WO2021250682A1

WO2021250682A1 - Device, kit, and method for making slushy

Info

Publication number: WO2021250682A1
Application number: PCT/IL2021/050712
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elad Rash
Original assignee: Slushfuzz Ltd.
Priority date: 2020-06-13
Filing date: 2021-06-13
Publication date: 2021-12-16

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a device for making slushy from a food substance contained within a container, when the container and the device are exposed to ambient temperature below freezing temperature of the food substance for a minimal time period. The device comprises an operation casing attachable to a top portion of the container; at least one blade configured to extend from a bottom face of the operation casing; a motor accommodated within the operation casing and operatively connected to said blade, configured to continuously rotate said blade at least throughout said minimal time period, in a rotation speed of up to about 100 RPM; and a DC power supply wiring configured for interfacing with a DC power supply to supply power to the motor.

Description

DEVICE, KIT, AND METHOD FOR MAKING SLUSHY TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to iced food preparation and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a device, kit and method for preparing iced beverage, i.e., slushy.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20180317518 discloses “relates to a machine for preparing frozen confectionery comprising receiving means forming a seat for accommodating an essentially cup-shaped container, said receiving means comprising an heat exchange element having a heat exchange contact surface arranged to be in contact with an heat exchange portion of the container when the container is placed in the machine; wherein said heat exchange element has an inverted conical or curved shape or a plurality of inverted conical sections, or a combination of curved and inverted conical sections.”

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20140154387 discloses “device for preparing a single serving of a flavored frozen slurry beverage comprises an ice making device including an ice dispensing station and ice dispensing nozzle to supply fine frozen particles of water in the form of ice flakes and/or ice nuggets of compressed ice flakes, a liquid beverage mix dispensing nozzle to supply a flavored liquid beverage mix and a beverage blending device including a beverage blending station and blender to blend the fine frozen particles of water and the flavored liquid beverage mix into a substantially uniform frozen slurry beverage of a predetermined consistency.

U.S. Patent No. 8,151,577 discloses “a container, having a mouth, operable to receive the liquid; a cover operable to sealably close the mouth of the container; and at least one freezing device, having a closed body at least partially filled with a refrigerant material; so arranged that the refrigerant material is cooled below a freezing temperature of the liquid; and when the freezing device is placed in the liquid, at least a portion of the liquid surrounding the freezing device will form an at least partially frozen layer on the exterior of the freezing device, and will be displaced therefrom when the freezing device impacts one or more walls of the container and/or the cover or lid.”

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a device for making slushy from a food substance contained within a container, when the container and the device are exposed to ambient temperature below freezing temperature of the food substance for a minimal time period, said device comprising: an operation casing attachable to a top portion of the container and having a bottom face configured to face an interior of said container; at least one blade configured to extend from said bottom face; a motor accommodated within the operation casing and operatively connected to said blade, said motor being configured to continuously rotate said blade at least throughout said minimal time period, in a rotation speed of up to about 100 RPM; and a DC power supply wiring configured for interfacing with a DC power supply to supply power to the motor.

The device can further comprise said container, and said container can be made of thermal conductive material configured to facilitate heat transfer from an exterior to an interior of the container.

The thermal conductive material can be glass.

The operation casing can further comprise a sealing arrangement configured to seal the interior of the container when the operation casing is attached to the container.

The operation casing can further comprise a sealing edge sized, shaped, and positioned at a corresponding angle, to seal a top opening of said container when said device is attached thereto.

The operation casing can comprise a circumferential face extending from said bottom face, and a sealing band encircling said circumferential face, configured to be compressed against inner walls of said container during attachment of the operation casing thereto, to facilitate sealing.

The circumferential face can comprise a tapered portion being tapered in a direction towards the bottom face, and said sealing band can encircle said tapered portion. The minimal time period can be greater than 20 min, particularly greater than 30 min, yet more particularly greater than 1 hour.

The at least one blade can have a length measured along the longitudinal axis of the at least one blade, said length can be at least 70% of the height of the container as measured from a bottom surface of the container and up to the bottom face of the operation casing, when the device is attached to said container, particularly at least 80%, and yet more particularly, at least 90%.

A circle defined by an edge of said at least one blade during rotation thereof can have a diameter which is at least 70% of a diameter of said container at a respective point along a longitudinal axis of the container, particularly at least 80%, and yet more particularly at least 90%.

The at least one blade can have a rectangular face, where at least one of a length and width of said face corresponds to at least one of a radius or diameter, and height of said container, respectively.

The at least one blade can comprise a plurality of openings.

A sum of an area taken up by the plurality of openings can be at least 20% from the total area of the at least one blade, particularly at least 30%, and yet more particularly at least 50%.

The at least one blade can be at least 2 blades, particularly at least 3 blades, and yet more particularly, at least 4 blades.

The device can further comprise a thermal conductance accelerator comprising a ventilation unit, sized and shaped to accommodate at least one side of said container.

The at least one side can be a bottom side of said container, such that said ventilation unit has a surface configured to stabilize said container thereon.

The top opening can define a plane being angled with respect to a lowermost surface of said container, and thereby render a pouring portion for the container at an uppermost end of said top face.

The blades can be detachable from said operation casing, and be suitable for dishwasher cleaning.

The rotation speed can range from about 5 to about 80 RPM, more particularly, about 30 to about 60 RPM.

The DC power supply wiring can further comprise a battery case configured to accommodate at least one battery. The battery case can be thermally isolated from said ambient to a greater extent than said blades, when said device and said container are exposed to ambient temperature.

The isolation can be achieved by air trapped around said battery case, within said operation casing.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a kit comprising the device, and a removable lid shaped and sized so as to seal said top opening of the container.

The lid can comprise an opening for introduction of a straw therethrough to the container.

According to yet another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a method for making slushy comprising steps of: obtaining a device comprising a container made of thermal conductive material and having a top opening, an operation casing having a bottom face, at least one blade extending from said bottom face, a motor accommodated within the operation casing and operatively connected to said blade, and a DC power supply wiring interfaced with a DC power supply; filling a food substance into the container via said top opening; attaching said operation casing to said container via said top opening, with said blades being at least partially in contact with said food substance; operating said motor to continuously rotate said blade at least throughout a minimal time period, in a rotation speed of up to about 100 RPM; and placing the container with the operation casing in an environment having an ambient temperature below freezing temperature of said food substance, thereby obtaining a slushy made of said food substance.

The volume being taken by said rotating of said at least one blade can be equal to at least 70% of the volume of said food substance within the container.

The minimal time period can be greater than 20 min, particularly greater than 30 min, and yet more particularly greater than 1 hour.

The at least one blade can have a length measured along the longitudinal axis of the at least one blade, said length can be at least 70% of the height of the food substance within the container, particularly at least 80%, and yet more particularly, at least 90%.

The attachment of said operation casing to said top opening can facilitate sealing between an interior of said container and said environment. The operation casing can comprise a circumferential face extending from said bottom face, and a sealing band encircling said circumferential face, configured to be compressed against inner walls of said container during said attachment to facilitate sealing.

The method can further comprise a step of providing a thermal conductance accelerator comprising a ventilation unit, sized and shaped to accommodate at least one side of said container, and a step of placing said container with said operation casing on top of said thermal conductance accelerator in said environment to accelerate forming of slushy.

The method can further comprise a step of attaching said blade to said operation casing.

The method can further comprise a step of detaching said operation cover from said top opening.

The method can further comprise a step of placing a lid shaped and sized so as to fit said top opening, instead of said operation cover.

An aspect of several embodiments of the invention relates to a device for preparing iced beverages and/or desserts, for example slurries and/or slushies and/or ice creams. In some embodiments, the device generates iced beverages by continuously stirring a food substance while being placed in an ambient temperature suitable for freezing of the food substance. In some embodiments, the device utilizes the existing freezing capacity of a refrigerator and generates iced beverages by transmitting the temperature of the refrigerator’s freezer compartment to the food substance contained within the device.

A potential advantage of using ambient temperature for the generation of iced food substances is the utilization of external sources of energy, enabling a minimalistic and affordable device, which can be suitable for home use as well as restaurants or the like. An additional potential advantage is the ability to generate a design that is sized and shaped to facilitate thermal conductivity to produce iced food substances in as little as an hour.

In some embodiments, the device comprises a container made of an efficient thermal conducting material. For example, in some embodiments the container is made of glass and/or aluminum and/or stainless steel and/or ceramic material. An advantage of the thermal conducting material is the quick and efficient facilitation of the ambient temperature surrounding the device into the food substance contained within the container. In some embodiments, the container is sized and shaped as a drinking glass containing a single serving intended to be consumed by a single person. Alternatively, the container is sized and shaped as a pitcher containing multiple servings intended to be consumed by a plurality of users. In some embodiments, the container comprises a spout, enabling convenient pouring of the food substance into another vessel. Alternatively, or additionally, the container may have a sloped edge in at least one side to allow pouring from this side.

In some embodiments, the container is configured to be fitted with a device, i.e., a stirrer designed to continuously stir the food substance. In some embodiments, the stirrer comprises a motor unit and a blade unit. In some embodiments, the stirrer is mounted on a lid configured to seal the opening of the container. Optionally, the motor unit is mounted on the external side of the lid, which faces the outside environment, and the blade unit is mounted on the internal side of the lid, which faces the inside environment of the container.

In some embodiments, the motor comprises a gear system, configured to adjust the speed of the stirring. Optionally the motor is operated by a DC power source, e.g., batteries, USB etc. particularly, the operation casing can include DC power supply wiring configured for interfacing with a DC power supply to supply power to the motor. In some embodiments, the motor is configured to rotate the blade unit in a speed ranging between 0 to 100 RPM, optionally via the gear system. In some embodiments, at least one sensor is provided to detect the consistency of the food substance. Optionally, when the viscosity of the food substance increases, the sensor is configured to slow down the speed of the motor, or completely stop its operation. In some embodiments, the device comprises an alert mechanism, signaling to the user that the motor ceased its operation. Optionally, the alert mechanism comprises sound feedback, such as for example, a beeping sound.

In some embodiments, the current administered to the motor can be controlled by a user, enabling to choose the rotation speed of the motor and thereby enabling to choose the consistency of the iced food substance. For example, a high speed rotation would generate a rough consistency, while a slow rotation speed would generate a smoother consistency. Therefore, in some embodiments, the operation switch of the device includes a varying current feature. In some embodiments, the blade unit comprises at least one blade. Alternatively, the blade unit comprises at least two, or at least three, or at least four, or at least five, or at list six, or at least seven, or at least eight blades. In some embodiments, the blade is shaped as a planar plate. Optionally, the plate is twisted and/or spiraled around its axial core. In some embodiments, the blade/s comprise a plurality of apertures which allow mobility of the food substance through the apertures, reducing the amount of force required to apply on the food substance by the blades. Alternatively, or additionally, the blades comprise slots and/or slits. In some embodiments, the device comprises more than one blade units, for example at least two, or at least three or at least four. Optionally, each of the plurality of blade units comprises a plurality of blades. Optionally, all the blade units are simultaneously operated by the motor, or each blade unit is operated by a separate motor.

Preferably, the volume encompassed by the rotating blades is equal to the volume encompassed by the food substance, for example by having blades with a length sufficient to reach the bottom of the container, and having a width sufficient to reach the perimeter of the container. Since the blades are optionally twisted, the width of the blade is measured as the projection of the blade on the diameter of the container at each point of height.

In some embodiments, the container comprises a holding portion made of a friction inducing material, for example silicon and/or rubber and/or polyurethane. Preferably, due to the insulating nature of the friction inducing materials, the holding portion comprises a maximum length of an average size of an adult finger, i.e. sufficiently large to enable gripping but sufficiently small as to minimally interfere with the thermal conductivity of the container.

In some embodiments, a thermal transfer accelerator is utilized to facilitate the transfer of the ambient temperature to the food substance within the container. In some embodiments, the thermal transfer accelerator comprises a fan and/or a ventilating unit for mechanically circulating the air surrounding the container. In some embodiments, the thermal transfer accelerator is placed underneath the container, for example, in the form of a cup holder. Alternatively, or additionally, the thermal transfer accelerator is placed besides the container. Optionally, the thermal transfer accelerator comprises a sensor for sensing the presence of the container, and for operating the ventilation function upon sensing this presence. For example, the sensor may be a pressure sensor placed in a cup holder configuration configured to operate when sensing a container filled with food substance being placed on it. The thermal transfer accelerator is configured to circulate the air surrounding the container, aiding in a faster cooling of the container itself.

In some embodiments, the device comprises at least one sensor, for example a temperature sensor or a consistency sensor. Optionally, the motor starts rotating the blades only after the temperature sensor detects that the food substance reached a predefined temperature. Alternatively, or additionally, the device comprises a timer for timing the operation of the motor. Optionally, the timer can start the operation of the motor in a delay of 5, or 10, or 15, or 20, or more minutes from the time the user pressed the operation button. The delay is designed to allow the food substance time to cool to lower temperatures before being stirred. Alternatively, or additionally, the timer is configured to stop the operation of the motor after the minimal time period has lapsed, for example, an hour, or two hours, or three hours, or four hours.

In some embodiments, the device comprises a communication circuitry, for example a transmitter and/or a receiver. In some embodiments, data from the sensor, associated with the temperature and/or consistency of the food substance, is transmitted through the communication circuitry to a controller, for example a computer, and/or a laptop, and/or a smartphone, and/or a tablet, and/or a server, alerting about the status of the food substance to the user.

An aspect of several embodiments of the invention relates to a system of a plurality of devices for generating a plurality of containers simultaneously. In some embodiments, each container is operated independently by a separate motor. Alternatively, at least one container comprises a motor which is operably connected to the blade units of the other containers. In some embodiments, the plurality of containers is mounted on a tray serving as a mount for stabilizing the containers and for convenient handling of the containers. Optionally, the tray comprises thermal transfer accelerator units embedded under the designated positions of the containers. In some embodiments, the tray comprises a place for one device, or 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, or 8 or more positions for mounting containers.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ± 25 %.

The term “slushy” refers to a partially frozen drink being made of a food substance typically provided in liquid form and including sugar, which goes through simultaneous freezing and blending, such that small, iced food substance crystals are gradually formed therewithin until the entire liquid volume, or a substantial part of it, turns into small, iced food substance crystals capable of flowing smoothly through a drinking straw.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", “having” and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

The term “consisting of’ means “including and limited to”.

The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an illustration of a device for making slushy, i.e., an iced food substance maker, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an illustration of a container of the iced food substance maker of Fig. 1, disassembled from its lid, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the iced food substance maker of Fig. 1, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 4 is an illustration of the iced food substance maker of Fig. 1 , with a thermal conductance accelerator, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the thermal conductance accelerator of Fig. 4, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

Figs. 6A-B are illustrations of several embodiments of a blade useful in an iced food substance maker, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 7 is an illustration of another embodiment of an iced food substance maker, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

Figs. 8A-D are illustrations of an operation casing with a motor and at least one blade, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 9 is an illustration of a system of a plurality of iced food substance makers, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 10 is an example of usage of an iced food substance maker, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; and

Fig. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method for generating iced food substances, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a device 100 for making iced food substance, i.e., a slushy 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, iced food substance maker 100 comprises a container 101 sized and shaped to contain a food substance, optionally in liquid form, and an operation casing 150 detachably attachable to the container 101. The operation casing 150 is configured, when attached to the container 101 and both are exposed to ambient temperature below freezing temperature of the food substance, i.e., typically below 0 degrees, to circulate the food substance within the container and thereby facilitate the transformation of the food substance within the container into an iced food substance with a smooth consistency, i.e., a slushy. For a proper slushy to be formed in the container 101, the device 100 should remain exposed to said environment at least throughout a minimal time period in which the entire food substance within the container can turn into a slushy. The minimal time period typically depends on the type of food substance used, i.e., the amount of sugar therewithin, the size of the container, and the ambient temperature. The rotation of the food substance within the container 101 should be performed throughout that minimal time period so as to prevent large blocks of ice to be formed in the food substance, as will be explained hereinafter. For the container 101, when filled with a water-based food substance, and placed within a typical house-hold freezer facilitating an ambient temperature of -4 degrees, that minimal time period can range from 20 or 30 min to more than an hour.

In some embodiments, container 101 is mostly made of a thermal conductive material configured to facilitate heat transfer from an exterior of the container to an interior thereof, for example, container 101 is 100%, or 90%, or 80%, or 70% made of a thermal conductive material. Is some embodiments, the container is constituted by a standard glass or cup configured to be attached with the device 100. Air conveyance means used for improving heat transfer between the exterior and the interior of the container, e.g., a ventilating unit, can be used to shorten the minimal time period, as will be explained hereinafter. An important advantage of the thermal conductive material composition of the container 101, is enabling to transfer the freezing ambient atmosphere of the surrounding environment of container 101 into the food substance placed within container 101. The better the thermal conductivity of the material, the faster the food substance will be transformed into iced food substance.

Using an external freezing source allows compatibility for the device 100, as it makes incorporating a cooling mechanism therein redundant.

Container 101 comprises bottom surface 101a, optionally a flat and stabilizing surface. At its other end, container 101 comprises top opening 101b through which the food substance can be introduced to the container. Optionally, top opening 101b is angled, i.e., defines an angled plane, with respect to the bottom surface 101a, thereby rendering a pouring portion 110 for the container, at an uppermost end of the top opening. The uppermost end can optionally include a spout. The angling of the top opening can be facilitated by a wall thereof that extends higher than a wall at the opposite end of top opening 101b. In some embodiments, the container 101 comprises a holding portion 130, Optionally, having the narrowest diameter in container 101, enabling the user to hold the container 101 through the holding portion 130 in a convenient manner. In some embodiments, the container 101 tapers from the holding portion 130 both in the direction of the bottom surface 101a and in the direction of the top opening 101b. Optionally, the holding portion 130 is surrounded by an insulating and/or high friction material, for example such as silicon or rubber, to enable a stronger grip of container 101. Optionally, the insulating and/or high friction material is detachable from the container, to allow cleaning.

In some embodiments, the device 100 comprises a motor 160, shown in Fig. 3. In some embodiments, the motor 160 is accommodated within the operation casing 150. Optionally, the operation casing 150 is made of an opaque material in order to conceal the motor 160 and improve the aesthetic appearance of the device 100. In some embodiments, the device 100 comprises at least one blade, or four blades 122, as illustrated in Fig. 3, being in operative connection to the motor 160. The blades 122 can extend from a bottom face of the operation casing 150 therebelow. The motor 160 resides within the operation casing 150 and the blades 122 are connected to motor 160 through an aperture in operation casing 150. Optionally, the blades 122, when operation casing 150 is attached to the container, extend within and face the interior of the container 101, in a position suitable for rotating the entire food substance placed within the container 101. In order to generate a smooth consistency of the iced food substance, which can be drinkable through a straw without resistance, the motor 160 is configured to rotate the blades 122 continuously, throughout the minimal time period, and sometimes beyond, breaking apart any crystals formed in the food substance as a result of the freezing ambient temperature, and scraping newly formed ice crystals from interior walls of the container, resulting in a smooth iced food consistency, i.e., a slushy, based on the food substance. In some embodiments, the motor 160 is operated by activating operation switch 140. Optionally, the motor 160 is operated by a DC power supply, i.e., one or more batteries configured to supply power thereto. Respectively, the operation casing 150 can include DC power supply wiring, i.e., a battery case, configured for interfacing with the DC power supply, to supply power to the motor 160. The battery case can reside in the motor casing 150 and be accessed via batteries access 155. Because freezing temperatures can damage battery performance, the battery case can be at least partially isolated from the environment, optionally by air trapped within the operation casing. For that purpose, the operation casing 150 can include an air trapping space, in which the battery case is disposed.

In some embodiments, device 100 comprises at least 2, or at least 3, or at least 4 blades. In some embodiments, device 100 comprises 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 blades. In some embodiments, the blades 122 have a length that extends along at least a major portion of the food substance, optionally, along the entire length of the space intended to be filled with food substance, particularly along at least 70% thereof. In some embodiments, the blades 122 have a rectangular face with a width corresponding to that of the interior of the container 101, i.e., to a radius of a diameter of the container 101 at the respective height, such that blades 122 scrap ice parts being formed adjacent a boundary of the interior of the container 101 and ambient surroundings, i.e., the inner walls of the container 101, during operation. In some embodiments, the volume taken by the rotating movement of the blades 122 is substantially equal to the volume intended to be taken up by the food substance inside the container 101, particularly equals at least 70% thereof. For example, if there are two planar blades, the width of each of the blades at each point along the longitudinal axis of the blades equals to between 70-99% of the radius of the interior of the container. If there is at least one twisted blade, the diameter of the circumcircle around the blade/s is 85-99% of the diameter of the interior of the container 101, as measured at each point along the longitudinal axis of the blade. As such, a circle defined by an edge of said at least one blade during rotation thereof has a diameter which is at least 70% of a diameter of said container at a respective point along a longitudinal axis of the container, particularly at least 80%, and yet more particularly at least 90%. In some embodiments, the length of blades 122 as measured along the longitudinal axis of the blades from the top of each blade to its bottom, is at least 70% of the height of the container 101 from bottom surface 101a and up to the bottom surface of operation casing 150, particularly at least 80%, and yet more particularly at least 90%.

The blades 122 are optionally embellished with a plurality of openings, i.e., apertures 125. An advantage of blades having apertures is to enable the food substance to transfer through the apertures while the blades are rotating. This allows the motor to exert smaller forces and also helps to swirl the food substance, causing it to break into small iced crystals and preventing it from freezing into large solid crystals. The apertures 125 may have any shape ranging from circles to slots or any other polygonal shape. Alternatively, or additionally, the blades 122 comprise a plurality of slits 125b located at the edge of the blade, as shown in Fig. 8C and 8D. In some embodiments, a sum of an area taken up by the plurality of apertures and/or slits is larger than a sum of an area taken up by the respective blade in which they are formed, as measured without the area taken up by the plurality of apertures and/or slits, i.e. the solid sections of each blade 122 has a smaller area than the void sections of each blade 122, particularly the solid sections of each blade 122 have a total area substantially equal to 30%, particularly 20% of the total area of the void sections of that blade.

Fig. 2 shows an illustration of a container of a device for making slushy, disassembled from the operation casing, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the motor 160 is concealed by the walls of the operation casing 150. In some embodiments, the operation casing includes a sealing arrangement configured to seal the interior of the container, when the operation casing is attached to the container. Particularly, walls of operation casing 150 comprise at least one sealing band 152, made of insulating material, for example silicon or rubber, positioned horizontally around the operation casing 150, encircling a circumferential face of the operation casing fitting a middle portion of the container 101. The sealing band being configured to be compressed against the inner walls of the container 101 during attachment of the operation casing 150 thereto, to facilitate sealing. Alternatively, or additionally, the operation casing 150 comprises a sealing edge 151, sized, shaped, and positioned at a corresponding angle to seal the top opening 101b. Preferably, the sealing edge 151 is made of an insulating material, for example silicon or rubber. Sealing band 152 and sealing edge 151 provide double protection which prevents spilling of the food substance out from the container 101, prevent the cooled inner environment of container 101 from escaping, and prevent odors from the outside ambient environment of container 101 to enter, for example, odors found inside the compartment of a freezing unit of a refrigerator. In some embodiments, the operation casing has a tapered shape defined by the circumferential walls thereof, i.e., having a conical shape which matches a complementary conical shape of the top of the container 101. Pressing down on the motor casing causes the sealing band 152 to press against the walls of container 101, and thereby cause its sealing by either the sealing band 152, the sealing edge 151, or both the operation casing 150 is connected to the blades 122, which are operably connected to the motor 160 which is configured to rotate them. In some embodiments, the blades 122 are removed from container 101 when opening the container by disassembling operation casing 150. Optionally, the blades 122 are detachable from the operation casing 150 in order to facilitate their cleaning. Optionally, the blades 122 are made from a dishwasher-safe material. Optionally, the device 100 can include large blades which spread across the entire interior of the container during operation, i.e., having a width corresponding to a diameter/radius of the interior of the container 101. Fig. 3 exemplifies the content of the motor casing 150, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. For example, the motor casing 150 may comprise motor 160 and batteries 170 which are optionally placed within batteries case 175. In some embodiments, pressing operation switch 140 puts a pressure on operation module 145, which causes motor 160 to operate. In some embodiments, motor 160 rotates the blades 122 at a rotation speed which is not fast enough to melt the iced food substance formed, yet not slow enough for enabling large ice crystals from forming, i.e., a speed of up to 100 RPM, and particularly ranging from about 15 to 80 RPM, or more particularlarly, ranging from about 40 to about 60 RPM. In some embodiments, motor 160 is operatively connected to gear 162, optionally via motor case 165. The gear 162 adjusts the speed of motor 160 to be in the desired range for the blades 122 to be able to generate a smooth consistency for the iced food substance, i.e. a slushy.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the iced food substance maker 100 with thermal conductance accelerator 200, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the device 100 is used with the thermal conductance accelerator 200 which comprises a ventilator unit configured to ventilate the ambient air around the device 100, thereby accelerating the thermal conductivity of the cold environment into device 100. In some embodiments, the thermal conductance accelerator 200 is sized and shaped to accommodate at least one side of said container, for example, accommodate the bottom surface 101a of the container 101. Alternatively, or additionally, the thermal conductance accelerator 200 stands freely without direct contact with the container 101. In some embodiments, the thermal conductance accelerator 200 further comprises an operating switch (not shown) configured to operate when in mechanical communication with said container, for example, when the bottom surface 101b is placed on the thermal conductance accelerator 200, the operation switch is mechanically pressed, causing the ventilation unit of the thermal conductance accelerator 200 to start spinning.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a thermal conductance accelerator, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Shown in this figure is a possible configuration for the thermal conductance accelerator 200, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. For example, in some embodiments, the thermal conductance accelerator 200 comprises a fan 201 which is optionally placed within accelerator base 205. In some embodiments, the fan 201 is covered by accelerator lattice 220, having pores 225, which allow the ventilating of air from the fan 201 to pass through. Optionally, the accelerator lattice 220 is mounted on mounting units 202, which prevent it from interfering with the fan 201. In some embodiments, the device 100 is placed onto the accelerator lattice 220.

FIG. 6A-B is an illustration of several embodiments of the blades 122 useful in an iced food substance maker, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Fig. 6A illustrates an example of a single blade 122, comprising apertures 125, the blade being twisted around both of its axis. Fig. 6B illustrates an example of 4 blades 122 comprising apertures 125 having a large pore shape, the blades 122 are twisted around the longitudinal axis of the blade complex.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of another embodiment of an iced food substance maker, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention, wherein the operation casing 150 is mounted over container 130. In some embodiments, the container 130 is sized and shaped as a drinking glass. In some embodiments, the operation casing 150 can be fitted onto various sized and shapes of drinking glasses 130, by extending the edges of the operation casing 150.

FIG. 8A-D is an illustration of some examples of an operation casing assembled with a motor and at least one blade, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the motor 160 rotates blades 122 via a gear system which includes at least one gear, which is configured to modulate the rotation speed exerted by motor 160, for example increase the RPM or decrease it. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 8A, motor 160 is connected to the blades 122 through the gear 162, which is optionally found in operable connection with the motor 160 through the motor casing 165. Alternatively, for example as shown in Fig. 8B, the motor 160 is connected directly to the blades 122, without rotation speed modifications through a gear system, optionally while still being encased in the motor casing 165. In some embodiments, the motor 160 is connected to more than one gear, wherein each rotates a separate set of blades 122. For example, as shown in an explosive view in Fig. 8C and in a perspective top view in Fig. 8D, the motor 160 is connected through the motor casing 165 to two gears 162a and 162b, each connected to a separate blade system 122a and 122b. In some embodiments, each blade system 122a and 122b comprises a plurality of blades, optionally each blade comprises apertures and/or slits, for example as shown in 125a and 125b. In some embodiments, the entire system of motor 160 and its associated gears are located within the operation casing 150, which is optionally supplied with at least one sealing band 152 and/or sealing edge 151 encircling a top portion of said circumferential face. In some embodiments, the opening of the operation casing 150 is closed with a lid 147, optionally containing operation switch 140 and/or batteries case 175.

In some embodiments, the motor comprises at least one potentiometer configured to adapt a rotation speed of the motor 160 to be any of the abovementioned rotation speed range. The potentiometer modulates the current provided to the motor 160, thereby adjusting its rotation speed in accordance with the current. In some embodiments, at least one sensor is configured to detect the current utilized by the motor indicating the amount of moment exerted by said motor when rotating the blade/s through the food substance. For example, as the food substance becomes thicker and has a higher consistency, the force it takes the motor to rotate the blade/s is higher, and the current utilized by the motor is higher. Thereby, a sensor detecting the level of current utilized by the motor is indicative of the level of freezing consistency of the food substance. Optionally, the at least one sensor is configured to cease an operation of motor 160 when the current reaches a predetermined value.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a system of a plurality of iced food substance makers, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, a plurality of device 100, for example in the form of device 100a, 100b and 100c, each containing a container and a rotation operation mechanism and blade/s, are supplied together and positioned in the ambient temperature together by means of tray 300. In some embodiments, the tray 300 can accommodate at least 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, or 8 separate iced food substance makers. Optionally, at least some positions in the tray 300 include thermal conductance accelerators 200.

FIG. 10 is an example of usage of an iced food substance maker, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the operation casing 150 is removed and sealing lid 470 is placed instead. Optionally, the sealing lid 470 includes an aperture to allow straw 400 to pass through into the food substance in the container 101. In some embodiments, maximum limit 450 is indicated on the container 101, illustrating to a user the recommended maximum amount of food substance that should be put into container 101. In some embodiments, the sealing lid 470 is made of an insulating material, that preserves the cold air surrounding the food substance within the container 101. Optionally, the sealing lid 470 is made of the same material as holding portion 130, to allow for an aesthetic uniform design of the final product. FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method for generating slushy, i.e., iced food substances, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. According to some embodiments, there is provided a method for generating iced food substances, i.e., slushies, comprising steps of obtaining a stirrer, e.g., an operation casing such as operation casing 150, and a container made of a thermal conductive material, e.g., the container 101, in 810; filling a food substance into a top opening of the container in 820 and attaching the operation casing thereto in 830, such that the blades thereof are in contact with the food substance within the container, operating a motor of the operation casing to continuously rotate the blades at least throughout said minimal time period abovementioned, in a rotation speed below 100 RPM, and thereby causing rotating of the blades along said food substance, while the container is being exposed to the ambient temperature below 0° in 840; and placing the container with the operation casing in an environment having an ambient temperature below freezing temperature of the food substance, i.e., typically below 0 deg, in 850; In some embodiments, the method further comprises delaying the operating of the motor after pressing the operation switch, optionally through a time as in 840, or through a temperature sensor that detects reaching a predetermined temperature. For example, the temperature sensor can sense the temperature of the container, or the food substance itself, or any other designated temperature marker placed in communication with the sensor. In some embodiments, the delaying is removed once said food substance reached a predetermined temperature or once a predetermined time period has passed. In some embodiments, operating the iced food substance maker leads to operating a sensor in 850, for example, a pressure sensor, configured to detect the force being exerted by the blades onto the food substance. In this example, the sensor can detect the consistency of the food substance and once it detects a predetermined pressure, correlated with the desired consistency of the food substance, in some embodiments, it can lead to several outcomes, such as for example, ceasing the operation of the motor, and/or activating an alarm (sound or visual), and/or sending data from the sensor to a second device as in 680, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a computer or a server. It should be noted that a sensor detecting pressure from the work of the blade/s on the food substance is only an example, and the sensor can be of any nature that detects properties of the food substance and/or the motor operation, and can identify through it the state of the food substance, for example, temperature sensors. In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to detect an increase in the current of the motor, which indicates an increase in the consistency of the food substance, and can lead the sensor to communicate such data to a second device when a predetermined current usage is detected, for example when 20 mA, or 40 mA, or 60 mA, or 80 mA, or 100 mA, or 120 mA, or 140 mA, or 160 mA, or 180 mA, or 200 mA, or any current value in between.

In some embodiments, a volume being taken by the rotating of the at least one blade equals at least the volume of the food substance, when filled up to the maximum limit line of the container. In some embodiments, a volume being taken by the rotating of the at least one blade equals at least 90% of the volume of the food substance. Alternatively, a volume being taken by the rotating of the at least one blade equals at least 90% of the volume of the container up to the maximum limit line. Alternatively, a volume being taken by the rotating of the at least one blade equals at least 90% of the volume of the container taken up to the bottom surface of the operation casing.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises at least one sensor configured to detect the resistance of the food substance against a rotation of the at least one blade.

Optionally, the at least one sensor is configured to cease an operation of the motor when the resistance reaches a predetermined value. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a transmitter configured to transmit data regarding the resistance to a communicating device. For example, the communicating device is a smartphone, a tablet, a computer or a server. Optionally, the sensor is configured to activate a notification for notifying the predetermined value, for example by sounding a sound, a beep, an alarm or by emitting light, or any other visual and/or audio signal.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device for making slushy from a food substance contained within a container, when the container and the device are exposed to ambient temperature below freezing temperature of the food substance for a minimal time period, said device comprising: an operation casing attachable to a top portion of the container and having a bottom face configured to face an interior of said container; at least one blade configured to extend from said bottom face; a motor accommodated within the operation casing and operatively connected to said blade, said motor being configured to continuously rotate said blade at least throughout said minimal time period, in a rotation speed of up to about 100 RPM; and a DC power supply wiring configured for interfacing with a DC power supply to supply power to the motor.

2. The device according to Claim 1, further comprising said container, wherein said container is made of thermal conductive material configured to facilitate heat transfer from an exterior to an interior of the container.

3. The device according to Claim 2, wherein said thermal conductive material is glass.

4. The device according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein said operation casing further comprises a sealing arrangement configured to seal the interior of the container, when the operation casing is attached to the container.

5. The device according to Claim 4, wherein said operation casing comprises a sealing edge sized, shaped and positioned at a corresponding angle, to seal a top opening of said container when said device is attached thereto.

6. The device according to Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein said operation casing comprises a circumferential face extending from said bottom face, and a sealing band encircling said circumferential face, configured to be compressed against inner walls of said container during attachment of the operation casing thereto, to facilitate sealing.

7. The device according to Claim 6, wherein said circumferential face comprises a tapered portion being tapered in a direction towards said bottom face, and said sealing band is encircling said tapered portion.

8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said minimal time period is greater than 20 min, particularly greater than 30 min, yet more particularly greater than 1 hour.

9. The device according to any one of Claims 2 to 8, wherein said at least one blade has a length measured along the longitudinal axis of the at least one blade, said length being at least 70% of the height of the container as measured from a bottom surface of the container and up to the bottom face of the operation casing, when the device is attached to said container, particularly at least 80%, and yet more particularly, at least 90%.

10. The device according to any one of Claims 2 to 9, wherein a circle defined by an edge of said at least one blade during rotation thereof has a diameter which is at least 70% of a diameter of said container at a respective point along a longitudinal axis of the container, particularly at least 80%, and yet more particularly at least 90%.

11. The device according to any one of the preceding, wherein said at least one blade has a rectangular face, where at least one of a length and width of said face corresponds to at least one of a radius or diameter and height of said container, respectively.

12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one blade comprises a plurality of openings.

13. The device according to Claim 12, wherein a sum of an area taken up by the plurality of openings is at least 20% from the total area of the at least one blade, particularly at least 30%, and yet more particularly at least 50%.

14. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one blade are at least 2 blades, particularly at least 3 blades, and yet more particularly, at least 4 blades.

15. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a thermal conductance accelerator comprising a ventilation unit, sized and shaped to accommodate at least one side of said container.

16. The device according to Claim 15, wherein said at least one side is a bottom side of said container.

17. The device according to any one Claims 2 to 16, wherein said top opening defines a plane being angled with respect to a lowermost surface of said container, and thereby rendering a pouring portion for the container at an uppermost end of said top face.

18. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said blades are detachable from said operation casing, and are suitable for dishwasher cleaning.

19. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said rotation speed ranges from about 5 to about 80 RPM, more particularly, about 30 to about 60 RPM.

20. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said DC power supply wiring further comprises a battery case configured to accommodate at least one battery.

21. The device according to Claim 20, wherein said battery case is thermally isolated from said ambient to a greater extent than said blades, when said device and said container are exposed to ambient temperature.

22. The device according to Claim 21, wherein said isolation is achieved by air trapped around said battery case, within said operation casing.

23. A kit comprising the device according to any one of the preceding claims, and a removable lid shaped and sized so as to seal said top opening of the container.

24. The kit according to Claim 23, wherein said lid comprises an opening for introduction of a straw therethrough to the container.

25. A method for making slushy comprising steps of: obtaining a device comprising a container made of thermal conductive material and having a top opening, an operation casing having a bottom face, at least one blade extending from said bottom face, a motor accommodated within the operation casing and operatively connected to said blade, and a DC power supply wiring interfaced with a DC power supply; filling a food substance into the container via said top opening; attaching said operation casing to said container via said top opening, with said blades being at least partially in contact with said food substance; operating said motor to continuously rotate said blade at least throughout a minimal time period, in a rotation speed of up to about 100 RPM; and placing the container with the operation casing in an environment having an ambient temperature below freezing temperature of said food substance, thereby obtaining a slushy made of said food substance.

26. The method according to Claim 25, wherein a volume being taken by said rotating of said at least one blade equals at least 70% of the volume of said food substance.

27. The device according to any one of Claims 25 and 26, wherein said minimal time period is greater than 20 min, particularly greater than 30 min, and yet more particularly greater than 1 hour.

28. The method according to any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein said at least one blade has a length measured along the longitudinal axis of the at least one blade, said length being at least 70% of the height of the food substance within the container, particularly at least 80%, and yet more particularly, at least 90%.

29. The method according to any one of Claims 25 to 28, wherein said attachment of said operation casing to said top opening facilitates sealing between an interior of said container and said environment.

30. The method according to any one of Claims 25 to 29, wherein said operation casing comprises a circumferential face extending from said bottom face, and a sealing band encircling said circumferential face, configured to be compressed against inner walls of said container during said attachment to facilitate sealing.

31. The method according to any one of Claims 25 to 30, further comprising a step of providing a thermal conductance accelerator comprising a ventilation unit, sized and shaped to accommodate at least one side of said container, and a step of placing said container with said operation casing on top of said thermal conductance accelerator in said environment to accelerate forming of slushy.

32. The method according to any one of Claims 25 to 31, further comprising a step of attaching said blade to said operation casing.

33. The method according to any one of Claims 25 to 32, wherein said rotation speed ranges from about 5 to about 80 RPM, more particularly, about 30 to about 60 RPM.

34. The method according to any one of Claims 25 to 33, further comprising a step of detaching said operation cover from said top opening.

35. The method according to Claim 34, further comprising a step of placing a lid shaped and sized so as to fit said top opening, instead of said operation cover.