Insertion guide construction for a food processor receptacle

• US 6,325,312 B1
• Filed: 05/14/1999
• Issued: 12/04/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/14/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Island Oasis Frozen Cocktail Company
• Original Assignee: Island Oasis Frozen Cocktail Company
• Inventors: Karkos, John F. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ostrager, Allen M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hong, William
• Application Number:
  US09/312,107
• Time in Patent Office: 935 Days
• Field of Search: 241/100, 241/DIG.17
• US Class Current: 241/100
• CPC Class Codes: A23G 9/045 of slush-ice, e.g. semi-frozen beverage
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 36/34 Supports for cooking-vessels
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 43/0727 Mixing bowls

Abstract

In a food processing machine, a removable food receptacle and a platform on which the receptacle is positioned in the machine, are constructed so that the food receptacle, as it is introduced into the machine, is guided into proper position. The platform is provided with a raised shoulder that includes a portion that is contacted by the receptacle when inserted into the machine in an improper direction, and that causes the receptacle to turn to the proper direction. The raised shoulder further includes a portion to stop the receptacle from further insertion once it is in proper position, and portions to maintain the receptacle in proper orientation on the platform during processing and/or delivery of food.

Claims

1. In a food processing apparatus including a base unit and a removable receptacle for receiving and/or processing food, the base unit including a platform on which the receptacle is to positioned, the improvement comprising insertion guide means for guiding the receptacle into proper position on the platform, said guide means comprising a raised shoulder extending upwardly from said platform, said shoulder being shaped to guide the receptacle into proper position as it is thrust along said platform into the base unit, wherein said raised shoulder includes a portion that is contacted by the receptacle when it is introduced into the machine in an improper direction, and that causes the receptacle to turn in the proper direction.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said raised shoulder includes, a portion to stop the receptacle from further insertion once it is in proper position, and a portion to maintain the receptacle in proper orientation on the platform during processing and/or delivery of food.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said receptacle includes a base having flat sides parallel to the desired direction of insertion, and the portion of said raised shoulder that maintains the receptacle in proper orientation comprises two straight sections on opposite sides of the platform and parallel to the proper direction of insertion, the straight sections being spaced apart by a distance slightly greater than the distance between the flat sides of the receptacle base so that, once the receptacle is in proper position on the platform the straight sections cooperate with the flat sides to prevent any substantial rotation or other sideways movement of the receptacle.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the portion of said raised shoulder that contacts the receptacle when it is inserted into the machine in an improper direction comprises an outwardly rounded section, and wherein said receptacle base includes a curved portion such that, when said curved portion contacts one of said rounded sections as the receptacle is thrust into position, the leading portion of the receptacle is caused to turn toward the back of the machine.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the portion of said raised shoulder that contacts the receptacle when it is inserted into the machine in an improper direction comprise an outwardly rounded section, and wherein said receptacle base includes a curved portion such that, when said curved portion contacts one of said rounded sections as the receptacle is thrust into position, the leading portion of the receptacle is caused to turn toward the back of the machine.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said portion that stops the receptacle from further insertion into the machine once it is in proper position comprises an outwardly rounded section toward the rear of the platform, said outwardly rounded section being contacted by the front portion of said receptacle base.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said portion that stops the receptacle from further insertion into the machine once it is in proper position comprises an outwardly rounded section toward the rear of the platform, said outwardly rounded section being contacted by the front portion of said receptacle base.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said portion that stops the receptacle from further insertion into the machine once it is in proper position comprises an outwardly rounded section toward the rear of the platform, said outwardly rounded section being contacted by the front portion of said receptacle base.

9. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said platform comprises a flat surface, and said receptacle has a flat bottom.

10. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said platform comprises a flat surface, and said receptacle has a flat bottom.