MXPA00004034A - - Google Patents

Description

Apparatus for mixing food This invention relates to the apparatus for mixing foods and to a method of mixing foods within a container. The invention has particular application in shakes, but can be used with other food products, which need to be mixed, particularly those which need to be stocked ready for consumption in retail locations. So far the shakes have been produced by manually placing ice cream, milk and flavoring into a mixing jug into which a mixer is inserted to produce the mixed shake. The shake is then emptied into a receptacle from which the customer consumes the product. Then, the mixing jug has to be cleaned and sanitized to be reused. However, in the current fast food market there is a demand for a better system to produce milkshakes taking into account health regulations, labor costs, expense, product quality and operator skill level. The current shake systems provide improved pasteurization, but such systems are more expensive and more complicated. On the other hand, some such systems are limited in the flavors that can be produced. Ref. 119699 An objective of this invention is to provide an apparatus for mixing feed and a food mixing method which overcomes problems with existing systems. According to the invention, a method for dispensing mixed food products into containers, such as shakes, having an integral mixing means placed internally of the container, which mixing means is manipulably connectable to a control means externally and separated from the container, by Whatever the container is made and seated with other containers, the container is disassembled, loaded with product ingredients at a loading site away from the dispenser, the container is hermetically sealed to seal the ingredients inside the container, the container and its contents are cooled to, at least, a serving temperature, at the spout site, the mixing means is manipulatively connected freely to said handling means, and the driving means is impelled to cause the mixing means to operate and mix the ingredients Inside the container, the access for the mixed food product inside the container is increased, by or that said mixed product is consumed from the container, and the container is discarded. The container is preferably loaded with the ingredients at the loading site in which the containers are disassembled from each other.

Conveniently, each container has an opening in the upper end in which another container is seated seated and after disassembling the containers, the open end of the container acts to receive the ingredients of the product, said open end is hermetically sealed after loading the container with said ingredients. The sealing can be by applying a hot seal, by the use of a clamping cap, or both, according to the temperature at which the container is to be stored and transported. In one arrangement, the container has a lower end in which the mixing means is placed and accesses the mixing means, which is sealed at said lower end, with a removable sealing means. According to another aspect, the invention provides a container for use with the method of the invention, which comprises a sealable vessel, having an upper opening through which the ingredients of food products can be loaded into the vessel, the sealing means for sealing said upper opening and two or more of said vessels are constructed to be sealable when empty by placing one inside the other through said upper opening, which has a mixing means; the container includes a rotary impeller related to the container for mixing said ingredients inside the container, the positioning means for ensuring the rotatability of the impeller inside the container, the connection control means associated with the impeller and externally accessible to the container for handling the connection with the control means whereby the impeller is rotated, the means The mixer is permanently attached to the container, and the container is constructed to be discarded after mixing and consuming the food product from the container. Conveniently, said vessel is of circular cross section, capped to one end by which to place and seat two or more vessels one inside the other, the end of each vessel is narrower and insertable within the wider upper opening of another vessel. The rotating element and the associated coupling means can be placed in the lid or in the base of the container, away from the lid. When the rotating element is in the lid, the container is usually inverted for coupling with the control means. If the rotating element is placed in the base of the container, the container is usually placed in a straight position during the coupling of the control means.

The control means is conveniently incorporated into a support for the container in which it is placed during the mixing of the product, incorporating the support to the control means and its associated main driver. The support can be placed inside a refrigerated cabin. The means for feeding the container in a mixing position may be included, which can be initiated by a self-service currency releasing means. The mixing means is arranged to cause the product to be mixed after the rotation thereof and is conveniently placed in the center of the container and has portions directed to the outside from the axis of rotation. According to a further aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for mixing food, comprising a container, including a sealable vessel having an upper opening through which the ingredients of food products can be loaded into the vessel, the sealing means for sealing said upper opening, two or more vessels are seated one inside the other when empty, placing one inside the other through said upper opening, the container has an integral means of mixing inside the container, which includes an impeller to mix the ingredients inside the container, a setting means for securing the rotary mixing means in the container, a control connection means associated to the impeller and externally accessible to the container for the manipulated connection with the control means, a mounting for mounting the container and incorporating the means of control, by means of which mount the container on the mounting means, the impeller is made turning in manipulated connection with the control means, the mounting means providing a seat for the container during mixing. Preferably, the seat has a portion formed according to the external shape of the container so that it supports the walls of the container during mixing. The components of the container, its sealing member and its rotating mixing element are conveniently made of plastic material, so that these components can be discarded after the product has been consumed. On the other hand the container can be supplied to contain food products to be mixed. Thus, this enables pre-filled containers to be supplied from a source, such as a factory, already filled with the product ready for use by a local sale in a variety of food compositions and flavors, thus obviating the need for local sale store the product for filling inside the containers. In addition, due to the nature of the apparatus, the food product can not come into contact with the associated apparatus, before and during mixing. However, the mixed product is readily accessible to the user. Hygiene problems are overcome by this approach, while still giving the opportunity to a wide range of products to be sold.

The filled containers can be supplied with stratified product components inside the container in horizontal or vertical levels, bringing the mixing process over the desired mixed product. If desired, it is also possible for the product to be aerated within the container in addition to the mixing process. The alternative aeration of the product can be carried out before feeding the product into the container. As an additional option the containers may be kept cold and / or ice may be present or introduced into the container to be incorporated into the mixed product.

By the provision of containers filled with product and incorporating a rotating mixing element as part of the container, a complete mixture is obtained and there is no problem of sanitization or hygiene. The assembly of the container can be cost effective by the use of plastic components even when the container can be used only for the product served. Additional features of the invention will appear in the following descriptions of various embodiments of the invention, given only by way of example and with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a vertical section through a container of food mixing for use with the food mixing apparatus, the part of the container lid shown disassembled in the upper part of Fig. 1, Fig. 2 shows the container associated with a support and the control arrangement for the mixing process, Fig. 3 is a fragment of the vertical section showing an additional characteristic of the container of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a vertical cross section through the mixing apparatus with a container in another embodiment, Fig. 5 is a plan view of a closure for the container of Fig. 6, Fig. 6 is a vertical section showing the closure of Fig. 5 in the container of Fig. 4, Fig. 7 is a vertical section through the apparatus for feeding the containers, according to Fig. 4, for the mixing stations, Figs. 8 and 9 show a vertical cross section through a container, showing different placements of the product before mixing, Fig. 10 shows a vertical and horizontal cross section through a container, showing the additional placements of the product inside the container before mixing, Fig. 11 is a lateral elevation in vertical section through the apparatus for mixing feed before being used, Fig. 12 is a corresponding elevation to Fig. 11 in the operative mixing position, Fig. 13 is a side elevation in vertical section through another apparatus for mixing food before being used, Fig. 14 is a corresponding elevation to Fig. 13 in the operative mixing position, Fig. 15 is a vertical section through a mixing vessel as it is used in the apparatus of Figs. 11-14, Fig. 16 is a vertical cross section through another embodiment of the mixing container, Fig. 17 is a plan view of the mixing element of the embodiment of Fig. 16, Fig. 18 is a side view of the element of Fig. 17, Fig. 19 shows a mixing container associated with a jar, Fig. 20 shows the jar in cross section of Fig. 19, and Fig. 21 shows an inverted mixing vessel associated with a jar.

Referring to the illustrations and first to Fig. 1 a container for use in the mixing apparatus is shown which comprises a body portion 3 consisting of a plastic cup in the shape of a bowl having a base 3A, walls 3B of circular cross-section diverging upwards and an edge upper 3C of container 3 with a lip facing outwards. The container is sealable with other containers by placing the base through the upper opening of another container. The body of the container 3 is provided with a closure member 2 constituting a cover arranged to fit over the upper end of the body 3 and close the opening in the top of the body. The lid 2 is generally circular having a protruding portion 2A which fits over the upper end 3C of the body 3 to be hermetically coupled onto the opening. This can be by a clasp arrangement, by heat seal, or by any other convenient means to secure the cap 2 on the body 3. At the center of the cap 2 is formed a rotating or impeller mixing element 1 hermetically loaded on the cap 2, but also for relative rotation on the axis A of the container. The mixing element 1 is retained by the lid in the circular retaining portions 4 formed in the lid 2 which engages in the corresponding circular grooves 4A formed in the member 1. The retaining portions 4 are formed in an inverted L-shaped portion 4B erect of the lid 2 which extends around a central opening 2A formed in the lid 2. Other means can be used to obtain seals which also allow relative rotation between the element 1 and its support. The mixing element 1 fits over the circular member 4B in the form of L by the provision of a correspondingly formed portion of the element 1 which extends inwardly over the region 4C towards an integral impeller portion 4D which extends downwardly within the container body and defines a recessed central portion 4E formed to be engageable by the control means, to be described. At the lower end of the impeller portion 4D is formed an outwardly facing impeller member 4F which, in this case, is a member inclined downwards and directed outwards. In practice, the impeller member 4F is formed to provide the desired mixing action to the product within the product space X, inside the assembled container, according to the knowledge in practice. Thus, for example, the impeller member may have inclined surfaces to help generate a vortex within the product in space X, or there may be individual arms extended outwardly from the axis with or without inclined surfaces. Alternatively, the impeller member may provide a gentle revolving action, in which case the impeller may encompass a disc. A removable diaphragm 6 can be provided for the placement released in the rotary member 1, closing the opening 4E. The purpose of the diaphragm 6 is to seal the container during transit, the diaphragm 6 is removable before placing the assembled container with product in the associated apparatus, whereby the product inside the container is mixed. The diaphragm can be heat sealed by the cover 2 and, instead of being removed, it can be pierced by the control means 8 to rotate the element 1.

As can be seen from Fig. 1, the lid 2 can be formed with a sealed opening through which a straw 5 can be inserted, after mixing, to enable the product to be drained out of the container with the straw. The straw 5 can be inserted through an existing opening or through a weakened area of the lid 2 to increase access to the product in a known manner. Alternatively, the access for the straw can be through an opening covered by a removable diaphragm or through a molded tube from which a closed end can be removed to access with the straw. Alternatively the lid 2, together with the associated rotating mixing element 1 is removable, after mixing, to increase access to the product within the body of the container 3 after mixing. Referring now to Fig. 2, the container of Fig. 1, after assembly and with product inside the container, is inverted, as shown, to effect the mixing action. In Fig. 2 a housing 7 is shown which acts as a support for the container and which houses a control motor (not shown) from which a control shaft 8 is directed. An on-off switch 9 is placed in the housing 7 for activating the control motor and the control shaft 8, or the motor can be switched on by the proximity or the pressure switch operated by the positioning of the container in the support. The control shaft 8 is arranged to be manipulatively coupled to the opening 4E of the rotary mixing element 1 so that as the control shaft 8 is rotated this rotates the element 1 to mix the product inside the container. The control shaft is positioned to extend from a recessed portion 10 of the housing 7, the recessed portion receives the rotary member 1 for rotation with the control shaft 8 and the upper surface of the cover 2 is supported on the upper surface of the housing 7. around the recess 10. The container is retained in the housing 7 by a retaining tube 11 which surrounds the body of the container 3 and reciprocally reciprocates the coupling with the lip 3C of the body 3 during a mixing operation. Thus it can be seen that the container is held in position by the tube 11 with the container seated in the housing 7, the product is mixed by operating the control shaft 8 to rotate the element 1 and cause the product within the space X to be mixed , aerated (if necessary) and combine the different components of the product, thus forming a combined product in the desired way. After the product is combined, the tube 11 is removed from the container coupling and allows the container to be removed from the housing 7 ready for use and consumption. Referring to Fig. 3 an optional feature of the container of Figs. 1 and 2. In this arrangement a portion of the lid 2 between the member 1 and the edge of the lid is formed with a circular opening 12 from which a depression 13 extends inward at the lower end inwardly in which a closure 14 is formed which includes weakened portions as seen at 15 in the view of the fragment A of Fig. 3. The opening 12 can be sealed by the diaphragm 16 on the upper end of the opening, the diagram is removable by tearing it off or in another way. The purpose of the opening 12 and the lid 2 is to provide access for a nozzle inside the container through which pressurized gas can be injected into the product. The nozzle (not shown) can be inserted through the base of the opening 12 by breaking the brittle or weakened areas 15 in said base of the container or the base is opened and normally sealed with a diaphragm at its upper end. By this means the contamination of the nozzle is canceled or minimized. Alternatively the nozzle can seal the side walls of the depression 13, the pressure of the rupturing gas opens the portion 14 bursting through the weakened lines 15. The diaphragm 16 provides additional safety to prevent the product from escaping through the opening 12. Another opening in the lid can be provided to release the pressure in the container, for example, if it exceeds the preset levels. A gas exhaust nozzle can be introduced through said additional opening.

It can be seen that the opening 12 is perpendicular from the center of the container, but, if desired, the opening can be centered perpendicular to the impeller 1 on one side of the axis A. Referring now to Fig. 4, an apparatus is shown mixer similar to that of the previous embodiment except that the rotating or impeller mixing element 1 is located in the base 3A of the container body 3. Thus the container comprises a container body or cup 3 similar to that previously described with a lip 3C directed outward and a base 3A. A rotating mixing element 1 is located centered with respect to the base 3A and is supported sealed relative to the base for rotation on the axis A. The element 1 has a central body IA having a lower opening formed to manipulately receive a shaft 8. The axle 8 is manipulatively connected to a drive motor (not shown) located in a housing 7. The element 1 includes impeller elements IB inclined upwards and directed outwards which are arranged to cause the product inside the container to be mixed by the product revolution inside the container, sometimes creating a vortex of the product. The body IA is placed sealed in relation to the walls 17 formed integrally with the base 3A and extending upwardly from a concave portion 18 in which an opening is formed to increase access to the element 1 by the control shaft 8. Suitable seals ( not shown) are provided to enable the element 1 to rotate within the walls 17 while maintaining a seal against the flow of product from the container. In Fig. 4 the container is shown in a mixing position in the housing 7, the base 3A being seated on the housing. The sides of the container body are, as shown, located within a corresponding shape, diverging outward from the receiving member 20, which can be heated. As shown in Fig. 6, the upper end of the container of Fig. 4 can be sealed by a diaphragm 21 which is hermetically secured to the upper end of the container body by the heat seal and which can be ripped off with the use of a tongue 22 extending to the side of the container which, when not in use, can be recharged to the side of the container. After the removal of the diaphragm 21 a lid (not shown) can be applied to the container. Alternatively, the diaphragm may remain in place and a lid with a projection for piercing the diaphragm may be applied to provide an inlet for a straw. With the arrangement described in relation to Figs. 4, 5 and 6 the placement of the mixing element 1 in the base of the container 3 may not always be lent to access the product inside the container, especially when there is a spoon to be used. In such a case when the rotating element is in the lid the container version such as the embodiment of Fig. 1 may be preferred. The product to be mixed in the container may take a variety of forms, but generally consists of two or more components, for example weight reducers, sugar, emulsifiers, stabilizers, milk, flavoring, etc. These components can be prefilled within the body 3 of the container at a central site or can be filled at the place of consumption. In either case the component products can be stratified as shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 10. In Fig. 8 a two component product is illustrated, in which one component is located in the lower part of the body 3 and the other component in the upper part. In Fig. 9 there is a similar arrangement, except that an additional component is stratified on the container cover, for example a flavor component. Another level of component is located at the base of the container, for example, particles such as nuts. Alternatively there may be a single product in which ice like crystals may have formed inside the product. The mixture can be used to crush the crystals into small ice particles. On the other hand the mixing can be of a single product of which a mixed consistency is required. In some casesWhen it is filled to allow aeration and expansion of mixed product in the container, the product does not occupy the entire container. In Fig. 10 another arrangement is shown in which the components are located within the vessel at vertical levels. This can be by filling the container in such order from a component dispenser. Referring now to Fig. 7, a mixing apparatus is shown, in this case incorporating containers of the kind shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6. In this apparatus there is an outer housing 25 at the base from which a number of motor housings 7 are placed from side to side. In a housing 26 for top storage, vertical stacks of filled containers are placed to be accessed by the operator. The containers, filled with the product, from the housing 26 are released from the heaps to be placed on the motor housing 7 for mixing purposes and each of the heaps can have containers with different formulations of products so a decision of, in In this case, four different product formulations may be available for mixing and sourcing. There are several other aspects of this invention, which can be adapted, in the medium in which the operation of the mixing action can be measured in time to provide a mixing action for a predetermined period and the operation of the positioning means for The containers can also be measured in time to compare the duration of the mixture. Instead of the lid being removable to access the product, or the use of a straw to access the product, the lid may have a portion 23 which can be ripped off to give access to the product. On the other hand, the lid can be removable to insert additives into the product before or after mixing. For example, if the device was used for cocktails with an alcohol content, the alcohol can be added before, during or after mixing.

The containers can be filled with the product and supplied to the user without the lid being fitted to the container and with a simple peeling or tearing off of the cover. This allows the mixing element associated with the lid to be adjusted at the point of sale before mixing or serving. The mixing elements can be constructed to allow the elements to be seated one inside the other to provide the minimum volume during shipment and also allow the automatic machinery to be gripped. The motor housing may have more than one control shaft extending from there to allow several containers with product to be mixed at the same time. Instead of the arrangement of Fig. 7 other automatic feeding arrangements can be used to transport containers from a refrigerator or freezer; the containers are moved into position on static control arrangements or, alternatively, the control shafts can be mounted to be moved along a linear or rotary path, within the position for the containers. Similarly, blended containers can be moved from a mixing position along a conveyor or other means of transport. For efficient mixing of the products, their viscosity should allow a vortex to be formed inside the container while the product is being mixed or the liquid can be added to the mix. When multiple components are included in the product, these can be deep frozen to facilitate distribution and storage. The product can then be placed in a temperature cabin, maintained at a specific temperature, to heat the product to the required mixing temperature, which must be between + 5 ° C and -10 ° C depending on the type of product. Once the mixing temperature has been reached inside the temperature unit, the components will have a different consistency. Thus one element may be a low viscosity liquid to act as the catalyst vortex during mixing, while another component contains other products and the solids required in the final product. This may be advantageous for having the low viscosity component located adjacent to the impeller in the container so that this liquid is in direct contact with the rotating mixing element during the mixing process. A single component can be fed into the container which is separated into two or more components during storage and before a mixing operation. The components of the product can be compacted inside the container, these can be fed by volume using a piston and cylinders, or these can be fed by arrangements of time lapses or by other means. A different filling station will usually be required for each component of the product and air can be introduced into the product during the processing and filling stage. Similarly, flavoring liquids can be included in the container as a separate component in the mixing stage as well as introducing flavored components when the container is packaged. On the other hand, the particular components can be added with the component with low water content to achieve the best conditions for mixing. The addition of components can also be conducted shortly before the mixing operation and these components can be introduced through an opening in the lid of the container, for example the opening for the straw, manually or automatically, either of the two. The material from which the body of the container 3, the lid 2 and the rotating element 1 are made, is usually made of plastic materials, are preferably recyclable plastics. The various parts of the container can be made by injection or thermal modeling and the container will be thin plastic walls, to meet the requirement of a single use and disposal after use. The motor handling the mixing operation must have the means to detect the torque control to ensure that the maximum torque applied does not exceed a pre-set level.

This would ensure that where the product inside the container is of the wrong consistency (perhaps because it is the wrong temperature), mixing can not occur because the rotating element can be disabled to withstand the forces involved. However, the rotating element must be made of material which does not fracture, but becomes distorted if an overload should occur. Furthermore, the connection between the control shaft and the rotating member must be such that, if excessive forces are applied, the opening in the rotating element will distort and allow a free rotation of the control shaft. In addition, the torque in the impeller or the current to the control motor can be detected to determine the viscosity of the product during mixing. This enables the motor to operate until the mixed product reaches the desired viscosity. The lid 2 can be heat sealed to the container 3A to effect a permanent connection and in this case the lid can have a tear-off or peelable portion to allow the product to be emptied out of the container. This arrangement would be particularly appropriate for products such as frozen cocktails. On the other hand, the product can be consumed directly from the container. Containers with at least part of the product contained therein should be maintained at ambient temperatures without the need for refrigeration, especially if UHT products are used and the container is stored in a sterile condition. The container is stored in a sealed, cooled condition and with the possible addition of lower temperature or other product, removing the seal before dispensing. The product with the lower temperature may be ice, refrigerant, or both and, after mixing, a chilled or frozen dessert may be provided. The apparatus of the invention can be used to chill or freeze products, but it can also be used for products at room temperature or higher, such as hot chocolate, custard, dressings, mashed potatoes, coffee, tea, etc. For this purpose the mixing operation can be executed in an environment in which a complex of heating microwaves can operate. Instead of the containers being filled remotely from the point of sale, the filling can take place at or near the point at which the mixing takes place. Dry frozen components, liquids and ice can be added at the point of sale, the lid is then adjusted and the product is mixed and served to the consumer. The feeding of product components inside the container can be manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic. When ice is used, such as crushed ice, the rotating member can crush the ice to a convenient size for the product. On the other hand, another cooling material such as dry ice, produced from the liquid carbon dioxide, can be inserted into the container to mix and cool the product before or during mixing. Compressed gas, such as carbon dioxide, can be used to cool the product and carbonated beverages can be produced by injecting the pressurized carbon dioxide gas before or during the mixing of the product. A temperature detector can be used to control the amount of cooling required. In the mixing apparatus described so far is intended for the container, its lid and the rotating member to be discarded after mixing and consuming. However, a non-disposable reusable rotary element can be employed, which is adjusted to the lid which is applied to the container during mixing. The rotating element would be easily removable from the controller for cleaning after use and can be constructed of more durable materials, such as metal components, cleanable in the dishwasher. The motor to control the rotating element can be energized by batteries, by the usual electricity supply or by an air motor, the previous one is from a reserve of compressed air, or in any other way.

If the product to be mixed needs to be heated, with steam injected or hot water added can be used. If containers of different sizes are required, the common components can be used for the lid and the rotating element assembled with the container to be of different depths. From this a full range of sizes can be offered to the customer without difficulty. If you want to have the product cooled or particularly frozen. The containers with product can be stored at low temperature such as, for example, to form ice crystals inside the container, which are then mixed with the product during the mixing stage. On the other hand, by cooling or freezing the product near the point of sale, using disposable product components, the filled containers can be transported at normal ambient temperatures, then cooling or freezing the product until it reaches the point of sale. Referring now to Figs. 11-15 and firstly to Figs. 11 and 12 an alternative mixing apparatus is shown using containers 30 as shown in Fig. 15. In Fig. 15 the container 30 shown is, in common with the previously described container, formed with thin plastic walls and cross section circular, decreasing from its lower end upwards, so that the containers are sealable, one inside the other, with the lower end of a container inserted in the open upper end, inside another container, when empty.

The container 30 is shown with a lid 31 or other sealing member on its open end and the lid is preferably sealed open end with heat after filling with the product, usually filled in a spaced position of the lid to allow the product to occupy the space complete inside the container after mixing. Alternatively or in addition, a membrane is fitted to the open end and secured by heat seal. Towards the lower end of the container is a mixer 32 held within a portion of the base 33 of the container and having an axis 34 and a mixing element 35. The shaft has at its lower end the means (not shown) for placing a control shaft 37 in the control coupling with the mixer 32 and its associated shaft 34. Conveniently, the control is through a coupling so that the container is placed in position to mix without any kinking action being necessary to secure the command coupling. The shaft 34 projects, within an inner edge portion, the lower end, which is usually closed during transit through a heat sealed membrane for the lower end, especially when the aseptically prepared product is employed.

Extending below the level of the portion of the base 33 is an edge portion 38 projected below the level of the axis 34 and defining at its lower edge, a base on which the container remains. The container 30 is intended for use with the apparatus of Figs. 11 and 12 or Figs. 13 and 14, in which said container 30, loaded with product, is on the apparatus and the product is mixed for consumption. In Figs. 11 and 12 the apparatus comprises a mounting base 40 on which is located the upwardly directed control motor 41 from which there is a control shaft 37 for the control coupling with an axis 34 of the mixer 32. Above the base 40 is a mounting platform 43 formed with an upwardly extending seat 44 formed to receive the container 30 as a closed and termination fitting of the upper end of the container 30, short, when placed in the seat. Thus for a mixing operation the container 30 is located is the seat 44 whereby the control shaft 37 is coupled with the mixing shaft 34 of the container. Extending upwards from the base 40 is a vertical support member 46 which has an arm 47 that can be rotated about its axis at its upper end, rotated about the axis 48 between the position of Fig. 11 and that of Fig. 12 which is an access position to the container and a container secured in position, respectively. In the rear position, the arm 47 has been lowered to engage the upper end of the container 30 to secure the container for a mixing operation. The arm 47 can be energized between said positions and includes a proximity switch so that mixing can not occur unless the arm is in the position of the secured container. Alternatively the arm 47 is operated by gravity. In this case the position of the arm 47 in Fig. 11 is supported by the support 49, and is manually movable on the shaft 48 to descend with the severity of the position of Fig. 12. A latch or positioning means ( not shown) can be provided to prevent unintentional movements from the position of Fig. 11. The base and the particular seat 44 can have heating means whereby the seat 44 is heated to heat the wall of the container 30 when the container is located in the seat. Such heating may be advantageous to obtain adequate mixing, especially when the product inside the container is frozen and has a tendency to remain adhered to the surface of the inner wall of the container. The drive motor 41 may be a variable speed motor, such as a direct current motor, to allow different operating speeds for different products. On the other hand, the motor can be controlled to operate for different pre-established periods according to the product. These characteristics can also be applied to other versions of the apparatus described. Referring now to Figs. 13 and 14, an apparatus similar to those of Figs. 11 and 12 is shown and the same reference numerals are applied to similar parts. Fig. 13 shows the apparatus ready to receive the loaded container 30 (Fig. 15) and Fig. 14 shows the apparatus in an operational mixing mode. In the embodiment of Figs. 13 and 14, the apparatus has injection means for injecting carbon dioxide or other material into the container before, during, or after mixing. This can be for the carbonation of the food product in the container or for cooling the product. Carbonation may be appropriate for products, including ice and liquid. Cooling may be appropriate for cooling or freezing the product in the container by injection, for example, dry ice within the product. The container used in the apparatus of Figs. 13 and 14 may have its lid removed, but with a flexible diaphragm seal remaining in place, seal which can be punctured to inject into the product or there may be a lid with a fragile opening for injection through there. Instead of placing the arm 47 of Figs. 11 and 12, the apparatus of Figs. 13 and 14 has an energized clamping plate 15, which is movable up and down between an insuring position (Fig. 14) and an uninsurable position (Fig. 13), by the piston and cylinder device 51 located in the member 46 An injection tube 52 also extends along the member 46 and communicates with a reservoir 53, carbon dioxide reservoir or other material. The tube 53 has an outlet 54 loaded on the plate 50 and is thus directed downwards when the plate 50 and the outlet 54 enter the container for the injection of material into the container. There may be proximity switches to prevent plate movement 50 if the operator has his hands in the plate region. In addition there may be a housing (not shown) around the apparatus with access through a door. The provision can be made, so the door must be closed before the appliance can operate. The outlet 54 is preferably formed of a metal tube having a sharp end so as to be able to pierce the membrane or other seal over the container. The outlet 54 can be removed from the plate 50 when the injection is not required.

A control valve 56 is provided in the line from the reservoir 53, and the tube 52 is flexible to accommodate the up and down movement of the dish 50. The described arrangement of the injection may be used to heat the product in the container 30, for example, injecting steam or hot water from the reserve. Referring now to Figs. 16-18, another embodiment of mixing vessel designated 30 is shown, in which the same reference numbers are used for similar parts in the previously described modes. Thus the container has a body 3 with a base 3A, diverging upwards from the circular cross section of the side walls 3B and the mixing means or impeller 35. The container has a closure member (not shown) for sealing the upper end of the container filled with product. As before, the container is arranged to be sealable in other containers by placing the lower and narrower end of the body within the upper end of another container, when empty. The lower end of the container is formed with a dependent edge portion 38 and the base 3A is formed with a central opening 60 downwards from which it extends walls 61 defining a cylinder 59 of which the inner surface has a shoulder 62 and provides the support surface for the mixing element 35.

The mixing element 35 is constructed by plastic injection molding and includes a shaft portion 34 and mixing portions 66. The shaft portion 34 is formed with a tapered profile 63 at its free end and a lip 64 behind the end narrower, which is arranged when assembled with the container, to engage behind the shoulder 62 of the opening 60. The shaft portion 34 is recessed and defines a recess 65 for receiving the control shaft (not shown) from the control means in control connection with the element 35. For this purpose, the opening 65 has three axially extending rods 66 or control loops for coupling the corresponding grooves in the control shaft. The mixing portions 66 generally each comprise radially extended blades arranged at 120 ° from each other on the axis of rotation of the element 35, the blades being of a relatively sharp profile at their guide edges, as seen in Fig. 18, decreasing outwards in the backward direction. The portions 66 extend outwardly from a portion 67 of the central disc, extending at right angles to the axis of rotation. Towards the portion of the radially projecting edge of the disk portion 67, an annular portion 68 projecting downwards is formed which is arranged, when the element is in position in the container 30, to couple the upper surface of the base 3A. The assembly of the element 35 with the container is inserting the portion of the shaft 34 into the opening 65 and pressing it inward to the lip 64 coupled with the elbow 62 in which the position of the annular portion 68 engages with the base 3A and the element is also located securely in the container for relative rotation. The contacting surfaces of the element 35 and the container provide the bearing surfaces during rotation. To test the support quality of such surfaces, lubricants on the relevant surfaces can be applied to the elements 35 before assembling. However, it should not be necessary to provide a seal between the support surfaces. The arrangement of Figs, 16-18 provides a simple but effective means for making and assembling the mixing element and the body of the associated container. Since the mixing element only has to execute a single mixing operation of, for example, 4-60 seconds in duration, although usually at high speed, it does not have to have durability resulting from the need for repeated use. However, the element must not be broken if it is subjected to excessive force due to, for example, that the product in the container is frozen. The element must have enough flexibility to bend if the torque requirement to mix becomes excessive. In some arrangement it may, for the mixing element, be desired to merge with the container after a mixing operation, to prevent further use. The lower end of the cylinder 59 is usually sealed with the heat seal membrane for transit or the container is filled and the membrane is removable or perforated before connection to the control shaft. Referring now to Figs. 19, 20 and 21, an assembly for the container 30 is shown with a jar 70, seen separately in Fig. 20. In this arrangement the mixing vessel 30 may be generally similar to the previously described modes. In Figs. 19 and 20, the container 30 illustrated, is of the kind shown in Fig. 15. In the arrangement of Fig. 21, in which the container is placed in an inverted position during mixing, the mixer 35 is associated with lid 31 of the container. In Figures 19, 20 and 21, the reference numbers used are the same as for the preceding modes in relation to similar parts. The container of Figs. 19 and 20 is associated with a jug 70 at the base of which is a coupling element 71 by which the control is transmitted from a control mechanism, in a base unit 72, to the mixer 35, which control mechanism can be like the previously described.

Alternatively, the control mechanism can be provided by a conventional mixing unit. The coupling element 71 provides the coupling between the output of the control mechanism and the mixing shaft 34 and can include a shipping mechanism so the coupling does not transmit the control if the torque required to operate the mixer is too large due to, for example, that the product in the container has a very viscous consistency, possibly due to its freezing. The jar 70 is mounted so that it can be removed or rotated about an axis in the base 72 and the mixing vessel 30 is positioned so that it can be removed within the jar 70 thus located its control shaft with the coupling element 71. of the jar when it is in position. The jug 70 has a handle 74 on one side of the lid 75, or the cover is pivoted on one side at 76, and a lifting extension 77 on the opposite side of the pivot 76. By this arrangement the lid 75 is augmented to provide access to insert and remove the container 30. The jar 70 also has a slot 78 or slots along its upper edge to allow the container 30 to be removed in that respect from the jar after mixing. In this arrangement the jar 70 provides a holder for the container during mixing with a closure in the form of the lid 75, and the jar 70 can be removed from the base 72 for cleaning. The jar 70 can also be used to remove the container 30 by raising them together by the use of the handle 74. The jar can be heated by the provision of heaters inside the jar to further heat the container 30 before mixing, if necessary. In Fig. 21, a jar 70 similar to that of the preceding embodiment is provided, by means of which a container 30 inverted with the mixer 35 in the lid is admitted to the jar, the jar is inverted and a coupling 71 is located in the lid 75 of the jar. In this case the cover 75 is secured against the opening by a lock that can be released during inversion and mixing. The arrangement provides the means by which the container 30 can be mixed using a conventional mixing base, the coupling member 71 provides an adapter for adapting the control of the mixer to the mixing element of the container. Aseptically prepared or sterilized, the containers provide considerable advantages in that the filled containers have a relatively long shelf life without freezing being necessary. In filling containers aseptically, hot products can be used at pasteurizing temperatures, which assist in getting the container and its contents aseptically prepared. To ensure that the container thus filled is safe against any risk of the product being exposed to the environment, the assembly of the mixer must be completely sealed against the ingress or egress of contaminants. For this purpose, the assembly of the mixer must be completely sealed until, at least, the mixture is about to be executed, one way to carry out such a seal is to join the assembly and the container body with a fragile weld between the components of the rotating plastic and its housing, a seal is provided until the torque is applied manually or by the rotary component drive motor. Alternatively, brittle welding can be broken by the use of a tool or by engagement with a tool member when the container is located on the drive shaft. Fragile welding is positioned to seal the small gap between the cooperative surfaces, provided between the rotating component and its housing. In an arrangement, a portion of the container is interposed between and connected to each input of part of the control rotor and a part of the impeller of the mixer. Said container portion is connected to the main body of the contain through a brittle connection, which provides the seal between the inside and the outside of the container until the connection is broken. This occurs conveniently when the control torque is applied to the mixer or otherwise as previously described. The brittle connection can be provided by a weakened annular region of thin section. The part of the control motor and the part of the impeller can each be manually connected to each one through said portion of the container for example, by welding the portion of the container. Hereby the portion of the container becomes part of the rotary mixer when the mixing takes place and said portion of the container becomes disconnected from the container in said brittle connection. Another means, such as a sealing ring, can also be provided for this purpose. Using the container and the apparatus of the invention, the equipment itself allows a manufacturing system, filler, conveyor and dispenser, which has wide applications in supplying food in a hygienic and cost effective manner. Normally the containers would be manufactured in a manufacturing location far from the place where the containers are loaded with the product. The containers, which are intended for disposal and recycling, must occupy little space during transport to the site in which the containers are to be loaded. Therefore, the containers are sealable with one another, as described, the base of one container being located in and adjacent to the base of another container. The containers, still seated one in the other, are placed for filling by standard filling machinery and are unsettled just before, during or after each one is filled. After the containers are filled with food product, they are sealed by applying the sealing means on the upper filling opening. The sealing means is preferably a heat sealed cap or a membrane sealed over the edge of the upper opening. Alternatively or in addition, a captive lid that can be removed is applied to seal the container. In addition, the base of the container is sealed to prevent any communication between the internal and external contents. Such a seal is usually a heat-sealed membrane applied through the access control on the base of the container and can be removed to increase access to the mixer knob 32.

After filling and sealing the container, its contents can be cooled or frozen at a low storage temperature. Alternatively the container and the contents can be maintained at room temperature after filling. The above would be appropriate when the containers, their contents and the environment are aseptically controlled and in this case the protective membrane on the upper filling opening and the control shaft must be provided. In this case the container and its contents can be transported without freezing but they will usually need to be cooled below the freezing point before the product is mixed to obtain ice particles in the product and obtain a product of the temperature required for consumption, especially yes, the product is malted. However, even with aseptically controlled product, freezing can be taken after filling, for quality control purposes. The containers filled at freezing or ambient temperatures are transported to their place of consumption in which the product is to be mixed, in the case in which the product is at room temperature during transportation, cooling and, if desired, the frozen, it will be taken before mixing to provide a cold product, with or without ice in it, for consumption, in the case in which the product is transported frozen, it may need to be temperature-controlled at a higher temperature, but still frozen, before to mix. This can be done in a temperature cabinet, establishing a temperature temperature, in which the containers are stored and heated to a temperature dispenser / mixer. When the product is to be consumed, the container is placed in the mixing apparatus and mixing is effected, as described. Mixing may involve penetration or removal of the seal in the base to access the mixing means. Usually the upper opening remains sealed during mixing, except when injection into the container is required. The mixed product is ready for consumption by removing the seal or removing the seal to increase access to the contents by a straw, spoon or emptying, as required, after consumption of the container, the empty container is discarded. Disposal is effective in cost because the container is, by its construction, relatively cheap to make, even with the built-in mixer. It can be seen that the mixing apparatus offers the opportunity to supply mixed products in a fast, clean and hygienic environment with the possibility of filling containers in a remote place or introducing the component of the product just before mixing. The arrangement is cost effective and efficient.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates. Having described the invention as an antecedent, what is contained in the following is claimed as property.

Claims (32)

Claims:

1. A method for supplying mixed food products, such as shakes, characterized in that, in disposable containers having an integral mixing means located internally of the container, which mixing means is manipulably connectable to the control means externally and separated from the container, so that the container is then made, seated with other containers and transported to a loading site; containers are disassembled, loaded with product ingredients from the loading site away from a dispensing site; the container is sealed to seal the ingredients within the container, the container and its contents are cooled to at least one service temperature, the mixing medium is released and manipulated connected to said handling means in the dispensing site, and the medium The control is activated to cause the mixing medium to operate and mix the ingredients within the container, the access is increased to the mixed food product inside the container, wherein said mixed product is consumed from the container, and the container is discarded.

A method according to claim 1, characterized in that each container has an open upper end in which another container is seated and, after untangling containers, the open end of the container acts to receive the product ingredients, said end open is hermetically sealed after loading the container with said ingredients.

A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container has a lower end in which the mixing means is located and accesses the mixing means, is sealed at said lower end with sealing means that can be sealed. stir.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container is partially filled with food product in a loading station by means of which to provide space on said product; within which a mixed product can be expanded during mixing.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing means for the ingredients is arranged to provide access to the mixed contents after the mixing operation, forming an opening in the seal, or removing the seal.

6. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container and its contents are cooled after loading with ingredients and after transportation in a cooled condition to another site.

7. A method according to any of claims 1-5, characterized in that the ingredients are cooled adjacent to the dispensing site before mixing.

A method according to claim 7, characterized in that the ingredients are cooled by placing the container in a cooling medium, or by adding refrigerant to the ingredients before mixing.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container during a mixing operation is placed vertically or in an inverted position, or in intermediate vertical and inverted positions.

A container for use in the method of the invention, characterized in that it comprises an sealable vessel having an upper opening through which the food product ingredients are chargeable within the vessel, the sealing means for sealing said upper opening and two or more of said vessels are sealable by placing one inside another through said upper opening, that the container has the integral mixing means including a rotary impeller relative to the container for mixing said ingredients inside the container, the setting means to ensure the rotatability of the impeller in the container, the control connection means associated with the impeller and externally accessible from the container for operating connection with the control means so that the impeller is rotated, is the mixing means permanently attached to the container, and is the container constructed to be discarded after mixing and consuming the food product of the container.

11. The container according to claim 10, characterized in that said vessel is of circular cross-section reduced towards one end, so that placing and seating two or more vessels within one another, is the narrowest end of the vessel inserted into the vessel. the wider upper opening of another vessel to extend the base adjacent to it.

The container according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the sealing means comprises a heat sealable member located on the upper opening, and / or a sealing cap.

The container according to any of claims 10-12, characterized in that the sealing means comprises a heat-sealable member located by the control connection means for sealing the impeller against the external atmosphere.

14. The container according to any of claims 11-13, characterized in that the mixing means comprises an axis loading the impeller towards one end and the connection means of control towards the other end, is the rotary axis with respect to the container.

The container according to claim 14, characterized in that the mixing means is a press fit of the assembly with the container body with the gripping means to stop the assembly.

The container according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that it comprises support surfaces defined between the container body and the impeller shaft.

The container according to any of claims 10-16, characterized in that the mixing means is located at the base of the vessel away from the upper opening.

18. The container according to any of claims 10-16, characterized in that the mixing means is located in a lid defining a closing means for said upper opening.

19. A container according to any of claims 10-18, characterized in that the sealing means for said upper opening defines the means for accessing the contents of the container and can be removed or has a region which is openable.

A container according to any of claims 10-19, characterized in that the vessel is constructed to be made of thin walls, injection molded plastics whereby the vessel is disposable.

21. The food mixing apparatus characterized in that it comprises a container including a sealable vessel having an upper opening through which the food product ingredients are chargeable within the vessel, the sealing means for sealing said upper opening, two or more vessels they are seated one inside the other by placing one inside the other through said upper opening, the container having an integral mixing means inside the container including an impeller for mixing the ingredients inside the container, the positioning means for securing the rotary means of mixing in the container, the control means, the control connection means associated with the impeller and externally accessible from the container for operating connection with the control means, a mounting assembly for the container and incorporating the control means, so that on the assembly of the container on the mounting means in operating connection with the control means of the i a rotating machine, the mounting means provides a seat for the container during mixing.

22. Mixing apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the seat has a portion formed according to the external shape of the container in which to support the side walls of the container during mixing.

23. Apparatus according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that it comprises a support for the upper end of the container during the mixing which can be removed, coupled with said upper end.

24. Apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that said support incorporates the injection means for injecting cooling air or other additive to the ingredients during mixing.

Apparatus according to any of claims 21-23, characterized in that it comprises the filling means at a loading site for loading product into the container, cooling medium for cooling the container and associated food products, and the seal application means for applying a seal to the upper open end of the container.

26. Apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that the mixing means is an assembly with the sealable vessel, the mixing means is a fit within an opening and the inter-coupling surfaces provide the bearing surface during the rotation of the mixing medium relative to the vessel.

Apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 26, characterized in that it comprises jar means for enclosing the container in a mixing position, and the coupling means loaded by the jar means and for coupling said impeller and said control means where the command is transmitted between the control means and the impeller during mixing.

Apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that the jar means includes a handle for gripping the jar means, and the jar means has internal dimensions for receiving the container as a socket within the jar means.

29. Apparatus according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the jar means comprises the lid means for enclosing the lid after the container enters the jar means.

Apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the coupling means is located at the base of the jar means or in closing member for the upper end of the jar means.

31. Apparatus for mixing food substantially as described with reference in the illustrations.

32. Food dispenser and mixing vessel substantially as described with reference to the illustrations. Apparatus for mixing food Summary of the invention: The invention provides an apparatus for mixing food and a method of mixing food within a container (30) in order to provide a hygienic system whereby disposable containers are loaded with product at a site far from consumption. After filling with ingredients, the container is sealed and cooled. The containers include an integral mixer (35) which when connected to a controller enables the product to be mixed at the point of consumption after being placed in a driving connection with the control means. The product is accessed through a sealed opening (31) of the container after opening the seal. After consumption the container is discarded and is constructed to be economically disposable.