MXPA96003437A - Cocktail and mix - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shaker for fluidizable food products, characterized in that it comprises a container with an upward opening having a bottom, a peripheral wall integral with the bottom and extending upwards thereof and ending in a mouth portion with a upward opening including an annular neck, the neck having an upper edge, a support directed upwardly within the mouth portion, a mixer insertion fitting removably positioned within the mouth portion, the mixer insertion accessory having fluid mixing components and including an outer peripheral edge portion engageable on the support for supporting the mixer insert within the mouth portion, a pour channel removably mounted in a position assembled on the mouth portion in overlying relationship with the mixer insert, the pour channel or including an edge portion settling on the upper edge and a radially inwardly sloping portion engageable with the outer peripheral edge portion of the mixer insert to retain the mixer insert with the holder, and cooperating retainers on the portion thereof. mouth and the pouring channel in the assembled position, the pouring channel having an upper pouring opening defined by a surrounding pouring lip and a lid mountable on the pouring channel, including the lid a sloping skirt positioned on the neck, a releasable closure on the skirt and neck to releasably fasten the cover to the neck, the cover including a seal to seal the pouring opening on a cover assembly in the closed position on the pouring duct

Description

COCKTAIL AND MIXER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Convenient shakers and / or hand mixers for liquids or liquidized food products are well known in the art, most comprise vertically enlarged containers with removable covers or covers hermetically sealed thereto. A number of such shakers include inserting accessories to encourage stirring and mixing operation. An example of such cocktail shaker that has proved very popular with consumers is that illustrated in Patent No. 3,820,692, issued to Swett et al. On June 28, 1974, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The shaker and the refiner of the invention aim to improve the basic shakers of the prior art in terms of appearance, ease of handling and one-hand operation, and their effectiveness with a wide variety of fluidizable food products from relatively viscous pastes, such as sauces, omelets, pancakes and the like, to relatively non-viscous liquids, such as blended beverages and dressings made with vinegar. To achieve these goals, the shaker with the combined mixer, also functions as a storage container and liquid dispenser, comprises a vertically enlarged container of cylindrical configuration with a minimum downward taper of approximately one degree. The bottom of the container is bent upwards and the upper portion of the container externally flared approximately 40 degrees from the vertical, ending in an externally threaded cylindrical neck assembly extending upwardly, thereby defining an easily graspable body with an enlarged chamber defining the upper portion and mouth opening upwards. The mixer insert is reversibly received within this upper chamber of the container and includes an outer annular member supported within the chamber and an inner annular member recessed laterally coaxially with the ribs or spokes extending radially inclined between the annular members and a second plurality of ribs or radial spokes within the inner annular member extending towards the axially positioned bearing axis. The mixer insert is retained by an overlapping removable spout channel that seats peripherally on the upper edge of the upper chamber of the container and includes a sloping skirt downwardly clamped to the neck of the container and engaging with the outer annular ring of the accessory. inserter mixer. The pouring channel has a frustoconical body that ends in a flange or pouring lip with a rather outward flared shape with an outer edge "slip proof". The cocktail shaker is complemented by a lid or closure cover that includes a conical body with an internally threaded peripheral skirt for engagement with the neck of the container. The inner annular rib on the lid is engageable with the pour channel for a subsequent retention thereof in sealing engagement with the container. The lid also has an upper panel with a concave depression within it housing it inside the mouth of the pour channel defined by the flange or upper lip flared externally of the pouring channel. An integral ring hanging on the top of the panel sealingly engages, through the coincident inclined flat surfaces, into the open mouth of the pour channel. In the mixing of viscous products, the mixing insert will be oriented with the inner annular ring extending down into the container to provide a maximum chamber or area for mixing and flow defined by the enlarged upper portion of the container, the overlapped cover and the pouring channel. For non-viscous or relatively non-viscous liquids, such as blended drinks, vinegar dressings and the like, the mixer insert will be inverted with the annular central ring extending up just a point below and centrally from the mouth of the pour channel to make efficient mixing as the shaker is agitated, and also works as a retainer for ice cubes, herbs in general as in salad dressings, and others such as liquids, where the larger components have to be separated from the pouring liquid. The lid has a relatively small profile, which while allowing an essential upper mixing chamber with the downwardly directed mixer insert attachment, is attractive in appearance and easier to store on refrigerator shelves, and the like. The shaker / mixer, although not limited thereto, is preferably formed of a resinous synthetic material compatible with foods such as polypropylene. Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the more detailed description that follows.

DESCRIPTION 8REVE OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of the shaker with the lid exploded; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the four basic components of the shaker; Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the assembled shaker; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional detail of the upper portion of the shaker assembled with the inverted insert attachment; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional detail of the upper portion of the shaker with the lid removed and the mixer insert as in Figure 3; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional detail through the upper portion of the shaker with the lid and the pouring channel cut upwards; Figure 7 is a top plan view of the mixer insert with the inner annular ring facing upwards; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view through the mixer insert substantially in line 8-8 of Figure 7; and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view through the upper end portion of the shaker container.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY The combined shaker and mixer 10 of the present invention, referred to below with the generic term "shaker" includes four basic components, a container or container 12, a mixer insert 14, a pouring channel 16 and a closure cap or cover 18. The container 12 has a cylindrical configuration vertically enlarged with the wall 20 thereof tapered internally, towards the bottom at an angle of approximately one degree. The integral bottom 22 of the container is bent upwards to define an internal convex surface that will promote the mixing action as the shaker is shaken. The upper portion of the wall of the container 20 is externally flared, peripherally there, approximately 40 degrees from the vertical, defining a transition area 24 increasing widening, providing, towards the upper portion of the same, a surface or projection of support for the mixer insert as will be described later. An externally threaded cylindrical neck 26 is integrally formed with the transition area 24 and extends vertically above it at a height slightly greater than that of the transition area 24. The transition area 24 and the neck 26 of the container define a portion upper of the uncovered mouth and an upper chamber of the container with a diameter, in the neck 26, substantially greater than the diameter of the vertically enlarged lower main portion of the container 12, for example in the order of approximately 50 percent larger. With particular attention to the neck 26 of the externally threaded container, the inner surface thereof, immediately below the planar upper edge or flange 28, is bevelled downwardly and inwardly, relative to the inside of the neck, as in 30, to define an annular flange 32 directed inwards. Immediately below the rim 32, the inner surface of the neck 26 is inclined outward, relative to the inside of the neck, to define a cut surface 34 cut vertically taperingly biased below the rim 32. Below this portion 34 cut at bias, the inner surface of the neck 26 is inclined inwardly at a small angle of approximately 2.50 degrees to define a guide surface for the introduction of the mixer insert. The mixer insert 14 includes annular rings 36 and 38 internal and external coaxial with the inner ring 38 laterally recessed from the outer ring 36 with a vertical spacing defined therebetween. The outer ring 36 has an outer diameter that allows it to be received freely but closely within the neck 26 of the coupling vessel seated on the shoulder defining the upper portion of the transition area 24 tapered externally. The outer ring 36, and hence the mixer inserting accessory 14 itself, is guided to the seating position by means of the inner surface by tapering slightly down the neck 26 below the flange of the portion 34 cut at the slant. The height of the outer ring 36 is slightly smaller than that of the height of the corresponding inner surface of the neck of the container below the flange 32 and its portion 34 biased. The inner annular ring 38, which is less than half the diameter of the outer annular ring 36, then has a substantially equal height. The outer and inner rings 36 and 38 are integrally joined by a plurality of ribs or radially extending spokes 40 which are inclined approximately 32 degrees from the horizontal. Preferably, four of said spokes are provided with 90-degree spacings and, although of smaller height than the rings 36 and 38 in cross section, are of similar configuration. Note the mixer insert 14 positioned with the inner annular ring 38 directed towards the top as in Figures 3, 5 and 8, the outer ends of the spokes 40 are attached to the inner surface of the outer ring 36 centered vertically. The inner ends of the spokes 40 join the outer surface of the inner ring 38 in its lower portion, joining the lower edge of this inner ring. A plurality, of spokes 42, preferably four, also extended radially inwardly of the inner ring 38, preferably aligned with the outer spokes 40 and terminating in a central axis 44 substantially cylindrical subsurface vertically enlarged. The spokes 42 of the inner ring integrally join the inner surface of the inner ring to the lower portion thereof, defining the operation and in particular with reference to Figure 8, a radial, angled extension of the inner ends of the outer spokes 40. The central axis 44 extends upwardly within the inner ring 38 at a height above the inner rays 42 and below the outer annular edge of the ring 38. The opposite end portion of the shaft 44 extends approximately to the middle of the height of the outer annular ring 36, thereby providing, in the inverted position, the mixing insert 14 as in Figure 4, an element for easily grasping the insert for placement and removal. In order to promote a uniform flow of the mixing of the fluidized material there, the upper and lower edges of all the elements of the mixing insert are slightly rounded. In addition, when positioning the mixer insertion accessory of FIG. 3, the outer side surfaces of the rings and tapering rays down approximately one degree can promote circulation. The pouring channel 16 includes a frusto-conical body 46 directed upwards having a lower portion 48 flared towards the outside, whose outer periphery is coextensive with the outer periphery of the neck of the container 26, so that it sits directly on the upper edge 28 accordingly. intimate with it. The pour channel also includes an integral sloping annular neck 50 internally spaced from the peripheral portion by engaging the upper edge 28 a sufficient distance as it intimately engages the surface of the inner flange of the neck 26 of the container. The neck of the pouring channel has a height such that it allows a complete settlement of the pouring channel on the edge 28 of the upper container, engages with the highest edge of the outer ring 36 of the mixing insert 14 for the retention of the insertion insert mixer in any of its two operational positions. The outer surface of the neck 50 of the pouring channel is configured to define a circumferential enlargement 52, which, with the inclined surface 54 thereon, make up the biased portion 34 of the neck 26 of the container, thereby providing releasable pressure closure of the pour channel with the neck of the container. The upper portion of the neck of the frustoconical container is rotated externally at a rather acute angle of approximately 27.50 degrees from the horizontal to form a pouring lip terminating at a thin outer edge 58 cut at a skew formed approximately 10 degrees from the vertical. In the generally arcuate inner surface area between the frustoconical body and the pouring lip 56, the inner surface includes an annular vertical extension 60 immediately above the inner conical surface. This surface portion 60 may be slightly biased, in the order of one degree. Immediately above the surface portion 60 there is further a surface portion inclined outward approximately 20 degrees from the vertical, with both surface portions 60 and 62 defining a generally arcuate annular transition area between the tapered body 46 and the pouring lip 56 The cover 18 includes a central portion or frustoconical body 64 with an integral cylindrical skirt 66 integral thereto. The skirt is formed with internal threads which engage with the external threads of the neck 26 of the container. Immediately to the radially threaded interior of the skirt is a sloping rib 68 generally parallel to the skirt and aligned over the peripheral edge portion of the pour channel 16 for downward engagement with the cover 18 by screwing it into its closed position. The coupling is such as to provide a sealing coupling between the pour channel and the upper edge 28 of the neck 26 of the container. As will be recognized, the lid 18 will effectively seal the container even in the absence of the mixer insert 14. The conical or tapered body 64 of the lid extends approximately 57.27 degrees from the horizontal and generally parallel to the tapered body 46 of the pouring channel for Provide a lower profile. The upper end of the body terminates in a concave or convex upper panel 70 which in turn has an integral annular slope ring 72 which is received conveniently within the mouth of the pouring channel immediately into the interior of the pouring lip 56. The ring 72 has a pa r of angularly planar related outer surfaces 74 and 76 which, upon full seating of the cap, intimately shape the channel transition surfaces 60 and 62 to define a positive seal therewith against accidental discharges from the contents of the channel. the recipient. In addition, the lower surface of the upper panel 70, approximately annular and radially outwardly of the ring 72, is shaped and configured to intimately engage with the upper surface of the lip of the pouring channel 56 towards the inside of its edge 58 cut biased Proof of run-off. To provide a slight degree of flexure to the top panel in the area of engagement with the mouth of the pour channel, the upper surface of the top panel, generally aligned with the slope ring 72, is slightly thinned or slotted as in 78 for induce the appropriate settlement. To facilitate the handling of the lid, the exterior of the skirt 66, as well as the lower portion of the tapered body 64, is provided with a series of vertical grooves better illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

Returning again to the container 12, it is contemplated that its wall 20 is translucent or opaque with the transparent calibration bands 80 marked for a clear view of the level of the liquid therethrough. The numerical indicators can be either transparent or of a dark color which, in combination with the transparent bands, provide a particularly pleasant appearance inducing the use of the shaker as an adequate container for table service. When using the reversible mixer it is important to adapt it to the shaker at convenience for both relatively viscous materials with relatively non-viscous materials. Referring to Figure 3, the mixer insert is positioned in the manner most suitable for relatively non-viscous materials such as blended beverages, vinegar dressings and the like. Positioned in this way, the proper liquid content can flow freely around the mixer insert as the container is shaken. More importantly, with non-viscous materials, when the liquid has to be poured from the container, the mixing insert will retain and act effectively as a strainer to prevent discharge of ice cubes, whole herbs and the like. Said articles, due to the upwardly converging outer rays will tend to move towards the inner annular ring 38 and will retain them there while the liquid flows uniformly around the mixer between the inner and outer rings and outside the pouring channel. As a further restriction for the outward flow of large articles, it will be noted that the inner ring 38 is positioned in close vertical and circumferential proximity to the mouth of the pour channel. With reference to Figure 4, the inverted mixing insert attachment 14 is positioned to effectively accommodate and mix relatively viscous materials. Positioned in this manner, the mixer insertion tends to direct the fluid upwards, by agitating the container, through the outer or wider portion of the mixer insertion fitting into the now enlarged mixing chamber defined between and with the cone directed towards the upper part of the pouring channel and the cone directed downwards of the mixing insert. The fluid subsequently tends to move downward and upward, guided by the inverted dome of the top panel of the lid, and the outer rays 40 inclined inwardly and downwardly, through the annular ring 38 interior with the rays within. The pouring of the relatively viscous mixed material from the container will be easily carried out by means of the inverted mixer, mainly through the outer portion of the mixing insert between the inner and outer annular rings. The modality described above is illustrative of the invention, and as other embodiments incorporating inventive aspects of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art, the described mode is not to be considered as a limitation of the scope of the invention. .

Claims (4)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property. CLAIMS

1. A shaker for food products , 1.0 fluidizable further characterized in that it comprises a container with an upward opening having a bottom, a peripheral wall integral with the bottom and extending upwards thereof and ending in a mouth portion with an upward opening 15 including an annular neck, the neck having an upper edge, a support directed upwardly within the mouth portion, a mixer insertion fitting positioned removably within the mouth portion, the inserter inserter having components 20 fluid mixers and including an outer peripheral edge portion engageable on the support to support the mixer insert within the mouth portion, a pour channel removably mounted in an assembled position on the 25 mouth portion in overlying relationship with the mixer insert, the pouring channel including an edge portion settling on the top edge and a radially inwardly engaging portion engageable with the outer peripheral edge portion of the mixer insert attachment for retaining the mixing insert with the support, and cooperating retainers on the mouth portion and the pour channel to releasably retain the pour channel in the assembled position, the pour channel having an upper pour opening defined by a surrounding pouring lip and a lid mountable on the pouring channel, the cover including a sloping skirt positioned on the neck, a releasable closure on the skirt and neck for releasably attaching the cover to the neck, the cover including a seal for sealing the pouring opening on a mounting of the lid in the closed position on the pouring channel.

2. The shaker of claim 1, further characterized in that the mixer insert includes a central portion recessed laterally from the outer peripheral edge portion thereof, the mixer insert being reversible with the central portion selectively oriented in a first position extending vertically outward relative to the mouth portion of the container, and a second position extending vertically inward relative to the mouth portion of the container. The shaker of claim 2, further characterized in that the mixing insert is of a generally conical configuration with a portion of the outer peripheral edge defined by an outer annular ring, and with the central portion comprising an annular inner ring coaxial and of a diameter substantially smaller than the outer annular ring, the fluid mixing components of the mixer insert comprising an inner annular ring, a vertically enlarged shaft positioned coaxially within the inner ring, a plurality of inner rays extending radially outwardly from the inner shaft to the inner annular ring, and a plurality of outer rays extending radially in an inclined convergence from the outer annular ring to the inner annular ring. The shaker of claim 3, further characterized in that the pouring channel is of a generally conical configuration generally shaping the configuration of the mixing insert in its first position, the mixing insert, in the first position, defining a unit of filtration to control the flow outwards through the pouring opening of the pouring channel. 5. The shaker of claim 4, further characterized in that the mixing insert in its second position, form, with the overlying pour channel, an enlarged mixing chamber converging conically upwardly with the pouring channel and downwardly with the mixer insertion accessory for mixing and circulating the fluid of a flowable food product by shaking the shaker. 6. The shaker of claim 5, further characterized in that the lip of the pouring channel is flared externally from the pouring opening peripherally from above and terminating at an acute angle the outer edge of the lip. The shaker of claim 6, further characterized in that the pouring channel immediately into the pouring lip includes a planar surface sloping inwardly and downwardly annular ending in an annular vertical planar surface immediately below, the seal in the cover for sealing the pouring opening comprises an inner annular sealing ring sloping on the lid and insertable within the pouring opening on the closure of the lid, the inner sealing ring including an outer surface with planar annular surface portions complementary to the planar surfaces on the pour channel for intimate sealant coupling therewith. The shaker of claim 7, further characterized in that the lid includes a panel at the top with a centrally arcuately depressed portion having an inner surface portion radially outwardly of the sealing ring, the pouring lip forming in the closed position of the lid. The cocktail shaker of claim 8, further characterized in that the lid, between the panel of the upper part and the skirt thereof includes an externally conical portion and generally parallel to the pouring channel, the lid having, close to its skirt a grip surface defined therein. The shaker of claim 2, further characterized in that the pouring channel is of a generally conical configuration generally shaping the configuration of the mixer insert in its first position, the mixing insert, in the first position defining a filter unit to control the flow outwards through the pouring opening of the pouring channel. The shaker of claim 10, further characterized in that the mixing insert in its second position, forms with the overlying pour channel, an enlarged mixing chamber converging conically upwardly with the pouring channel and downwardly with the fitting of mixer insertion to circulate the fluid of a flowable food product by shaking the shaker. 12. The shaker of claim 11, further characterized in that the mouth portion is radially enlarged relative to the lower part of the container, and includes, below the annular neck, a portion inclined toward the outside and upward defining the support and conforming a generally inverted frustoconical mixing area communicating directly and forming an extension of the mixing chamber. 1

3. The shaker of claim 1, further characterized in that the pouring channel, immediately inward of the pouring lip, includes a planar surface inclined inwardly and annularly downward ending in an annular vertical planar surface immediately below the same, comprising the seal of the lid to seal the pouring opening, an inner ring annular sealing ring on the insertable lid inside the pouring opening on the closure of the lid, including the inner sealing ring an outer surface with annular surface portions planar complementary to the surfaces near the pouring opening on the pouring channel for intimate sealant coupling. The shaker of claim 13, further characterized in that the lid includes a panel at the top with an arcuately depressed central portion having an inner surface portion, radially outwardly of the sealing ring, forming the pouring lip in the closed position of the lid.