阅读说明：本技术 用于食品加工设备的搅拌工具及食品加工设备 (Stirring tool for food processing equipment and food processing equipment ) 是由 大卫·威廉姆斯 马丁·约翰斯 安德鲁·帕尔默 于 2017-06-08 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于食品加工设备的搅拌工具及食品加工设备,其中,搅拌工具包括：细长体,其在远端具有刮擦足部,用于刮擦所述食品加工设备的容器内部的工作介质；位于近端的连接器,用于将所述搅拌工具连接到所述食品加工设备以接受驱动；调节机构,用于改变所述连接器和所述刮擦足部之间的距离。(A blending tool for a food processing apparatus and a food processing apparatus, wherein the blending tool comprises: an elongated body having a scraping foot at a distal end for scraping working medium inside a container of the food processing apparatus; a connector at a proximal end for connecting the blending tool to the food processing appliance to be driven; an adjustment mechanism for varying a distance between the connector and the scraping foot.)

1. A blending tool for a food processing apparatus, the blending tool comprising:

an elongated body having a scraping foot at a distal end for scraping working medium inside a container of the food processing apparatus;

a connector at a proximal end for connecting the blending tool to the food processing appliance to be driven;

an adjustment mechanism for varying a distance between the connector and the scraping foot.

2. The blending tool of claim 1, comprising a first member and a second member that are relatively movable by the adjustment mechanism.

3. The blending tool of claim 2, wherein the adjustment structure comprises a threaded element associated with the first member and having a first thread and an adjustment wheel associated with the second member and having a second thread that cooperates with the first thread such that rotation of the adjustment wheel causes relative axial movement between the first member and the second member along the threaded element; causing the distance between the scraping foot and the connector to vary.

4. The blending tool of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a locking element for selectively preventing a change in a distance between the connector and the scraping foot.

5. The blending tool of claim 4, wherein the locking element is selected from one of a locking nut, a clamp, and a pin for holding or applying force to the adjustment wheel to prevent rotation thereof.

6. The blending tool of claim 2, wherein the threaded element extends into a bore of the second member, the threaded element and the bore being shaped to correspond to prevent relative rotation of the threaded element and the second member.

7. The blending tool of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least a portion of the elongate body is rearwardly inclined in an axial direction from the connector to the foot such that the scraping foot is laterally offset from the connector.

8. Food processing apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a stirring tool according to any of claims 1 to 7.

9. The food processing device of claim 8, and where it includes the blending tool of any of claims 2-6, further comprising a processor, a user interface in electronic communication with the processor, a sensor in electronic communication with the processor to detect information stored on a container connected to the food processing device, and a motor for driving rotation of an adjustment wheel controlled by the processor, wherein the processor controls the motor according to one of: user input received from a user interface, and information stored on a label of a container connected to the food processing apparatus and received by the sensor and transmitted to the processor.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a removable rib and a mixing tool for a mixing bowl. More particularly, the present invention relates to a removable rib that provides an obstruction to food material being driven to rotate about the interior of a mixing bowl, and a blending tool having an adjustable extension.

Background

The known food processor comprises a drive shaft which can be used to drive an interchangeable tool in a rotary motion. Different tools can be used to obtain different functions, such as rapid stirring, chopping, stirring, mixing, etc. The processor may be arranged to heat or cool the ingredients in the bowl, or to mix them only without heating or cooling.

A common tool is used for stirring foodstuff in an accessory (enclosure). When heating or cooling accessories to cook or cool food, it is necessary to have the food rotate in order to heat or cool evenly, ensuring even cooking or cooling. This stirring function is typically achieved using a stirring tool with a stirring arm that is driven in a circular or planetary motion around the attachment. Such a design of the blending tool is generally effective in preventing the food material from burning or solidifying and sticking to the bottom of the accessory. In the case of, for example, a vertical mixer, the stirring tool can be driven from above; in the case of a food processor, for example, the stirring tool can be driven from below.

While stirring in this way, the food material is driven into a rotational movement due to the centrifugal force, and the food material is therefore often collected at the outermost edges of the stirring arms. At this edge, the food material is gathered in a lump and driven to rotate about the attachment, but not to turn over, resulting in uneven cooking or cooling.

Furthermore, although a blending tool will typically effectively scrape the bottom of a single container, when the container is replaced with another container having a different bottom to tool attachment point distance, the blending tool cannot easily accommodate this different height.

A tool has now been proposed which can be ejected and pushed into contact with the bottom of the bowl, but a disadvantage of this tool has also been found that it lacks robustness for stirring large amounts of food.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is directed to a barrier that is a removable rib to block the path of the food material being driven around the mixing bowl, thereby allowing the food material to be mixed more thoroughly.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a removable rib for a mixing bowl, the rib comprising: an elongated body portion including a blade configured to extend into the mixing bowl along or adjacent to an inner surface of the mixing bowl; at least one attachment formation for engaging a corresponding formation of the mixing bowl, the engagement securing the rib against movement in at least one rotational direction; thus, in use, the blade is arranged to interrupt the path of food being driven around the mixing bowl in at least one rotational direction. In this way, the ribs can provide an obstacle for the material being driven to rotate about the mixing bowl by the mixing tool, thereby better mixing the material deposited at the rim of the mixing bowl.

The blades may extend in a substantially axial direction along the inner surface of the mixing bowl to a portion of the bottom of the bowl or to a location near the bottom of the bowl.

Optionally, the attachment structure is arranged to secure the rib against movement in both rotational directions, so that the foodstuff in the mixing bowl can be driven to rotate about the mixing bowl in either direction without the rib being removed.

The attachment formation is conveniently provided at one end of the blade and is arranged to engage with a corresponding formation at or adjacent the edge of the mixing bowl. Optionally, the blade is connected to the at least one attachment structure by a connecting element arranged to extend over the rim of the bowl. This enables the attachment structure to be located outside the mixing bowl, thereby providing convenience.

For example, the attachment structure is arranged to engage with a handle of the mixing bowl. The handle of the mixing bowl provides a convenient and secure attachment location for the removable ribs.

The attachment structure may include a pair of clips, each clip adapted to be secured to a bracket of a handle of the mixing bowl.

Alternatively, the at least one attachment structure comprises or is arranged to at least one of: the device comprises a clamp, a screw, a fixed rod and a magnetic part; each of which may be suitable for use in particular circumstances, for example where there is no handle on the bowl.

One elongate edge of the blade may include a bead to provide a flow-obstructing surface to obstruct the path of travel of the food material being mixed.

The flow-impeding surface may be shaped to project into the mixing bowl a distance of between about 3mm and 15mm when engaged with the mixing bowl, preferably between about 7mm and 11mm, and more preferably about 9 mm.

The flow-impeding surface may be disposed at an angle of between about 50 degrees and 130 degrees, preferably about 90 degrees, with the surface of the mixing bowl when engaged therewith.

Optionally, the flow-impeding face of the rib has a curved profile at its lower end which can be used to direct food material driven to rotate about the mixing bowl near the bottom of the blade down below the blade.

Preferably, the blade further comprises a streamlined surface extending from a thin long edge.

Optionally, the streamlined surface is curved and may be at an angle of less than about 45 degrees, preferably between about 5 and 30 degrees, to the surface of the mixing bowl when engaged therewith to provide strength to the blade in resisting forces caused by the driven food material.

Optionally, the blade is at least partially overmolded with a resilient seal arranged to form a seal between the blade and the mixing bowl when the rib engages the mixing bowl to assist in preventing food from becoming caught between the blade and the bowl.

Optionally, the blade is made of a food safe material, wherein the food safe material preferably comprises at least one of: fiberglass, nylon, injection molded plastic, or stainless steel so that it can be used to blend food ingredients.

Optionally, the blade is constructed of a heat resistant material so that it can be used in a heated mixing bowl.

In the case where the rib is used in a bowl of an appliance such as a food mixer, the blade may be shaped to conform to the shape of the mixing tool used for mixing so as to maintain a substantially constant gap with the mixing tool along the length of the mixing tool.

The removable ribs may also include elongated reinforcements, such as elongated reinforcing posts, to provide additional strength to the blade.

Optionally, the removable ribs may also include a communication element for communicating information of the presence of the removable ribs in the mixing bowl to a kitchen appliance associated with the mixing bowl. Optionally, the communication element comprises at least one of: RFID tags, magnetic elements, reed switches, and NFC tags. In this way, removable ribs can be used in smart or electronic kitchen appliances.

Optionally, the attachment structure is connected to the elongated body portion by a connecting piece, the connecting piece being arranged to extend at the rim of the bowl, and preferably the connecting piece has a thickness of 2mm or less, more preferably 1mm or less. In this way, the lid can be used on a mixing bowl provided with removable ribs.

The invention also provides a kitchen appliance having a bowl with a removable rib as described above.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a food mixing chamber comprising two or more ribs, each rib comprising: an elongated body portion including a blade configured to extend into the mixing bowl along or adjacent to an inner surface of the mixing bowl; the blade has a first elongated edge having a webbing to provide a flow-blocking surface and a second elongated edge having a webbing with a streamlined surface extending therebetween, wherein the flow-blocking surfaces of at least two of the two or more ribs face in opposite directions relative to food being blended in the cavity. Thus, the ribs formed in advance in the mixing bowl can provide obstacles for food materials being mixed in any rotational direction in the mixing bowl.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blending tool for a food processing apparatus, the blending tool comprising: an elongated body having a scraping foot at a distal end for scraping working medium inside a container of a food processing apparatus; a connector at the proximal end for connecting the blending tool to a food processing device to receive a drive; an extension distance adjustment mechanism for changing a distance between the connector and the scraping foot. In this way, the blending tool can accommodate containers of different sizes.

Optionally, the extension distance adjustment mechanism includes a threaded element having a first thread, and an adjustment wheel having a second thread engaged with the first thread such that when the adjustment wheel is rotated it moves axially along the threaded element, and the adjustment wheel is in mechanical communication with the scraping foot such that axial movement of the adjustment wheel along the threaded element causes a change in the distance between the scraping foot and the connector. In this way, the stirring tool can be adjusted in a continuous manner.

Optionally, the blending tool further comprises a locking element for selectively preventing a change in a distance between the connector and the scraping foot. In this way, the blending tool can be locked to prevent the distance between the connector and the scraping foot from being adjusted.

Optionally, the locking element is selected from one of a locking nut, a clamp, a pin, for squeezing or forcing the adjustment wheel to prevent rotation thereof. In this way, the blending tool can be locked at any desired distance between the connector and the scraping foot.

Optionally, the threaded element has one or more flats and the threaded element extends through the through bore of the elongate body, wherein the one or more flats abut one or more corresponding flats within the through bore, thereby preventing relative rotation of the threaded element and the elongate body. This means that the blending tool can be held in the same orientation relative to the connector while adjusting the distance between the connector and the scraping foot.

There is also provided a food processing apparatus having a blending tool as defined above.

Optionally, the food processing appliance further comprises a processor, a user interface in electronic communication with the processor, a sensor in electronic communication with the processor to detect information stored on a container connected to the food processing appliance, and a motor for driving rotation of a conditioning wheel controlled by the processor, wherein the processor controls the motor according to one of: user input received from the user interface, and information stored on a label of a container connected to the food processing equipment and received by the sensor and transmitted to the processor.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings having the same or similar reference numerals, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a removable rib;

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a removable rib;

FIG. 3 shows the clamping structure of the removable rib in more detail;

FIG. 4 shows the removable rib secured to the mixing bowl;

FIG. 5 shows a close-up view of the removable rib secured to the mixing bowl;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the removable rib secured to the mixing bowl;

FIG. 7 shows a rear view of the removable rib secured to the mixing bowl;

FIG. 8 shows a top view of the removable rib secured to the mixing bowl;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the removable rib being secured to the mixing bowl;

FIG. 10 illustrates one example of a removable rib in use;

FIG. 11 shows a step-by-step example of a removable rib in use;

FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a removable rib;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable rib;

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of a removable rib secured to a mixing bowl;

FIG. 15 shows a rear view of another embodiment of a removable rib secured to a mixing bowl;

FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of a removable rib being used within a mixing bowl;

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment blending tool;

FIG. 18 shows a detailed perspective view of the height adjustment mechanism of the blending tool;

FIG. 19 shows a top view of a blending tool;

FIG. 20 shows a drive outlet to which a blending tool may be attached;

FIG. 21 shows a food processor with a blending tool attached;

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a blending tool from one side according to another embodiment;

fig. 23 shows a perspective view of the stirring tool of fig. 22 from the other side.

Detailed Description

With reference to fig. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of a removable rib for a mixing bowl will now be described.

Removable ribs 100 are provided in the mixing bowl for use therewith. The mixing bowl may be formed as part of a kitchen appliance, which may be, for example, a stand mixer or a food processor, in which a stirring or scraping tool is driven in a rotational movement to stir or mix food material in the bowl.

The removable rib has an elongated body portion that includes an elongated blade 102 that extends downwardly from a connecting web 104. A connecting tab 104 connects the elongate blade 102 to a clamping support 106, and two clamping members 108 project downwardly from the clamping support 106. The clamping support also has a clamping grip 110.

The elongated blade 102 includes a thick, elongated edge presenting a flow-impeding surface 112. In use, the flow-impeding surface 112 forms an angle with the side wall of the mixing bowl of about 50 to 140 degrees, preferably about 90 degrees. The flow-blocking surface 112 may be straight or curved along at least a portion of its length. The shape of the rear edge 114 of the flow-blocking surface 112 conforms to the shape of the inner bowl of the mixing bowl such that, in use, the rear edge 114 is closely adjacent the inner bowl surface leaving little or no clearance which is insufficient for the foodstuff to be deposited.

The streamlined surface 116 extends from the top of the chucky flow blocking face 112 to a thin, elongated edge 118, the thin long edge 118 extending along the opposite edge of the elongated blade 102 to the chucky. In use, the streamlined surface 116 is formed with a shallow slope relative to the side wall of the mixing bowl, the angle between which is less than about 45 degrees, preferably 5 to 30 degrees. The streamlined surface 116 may be straight or curved along at least a portion of its length, which may substantially smoothly connect the elongated blade 102 to the inner surface of the mixing bowl when in use. This enables the elongate blade 102 to be relatively stronger against the forces of the mixing tool in the mixing bowl acting on the removable rib 100, which means that the blade does not bend in its length direction. This shallow slope angle is also particularly advantageous because it allows the food to be tumbled and rubbed along the streamlined surface 116 by the blending tool during processing, thereby enhancing blending and processing capabilities.

The blade 102 is rounded at one end of its edge furthest from the clamping structure 120.

The rear of the elongate blade 102 includes an elongate support 122 which extends along a portion of the elongate blade 102 to provide a stiffening structure and support the blade on an inner bowl surface in use.

The elongate blade 102, or a portion thereof, may be overmolded with a resilient seal, which may be made of, for example, plastic or rubber. When the removable rib 100 is being used, an elastomeric seal may be used to seal any gap between the mixing bowl and the elongated blade 102. This prevents food from entering between the elongated blade 102 and the inner surface of the mixing bowl during use.

Fig. 3 shows the clamping structure of the removable rib in more detail. The clamping structure includes a clamping support 106, the clamping support 106 having an inner surface 124 having substantially the same curvature as the outside of the rim of the mixing bowl. The clamp 108 provides an attachment structure that engages a corresponding structure on the mixing bowl (in this case, the handle of the mixing bowl). The removable ribs can be attached to the mixing bowl to accomplish different tasks using the same mixing bowl.

The clamping structure further comprises two clamping members 108 extending downwardly from the clamping support 106. The two clamps 108 are aligned such that the clamps 108 are oriented in the same direction, meaning that the clamps will open on the same side. Two clips 108 are used to secure the removable rib 100 to the mixing bowl by clipping onto the handle of the mixing bowl. Engaging the mixing bowl handle in this manner secures the removable rib 100 against circumferential movement in one rotational direction.

A grip 110 protrudes from the middle of the grip support. The grip 110 may be used to allow the removable rib 100 to be easily attached to and detached from the handle of the mixing bowl. The gripping grip may be formed integrally with the gripping support 106 as a part of the latter, or alternatively be a separate component attached to the gripping support 106. In this embodiment, the grip holder 110 is integrally formed with the grip support 106 and comprises a raised pleat of the material of the grip support 106.

A connecting tab 104 (not visible in fig. 3) connects the elongate blade to a clamping support 106. The connecting tab 104 extends from the top of the central portion of the clamping support 106 to the top of the elongated blade, forming a cavity 126 between the inner surface 124 of the clamping support 106 and the upper portion of the rear of the elongated blade 102.

Fig. 4-9 illustrate the removable ribs being secured to the mixing bowl. The removable rib 100 is secured to the mixing bowl 128 by a clamp 108 extending downwardly from the clamp support 106. Each clip 108 clips onto one of the brackets 130 of the mixing bowl handle 132, preferably onto exposed metal (if any) rather than an overmolded plastic grip. The clamp 108 secures the removable rib 100 to the mixing bowl handle 132 from the direction of rotation 134 (as indicated by the arrow in fig. 4) of the mixing tool within the mixing bowl 128, preventing the removable rib 100 from disengaging the mixing bowl handle 132 due to movement of the mixing tool. The clamp 108 secures the rib against circumferential movement in the direction of rotation of the mixing tool within the mixing bowl 128. The grip 110 facilitates disengagement of the removable rib 100 from the mixing bowl 128 by providing a convenient grip for the user. The user pushes the grip 110 in a direction opposite to the direction in which food is being driven in the bowl (i.e., opposite to the arrow in fig. 4) to remove the grip from the bracket 130 of the mixing bowl handle 132.

The elongated body with elongated blade 102 extends downwardly from the connecting tab 104 into the mixing bowl 128 and extends downwardly along a majority of the inner bowl surface. The elongated blade 102 is arranged to extend in a substantially axial direction along the inner surface of the mixing bowl 128. In the present embodiment, the choke surface 112 formed by the thick and elongated edge is provided in the direction in which the material is rotated in one direction by the mixing tool to form an obstacle on the rotational path of the material. The streamlined surface 116 is provided with a shallow slope down which the food material can roll to enhance mixing when driven by the mixing tool, and connects the elongated blade 102 substantially smoothly to the inner surface of the mixing bowl 128 at the thin long edge 118 of the elongated blade 102.

The connecting tab 104 extends over the rim 134 of the mixing bowl 128 to connect the elongated body with the elongated blade 102 to the clamping support 106. The elongated blade 102 extends downwardly from the coupling tab 104 into the mixing bowl 128, and the clamping support 106 extends downwardly from the coupling tab 104 outside of the mixing bowl 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting tab 104 secures the entire width of the top of the elongate blade 102 to a portion of the clamping support 106. The tab 104 may be made thin enough to allow access to the rim of the mixing bowl 128 without being substantially affected by the removable rib 100. For example, the connecting piece may be 2mm or less, and more preferably, the thickness thereof is about 1mm or less.

Fig. 10 shows one example of a removable rib in use. The food material 136 is driven around the interior of the mixing bowl 128 by the blending tool 138. The centrifugal force of this motion causes the food material 136 to move radially outward along the blending tool 138 and accumulate at the edge of the mixing bowl 128. Furthermore, the blending tool 138 typically has an inclined blade or scraper for the food material 136 in the mixing bowl, which pushes the food material around the mixing bowl. The angled nature of the blade prevents the food material 136 from falling on the rear edge of the blade, thereby causing the food material 136 to bunch up at the outermost edge of the blade, which interferes with efficient mixing of the food material 136.

In the illustrated embodiment, the choke surface 112 of the elongated blade 102 provides an obstruction in the path of the driven food material 136 that protrudes into the mixing bowl. The trailing edge induced flow resistance surface 112 extends a distance into the bowlhBetween about 20mm and 5mm, preferably between about 7mm and 12mm, and more preferably about 9 mm. The flow-blocking surface 112 forms an angle of about 50 to 140 degrees with the edge of the mixing bowlαThe angle is preferably about 70 to 110 degrees, more preferably about 90 degrees.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rear surface of the elongated blade 102 is provided by a streamlined surface 116 of the elongated blade 102. The streamlined surface 116 forms an angle with the edge of the mixing bowl at the thin long edgeβThe angle is less than about 45 degrees, preferably about 5 to 30 degrees, more preferably about 5 to 10 degrees.

FIG. 11 shows a step-by-step example of a removable rib in use. The elongated blade 102 of the removable rib provides an obstacle in the path of the peripheral food material 140, which peripheral food material 140 accumulates at the outer edge of the blade of the blending tool 138. The elongated blade 102 serves to block the movement of the surrounding food material 140 and "squeeze" the material together with the blending tool 138 into two portions 140,142, thereby causing at least a portion of the material to be forced into the rear edge of the blade of the blending tool 138. Those food items 142 that have not yet been forced to the inner periphery of the rim of the bowl tumble over the rear surface of the elongated blade 102. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1-3, it is the obstructing surface 112 of the elongated blade 102 that provides the obstruction. The flow-blocking surface 112 prevents the food material 140 pushed to the outer edge of the mixing bowl from continuing to be driven around the mixing bowl 128, falling into the middle of the mixing bowl 128, and turning over once the blending tool 138 passes the flow-blocking surface 112. The streamlined surface is provided with a rear edge over which the inner surrounding food material 142 tumbles. When the blending tool 138 rotates to drive the inner portion of the food material 142 to rest on the blending tool blades, some of the food material is pushed outward by the centrifugal force of the rotation and accumulates at the edge of the mixing bowl to become a new set of outer portion of the food material 142.

The elongated body of the elongated blade 102 with removable ribs has a length such that the blending tool 138 blade in use may pass freely thereunder. For example, it may have a length such that a gap of 10mm to 20mm is formed between the elongated blade and an element (e.g., a scraping element) of the blending tool 138 that contacts the bottom of the mixing bowl 128. Alternatively, the blending tool 138 may be formed with a resilient element along its outer edge that wipes over the elongated blade 102 as it rotates, thereby eliminating the gap between the elongated blade and the blending tool 138. The rounded bottom end 120 of the elongated blade 102 serves to urge the food material 136 downward around the bottom end 120, thereby enhancing mixing capability and acting to prevent the gripping structure from catching the food at the outermost edges. The blade 102 may also be shaped such that it conforms to the shape of the blending tool 138 to maintain a substantially uniform gap with the blending tool 138.

Fig. 12 and 13 illustrate another embodiment of a removable rib. In this embodiment, an elongated body having an elongated blade 202 extends downwardly from a connecting tab 204. A connecting tab connects the elongate blade to the clamping support 206, and two clamping members 208 extend downwardly from each end of the connecting tab 204. Two securing tabs 210 also extend downwardly from the clamp support 206.

The connecting tab 204 extends from the top of the clamp support 206 before bending down so that it will enter the mixing bowl when in use. The connecting piece 204 smoothly connects the tops of the elongated blades 202. An elongated reinforcing member 212 (in this case, a cylindrical member) extends along the central axis of the connecting piece 204 and a portion thereof extends along the elongated blade 202.

The elongated blade includes a flow-impeding surface 214 provided by a thick edge and a shallow streamlined surface 216. The shallow streamlined surface 216 extends from the thin long edge 218 of the elongated blade to the thick edge where it joins the flow blocking surface 214. The thin, long edge 218 may be at an angle to an axis along the center of the web, such as shown in the embodiment of fig. 12 and 13, but may also be parallel to the axis. The elongate blade 202 is curved along its length so as to abut the inner surface of the mixing bowl in use and terminates in a straight edge 222 at the distal end of the elongate blade 202 remote from the connecting tab 204.

The clamp 208 extends downwardly from either end of the clamp support 206 and, in the embodiment shown, is integrally formed with the clamp support 206. The clamping members 208 are formed of a resilient material such that they are urged relative to the clamping support 206 to the position shown in fig. 12 and 13 (i.e., perpendicular to the clamping support 206). One end of each clamp 208 has a hooked head 224 for engaging a handle of a mixing bowl. The surface of each hooked head 224 closest to the clamping support 206 is curved in a direction away from the other clamping member such that a portion is formed into a hook shape. The remainder of each hook head includes a wedge-shaped region. The clamp 208 forms an attachment structure for engaging a corresponding structure on the mixing bowl (in this case, the handle of the mixing bowl).

Fig. 14 and 15 show another embodiment removable rib secured to the handle of the mixing bowl. The clip 208 secures the removable rib to the bracket 130 of the mixing bowl handle 132 by virtue of the resilient nature of the clip, which secures the removable rib against movement circumferentially around the mixing bowl in both rotational directions around the mixing bowl. The curved surface of the hooked head 224 of each clamp 208 extends around at least a portion of the underside of the shelf 130 of the mixing bowl handle 132 to prevent upward vertical movement of the removable rib relative to the mixing bowl 128. Securing tabs 210 extending downward from the clamp support 206 secure the removable ribs to the rim 134 of the mixing bowl 128, preventing downward vertical movement of the removable ribs relative to the mixing bowl 128.

The removable ribs are secured to the mixing bowl 128 by first placing the elongated blade 102 into the mixing bowl 128 such that the clamping supports 204 and the clamping members 208 remain outside and the wedge-shaped portions of the hooked heads 224 of the clamping members 208 are each placed in the cradle 130 of the mixing bowl handle 132. Downward force is applied to the top of clamp support 206, causing clamps 208 to flex toward each other due to the resultant force applied to the wedge-shaped area of each hook head 224 by shelf 130 of mixing bowl handle 132. Once the wedge portion passes the shelf 130 of the mixing bowl handle 132, the resilient nature of the clamp members 208 causes the clamp members 208 to return to their original position relative to the clamp support 206. In this manner, the curved surface of the hooked head 224 of each clip 208 may secure the removable rib to the bracket 130 of the mixing bowl handle 132. The securing tabs 210 may prevent the clamp support 206 from being pushed further downward.

The clamps are arranged in this manner, securing the removable ribs against rotational movement in both circumferential directions within the mixing bowl 128, as each clamp acts on the shelf 130 of the mixing bowl handle 132 to provide a force to resist forces applied in that direction. In this manner, the removable ribs may be used with a mixing tool that rotates in either direction within the mixing bowl.

Fig. 16 illustrates another embodiment removable rib being used within a mixing bowl. Arrow 226 shows the direction of movement of the mixing tool within the bowl, but in this embodiment the direction of movement may be another direction. In the illustrated embodiment, a shallow streamlined surface 212 is provided for the food material that is driven around the bowl by the mixing tool. The shallow streamlined surface 212 forces foodstuff being rotated about the inner circumference of the mixing bowl 128 to move inwardly of the mixing bowl, away from the surface of the inner bowl. As the food material is pushed past the thick edges 214 of the elongated blades, they may tumble over the flow-impeding surfaces of the elongated blades, which may improve the mixing of the food material.

The clamp 208, which is secured to the bracket 130 of the mixing bowl handle 132, prevents forces from being generated by food material being pushed toward the elongated blade by the mixing tool, which forces cause the removable ribs to be pushed around the interior of the mixing bowl 128.

The elongated blade does not extend to the bottom of the mixing bowl but terminates above the bottom of the mixing bowl in a straight edge 222 that is sufficiently high from the bottom that the mixing tool can pass under the elongated rib.

Alternatively, the food materials may be driven in a rotational movement in a direction opposite to that shown in fig. 16, in which case a flow-blocking surface formed by the thick, elongated edges of the elongated blades is provided, the food materials may hit the flow-blocking surface, and the removable ribs may work as described in fig. 10 and 11. In the embodiment shown in fig. 11-16, the dual clamp configuration is such that either orientation can be used.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1-16, the removable rib is configured to connect to the mixing bowl via a clamp that connects to a handle of the mixing bowl. However, it is also possible to use other attachment structures on the removable ribs to engage with corresponding structures on the mixing bowl. For example, instead of the aforementioned clamps, clamps provided on removable ribs are used as attachment structures, while the corresponding structures on the bowl are fixed bars formed within the bowl. Alternatively, the attachment structure may be a screw disposed on a removable rib that engages a threaded hole in the mixing bowl, or vice versa. Another example is to have the magnetic elements as attachment structures on removable ribs and corresponding structures on the mixing bowl. Many other examples may also be used.

At least a portion of the removable ribs intended to be in contact with food may be formed of a food safe material, such as fiberglass, nylon, injection molded plastic, or stainless steel. The entire removable rib may be integrally formed, or formed of different portions, which may be constructed of different materials. For example, the elongate blade may be formed of stainless steel and the holder formed of plastic. Preferably, the removable ribs are formed of a heat resistant material so that they can be used in a heatable mixing bowl.

The removable rib may also include a communication element to inform the kitchen utensil bowl of the presence of the removable rib. The communication element may be, for example, an RFID tag or NFC tag located in the removable rib that communicates with the mixing bowl or a sensor in the kitchen appliance, or a magnetic element located in the removable rib that triggers a reed switch disposed on the mixing bowl, for example. In this way, the presence or absence of the removable rib may be detected by the kitchen appliance and may be displayed to the user via a user interface on the kitchen appliance. Tools working with removable rib instruments may also have such communication devices, and may indicate to the kitchen appliance that the user needs to attach the removable rib to the mixing bowl. Tools that are not compatible with removable ribs may also have such a communication device, and the user may be indicated a need to remove the removable ribs (if present) before using the kitchen appliance with the tool. The kitchen appliance may further be arranged to configure itself to operate in a particular mode and/or at a particular speed when a removable rib is detected.

A plurality of removable ribs may be provided in a kit. The ribs may be of different sizes (e.g. they may extend into the bowl at different thicknesses) and shapes to cater for different food materials, and of different handedness to provide the flow-blocking surfaces in different directions.

Although fig. 1-16 illustrate removable ribs, the advantageous shape of the removable ribs shown in fig. 1-16 may also be used in one or more ribs that are integrally formed with the bowl. The ribs may be formed to be symmetrically spaced about the interior of the bowl to balance the bowl, and where two or more ribs are used, the ribs may also be formed to have flow blocking surfaces that face in different directions (e.g., one rib may have a flow blocking surface that faces clockwise and the other rib has a flow blocking surface that faces counterclockwise) to enable the use of a reversible electric motor (i.e., a motor that can selectively drive the mixing/cutting/blending tool clockwise or counterclockwise) with the bowl. Although a mixing bowl is described herein, any chamber or cavity in which food is blended or processed (including, for example, a bell jar or blender cup of a hand blender) may be used and ribs as previously described may be formed within the chamber or cavity.

Fig. 17-19 illustrate an exemplary blending tool 300 that may be used in combination with removable ribs. The blending tool 300 has an elongated and curved S-or C-shaped upper body 301, which upper body 301 is attached at its upper end to a food processor (e.g., a stand mixer as shown in fig. 21) for use by attachment means 303, and a blending foot 302 is also attached to the upper body to scrape its container at its lower end for use. The upper body and the foot form a first member. The attachment mechanism forms a second member that is relatively movable with respect to the first member by the adjustment mechanism. The upper body 301 and attachment mechanism 303 may be made of a relatively rigid material, such as stainless steel. The upper body 301 may be partially or fully overmolded with a heat resistant plastic to facilitate handling after heating. The foot 302 may be made of a relatively durable and heat resistant material, such as a plastic, e.g., a polyetherimide (e.g., Ultem)^TM) For withstanding heat at 180 ℃ -.

Details of the attachment mechanism 303 can be seen in fig. 18. The attachment means 303 has at its upper end a connector 303a, the connector 303a being connected to the food processor by means of a cylindrical coupling 304 and a positioning pin 305, the positioning pin 305 extending radially from the coupling 304, the coupling 304 locking in a bayonet and socket manner into a corresponding socket of the food processor so as to hang down from the food processor and receive the drive of the food processor. Although a bayonet fitting is used as an example herein, other fittings, such as a snap coupling fitting and a screw fitting, may also be used.

The lower end of the coupling 304 is connected to the height adjusting mechanism 303 b. The height adjustment mechanism 303b has a cylindrical threaded element 307 extending coaxially from the coupler 304. The threaded element 307 extends through a vertical through hole 312, the vertical through hole 312 being delimited by a point passing vertically (i.e. in the general main extension direction of the stirring tool 300) through the upper body 301, where the upper body 301 is bent such that it extends horizontally in a direction substantially at right angles to the threaded element 307. The threaded element 307 is preferably dimensioned such that when positioned in the vertical through hole 312 it can extend above and below the vertical through hole 312 to be able to move up and down.

The screw member 307 has a screw portion 308 and a flat portion 309 at different positions on its surface, the screw portion 308 having a screw thread, and the flat portion 309 having no screw thread. In this example, the threaded portion 308 is located on an opposite side of the threaded element 307, and the flat portion 309 is also located on an opposite side of the threaded element 307.

As can be seen from fig. 19, the vertical through-hole 312 has an arc-shaped wall portion 314 and a straight wall portion 313, the arc-shaped wall portion 314 extending in a direction at right angles to the extending direction of the upper body 301, and the straight wall portion 313 extending in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the upper body 301. The vertical through hole 312 is dimensioned such that when the threaded element 307 is located within the vertical through hole 312, the straight wall portion 313 abuts the flat portion 309, thereby preventing the thread 307 from rotating within the vertical through hole 312. Particularly when the blending tool 300 is driven in a circular manner, it is necessary that the orientation of the tool 300 is not changed with respect to the container but is adjustable in height, as this may affect the contact between the scraping feet 302 and the bottom of the container.

A horizontal through hole 310 is defined horizontally through the upper body 301 at the same axial position as the vertical through hole 312. A horizontal through bore 310 is defined through the upper body 301 such that it extends at right angles to the downwardly depending threaded element 307 and the horizontally extending upper body 301, respectively, and intersects the vertical through bore 312 at right angles.

An annular adjustment wheel 311 is located within the horizontal through bore 310, concentric with the vertical through bore 312, and is sized to accommodate insertion of the threaded member 307 therethrough. The inner surface of the adjustment wheel 311 has threads that matingly engage the threads of the threaded portion 308 such that when the adjustment wheel 311 is rotated, the adjustment wheel 311 moves axially along the threaded member 307 to any desired position. The outer surface of the adjustment wheel 311 is roughened to facilitate grasping by a user when rotating and is accessible to the user through the horizontal through-hole 310.

Since the threaded element 307 cannot rotate relative to the vertical through hole 312, movement of the adjustment wheel 311 along the threaded element 307 will cause the upper body 301 and the foot 302 to also move axially along the threaded element 307, enabling the foot 302 to be raised/lowered to accommodate different containers without changing the orientation of the tool 300. This ensures that the bottom of different containers can be properly scraped by the feet 302 regardless of the container used.

The lock nut 306 has threads that engage the threads of the threaded portion 308, and the lock nut 306 is located on the threaded member 307 and may be above or below the vertical through hole 312. When it is desired to lock the threaded element 307 in place, the lock nut is rotated until it exerts a force on the upper body 301, which in turn exerts a force on the adjustment wheel 311, preventing it from rotating. When it is desired to raise or lower the foot 302, the jam nut 306 may be rotated to loosen it. Although a locking nut is shown here for exemplary purposes, other locking elements may be used, such as a pin or clamp that attaches/clamps the adjustment wheel 311 against rotation.

In particular (but not exclusively) in the case of soft food materials to be processed, the upper body 301 may be made of an elastic material, for example an elastic polymer or spring steel, in order to further enhance the contact between the foot 302 and the container in which it is used. Additionally or alternatively, the socket or coupling 304 on the food processor may be sprung by a resilient element (such as a coil spring) to more securely hold the foot against the bottom of the container.

However, in the case where it is desired to scrape off hard, potentially charred food material, a rigid structure may be required, as it does not move or move upwards when in contact with the hard food material. In this case, the resilient member may be eliminated and the upper body 301 may be made of a rigid material, such as a rigid polymer or metal (e.g., stainless steel).

Although a substantially vertically extending blending tool 300 is shown here for exemplary purposes, the blending tool may alternatively extend in a substantially horizontal direction so as to contact the sidewall of the container. In this case, the height adjustment mechanism 303b would instead be horizontally disposed so as to vary the radial extension of the foot 302 away from the drive to which it is connected to accommodate different sized containers. In practice, two adjustment mechanisms may be provided, one for varying the extension of the tool in the horizontal direction and the other for varying the extension of the tool in the vertical direction.

Although the connector 303a and the height adjustment mechanism 303b are shown positioned on top of the blending tool 300 and adjacent to each other to avoid food from entering the height adjustment mechanism 303b and compromising its performance, the height adjustment mechanism may be positioned anywhere along the upper body 301.

Fig. 20 shows an exemplary drive output 400 to which a blending tool 300 may be attached. The drive outlet 400 has two sockets, a planetary drive output 403 and a circular drive output 404, to which the blending tool 300 may be connected. Each socket has a locating hole 405 in which the locating pin 305 of the tool can be mounted. Both drive outputs 403, 404 are suspended from a circular drive plate 401, which drive plate 401 is driven to rotate about its central axis 402. The circular drive output 404 is fixed relative to the circular drive plate 401 so that when the circular drive plate 401 rotates, the circular drive output rotates only about the central axis 402, while the planetary drive outputs 403 rotate about their own central axes as well as the central axis 402.

Fig. 21 shows a stirring tool connected to a circular drive output 404 of the drive output 400 of a food processor 600, in this case a C-shaped vertical mixer. The base 500 supports the drive output 400, and the base 500 includes a control knob 501 for controlling the rotational speed of the blending tool 300, and a user interface 502 for receiving and displaying information and instructions to a user. The motor for pushing the drive output may be located in the base 500, and the base 500 may also have an integral heating or cooling device (e.g., an electric induction heater) for heating any container attached to the base 500.

Although the adjustment wheel 310 is described as being manually rotated, the adjustment wheel 310 may alternatively be driven by a motor. In this case, the outer surface of the adjustment wheel 310 may have gear teeth that may cooperate with the gear of a motor located on the blending tool 300 or within the food processing device. In the case of a motor located in the blending tool 300, the blending tool 300 may also include electrical contacts to draw power from the motor from the food processing device 600, or the blending tool 300 may also have a one-piece battery for powering the motor. With the motor located in the food processing apparatus 600, the drive shaft may depend downwardly from the drive output 400 to drive the adjustment wheel 310. A CPU located within the food processing apparatus 600 may control the motor according to user instructions entered by the user interface 502, and/or according to signals received by the CPU from sensors that detect a container tag (e.g., an RFID tag) attached to the container to identify a desired extension distance of the blending tool 300.

Referring now to fig. 22 and 23, in another embodiment, a blending tool 700 is similar in shape to the blending tool 300 shown in fig. 17, but is bent or slightly rearwardly inclined at a small angle 701 (about 7 degrees in this example) away from the angle of rotation in a direction from the connector toward the foot. The surfaces of the body 702 and foot 703 that contact the food will therefore be slightly inclined downwardly, helping to push the material being stirred downwardly in the bowl, which can reduce the chance that the material being processed will be pushed out of the bowl.

Although the invention has been described in the field of household food processing and preparation machines, it can be implemented in any field of use (whether of industrial scale and/or small scale) where it is necessary to prepare and/or process materials efficiently, effectively and conveniently. Fields of use include fabrication and/or processing: a chemical; a pharmaceutical; coating; a building material; a garment material; agricultural and/or veterinary feed and/or treatments, including fertilizers, cereals and other agricultural and/or veterinary products; an oil; a fuel; a dye; a cosmetic; plastic; tar oil; surface materials (finishes); a wax; varnish; a beverage; medical and/or biological research materials; welding flux; alloying; sewage; and/or other substances.

The invention described herein may be used with any kitchen appliance and/or as a stand-alone appliance. This includes any household food processing and/or preparation machine, including top-driven machines (e.g., stand mixers) and bottom-driven machines (e.g., food processors). It can be implemented in a machine that is heated and/or cooled. The invention may also be implemented in hand-held (e.g., hand blenders) and table-top (e.g., blenders) machines. It can be used in machines built in or on the surface of a work table, or in stand-alone devices. The invention may also be provided as a stand-alone device, whether it is powered or manually powered.