Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Drink Mixing Device.
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
=
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention.
[0003] The present invention relates generally to mixing potable liquids.
2. Description of the Related Art.
[0004] Familiar mixing devices exhibit problems relating to one or more of the
following: size, mobility, durability, awkwardness, effectiveness, etc. The
present
invention reduces these problems.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0c)05] The present invention is a drink mixing device generally characterized
as
having a ball assembly in wireless communication with a base assembly. The
base
assembly comprises a casing for storing a first battery, a transmitter that
receives power
from the first battery, a base assembly wireless coil, a power port receiving
for external
power and host or peripheral connection, a button located along the casing
wherein the
button is electronically connected to the transmitter. The ball assembly
comprises a
casing for storing a second battery, a motor, a ball assembly wireless coil,
and a receiver.
The motor turns a propeller external to but affixed to the exterior of the
ball assembly
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when the motor is powered and turned on. The propeller is protected by a metal
spiral.
[0006] In a broad aspect, the present invention pertains to a drink mixing
device
comprising a first assembly comprising a casing bottom, a casing top
mechanically connected to
the casing bottom, a first battery, a transmitter electrically connected to
the first battery, and a first
assembly wireless coil. There is provided a power port for external power
source and host or
peripheral connection. A first button is located on the casing bottom and is
electrically connected
to the transmitter. A second assembly is in wireless communication with the
first assembly having
a first shell, a second shell mechanically connected to the first shell, and a
second assembly wireless
coil. A receiver is electrically connected to the second assembly wireless
coil and a second battery
electrically connected to the receiver. A motor is electrically connected to
the second battery, and
a propeller is mechanically connected to the motor. There is a spiral
mechanically connected to
the second shell, the spiral at least partially surrounding the propeller.
[0006A] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a drink mixing
device
comprising a first assembly. The first assembly has a casing bottom, and a
casing top mechanically
connected to the casing bottom, the casing top having a first set of
mechanical threads. A first over
mold is stretched over at least part of the exterior of the casing bottom.
There is provided a first
battery, a transmitter electrically connected to the first battery, a first
assembly wireless coil, and a
power port, the power port being located along the first over mold and the
casing bottom. A first
button is located on the first over mold and the casing bottom, the first
button being electronically
connected to the transmitter. There is a bottle having a second set
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=
of mechanical threads, the second set of mechanical threads being threadedly
connected to the first
set of mechanical threads. A second assembly is in wireless communication with
the first assembly
and is removably placed inside of the bottle. The second assembly has a first
shell, a second shell
mechanically connected to the first shell, a second assembly wireless coil,
and a receiver
electrically connected to the second assembly wireless coil and a second
battery electrically
connected to the receiver. A motor is electrically connected to the second
battery, a propeller is
mechanically connected to the motor, and a spiral is mechanically connected to
the second shell,
the spiral at least partially surrounding the propeller. There is a second
mold stretched over at least
part of the exterior of the first shell, a battery holder mechanically
connected to the second battery,
and a second button located on the second over mold.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0008] Fig. 2 is an exploded view thereof.
[0009] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention
in
proximity to an external power source.
[0010] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention
receiving power from an external power source.
[0011] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention
receiving power from an external power source.
[0013] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig.
1 and
Fig. 2.
[0016] Fig. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the process steps of one
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment 40 of the present invention, which
comprises a base assembly 42, a bottle 44, and a ball assembly 46. In this
particular
embodiment, the ball assembly 46 is used to mix potable fluids in the bottle
44.
[0018] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the embodiment 40. The ball
assembly 46 may be engaged by directly pushing a button 48 located on the ball
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assembly 46 and lowering the ball assembly 46 into the bottle 44. In this
embodiment, the
ball assembly 46 is programmable with a time delay when engaged in this
manner.
Alternatively, the ball assembly 46 is engaged when a button 66 located on the
base
assembly 42. When engaged in this manner, the ball assembly 46 is usually
already
located in the bottle 44.
[0019] As suggested, the ball assembly 46 is movable within the bottle 44 and
is
removable from the bottle 44. In fact, it is anticipated that the ball
assembly 46 can be
used to mix fluids and other substances in other containers, including but not
limited to
punch bowls, pots, cauldrons, or even another bottle.
[0020] The base assembly 42 is attachable to the external bottom of the bottle
44
and is removable, as well. The ability to attach the base assembly 42 to the
bottle 44 is
useful for keeping all components of the embodiment 40 together (e.g.,
organization) and
it also allows for efficient charging (e.g., energy transfer) between the base
assembly 42
and the ball assembly 46. The process of charging (e.g., energy transfer) is
discussed in
greater detail below.
[0021] The benefit of removing or otherwise detaching the base assembly 42
from the bottle 44 are equally apparent. First, removal of the base assembly
42 allows for
easier cleaning of the bottle 44 in between uses. Second, removal of the base
assembly 42
allows for wireless use of the bottle 44 and ball assembly 46 for mixing
fluids and other
substances.
[0022] Although other means are available (e.g., adhesives, Velcro, other
mechanical engagements), the base assembly 42 is attachable/detachable from
the bottle
44 via locking threads 51a on the base assembly 42 and locking threads 51b on
the
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exterior bottom face of the bottle 44.
[0023] The locking threads 51a of this embodiment are located on the casing
top
52 of the base assembly 42. The exterior components of the base assembly 42
include the
casing top 52, the casing bottom 54, and an over mold 56. More specifically,
the casing
top 52 and the casing bottom 54 are mechanically connected and are made of
plastic in
this embodiment. The casing top 52 and the casing bottom 54 provide for an
opening or
interstitial space when connected. This opening allows for storage and
placement of
additional base assembly 42 components, discussed below. Several of the base
assembly
42 components are electronica or delicate, and therefore the over mold 56,
which is made
of rubber, is used to provide additional durability and shielding from
elements. It is not
unlikely that a drinking bottle (whether the bottle 44 or a nearby bottle)
might sweat or
otherwise allow fluid to escape. In that event, fluid might rest on a table or
surface. The
over mold 56 is intended to reduce exposure by the components of the base
assembly 42
to such fluids. In this embodiment, the casing bottom 54 is rigid and the over
mold 56 is a
flexible rubber that stretches over the casing bottom 54 and remains in place
along the
exterior of the casing bottom 54. The bottom of the bottle 44 is elevated
above the
exterior wall of the bottle such that the bottle may receive the base assembly
42, and in
particular, the casing top 52 and the locking threads 51a when the base
assembly 42 is
attached to the bottle 44. To that end, the over mold 56 provides a flush
surface between
the bottle 44 and the base assembly 42 when attached.
[0024] As mentioned above, the base assembly 42 comprises several interior
components, including a battery 58, a printed circuit board (PCB) with
transmitter 60, a
base assembly wireless coil 62, a power port 64, and a button 66.
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[0025] In this particular embodiment, the battery 58 is used to power the
transmitter 60. The battery may be of a variety of types known in the art,
such as a 3 volt
or CR2032 battery. The transmitter 60 communicates with a receiver circuit
board 68
located on a second PCB in the ball assembly 46.
[0026] The button 66 is a rubberized indentation in the over mold 56, which
communicates with the transmitter 60. In particular, a user presses the button
66, either
when the base assembly 42 is connected to the bottle 44 or detached and
located across a
room. Because the button 66 provides a signal to the transmitter 60 and the
transmitter 60
is in communication with the receiver circuit board 68, the ball assembly 46
starts or stops.
In certain embodiments, the button 66 and transmitter 60 may have several
settings (e.g.,
distinguished through a "first click," "second click," "third click," etc.)
for manipulating
the speed or cadence of the ball assembly 46. In further alternative
embodiments, the
button 66 might be replaced with a dial or other means (e.g., a switch) for
engaging/disengaging or adjusting the ball assembly. If a dial or similar
means is used
instead of a button, manipulation would presumably become more continuous and
less
discrete.
[0027] The wireless coil 62 receives power from and is connected to the power
port 64. When a power cable, such as a Micro-USB connector, receives power
from an
external power source (e.g., Computer) (not shown) and is connected to the
power port 64,
the base assembly 42 receives energy/power. In the present embodiment, the
power
received by the base assembly is transferred from the external source through
the power
cable, and through the power port 64 to the wireless coil 62. The wireless
coil 62 then
transfers energy via induction to a ball assembly wireless coil 70 located in
the ball
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assembly 46, as described in greater detail below.
[0028] Fig. 3 illustrates the base assembly 42 and a power port 64 in
proximity to
a power cable, with the power cable connected to an external power source.
Fig. 4
illustrates the base assembly 42 connected to the external power source¨via
the power
cable¨and the ball assembly 46 is positioned above the base assembly 42.
[0029] In this particular embodiment, the induction described above may occur
when the ball assembly 46 is positioned directly on top of the base assembly
42 (and the
ball assembly 46 is not mixing fluids) as illustrated in Fig. 4. The induction
may also
occur when the ball assembly 46 is located in the bottle 44 (or other
container) and the
base assembly 42 is located underneath the bottle 44 (or other container); or
the ball
assembly 46 is otherwise in close proximity to the base assembly 42 as
required for
electrical induction.
[0030] In some embodiments, the base assembly 42 also stores power in a
battery
contained within the base assembly. In those embodiments, the base assembly 42
could
transfer power to the ball assembly 46 without direct connection to an
external power
source. Such an embodiment is illustrated in Fig. 5.
[0031] Like the base assembly 42, the ball assembly 46 comprises an outer
shell
and mold, which contain several electrical and mechanical components. That
shell and
mold may be characterized as a ball base 72, a ball top 74, and an over mold
76.The over
mold 76 functions much like the over mold 56 composing part of the base
assembly 42.
[0032] The button 48 is a rubberized indentation in the over mold 76, which
communicates
with the receiver circuit board 68 and the circuit board communicates with a
motor 80. In
particular, a user presses the button 48 and the ball assembly 46 starts or
stops. Namely, a propeller
82 connected to the motor 80 begins to rotate or stops.
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. ,
[0033] In certain embodiments, the button 48 coupled with the receiver circuit
board 68
may have several settings (e.g., distinguished through a "first click,"
"second click," "third click,"
etc.) for manipulating the speed or cadence of the propeller 82. In further
alternative embodiments,
the button 48 might be replaced with a dial or other means (e.g., a switch)
for engaging/disengaging
or adjusting the propeller. If a dial or similar means is used instead of a
button, manipulation would
presumably become more continuous and less discrete.
[0034] Operation of the motor 80, and accordingly the propeller 82, requires
sufficient power in the ball assembly 46. As described above, the wireless
coil 70
receives energy from the base assembly 42 via induction. Induction can be
improved if
the wireless coil 70 is around the lower regions of the ball assembly 46, and
the ball base
72.
[0035] As the wireless coil 70 receives energy via induction, energy is
subsequently
transferred from the wireless coil 70 to an energy circuit board (not
illustrated) located on the
receiver circuit board 68, and then a charging circuit (not illustrated)
located on the receiver circuit
board 68. From the charging circuit, energy is transferred to a rechargeable
battery 84. Although
not limiting the present embodiment uses a 250mAH rechargeable battery 84 to
power an 8mm x
20mm motor 80.
[0036] In this embodiment, the battery is secured in place with a battery
holder 86
fixed in position within the ball assembly 46.
[0037] In this embodiment, a ball spiral 88 is secured to ball top 74 such
that a
user may shake the bottle 44 and accordingly the ball assembly 46 without
compromising
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the propeller 82 and such that the bottle may be shaken while the ball
assembly is
powered on. The ball spiral 88 of this embodiment is designed in such a way
that the
curvature is somewhat similar to that of protein ball shakers known in the
art. However,
this ball spiral is closer to a hemi-sphere than a complete sphere (as seen in
the art).
[0038] The base assembly 42 is also capable of charging a smart phone or
other,
similar wireless devices by electric induction. This process is illustrated by
Fig. 6. And as
mentioned above, in certain embodiments, the base assembly 42 comprises a
rechargeable battery that allows the base assembly 42 to charge the ball
assembly or a
smart phone without a direct connection to an external power source. Fig. 7
illustrates
such an embodiment.
[0039] In certain embodiments, the rotation of the fans/blades will create a
vortex
or other phenomenon associated with turbulent flow, which may or may not be
visually
appealing to the user.
[0040] In certain embodiments, the ball spiral may rotate about a central
access of
the ball assembly. In other embodiments it may rotate or move or translate
across other
accesses or directions. Although the ball spiral is illustrated as a spiral in
this particular
embodiment, the cage may appear to resemble a nest, a web, a spiral, a
honeycomb or
any other number of shapes and patterns, but would allow for liquid to enter
the cage and
access the fan/blades. In other embodiments, a cage may not exist and the fans
or blades
may be exposed directly to the liquid. In other embodiments, there may not be
fans or
blades, but the cage itself may move or create agitation and mix the fluids.
Although the
present invention is generally illustrated and characterized as a sphere like
structure, the
invention may appear or exist in other shapes including cube, oblate spheroid,
prism,
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frustum, etc.
[0041] Fig. 8 illustrates a different aspect of the present embodiment of this
invention,
including a light 83, which in some embodiments might be one or more LED
lights, at the center
of the fan/blades such that the vortex when induced may be illuminated.
[0042] In some embodiments, the ball assembly will comprise a magnet or a
weighted
sinker to maintain a consistent orientation and direction of the device if
intended to remain fixed
when in the bottle. Of course, the magnet and weighted sinker should not be
construed as limiting.
Certain embodiments will not include a magnet or a sinker. FIG. 8, for
example, illustrates a
weighted sinker 90 that is incorporated into the external body of the ball
assembly. In this particular
embodiment, the lower portion of the ball assembly's external body is heavier
than the upper
portion of the ball assembly.
[0043] Additionally, FIG. 8 illustrates the device without a ball spiral. In
some
embodiments where the ball assembly does not comprise a ball spiral, the ball
spiral might be
replaced with a wire mesh or alternative shapes such as weaves, chains, honey
comb. Alternatively,
the ball spiral or other cage like barrier might not be rounded. Instead it
might be rectangular or
triangular, etc.
[0044] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig 1
and Fig. 2
[0045] Fig. 10 illustrates the process of certain embodiments. A USB Micro B
input
connector supplies 5V power to a lithium polymer (LiPo) battery charger. The
LiPo battery
supplies the main power for the base assembly to transmit a battery charge to
the ball unit, or any
other compatible device. The LiPo battery supplies power to a signal
transmitter (RF TX) and
microcontroller (MCU) processor (UUID Serial Code) circuits. Power is supplied
to a wireless
charger transmitter through a boost circuit, booster, to 9
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increase the 3.7V battery voltage to 5.0V. The wireless charger transmitter
transmits
power to a wireless charger receiver and receives communication from the
wireless
charger receiver in order to adjust output power, as needed by the wireless
charger
receiver. Power is supplied to a signal transmitter through a low-dropout
voltage
regulator that limits the voltage to the transmitter to 3.3V. When the push
button single
pole single thrown (SPST) switch is pressed the MCU powers the RF TX
(transmitter)
and modulates the transmitter with a unique code so that only one receiver
will respond
to the signal from the transmitter. After the signal is sent the MCU removes
power from
the transmitter and places itself, the MCU, in a low power state until the
push button
switch is pressed again.
[0046] In those embodiments, The wireless charger receiver receives power from
the wireless charger transmitter and provides signal feedback to the wireless
charger
transmitter for power control. The wireless charger receiver includes a
battery charger
circuit for charging a LiPo Battery in the ball assembly. The LiPo Battery
supplies power
to an RF RX (receiver), an MCU processor circuit, and a transistor switch
(Motor Driver)
that spins a mixing propeller. Power to the receiver is limited to 3.3 volts
by a low-
dropout voltage regulator. The motor driver is activated for 25 seconds (or
some other
period of time) when one of two things happens in the ball assembly: either a
signal is
received by the receiver that contains a matching UUID serial code or the push
button
SPST switch on the ball assembly is pressed. Another function of the push
button switch
is to pair the ball assembly the base assembly. This is achieved by pressing
and holding
the push button switch on the ball assembly while also pressing the push
button switch on
the base assembly, at the same time. The pairing can be confirmed in several
ways,
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including the motor drive spinning the motor for one second or another fixed
unit of time.
[0047] Also, and in other embodiments the fans/blades may exist in various
numbers in the particular environment the fans/blades appear to be in a group
of ten. In
other embodiments, there may be one blade or more. In some embodiments, the
fans
may be oriented in different directions.
[0048] By using a delayed timer, a user may engage the timer; place the device
in
the desired fluid and after the desired period of time has elapsed, the device
begins to mix
the fluid.
[0049] As indicated above, the first section of the ball assembly 42 in
certain
embodiments may be turned on or off or otherwise adjusted using remote devices
such as
a smart phone ______________________________________________________ using
Bluetooth or other related technology. In addition to turning the
device on or off, and lighting features may be adjusted on or off or change of
color, etc.
The remote features also allow for the fans to change direction or speed.
[0050] In other alternative embodiments, the ball assembly 46 may be
constructed
in three or more sections while maintaining the spirit of the invention
disclosed herein.
To that end, in certain embodiments, a multi-purpose scooper could be added to
the first
section opposite the second section. Additionally, the ball assembly in
certain
embodiments may not be in the shape of a ball. Rather, the ball assembly may
be in the
shape of an obloid, an oblate spheroid, a prism, a frustum, among other
shapes.
[0051] Other alternative embodiments may allow for wireless communication via
mobile application
[0052] In some embodiments, the invention may comprise a storage compartment
for items such as capsules, powders, batteries, etc.
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[0053] In certain embodiments, this invention is made of thorough material
which
may include metal, plastic, fiberglass, or a number of other materials. Metal
can come
from machined aluminum welding or casting, or similar steel or alloy. Molded
or
machined plastic can be used with recommended strengthening and features like
ribs and
other sectioning techniques. In a preferred embodiment, the materials would be
very
light weight. The particular thickness or the dimensions of the materials are
not critical
so long as the pieces are necessarily durable to allow sufficient mixing and
induction of a
vortex when desired. In most embodiments, the invention will include various
nuts, bolts,
screws, etc. for securing the pieces together. The length and width of the
rods and pieces
may be a varying dimension.
[0054] It will be appreciated by persons in the art and numerous variations
and/or
modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific
embodiments
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly
described. The
present embodiments are therefore, to be considered in all respects
illustrative and not
restrictive. Other features and aspects of this invention will be appreciated
by those
skilled in the art upon reading and comprehending the disclosure. Such
features, aspects,
and variations and modifications of the reported results are examples clearly
within the
scope of the invention where the invention is limited solely by the scope of
the following
claims.
[0055] Some embodiments will not comprise a bottle; or a transmitter.
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