FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to beaker for a blender equipped with a blender bar.

The invention may be used in the field of kitchen appliances, in particular hand-blenders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Products designed for mixing or blending foodstuffs into liquid is known, both as tabletop products known as blenders and as handheld products, known as hand-blenders or bar- blenders.

Those products are used, for example, for making fruit drinks from fruits, milk and ice put into a beaker (also called jug, jar, container), then blending all ingredients until the result is a smooth liquid. Instead of fruits, vegetable can be used to prepare soups.

A hand-blender consists of a hand-unit equipped with a detachable blender bar comprising a rotating blade at the end. The blender bar consists of a cylindrical tube and a protective cage at the lower end forming a protection around the rotating blade. The shape of the cage is usually dress-shaped, for example having the shape of a half-sphere, with the blade rotating freely inside. The bottom edge of the cage is dimensioned so that when held by users against the bottom part of the beaker, there is a certain free gap between the beaker and the blade. The cage may comprise holes, cut-outs in order to encourage a certain flow of liquid and ingredients enter inside the cage and pass the blade area in order to product a better blending result.

A hand-blender comes along with a beaker which is used as accessory for receiving ingredients to be blended. A beaker has a certain diameter and height to enhance blending performance, prevent splashing and enable convenient pouring of blended ingredients. Known beakers for hand-blender have typically a flat bottom surface or a spherically-shaped bottom surface.

A problem with those known beakers is linked to a phenomenon known as suction force. This suction force is caused by the flow of ingredients entering the cage of the blender bar, which creates a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cage during blending. This causes the blender bar to adhere strongly to the bottom surface of the beaker during blending. This phenomenon tends to attract the blender bar towards the bottom surface of the beaker, similarly as a strong magnet. This phenomenon is a nuisance for users, and results in deteriorating the blending efficiency because ingredients cannot continuously enter the cage.

This problem can only be partially overcome by a design modification of the cage, for example by adding holes or cut-outs. However, such solutions are not satisfactory in the sense that the suction force still exits, which still affect the blending efficiency.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to propose an improved beaker for a blender equipped with a blender bar. The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

To this end, the beaker according to the invention comprises a bottom surface, a side wall extending upwardly along a vertical axis from said bottom surface, said side wall forming an opening at its upper part for receiving said blender bar. The bottom surface is defined as a portion of a surface generated by the translation of a two-dimensional non-flat pattern along an axis perpendicular to said vertical axis.

By defining the bottom surface of the beaker as a non-flat surface which does not have the vertical axis as axis of symmetry, this ensures that a gap always exists between the bottom surface of the beaker and the bottom part of the blender bar (i.e. the cage). As a result, the suction force is highly reduced, which improves the blending efficiency because the ingredients can continuously flow into the cage of the blender bar. Detailed explanations and other aspects of the invention will be given below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Particular aspects of the invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which identical parts or sub-steps are designated in the same manner:

Fig.l depicts a beaker according to the invention for a blender equipped with a blender bar,

Fig.2A and Fig.2B illustrate details of the beaker according to the invention,

Fig.3A-3B illustrate details on the characteristics of the bottom surface of a beaker according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig.4A-4B illustrate details on the characteristics of the bottom surface of a beaker according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig.5A-5B illustrate details on the characteristics of the bottom surface of a beaker according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig.6A-6B illustrate details on the characteristics of the bottom surface of a beaker according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig.7A-7B illustrate details on the characteristics of the bottom surface of a beaker according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig.8A-8B illustrate details on the characteristics of the bottom surface of a beaker according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Fig.l depicts a beaker 101 according to the invention for a blender 102 equipped with a blender bar 103. The beaker comprises a bottom surface 104, and a side wall 105 extending upwardly along a vertical axis Al from said bottom surface.

The bottom surface 104 is defined as a portion PI of a surface SI generated by the translation of a two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP along an axis A2 perpendicular to said vertical axis Al. The side wall 105 forms an opening 106 at its upper part for receiving the blender bar 103. The beaker 101 advantageously comprises a spout 107.

The upper part of the blender 102 corresponds to a main unit incorporating an electrical motor (not shown).

Fig.2A and Fig.2B illustrate details of the beaker according to the invention and the lower part of blender 102. The lower part of blender 102 corresponds to the blender bar 103. Fig.2 is a cross-section view in a plan perpendicular to axis A2, while Fig.3 is a cross-section view in a plan parallel to the plan formed by axis Al and axis A2. The blender bar is equipped with a rotation bar 201 connected at one end to the electrical motor of the main unit, and a blade 202 connected at the other end. The blade 202 are covered by a cage 203 fixed to the blender bar.

The cross-section of side wall 105 may be of any shapes, but preferably are circular or elliptical.

The side wall 105 may extend vertically along axis Al, but preferably with an increasing diameter starting from the bottom surface 104, as illustrated.

Fig.3A illustrates details on the characteristics of the bottom surface 104, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 104 is defined as a portion PI of a surface SI generated by the translation of a two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP along axis A2, axis A2 being perpendicular to the vertical axis Al . This translation is illustrated by a plurality of two-dimensional non-flat patterns NFP represented in dotted lines and repeating along axis A2. In this embodiment, the two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is a portion of a circle C comprising a curvature extending downwardly in a direction opposite to the vertical axis Al . This two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is in a plan perpendicular to axis A2. On the surface SI, the portion PI, represented with a meshed pattern, is delimited by the vertical projection along axis Al of the external perimeter PE of the bottom surface 104 of the beaker. In other words, the portion PI is the area delimited by the intersection of surface SI with the external perimeter PE.

Fig.3B illustrates details on the characteristics of the bottom surface 104, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 104 is defined as a portion PI of a surface SI generated by the translation of a two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP along axis A2, axis A2 being perpendicular to the vertical axis Al . This translation is illustrated by a plurality of two-dimensional non-flat patterns NFP represented in dotted lines and repeating along axis A2. In this embodiment, the two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is a portion of a circle C comprising a curvature extending upwardly in direction of the vertical axis Al . This two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is in a plan perpendicular to axis A2. On the surface SI, the portion PI, represented with a meshed pattern, is delimited by the vertical projection along axis Al of the external perimeter PE of the bottom surface 104 of the beaker. In other words, the portion PI is the area delimited by the intersection of surface SI with the external perimeter PE.

Fig.4A illustrates details on the characteristics of the bottom surface 104, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 104 is defined as a portion PI of a surface SI generated by the translation of a two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP along axis A2, axis A2 being perpendicular to the vertical axis Al . This translation is illustrated by a plurality of two-dimensional non-flat patterns NFP represented in dotted lines and repeating along axis A2. In this embodiment, the two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is a portion of a parabola P comprising a curvature extending downwardly in a direction opposite to the vertical axis Al . This two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is in a plan perpendicular to axis A2. On the surface SI, the portion PI, represented with a meshed pattern, is delimited by the vertical projection along axis Al of the external perimeter PE of the bottom surface 104 of the beaker. In other words, the portion PI is the area delimited by the intersection of surface SI with the external perimeter PE.

Fig.4B illustrates details on the characteristics of the bottom surface 104, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 104 is defined as a portion PI of a surface SI generated by the translation of a two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP along axis A2, axis A2 being perpendicular to the vertical axis Al . This translation is illustrated by a plurality of two-dimensional non-flat patterns NFP represented in dotted lines and repeating along axis A2. In this embodiment, the two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is a portion of a parabola P comprising a curvature extending upwardly in direction of the vertical axis Al . This two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is in a plan perpendicular to axis A2. On the surface SI, the portion PI, represented with a meshed pattern, is delimited by the vertical projection along axis Al of the external perimeter PE of the bottom surface 104 of the beaker. In other words, the portion PI is the area delimited by the intersection of surface SI with the external perimeter PE.

Fig.5 A illustrates details on the characteristics of the bottom surface 104, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 104 is defined as a portion PI of a surface SI generated by the translation of a two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP along axis A2, axis A2 being perpendicular to the vertical axis Al . This translation is illustrated by a plurality of two-dimensional non-flat patterns NFP represented in dotted lines and repeating along axis A2. In this embodiment, the two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is a portion of an ellipse E comprising a curvature extending downwardly in a direction opposite to the vertical axis Al . This two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is in a plan perpendicular to axis A2. On the surface SI, the portion PI, represented with a meshed pattern, is delimited by the vertical projection along axis Al of the external perimeter PE of the bottom surface 104 of the beaker. In other words, the portion PI is the area delimited by the intersection of surface SI with the external perimeter PE.

Fig.5B illustrates details on the characteristics of the bottom surface 104, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 104 is defined as a portion PI of a surface SI generated by the translation of a two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP along axis A2, axis A2 being perpendicular to the vertical axis Al . This translation is illustrated by a plurality of two-dimensional non-flat patterns NFP represented in dotted lines and repeating along axis A2. In this embodiment, the two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is a portion of an ellipse E comprising a curvature extending upwardly in direction of the vertical axis Al . This two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is in a plan perpendicular to axis A2. On the surface SI, the portion PI, represented with a meshed pattern, is delimited by the vertical projection along axis Al of the external perimeter PE of the bottom surface 104 of the beaker. In other words, the portion PI is the area delimited by the intersection of surface SI with the external perimeter PE.

Fig.6A illustrates details on the characteristics of the bottom surface 104, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 104 is defined as a portion PI of a surface SI generated by the translation of a two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP along axis A2, axis A2 being perpendicular to the vertical axis Al . This translation is illustrated by a plurality of two-dimensional non-flat patterns NFP represented in dotted lines and repeating along axis A2. In this embodiment, the two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is a portion of a hyperbola branch H comprising a curvature extending downwardly in a direction opposite to the vertical axis Al . This two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is in a plan perpendicular to axis A2. On the surface SI, the portion PI, represented with a meshed pattern, is delimited by the vertical projection along axis Al of the external perimeter PE of the bottom surface 104 of the beaker. In other words, the portion PI is the area delimited by the intersection of surface SI with the external perimeter PE.

Fig.6B illustrates details on the characteristics of the bottom surface 104, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 104 is defined as a portion PI of a surface SI generated by the translation of a two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP along axis A2, axis A2 being perpendicular to the vertical axis Al . This translation is illustrated by a plurality of two-dimensional non-flat patterns NFP represented in dotted lines and repeating along axis A2. In this embodiment, the two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is a portion of a hyperbola branch H comprising a curvature extending upwardly in direction of the vertical axis Al . This two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is in a plan perpendicular to axis A2. On the surface SI, the portion PI, represented with a meshed pattern, is delimited by the vertical projection along axis Al of the external perimeter PE of the bottom surface 104 of the beaker. In other words, the portion PI is the area delimited by the intersection of surface SI with the external perimeter PE.

Fig.7A illustrates details on the characteristics of the bottom surface 104, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 104 is defined as a portion PI of a surface SI generated by the translation of a two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP along axis A2, axis A2 being perpendicular to the vertical axis Al . This translation is illustrated by a plurality of two-dimensional non-flat patterns NFP represented in dotted lines and repeating along axis A2. In this embodiment, the two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is a portion of a sinusoid S comprising a curvature extending downwardly in a direction opposite to the vertical axis Al . This two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is in a plan perpendicular to axis A2. On the surface SI, the portion PI, represented with a meshed pattern, is delimited by the vertical projection along axis Al of the external perimeter PE of the bottom surface 104 of the beaker. In other words, the portion PI is the area delimited by the intersection of surface SI with the external perimeter PE.

Fig.7B illustrates details on the characteristics of the bottom surface 104, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 104 is defined as a portion PI of a surface SI generated by the translation of a two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP along axis A2, axis A2 being perpendicular to the vertical axis Al . This translation is illustrated by a plurality of two-dimensional non-flat patterns NFP represented in dotted lines and repeating along axis A2. In this embodiment, the two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is a portion of a sinusoid S comprising a curvature extending upwardly in direction of the vertical axis Al . This two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is in a plan perpendicular to axis A2. On the surface SI, the portion PI, represented with a meshed pattern, is delimited by the vertical projection along axis Al of the external perimeter PE of the bottom surface 104 of the beaker. In other words, the portion PI is the area delimited by the intersection of surface SI with the external perimeter PE.

Fig.8A illustrates details on the characteristics of the bottom surface 104, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 104 is defined as a portion PI of a surface SI generated by the translation of a two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP along axis A2, axis A2 being perpendicular to the vertical axis Al . This translation is illustrated by a plurality of two-dimensional non-flat patterns NFP represented in dotted lines and repeating along axis A2. In this embodiment, the two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is a portion of a sinusoid S, which comprises at least two half periods of the sinusoid S. For the sake of understanding, only three half periods are illustrated, with the central half period extending downwardly in a direction opposite to the vertical axis Al . This two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is in a plan perpendicular to axis A2. On the surface SI, the portion PI, represented with a meshed pattern, is delimited by the vertical projection along axis Al of the external perimeter PE of the bottom surface 104 of the beaker. In other words, the portion PI is the area delimited by the intersection of surface SI with the external perimeter PE.

Fig.8B illustrates details on the characteristics of the bottom surface 104, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 104 is defined as a portion PI of a surface SI generated by the translation of a two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP along axis A2, axis A2 being perpendicular to the vertical axis Al . This translation is illustrated by a plurality of two-dimensional non-flat patterns NFP represented in dotted lines and repeating along axis A2. In this embodiment, the two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is a portion of a sinusoid S, which comprises at least two half periods of the sinusoid S. For the sake of understanding, only three half periods are illustrated, with the central half period extending upwardly in direction of the vertical axis Al . This two-dimensional non-flat pattern NFP is in a plan perpendicular to axis A2. On the surface SI, the portion PI, represented with a meshed pattern, is delimited by the vertical projection along axis Al of the external perimeter PE of the bottom surface 104 of the beaker. In other words, the portion PI is the area delimited by the intersection of surface SI with the external perimeter PE.

Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.