CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

|0001) This application claims priority and the benefit thereof from a U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/097,898, filed on September 18, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

|0002] The invention relates to an apparatus for sifting products, such as, for example, flour.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003J Generally, sifting devices may be used to sift flour for cooking, baking, or the like. Common sifting devices include, for example, sifting devices sold by Norpro™, Progressive™, Oxo™, Kaiser™, Harold Import™, or Good Cook™. When using some of these sifting devices, a user may experience discomfort, hand fatigue, difficult cleaning, noisiness, inaccurate measurements, or difficult operation.

|0004] The invention provides a versatile, user-friendly, and effective apparatus for sifting products, such as, for example flour, or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

(0005] According to an aspect of the invention, a sifter apparatus is provided that comprises: a body having a crank fastener and a mesh sifter support; a lid configured to be attached to the body; a crank configured to be coupled to the crank fastener; a wire structure configured to be coupled to the crank; a bottom configured to be attached to the body; and a mesh sifter configured to be supported by the mesh sifter support. The lid may comprise a friction gasket configured to engage an inner wall of the body. The crank fastener may comprise a threading. The crank may comprise: a thread retainer configured to attach to an arm; and a plug configured to attach to the crank fastener. The crank may further comprise: a knob retainer configured to attach to the arm; and a knob configured to attach to the knob retainer, wherein the knob may rotate freely around a portion of the arm. The wire structure may comprise: a wire plug configured to attach to the crank; and a wire coupled to the wire plug.

|0006] According another aspect of the invention, a sifter apparatus is provided that comprises: a body comprising a crank fastener and a mesh sifter support; and a crank rotatably coupled to crank fastener. The sifter apparatus may further comprise: a wire structure configured to be coupled to the crank; a lid configured to be removably affixed to the body; a handle that is integrated with the body; and/or a bottom configured to be attached to the body. The bottom may be selected from a group comprising: a measurement container; and a bottom cover. The body may further comprise a bottom cover fastener configured to engage the bottom.

|0007) According to a further aspect of the invention, a sifter apparatus is provided, comprising: a body having a crank fastener and a mesh sifter support; a crank configured to be coupled to the crank fastener; and a mesh sifter configured to be supported by the mesh sifter support. The sifter apparatus may further comprise a lid that is configured to be removably attached to the body, wherein the lid may comprise a friction gasket configured to engage an inner wall of the body. The crank fastener may comprise a threading. The crank may comprise: a thread retainer configured to attach to an arm; and a plug configured to attach to the crank fastener. The crank may further comprise: a knob retainer configured to attach to the arm; and a knob configured to attach to the knob retainer, wherein the knob may rotate freely around a portion of the arm. The sifter apparatus may further comprise: a wire structure a wire structure configured to be coupled to the crank, wherein the wire structure may comprise: a wire plug configured to attach to the crank; and a wire coupled to the wire plug. The sifter apparatus may further comprise a bottom configured to be attached to the body.

|0008] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description and drawings. Moreover, it is noted that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

|0009] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention and the various ways in which it may be practiced. |00l0] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a sifting apparatus, according to principles of the invention;

(0011 ] FIG. 2A shows a further perspective view of the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1 , including an example of a container;

|00i2) FlG. 2B shows a further perspective view of the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1 , including an example of a bottom cover;

[0013] FIG. 3A shows a first side view of the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1 , including the container, with internal components shown in cross-hatched lines;

[0014] FIG. 3B shows the first side view of the sifting apparatus of FIG. 2B, including internal components and the bottom cover;

[0015] FIG. 4A shows a second side view of the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1 , offset by about 180° in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 3A;

|0016] FIG. 4B shows a second side view of the sifting apparatus of FIG. 2B, offset by about 180° in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 3B;

|0017| FIG. 5A shows a third side view of the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1 , offset by about 90° in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 3A;

[0018] FIG. 5B shows a third side view of the sifting apparatus of FIG. 2B, offset by about 90° in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 3B;

|00l9] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

|0020] FIG. 7A shows a bottom view of the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

|002l] FIG. 7B shows a bottom view of the sifting apparatus of FIG. 2B; |0022) FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of an example of a body that may be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1 , according to principles of the invention;

|0023| FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of an example of a body that may be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 2B;

(0024] FIG. 9 shows a first side view of the body of FIG. 8A;

|0025) FIG. 10 shows a second side view of the body of FIG. 8A ₁ offset by about 90° in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 9;

100261 FIG. 1 1 shows a top view of the body of FIG. 8A;

[0027| FIG. 12 shows a first cross-section view of the body of FIG. 8A;

|0028] FIG. 13 shows a second cross-section view of the body of FIG. 8A, offset by about 90° in the x-z plane from the first cross-section view of FIG. 12;

[0029] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an example of a container that may be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1 , according to principles of the invention;

|0030| FIG. 15 shows a top view of the container of FIG. 14;

|0031| FIG. 16 shows a bottom view of the container of FIG. 14;

|0032] FIG. 17 shows a side view of the container of FIG. 14;

|0033] FIG. 18 shows a cross-section view of the container of FIG. 14;

[0034] FlG. 19 shows a perspective view of an example of a bottom cover that may be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 2A, according to principles of the invention; |0035) FIG. 20 shows a bottom view of the bottom cover of FIG. 19;

|0036| FIG. 21 shows a top view of the bottom cover of FIG. 19;

|0037) FIG. 22 shows a side view of the bottom cover of FIG. 19;

|0038| FIG. 23 shows a cross-section view of the bottom cover of FIG. 19;

|0039] FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of an example of a handle that rriay be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1 , according to principles of the invention;

|0040j FIG. 25 shows a bottom view of the handle of FIG. 24;

|0041] FIG. 26 shows a top view of the handle of FIG. 24;

|0042| FIG. 27 shows a side view of the handle of FIG. 24;

|0043] FIG. 28 shows a front view of the handle of FIG. 24;

|0044| FIG. 29 shows a back view of the handle of FIG. 24;

[0045] FIG. 30 shows a cross-section view of the handle of FIG. 24;

|0046] FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of an example of a mesh sifter that may be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1 , according to principles of the invention;

[0047| FIG. 32 shows a side view of the mesh sifter of FIG. 31 ;

|0048] FIG. 33 shows a top view of the mesh sifter of FIG. 31 ;

|0049| FIG. 34 shows a bottom view of the mesh sifter of FIG. 31 ;

|0050j FIG. 35 shows a perspective view of an example of a wire structure that may be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1, according to principles of the invention; |0051 J FIG. 36 shows a top view of the wire structure of FIG. 35;

|0052| FIG. 37 shows a side view of the wire structure of FIG. 35;

[0053] FIG. 38 shows a cross-section view of the wire structure of FIG. 35;

|0054) FIG. 39 shows a perspective view of an example of a crank that may be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1, according to principles of the invention;

|0055| FIG. 40 shows a first side view of the crank of FIG. 39;

[0056| FIG. 41 shows a second side view of the crank of FIG. 39, offset by about -90° in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 40;

|0057] FIG. 42 shows a third side view of the crank of FIG. 39, offset by about +90° in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 40;

10058] FIG. 43 shows a top view of the crank of FIG. 39;

|0059] FIG. 44 shows a cross-section view of the crank of FIG. 39;

|0060| FIG. 45 shows an exploded view of the crank of FIG. 39;

|0061] FIG. 46 shows a perspective view of an example of a lid that may be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1 , according to principles of the invention;

[0062J FIG. 47 shows a first side view of the lid of FIG. 46, including an example of a seal;

|0063| FIG. 48 shows a first side view of the lid of FIG. 46, without a seal;

|0064] FIG. 49 shows a second side view of the lid of FIG. 46, offset by about 90° in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 47;

|0065] FIG. 50 shows a top view of the lid of FIG. 46; |0066) FIG. 51 shows a cross-section view of the lid of FIG. 46;

|0067| FIG. 52 shows a bottom view of the lid of FIG. 46;

[0068] FIG. 53 shows a perspective view of an example of a seal that may be used in the lid of FIG. 46;

[0069] FIG. 54 shows a side view of the seal of FIG. 53; and

|0070| FIG. 55 shows a cross-section view of the seal of FIG. 53.

[0071] The present invention is further described in the detailed description that follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

|0072] The embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the invention. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

|0073] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a sifting apparatus 100A, according to principles of the invention. The sifting apparatus 100A comprises a body 110, a handle 120, a container 130 (or a bottom cover 133), a mesh sifter 140, a wire structure 150, a crank 160, and a lid 170. The handle 120 or crank 160 may be overmolded for better grip. The handle 120 may be coupled to the body 110, or integrally formed with the body 110. The crank 160 may be attached to either side (or both sides) of the body 110 for comfortable use for either left-handed or right-handed users. The body 110 may be made from, e.g., clarified acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or the like. The container 130 may comprise a measurement container attached to the bottom of the body 110 to catch and measure sifting products, such as, e.g., flour, or the like.

|0074] FIGS. 2A - 7B show various views of the sifting apparatus 100A (or 100B). Specifically, FIG. 2A shows a further perspective view of the sifting apparatus 100A ₁ including the container 130; FIG. 2B shows a further perspective view of the sifting apparatus 100B, including a bottom cover 133; FIG. 3A shows a first side view of the sifting apparatus 100A ₁ including the container 130 and internal components shown in cross-hatched lines; FIG. 3B shows a first side view of the sifting apparatus 100B ₁ including the bottom cover 133 and internal components; FIG. 4A shows a second side view of the sifting apparatus 100A, offset by about 180° in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 3A; FIG. 4B shows a second side view of the sifting apparatus 100B, offset by about 180° in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 3B; FIG. 5A shows a third side view of the sifting apparatus 100A, offset by about 90° in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 3A; FIG. 5B shows a third side view of the sifting apparatus 100B, offset by about 90° in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 3B; FIG. 6 shows a top view of the sifting apparatus 100A (or 100B); FIG. 7A shows a bottom view of the sifting apparatus 100A, including the container 130; and FIG. 7B shows a bottom view of the sifting apparatus 100B, including the bottom cover 133.

|0075| As seen in FIG. 3A, the body 110 may include one or more crank fasteners 112 and a sifter mesh support 135 (also shown in FIGS. 12, 13). The crank fasteners 112 may include, e.g., threadings, snap-locks, tongue/groove fasteners, or the like, as is known by those having ordinary skill in the art. The sifter mesh support 135 may include, e.g., a ledge, two or more protrusions on the body 110, or the like, configured to support the sifter mesh 140, as shown in FIG. 3A.

|0076l The crank 160 is removable and may be placed on either (or both) side of the body 1 10. The crank 160 may be coupled to the body 110 through a plug 162, allowing the crank 160 to engage and turn the wire structure 150 (via the plug 162). The plug 162 may include threads (e.g., shown in FIG. 45), or other fastening mechanisms configured to engage the crank fasteners 112.

|0077| The lid 170 may include a seal 175, such as, e.g., a friction fit gasket, or the like, that may engage the inner walls of the body 110, thereby keeping sifting products from, e.g., dusting a work area during operation of the sifter apparatus 100A. Additionally, the lid 170 may include threadings (not shown) to engage an upper portion of the body 110. |0078) As seen in FIG. 3B and FIG. 8B, the body 110 may include a bottom cover fastener 117 around the entire perimeter, or a portion thereof, of the body 110, to which the bottom cover 133 may be attached.

|0079] FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of an example of the body 110 that may be used in the sifting apparatus 100A. FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of another example of the body 110 that may be used in the sifting apparatus 100B, including the bottom cover fastener 117. The bottom cover fastener 117 may include, for example, a lip, one or more protrusions (not shown), one or more recesses (not shown), a threading (not shown), or the like, any of which may be provided around the entire perimeter of the body 1 10, or one or more portions thereof.

|0080] FIGS. 9 - 13 show various views of the body 1 10, any of which may further include the bottom cover fastener 117 (shown in FIG. 8B). Specifically, FIG. 9 shows a first side view of the body 110; FIG. 10 shows a second side view of the body 110, offset by about 90° in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 9; FIG. 11 shows a top view of the body 110; FIG. 12 shows a first cross-section A-A view of the body 110; and FIG. 13 shows a second cross-section B-B view of the body 110, offset by about 90° in the x-z plane from the first cross-section view of FIG. 12.

|0081 | As seen in FIG. 13, the body 110 may include a container engaging portion 118 that is configured to receive and fasten the container 130 to the body 110. The container engaging portion 118 may include, e.g., a threading (e.g., 1/4 turn), a snap-lock, a tongue/groove, or the like, configured to engage a body engaging portion 131 of the container 130 (e.g., shown in FIG. 14) to secure the container 130 to the body 110. |0082| Alternatively (or additionally), the body 110 may include the bottom cover fastener 117 (shown in FIG. 8B) that is configured to engage the bottom cover 133 and secure it to the body 110.

|0083) The body 110 may further include one or more openings 116 (e.g., circular holes) for receiving a portion of the wire structure 150 and supporting the wire structure 150, so that it may be rotated by operation of the crank 160.

[0084] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an example of a bottom that may be used in the sifting apparatus 100A, which includes the container 130. As seen in FIG. 14, the container 130 includes the body engaging portion 131 and a stop ring 132. The body engaging portion 131 , e.g., a 1/4 turn threading, a snap-lock ring, or the like. The stop ring 132 may be configured to engage the lower perimeter of the body 110 and provide, e.g., a seal between the body 110 and stop ring 132, as well as optimum coupling between the body 110 and container 130.

[0085J FIGS. 15 - 18 show various views of the container 130, according to principles of the invention. Specifically, FIG. 15 shows a top view of the container 130; FIG. 16 shows a bottom view of the container 130; FIG. 17 shows a side view of the container 130; and FIG. 18 shows a cross-section C- C view of the container 130. As seen in FIG. 17, the container 130 may include a measurement pad print area 137 on which measurement print data may be added.

|0086J FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of another example of a bottom that may be used in the sifting apparatus 100B, which includes the bottom cover 133. As seen in FIG. 19, the bottom cover 133 includes a body engaging portion 134, which may include a protrusion (e.g., a lip, one or more protruding members, or the like), a recess (not shown), a threading (not shown), or the like, that engages the bottom cover fastener 117 on the body 110 to securely attach the bottom cover 133 to the body 110 in the sifting apparatus 100B.

|0087| FIGS. 20 - 23 show various views of the bottom cover 133, according to principles of the invention. Specifically, FIG. 20 shows a bottom view of the bottom cover 133; FIG. 21 shows a top view of the bottom cover 133; FIG. 22 shows a side view of the bottom cover 133; and FIG. 23 shows a cross- section C-C view of the bottom cover 133.

[0088] FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of an example of a handle 120 that may be used in the sifting apparatus 100A (or 100B). The handle 120 may include an overmolded area 125 (shown in FIG. 8A), which may include a material such as, e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or the like.

|0089] FIGS. 25 - 30 show various further views of the handle 120. Specifically, FIG. 25 shows a bottom view of the handle 120; FIG. 26 shows a top view of the handle 120; FIG. 27 shows a side view of the handle 120; FIG. 28 shows a front view of the handle 120; FIG. 29 shows a back view of the handle 120; and FIG. 30 shows a cross-section J-J view of the handle 120.

[0090] FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of an example of the mesh sifter 140 that may be used in the sifting apparatus 100A (or 100B) ₁ according to principles of the invention. The mesh sifter 140 may include a mesh body 147 and a ring portion 145 (e.g., a rolled edge, or the like) that may be supported by the mesh sifter support 135, when the mesh sifter 140 is placed in the sifting apparatus 100A (or 100B).

|0091] FIGS. 32 - 34 show various further views of the mesh sifter 140. In particular, FIG. 32 shows a side view of the mesh sifter 140; FIG. 33 shows a top view of the mesh sifter 140; and FIG. 34 shows a bottom view of the mesh sifter 140.

|0092] FIG. 35 shows a perspective view of an example of the wire structure 150 that may be used in the sifting apparatus 100A (or 100B) ₁ according to principles of the invention. As seen, the wire structure 150 may include a plurality of wires 152 (e.g., four wires), a pair of wire plugs 154, and a pair of thread retainer engaging portions 156 configured to engage the crank 160. The wires 152, wire plugs 154, and thread retainer engaging portions 156 may be made from, e.g., metal (e.g., stainless steel), plastic (e.g., ABS), or the like. Further, the wires 152 may have a thickness of, e.g., about 2.35 mm. The thread retainer engaging portions 156 are configured to engage with the crank 160 to turn the wires 152 when the crank 160 is coupled (e.g., threaded) to the body 110.

|0093| FIGS. 36 - 38 show various further views of the wire structure 150. In particular, FIG. 36 shows a top view of the wire structure 150; FIG. 37 shows a side view of the wire structure 150; and FIG. 38 shows a cross- section D-D view of the wire structure 150. As seen in FIG. 38, the wires 152 may be permanently fixed to the wire plugs 154.

[0094] FIG. 39 shows a perspective view of an example of the crank 160 that may be used in the sifting apparatus 100A (or 100B) ₁ according to principles of the invention. As seen, the crank 160 may include a thread retainer 161 , the plug 162, an arm 166 and a knob 168. The various components of the crank 160 (such as, e.g., the thread retainer 161 , the plug 162, the arm 166 and knob 168) may include, e.g., metal, plastic (e.g., ABS), or the like, or any combination thereof.

(0095| FIGS. 40 - 45 show various further views of the crank 160. In particular, FIG. 40 shows a first side view of the crank 160; FIG. 41 shows a second side view of the crank 160, offset by about -90° in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 40; FIG. 42 shows a third side view of the crank 160, offset by about +90° in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 40; FIG. 43 shows a top view of the crank 160; FIG. 44 shows a cross-section E-E view of the crank 160; and FIG. 45 shows an exploded view of the crank 160.

I0096] As seen in FIG. 45, the knob 168 is attached to a knob retainer 167, which is configured rotatably attach to the arm 166. The knob 168 and knob retainer 167 are configured to rotate freely around the arm 166. The arm 166, which is configured to attach to the thread retainer 161 , rotates freely with respect to the plug 162. The thread retainer 161 includes an opening 1610 for receiving and lockably engaging one of the thread retainer engaging portions 156. The thread retainer 161 also locks the arm 166 to the plug 162.

|0097| FIG. 46 shows a perspective view of an example of the lid 170 that may be used in the sifting apparatus 100A (or 100B) ₁ according to principles of the invention. As seen, the lid 170 may include the seal 175, which is configured to engage an inner wall of the body 110 and provide a seal that may prevent sifting products from being spilt during operation or handling of the sifter apparatus 100A (or 100B). The seal 175 may include, e.g., silicone, rubber, or the like.

|0098] FIGS. 47 - 82 show various further views of the lid 170. In particular, FIG. 47 shows a first side view of the lid 170, including the seal 175; FIG. 48 shows the first side view of the lid 170, including a recess 173 for receiving the seal 175; FIG. 49 shows a second side view of the lid 170, offset by about 90° in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 47; FIG. 50 shows a top view of the lid 170; FIG. 51 shows a cross-section F-F view of the lid 170; and FIG. 52 shows a bottom view of the lid 170.

(0099] FIG. 53 shows a perspective view of an example of the seal 175 that may be used in the lid 170, according to principles of the invention. FIGS. 54 - 55 show various further views of the seal 170. In particular, FIG. 54 shows a side view of the seal 175; and FIG. 55 shows a cross-section K-K view of the seal 170.

(OOIOOI It is noted that any of the elements disclosed herein may be made from or comprise, e.g., any one or more of the following, without limitation: metal (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum, iron, cast iron, alloys, or the like), glass (e.g., Pyrex, borosilicate glass, sintered, or the like), ceramic, synthetic materials (e.g., plastic, silicone, rubber, polypropylene, or the like), or the like.

fOOlOl] While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and scope of the appended claims. These examples given above are merely illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all possible designs, embodiments, applications or modifications of the invention.