FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates to a food processing apparatus and a sieve for a food processing apparatus. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As well as separating solids from liquids, sieves can be used to separate small pieces of food from large pieces of food. For example, a bowl having a plurality of slits extending therethrough can be used to separate pieces of food that are small enough to pass through the slits from those that are not. However, the size of the pieces of food passing through the slits cannot be easily controlled.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved sieve that overcomes this issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the disclosure there is provided a food processing apparatus comprising: a container having an interior; a sieve disposed within the interior of the container and dividing the interior into a processing volume and a collection volume; and a processing member for processing food disposed within the processing volume. The sieve comprises: a first separation member comprising a set of first holes; and a second separation member adjacent the first separation member and comprising a set of second holes which are arranged such that they overlap the set of first holes to form a plurality of aligned openings which pass through the first and second separation members for allowing food to pass from the processing volume into the collection volume. The first and second separation members are movable relative to one other between a first position and a second position so as to vary the degree of overlap of the sets of first and second holes and to adjust the cross-sectional area of the aligned openings. Each aligned opening is formed by at least two sides of one of the first holes and at least one side of one of the second holes so as to define a polygonal cross-sectional shape. In the second position, each aligned opening is defined by portions of each of said sides of the first and second holes which are shorter than in the first position such that the aligned openings have a smaller cross-sectional area when in the second position than the first position.

The cross-sectional shape of each aligned opening may be geometrically similar in the first and second positions.

Each aligned opening may be formed by two sides of one of the first holes and either: one side of one of the second holes so as to define a triangular cross-sectional shape, or two sides of one of the second holes so as to define a quadrilateral cross-sectional shape.

The cross-sectional shape of each aligned opening, at least when in the second position, may comprise at least one intersection point formed by the intersection of two sides of the first and second holes partway along their length.

The intersecting sides of the first and second holes may be each angled away from a path of movement of the first hole relative to the second hole.

Each aligned opening may have a quadrilateral cross-sectional shape. Said two sides of the first hole may meet at a first vertex and said two sides of the second hole may meet at a second vertex, the first and second vertices lying on or parallel to a path of movement of the first hole relative to the second hole.

Each of the two sides of the first hole may intersect with each of the two sides of the second hole to form first and second intersection points.

A line drawn between the first and second intersection points may be perpendicular to a line drawn between the first and second vertices. The first and second intersection points may be spaced either side of the path of movement.

The width of the first holes may be greater than the spacing between adjacent second holes such that each first hole can bridge a pair of adjacent second holes to form a pair of aligned openings.

The first and/or second holes may be reflectionally symmetric about an axis of symmetry which is perpendicular to a path of movement of the first hole relative to the second hole.

The first and/or second holes may be reflectionally symmetric about an axis of symmetry which lies on a path of movement of the first hole relative to the second hole.

The first and second holes may have the same cross-sectional shape.

The first separation member and the second separation member may be bowl shaped. The first separation member and the second separation member may be rotatable relative to one another about an axis of rotation. The first separation member and the second separation member may be rotatably coupled to one another at their centers.

The first and second separation members may be rotatably coupled via a fit connection.

According to another aspect of the disclosure there is provided a sieve food processing apparatus, the sieve comprising: a first separation member comprising a set of first holes; and a second separation member adjacent the first separation member and comprising a set of second holes which are arranged such that they overlap the set of first holes to form a plurality of aligned openings which pass through the first and second separation members for allowing food to pass through the sieve. The first and second separation members are movable relative to one other between a first position and a second position so as to vary the degree of overlap of the sets of first and second holes and to adjust the cross-sectional area of the aligned openings. Each aligned opening is formed by two sides of one of the first holes and either: one side of one of the second holes so as to define a triangular cross-sectional shape, or two sides of one of the second holes so as to define a quadrilateral cross-sectional shape. In the second position, each aligned opening is defined by portions of each of said sides of the first and second holes which are shorter than in the first position such that the aligned openings have a smaller cross-sectional area when in the second position than the first position.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the disclosure and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a food processing apparatus;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first basket member of a separation basket;

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the first basket member of Figure 2, from above;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a second basket member of the separation basket; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the separation basket with the first and second basket members assembled together;

Figure 6 shows a plan view of the separation basket in a fully-open position, from below;

Figure 7 shows a plan view of the separation basket in a first partially-closed position, from above;

Figure 8 shows a plan view of the separation basket in a second partially- closed position, from above;

Figure 9 shows a plan view of the separation basket in a third partially-closed position, from above; and

Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of an aligned opening of the separation basket formed by overlapping holes formed in the first and second separation baskets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a food processing apparatus 2. The food processing

apparatus 2 generally comprises a container 4, a separation basket 7 (or sieve), a shaft 6, a food processing member 8, a cover 13 and a drive unit 9.

The container 4 is generally cylindrical in shape and has a circular base 20 at its lower end and a cylindrical side wall 18 extending upwards from the circular base 20 and forming an opening 11 at its upper end. The cylindrical side wall 18 has a lower portion 21 and an upper portion 23. The wall of the upper portion 23 is thinner than the wall of the lower portion 21, and the cylindrical side wall 18 transitions between the lower portion 21 and the upper portion 23 at a ledge 25. The inner surface of upper portion 23 has a scalloped or wave-like (e.g. sinusoidal) profile when viewed from above. A bearing 5 is defined by a central portion of the base 20.

The separation basket 7 comprises a first basket member 10 and a second basket member 12. The first and second basket members 10, 12 are concave or bowl-shaped. The first basket member 10 is positioned above and nested within the second basket member 12. The first and second basket members 10, 12 are positioned centrally within the container 4 and divide the space defined by the container 4 into a processing volume 14 above the separation basket 7 and a collection volume 16 below the separation basket 7. The first basket member 10 and the second basket member 12 each have an opening 15, 17 formed at their center. The shaft 6 comprises a substantially cylindrical rod, a lower portion of which is rotatably mounted within the bearing 5, such that it is free to rotate around a longitudinal axis 24 of the food processing apparatus 2. When assembled, an upper portion of the shaft 6 extends through the openings 15, 17 of the first and second basket members 10, 12.

The food processing member 8 comprises a plurality of blades 19 which project radially outwards from an engagement portion 22. The engagement portion 22 comprises an axial bore which receives and engages with an upper portion of the shaft 6. The shaft 6 comprises a shoulder 26 that supports the food processing member 8 from below, such that the food processing member 8 is maintained within the processing volume 14.

The cover 13 is substantially disc-shaped, and is positioned within an upper portion of the first basket member 10 so as to partially seal the processing volume 14. The cover 13 comprises a central opening 28 for receiving an upper end of the shaft 6.

The drive unit 9 is mounted to an upper end of the container 4. The drive unit 9 comprises a power delivery interface 30 which extends through the central opening 28 and engages with the upper end of the shaft 6. The drive unit 9 further comprises a motor (not shown) for rotating the power delivery interface 30. Rotation of the power delivery interface 30 results in rotation of the shaft 6, and thus the food processing member 8.

Figure 2 shows the first basket member 10 in isolation. As mentioned above, the first basket member 10 is bowl-shaped. The first basket member 10 comprises a lower section 44, a middle section 46 and an upper section 48. The lower section 44 is generally planar, and extends horizontally. The upper section 48 is generally cylindrical, and extends vertically. The middle section 46 extends between the lower section 44 and the upper section 48, and has a generally frusto-conical profile which extends outwardly in an upward direction from the lower section 44 to the upper section 48.

The lower section 44 comprises a cylindrical protrusion 40 extending from an outer surface of the first basket member 10 at its center, in which the opening 15 is formed. The outer surface of the cylindrical protrusion 40 comprises a groove 42 which extends around the circumference of the protrusion 40. An additional groove 43 also extends axially along the length of the protrusion 40 and intersects the circumferential groove 42 described previously. A lower portion of the upper section 48 has an outer profile corresponding to the inner profile of the upper portion 23 of the cylindrical side wall 18 of the container 4. A rim 36 extends outwardly from a middle portion of the upper section 48. The outer edge of the rim 36 has a wave-like (e.g. sinusoidal) profile when viewed from above corresponding to that of the inner surface of the upper portion 23 of the side wall 18. A pair of handles 38 are formed in opposing sides of the upper section 48, above the level of the rim 36.

The first basket member comprises a first set of holes 32 which are provided over the lower and middle sections 44, 46. The arrangement of the holes 32 is best shown in Figure 3. As shown, the holes 32 are arranged in four concentric circular rows encircling the center of the first basket member 10. Each row comprises twelve equally spaced holes 32. The holes 32 of each row are circumferentially aligned with the holes 32 of adjacent rows, such that the holes 32 radiate out linearly from the center of the first basket member 10. The holes 32 forming each individual row are of the same size. However, the size of the holes 32 increases from the innermost row to the outermost row.

Figure 4 shows the second basket member 12 in isolation. As mentioned above and as per the first basket member 10, the second basket member 12 is bowl-shaped. The second basket member 12 comprises a lower section 50 and an upper section 52. The lower section 50 is generally planar, and extends horizontally, as per the lower section 44 of the first basket member 10. The upper section 52 has a generally frusto -conical profile, which extends outwardly in an upward direction from the lower section 50, as per the middle section 46 of the first basket member 10. The maximum diameter of the upper section 52 is less than the maximum diameter of the middle section 46 of the first basket member 10. The lower section 50 comprises a cylindrical protrusion 54 extending from an outer surface of the second basket member 12 at its center, in which the opening 17 is formed. The inner diameter of the opening 17 is greater than the outer diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 40 of the first basket member 10. The cylindrical protrusion 54 is formed by a plurality of, in this instance four, cantilevered tabs 56. Each cantilevered tab 56 comprises a protrusion 58 on its inner surface.

The second basket member 12 comprises a second set of holes 33 which are provided over the lower and upper sections 50, 52. The size, shape and positioning of the holes 33 of the second basket member 12 correspond to the size, shape and positioning of the holes 32 of the first basket member 10.

To assemble the first and second basket members 10, 12 together, they are nested such that the convex outer surface of the first basket member 10 lies against the concave inner surface of the second basket member 12. The cylindrical protrusion 40 of the first basket member 10 is inserted into the opening 17 of the second basket member 12. Once fully inserted, the protrusions 58 of the cantilevered tabs 56 engage with the groove 42 so as to form a snap-fit connection which holds the first and second basket members 10, 12 together. The resulting arrangement is shown in Figure 5.

The groove 42 is sufficiently wide (in an axial direction) that the protrusions 58 are held loosely within the groove 42 such that the first and second basket members 10, 12 are allowed to rotate relative to one another.

As shown in Figure 6, one of the tabs 56 comprises a spline 45 which runs axially along the length of the tab 56. The spline 45 is received within the axial groove 43 of the protrusion 40. The spline 45 is narrower than the width of the axial groove 43 and thus is allowed to move within the groove 43 as the second basket member 12 is rotated relative to the first basket member 10. The interaction of the spline 45 and the axial groove 43 thus restricts the amount of relative rotation between the first and second basket members 10, 12. Specifically, the spline 45 may rotate in an anti-clockwise direction from a fully-open position in which it abuts against a first shoulder of the axial groove 43, as shown in Figure 6, to a most-closed position in which it abuts against a second shoulder of the axial groove 43.

As shown in Figure 6, in the fully-open position, the first and second basket members 10, 12 are arranged such that the first and second sets of holes 32, 33 are fully aligned with one another. The separation basket 7 therefore exhibits a plurality of aligned openings 35 which, in this instance, correspond to the holes 32, 33.

Figures 7 to 9 show the transition of the aligned openings 35 during rotation of the first and second basket members 10, 12 from the fully-open position to the most-closed position (see Figure 9). As shown, as the first and second basket members 10, 12 are rotated relative to one another, the degree of overlap of the first and second sets of holes 32, 33 decreases such that the size (i.e. the cross-sectional area) of the aligned openings 35 decreases. The circumferential spacing between the adjacent holes in each of the first and second sets of holes 32, 33 is such that, in the most-closed position, each hole of the first set of holes 32 bridges two of the holes of the second set of holes 33. As a result, the number of aligned openings 35 doubles when in this position.

The geometry of the holes utilized in the first and second basket members 10, 12 is designed to ensure that the aligned openings 35 maintain a substantially constant aspect ratio during the transition from the fully-open position to the most-closed position.

This ensures that the pieces of food which are allowed to pass through the separation basket 7 and are collected in the collection volume 16 are of a uniform size and the level of uniformity is maintained throughout. The aspect ratio may be defined as a ratio of the width to the height of each aligned opening 35 or in terms of a ratio of a minimum bounding circle to a largest inscribed circle (referred to herein as the "circle ratio"). The minimum bounding circle is the smallest circle that the aligned opening 35 is able to fit within, whereas the largest inscribed circle is the largest circle which can be fitted within the interior of the aligned opening 35. The use of such a circle ratio may be considered more appropriate for irregular shapes.

Although an optimal circle ratio of 1 may be achieved for a circular opening, it is not possible to maintain this circle ratio as the first and second basket members 10, 12 are rotated relative to one another. The separation basket 7 instead uses holes which produce aligned openings that are geometrically similar across all positions and so maintain a substantially constant circle ratio.

Figure 10 shows an aligned opening 35 formed by one of the holes of the first set 32 and one of the holes of the second set 33.

As shown, each of the holes 32, 33 is a quadrilateral and, in the present example, is a rhombus, and more specifically a square. The holes 32, 33 are arranged such that two of the vertices of each hole 32, 33 lie on or parallel to a path of movement 80 of the holes 32, 33 about the axis of rotation.

Specifically, the first and second holes 32, 33 each comprise a first side 82, 82' (the labelling of corresponding features between the first and second holes 32, 33 is mirrored here for clarity) extending between a first vertex 84, 84' and a second vertex 86, 86', a second side 88, 88' extending between the first vertex 84 and a third vertex 90, 90' a third side 92, 92' extending between the second vertex 86, 86' and a fourth vertex 94, 94', and a fourth side 96, 96' extending between the third vertex 90, 90' and the fourth vertex 94, 94'. The vertices are formed by rounded corners (which may be beneficial for cleaning), whereas the sides of the holes 32, 33 are substantially straight. The first vertex 84, 84' and the second vertex 94, 94' lie on the path of movement 80. The second vertex 86, 86' and the third vertex 90, 90' are offset from the path of movement 80 and are located either side of the path of movement 80. The vertices each have an angle of 90 degrees such that the sides are each angled at 45 degrees with respect to the path of movement 80.

As shown in Figure 10, the aligned opening 35 is formed by the overlap between the first and second holes 32, 33. Specifically, the aligned opening 35 is defined by the first vertices 84, 84' of the first and second holes 32, 33 and by portions of the first and second sides 82, 82', 88, 88' which extend from the first vertices 84, 84'. The first sides 82, 82' intersect one another to form a first intersection point 98 and the second sides 88, 88' intersect one another to form a second intersection point 100 (also vertices of the aligned opening 35). The first and second intersection points 98, 100 are located partway along the length of the sides 82, 82', 88, 88' and spaced from any of the vertices of the first and second holes 32, 33. A line drawn between the first and second intersection points 98, 100 is perpendicular to a line drawn between the first vertex 84 of the first hole 32 and the first vertex 84' of the second hole 33. The first and second intersection points 98, 100 are spaced either side of the path of movement 80. The aligned opening 35 therefore is geometrically similar to the holes 32, 33 but is smaller in size. As described previously, the size of the aligned opening 35 may be adjusted by varying the degree of overlap of the holes 32, 33. This action changes the length of the portions of the sides 82, 82', 88, 88' which define the aligned opening 35. As the sides 82, 82', 88, 88' are angled at 45 degrees to the path of movement 80, the vertical extent and horizontal extent of the aligned opening 35 vary in proportion such that a constant aspect ratio or circle ratio is maintained.

To assemble the food processing apparatus 2, the wave-like profile of the outer edge of the rim 36 of the first basket member 10 is aligned with that of the inner surface of the upper portion 23 of the side wall 18 of the container 4. The separation basket 7 is then slid into the container 4 via the opening 11, until the rim 36 of the first basket member 10 abuts the ledge 25 of the container 4. The shaft 6 is passed through the openings 15, 17 of the first and second basket members 10, 12 and the food processing member 8 is attached to the shaft 6 by inserting the shaft 6 into the engagement portion 22.

Food to be processed is inserted into the processing volume 14. The cover 13 is then attached to the separation basket 7 and the drive unit 9 is connected to the container 4. The motor of the drive unit 9 is switched on so as to rotate the power delivery interface 30, which subsequently rotates the shaft 6 and the food processing member 8. As the food processing member 8 rotates its blades 19 cut the food into smaller pieces. Once a piece of food is sufficiently small to pass through one of the aligned openings 35, it passes through the separation basket 7 into the collection volume 16. Once the piece of food is in the collection volume 16, it is no longer subjected to the cutting action of the blades 19 and so remains at the desired size. The drive unit 9, cover 13, food processing member 8 and separation basket 7 can then be detached from the container 4 so as to the allow the processed food to be emptied from the container 4.

As described previously, the relative positions of the first and second basket members 10, 12 may be adjusted in order to vary the size of the aligned openings 35 through the separation basket 7. Accordingly, this enables the size of the food which passes through the separation basket 7 to be controlled. In Figures 5 and 6, the first and second basket members 10, 12 are positioned such that the first and second holes 32, 33 are aligned entirely. In this fully-open position, the aligned openings 35 are defined by the entirety of the first and second holes 32, 33. As the first and second basket members 10, 12 are rotated they partially obstruct one another, reducing the degree of overlap of the holes 32, 33 and thus the size of the aligned openings 35.

With the first and second basket members 10, 12 positioned as shown in

Figure 7, the aligned openings 35 are formed by the first vertices 84, 84' and portions (i.e. a subsection of the total length) of the first and second sides 82, 82', 88, 88' of the first and second holes 32, 33. The length of these portions reduce proportionately as the size of the aligned openings 35 decreases, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The shape of the aligned openings 35 at one rotational setting is therefore geometrically similar to the shape of the aligned openings 35 at another rotational setting. The aspect ratio or circle ratio of the aligned openings 35 therefore does not change depending on the relative positions of the first and second baskets members 10, 12. Consequently, the size of the pieces of food passing through the aligned openings 35 can be changed without changing the level of uniformity of the pieces of food which are able to pass through the openings 35 at each setting.

As mentioned previously, the holes are spaced apart from one other such that the distance between the first vertex 84, 84' of one hole and the fourth vertex 94, 94' of an adjacent hole is less than the distance between the first vertex 84, 84' and the fourth vertex 94, 94' of a single hole. Consequently, at the smallest setting shown in Figure 9, one of the first set of holes 32 will simultaneously form an aligned opening 35 with two adjacent holes of the second set of holes 33, and vice versa. Accordingly, when the aligned openings 35 are sufficiently small, twice the number of aligned openings 35 are formed by the first and second sets of holes 32, 33. This increases the rate at which pieces of food is able to pass through the aligned openings 35.

A suitable range of opening sizes of the aligned openings 35 produces a range of particle sizes between a coarse grade of approximately 12mm and a fine grade of approximately 2mm. Different grade ranges are however possible.

The first and second basket members 10, 12 of the separation basket 7 can be easily separated for cleaning by releasing the snap-fit connection therebetween.

Although it has been described that the vertices of the holes are right angled, other angles may be used. Further, it has been described that the holes are four-sided (i.e. quadrilateral); however, this need not be the case and they may instead be triangular. It will be appreciated that they aligned openings and holes have been described as having vertices, even though these corners are curved. Consequently, references to shapes such as square or triangular should be construed broadly.

Although it has been described that the size, shape and positioning of the first set of holes 32 corresponds to the size, shape and positioning of the second set of holes 33, this need not be the case. In particular, it will be appreciated that the certain sides and vertices of the holes may be varied without altering the shape of the aligned opening.

In other arrangements, the separation basket 7 need not be bowl-shaped. For example, it could be planar or have a semi-cylindrical profile. Where a planar separation member or sieve is used, the first and second members may be linearly movable with respect to one other.

The specific arrangement of the holes described with reference to Figure 3 is merely exemplary. Other arrangements using alternative arrangements of holes (e.g. different numbers of holes, different numbers of rows, different spacing, etc.) are also possible.

Further, although it has been described that the size of the holes increases from the innermost row to the outermost row, they may be the same size.

Although it has been described that the first and second basket members 10, 12 can be rotated to any intermediate angle, they may instead be indexed to a number of discrete, fixed angles. The first and second basket members 10, 12 may also be detached and reattached during the transition.

The separation basket 7 may be used with any type of food processor and is not limited to the specific structure described herein. The separation basket 7 may be retrofitted into existing food processors or may even be used as an independent device without a food processor. For example, the separator 7 may be used as a sieve for separating food.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications, additions and alterations may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Reference signs used in the claims do not limit their scope. The term "comprising" is non-exhaustive and does not exclude other elements or steps. The terms "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Features recited in separate dependent claims may be advantageously combined.