US 5,855,431 A · Rotating mixer and tray

Abstract

A rotating mixer for mixing drinks utilizes a tumbler-type container attached to a base and a rotatable whisk. The whisk is turned by rotatable gears, one of which is attached to a motor and one of which is attached to the base of the container. The motor is housed in a motor housing unit and is powered by batteries, or, alternatively, by an AC adapter. The motor housing unit includes a collar that is inserted into a sleeve in the bottom of the container base to provide a stable guide for aligning the motor gear and whisk gear. The detachable base also provides a stable platform for the container when it is not engaged with the motor housing unit. The detachable base may be a lightweight, yet sturdy, two-piece unit comprising a sleeve section and a coupling section. The motor housing unit fits into a tray which is adapted for use as a serving tray and which also functions as a battery recharger when plugged into an electrical outlet. The tray comprises holders for holding one or more containers.

Claims6

Dependent claims

A mixer and tray system comprising:

a container having a bottom and a top;
an opening in the top of the container;
a whisk rotatably mounted in the container;
a housing unit having a motor therein and a collar;
a sleeve in the bottom of the container capable of receiving the collar;
a connection mechanism for engaging the whisk with the motor to rotate the whisk when the collar is inserted into the sleeve and the motor is activated;
a pressure switch disposed in the housing unit capable of being depressed by the bottom of the container when the collar is inserted into the sleeve, wherein depressing the switch a predetermined amount activates the motor;
a tray;
a receptacle in the tray for receiving the housing unit;
and
a plurality of holders in the tray, each capable of receiving the container.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Rotating mixer and tray

Life of this patent

Rotating mixer and tray

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims6