THEREFOR, AND KITS OF PARTS

The present invention relates to a container for a kitchen appliance. The invention also extends to an assembly for a kitchen appliance including the container, a kitchen appliance including the assembly, an extension for a drive shaft for a kitchen appliance, a member configured to act as a removable extension for an outlet of a food processor component, and kits of parts.

A food processing appliance typically has a base-unit including a motor, a bowl (or other receptacle/container) for containing food, and one or more food processing tools located within the bowl and driven to process food by the motor via suitable gearing. Other food processing tools include heating and/or cooling elements powered from the base. In order to ensure the safe operation of the food processor, the bowl typically includes a lid that prevents human access (e.g., the insertion of a hand) to the interior of the container, and an interlocking means to prevent or limit operation of the food processing tools when the lid is not attached.

An example of such an interlocking means is shown in the applicant’s patent document no. GB2426384A. This discloses a system where an interlock actuator is moved by proper fixture of a lid or cover on a receptacle, when that receptacle is properly latched to the base, to actuate an interlock switch in the base to enable energising of the motor.

Summary of the invention

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are set out in the appended claims. These and other aspects and embodiments of the invention are also described herein.

In an aspect, there is provided a container for a kitchen appliance, the container being adapted for (removable/releasable) engagement with a bowl of a kitchen appliance. Providing a container which engages to a bowl of a kitchen appliance may improve the versatility of the kitchen appliance at least in that additional food processing may be performed in the container (where the container ‘extends’ the bowl and/or provides a seperate food processing chamber). The container is preferably suitable for fitment on top of the bowl, such that it ‘stacks’ on top of the bowl and/or such that outer edges of the bowl and the container are aligned. The container preferably extends above the bowl. The edges of the container may extend into the bowl so as to engage with the bowl. However, a major part of the container preferably does not extend into the bowl, such that the interior of the bowl is not obstructed by the container. Fitment of the container on the bowl preferably substantially covers an aperture of the bowl. In other words, the container preferably forms (part of) a lid for the bowl. In this way accidental contact with moving elements within the bowl and/or accidental ingress of food into the bowl during use of the container may be reduced or prevented. The container may have substantially the same diameter as the bowl; preferably substantially the same interior and exterior diameter as the bowl. It will be appreciated that the container is preferably used with a kitchen appliance in addition to the bowl, and that the container is preferably not used with the kitchen appliance as an alternative component to the bowl. For clarity, the container is not a feed tube of a lid for the bowl.

The container may have a surface for engagement with the bowl of the kitchen appliance, wherein the surface is preferably the side wall of the container; more preferably wherein the side wall of the container engages with a wall of the bowl (optionally a side wall of the bowl). The engagement is preferably via a bayonet fitting. By engaging the side wall of the container with the side wall of the bowl, the need to provide engagement mechanisms which take up space on the inside or outside of the bowl and/or container may be reduced.

The container may comprise a base, preferably such that the container defines a separate compartment to the bowl. Preferably, the container engages with the bowl adjacent the base - that is, when the container is engaged to the bowl, the container base is adjacent to the bowl.

The container may be arranged to receive, from the kitchen appliance, a means for driving a processing tool; preferably via an aperture provided in the container. Preferably, this aperture is provided in the base of the container. The means for driving a processing tool may be an extension for a drive shaft of a kitchen appliance; preferably wherein the drive shaft is used in the bowl of a kitchen appliance; more preferably wherein the extension is configured to engage removably with an end of a drive shaft (optionally wherein the end is distal to a base of the kitchen appliance); and/or wherein the extension comprises mounting features for mounting at least one rotatable tool; yet more preferably wherein at least one mounting feature corresponds to at least one mounting feature on the drive shaft (such that the rotatable tools are interchangeable with either the drive shaft or its extension); and/or said at least one rotatable tool comprises at least one of: a rotatable tool on a lid of a kitchen appliance; a cutting disk; and a spreader plate. The drive shaft is preferably a component of a food processing apparatus / a kitchen appliance. The container may comprise an outlet for foodstuff; preferably wherein the outlet comprises a chute for directing foodstuff downwardly in use; and/or wherein the outlet is configured to engage with a member which acts as a removable extension for the outlet; more preferably wherein the extension is shaped to be stored in or around a feed tube of a/the lid of a kitchen appliance. Preferably, the outlet for foodstuffs is in the surface of the container, more preferably in the side wall of the container (in which case the chute is curved or includes a corner so as to direct food downwardly, and means for directing foodstuff towards the side wall may be provided), still more preferably in the lower or bottom part of the side wall of the container. Preferably, the outlet is part of the container and is not connected to the bowl. That is, the part of the outlet joining the container is located above the bowl when the container is engaged with the bowl. In this way the amount of food that the kitchen appliance can process need not be limited by its internal storage, and the outlet extension may make it is easier to ensure that food is dispensed into low/small containers. Optionally, the base of the container is sloped towards the chute.

The container may comprise a mechanism which is configured to form at least part of an interlock; preferably wherein the mechanism is configured to prevent actuation of a kitchen appliance until a lid is attached to the container. This may improve safety in that it prevents the use of processing tools (via the extension to the drive shaft) in the container unless/until the lid is fitted. The mechanism may comprise a biased member which is depressed by the attachment of a lid; preferably wherein the member is on an outer part of the container; and/or wherein the member is covered by a panel. In a further aspect, there is provided an assembly for a kitchen appliance; comprising a container as described herein; a lid for the container; and optionally a bowl for a kitchen appliance. The lid is optionally capable of removably engaging with a bowl and the container interchangeably; preferably wherein the lid is configured to attach to the container or the bowl by means of a bayonet fit. This way the lid can prevent human access to the interior of the bowl during food processing therein, whichever of the bowl and container are used for processing. Further, this means that the same lid can be used both on the bowl and on the container. The assembly may be described as having two processing modes - a first mode in which the container engages with the lid and the bowl (which is engaged to a kitchen appliance), and a second mode in which the bowl engages with the lid (where the bowl is engaged to a kitchen appliance) - in the second mode, the container is not used.

Preferably, the extension engages with the lid for rotation when the container is engaged with the bowl, and more preferably a drive shaft of the kitchen appliance engages with the lid for rotation when the container is not engaged with the bowl. The assembly may comprise a first interlock mechanism configured to actuate a switch of a kitchen appliance when: the container is engaged with a bowl; the bowl is engaged with a kitchen appliance; and the lid is engaged with the container. In this way greater safety may be provided as the first interlock mechanism requires safe engagement of the lid before a processing tool in the container can be used. The assembly optionally comprises a second interlock mechanism configured to actuate a switch of a kitchen appliance when: the bowl is engaged with a kitchen appliance; and the lid is engaged with the bowl. In this way, two (interlocked) processing modes are provided. Where the container comprises a mechanism which is configured to form at least part of an interlock, the first interlock mechanism may comprise the mechanism of the container and the second interlock mechanism. Optionally, the mechanism of the container is configured to engage the second interlock mechanism thereby to actuate the switch of the kitchen appliance; preferably wherein the second interlock mechanism is part of the bowl; more preferably wherein the actuation of the switch selectively permits energising of a motor of the kitchen appliance. In this way an effective interlock mechanism for the container may be provided, which does not require much additional componentry (since it makes use of an existing bowl interlock).

The lid preferably comprises a feed tube. The lid may alternatively comprise the or a processing tool (optionally formed from a plastics material); preferably wherein the processing tool is accessible from the outside of the container; more preferably wherein the processing tool lacks sharp edges capable of cutting human skin. Optionally, the processing tool is a rotary tool which is adapted to receive drive from the kitchen appliance; preferably wherein: the processing tool comprises a gearing arrangement for reducing the speed of drive received from the kitchen appliance; and/or the processing tool comprises means for protecting against overload; more preferably wherein the means for protecting against overload is a sacrificial gear or slip clutch; and/or the processing tool is a juicing tool such as a reamer for citrus fruit; yet more preferably wherein: the lid is in fluid communication with the container; and/or the lid further comprises a filter for filtering juice. The lid having a processing tool is preferably interchangeable with a conventional lid (optionally having a feed tube).

In a further aspect, there is provided a kitchen appliance comprising an assembly as described herein.

In a further aspect, there is provided an extension for a drive shaft for a kitchen appliance; configured to engage with (an end of) a drive shaft which is used in a bowl of a kitchen appliance. The end of the drive shaft is preferably distal to the bowl. The drive shaft is preferably a component of a food processing apparatus / a kitchen appliance. Providing an extension to the drive shaft may allow drive to be transmitted to the container without the need to adapt other components of the kitchen appliance, which can be used as normal in other processing modes. The extension may increase the effective length of the drive shaft. The extension may be a further (drive) shaft. The extension may be configured to engage removably with an end of a drive shaft. The extension may comprise mounting features for mounting at least one rotatable tool; preferably wherein at least one mounting feature correspond to at least one mounting feature on the drive shaft (such that the rotatable tools are interchangeable with either the drive shaft or its extension); and/or wherein said at least one rotatable tool comprises at least one of: a rotatable tool on a lid with which the extension engages in use; a cutting disk; and/or a spreader plate.

In a further aspect, there is provided a member configured to act as a removable extension for an outlet of a food processor component; preferably wherein said component is a container as described herein. The member preferably engages with a chute outlet of a food processor component; and/or is shaped to be stored in or around a feed tube of a food processor.

In a further aspect, there is provided a kit of parts, comprising a container as described herein; and an extension as described herein; optionally further comprising at least one of: a processing tool for use with the container; a bowl; a lid; a further lid (optionally having a processing tool); a drive shaft; a member as described herein (preferably wherein the member is configured to act as a removable extension for an outlet of the container); and a base unit (and/or a kitchen appliance).

In a further aspect, there is provided a kit of parts, comprising: a container for food processing, the container having an outlet chute; a food processing tool, preferably not being accessible from the outside of the container in use; and a juicing tool, preferably being accessible from the outside of the container in use; more preferably wherein the juicing tool is a citrus reamer; wherein the food processing tool and the juicing tool are interchangeable for use with the container.

To describe the aforementioned aspects in other words, in a further aspect, there is provided a food processing arrangement (which may be a kitchen appliance), comprising:

- A motor-housing comprising a motor and an interlock switch configured to selectively permit or limit energising of the motor;

- A food processing container (such as a bowl) releasably attachable to the motor housing to receive drive therefrom, the food processing container including a first interlock actuator configured to actuate the interlock switch;

- A first food processing attachment (such as a container, as described elsewhere) releasably attachable to the food processing container to receive drive therefrom, the food processing attachment including a second interlock actuator configured to actuate the first interlock actuator; and A cover (such as a lid) releasably attachable to the food processing attachment configured to actuate the second interlock actuator when attached to the food processing attachment.

In this way greater safety may be achieved as the second interlock actuator permits interlock operation ensuring safe attachment of the cover before the first food processing attachment is used.

Preferably, the cover is additionally configured to be releasably attachable to the food processing container for preventing human access to the interior of the food processing container during food processing therein. This means that the same cover can be used on both the attachment and on the container.

It is also preferable that the cover is configured to actuate the first interlock actuator when attached to the food processing container. This means that food processing in the food processing container is also safely interlocked by attachment of the lid.

In a further preferable configuration the first food processing attachment may be further configured to, when attached to the food processing container, substantially fill an aperture thereof. In this way accidental contact with moving elements within the food processing container and/or accidental ingress of food into the container during use of the attachment is reduced or prevented.

As a further preferable alternative, the processing attachment may comprise a chute configured to direct food processed by the first food processing attachment to an external container. In this way the amount of food that the appliance can process may not be limited by its internal storage.

The food processing arrangement may also optionally comprise a chute-extension, the extension being releasably attachable to the chute. By extending the chute it may be easier to ensure that food is dispensed into low/small containers.

Another optional feature is that the food processing arrangement can comprise a second food processing attachment configured to be releasably attachable to the first food processing attachment. The second food processing attachment may be formed as part of the cover or lid of the first food processing attachment. As a further optional feature the second food processing attachment can be configured to actuate the second interlock actuator when attached to the first food processing attachment. In this way, safety interlocking of the second food processing attachment may be achieved.

Optionally, the second food processing attachment comprises a human-accessible rotary tool lacking sharp edges capable of cutting human skin, and preferably the human-accessible rotary tool is made of plastic. Whilst the first food processing attachment may include tools that are potentially harmful to the user, the second one includes a tool which is not harmful to the user and as such does not require a cover that needs to be interlocked.

Preferably, the human-accessible rotary tool is a juicing tool, and more preferably it is a citrus-fruit reamer. In this way, juicing may be enabled.

The juicing tool may be configured to be in fluid communication with the chute when the second food processing attachment is attached to the first food processing attachment. In this way the chute can be used both for dispensing food processed by the first attachment and juice produced by the juicing tool. The second food processing attachment can potentially comprise a filter for filtering juice. This may help ensure that juice produced by the arrangement does not include potentially unpalatable large pieces of pulp.

The second food processing attachment may further optionally comprise gearing configured to down-gear a speed of rotation of the human-accessible rotary tool relative to a speed of rotary drive received from the motor. In this way the human-accessible tool may be rendered more safe.

The above-discussed gearing may comprise a sacrificial gear configured to break should the human-accessible rotary tool become jammed, and preferably a plastic sacrificial gear. This helps avoid harm to the motor. The gearing may additionally comprise a slip-clutch. This may also help avoid harm to the motor.

The lid preferably further comprises a feed-tube permitting insertion of food therethrough. In this way food may be continually inserted through the cover for processing. When a chute-extension and a feed-tube are both present, the chute extension may be shaped and dimensioned for storage in or around the feed-tube, and is preferably releasably attachable thereto. In this way, the arrangement is rendered easier to store.

Preferably all components other than the motor-housing lack oil lubricant. The motor housing may require oil and is anyway typically not dish-washer-safe due to including electrical components, but omitting oil from the other components may allow them to be safely washed in a dish-washing-machine.

In a further aspect, a food processing assembly is disclosed comprising:

- a motor-housing including a motor, - a tool-mount configured to transmit rotational drive from the motor to any tool mounted in the tool mount,

- a chute configured to dispense processed food and/or juice produced by any tool mounted in the tool-mount into a (external) container separate to the food processing assembly; - a food processing tool including a cutting blade mountable in the tool-mount; and

- a juicing tool mountable in the tool-mount interchangeably with the food processing tool.

This assembly may be advantageous in that the chute is used both for the food processing tool and for the juicing tool, and hence the need to provide a separate chute with each tool may be avoided.

Preferably the assembly further comprises a chute-extension releasably-attachable to the chute. This may allow lower/smaller (external) containers to be more easily used.

Optionally, the assembly further comprises a cover releasably attachable to the tool- mount to prevent human contact with any tool mounted within the tool-mount during operation of the food processing assembly. In this way the food processing tool may be rendered more safe.

As an optional feature, the cover can further comprise a feed-tube, and the chute- extension can be configured to be attachable thereto or therein for storage. This may enable easier storage.

Preferably, the assembly comprises an interlock mechanism configured when actuated to permit or limit energising of the motor, wherein the cover is configured to actuate the interlock mechanism when attached to the tool mount. In this way safety may be increased.

Preferably the juicing tool comprises a citrus reamer. This may enable juicing of citrus fruit. The juicing tool is preferably configured to actuate the interlock mechanism when attached to the tool mount. This may ensure that juicing tool can actuate the interlock so separate actuation is not required.

In a further aspect, there is provided a food processor comprising: o a main food processor module having a main aperture, o a secondary food processor module having a secondary aperture, the secondary food processor module being configured to be attachable to the main food processor module so as to substantially fill the aperture of the main food processor module, o a cover configured to be releasably attachable to both the main aperture and the secondary aperture to prevent human access therethrough during food processing operations therein.

In this way the same cover is used to secure the apertures of both the main and secondary food processing modules (e.g., a food processing container and an additional food processing attachment) against e.g., a hand being inserted into a module where food processing is taking place.

Preferably the food processor has a sensor configured to detect the attachment of the cover to either: a. the main aperture, or, b. the secondary aperture when the main aperture is filled by the secondary food processor module, and the food processor is further configured to permit energising of a motor thereof to drive tools within the main food processor module and/or secondary food processor module responsive to feedback from the sensor. This sensor (e.g., interlock-switch and push-rod) arrangement enables the food processor to detect the presence of the cover on either the main or the secondary food processor modules, securing both when in use. The invention described here may be implemented in heated and/or cooled machines. It may be used in a machine that is built-in to a work-top or work surface, or in a stand alone device. The invention can also be provided as a stand-alone device, whether motor-driven or manually powered. The invention described here may be used in any appliance, such as a kitchen appliance, and/or as a stand-alone device. This includes any domestic food-processing and/or preparation appliance, including both top-driven appliances (e.g., stand-mixers) and bottom-driven appliances (e.g., food processors). It may be implemented in heated and/or cooled appliances. The invention may also be implemented in both hand-held (e.g., hand blenders) and table-top (e.g., blenders) appliances. It may be used in an appliance that is built-in to a work-top or work surface, or in a stand-alone device. The invention can also be provided as a stand-alone device, whether motor-driven or manually powered.

Whilst the invention has been described in the field of domestic food processing and preparation appliances, it can also be implemented in any field of use where efficient, effective and convenient preparation and/or processing of material is desired, either on an industrial scale and/or in small amounts. The field of use includes the preparation and/or processing of: chemicals; pharmaceuticals; paints; building materials; clothing materials; agricultural and/or veterinary feeds and/or treatments, including fertilisers, grain and other agricultural and/or veterinary products; oils; fuels; dyes; cosmetics; plastics; tars; finishes; waxes; varnishes; beverages; medical and/or biological research materials; solders; alloys; effluent; and/or other substances. Any reference to “food”, “beverage” (or similar language) herein may be replaced by such working mediums. As used herein, the term “processing” preferably connotes any action relating to or contributing towards transforming products into foodstuff, or transforming foodstuff into a different form of foodstuff, including - as examples - applying mechanical work (e.g. for cutting, beating, blending, whisking, dicing, spiralising, grinding, extruding, shaping, kneading etc.) and applying heat or cold. “Food” and “foodstuff” as used herein can include beverages and frozen material and material used in creating them (e.g., coffee beans).

As used herein, the term “bowl” preferably should be understood to be interchangeable with the terms “receptacle”, “goblet”, “tank”, and “jug”. As used herein, the term “surface” preferably connotes at least part of an exterior boundary of an article, optionally wherein said surface is part of a housing of a device such as a kitchen appliance, more preferably wherein the surface is generally planar. As used herein, the term “surface” preferably should be understood to be interchangeable with the term “wall”.

As used herein the term “kitchen appliance” preferably connotes a kitchen appliance including at least a base unit including a motor.

As used herein, the term "removable attachment" (and similar terms such as “removably attachable”), as used in relation to an attachment between a first object and a second object, preferably connotes that the first object is attached to the second object and can be detached (and preferably re-attached, detached again, and so on, repetitively), and/or that the first object may be removed from the second object without damaging the first object or the second object; more preferably the term connotes that the first object may be re-attached to the second object without damaging the first object or the second object, and/or that the first object may be removed from (and optionally also re-attached to) the second object by hand and/or without the use of tools (e.g. screwdrivers, spanners, etc.). Mechanisms such as a snap-fit, a bayonet attachment, and a hand- rotatable locking nut may be used in this regard.

The invention extends to methods, system and apparatus substantially as herein described and/or as illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures.

The invention extends to any novel aspects or features described and/or illustrated herein.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination. It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure, such as a suitably programmed processor and associated memory, for example.

Brief description of the figures

One or more aspects will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings having like-reference numerals, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective drawing of a kitchen appliance having a container according to the invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded, perspective drawing of the kitchen appliance of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a cut-away, side-on drawing of the kitchen appliance of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a side-on drawing of a kitchen appliance with a lid comprising a processing tool according to the invention;

Figure 5 is an exploded, perspective drawing of the kitchen appliance of Figure 4; and Figure 6 is a cut-away, side-on drawing of the kitchen appliance of Figure 4.

Detailed description of the figures

Figures 1 , 2, and 3 show a kitchen appliance (also referred to as a food processor arrangement) 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The kitchen appliance 100 comprises a lid 1 , a container (or food processor component) 110, a bowl 10, and a base unit (or motor-housing) 11 including a motor (not shown) and a user-interface allowing user control of the motor and other features of the base-unit (e.g., heating/cooling units, lights etc.) as well as providing feedback to the user.

A bowl (a kind of container) 10 is removably attached to the base unit 11 by suitable latches or other attachment means. The bowl 10 has a (optionally removable) drive shaft

9 which receives rotational drive from the motor and which can drive attachments such as rotary blades attached to it. In a conventional configuration (not depicted), the bowl

10 is enclosed by a cover such as the lid 1, which is directly attached to the bowl 10 (by means of bayonet engagement features 16 on a flange 17 of the lid 1 engaging with corresponding features (not shown) provided on an upper part of the side wall of the bowl 10). When the lid 1 is directly attached to the container 10, an interlock rod 14 in the bowl 10 (generally in a rib portion 19 of the bowl 10 which also supports a handle for the bowl 10) is actuated by a formation (not shown) of the lid 1 to move so as to further actuate an interlock switch within the base 11 to permit energising of the motor (and thereby allow rotation of drive shaft 9 and any processing tools attached thereto). The lid 1 is provided with a feed-tube 18 through which food may be inserted for processing within the container 10.

In an alternative configuration (depicted in Figure 1), to add greater functionality to the food processor arrangement 100, the container 110 (also referred to as a food processing attachment) may be removably interposed between the lid 1 and the bowl 10. As shown in Figures 1-3, the container 110 is dimensioned so that, when fitted on the bowl 10, it substantially covers the aperture of the bowl 10 to prevent anything (e.g., processed food) entering the bowl 10 during use of the container 110. In other words, the container 110 effectively replaces the lid 1 on the bowl.

The container 110 is formed of a base 23 and a side wall 20, and is arranged to engage with and stack on top of the bowl 10 in use so as to form a further food processing chamber (separate to the food processing chamber formed by the bowl 10). As will be described later on, the container 110 is capable of receiving drive from the kitchen appliance via an aperture (not shown) in the base. The lid 1 is received on to an upper part of the container 110 for use, where the bayonet features 16 of the lid engage with corresponding bayonet features 21 on the side wall 20 of the container 110 (where these fixings are similar or identical to those used on the bowl 10). The container 110 engages with the bowl 10 from above via a bayonet feature 15 on the side wall engaging with a corresponding feature on a flange 22 of the bowl 10. The bayonet feature 15 on the container is similar or identical to the bayonet feature 16 on the lid 10. The side wall 20 may be shaped and/or its thickness may be configured so as to accommodate the flange 17 of the lid 1 at one end and flange 22 of the bowl 10 (which is generally somewhat wider than the rest of the walls of the bowl 10) at the other end. In this regard, the lower part of the container 110 comprises a flange 24 for engaging with the flange 22 of the bowl. The container 110 generally has the same exterior and interior diameter as the bowl 10 otherwise. The provision of a removable container 110 which fits on top of the bowl may improve the versatility of the kitchen appliance 100, in that it may allow use of an alternative processing chamber when it is not convenient or desired to use the bowl 10.

In this regard, the container 110 includes an outlet for foodstuffs 5, which is arranged to dispense foodstuffs downwardly in use, away from the bowl 10 and base unit 11. For example, food processed by a processing tool within the container 110 may be dispensed directly into a kitchen bowl or other storing article (not shown) placed next to the kitchen appliance 100. As shown in Figures 1-3, the outlet 5 is in the surface of the container 110, and comprises a chute (or ‘outlet chute’) for directing foodstuff downwardly in use. The chute 5 extends generally radially outwardly from the container 110, and is curved such that it includes an aperture which faces downwardly in use. The outlet 5 takes up most of the height of the side wall 20, and is wider than it is high.

Actuation of processing tools in the container 110 may be dangerous if the container is not closed to prevent users from accessing the interior of the container 110 in use. For this reason the container 110 comprises a mechanism for preventing actuation of the kitchen appliance 100 until the lid 1 is attached to the container 110. In more detail, the container 110 comprises a mechanism including a biased member (such as a spring- loaded interlock rod extension) 7 which is actuated/depressed by the attachment of the lid 1 to the container 110. The biased member 7 in turn actuates the interlock rod 14 of the bowl 1 to actuate a switch of the kitchen appliance 100 (such as an interlock switch in the base 11) to permit energising of the motor of the base 11. In this way a first interlock mechanism is configured, which ensures that the switch of the kitchen appliance is not actuated (and thus a processing tool in the container 110 cannot be driven to rotate) unless the lid 1 is engaged with the container 110, the container 110 is engaged with the bowl 10, and the bowl 10 is engaged with the base 11 of the kitchen appliance. This may ensure safe operation of the container 110.

The spring-loading of the interlock rod extension 7 ensures that it is returned to its previous position when it is no longer actuated by the lid 1. The interlock rod 14 may be similarly spring-loaded. As shown in e.g. Figure 2, the biased member 7 is on an outer part of the container, and a panel 8 is provided to cover the biased member 7 and maintain it at the correct orientation. The panel 8 extends around the member 7, and includes an aperture (not shown) which the member 7 extends out of when depressed. The biased member 7 preferably includes one or more retaining features 7a dimensioned so as to prevent the biased member 7 from falling completely through the aperture in the panel 8.

As will be appreciated, the lid 1 can be used with either the bowl 10 or container 110, and in either case the attachment of the lid 1 causes an interlock mechanism to allow actuation of the motor (where the same interlock rod 14 of the bowl 10 is used in either case). This may provide a convenient solution which saves space and avoids redundant componentry.

The drive shaft 9 only extends up until (proximate) the top of the bowl 10, so to allow the container 110 to receive drive from the motor an extension 4 for the drive shaft (or a drive shaft extension) 4 is provided. The extension 4 is removably engaged with an end of the drive shaft 9 (the end closes to the top of the bowl 10) to receive rotational drive from it. The extension 4 extends through the aperture in the container 110 to rotate within the container. Optionally, in use it engages with a bush or bearing in the lid, much as the drive shaft 9 engages with the same bush or bearing when the lid 1 is mounted directly on the bowl 10.

The drive shaft extension 4 comprises mounting features for receiving/mounting one or more rotatable tools which can be attached to the drive shaft extension 4 to receive rotary drive. Suitable food processing tools for use with the container include the combination of a cutting disc 2 (i.e. a shredder/slicer disc) and a spreader disc 3, which are driven on the same shaft (i.e. the extension 40). Where this arrangement is used, shredded/sliced food falling from the shredder/slicer disc 2 lands on the spreader plate 3 and then moves towards the edge of the plate 3. Since the outlet 5 is the only outlet for the processed food, and since the plate 3 continues to move processed food about its periphery until it reaches the outlet 5, food processed within the container 110 is urged through the outlet 5.

Where, for example, the bowl or other container into which processed food is to be directed is relatively small or low-sided, it is desirable to extend the outlet 5 to prevent processed food falling outside of the bowl. A member 6 which acts as a (generally tubular) removable extension for the outlet (or, in other words, a removably-attachable outlet extension) is therefore provided which can be attached to the chute 5 to extend it further downwardly and/or outwardly so as to dispense more easily dispense food into the article. The member 6 includes features 6a which engage with corresponding features (not shown) on the chute such that the member 6 can be slotted into place on the chute 5.

As an alternative to providing processing tools in the container (which is closed by the lid 1), the lid 1 may be replaced by an alternative lid 13 comprising a processing tool. Figures 4 to 6 show this alternative configuration, which may be used to allow juicing to be performed in the container. The alternative lid 13 includes a rotatable tool (preferably a reamer) 12. The rotatable tool 12 is located to receive rotary drive from the drive shaft extension 4, and is shaped such that the open end of a halved citrus fruit (e.g., an orange or lemon) can be pressed down onto it and have the soft pulp inside it sufficiently mashed by the rotatable tool 12 to release its juice. As will be appreciated, the rotatable tool 12 is thus accessible from the outside of the container when the alternative lid 13 is attached to the container 110. The lid 13 is generally bowl-shaped (with the rotatable tool 12 being provided in its centre), such that the lid 13 extends into and takes up most of the room within the container 110. This prevents the tool 12 from extending too far above the lid 13, and allows juice to pool in the lid 13.

As the reamer 12 lacks sharp edges such as those of the shredding/slicing disc 2, and there are no surfaces close to the rotatable tool 12 between which a human hand can become trapped, it is not necessary to prevent operation of the rotatable tool 12 without a cover protecting it. As such, the alternative lid 13 when locked in place to the container 110 actuates the biased member 7 to actuate a switch in the kitchen appliance 100 (and thus permit energising of the motor) without the need to protect the rotatable tool 12 with an additional cover. It will be appreciated that the feature(s) on the lid 13 are identical to that of the previously described lid 1, such that the biased member 13 is actuated in the same way. More specifically, the alternative lid 13 comprises a bayonet formation 25 and a formation 26 for engaging the biased member 7, where these are very similar or identical to the corresponding features on the previously described lid 1.

For greater safety, the reamer 12 is preferably made of a relatively soft material compared to the hard materials from which slicing/cutting tools are made (e.g., stainless steel), such as plastic. Since the rotational speed needed for juicing via the reamer 12 is different to that needed for food processing via the shredding/slicing disc 2, the reamer 12 is driven to rotate by the drive shaft extension 4 via gearing 12a (which is internal to the reamer). The gearing 12a serves to change the speed of rotation of the rotatable tool 12 relative to the speed of rotation of the drive shaft extension 4, and preferably serves to make the speed of rotation slower for added safety. The alternative lid 13 and/or the rotatable tool 12 further comprises means for protecting against overload. For example, the gearing 12a may be formed of plastic so as to break (i.e. , it is a “sacrificial gear”) if the rotatable tool 12 becomes jammed, preventing harm to the motor of the base 11. Alternatively the gearing 12a may include a slip-clutch configured to slip if the rotatable tool 12 becomes jammed.

As shown in e.g. Figure 6, the alternative lid 13 is in fluid communication with the container. The lid comprises a filter 13a for filtering juice, which is formed such that it is in fluid communication with the container 110 chamber beneath, that in turn is in fluid communication with the outlet 5. In this way during juicing, juice released from fruit by the rotatable tool 12 flows through narrow apertures in the filter (which prevents large pieces of pulp following the juice), down the outlet 5, also down through the outlet extension member 6 if it is attached, and into a storing article (receptacle) provided by the user (e.g., a jug). The filter 13a of the juicing tool 13 is preferably located at the lowest point within it to encourage juice in the juicing tool 13 to flow towards it. Optionally, the base 23 is angled slightly towards the outlet 5 to encourage the flow of juice through the outlet 5.

As will be appreciated, by providing a removable container 110 having interchangeable lids 1, 13, the container 110 is provided with a juicing mode and a slicing mode, where both of these modes use the same outlet 5 and so output juice or cut foodstuffs away from the bowl 10. The container 110 may also be removed and the bowl 10 used with the lid 1 as normal (where processing tools are fitted to the drive shaft 9). Thus, the described arrangement may improve the versatility of the kitchen appliance 100.

To permit easy storage of the outlet extension 6 when not in use, it is preferably shaped to be stored in or around the feed tube 18 of the lid 1. One or both of the outlet extension 6 and feed tube 18 may be provided with suitable latches or other releasable attachment means (e.g. tabs received in corresponding slots) to allow the outlet extension 5 and the feed tube 18 to be attached to each other. The releasable attachment means may be the same means as those by which the outlet extension 6 is attached to the outlet 5.

The lid 1, bowl 10, and container 110 are preferably made of a transparent plastic (e.g., polycarbonate or copolymer) to permit the user to see what is going on inside them. All components that come into contact with food are preferably food-safe, and for example should be BPA-free. All components other than the base 11 are preferably dish-washer safe - for example, they should preferably not include any oil lubricants that may be lost/dried out during washing in a dish-washing machine.

Whilst the interlock actuators discussed above have been primarily describes as biased members actuating a switch in the base 11, any other way of transmitting actuation via the container 110 and bowl 10 may also be used. This includes wired connections for a circuit that is completed by the lids 1 , 13, RFID transmission between the base 11 and an RFID tag in the lids 1, 13 via a two-part waveguide, replacing the switch in the base 11 with a reed-switch actuated by a magnet in the interlock rod (or push-rod) 14 when it is moved, and other conceivable methods of interlock actuation.

In an alternative, at least one of the tool mounting features on the drive shaft extension 4 may correspond to those on the drive shaft 9. This may allow, for example, the cutting disc 2 to be used either in the container 110 (mounted on the extension 4) or in the bowl 10 (mounted on the extension 9).

In a further alternative, a further container 110 may be provided which includes no base (i.e. it includes only side walls), such that the further container serves to extend the height of the bowl 10. This may be useful where it is desired to increase the space within the bowl 10 for certain applications.

It will be appreciated that suitable alternative processing tools could also be provided to replace any of the cutting disc 2, spreader disc 3, and reamer 12.

It should be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention. Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.