Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cooking device, in particular a device for cooking, stirring and preparing porridge type foodstuffs; more particularly but not exclusively a sadza cooking device.

Background

Many people enjoy sadza, polenta or similar types of foodstuffs formed from flour, such as maize flour, and fluid such as water.

However these foodstuffs typically have traditional means of preparation or processes which can take a long time, and require careful tending to be effective.

Typically the processes include mixing heated or boiling water with the flour and stirring, including while heating.

The processes can be very laborious for small quantities and requiring great stuff for larger quantities.

Prior Art

United states patent application number US 2015 0 282 659 (HAM) discloses an instant cooking system.

Chinese patent application number CN 103385 647 (HUA) discloses a porridge boiler with a top cover stirrer and an inner pot.

European patent application number EP 2503923 (KEMKER et al) discloses a kitchen appliance having a mixing vessel and a stirrer located in the mixing vessel.

International patent application number WO98/50521 (WRIGHT) discloses an automated home beer brewing machine. Chinese patent application number CN107041678A (ZHOU) discloses an automatic cooking machine.

United states patent application number US 2017/0071403 (THUMTHAJIRA et al) discloses a programmable self-cooker.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a cooking device comprising: a housing defined by a base and a lid; a bowl received into the base, a stirrer that extends from the lid into the bowl; a timer and a controller; wherein the housing has a first motor for operating the stirrer; the lid includes a dry reservoir with a first release means to selectively release foodstuffs into the bowl from an exit in the dry reservoir, the first release means is controlled by an actuator; and wherein the controller is configured to control the stirrer and/or opening and closing of at least the first release means when command signals are sent by the controller upon confirmation that a preset time period has been recorded by the timer.

In this way ingredients from the dry reservoir can be selectively introduced to the bowl and mixed by the stirrer at desired times and for desired time periods to complete a recipe. The cooking device is semi-automatic by means of the first release means that is opened and closed in response to a command signal received from the controller.

It is appreciated that for this embodiment, wet ingredients are added manually if required. This provides a user with greater control over addition of ingredients and ensures that a user can make a product that exactly meets their requirements, for example their consistency requirements.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a cooking device that also includes a wet reservoir with a second automatic release means. In this way ingredients from the wet and dry reservoirs can be automatically selectively introduced to the bowl and mixed by the stirrer at desired times and for desired time periods to complete a recipe.

The housing is formed from a base and a lid that define a container which holds a bowl in which ingredients are mixed and may also be cooked. The base is preferably a receptacle into which a bowl is received. The bowl is the location in which ingredients, dry foodstuffs and liquid foodstuffs, are received and then mixed by the stirrer.

Preferably the bowl is removable from the base so that it can be easily cleaned and replaced if necessary.

In some embodiments the bowl is insulated. For example, the bowl may include a double-skinned wall, with an intermediate vacuum or gas-filled void. The bowl may be double skinned ceramic.

In a preferred embodiment an engagement means is provided to engage the bowl with the lid. Advantageously this prevents movement of the bowl with respect to the lid to ensure mixing of ingredients is not compromised.

Preferably the bowl includes a projection that corresponds to a recess on the lid. In this way the projection can be engaged with the recess to locate the bowl in a fixed position with respect to the lid to prevent movement of the bowl with respect to the lid during use. In some other embodiments the bowl may alternatively or additionally have a recess that corresponds to a projection provided on the lid.

In some embodiments an engagement means may also be provided to locate the bowl in the base, to prevent movement of the bowl within the base.

The engagement means may also assist with enabling an electrical connection between the base and the lid by fixing the position of connection between the bowl, base and lid enabling electrical points of contact to be aligned.

A stirrer extends from the lid into the bowl. In this way the lid and stirrer are removed together. The stirrer is driven by a first motor that moves the stirrer. The stirrer may rotate or move in another way that agitates and stirs the ingredients, for example moving back and forth. The motor that drives the stirrer is arranged in the lid.

It is appreciated that in some embodiments the bowl may also be rotated to assist with mixing. Ideally the stirrer is removably fitted to the lid by means of a connector. In this way the stirrer can be removed, cleaned or exchanged for an alternative stirrer.

In some embodiments the stirrer may be provided on a hinge so as to enable the stirrer to be displaced up and away from the bowl.

The first motor is operatively connected to a power supply, the controller and the timer. The controller activates and deactivates the motor to drive rotation of the stirrer under certain conditions. The conditions of operation relate to preset programs that cause operation of the stirrer for a preset period of time that is recorded by the timer. When a preset period of time has passed the stirrer may start or stop in response to a command signal sent by the controller.

Ideally the power supply is a cable with a plug that is received into a socket. In some embodiments the power supply may be one or more rechargeable battery.

In preferred embodiment a single power supply is provided to the device for supplying all components. For example, the power supply may be arranged in the base and the base and lid may be electrically connected when assembled so that power is supplied to components in the lid such as the motor for operating the stirrer. Advantageously having the power supply associated with the base makes it easier to handle the device, avoiding requirement for a cable to the lid or a battery in the lid that would increase the weight of the lid making it more cumbersome to remove or to handle whilst filling the reservoirs.

It is appreciated that in some embodiments a separate power supply may be provided to both the lid and the base.

The lid includes a dry reservoir with a first release means to selectively release foodstuffs into the bowl from the dry reservoir in the lid. In some embodiments the dry reservoir is detachable from the lid. This advantageously enables the user to fill the reservoir elsewhere without mess and overflow at the device. The dry reservoir can then be positioned on the device. Preferably the release means includes a gate that is opened to release dry foodstuff and closed to prevent release of dry foodstuff.

The first release means is controlled by an actuator which controls opening and closing of the exit from the dry reservoir. Preferably the actuator is a motor.

The actuator allows the dry reservoir release means to allow controlled quantities of the dry foodstuffs through the release mean at selected times. For example, such motor may comprise a stepper or geared motor, and the release means may comprise a rotating disc or feeder blade with a plurality of fins that rotate to provide a first orientation in which the exit is closed and a second orientation in which the exit is open to allow passage through of foodstuffs.

In another embodiment the release means may be a flap that is opened and closed by an actuator. For example the actuator may be an electromagnet.

In some embodiments it is appreciated that the release means, or at least part of the release means can be removed for cleaning. For example, the rotating disc or feeder blade may be removed.

The dry reservoir is preferably a sealable container in the lid with an opening on an upper face for receiving dry foodstuffs and an exit on a lower face that is associated with the release means. Ideally the opening can be closed by a cover and the exit is opened and closed by the release means.

In some embodiments the opening to the dry reservoir may including a feed channel to help guide foodstuff to the reservoir. It is appreciated that the feed channel may be removable so that it may be cleaned or exchanged.

In some embodiments the dry reservoir may be divided into sections so that each section may be loaded with a different ingredient.

In some embodiments each section has its own exit. In other embodiments each divided section leads to one exit. The controller is arranged to control mixing and heating. Therefore the controller controls movement of the stirrer, and opening and closing of at least the first release means in response to a command signal received from the controller.

Ideally the timer enables automatic release of foodstuffs from the dry reservoir at preferred or predetermined intervals. The controller has a processor that receives and analyses signals in order to generate command signals. In this way mixing and cooking at predetermined times for predetermined time intervals is initiated. For example different programs may be preset for different recipes, or for creating different volumes of a recipe.

In some embodiments the controller includes a local control means such as a control panel for user operation, for example to select a desired programme such as to include settings for mixing and cooking a recipe for a preselected number of people being so that the controller determines the required quantities of liquid foodstuff (for example water) and dry foodstuff (for example flour) that is required dependant on data input through the control panel.

The local control means is provided on an outer face of the housing, of the lid or on both.

Preferably the control panel is provided on the lid or on the base. In this way a primary local control means is provided to operate all settings on the device at a single location. The control means is connected to the controller which is operatively connected to all components of the device so that automation of addition of ingredients, mixing and heating (if a heating means is provided) can be controlled from the local control means, or optionally from a remote control means that is in communication with the controller.

In some embodiments a local control means is provided on both the lid and the base, each controlling different components.

In some embodiments the controller may be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote controller to permit remote operation of the cooking device.

It may be envisaged that the wirelessly enabled controller may comprise independently available digital equipment. For example, the controller may comprise a transceiver enabled with intermachine operability such as Bluetooth (RTM), infra-red or shortwave radio or internet connectivity to permit transmission of signals from the remote controller to the cooking device.

The remote controller may comprise a smartphone or similar piece of wirelessly enabled electronic equipment.

In addition to controlling activation and deactivation of the stirrer the controller may also be adapted to control revolution speed of the stirrer, and the rate of release of the foodstuffs from the reservoir(s). For example the stirrer may include a variable speed motor drive so that stirring speed can be adjusted.

In this way the device may advantageously enable a user to prepare and leave the foodstuff ingredients for a sadza within the device, and may control the device locally or remotely to initiate mixing and cooking.

In further embodiments the lid and thereby the reservoirs may enable viewing of the contents of the bowl in use, for example including a transparent part or window. In further embodiments the bowl may enable viewing of the contents of the bowl in use, for example including a transparent part or window.

Preferably the cooking device has a feeder blade to help to disperse dry foodstuff as it passes from the dry reservoir to the bowl through the first release means. Typically the feeder blade is part of the release means so that as dry foodstuff is released from the reservoir it passes over the feeder blade which separates and aerates the dry foodstuff so that it is fed gradually and evenly into the bowl. Advantageously this avoids clumping which can occur if an ingredient such as flour is added at once.

In some embodiments the feeder blade forms a division between the dry reservoir and the void of the bowl, thereby forming the release means. In this way the dry ingredients are separated from the wet environment of the bowl which provides the mixing and cooking chamber.

Preferably the feeder blade can be rotated at various speeds depending on the ingredient being added and/or the cooking stage. Typically in the initial cooking stages, the feeder blade rotates fast to prevent clumping of the dry foodstuff, typically flour. Ideally the feeder blade can be removed from the device for cleaning.

In preferred embodiments the cooking device includes at least one heating element to enable heating of the mixed ingredients.

In some embodiments the base includes a heating element for heating the contents of the bowl. For example, the base may have a heating element arranged over the lower or across the lower surface and sides of the base to disperse heat directly to different areas of the bowl. The application of heat through the heating element is controlled by the controller.

It is appreciated that the heating element has a separate power supply to that of the lid since the lid is separable from the base.

In some other embodiments the lid may also include at least one heating element.

In some embodiments the heating element may be an inductive heating element and part of whole of the bowl may be arranged to interact with the inductive heating element.

Cooking devices with a heating element typically include a thermometer and/or a thermostat to assist with regulating temperature or making it possible to achieve a desired temperature. The controller may be envisaged to respond to a signal from the thermometer or thermostat so as to enable release of ingredients from the dry reservoir for example, when an ideal temperature has been achieved or maintained for a period of time.

It is appreciated that the controller activates and deactivates the one or more heating element if present. Ideally the heating elements are activated when preselected time periods have passed, for example once mixing of all ingredients is complete. Preferably the heating element(s) are deactivated once a predetermined cooking period has passed and/or when a desired temperature is reached and/or maintained for a predetermined period of time. It may be envisaged that for cooking devices that include a heating element, displacement of the stirrer from the lid may allow for the device to be used as a slow cooker.

Automatic cooking device also include a wet reservoir that receives liquid that is added to the dry ingredients.

In some embodiments the wet reservoir release includes a pumping means. In this way the wet reservoir’s foodstuff ingredients such as liquids like water may be dispensed into the bowl efficiently and in a controlled manner, whereby the pumping means may pump from the reservoir to the bowl.

The pumping means may comprise a peristaltic pump, advantageously such that pump parts are never in contact with fluid. A peristaltic pump may be used to dispense the water from the reservoir accurately and are commonly used in the food industry since they can pump clean fluids without risk of contamination from exposed pump parts. This could potentially be programmed to dispense different water volumes dependent upon the stage of cooking and volume of food being cooked.

In some embodiments the wet reservoir is detachable from the lid. This may advantageously enable the user to fill the reservoir at a faucet when required, without causing mess or trouble at the device in use or before use.

Preferably the wet reservoir includes at least one one-way valve to ensure flow of liquid is limited to one direction, from the reservoir to the bowl. In some embodiments the wet reservoir attaches to the lid at a one-way valve.

The valve may be located on the lid or wet reservoir, and may be envisaged to be located before the release means. Such valve prevents exit of liquid foodstuffs from the lid when the wet reservoir is not in place on the lid, but permits exit of the foodstuffs from the reservoir through the release means when the lid is secured to the base.

In some embodiments the wet reservoir includes a locking means associated with the lid. For example such locking means may enable the lid to halt the stirrer. Advantageously the locking means may halt the stirrer when the wet reservoir is in place but not engaged, but may not halt the stirrer if the wet reservoir is wholly displaced or if the wet reservoir is engaged. In a manner similar to as known in the art of food processors, so as to advantageously avoid mess and overflow of wet or dry foodstuffs in use.

In further embodiments the lid may comprise manual addition hatch, allowing for a hole to be opened in the lid for manual addition of ingredients to the bowl.

Further embodiments may have a heating element in the wet reservoir, so as to enable boiling or heated water to be released into the bowl during stirring.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 A shows a side view of a semi-automatic cooking device;

Figure 1 B shows an isometric view of a semi-automatic cooking device;

Figure 2A shows a side view of the lid and stirrer for the semi-automatic cooking device;

Figure 2B shows an exploded view of the lid and stirrer for semi-automatic cooking device;

Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D show different views of the bowl;

Figure 4A shows a side view of the base;

Figure 4B shows an exploded view of the base;

Figure 5A shows a side view of an automatic cooking device;

Figure 5B shows an isometric view of an automatic cooking device;

Figure 6A shows a side view of the lid and stirrer for the automatic cooking device; Figure 6B shows an exploded view of the lid and stirrer for the automatic cooking device;

Figure 7 shows a side exploded view of the lid with a wet reservoir and a dry reservoir;

Figure 8 shows s second embodiment of an automatic cooking device;

Figure 9 shows a reverse isometric view of the device as shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 8;

Figure 11 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure

8;

Figures 12 show an exploded isometric view of the lid housing, and a section detail view of the embodiment shown in Figure 8, respectively; and

Figures 13 show an isometric view of the lid housing with the stirrer attached, and the wet reservoir, with the lid removed, respectively.

Detailed Description of Fiqures

With reference to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a semi-automatic embodiment of the cooking device 100. Figures 3 and 4 show the bowl and base that are common to both the semi-automatic cooking device 100 and the automatic cooking device 200 shown in Figures 5 and 6. Figures 7 to 12 show a second embodiment of the automatic cooking device 99. Like parts have the same reference numbers.

The difference between the semi-automatic cooking device 100 and the automatic cooking device 200, 99 is the inclusion of an automated wet reservoir 61 in the automatic cooking device meaning that both the introduction of dry and wet foodstuffs is automated.

All embodiments 100, 200, 99 include a base 1 , a lid 2 that are a housing that together receive a bowl 11 . The base 1 is a receptacle that receives the bowl 11 . The base has handles 6 to assist with moving the device.

The bowl 11 includes a projection 11 B (See Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) that corresponds to a recess (not visible) on an outer face of the lid 2. In this way the projection 11 B can be engaged with the recess to locate the bowl in a fixed position with respect to the lid 2. In this way when the lid 2 is placed on the base 1 movement of the bowl 11 with respect to the lid 2 is prevent during use.

It is appreciated that in some embodiments the configuration of the projection and recess may be reversed so that a recess is provided on the bowl and a projection is provided on the lid. In some other embodiments there may be more than one means of engaging the lid and bowl during use.

The bowl 11 can be removed from the base 1 . In the pictured embodiments a rim 11 A of the bowl 11 extends over an upper edge of the base 1 so that the bowl 11 can be easily moved with respect to the base 1 and lifted from the base 1 for removal, such as for cleaning. The lid 2 is received into the rim of the bowl 11 .

In preferred embodiments the bowl 11 is ceramic and has a 3L capacity.

All embodiments 100, 200, 99 include a heating element 54 (See Figure 4B) to permit heating of ingredients in the bowl 11 . The heating element 54 may be associated with the bowl 11 and/or the base 1. The devices have a thermometer to monitor temperature and may include a thermostat to activate or deactivate the heating element to achieve a desired temperature.

The base 1 has local control means 8 for controlling a heating element 54. The local control means enable temperature adjustment. Ideally the cooking devices have a maximum heating temperature of 90° to permit simmering which usually occurs at 85°, making it ideal for sadza.

In another preferred embodiment a primary local control means is provided on the base which is operatively connected to components in the lid. In this way only one local control means is required. Furthermore, the device may have a single power supply to the base which provides an electrical supply to components of the lid, thereby removing the requirement for separate power supplies.

The lid 2 includes a 48 motor that drives a stirrer 12. In use the stirrer 12 extends into the bowl 11 from the lid 2. The stirrer 12 permits mixing of ingredients and helps to prevent clumping of a mixture during cooking (heating). The stirrer 12 extends centrally from the lower face of the lid 2.

The motor 48 for the stirrer 12 is connected to a power source that is a cable 50 connected to a plug (not shown).

The lid 2 houses a controller 51 which includes a processor operatively connected to a printed circuit board. The controller 51 controls rotation of the stirrer 12 by issuance of command signals to turn on, turn off or adjust speed of the motor. The controller 51 is operatively connected to a timer so that activation and deactivation of the stirrer 12 is in response to time periods.

In semi-automatic and automatic embodiments of the cooking device a dry reservoir 3 is provided as part of the lid 2. Part of a lower, distal end of the dry reservoir 3 is received within the rim 11 A of the bowl 11. In the pictured embodiments the diameter of the dry reservoir 3 is smaller than the diameter of the wet reservoir 61 (see Figure 6A) to allow part of the dry reservoir to nest within the bowl 11 and the wet reservoir 61 to sit proud of the bowl. The dry reservoir 3 has an opening closed by a removable cover 4.

A release means 62 controls release of dry foodstuffs from the dry reservoir 3 to the bowl 3.

The release means 62 in the pictured embodiment comprises a feeder blade 62 that disperses and releases ingredients as they pass through an exit from the reservoir 3 to the bowl 11 in order to prevent clumping. The feeder blade 62 is arranged in an exit from the reservoir in such a way that it closes the exit in a first orientation and only permits release of foodstuffs in a second orientation.

The feeder blade 62 may be an off the shelf paddle with a bayonet fitting to attach to a motor shaft, which allows for easy removal, changing and cleaning of the feeder blade. With reference to Figure 7 the feeder blade 62 has an array of fins 62A (see Figure 2A) extending from a central spindle that disperse dry ingredients. The feeder blade 62 is connected to a feed motor 49 that drives rotation of the feed blade. The feeder blade 62 is arranged in a tubular feed port 52. If the feeder blade 62 is not turning, ingredients are not able to pass through from the reservoir 3.

A low revolutions per minute, high torque motor 49 is combined with a bevel gear to rotate a feeder blade 62 to help slowly dispense the flour through a slit 15 in the lower face of the lid 2, from the dry reservoir whilst stirring (see Figure 11). Dry ingredients such as flour are loaded in from the top via a push fit, removable lid 4.

Dry foodstuffs can be poured directly into the dry reservoir 3 regardless of if the wet reservoir is in place or not.

The automatic cooking device 200, 99 has a dry reservoir 3 as described above in addition to a wet reservoir 61 . Both reservoirs 3, 61 are adapted to release foodstuffs into the bowl 11 through a wet reservoir release means 63; and a dry reservoir release means 62. Release of foodstuffs through the release means 62, 63 is controlled by the controller in response to pre-set time periods.

Therefore the controller controls the stirrer 12 and the release means 62, 63 in response to command signals generated when preset time periods recorded by the timer have passed.

The wet reservoir 61 comprises a substantially shallow and transparent or translucent circular plastic reservoir, which forms a top section of the lid 2 in use. The lid housing 2 comprises a central part which provides a local control means on its top face and includes a vertically extending dry reservoir 3.

The wet reservoir 61 can be removed and filled at a tap, ensuring ease of use of the automatic embodiment 200, 99.

In a preferred embodiment the wet reservoir 61 has a capacity of 2.5L. The wet reservoir 61 includes a removable screw cap 7 over a vertically extending entrance 17 for filling. The wet reservoir 61 has handle recesses 66 (See Figure 13B) in an edge lower face for easy lifting and carrying. The wet reservoir 61 includes a butterfly valve 63 release similar to those found on coffee machine reservoirs that ensures water only flows when the wet reservoir 61 is in place on the lid 2 and located in position, whereupon a spout passes through the valve or vice versa.

The wet reservoir 61 is provided as part of the lid 2 and the lid includes a second motor for running a pump in the wet reservoir to pump liquid from the reservoir into the bowl.

When the wet reservoir 61 is slotted in place, it pushes open a valve in the wet housing allowing water to flow when pumped. A peristaltic pump 53 (See Figure 7) is used to pump water from the wet reservoir 62 through piping 64 (See Figure 12B) in the lid 2 and into the bowl 11 . Preferably the liquid pumping flowrate is up to 400ml/min.

Two separate power cables are used to power the embodiment 50A, 50B. In the second embodiment 99, a socket 16 is provided for receiving a power cable. A second power supply is provided for the lid 2. This allows for use of the bowl as a slow cooker when the lid housing is not required and simplifies assembly.

The power supply to the lid 2 provides power for all components associated with the lid including the controller 51 , the first motor 48 to rotate the stirrer 12, a second motor that drives the pump 53 and to a third motor 49 that drives the feeder blade, and for dispensing flour from the dry reservoir and the release means.

The lid 2 further includes a small screen and buttons 5 on a top outer surface. This control means 5 may allow a user to determine quantities, runtimes for mixing and set parameters for cooking.

It is appreciated that in some other embodiments a single main control means is provided on the base or lid for selecting the program to be used, which will determine quantities of ingredients, mixing time and heating time.

Optionally the local control means 5 may also, or may only, be provided to allow for manual dispensing for fine adjustments.

The base 1 has silicone feet 10 extending below to prevent slippage on a surface. In the pictured embodiments the overall width (diameter) of the cooking devices when assembled is 370mm diameter and the height is 413mm. It is appreciated that the cooking devices may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.