Abstract: A food mixer device and method includes a container configured to receive food. A pair of interchangeable container bases are each separately and removably couplable to the container. At least one mixing assembly is rotatably disposed in the container. A faucet is operatively coupled to one of the interchangeable container bases.

Abstract: A beverage mixer and heater device includes a container disposable on a base. The container includes a heating element and a faucet. A cup indentation extends into the base underneath the faucet. The device also include means for aligning the faucet of the container with the cup indentation of the base, including a mating electrical plug disposed between the base and the container with one portion electrically coupled to the heating element of the container and another portion carried by the base. The base has a bottom with an inward and downward taper under the faucet to facilitate the base tipping from an upright configuration to a tipped configuration in a direction of the faucet. A method for making a hot beverage includes simultaneously turning the hot beverage with the mixing assembly and dispensing the hot beverage through a faucet coupled near a bottom of the container.

Abstract: A beverage mixer includes a container with a mixing assembly removably disposable on a base with a motor turning a drive mechanism engagable with the mixing assembly. A spout is operatively coupled to the container, and can include a valve operable to allow and restrict contents of the container and actuatable by an actuator. A cup indentation is positioned under the outlet opening of the spout when the container is disposed on the base. The cup indentation extends horizontally into the base and is formed by a perimeter of the base.

Abstract: A beverage mixer includes a container with a mixing assembly removably disposable on a base with a motor turning a drive mechanism engagable with the mixing assembly. A spout is operatively coupled to the container, and can include a valve operable to allow and restrict contents of the container and actuatable by an actuator. A cup indentation is positioned under the outlet opening of the spout when the container is disposed on the base. The cup indentation extends horizontally into the base and is formed by a perimeter of the base. An air pump can be associated with the base, and an air line operatively coupled between the air pump and the container to assist dispensing contents of the container through the spout. An impeller associated with the mixing assembly in the container. The impeller forms an oblique angle oriented to drive contents of the container towards an opening in the container and out of the spout.

Abstract: A beverage mixer, smoothie maker or the like includes a container with a mixing assembly disposable on a base with a motor. A lid is disposable on the container and pivotally carries a stir stick that extends through an opening in the lid. The stir stick includes a ball portion to be pivotally disposable over the opening of the lid and to cooperate with the lid to cover the opening and to allow the ball portion to pivot in the opening. A spout can be coupled to the container to dispense contents, and can align with an alignment indentation in the base. A wall with an angled upper surface can be disposed adjacent the alignment indentation to abut and guide the spout to the alignment indentation. A cup indentation can be formed in the base under the alignment indentation to receive a cup under the spout.

Abstract: A beverage mixer, smoothie maker or the like includes a container with a mixing assembly disposable on a base with a motor. A lid is disposable on the container and pivotally carries a stir stick that extends through an opening in the lid. The stir stick includes a ball portion to be pivotally disposable over the opening of the lid and to cooperate with the lid to cover the opening and to allow the ball portion to pivot in the opening. A spout can be coupled to the container to dispense contents, and can align with an alignment indentation in the base. A wall with an angled upper surface can be disposed adjacent the alignment indentation to abut and guide the spout to the alignment indentation. A cup indentation can be formed in the base under the alignment indentation to receive a cup under the spout.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for ice shaving apparatus of the type including (a) an ice receiving chamber having a cylindrical, upstanding sidewall and a substantially flat floor, (b) an elongate opening in the floor, (c) an elongate blade having a knife edge projecting through the opening into the chamber, (d) a removable cover for the chamber and (e) means for moving ice placed in the chamber against the knife edge to cut shavings from the ice. The improvements comprise an elongate, blunt, blade guard which is positioned adjacent to the blade and is movably mounted for movement from a recessed position in which a leading edge of the blade guard is recessed beneath the knife edge of the blade to an extending position in which the leading edge projects at least to the knife edge of the blade to provide a guard for the knife edge.