Mixer/sifter

#The present invention relates generally to kitchen appliances and, more particularly, to a mixer/sifter combination and also to a sifter attachment for use with an electric hand mixer.

#Electric hand mixers are well known. These devices enable users to mix items in a bowl in an easy and relatively effort free manner. Electric hand mixers most commonly are used during cooking and baking activities. Most common hand mixers utilize detachable beaters for easy cleaning and storage.

#It is an object of the present invention to provide a mixer/sifter combination device which performs sifting in a convenient and easy to use manner.

#The following detailed description, given by way of example and not intended to limit the present invention solely thereto, will best be appreciated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and parts, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mixer/sifter of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the mixer/sifter of the present invention;

#The mixer/sifter of the present invention is comprised of two components, an electric mixer unit and a sifter attachment unit (or simply, sifter attachment). The present invention also is directed to a sifter attachment designed for use with existing electric hand mixers.

#FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings schematically illustrate the mixer/sifter combination 10 of the present invention. Mixer/sifter 10 includes an electric mixer 12 and a sifter attachment 14. Mixer 12, shown by itself in FIGS. 3 and 4, includes features and structure that exist in typical electric hand mixers. For example, hand mixer 12 includes speed control and on/off buttons 20, an eject button 22, a power cord 24, a handle 26, an LCD display 28 and feet 30. These features are known in the art and thus descriptions of their operation and design are omitted herein except where necessary for an understanding of the present invention.

#Mixer 12 of the present invention further includes a bottom surface 40, a surface 42 that protrudes from bottom surface 40 and apertures 32a and 32b disposed within surface 42 (see FIG. 4) that receive typical beaters as well as the sifter attachment of the present invention. Beaters 50a and 50b, partially shown in FIG. 6, are typical beaters in the art and can be attached to mixer 12 by inserting them into apertures 32a and 32b. The specific structure, design and operation of apertures 32a, 32b, as wells as the internal design thereof, and beaters 50a and 50b can be that of any existing hand held electric mixer/beater. When beaters 50a and 50b are inserted into apertures 32a and 32b, mixer 12 of the present invention operates in a manner identical to existing mixers. Likewise, buttons 20 and LCD display 28 operate in a manner well known in the art and their construction, design and operation are the same as that of existing electric hand mixers. Thus, further description thereof is omitted herein except where necessary for an understanding of the present invention. Moreover, mixer 12 includes a motor and additional internal components necessary for its operation, and such components are well known in the art. The internal structure and design of mixer 12 is not pertinent to the present invention. Eject button 22 operates to eject the beaters when depressed, in a manner well known.