DEVICES FOR SHARPENING A BLENDER BLADE AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME

Abstract

A device configured to sharpen a blade. The device has a body with a head end, an opposite back end, and a length axis defined between them. The body has a top and an opposite bottom, a first side and an opposite second side. A palm region located on the top of the body is configured to support the palm of a user. A finger region located on the bottom of the body is configured to support the fingers of the user. A sharpening element is coupled to the head end and defines an opening that converges from a wide gap to a narrow gap. A sharpening element axis bisects the opening through the wide gap and the narrow gap. The opening is configured to receive a portion of the blade therein to sharpen the blade when the user moves the sharpening element along the blade.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to sharpening the blade of a blender, and more particularly to devices configured to sharpen the blades of a blender blade assembly and methods for making the same.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The Background and Summary are provided to introduce a foundation and selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. The Background and Summary are not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor are they intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0003] Blenders have become staple household appliances since their invention in the early 1900s. The performance and designs of these devices have improved over the years, with notable manufacturers including Hamilton Beach.RTM., Vitamix.RTM., Oster.RTM., and Blendtec.RTM., to name a few.

[0004] The modern blender commonly includes an electric, universal motor having multiple stator windings and/or multitapped stator windings. This motor is often controlled by a variable speed switch to select the rotational speed of a blender blade contained within a carafe, which is typically supported above the motor unit. These blenders commonly have a blade assembly consisting of multiple individual blades, which often extend in different directions to ensure that contents placed inside the carafe are sufficiently blended, mixed, or otherwise circulated for a consistent end product. In many (but not all) cases, this blender blade assembly is removable from the carafe to assist in washing the device after use.

SUMMARY

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a device configured to sharpen a blade of a blender. The device has a body with a head end and a back end that is opposite the head end. A length axis is defined between the head end and the back end. The body has a top and a bottom that is opposite the top and a first side and a second side that is opposite the first side. A palm region is located on the top of the body and is configured to support the palm of a user. A finger region is located on the bottom of the body and is configured to support the fingers of the user. A sharpening element is coupled to the head end of the body and defines an opening having a wide gap and a narrow gap, converging from the wide gap to the narrow gap. A sharpening element axis bisects the opening through the wide gap and the narrow gap. The opening is configured to receive at least a portion of the blade therein to sharpen the blade. The device is configured to sharpen the blade of the blender when the user moves the sharpening element along the blade.

[0006] Another embodiment generally relates to a method for making a sharpener configured to sharpen a blade of a blender. The method includes forming a body that has a head end and a back end that is opposite the head end. A length axis is defined between the head end and the back end. The body has a top and a bottom that is opposite the top and a first side and a second side that is opposite the first side. The method includes providing a palm region on the top of the body that is configured to support the palm of a user. The method includes providing a finger region on the bottom of the body that is configured to support the fingers of the user. The method includes providing a sharpening element that defines an opening therein. The opening has a wide gap and a narrow gap and converges from the wide gap to the narrow gap. A sharpening element axis bisects the opening through the wide gap and the narrow gap. The opening is configured to receive at least a portion of the blade therein to sharpen the blade. The method includes forming the sharpening element to the head end of the body. The device is configured to sharpen the blade when the user moves the sharpening element along the blade.

[0007] Another embodiment generally relates to a device for sharpening a plurality of blades in a blender blade assembly. The device includes a body having a head end and a back end that is opposite the head end. A length axis is defined between the head end and the back end. The body has a top and a bottom that is opposite the top and a first side and a second side that is opposite the first side. A palm region is located on the top of the body and is configured to support the palm of a user. A thumb grip is located on the top of the body and is defined by a top recess within the top of the body that extends into the body towards the bottom of the body. The thumb grip is configured to receive a forward force in the direction of the head end of the body from the thumb of the user. A finger region is located on the bottom of the body and region defines a plurality of finger recesses on the bottom of the body that extend into the body towards the top of the body. The plurality of finger recesses are configured to receive the fingers of the user. A sharpening element is coupled to the head end of the body and defines a v-shaped opening that converges from a wide gap to a narrow gap. The v-shaped opening is configured to receive for each individual blade of the plurality of blades, one at a time, at least a portion of the individual blade therein. A sharpening element axis bisects the opening through the wide gap and the narrow gap. The length axis and the sharpening element axis intersect at an acute angle. The sharpening element defines a sharpening element plane that includes the wide gap and the narrow gap of the opening and also includes the sharpening element axis. A length plane includes the head end of the body, the back end of the body, and the length axis. The sharpening element plane and the length plane are parallel. The device is configured to sharpen the individual blade of the plurality of blades when the user moves the sharpening element along the individual blade.

[0008] Various other features, objects and advantages of the disclosure will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the disclosure. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and like components. In the drawings:

[0010] FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of a blender assembly commonly known in the art;

[0011] FIG. 2 depicts a blender blade being sharpened with a device in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the bottom and side of the device from FIG. 2;

[0013] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the top and side of the device from FIG. 3;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of the device from FIG. 3;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along 6-6 in FIG. 5;

[0016] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the bottom and side of another embodiment of a device in accordance with the present disclosure; and

[0017] FIGS. 8A-8C depict bottom views of additional embodiments of devices in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

[0018] This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice or make and use the same. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0019] While blenders in general have existed for some time, their popularity and the demand for high performance and/or specialized uses, seems to be at an all time high. This may be driven by the public's interest in increasing the intake of nutritious foods through beverages, as well as an increased demand for high quality smoothies and other blended drinks. Although many devices are now available to the consuming public, the present inventor has identified a substantial shortcoming with regard to the long-term performance and lifespan of these devices. Specifically, the present inventor has identified that through even normal use, the blades of these blenders, including those with specialized uses (i.e., juicers), become dulled over time. As a consequence, the device's motor is forced to work harder to rotate through and to blend the contents placed within the blender's carafe. The present inventor has identified that this additional force or strain leads to increased wear and a reduced lifespan of the motor and device overall. In some cases, this even creates a fire hazard due to overheating or shoring of the motor and associated electronics.

[0020] Moreover, while it is known that blades such as knives dull over time and require periodic sharpening, the unique configuration of blades within a blender blade assembly do not allow the same methods and devices known for such knives to be used to sharpen a blender blade assembly. In many cases, the individual blades of a blender blade assembly are positioned such that some generally point upwards, while others generally point downwards, horizontally, or some other angle therebetween. The orientation of blades in upward, horizontal, and/or downward directions varies according to application, power, and performance of the blender.

[0021] The problem is further exacerbated by the blades being configured to follow a circular cutting path, rendering one blade in the way of sharpening another. Similarly, no devices currently known in the art allow a user to sharpen the entirety of each blade as the clearance near the rotational center of the blade assembly provides insufficient space for a manual sharpener. Furthermore, working within this limited spacing increases the likelihood of a user cutting themselves on adjacent blades if sharpening were attempted. In other words, the unique configuration of a blender blade assembly does not allow one to easily sharpen the blades through any devices or methods presently known in the art.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a blender assembly commonly known in the art. The blender 1 has a blender base 2 that contains an electric motor therein (not numbered) and supports a carafe 3 positioned above. A blade assembly 6 is positioned within the carafe 3 such that, when assembled, the blender base 2 (and specifically the motor therein) rotates the blade assembly 6 within the carafe 3 to blend, pulverize, pulse, or otherwise act upon contents placed within the carafe.

[0023] In the example shown, the blade assembly 6 is removable from the carafe 3 to assist in the process of cleaning the device after use. To provide for this removal, a gasket 5 is placed between a blade base 8 on the blade assembly 6 and the bottom of the carafe 3 to provide a seal therebetween. A screw ring 4 is then threaded onto threads at the bottom of the carafe 3 to retain the blade assembly 6, via the blade base 8, to the carafe 3. Therefore, when fully assembled, the blade base 8 is rigidly coupled to the carafe 3 such that the blades 7 of the blade assembly 6 are rotatably positioned within the carafe 3 and rotatable by the blender base 2.

[0024] FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of a device in accordance with the present disclosure that is configured to sharpen the unique arrangement of blades 7 within the blade assembly 6. In the example shown, the blade assembly 6 has been removed from the blender 1 for sharpening. However, it should be known that for some configurations of carafes 3 and blades 7, it is possible to sharpen at least some of the blades 7 while the blade assembly 6 remains installed on the carafe 3. While FIG. 2 demonstrates one common blender 1, it should also be recognized that the presently disclosed methods and devices are configured to sharpen blades 7 regardless of the total number of blades 7 and/or the angle of a blade 7 with respect to other blades 7 or with respect to the blade base 8.

[0025] In the embodiment shown, a user holds the blade base 8 in one hand while holding the device 10 in another hand, allowing the user to sharpen the individual blades 7 with the device 10. It should be known that the blade base 10 is also positionable such that the blade base 8 is held onto a surface, such as a countertop, for further stability or ease of use. By placing the blade base 8 on a towel or mat, the blades 7 can also be restrained from rotating by a gear-type mechanism under the blade base 8 that engages the motor in the blender base 2 being held in place.

[0026] FIGS. 3-5 depict one embodiment of a device 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. The device 10 has a body 20 that has a head end 22 and a back end 24 that is opposite the head end 22. A length axis L is defined between the head end 22 and the back end 24. The body 20 also has a top 26 and a bottom 28 that is opposite of the top 26. Furthermore, the body 20 has a first side 30 and a second side 32 that is opposite the first side 30.

[0027] The device also includes a palm region 36 positioned on the top 26 of the body 20 that is configured to support the palm of a user. In certain embodiments, additional grip and/or comfort is provided to the user by incorporating a palm texture 37 in the palm region 326. This palm texture 37 may simply be molded into the palm region 36, may be a different material that is either co-molded or later coupled, or other techniques known in the art

[0028] The embodiment shown further includes a finger region 38 on the bottom 28 of the body 20. In certain embodiments, the finger region 38 includes a plurality of finger recesses 39 that are configured to support the fingers of the user. By providing the individual finger recesses 39, the present inventor has identified that the user has a better grip, and therefore better control, of the device 10 in use.

[0029] Similarly, the present embodiment includes a thumb grip 40 formed as a top recess 27 in the top 26 of the body 20, which is configured to receive and support the thumb of the user. It should be known that the thumb may also be placed elsewhere than in the thumb grip 40. The thumb grip 40 helps the user transfer a forward force F (not expressly shown) in the direction of the head end 22 of the body 20 from the thumb of the user. Additionally, the top recess 27 protects the thumb from accidentally contacting the blade 7 of the blade assembly 6 if the device 10 slips during use. Specifically, the thumb grip 40 is designed within the top recess 27 such that the thumb grip 40 is below the top 26 of the body 20. In this manner, the thumb grip 40, upon the device 10 slipping, prevents the thumb from contacting the blade 7 by instead deflecting the device 10 away.

[0030] A sharpening element 50 is coupled to the head end 22 of the body 20. The sharpening element 50 may be molded into the body 20, or coupled by other techniques known in the art. The sharpening element 50 defines an opening 52 having a wide gap 53a and a narrow gap 53b. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-5, the opening 52 converges from the wide gap 53a to the narrow gap 53b. A sharpening element axis S bisects the opening 52 through the wide gap 53a and the narrow gap 53b. The opening 52 is configured to receive at least a portion of the blade 7 therein, allowing the user to sharpen the blade 7 by moving the sharpening element 50 along the blade 7.

[0031] In the configuration shown, the sharpening element 50 is configured to simultaneously sharpen both sides of a given blade 7 with each stroke. This ensures consistency and balance, while also reducing the time to sharpen each side of each blade 7 separately. Likewise, the converging shape of the opening 52 ensures proper seating of the blade 7 therein. In configurations having a single-sided blade, the opening 52 may be configured to converge only on one side, allowing the sharpening element 50 to be guided along the blade 7 while only sharpening on the intended side.

[0032] In some embodiments, the length axis L and the sharpening element axis S intersect, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. Likewise, in some embodiments a sharpening element plane that includes the wide gap 53a and the narrow gap 53b of the opening 52, as well as the sharpening element axis S, is parallel to a length plane that includes the head end of the body 20, the back end 24 of the body 20, and the length axis L, also shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5. In further embodiments, once again shown in FIG. 5, the sharpening element plane and the length plane are not only parallel, but are coplanar.

[0033] However, it is advantageous for the sharpening element plane and the length plane to be neither coplanar, nor parallel to improve functionality for certain configurations of blade assemblies 6. For example, FIG. 8A depicts an embodiment having the sharpening element 50 positioned closer to the second side 32 than the first side 31 as compared to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-5. Alternatively, FIG. 8B shows the sharpening element 50 being rotated perpendicularly to the head end 22 where the sharpening element 50 is coupled to it. As a further alternative, FIG. 8C shows the sharpening element 50 rotated about the sharpening element axis S shown in FIG. 5. Further alternatives to positions and angles are also anticipated by the present disclosure.

[0034] Returning to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-5, a side texture 33 and body texture 34 are present on the first side 30 and optionally on the second side 32 (not visible). In some embodiments, the side texture 33 is different than the body texture 34, meaning at least that the two have different coefficients of friction. Likewise, the side texture 33 and/or the body texture 34 may have a different coefficient of friction than the palm texture 37, depending upon the materials used to make the body 20 and the particular configuration of blade assembly 6 that the device 10 is configured to sharpen.

[0035] FIG. 7 depicts another embodiment of device 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. Specifically, the embodiment shown includes a side recess 31 within the first side 30. The side recess 31 may further improve the user's grip of the device 10 and/or may provide cost savings for the device 10 by requiring less material for the body 20. A similar side recess is optionally present in the second side 32, depending on the intended use of the device 10 in practice.

[0036] The present disclosure also relates to a method for making a sharpener configured to sharpen a blade. With reference to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-5, the method includes forming a body 20 having a head end 22 that is opposite a back end 24 with a length axis L defined between the head end 22 and the back end 24. The body 20 has a top 26 and an opposite bottom 28, as well as a first side 30 and an opposite second side 32. The method further includes providing a palm region 36 on the top 26 of the body 20 that is configured to support the palm of a user. Likewise, a finger region 38 is provided on the bottom 28 of the body 20 and is configured to support the fingers of a user. A sharpening element 50 is provided and defines an opening 52 therein. The opening 52 converges from a wide gap 53a to a narrow gap 53b. A sharpening element axis S bisects the opening 52 through the wide gap 53a and the narrow gap 53b and the opening 52 is configured to receive at least a portion of the blade 7 therein to sharpen the blade 7. The sharpening element 50 is coupled to or formed to the head end 22 of the body 20 such that the device 10 is configured to sharpen the blade 7 when the user moves the sharpening element 50 along the blade 7.

[0037] As previously described, the length axis L and the sharpening element axis S intersect in some embodiments. Likewise, a sharpening element plane that includes the wide gap 53a and the narrow gap 53b of the opening 52 and also includes the sharpening element axis S is parallel in certain embodiments to a length plane that includes the head end 22 of the body 20, the back end 24 of the body, and the length axis L. In certain other embodiments, the sharpening element plane and the length plane are coplanar.

[0038] It should be recognized that while the opening 52 is generally depicted to be V-shaped, other shapes also provide for the device 10 to be configured to sharpen a blade in accordance with the present disclosure, as discussed above. This may also be advantageous for sharpening blades other than those used with blenders, but which have similar challenges regarding access for complete, adequate, and consistent sharpening in a safe manner.

[0039] Through experimentation and development, the present inventor has found that the embodiments described herein, successfully sharpened dull blades in blade assemblies of modern blenders. Moreover, the present inventor has found that after using the presently disclosed methods and devices, a blender that had declined in performance and had signs of extensive wear was immediately revitalized to return to providing excellent performance. Specifically, the blender subsequently blended content in less time, with better consistency, and with a quieter, less-strained motor noise following the use of the presently disclosed methods and devices. The device also kept the users hands, fingers, and thumbs distant from the blade during the entire process, ensuring safety in addition to high-quality, consistent results.

[0040] In the above description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. The different assemblies described herein may be used alone or in combination with other devices. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of any appended claims.

Claims

1. A device configured to sharpen a blade of a blender, the device comprising: a body having a head end and a back end that is opposite the head end, wherein a length axis is defined between the head end and the back end, wherein the body has a top and a bottom that is opposite the top, and wherein the body has a first side and a second side that is opposite the first side; a palm region on the top of the body, wherein the palm region is configured to support the palm of a user; a finger region on the bottom of the body, wherein the finger region is configured to support the fingers of the user; and a sharpening element oriented along a sharpening element axis, wherein the sharpening element is coupled to the head end of the body, wherein the sharpening element defines an opening having a wide gap and a narrow gap and converging from the wide gap to the narrow gap; wherein the sharpening element axis bisects the opening through the wide gap and the narrow gap, and wherein the opening is configured to receive at least a portion of the blade therein to sharpen the blade; and wherein the device is configured to sharpen the blade of the blender when the user moves the sharpening element along the blade.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the length axis and the sharpening element axis intersect.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the sharpening element is v-shaped.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the sharpening element is coupled to the body closer to the narrow gap of opening than to the wide gap of the opening, and wherein the sharpening axis is father from the body at the wide gap that at the narrow gap.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein a sharpening element plane includes the wide gap and the narrow gap of the opening and also includes the sharpening element axis, wherein a length plane includes the head end of the body, the back end of the body, and the length axis, and wherein the sharpening element plane and the length plane are parallel.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the sharpening element plane and the length plane are coplanar, and wherein the length axis and the sharpening axis are non-parallel.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the body has a body texture other than in the palm region, wherein the palm region has an palm texture, and wherein the palm texture has a higher coefficient of friction than the body texture.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the finger region defines a plurality of finger recesses on the bottom of the body that extend into the body towards the top of the body, wherein the plurality of finger recesses are configured to receive the fingers of the user.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first side of the body defines a side recess that extends into the body towards the second side.

10. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a thumb grip on the top of the body, wherein the thumb grip is configured to receive a forward force in the direction of the head end of the body from the thumb of the user.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the thumb grip is defined by a top recess within the top of the body that extends into the body towards the bottom of the body.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of a plastic material and the sharpening element is comprised of a metallic material.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the blade is a plurality of blades in a blender blade assembly, and wherein the device is configured to sharpen each of the plurality of blades of the blade assembly.

14. A method for making a sharpener configured to sharpen a blade of a blender, the method comprising: forming a body having a head end and a back end that is opposite the head end, wherein a length axis is defined between the head end and the back end, wherein the body has a top and a bottom that is opposite the top, and wherein the body has a first side and a second side that is opposite the first side; providing a palm region on the top of the body, wherein the palm region is configured to support the palm of a user; providing a finger region on the bottom of the body, wherein the finger region is configured to support the fingers of the user; providing a sharpening element oriented along a sharpening element axis, wherein the sharpening element defines an opening therein, wherein the opening has a wide gap and a narrow gap and converges from the wide gap to the narrow gap, wherein the sharpening element axis bisects the opening through the wide gap and the narrow gap, and wherein the opening is configured to receive at least a portion of the blade therein to sharpen the blade; and forming the sharpening element to the head end of the body; wherein the device is configured to sharpen the blade of the blender when the user moves the sharpening element along the blade.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the length axis and the sharpening element axis intersect.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the sharpening element is formed to the body closer to the narrow gap of opening than to the wide gap of the opening, and wherein the sharpening axis is farther from the body at the wide gap than at the narrow gap.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the sharpening element defines a sharpening element plane that includes the wide gap and the narrow gap of the opening and also includes the sharpening element axis, wherein a length plane includes the head end of the body, the back end of the body, and the length axis, and wherein the sharpening element plane and the length plane are parallel.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the sharpening element plane and the length plane are coplanar, and wherein the length axis and the sharpening axis are non-parallel.

19. The method according to claim 14, wherein the finger region defines a plurality of finger recesses on the bottom of the body that extend into the body towards the top of the body, wherein the plurality of finger recesses are configured to receive the fingers of the user, further comprising a thumb grip on the top of the body, wherein the thumb grip is formed by a top recess defined within the top of the body that extends into the body towards the bottom of the body, wherein the thumb grip is configured to receive a forward force in the direction of the head end of the body from the thumb of the user.

20. A device for sharpening a plurality of blades in a blender blade assembly, the device comprising: a body having a head end and a back end that is opposite the head end, wherein a length axis is defined between the head end and the back end, wherein the body has a top and a bottom that is opposite the top, and wherein the body has a first side and a second side that is opposite the first side; a palm region on the top of the body, wherein the palm region is configured to support the palm of a user; a thumb grip on the top of the body, wherein the thumb grip is defined by a top recess within the top of the body that extends into the body towards the bottom of the body, wherein the thumb grip is configured to receive a forward force in the direction of the head end of the body from the thumb of the user; a finger region on the bottom of the body, wherein the finger region defines a plurality of finger recesses on the bottom of the body that extend into the body towards the top of the body, wherein the plurality of finger recesses are configured to receive the fingers of the user; and a sharpening element oriented along a sharpening element axis, wherein the sharpening element is coupled to the head end of the body, wherein the sharpening element defines a v-shaped opening that converges from a wide gap to a narrow gap, wherein the v-shaped opening is configured to receive for each individual blade of the plurality of blades, one at a time, at least a portion of the individual blade therein, and wherein the sharpening element axis bisects the opening through the wide gap and the narrow gap; wherein the length axis and the sharpening element axis intersect at an acute angle; wherein the sharpening element defines a sharpening element plane that includes the wide gap and the narrow gap of the opening and also includes the sharpening element axis; wherein a length plane includes the head end of the body, the back end of the body, and the length axis; wherein the sharpening element plane and the length plane are parallel; and wherein the device is configured to sharpen the individual blade of the plurality of blades when the user moves the sharpening element along the individual blade.