RU2815659C2 - Food processor lid - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: kitchen equipment.

SUBSTANCE: lid (116) for a food processor, wherein the food processor comprises hollow body (102) providing inner chamber (103) for receiving a product and within which the product is processed, wherein body (102) has side wall (112) with rim part (108) surrounding housing upper opening (114), wherein rim part (108) has edge (109), wherein body (102) additionally comprises spout (110) protruding from side wall (112), adjoining part (108) with rim, and having side opening (117) of spout, wherein lid (116) comprises: main part (118) interacting with edge (109) for closing upper opening (114) of housing; upper skirt (120) extending into inner space (103) of body (102) and tightly coupled with inner surface of side wall (112) and part (108) with rim; and plug (200) movably attached to main part (118) and interacting with spout (110) for closing spout side opening (117); and wherein plug (200) has a side skirt that extends into spout (110) and tightly mates with inner (240) and outer (241) surfaces of side opening (117) of the spout.

EFFECT: lid creates sufficient vacuum sealing for proper storage of ingredients for long periods of time and limitation of oxidation process.

32 cl, 18 dwg

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a lid for a container.

[0002] The invention was developed primarily for use as a lid for a food processor, such as a blender and/or juicer, and will be described below with reference to this application. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to this particular field of application.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0003] The blender is used for mixing, stirring, liquefying and other processing of food and beverages. A typical blender has a base with a motor along with rotating blades and a removable vessel, usually in the form of a jug having an interior space, with the contents of the jug sealed from the outside environment by a lid. The removable vessel is connected to a base with a motor, and the action of the rotating blades causes the contents of the vessel to circulate around the vessel.

[0004] Accordingly, the lid is typically designed to withstand the forces exerted by the rising and circulating contents to securely seal the container. Unfortunately, this results in the lid being relatively difficult to remove without difficulty, or the lid may not adequately seal the vessel when the interior is subjected to "negative pressure". Air will naturally flow from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure, so that when the pressure inside the vessel is lower than the pressure outside the vessel, air from the outside environment will naturally move to the lower pressure area inside the vessel, thereby causing the lid to lower.

[0005] Existing lids are also not easily connected to other electrical household appliances, such as when using a blender jar as a storage device. Additionally, existing lids do not create a sufficient vacuum seal to properly store ingredients for long periods of time and limit oxidation.

[0006] The blender and juicer are also typically provided as two separate kitchen electrical appliances. The user will first use the juicer to make juice and then transfer the contents of the juicer's container to another electric home appliance such as a blender to blend the contents and add other ingredients. Despite the mess created by transferring, the manual steps required to pour or transfer contents from one electrical appliance to another can be time-consuming and inefficient. Additionally, using multiple electrical appliances is not space efficient as it usually requires a large counter area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to essentially overcome or at least reduce one or more disadvantages of existing devices, or at least provide a useful alternative to existing devices.

[0008] Disclosed herein is a lid for a food processor, wherein the food processor includes a hollow body providing an internal chamber for receiving product and within which the product is processed, wherein the body has a side wall with a rim portion surrounding an upper opening of the body, wherein the portion with the rim has an edge, wherein the body additionally contains a spout protruding from the side wall adjacent to the rim and having a side opening of the spout, and the cover contains:

a main part interacting with the edge to close the upper opening of the housing;

an upper skirt extending into the interior of the body and sealingly mating with the inner surface of the side wall and rim; And

a plug movably attached to the main part and interacting with the spout to close the side opening of the spout; And

in this case, the plug has a side skirt that extends into the spout and is hermetically sealed with the inner and outer surfaces of the side hole of the spout.

[0009] Preferably, the main body includes a crown extending over the upper skirt, the crown including at least one locking element spaced around the periphery of the crown for detachable connection with the edge of the rim portion.

[0010] Preferably, the locking element can bend independently of the arch.

[0011] Preferably the plug includes a locking element for releasable connection with the edge of the side opening of the spout.

[0012] Preferably, each of the dome stopper and the plug stopper includes a protrusion for engaging an edge for attachment to the body.

[0013] Preferably, at least one of the locking elements includes a tongue.

[0014] Preferably at least one of the locking elements includes a clip.

[0015] Preferably, the locking elements have a sealing lip for engaging the rim portion such that the sealing lip is deflected toward the inner surface of the side wall to seal the housing when the inner space is subjected to a negative pressure compared to the outer side of the inner space.

[0016] Preferably, the sealing projections overlap the portion with the rim to provide a sealed seal inside and outside the chamber.

[0017] Preferably, the sealing projections overlap the spout opening to provide a sealed seal inside and outside the spout side opening.

[0018] Preferably, the plug is pivotally connected to the main body.

[0019] Preferably, the plug includes a recess in conjunction with a flange on said body to hold the plug in an open position.

[0020] Preferably, the body includes a guide configured to engage with a corresponding alignment protrusion on the body to ensure alignment of the body and the body.

[0021] Also disclosed herein in combination are:

a container for a food processor, the container comprising a hollow body providing an internal chamber for receiving the product and within which the product is processed, the body having a side wall with an outwardly projecting rim portion surrounding an upper opening of the body, the rim portion having an edge; And

a removable lid for closing the container, the lid comprising:

a main part interacting with the edge to close the upper opening of the housing;

an upper skirt extending into the interior of the body and sealingly mating with the inner surface of the side wall and rim; And

a plug movably attached to the main part and interacting with the spout to close the side opening of the spout; And

in this case, the plug has a side skirt that extends into the spout and is hermetically mated with the inner and outer surfaces of the side hole of the spout.

[0022] Also disclosed herein is a lid for a food processor, the food processor comprising a hollow housing providing an internal chamber for receiving product and within which the product is processed, the housing having a side wall with a rim portion surrounding an upper opening of the housing, the portion with the rim has an edge, wherein the body additionally contains a spout protruding from the side wall, adjacent to the rim, and having a side opening of the spout, and the cover contains:

a main part interacting with the edge to close the upper opening of the housing;

an upper skirt extending into the interior of the body and sealingly mating with the inner surface of the side wall and rim; And

a plug movably attached to the main part and interacting with the spout to close the side opening of the spout;

in this case, the plug has a side skirt that extends into the spout and is hermetically mated with the inner and outer surfaces of the side hole of the spout;

wherein the main body comprises a vault extending above the skirt, the vault having an opening extending through said main body to provide access to said inner chamber; and a removable cap configured to sealably engage said opening to prevent access to said inner chamber.

[0023] Also disclosed herein is an assembly comprising a blender jug and a juicer,

wherein the juice extractor comprises: a base with a motor;

a juice chamber having an outlet tube; And

a filter basket located inside the juice chamber and rotatable by means of a base output shaft with a motor;

wherein the blender jug contains:

a hollow body surrounding an internal chamber for receiving the product and within which the product is processed;

a spout extending from the hollow body and configured to connect to an outlet tube of the juice chamber in use, the spout being closed by a spout plug that is located on the lid of the blender jug; And

wherein the housing comprises an upper part with a rim surrounding the upper opening of the housing, wherein the upper part with the rim is located in close proximity to the outlet tube of the juice chamber when in use.

[0024] Preferably, the upper housing rim portion is located in close proximity to the upper rim of the filter basket.

[0025] Preferably, the upper rim portion is generally flush with the upper rim of the filter basket.

[0026] Preferably, the spout plug includes one or more sealing elements to seal the spout and seal the inner chamber from the external environment surrounding the blender jar.

[0027] Preferably, the juicer motor base is configured to interchangeably receive the juicer and the blender jug to selectively operate the juicer and the blender jug.

[0028] Preferably, the assembly further comprises a blender jug lid, and wherein:

the blender jug body includes a side wall, and the spout extends from the side wall adjacent the rim top portion, and wherein the rim top portion includes a lip and the spout includes a spout side opening.

[0029] Preferably the cap contains:

a main part interacting with the edge to close the upper opening of the housing;

an upper skirt extending into the internal space of the body and sealingly mating with the inner surface of the side wall and the upper part with the rim;

a spout plug that is movably attached to the main body and cooperates with the spout to close a side opening of the spout; And

in this case, the spout plug contains a side skirt, which extends into the spout and seals with the inner and outer surfaces of the side opening of the spout.

[0030] Preferably, the main body includes a crown extending over the top skirt, the crown including at least one locking element spaced around the periphery of the roof for detachable connection with the edge of the top part with the rim.

[0031] Preferably, the locking element can bend independently of the arch.

[0032] Preferably, the spout plug includes a locking element for releasably connecting to the edge of the side opening of the spout.

[0033] Preferably, each of the dome stopper and the plug stopper includes a protrusion for engaging an edge for attachment to the body.

[0034] Preferably, at least one of the locking elements includes a tongue.

[0035] Preferably, at least one of the locking elements includes a clip.

[0036] Preferably, each of the locking members has a sealing projection for engaging the rim portion such that the sealing projection is deflected toward the inner surface of the side wall to seal the housing when the inner chamber is subjected to a negative pressure relative to the outer side of the inner chamber.

[0037] Preferably, the sealing projections overlap the portion with the rim to provide a sealed seal inside and outside the inner chamber.

[0038] Preferably, the sealing projections overlap the spout opening to provide a sealed seal inside and outside the spout side opening.

[0039] Preferably, the plug is pivotally connected to the main body.

[0040] Preferably, the plug includes a recess or protrusion associated with a flange on said body to hold the plug in an open position.

[0041] Preferably, the body includes a guide configured to engage with a corresponding alignment protrusion on the body to ensure alignment of the body and the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHIC MATERIALS

[0042] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a blender jar, lid and lid cap connected to a juicer;

[0044] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a blender jar, lid, and lid cap located on the blender power motor housing;

[0045] FIG. 3 is a side view of a blender jar, lid, and lid cap in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0046] FIG. 4a and 4b are perspective views of the blender jar, lid and lid cap according to FIG. 3 with spout cover in closed configuration and open configuration respectively;

[0047] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of the blender jar, lid and lid cap according to FIG. 4b with a lid spaced from the jug;

[0048] FIG. 5b is an additional perspective view of the blender jar, lid, and lid cap in accordance with FIG. 4b;

[0049] FIG. 6 is an additional perspective view of the jug, lid, and lid cap in accordance with FIG. 5a and 5b;

[0050] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the jug, lid and lid cap according to FIG. 3 before connecting to the juicer spout;

[0051] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view according to FIG. 7 jug, lid and lid cap connected to the juicer spout;

[0052] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the jug, lid and lid cap according to FIG. 3;

[0053] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lid and lid cap;

[0054] FIG. 11 is a further enlarged sectional view of the spout assembly;

[0055] FIG. 12a and 12b are cross-sectional views of the spout assembly with the spout open and the spout closed;

[0056] FIG. 13a and 13b are exploded views of the recess element; And

[0057] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of a complete assembly containing a blender jar and a juicer connected to the blender jar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF OPTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

[0058] The accompanying drawings schematically depict a container 100 within which food products can be processed. As an example, container 100 may be a container for a blender (see FIG. 2) or other food processing device within which the food product is engaged with and processed by a blade assembly 172 (see FIG. 9). form. The blade assembly 172 has a blade 173 that can be driven by a drive assembly that includes a motor located within the drive power motor housing 174 (see FIG. 2).

[0059] Container 100 includes a hollow vessel or body 102 containing a handle 104 and a base 106 (see FIG. 3) that engages a food processor (blender) drive assembly. The container (jug) 100 has a generally central longitudinal axis 107 (see FIG. 3).

[0060] The housing 102 has a top rim portion 108 defining a top opening 114. The housing 102 also has an interior space 103 surrounded by a side wall 112 (see FIG. 5a). The food product to be processed enters the interior space 103 where it engages the blades 173 of the blade assembly 172 or other device that is driven by the engine via the drive assembly. As best seen in FIG. 5a, the side wall 112 has a spout assembly 110 located adjacent the top rim portion 108 providing secondary access to and from the interior space 103. As shown in FIG. 1, the spout assembly 110 is configured to connect to various electrical household appliances to allow those electrical household appliances to access the interior space 103.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 10 and 11, the top rim portion 108 ends in a lip 109 that surrounds a top opening 114 that can be closed by a removable cover 116. The cover 116 includes a body 118 and a skirt 120, as best illustrated in FIG. 5a and 5b. The body 118 and skirt 120 are preferably made of a polymeric material.

[0062] The main body 118 is shaped generally consistent with the opening 114 to at least substantially cover the opening 114. The main body 118 includes a dome 122 having a flange 124 that extends from the periphery of the dome 122 and extends generally in an axial direction. 107 to the lower level 126 of the flange 124 (see Fig. 9). The flange 124 is interrupted by one or more stop elements 132 spaced throughout the crown 122. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two opposing stop elements 132 located around the top rim portion 108.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 10, the locking elements 132 are provided with projections in the form of beads 134 extending transversely along the inner side surface of the locking elements 132 in close proximity to the freely hanging end of the locking elements 132. When the main part 118 covers the opening 114, the beads 134 are located under the edge 109, thus thus locking the main part 118 to the rim part 108 to securely close the hole 114.

[0064] The beads 134 are configured to engage the underside of the lip 109 to resist positive pressure on the lid 116 that may be created within the housing 102 (for example, by certain liquid ingredients or when mixing hot liquids), as well as to provide sliding release from edges 109 with incentive movement.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, one locking element 132, which is located at the edge of the arch 122, includes a traction ring 138, preferably formed integrally with the outside of the locking element 132, extending outward from the locking element 132. The traction ring 138 allows the user (for example , using a finger) to move the locking element 132 away from the housing 102 in a first direction and subsequently in a second direction. This first direction generally extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis 107 to disengage the locking member 132 from the edge 109. The second direction is generally parallel to the axis 107 to lift and rotate the cover 116 about a fulcrum located on a diagonally opposite edge at the periphery of the arch 122. This rotation imparts force to any other locking elements 132, thereby changing their angle of engagement with the edge 109. As the rotation of the cover 116 increases, each flange 134 of the other locking elements 132 rotates relative to the underside of the edge 109 of the rim portion 108, causing the locking elements 132 to flex and release the bead 134 from the lip 109, thereby removing the cover 116 from the body 102. It should be understood that the locking elements 132 can bend independently of the arch 122.

[0066] The body 118 may optionally include a central opening 174 closed by a removable lid cap 175, which may be, for example, in the shape of a measuring cup. In alternative embodiments, the lid cap 175 may be replaced by a vacuum device (not shown) configured to maintain negative pressure within the housing 102. The cap 175 may be used to relieve vacuum pressure when necessary.

[0067] As already mentioned, the skirt 120 is generally shaped to complement the cross-sectional profile of the body 102. The skirt 120 and body 118 can be welded together using an induction welding process. In this process, a thin metal wire filament (iron) is enclosed in a groove located along the upper perimeter of the skirt 120. The skirt 120 and body 118, along with the wire thread, are placed in a magnetic field created by a coil (not shown) carrying an electric current, resulting in the field induces heat within the wire filament and causes local heating to the melting point of both the body 118 and the skirt 120. The skirt 120 and the body 118 are pressed against each other during this process, and the locally molten polymer freezes, binding the skirt 120 and the body 118, when the induction field is eliminated.

[0068] As seen in FIG. 10 and 11, the skirt 120 is defined by a sidewall 143 having a top portion 144 and a bottom portion 146. Disposed therebetween is a seal 156. The seal 156 is made of a polymer, preferably an elastomer, to flex relative to the sidewall 112 and/or rim 108.

[0069] The seal 156 has a plurality of flexible finger-like projections 158 extending along the periphery of the seal 156. The projections 158 sealably mate with the sealing surface of the side wall 112 and/or the rim 108 of the housing 102 to seal or engage the skirt 120 with the housing 102 to prevent transfer ingredients (liquid) from the interior space 103 onto the top side of the projections 158, for example, during a mixing operation. As shown in FIG. 10 and 11, the upper lip 166 is configured to cooperate with the rim 108 such that when a vacuum occurs within the interior space 103 of the housing 102, the upper lip 166 is deflected, thereby increasing the tension and sealing force. That is, there is both an internal and an external seal to the container 100 (one inside the opening 114 and one outside the opening 114).

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5a, 5b and 6, the container 100 and lid 116 contain interacting alignment/orientation elements in the form of an orienting projection 180 extending from the side wall 112 into the interior 103 and longitudinally along an axis 107, and a corresponding guide 185 extending from the bottom level 126 of the lid 116 This cooperative arrangement can at least ensure that the cover 116 is placed in the correct orientation without the user having to struggle to achieve proper alignment. That is, the guide 185 interacts with the alignment protrusion 180 to assist the user in aligning the lid 116 with the container 100.

[0071] As already mentioned, the jug 100 includes a spout assembly 110 located integrally within the side wall 112 adjacent the top rim portion 108, providing secondary access 117 (spout side opening) to and from the interior space 103. By placing the spout 110 on the side wall 112, the top of the container 100 is cleared to receive a vacuum device or other interacting device (not shown).

[0072] As best seen in FIG. 7 and 8, the spout 110 is configured to connect with various electrical household appliances (such as a juicer) to allow these electrical household appliances to access the interior space 103. In FIG. 7 and 8 show a portion of the juicer 300 having an outlet tube 301 that fits inside spout 110 to deliver juice to interior 103. Container 100 can then be stored with the juice extracted, and spout 110 can be used to pour juice out of container 100. FIG. . 14 illustrates the complete assembly of jug 100, lid 116, and juicer 300 and will be described in more detail below.

[0073] Referring specifically to FIG. 10, 11, 12a and 12b, the spout assembly 110 includes a spout plug/seal assembly 200. Preferably, the spout plug 200 is located on the lid 116. However, it may be located on the container 100. The spout plug 200 has a protrusion 202 at one end located within a groove 207 on the lid arch 122, and is configured in use to allow the spout plug 200 to move around the pivot point 209 such that the spout plug 200 can be rotated to open and close the spout 110 and secondary access 117. At the other end of the spout plug 200 there is a clamp 205 that ensures the seal of the spout 110 during normal (non-vacuum) mixing. When a vacuum is applied to the jug 100 prior to mixing, the clamp 205 is relieved of the load as the vacuum pressure holds the lid 116 on the jug 100. The clamp 205 operates in the same way as the finger ring 138 in helping to open/close the lid 116. Interestingly, however, spout plug 200 can be closed and cap 116 open at the end of ring 138 so that spout 110 can act as a hinge. The clip 205 includes a bead 134 that is secured under the lip 109 as discussed previously, and in this embodiment is formed on the outside of the spout 110.

[0074] Figures 13a and 13b show detailed views of the notch or protrusion 400 and how it helps hold the spout plug 200 open (Figure 13b) so that it does not fall into the closed position (Figure 13a). A recess or protrusion 400 extends from a spout plug protrusion 202 that is rotatable within a slot 207. The recess or protrusion 400 may be extended by a user beyond the end 305 of the top portion 144 of the flange 124 to hold the spout plug 200 in an open configuration until the user will not apply positive force to close the spout plug 200.

[0075] The spout plug 200 includes an outer surface 211 and an inner surface 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 212 includes two locking elements 232 opposed to each other and configured to seal either the inner side 240 or the outer side 241 of the spout 110 (which protrudes from the side wall 112, as mentioned above), and the secondary access 117. The locking elements 232 are similar to the locking elements described above and have projections in the form of flanges 234 extending from the outer surface 211 to receive sealing seals 250. The sealing seals 250 include a number of fingers 255 configured to engage both the inner surface 240 and the outer surface 241 of the spout 110. That is, the seals 250 overlap the spout 110. The seals 250 will be compressed under vacuum towards the container 100. The seals 250 prevent the release of ingredients during mixing while remaining relatively easy to open and close for the user. The seals 250 prevent air from being drawn into the vessel through the secondary spout access 117. By resisting the passage of air, an internal vacuum can be achieved. As mentioned above, when vacuum pressure increases, the assembly compresses the seals 250 more.

[0076] As discussed above, the spout assembly 110 of the jug 100 is configured to connect to various electrical appliances (such as a juicer) to allow those electrical appliances to access the interior 103 of the jug body 102. In fig. 14 shows a complete assembly of a jug 100 (hereinafter referred to as blender jug 100) with a lid 116 and a juicer 300. The juicer 300, as depicted, includes, among other things, a motor base 405 containing a power motor drive housing 174 described above, a juice chamber 410 , surrounded by a chamber body 412, a filter basket 415 having a grid disk 417, and a feed tube 420. The filter basket 415 is located inside the juice chamber 410 and is rotatable by a base output shaft 405 with a motor. The juice chamber 410 has an outlet tube 301, as described above, which fits inside the spout assembly 110 to provide a connection between the juice chamber 410 and the interior 103 of the blender jug 100. The food product to be juiced (for example, a piece of fruit) is inserted into a feed tube 420 at the top of the juicer 300 and then contacts a grid disc 417. The operation of the juicer 300 allows the output shaft of the base 405 to rotate with a motor, which then rotates the filter basket 415 and/or the grid disc 417 to extract juice from the piece of fruit. The juice product is supplied from the juice chamber 410 through the outlet tube 301 into the interior 103 of the blender jug 100.

[0077] The blender jar 100 can subsequently be transported or stored with the juice extracted, and the spout assembly 110 can be used to pour the juice from the blender jar 100. Alternatively, the spout assembly 110 may be disconnected from the outlet tube 301 of the juice chamber 410 to disconnect the blender jar 100 from the juicer 300. The juicer 300 may then be removed from the motor base 405 and replaced with the blender jar 100. Thus, it will be understood that the motorized base 405 is a single motorized base that can receive both the blender jar 100 and the juicer 300 interchangeably and selectively. As such, the blender jar 100 may be placed on the same motorized base 405 (in a similar manner as the juicer 300) and connected to the blending operation. In this way, the ability of the complete unit to function as a combination blender and juicer can be realized, wherein the blender jug 100 can receive contents from the juicing operation of the juicer 300 and subsequently be used for the blending operation without the need to move or pour the contents into a separate container or apparatus.

[0078] It should be understood that the blender jar 100 and the assembly lid 116 may contain substantially similar elements as described above, with some of the corresponding elements repeated below for completeness. The blender jar 100 includes a hollow body 102 having a side wall 112 that surrounds an inner chamber 103 that receives and processes the product. The spout 110 extends from the side wall 112 of the housing 102 and is configured to connect to the outlet tube 301 of the juice chamber 410 in use. The spout 110 may be covered by a spout plug 200 located on the cover 116. The housing 102 also includes a top rim portion 108 surrounding an upper housing opening 114, with the top rim portion 108 positioned in close proximity to the outlet tube 301 of the juice chamber 410 in use. The top rim portion 108 in use is also located in close proximity to the top rim 422 of the filter basket 415. In one embodiment, the top rim portion 108 in use is generally flush with the top rim 422 of the filter basket 415. The spout 110 may also include one or more sealing elements in the form of a clip 205, one or more locking elements 232 and/or sealing seals 250 described above. These sealing elements sealably engage with the spout 110 and seal the inner chamber 103 from the external environment surrounding the blender jar 100.

[0079] The top rim portion 108 may include a lip 109 as described above, and the spout 110 includes a secondary access or spout side opening 117. The cover 116 may further include a body 118 that cooperates with a lip 109 to close the upper housing opening 114. The cover 116 may also further include an upper skirt (corresponding to the skirt 120 described above) extending into the interior 103 of the housing 102 and sealingly mating with the inner surface of the side wall 112 and the top portion 108 with the rim. The cap 116 may further include a spout plug/seal assembly 200 that is movably attached to the body 118 and cooperates with the spout 110 to close the side opening 117 of the spout.

[0080] The body 118 of the cover 116 may further include a crown 122 that extends over the skirt 120, wherein the crown 122 may include one or more locking elements 132 spaced around the periphery of the crown 122 for releasably connecting the edge 109 of the top portion 108 to the rim . The spout plug 200 may also include one or more of the locking elements 232 described above for releasably connecting to the edge of the spout side opening 117.

[0081] In FIG. 14 also shows the dimensions of the complete assembly in the preferred form.

[0082] The height H1 indicates the distance between the upper rim 425 of the juice chamber 410 and the inside 430 of the outlet spout 301. This height H1 may be in the range of about 25-35 mm, preferably in the range of about 27-28 mm, and more preferably about 27.9 mm.

[0083] The height H2 indicates the distance between the upper rim 425 and the outer portion 435 of the outlet spout 301. This height H2 may be in the range of about 40-50 mm, preferably in the range of about 44-45 mm, and more preferably about 44.4 mm.

[0084] The height H3 indicates the distance between the upper rim 425 and the lower portion 440 of the juice chamber 410. This height H3 may be in the range of about 65-75 mm, preferably in the range of 68-70 mm, and more preferably about 69 mm.

[0085] The length L1 indicates the length of the outlet spout 301. This length L1 may be in the range of about 55-60 mm, preferably in the range of about 56-58 mm, and more preferably about 57.3 mm. The outlet spout 301 may have an internal diameter in the range of about 18-20 mm, preferably about 19.3 mm. The outlet spout 301 may also have an outer diameter in the range of about 19-21 mm, preferably about 20.2 mm. The outlet spout 301 may also extend at an angle in the range of about 15-20 degrees relative to the plane along which the upper rim 425 of the juice chamber 410 extends. Preferably, this angle is about 17 degrees.

[0086] The height H4 indicates the distance between the rim top 108 of the blender jar 110 and the inner surface 240 of the spout 110. This height H4 may be in the range of about 35-40 mm, preferably about 37 mm.

[0087] Height H5 indicates the distance between the top rim portion 108 of the blender jar 110 and the first bottom portion 450 (ie, the portion facing the interior space 103) of the blender jar 110. This height H5 may be in the range of about 65-75 mm, preferably in the range of 68-70 mm and more preferably in the range of about 69 mm.

[0088] Height H6 indicates the distance between the top rim portion 108 of the blender jar 110 and the second bottom portion 455 (that is, the portion facing the outside of the assembly and in contact with the table surface) of the blender jar 110. This height H6 may be in the range of about 245-250 mm, and preferably about 247.2 mm.

[0089] It should be understood that the relative heights described above may at least allow the assembly to be placed at a fairly low height compared to existing blender/juicer combinations of electric appliances. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the top rim portion 108 of the blender jar 100, when in use, is generally in close proximity to the top rim 425 of the juice chamber 410 (and generally level with the top rim 422 of the filter basket 415). The outlet spout 301 of the juice chamber 410 and the spout assembly 110 of the blender jar 100 are also generally in close proximity to the top rim portion 108 (and thereby the top opening 114) of the blender jar 100 when in use. The relative positioning of the top portion 108 to the rim of the blender jar 100, the spout assembly 110 of the blender jar 100, the top rim 422 of the filter basket 415, and the outlet spout 301 of the juice chamber 410 can at least achieve a maximum fill height of the blender jar 100 while minimizing overall height of the complete unit, so that the complete unit can be used, for example, in kitchens with low-hanging cabinets and limited counter space.

[0090] The above-mentioned preferred embodiments have a number of advantages including a lid 116 that can function as a standard blender type lid as well as operably connect to a juicer 300 or the like and provide a closed seal for applying a vacuum. Easily control the juicing and vacuuming functions with minimal user intervention. The interchangeability of blender jar 100 and juicer 300 (i.e. both can operate from a single motor base) can also provide more efficient and cleaner operation when both blending and juicing are required, while minimizing overall footprint area of the complete unit.

[0091] An additional advantage of the preferred embodiments described above is that they may allow the juice from the electrical appliance 300 to be squeezed into a vessel 100, which can then be sealed. Vacuum sealing the juice preserves the ingredients longer by limiting the oxidation process.

[0092] Another advantage of the preferred embodiments described above is that they can provide the position of the lid assembly with the vessel for both the juice mode and the vacuum mode. Juice can enter the vessel when the spout plug 200 is open (see FIG. 8). The user closes the spout plug 200 (FIG. 9) and can then apply vacuum pressure to the container 100 without having to move the cap or cap assembly between the open and closed positions.

[0093] Another advantage of the embodiments described above is that the spout 110 protrudes from the side wall 112 of the container and can be vacuum sealed. That is, it is not captured by the lid and is not flat. The spout 110 may also be sealed in more than one plane.

[0094] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples, one skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be practiced in many other forms.

Claims (57)

1. A lid for a food processor, wherein the food processor comprises a hollow body providing an internal chamber for receiving product and within which the product is processed, wherein the body has a side wall with a rim portion surrounding an upper opening of the body, wherein the rim portion has an edge, wherein the housing further comprises a spout protruding from the side wall adjacent to the rim portion and having a spout side opening, the lid comprising: a main part interacting with the edge to close the upper opening of the housing; an upper skirt extending into the interior of the body and sealingly mating with the inner surface of the side wall and the part with the rim; And a plug movably attached to the main part and interacting with the spout to close the side opening of the spout; And in this case, the plug has a side skirt that extends into the spout and is hermetically mated with the inner and outer surfaces of the side hole of the spout. 2. The cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the main part contains a vault extending above the upper skirt, and the vault contains at least one locking element spaced along the periphery of the vault for detachable connection with the edge of the part with the rim. 3. The cover according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking element is designed to bend independently of the arch. 4. Cover according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, characterized in that the plug contains a locking element for detachable connection with the edge of the side hole of the spout. 5. The cover according to claim 4, wherein each of the arch locking member and the plug locking member includes a protrusion for engaging an edge for attachment to the body. 6. The cover according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one of the locking elements contains a tongue. 7. The cover according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one of the locking elements contains a clamp. 8. Cover according to any one of paragraphs. 5-7, wherein each of the locking members has a sealing lip for engaging the rim portion such that the sealing lip is deflected toward the inner surface of the side wall to seal the housing when the inner chamber is subjected to a negative pressure compared to the outer side of the inner space . 9. The cover according to claim 8, characterized in that the sealing projections overlap the part with the rim to ensure a tight engagement inside and outside the inner chamber. 10. The cap according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the sealing projections cover the spout opening to provide a tight seal inside and outside the side opening of the spout. 11. Cover according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, characterized in that the plug is rotatably connected to the main part. 12. The closure of claim 11, wherein the closure includes a recess or protrusion operatively coupled to a flange on said body to hold the closure in an open position. 13. Cover according to any one of paragraphs. 1-12, characterized in that the main part includes a guide configured to interact with a corresponding orienting protrusion on the body to ensure alignment of the main part and the body. 14. A system comprising: a container for a food processor, the container comprising a hollow body providing an internal chamber for receiving product and within which the product is processed, wherein the body has a side wall with an outwardly projecting portion with a rim surrounding an upper opening of the housing, wherein the portion with the rim has an edge, wherein the body further includes a spout protruding from the side wall, adjacent to the part with the rim, and having a side opening of the spout; And a removable lid for closing the container, the lid comprising: a main part interacting with the edge to close the upper opening of the housing; an upper skirt extending into the interior of the body and sealingly mating with the inner surface of the side wall and the part with the rim; And a plug movably attached to the main part and interacting with the spout to close the side opening of the spout; And in this case, the plug has a side skirt that extends into the spout and is hermetically mated with the inner and outer surfaces of the side hole of the spout. 15. A lid for a food processor, wherein the food processor comprises a hollow body providing an internal chamber for receiving product and within which the product is processed, wherein the body has a side wall with a rim portion surrounding an upper opening of the body, wherein the rim portion has an edge, wherein the housing further comprises a spout protruding from the side wall adjacent to the rim portion and having a spout side opening, the lid comprising: a main part interacting with the edge to close the upper opening of the housing; an upper skirt extending into the interior of the body and sealingly mating with the inner surface of the side wall and the part with the rim; And a plug movably attached to the main part and interacting with the spout to close the side opening of the spout; in this case, the plug has a side skirt that extends into the spout and is hermetically mated with the inner and outer surfaces of the side hole of the spout; wherein the main body comprises a vault extending above the skirt, the vault having an opening extending through said main body to provide access to said inner chamber; And a removable cap configured to sealably engage with said opening to prevent access to said internal chamber. 16. An assembly containing a blender jug and a juicer, wherein the juicer contains: base with motor; a juice chamber having an outlet tube; and a filter basket located inside the juice chamber and rotatable by means of a base output shaft with a motor; wherein the blender jug contains: a hollow body surrounding an internal chamber for receiving the product and within which the product is processed; a spout extending from the hollow body and configured to connect to an outlet tube of the juice chamber in use, the spout being closed by a spout plug that is located on the lid of the blender jug; And wherein the housing comprises an upper portion with a rim surrounding an upper opening of the housing, wherein the upper portion with the rim, in use, is located in close proximity to the outlet tube of the juice chamber, wherein the assembly further comprises a blender jug lid, and wherein: the blender jug body includes a side wall, and the spout extends from the side wall adjacent the rim top portion, and wherein the rim top portion includes a lip, and the spout includes a spout side opening; And wherein said cover comprises: a main part interacting with the edge to close the upper opening of the housing, an upper skirt extending into the interior of the housing and sealingly mating with the inner surface of the side wall and the upper part with the rim; a plug movably attached to the main part and interacting with the spout to close the side opening of the spout; And In this case, the plug contains a side skirt, which extends into the spout and seals with the inner and outer surfaces of the side hole of the spout. 17. The unit according to claim 16, characterized in that the upper part with the rim of the housing is located in close proximity to the upper rim of the filter basket. 18. The unit according to claim 17, characterized in that the upper part with the rim as a whole is on the same level with the upper rim of the filter basket. 19. Unit according to any one of paragraphs. 16-18, characterized in that the spout plug includes one or more sealing elements for sealing the spout and sealing the inner chamber from the external environment surrounding the blender jug. 20. Knot according to any one of paragraphs. 16-19, characterized in that the base with the motor of the juicer is designed to interchangeably receive the juicer and the blender jug for selective operation of the juicer and the blender jug. 21. Knot according to any one of paragraphs. 16-20, characterized in that the main part contains an arch extending above the upper skirt, and the arch contains at least one locking element spaced along the periphery of the arch for detachable connection with the edge of the upper part with the rim. 22. The unit according to claim 21, characterized in that the locking element is designed to bend independently of the arch. 23. Cover according to any one of paragraphs. 16-22, characterized in that the plug contains a locking element for detachable connection with the edge of the side hole of the spout. 24. The assembly of claim 23, wherein each of the arch locking member and the plug locking member includes a protrusion for engaging an edge for attachment to the body. 25. The assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that at least one of the locking elements contains a tongue. 26. The assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that at least one of the locking elements contains a clamp. 27. Knot according to any one of paragraphs. 24-26, wherein each of the locking members has a sealing lip for engaging the rim portion such that the sealing lip is deflected toward the inner surface of the side wall to seal the housing when the inner chamber is subjected to a negative pressure compared to the outer side of the inner chamber . 28. The assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that the sealing projections overlap the portion with the rim to provide a tight engagement inside and outside the inner chamber. 29. The assembly of claim 27 or 28, wherein the sealing ridges cover the spout opening to provide a tight seal inside and outside the spout side opening. 30. Knot according to any one of paragraphs. 16-29, characterized in that the plug is rotatably connected to the main part. 31. The assembly of claim 30, wherein the plug comprises a recess or protrusion operatively coupled to a flange on said body to hold the plug in an open position. 32. Knot according to any one of paragraphs. 16-31, characterized in that the main part includes a guide configured to interact with a corresponding orienting protrusion on the body to ensure alignment of the main part and the body.