power switch of the motor power unit 208 for turning the agitator on and off. The construction and operation of the handle activation button 204, the power activation member and the power switch are further described below with reference to fig. 9-13. The bladed container base 104 includes a blade mixer 210 for blending or mixing the food.

Fig. 3 and 4 are illustrations of a lower portion of the portable blender 200 of fig. 2 in which the motor power supply unit 208 has been removed from the container unit 202. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the top of the motor power supply unit 208, and fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the container unit 202. Referring to fig. 3, the motor sub-unit 114 includes several interlock members 302 positioned around an upper perimeter 304 of the motor sub-unit. The bladed container base 104 includes a corresponding number of interlocking members 306 positioned around the perimeter 308 of the bladed container base. The

respective interlocking members

302, 306 are configured to engage each other upon rotational assembly of the container unit 202 and the motor power supply unit 208, thereby securing the units together.

With continued reference to fig. 3, the top of the mechanical structure, referred to as the power switch lever 310, is exposed at the top surface 312 of the motor subunit 114. The power switch rod 310 extends through the top of the housing 314 of the motor sub-unit 314 and is aligned with the power switch (not shown) of the motor sub-unit 114. The top of the mechanical structure, referred to as the safety switch lever 320, may also be exposed at the top surface 312 of the motor subunit 114. The safety switch lever 320 extends through the top of the housing 314 of the motor sub-unit 314 and aligns with a safety switch (not shown) of the motor sub-unit 114. The interaction and operation of the power switch lever 310, the power switch, the safety switch lever 320 and the safety switch are further described below with reference to fig. 11 to 13.

Referring to fig. 4, a mechanical structure, referred to as a power shot pin 402, extends through an aperture (not shown) in the container base 104. The power push pins 402 are surrounded by springs (not shown in fig. 4, but shown in fig. 11) and are configured to transition between an extended position in which the tip portions 408 of the power push pins project downwardly from the bottom 404 of the receptacle base and a retracted position in which the tip portions 408 are substantially flush with the bottom 404 of the receptacle base. The power prongs 402 are positioned along the perimeter of the bottom 404 of the receptacle base 104 such that when the receptacle unit 202 and the motor power unit 208 are fully rotated together, the tip portions 408 of the power prongs align with the top of the power switch lever 310 of the motor sub-unit 114.

When the power push pin 402 and the power switch lever 310 are aligned, the tip portion 408 of the power push pin is positioned adjacent the power switch lever and is thus able to engage the power switch lever. The power push pin 402 may have an associated biasing member, such as a spring, to bias the power push pin away from the power switch lever 310 from direct engagement with the power switch lever 310. Thus, upon application of a force to the power shot pins 402 sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member, the power shot pins 402 engage the power switch lever 310. Also, in the absence of such a force, the power shot pins are biased away and do not engage the power switch lever 310.

With continued reference to fig. 4, a mechanical structure, referred to as a safety push pin 410, extends through an aperture (not shown) in the container base 104. The safety push pin 410 is surrounded by a spring (not shown in fig. 4, but shown in fig. 11) and is configured to transition between an extended position in which a tip portion 412 of the safety push pin projects downwardly from the bottom 404 of the container base and a retracted position in which the tip portion 412 is substantially flush with the bottom 404 of the container base. The safety push pin 410 is positioned along the perimeter of the bottom 404 of the bladed container base 104 such that when the container unit 202 and the motor power supply unit 208 are fully rotated together, the tip portion 412 of the safety push pin is aligned with the top of the safety switch lever 320 of the motor subunit 114.

When the safety push pin 410 and the safety switch lever 320 are aligned, the tip portion 412 of the safety push pin is positioned near the safety switch lever, and thus can engage the power switch lever. The safety push pin 410 may have an associated biasing member, such as a spring, to bias the power push pin away from the safety switch lever 320 and out of direct engagement with the safety switch lever 320. Thus, upon application of a force to the safety push pin 410 sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member, the safety push pin 410 engages the safety switch lever 320. Also, in the absence of such force, the power push pin is biased away and does not engage the safety switch lever 310.

Returning to fig. 3, the motor subunit 114 includes a rotor 316 at a location above the top surface 312 of the motor subunit. The rotor 316 is coupled to a motor (not shown) within the housing 314 of the motor subunit 114 and rotates when the motor is activated. Referring to FIG. 4, the container base 104 includes a clutch 406 located in a recessed position relative to the bottom of the container base 404. The clutch 406 is coupled to the bladed mixer 210. When the container unit 202 and the motor power supply unit 208 are engaged, the rotor 316 of the motor subunit 114 is aligned with the clutch 406 such that the slots of the rotor and the slots of the clutch are engaged. Thus, at motor start-up, the rotor 316 and clutch 406 rotate together, thereby rotating the bladed mixer 210.

Referring to fig. 3, the motor subunit 114 includes a backup start button 318. The backup activation button 318 is substantially flush with the outer wall of the housing 314 and is activated by pushing the button inward relative to the outer wall. Because the backup activation button 318 is flush with the outer wall of the housing 314, the button will not be activated by the peripheral wall of the automobile cup holder when the blender is placed in the automobile cup holder. The button 318 is aligned to mechanically engage with the backup power switch of the motor power unit 208 to turn the agitator on and off. The construction and operation of the backup start button 318 and the backup power switch are further described below with reference to fig. 12 and 13.

Fig. 5 and 6 are illustrations of a lower portion of the portable blender 200 of fig. 2, in which the power supply subunit 116 has been detached from the motor subunit 114. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the top of the power supply subunit 116, and fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the motor subunit 114. Referring to fig. 5, the motor subunit 114 includes several interlocking members 502 positioned around a lower perimeter 504 of the motor subunit. The power supply subunit 116 includes a housing 506 and a power supply 508 located within the housing 506. The interlock member 510 is positioned around the perimeter of the inner wall of the housing. The respective interlock members 502, 510 are configured to engage each other when the power supply subunit 116 and the motor subunit 114 are rotationally assembled, thereby securing the units together.

The power supply 508 may include one or more disposable or rechargeable batteries. Access to the battery may be obtained through a removable bottom plate 606 of the power supply subunit 116. The power supply subunit 116 may also include an electrical port (not shown) for connecting a cable (e.g., a micro-USB cable) for charging the battery or powering the blender from an external battery (e.g., an automotive battery). The portable blender may also be powered directly by an external power supply that is electrically coupled to the blender via a port.

With continued reference to fig. 5, a pair of electrical contact dimples 512 are located on a top surface 514 of the power supply 508. Electrical contact dimple 512 is electrically coupled to a set of batteries included in power supply 508. Referring to fig. 6, a pair of electrical contact members 602 extend downwardly from a bottom 604 of the motor subunit 114. The contact member 602 is positioned on the bottom 604 of the motor subunit 114 to align with and electrically couple with the electrical contact pocket 512 of the power supply subunit 116 when the power supply subunit 116 and the motor subunit 114 are fully rotated.

The electrical contact members 602 may be spring-loaded pogo pins that switch between a recessed state during which the electrical contact members are pushed into the motor subunit 114 such that the electrical contact members do not extend downward from the bottom 604 of the motor subunit 114, and an extended state during which the electrical contact members 602 extend downward from the bottom 604 of the motor subunit 114. During initial engagement of the power supply subunit 116 and the motor subunit 114 and prior to full rotational engagement of these subunits, the electrical contact member 602 may be pushed into the motor subunit 114 by the top surface 514 of the power supply subunit. The pushing of the electrical contact member 602 by the top surface 514 continues until the rotational engagement of the power supply subunit 116 and the motor subunit 114 is complete, at which point the electrical contact member 602 and the electrical contact dimple 512 are aligned and the contact member is ejected from the motor subunit 114 to electrically couple with the electrical contact dimple 512.

When electrical contact member 602 and electrical contact pocket 512 are electrically coupled, an electrical connection is established between power source 508 and the motor of motor sub-unit 114. After the power supply subunit 116 and the motor subunit 114 are rotationally disengaged, the electrical contact members 602 and the electrical contact dimples 512 are disengaged.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the container unit 202 of the portable blender 200 of FIG. 2, showing the handle activation button 204 more clearly. Fig. 8 is an illustration of an upper portion of the container unit 202 of fig. 7, with the lid 108 removed from the container body 102. Referring to fig. 8, the components of the lid 108 are shown, including an opening 702, a cap 704 for covering the opening, and a gasket 706 for providing a water-tight seal between the lid 108 and the top 120 of the container body 102, and also showing interlocking members 802 of the container body 102 for engaging with corresponding interlocking members (not shown) on the inner wall of the lid. Fig. 8 also shows the tip 804 of the power safety member in an enabled state when the lid 108 is secured to the container body 102 (as shown in fig. 7) and in a disabled state when the lid has been removed from the container body (as shown in fig. 8). The configuration and operation of the power safety member are further described below with reference to fig. 9 to 13.

Fig. 9A and 9B are illustrations of the portable blender 200 of fig. 2 from different angles, and without showing the container body to illustrate components that control the operation of the blender. Fig. 10A, 10B, and 10C are illustrations of components associated with the detachable handle 110 of fig. 2 for controlling operation of the blender. Fig. 11 is an illustration of components associated with the container unit 202 and the motor power supply unit 208 of fig. 2 for controlling the operation of the blender. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a lower region of the portable blender 200 of FIG. 2, showing components that control the operation of the blender. FIG. 13 is a schematic view of components controlling the operation of the agitator.

Referring to fig. 2 and 9A-11, the portable blender 200 includes a power activating member 902, the power activating member 902 being an elongated structure and extending from the bottom 118 of the container body 102 toward the top 120 of the container body. The power activation member 902 may be formed of metal or rigid plastic. The power activating member 902 may be located in a recessed portion 1402 (shown in fig. 14) of the sidewall 206 of the container body 102 and positioned between the sidewall 206 of the container body 102 and an insert portion 904 of the handle 110. The power activating member 902 is fixed in position between the side wall 206 and the insert portion 904 in a manner that allows the power activating member to move in the height direction of the container body. In other words, the power activating member 902 is movable in an up and down direction relative to the bottom 118 and top 120 of the container body.

In one configuration, the power activating member 902 is associated with the handle 110 and is located within a recess 906, the recess 906 being associated with a back side 908 of the insertion portion 904 of the handle and extending at least partially along the length of the insertion portion. As best shown in fig. 10A, 10B, and 10C, retainers 922 extend outwardly from the back side 908 of the handle on both sides of the slot 906. There is at least one retainer 922 on each side of the groove 906. Retainer 922 is configured to secure power activation member 902 within recess 906. For example, the retainer 922 may be slightly curved inward toward the longitudinal axis of the groove 906. Alternatively, the power activation member 902 may be associated with the container body 102 and positioned within a recess (not shown) associated with the sidewall 206 of the container body and extending at least partially along the length of the recessed portion 1402 of the sidewall. Regardless of whether the power enabling member 902 is associated with the handle 110 or the container body 102, the recess is shaped and sized to retain the power enabling member 902 in association with the sidewall 206 while allowing the power enabling member to move in an up and down direction within the recess relative to the bottom 118 and top 120 of the container body.

In yet another configuration, the power activation member 902 can be located within a recess 906 extending along a back side 908 of the insertion portion 904 of the handle 110 and a recess (not shown) extending along the sidewall 206 of the container body 102. In this case, the handle and corresponding recess of the container body combine to define a tubular channel shaped and dimensioned to both retain the power activation member 902 in association with the sidewall 206, while allowing the power activation member to move in an up and down direction within the recess relative to the bottom 118 and top 120 of the container body.

Referring to fig. 2, 7 and 9A-13, the handle activation button 204 of the handle 110 includes an extension portion 910, the extension portion 910 terminating at a location near the top of the insertion portion 904 of the handle. The power activation member 902 includes a top or first end 912 that terminates in the area of the extension 910 of the handle activation button 204 and a bottom or second end 922 that extends to the top of the container base 104 and is positioned there to engage the power promotion pin 402 of the container base. With the extension 910 of the handle activation button 204, the power activation member 902, and the power shot pins 402 of the container base 104 arranged in this manner, these components can be separately and collectively transitioned between an active on state and an inactive off state by transitioning the handle activation button from the first state to the second state. In the following description, this transition is accomplished by pressing and releasing the handle activation button, in which case the first state may be the released state and the second state may be the pressed state. The transition between the first state and the second state may be accomplished in different ways, e.g. by rotation, sliding, etc., depending on the configuration of the handle activation button.

The active state may be achieved by pressing the handle activation button 204. This depression causes the extension 910 of the handle activation button 204 to engage and move the power activation member 902, which in turn causes the bottom or second end 922 of the power activation member to engage and move the power push pin 402, which in turn causes the tip 408 of the power push pin to engage and move the power switch lever 310, which in turn causes the tip 1202 of the power switch lever to engage the power switch 1102 located on the printed circuit board 1106 below the power switch lever and set the power switch to an on closed position. As shown in fig. 13, closing the power switch 1102 may electrically couple the motor 1204 to the power source 508, thereby providing power to the motor and turning on the blender. Whether power is provided to the motor 1204 when the power switch 1102 is turned off depends on whether the safety switch 1104 is present and, if present, whether the safety switch is open or closed. For a blender configured with safety switch 1104, closure of power switch 1102 provides power to motor 1204 when the safety switch is closed. Details of the safety switch 1104 and its operation are provided below. For blenders that do not include safety switch 1104, the closing of power switch 1102 provides power to motor 1204.

The power switch 1102 may be a momentary switch, in which case the handle activation button 204 is continuously pressed to keep the blender on. In this case, the portable blender may be returned to an inactive state by releasing the handle activation button 204. This release causes the extension 910 of the handle activation button 204, the power activation member 902, the power push pin 402, the power switch lever 310, and the power switch 1102 to disengage from each other, thereby opening the power switch. Turning on the power switch 1102 electrically disconnects the motor 1204 from the power source 508, thereby removing power from the motor and turning off the agitator. Alternatively, the power switch 1102 may be a toggle switch, in which case the handle start button 204 may be released after the whisk is turned on, and the whisk will remain on until the handle start button is pressed again.

The components so described as controlling the on/off operation of the blender, including, for example, the handle activation button of its extension 910, the power activation member 902, the power push pin 402, the power switch lever 310, and the power switch 1102, may be collectively referred to as a power activation mechanism or power activation controller. In this embodiment of the portable blender, the components of the power activation mechanism are distributed between the container unit 202 and the motor power unit 208. For example, the handle activation button 204, the power activation member 902, and the power push pin 402, including the extension 910 thereof, may be associated with one or more components of the container unit 202 (including the handle 110 and/or the container body 102), while the power switch lever 310 and the power switch 1102 may be associated with one or more components of the motor power unit (including, for example, the motor subunit 114).

The portable blender 200 may include a safety feature whereby power may only be applied to the blender if safety conditions are met. For example, safety conditions may require that the lid 108 of the blender be secured in place on the top of the container body 102 prior to opening the blender. To this end, the portable blender may include a power safety member 914, the power safety member 914 being an elongated structure extending from the bottom 118 of the container body 102 toward the top 120 of the container body. The power safety member 914 may be formed of metal or rigid plastic. The power safety member 914 may be located in a recessed portion 1402 (shown in fig. 14) of the sidewall 206 of the container body 102 and positioned between the sidewall 206 of the container body 102 and the insertion portion 904 of the handle 110. The power safety member 914 is fixed in position between the side wall 206 and the insertion portion 904 in a manner that allows the power safety member to move in the height direction of the container body. In other words, the power safety member 914 may move in an up-and-down direction relative to the bottom 118 and top 120 of the container body.

In one configuration, the power safety member 914 is associated with the handle 1101 and is located within a recess 916 associated with the back side 908 of the insertion portion 904 of the handle 110 and extending at least partially along the length of the insertion portion. As best shown in fig. 10A, 10B, and 10C, retainers 922 extend outwardly from the back side 908 of the handle on both sides of the groove 916. There is at least one retainer 922 on each side of the groove 916. The retainer 922 is configured to secure the power safety member 914 within the groove 916. For example, the retainer 922 may be slightly curved inward toward the longitudinal axis of the groove 916. Alternatively, the power safety member 914 may be associated with the container body 102 and located within a groove (not shown) associated with the sidewall 206 of the container body 102 and extending at least partially along the length of the recessed portion of the sidewall. Regardless of whether the power safety member 914 is associated with the handle 110 or the container body 102, the shape and size of the recess is such as to retain the power safety member 914 in association with the sidewall 206 while allowing the power safety member to move in an up and down direction within the recess relative to the bottom 118 and top 120 of the container body.

In yet another configuration, the power safety member 914 can be located within a recess 916 extending along the back side 908 of the insertion portion 904 of the handle 110 and a recess (not shown) extending along the sidewall 206 of the container body 102. In this case, the handle and corresponding recess of the container body combine to define a tubular channel shaped and dimensioned to both retain the power safety member 914 in association with the sidewall 206, while allowing the power safety member to move in an up-and-down direction within the recess relative to the bottom 118 and top 120 of the container body.

Referring to fig. 2 and 7-13, the power safety feature 914 includes a top portion or first end 918 that extends through the top 120 of the container body 102 to allow the lid 108 to engage the tip 806 of the power safety feature and a bottom portion or second end 924 that extends to the top of the container base 104 where it is positioned to engage the safety push pin 410 of the container base. With the power safety feature 914 and the safety push pin 410 of the container base 104 arranged in this manner, these components can be separately and collectively transitioned between the enabled and disabled states by placement and removal of the cover 108.

The activated state may be obtained by placing the lid 108 on top of the container body 102. This placement causes the cover 108 to engage and move the power safety feature 914, which in turn causes the bottom or second end 924 of the power safety feature 914 to engage and move the safety push pin 410, which in turn causes the tip 412 of the safety push pin to engage and move the safety switch lever 320, which in turn causes the tip of the safety switch to engage and set the safety switch to an activated closed position below the safety switch lever on the printed circuit board 1106. Closing the safety switch 1104 enables power-up of the blender. The closed safety switch 1104, in combination with the closed power switch 1102 (described above), electrically couples the motor 1204 with the power source 508, thereby providing power to the motor and turning on the blender. If the power switch 1102 is closed but the safety switch 1104 is open, the blender cannot assume an active on state.

Safety switch 1104 may be a momentary switch, in which case lid 108 remains on container body 102 to keep the agitator on. In this case, the portable blender may be returned to the disabled state by removing the lid 108 from the container body 102. This removal causes the power safety member 914, the safety push pin 410, the safety switch lever 320, and the safety switch 1104 to disengage from each other, thereby opening the safety switch. Opening the safety switch 1104 may prevent the motor 1204 from electrically coupling with the power source 508.

The components so described as controlling the enabled/disabled state of the blender, such as the power safety feature 914, the safety push pin 410, the safety switch lever 320, and the safety switch 1104, may be collectively referred to as a power safety mechanism or a power safety controller. In this embodiment of the portable blender, the components of the power safety mechanism are distributed between the container unit 202 and the motor power unit 208. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the power safety member 914 and the power safety pin 410 are associated with one or more portions of the receptacle unit 202 (including the handle 110 and/or the receptacle body 102), while the safety switch lever 320 and the safety switch 1104 are associated with one or more portions of the motor power unit (including, for example, the motor subunit 114).

Referring to fig. 12 and 13, the operation of the portable blender may be affected by a backup activation button 318 associated with the motor subunit 114. In this case, the active state may be achieved by pressing the standby power button 318. Pressing causes the back side of the backup activation button 318 to engage the backup power switch 1206 located on the printed circuit board 1106 and place the backup power switch into an active closed position. Closing the backup power switch 1206 electrically couples the motor 1204 with the power source 508, thereby providing power to the motor and turning on the agitator.

The backup power switch 1206 may be a momentary switch, in which case the backup start button 318 is continuously pressed to keep the agitator in an active state. The portable blender may be returned to an inactive state by releasing the backup activation button 318. This release disengages the back side of backup activation button 318 from backup power switch 1206, thereby opening the power switch. Opening the backup power switch 1206 decouples the motor 1204 from the power source 508, thereby removing power from the motor and turning off the agitator. In another configuration, the backup power switch 1206 may be a toggle switch, in which case the backup start button 318 may be released after turning on the agitator, and the agitator will remain on until the backup start button is pressed again.

Fig. 14 is an illustration of the portable blender of fig. 2, wherein the handle 110 has been removed from the container body 102. While the power activating member 902 and the power safety member 914 shown in fig. 14 are positioned on the container body 102, as shown and described above with reference to fig. 10A, 10B and 10C, these components are typically integrated with the handle 110. Fig. 15, 16 and 17 are a series of illustrations of the container unit 202 depicting different stages of removal of the handle 110 from the container body 102. The handle 110 and the container body 102 are configured such that the handle may be detached or removed from the container body. To this end, the handle 110 may include at least one first attachment structure, and the container body 102 may include at least one second attachment structure configured to engage with the at least one first attachment structure of the handle to thereby attach the handle to the container body. Referring to fig. 9 and 14-17, in one configuration, the first attachment structure of the handle includes a pair of

rails

920a, 920b, and the second attachment structure of the container body includes a corresponding pair of

rail receivers

1404a, 1404b.

Referring to fig. 9A-10C, and further with respect to the first attachment structure of the handle 110, the insertion portion 904 of the handle 110 includes an attachment structure, e.g., a pair of

rails

920a, 920b that project outward from the back side 908 of the insertion portion and extend along both sides of the insertion portion. The tracks 920A, 920B, best shown in fig. 10A, 10B and 10C, are formed with a wedge-shaped L-shaped cross-section. However, the track may be formed to have other cross-sectional shapes.

Referring to fig. 14, and further with respect to the second attachment structure of the container body 102, the sidewall 206 of the container body includes a recessed portion 1402 extending from the bottom 118 of the container body toward the top 120 of the container. A second attachment structure, for example, a pair of

track receivers

1404a, 1404b, extends along both sides of the recessed portion 1402. The

track receivers

1404a, 1404b are shaped and dimensioned to receive the

tracks

920a, 920b of the handle 110. For example. If the

tracks

920a, 920b of the handle 110 are formed with a wedge-shaped L-shaped cross-section, the

track receivers

1404a, 1404b can be formed with a wedge-shaped L-shaped opening sized to receive a T-shaped track.

With respect to the container body 102, the recessed portion 1402 may be described as having an open end 1406 at the bottom 118 of the container body and a closed end 1408 at the top of the container body. As shown in fig. 14, when the container base 104 is coupled to the container body 102, the open end 1406 of the recessed portion 1402 is closed or blocked by the container base.

Referring to fig. 15, the handle 110 may be removed from the container body 102 by first removing the container base 106 from the container body. This is accomplished by rotating the container base 106 relative to the container body 102. With additional reference to fig. 16 and 17, upon removal of the container base 106, the open end 1406 of the recessed portion is exposed and the handle 110 can be detached from the container body 102 by pushing the handle downward in the direction of the bottom 118 of the container body and thereby sliding the

rails

920a, 920b of the insertion portion 904 of the handle along the

rail receivers

1404a, 1404b of the container body 102. This pushing and sliding is continued until the insertion portion 904 of the handle is completely removed from the container body 102.

The attachment of the handle 110 to the container body 102 may be accomplished in the reverse manner. That is, the

tracks

920a, 920b of the handle 110 may be aligned with the

track receivers

1404a, 1404b at the open end 1404 of the recess 1402 at the bottom 118 of the container body 102. The handle 110 is attached to the container by sliding the handle upward toward the top 120 of the container body until the handle abuts the closed end 1408 of the recessed portion 1402 and can no longer advance. The container base 104 is then secured to the bottom 118 of the container body 102, thereby closing or blocking the open end 1404 of the recessed portion 1402 and preventing the handle from sliding out of the container body, thereby holding the handle 110 in place.

In the configuration just described, the handle 110 is attached to the container body 102 or detached from the container body 102 through the open end 1406 of the bottom of the container body. In alternative configurations, the handle 110 may be attached to the container body 102 or detached from the container body 102 through an open end at the top 120 of the container body 102. For example, referring to fig. 14, the upper edge 1410 of the container body 102 may be removable. In this way, the otherwise closed end 1408 of the recessed portion 1402 of the container body 102 may be opened by removing the upper edge 1410. The handle 110 may then be inserted into the container body 102 or removed from the container body 102 through an opening at the top of the container body.

While the foregoing describes a handle attachment configuration including a track and a track receiver, other configurations are possible. For example, the first attachment structure associated with the handle may be a snap-fit protrusion, e.g., a hook-shaped member extending from the back side of the handle, and the second attachment structure associated with the container body may be a snap-fit receiver configured to receive the snap-fit protrusion, e.g., an aperture or recess in a sidewall of the container body. In this configuration, the handle 110 may be snap-fitted to the container body by pressing the snap-fit protrusion into the snap-fit receptacle. A mechanism, such as a button or lever, may be associated with one of the handle or the container body and activated to release the snap-fit projection from the snap-fit receiver to detach the handle from the container body.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a portable blender 1800 assembled from the components of the portable blender set of FIG. 1, including a container unit 202 and a motor power supply unit 208 that are detachable from one another, and a detachable insert 1802 in place of a handle. FIG. 19 is an illustration of the portable blender set of FIG. 18, wherein removable insert 1802 has been removed from container body 102. While the power activation member 902 and the power safety member 914 shown in fig. 19 are positioned on the container body 102, these components are typically integrated with the back side of the insert 1802, similar to the handle configuration shown and described above with reference to fig. 10A, 10B, and 10C. Removable insert 1802 shown in fig. 18 and 19 is configured without an activation button. Thus, when the insert 1802 is attached to the container body 102, the power activation member 902 does not function to control the operation of the blender. However, the operation of the power safety member 914 is the same as described above with reference to fig. 2 to 13. In another configuration (not shown), the insert may include an activation button, in which case the power activation member 902 will operate as described above with reference to fig. 2-13.

Regarding the insert 1802, its configuration is the same as the insert portion 904 of the handle 110 in the portable blender set of FIG. 2. The insert 1802 is removed from the container body in the same manner as described above with reference to fig. 15-17.

Fig. 20 is an illustration of a portable blender 2000 assembled from a portable blender set having some components in common with the portable blender set of fig. 1 and some different components. Common components include a motor sub-unit 2002, a container unit 2004, a bladed container base 2014, and a lid 2014. The different components relative to the portable blender set of FIG. 1 include a detachable handle 2006 with a power supply subunit 2102. The assembled portable blender 2000 includes a container unit 2004 having a container body 2010 and a detachable handle 2006 having a power supply subunit 2102 for providing power to the motor and a handle activation button 2008 for turning the blender on and off. The construction of the receptacle unit 2004 is the same as the receptacle unit 202 described above with respect to the blender of fig. 2. Accordingly, a description of the receptacle unit 2004 is not provided herein, but rather reference is made to all of the foregoing description relating to the receptacle unit 202. Also, the construction of the motor sub-unit 2002 is the same as that of the motor sub-unit 114 described for the blender of fig. 2. Accordingly, a description of the motor subunit 2002 is not provided herein, but rather reference is made to all of the foregoing description relating to the motor subunit 114.

Fig. 21A and 21B are illustrations of the portable blender 2000 of fig. 20 without showing the sides of the container body 2010, the housing 2012 of the motor subunit 2002, and the handle 2006 to illustrate the components that control the operation of the blender. Fig. 22A and 22B are illustrations of the lower portion of the portable blender as shown in fig. 21A, but with the insertion portion 2112 of the handle separated from the receptacle base 2124 to more clearly illustrate the electrical interconnection between the components of the power supply subunit 2102 and the motor subunit 2002 of the handle.

In this embodiment, detachable handle 2006 includes a power supply sub-unit 2012, a handle printed circuit board 2104, first handle conductors 2106 and second handle conductors 2108. The first handle conductor 2106 extends between the power supply subunit 2102 and the lower portion 2120 of the insertion portion 2112 of the handle. The second handle conductor 2108 extends between the handle printed circuit board 2104 and a lower portion 2120 of the insertion portion 2112 of the handle. As shown in fig. 22B, each

handle conductor

2106, 2108 terminates in a

respective metal contact

2206, 2208 at the bottom 2214 of the handle insert 2112. While hidden by the power activation button 2008 in fig. 21A and 21B, the handle printed circuit board 2104 includes a power switch 2134 and a safety switch 2136, similar to the

switches

1102, 1104 shown on the printed circuit board 1106 in fig. 11.

As best shown in fig. 21B, handle activation button 2008 of detachable handle 2006 includes extension portion 2118, with extension portion 2118 extending downward from the top of the handle toward insertion portion 2112 of the handle. The extension portion 2118 includes a channel configured to receive the safety switch rod 2116. The channel and the safety switch lever 2116 are each sized to allow the switch lever to slide back and forth within the channel. The lower end of the safety switch lever 2116 is mechanically coupled to the power supply safety member 2114. The power safety member 2114 extends upwardly along the top of the container body (not shown) toward the top of the container body and has a tip 2122 that passes through the opening in the top of the container body. Although the container body and opening are not shown in fig. 21B, referring to fig. 8, which shows the top 120 of the container body 102, the tip 806 of the power safety member passes through the container body 102. With respect to these features, the portable blender of fig. 21A and 21B is similarly constructed.

Referring to fig. 20, 22A, and 22B, the

metal contacts

2206, 2208 at the bottom 2214 of the insertion portion 2112 of the removable handle align with the corresponding

electrical contacts

2202, 2204 on the top of the container base 2124. The

electrical contacts

2202, 2204 may be, for example, pogo pin contacts. When the detachable handle 2006 is fully attached to the container body 2010, as shown in fig. 20, each

metal contact

2206, 2208 engages a respective one of the

electrical contacts

2202, 2204. The electrical connection between the

electrical contacts

2202, 2204 and the motor sub-unit 2002 is provided by corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) located on the bottom 2124 of the base of the container and the top of the motor sub-unit 2002. These electrical contacts may be similar to the electrical contacts shown and described above with reference to fig. 5 and 6 and engage when the bottom 2124 of the container base is rotationally coupled with the top of the motor subunit 2002. Electrical connection to the motor printed circuit board 2110 is provided by first and second

motor subunit conductors

2216 and 2218 extending between the top of the motor subunit 2002 and the electrical contacts at the motor printed circuit board 2110.

Referring to fig. 21A-23, the handle activation button 2008 of the handle 2006 can be transitioned between an active on state and an inactive off state by transitioning the handle activation button from a first state to a second state. In the following description, this transition is accomplished by pressing and releasing the handle activation button, in which case the first state may be the released state and the second state may be the pressed state. The transition between the first state and the second state may be accomplished in different ways, e.g. by rotation, sliding, etc., depending on the configuration of the handle activation button.

The active state may be achieved by pressing the handle activation button 2008. This depression causes the power activation member 2132 on the underside of the handle activation button 2008 to engage the power switch 2134 located on the handle printed circuit board 2104 and set the power switch to an on, closed position. The power source actuating member 2132 may be a rod-shaped member protruding downward from the lower side of the handle actuating button 2008. Alternatively, the power activation member 2132 may be only a portion of the underside surface of the handle activation button 2008. As shown in fig. 23, closing power switch 2134 may electrically couple motor 2130 with power supply subunit 2102, thereby providing power to the motor and turning on the agitator. Whether power is provided to the motor 2130 when the power switch 2134 is closed depends on whether the safety switch 2136 is present and, if present, whether the safety switch is open or closed. For an agitator configured with safety switch 2136, when the safety switch is closed, the closing of power switch 2134 provides power to motor 2130. Details of the safety switch 2136 and its operation will be provided below. For agitators that do not include safety switch 2136, closure of power switch 2134 provides power to motor 2130.

The power switch 2134 may be a momentary switch, in which case the handle activation button 2008 is continuously pressed to keep the blender on. By releasing the handle activation button 2008, the portable blender can be returned to an inactive state. This release causes the power activation member 2132 on the underside of the handle activation button 2008 to disengage from the power switch 2134, thereby turning on the power switch. Turning on the power switch 2134 electrically decouples the motor 2130 from the power subunit 2102, removing power from the motor and turning off the agitator. Alternatively, the power switch 2134 may be a toggle switch, in which case the handle start button 2008 may be released when the blender is turned on, and the blender will remain on until the handle start button is pressed again.

The components so described as controlling the on/off operation of the blender, such as the handle activation button 2008, the power activation member 2132 and the power switch 2134, may be collectively referred to as a power activation mechanism or power activation controller. In this embodiment of the portable blender, components of the power activation mechanism are associated with the handle 2006.

Referring to fig. 21A-23, as previously described, the power safety member 2114 includes a top portion, first end, that extends through the top portion 2126 of the container body to allow the cover 2128 to engage the tip 2122 of the power safety member and a lower portion, second end, that is mechanically coupled to the safety switch rod 2116. With the power supply safety member 2114 and the safety switch lever 2116 arranged in this manner, these components can be separately and collectively switched between an enabled state and a disabled state by placement and removal of the cover 2128.

The activated state may be achieved by placing the cover 2128 on top of the container body. This placement causes the cover 2128 to engage and move the power safety feature 2114, which in turn causes the lower or second end of the safety switch stem 2116 to move downward, which in turn causes the upper or first end of the safety switch stem (not shown) to engage and set the safety switch 2136 on the printed circuit board 2104 below the safety switch stem. Closing safety switch 2136 enables power activation of the agitator. The closed safety switch 2136 in combination with the closed power switch 2134 (described above) electrically couples the motor 2130 to the power supply subunit 2102, thereby providing power to the motor and turning on the agitator. If power switch 2134 is closed but safety switch 2136 is open, the agitator cannot be in the active on state.

Referring to fig. 21B, a first end of the safety switch rod 2116 may be near the top end of the extension 2118 of the handle activation button 2008 and may rest in a pocket (not shown) below the handle activation button. The first end of the safety switch lever 2116 and the underside of the handle activation button 2008 are arranged and constructed such that they operate independently of each other. To do so, pressing the handle activation button 2008 will not cause the first end of the safety switch rod 2116 to engage the safety switch 2136 on the printed circuit board 2104 below the safety switch rod and set the safety switch to an activated, closed position. Likewise, placement of the lid 2128 on the top of the container body will move the safety switch lever 2116, but this will not cause the power activation member 2132 on the underside of the handle activation button 2008 to engage the power switch 2136 located on the printed circuit board 2104 and set the power switch to an on, closed position.

Safety switch 2136 may be a momentary switch, in which case lid 2128 remains on the container body to keep the agitator activated. The portable blender can be returned to a disabled state by removing the cover 2128 from the container body. This removal causes the power safety member 2114 and the safety switch 2136 to disengage from each other, thereby opening the safety switch. Turning on the safety switch 2136 will prevent the motor 2130 from electrically coupling with the power supply subunit 2102.

The components so described as controlling the enabled/disabled state of the blender, such as the power safety feature 2114, the safety switch lever 2116 and the safety switch 2136, may be collectively referred to as a power safety mechanism or a power safety controller. In this embodiment of the portable blender, components of the power safety mechanism are associated with the handle 2006.

Referring to fig. 22B and 23, operation of the portable blender may be affected by a backup activation button 2306 associated with the motor subunit 2002. In this case, the active state may be achieved by pressing standby start button 2306. This depression causes the back side of the standby power button 2306 to engage the standby power switch 2210 located on the printed circuit board 2110 and set the standby power switch to an active, closed position. Closing backup power switch 2210 will electrically couple motor 2130 with power subunit 2102, thereby powering the motor and turning on the agitator.

The standby power switch 2210 may be a momentary switch, in which case the standby activation button 2306 is continuously pressed to keep the agitator in an active state. The portable blender can be returned to an inactive state by releasing the backup activation button 2306. This release disengages the back side of backup activation button 2306 from backup power switch 2210, turning on the power switch. Turning on standby power switch 2210 will electrically decouple motor 2130 from power supply subunit 2102, thereby removing power from the motor and turning off the blender. In another configuration, the backup power switch 2210 may be a toggle switch, in which case the backup start button 2306 may be released after turning on the agitator, and the agitator will remain on until the backup start button is pressed again.

Referring to fig. 20-22B, the insertion portion 2112 of the handle 2006 includes tracks 2212a, 2212B, similar to those described with respect to fig. 9A-10C. Thus, the handle 2006 is configured to be attached to and detached from the container body 2010 in the same manner as described above with reference to fig. 14-17.

In summary, a portable blender set is disclosed that includes a

handle

110, 2006 having at least one

first attachment structure

920a, 2212a; an

activation button

204, 2008 and a

power activation member

902, 2132 positioned for mechanical engagement with the activation button and

power switch

1102, 2134. The blender set also includes a

container body

102, 2010 having at least one

second attachment structure

1404a, 2014. The at least one

first attachment structure

920a, 2212a and the at least one

second attachment structure

1404a, 2014a are configured to engage one another to attach the

handle

110, 200 to the

container body

102, 2010 and to disengage one from the other to detach the handle from the container body. The blender set also includes a

container base

104, 2124 configured to removably engage the

container body

102, 2010.

In one configuration shown in FIG. 2, the blender set further includes a motor subunit 114 and a power supply subunit 116, the motor subunit 114 being configured to removably engage the container base 104, the power supply subunit 116 being configured to removably engage the motor subunit. In this configuration, the motor sub-unit 114 includes a power switch 1102 and attachment of the handle 110 by engagement of the first and

second attachment structures

2212a, 2014a positions or aligns the power activating member in mechanical engagement with the power switch by one or more

mechanical structures

310, 402 of one or more of the container base and the motor sub-unit.

In another configuration shown in fig. 20, the blender array further comprises a motor subunit 2002 and a power supply subunit 2102, the motor subunit 2002 configured to removably engage with the well base 2124, the power supply subunit 2102 included in the handle. In this configuration, the handle 2006 includes a power switch and attachment of the handle by engagement of the first and

second attachment structures

2212a and 2014a establishes an electrical engagement, i.e., interconnection, between the motor subunit 2110 and the power subunit 2102 and the power switch 2134 in the handle.

In the foregoing specification, certain representative aspects of the present invention have been described with reference to specific examples. However, various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. The specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described. For example, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations and are therefore not limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims.

Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments; however, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any particular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims.

As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having" or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.

Furthermore, unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" but rather "one or more. The word "some" means one or more unless specifically stated otherwise. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No element in the claims should be construed in accordance with the provisions of 35u.s.c § 112 (f), unless the word "means for 823030, or in the case of the method claims, the word" step for 8230, is used to recite the element.

Claims

1. A portable blender set, comprising:

a handle having at least one first attachment structure, an activation button, and a power activation member positioned in mechanical engagement with each of the activation button and power switch; and

a container body having at least one second attachment structure,

wherein the at least one first attachment structure and the at least one second attachment structure are configured to engage with each other to attach the handle to the container body and disengage from each other to detach the handle from the container body,

the handle has a length, and the at least one first attachment structure includes a track extending at least partially along the length, an

The container body having a top, a bottom, and a length extending from the bottom to the top, and the at least one second attachment structure comprising a track receiver extending along the length of the container body from the bottom of the container body toward the top of the container body and having an opening configured to receive the track,

wherein the portable blender set further comprises a power supply subunit included in said handle.

2. The portable blender set of claim 1, further comprising a container base configured to removably engage with the bottom of the container body and configured to block the opening of the track receiver when the container base is engaged with the container body, thereby retaining the track within the track receiver.

3. The portable blender set as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one first attachment structure comprises a snap-fit protrusion and the at least one second attachment structure comprises a snap-fit receiver configured to receive the snap-fit protrusion.

4. The portable blender set of claim 1, further comprising a container base configured to removably engage with the container body.

5. The portable blender set of claim 4, further comprising:

a motor sub-unit configured to removably engage with the container base.

6. The portable blender set of claim 5, wherein the handle includes the power switch, and attachment of the handle by engagement of the first and second attachment structures establishes an electrical engagement between the motor subunit and the power switch in the handle.

7. The portable blender set of claim 1, further comprising an insert configured to be attached to the container body in place of the handle.