Modular blending system
AssigneeVita-Mix Corporation
InventorsDave Kolar, Joe Hobbs, Susan Mayer, Fred Mehlman, Richard D. Boozer, Casey Zale
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular blending system is shown and described. The modular blending system may include a storage device capable of storing a plurality of flavoring products, and an ice shaving mechanism removably attached to the storage device, the ice shaving mechanism including an ice dispenser. The modular blending system may also include a fluid dispensing unit in fluid communication with the flavoring products, where the fluid dispensing unit is separate from the ice dispenser.
Claims45
A modular blending system comprising:
- a storage device capable of storing a plurality of flavoring products;
- an ice shaving mechanism removably attached to the storage device, the ice shaving mechanism including an ice dispenser;
- and
- a fluid dispensing unit in fluid communication with the flavoring products, wherein the fluid dispensing unit is separate from the ice dispenser.
A modular blending system comprising:
- a refrigeration unit;
- an ice shaving mechanism selectively secured to the refrigeration unit, the ice shaving mechanism including an ice dispenser;
- a blender selectively secured to the refrigeration unit;
- and
- a fluid dispensing unit in fluid communication with the refrigeration unit, wherein the fluid dispensing unit is separate from the ice dispenser.
A modular blending system comprising:
- a refrigeration unit;
- an ice shaving mechanism selectively secured to the refrigeration unit, the ice shaving mechanism including an ice dispenser;
- a fluid dispensing unit in fluid communication with the refrigeration unit, wherein the fluid dispensing unit is separate from the ice dispenser;
- at least one tube fluidly engaged with the fluid dispensing unit at one end and configured to fluidly engage with a dispensing receptacle at a second end wherein fluid from the dispensing receptacle is transferred through the tube to the fluid dispensing unit;
- a cleaning system operatively coupled with the fluid dispensing and the tube, wherein the cleaning system utilizes gravity to evacuate the tube of cleaning fluids.
A method of cleaning a modular blending system comprising the steps of:
- attaching a cleaning system having a fixture and at least one tube with the modular blending system;
- inserting an end of the tube into a cleaning solution;
- initiating operation of a pump;
- pumping the cleaning solution into the tube through the fixture and into the modular blending system;
- soaking the modular blending system;
- initiating operation of the pump;
- and
- evacuating the cleaning solution from the modular blending system.
A tray configured to be selectively held within a storage device of a modular blending system, the tray comprising:
- a floor configured to be positioned within the storage device;
- at least one wall extending from the floor;
- an opening in the at least one wall, the opening configured to receive a receptacle spout;
- and
- a base plate movably secured with the floor, wherein the base plate moves relative to the floor to assist with evacuating fluid from a receptacle.
A tray configured to be selectively held within a storage device of a modular blending system, the tray comprising:
- a floor having a front portion and a rear portion;
- at least one wall extending upward from the front portion of the floor;
- an aperture in the at least one wall, the aperture configured to receive a receptacle spout;
- and
- a base plate configured to pivot relative to the floor to assist with evacuating fluid from a receptacle positioned on the base plate, wherein the base plate pivots from a first position substantially parallel with the floor to a second position angled towards the front portion of the floor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.