WO2016092426A2

WO2016092426A2 - Electrical equipment operation based on motor operated flexible shaft

Info

Publication number: WO2016092426A2
Application number: PCT/IB2015/059309
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sanandan Sudhir; Prayas ROKDE; George ELIOT
Original assignee: Sanandan Sudhir
Priority date: 2014-12-09
Filing date: 2015-12-03
Publication date: 2016-06-16
Also published as: WO2016092426A3

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a custom/universal adaptor that fits all or specific motorized devices such as existing mixer grinders, existing hand blenders and all other motorized units that have say a two prong push-turn lock mechanism of varying sizes. The adaptor taps the torque from all these devices and transfers the torque through a flexible shaft to a hand-held unit, which mounts onto a number of attachments including but not limited to a hand-blender jar, food processor, mixer grinder jar, washing machine, dishwasher, rotating attachment to help clean plates and vessels, vacuumiser, hobby tool kit (grinder, drilling unit, routing unit, circular cutter, reciprocating blade), food extruder, can opener, centrifugal salad rinser, centrifugal oil remover, kitchen sink and kitchen platform cleaning attachments, among other like devices/equipments.

Description

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OPERATION BASED ON MOTOR OPERATED

FLEXIBLE SHAFT

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a household/electrical/consumer device/equipment that can be simply and efficiently adapted for multifarious household tasks/applications.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Modern science has made life comfortable for all of us by providing many simple appliances which helps us in our day to day activities. These appliances are simple to use and also do the work in more efficient and faster way, thus doing away with drudgery associated with such day-to-day routine tasks. Most of these devices can be found in our kitchen, bathrooms and maybe our garages or workshop or tool rooms, etc. Some of these devices that support us in our daily chores include grinder, mixer, blender, juicer, washing machine, drills, vacuum cleaner, etc. We have now become so dependent on such appliances that it is almost impossible to imagine a scenario wherein we have to work without such devices/tools. Many times such devices, though available within the house, can still not be used because of their higher capacity and as they are meant for big load, and the present requirement is for a tool/device with lower capacity. Also the absence of such devices maybe felt most acutely during out station trips such as hiking/camping/touring/etc when it is impossible to carry all the different types of appliances and where the requirement can be most essentially felt.

[0004] Thus, there is a requirement to develop/design a device that can be used/adapted for multipurpose routine tasks and is also small in size.

[0005] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0006] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term "about." Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0007] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0008] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention. [0009] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

SUMMARY

[00010] The present disclosure relates to a household/electrical/consumer device/equipment that can be simply and efficiently adapted for multifarious household tasks/applications.

[00011] The present disclosure relates to a custom/universal adaptor that can fit all or specific motorized devices such as existing mixer grinders, existing hand blenders and all other motorized units that have, for instance, a two prong push-turn lock mechanism of varying sizes. Although the present disclosure is being described with reference to a universal adapter that can be fitted onto any motorized device, one should appreciate that custom adapters can also be designed/configured that can be specific to a given motorized device. The proposed adaptor can be configured to tap the torque from all these devices, and transfer the torque through a flexible shaft to a hand-held unit, which can mount onto a number of attachments including but not limited to a hand-blender jar, food processor, mixer grinder jar, washing machine, dishwasher, rotating attachment to help clean plates and vessels, vacuumiser, hobby tool kit (grinder, drilling unit, routing unit, circular cutter, reciprocating blade), food extruder, can opener, centrifugal salad rinser, centrifugal oil remover, kitchen sink and kitchen platform cleaning attachments, among other like devices/equipments.

[00012] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00013] In the Figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[00014] To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of accompanying drawings in which:

[00015] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary assembly drawing incorporating the proposed custom/universal adapter in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00016] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate another exemplary schematic representation showing installation/configuration of the custom/universal adapter in an aspect of the present disclosure.

[00017] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of the construction of the universal adapter assembly in an aspect of the present disclosure.

[00018] FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary representation of the construction of the custom adapter assembly in an aspect of the present disclosure.

[00019] FIGs. 5A to 5C illustrate additional exemplary representations of the construction of the custom adapter assembly in an aspect of the present disclosure.

[00020] Together with the following description, the figures demonstrate and explain the principles of Dremel multipurpose device and universal flexible coupler and methods for using such device. The same reference numerals in different figures represent similar, through necessarily identical components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00021] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[00022] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term "about." Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[00023] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[00024] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[00025] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability.

[00026] The present disclosure relates to a household/electrical/consumer device/equipment that can be simply and efficiently adapted for multifarious household tasks/applications.

[00027] The present disclosure relates to a custom/universal adaptor that can fit all or specific motorized devices such as existing mixer grinders, existing hand blenders and all other motorized units that have, for instance, a two prong push-turn lock mechanism of varying sizes. The proposed adaptor can be configured to tap the torque from all these devices, and transfer the torque through a flexible shaft to a hand-held unit, which can mount onto a number of attachments including but not limited to a hand-blender jar, food processor, mixer grinder jar, washing machine, dishwasher, rotating attachment to help clean plates and vessels, vacuumiser, hobby tool kit (grinder, drilling unit, routing unit, circular cutter, reciprocating blade), food extruder, can opener, centrifugal salad rinser, centrifugal oil remover, kitchen sink and kitchen platform cleaning attachments, among other like devices/equipments.

[00028] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary assembly 100 drawing incorporating the proposed custom/universal adapter in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a custom/universal adaptor 102 that can fit all or specific motorized devices 104 such as existing mixer grinders, existing hand blenders, among other motorized units that have say a two prong push-turn lock mechanism of varying sizes. The adaptor 102 can tap torque from such devices 104,and can transfer the torque through a flexible shaft 106 to a hand-held unit 108, which in turn can be mounted onto a number of attachments 110, including but not limited, to a hand-blender jar, food processor, mixer grinder jar, washing machine, dishwasher, rotating attachment to help clean plates and vessels, vacuumiser, hobby tool kit (grinder, drilling unit, routing unit, circular cutter, reciprocating blade), food extruder, can opener, centrifugal salad rinser, centrifugal oil remover, kitchen sink and kitchen platform cleaning attachments, among other like devices/equipments.

[00029] In an aspect, motor unit of the existing devices 104 such as mixer grinders, hand blenders, among others can be powered through a mains power supply. In another embodiment, power supply for the motor unit can be through stored power sources such as batteries or dry cells or Lithium ion batteries or any other such power source. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, batteries for driving the motor unit can be contained within the motor unit. In another embodiment, motor of motor unit can be powered through any vehicle battery/batteries.

[00030] In another aspect, the attachments 110 can be made from any type of material such as plastic, metallic, etc, and can be configured to perform any function that needs power, and can use the motor-driven power generated by the devices 104. In another embodiment, driving shaft (not shown) of the motor unit (not shown) can be coupled mechanically to one end of the custom/universal adaptor 102, whereas the second end of the custom/universal adaptor 102 can be coupled with the flexible shaft 106 such that rotation of the motor (not shown) of motor unit can cause for working of the attachments 110 such as by means of spinning of the blades of a Dremel kit. Motor unit can include a power ON/OFF switch, wherein the switch can also be configured to operate motor of the motor unit at different speeds. By virtue of being a universal adapter, the same can be fitted onto any motorized device as mentioned above. Also, if desired, a custom adapter can be configured for each motorized device/unit, all of which constructions/structures are completely within the scope of the present disclosure.

[00031] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate another exemplary schematic representation 200 showing installation/configuration of the custom/universal adapter 102 in an aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the custom/universal adapter 102 that is shown to be detached from the existing motorized device 104 in FIG. 2A, is coupled with the device 104 in FIG. 2B, and the adaptor 102 can then tap the torque from the devicel04 to transfer the torque through a flexible shaft 106 to a hand-held unit 108, which mounts onto a number of attachments 110 such as shown in FIG. 2B. [00032] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of the construction of the universal adapter assembly 102 in an aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the adapter 102 is connected with the flexible shaft 106 one end, and fits onto the motorized device 104 (not shown) at its other end. As shown, the adapter 102 can include a connector unit 302 that fixes the shaft 106 to the adapter 102, a central shaft 304 that is used to transfer torque to the flexible shaft 106, and an adapter cover 306. The adapter 102 can further include and/or be operatively coupled with an adapter main part 308 that can be coupled with a spring 310, a height adjuster 312, and a plurality of steps (collectively referred to as 314) to adjust to various dimensions. The adapter main part 308 can include two or more prongs 316. One should appreciate that any other diameter can be accommodated depending on the actual design implementation of the adapter 102, and therefore all such constructions and minor configuration changes therein are completely within the scope of the present disclosure. The central shaft 304 can extend through a bush / bearing 318 that is either housed in a bearing holder 320 or directly in the adapter main part 308 and is attached to the coupler 322. In an implementation, in case the motorized device is a mixer device such as a mixy, the universal adapter assembly 102 can be mounted on the mixer in the same as a mixer jar is configured on the mixer. In an aspect, the prongs 316 can be aligned with the slits on the mixer and push-mounted onto the mixer. In addition, the prongs 316, height adjuster 312, and the steps can help adjust the adapter so that it can be mounted onto any motorized device with a push-turn lock mechanism. In another aspect, as the universal adaptor is push-mounted onto the mixy/mixer, the prongs 316 can flex in order to accommodate the depth of the mrxy's slits. The height adjuster 312 can compress the spring in order to accommodate the height of the slit wall. The appropriate step 314 can mate with the wail of the mixy's mating area. The adapter can then be turned to form a positive lock on the mixy.

[00033] FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary representation of the construction of the custom adapter assembly 102 in an aspect of the present disclosure. This representation 400 of the adapter assembly 102 shows one end (upper end) of the assembly 102 being connected to the flexible shaft 106, and the other to a motorized apparatus such as a mixer (not shown) through a coupler 322. A connector unit 302 of the adapter 102 can connect the shaft 106 with an adapter cover 306, wherein the cover 306 can be operatively coupled to a central shaft 304 through say a bush/bearing 318 housed in an adapter main part 308, which in turn can include two or more prongs 316. The central shaft 304 can be attached to a coupled 322. In an aspect, the custom adaptor assembly 102 can be mounted on the mixy/mixer in the same way a mixy jar is affixed on to the mixy/mixer. The prongs can be aligned with the slits on the mixy and push-mounted onto the mixy.□ The adaptor can be made according to the custom dimensions of a particular mixy.

[00034] FIGs. 5A to 5C illustrate additional exemplary representations 500, 520, and 540 of the construction of the custom/universal adapter assembly 102 in an aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, with reference to FIG. 4, the cross section of the adapter assembly 102 can include the flexible shaft 106, a connector unit 302 that connects the flexible shaft 106 to the adapter cover 304. The representation further shows the assembly 102 including a central shaft 304 connected to the adapter main part 308, which in turn can be attached to the coupler 322, and can include two or more prongs316. FIGs. 5B and 5C show prongs 316 of the adapter assembly 102 that couple/lock with the mixer/motor unit of the apparatus to form a prong based push-turn lock mechanism, with say two or more prongs.

[00035] One should clearly be able to comprehend that all these are clearly exemplary embodiments and such method can easily be implemented as desired/configured on any other type of motor and coupler, all of which are completely within the scope of the present disclosure.

[00036] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the invention should therefore be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

CLAIMS We Claim:

1. An adapter assembly comprising: a first end operatively coupled with a flexible shaft; and a second end operatively coupled with a motorized device, wherein the adapter assembly is configured to tap torque from the motorized device and transfer the torque, through the flexible shaft, to an apparatus for working of the apparatus.

2. The adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible shaft is operatively coupled to a handheld unit, and wherein said apparatus is coupled with the handheld unit to enable working of the apparatus.

3. The adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the motorized device comprises one or a combination of mixer, grinder, an electrical device with a motorized unit, and blender.

4. The adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the adapter assembly is coupled with the motorized device using a prong based push-turn locking mechanism.

5. The adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises one or a combination of a hand-blender jar, food processor, mixer grinder jar, washing machine, dishwasher, rotating attachment to help clean plates and vessels, vacuumiser, hobby tool kit, grinder, drilling unit, routing unit, circular cutter, reciprocating blade, food extruder, can opener, centrifugal salad rinser, centrifugal oil remover, kitchen sink and kitchen platform cleaning attachments, and electrical equipments.

6. The adapter assembly of claim 1 , wherein motor unit of the motorized device is powered through a mains power supply and/or a battery.

7. The adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the adapter assembly comprises a connector unit configured to connect the flexible shaft with an adapter cover.

8. The adapter assembly of claim 7, wherein the adapter cover is operatively coupled to a central shaft that extends through a bush/bearing housed in an adapter main part.

9. The adapter assembly of claim 8, wherein the central shaft is attached to a coupler, and wherein the adapter main part comprises two or more prongs.

10. The adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly further comprises an adapter main part that is coupled with a spring, a height adjuster, and a plurality of steps to enable the assembly to be coupled with multiple motorized devices of different dimensions.

11. The adapter assembly of claim 10, wherein the assembly further comprises a connector unit that couples the flexible shaft to the adapter assembly, and wherein the assembly further comprises a coupler that is used to transfer torque to the flexible shaft.

12. An apparatus operatively coupled with an adapter assembly, wherein the adapter assembly comprising: a first end operatively coupled with a flexible shaft; and a second end operatively coupled with a motorized device, wherein the adapter assembly is configured to tap torque from the motorized device and transfer the torque, through the flexible shaft, to the apparatus for working of the apparatus.