Field

The present invention relates to a spatula, and more specifically to a spatula for use with a food processing appliance such as a blender.

Background

Co-rotation of food being processed with the processing tool is a common problem in the field of food processing devices. When food co-rotates with the food processing tool, the rate at which food is processed is reduced as food collides with the blades at lower speeds. This problem is further compounded by vortex-formation, which can cause the blade to become partly uncovered by the food being processed. Reducing the formation of large bubbles is also desirable.

Another problem in the field of food processing is dealing with large chunks of food. These can become jammed within the container, preventing movement of the food within the container, or even jamming the food processing tool.

One previously-proposed way of reducing co-rotation is to provide ribs or vanes which are shaped to direct food towards the blades. However, these must be located correctly, their optimal positioning/shape may depend on how full the container in which they are used is, and, particularly when extending inwardly from a container wall, can form food- traps into which food may enter but be hard to remove during cleaning. They are also not very effective against jamming by large food pieces.

Another previously-proposed way of addressing this is described in pat. pub. no. US5302021. This discloses a cylindrical tamper/plunger which can be inserted into the container to move food back towards the blades and reduce bubble formation. However, the correct positioning of this tamper varies depends on circumstances and requires the user to manually hold it and adjust it during food processing. Moreover the flow of food being processed over the cylindrical shape can be chaotic and not easily predictable. A further prior art document, pat. pub. no. US3415497A, discloses a combined blender and spatula. However, the spatula of this document cannot be inserted through the aperture in the lid but is instead removably attached to the lid. Indeed the spatula is too large to go through the central aperture and as described the lid must be removed for the spatula to be removed from the container, and fixed to the lid, its utility is less. Furthermore, whilst the spatula can be rotated the freedom of movement of it is limited. For example the axial orientation (i.e. , the angle of extension of the spatula into the container relative to a central axis of the container) cannot be changed, and it will always present the same angle to food being processed in the container.

Another way of dealing with the problem of vortex-formation and processing large pieces of food is to pick up the container in which the food is being processed and to shake it. However, mishandling of the container and its contents can result in injury. It is desirable to provide a safer solution.

The present invention aims to at least partially ameliorate the above-described problems of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

In an aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a spatula, comprising a blade and a closure for closing an aperture of a lid of a container, wherein the blade is configured to be insertable into the container through the aperture of the lid of the container.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a spatula comprising a blade and a closure for closing an aperture of a lid of a container, wherein the spatula is configured to be insertable through an aperture of a lid of a container to fill the aperture. This may be advantageous as it provides a spatula that can be inserted through an aperture in the lid of container and fill the aperture, allowing two functionalities to be combined in a single tool. The spatula is mounted or mountable to the aperture such that it remains in place (i.e. it does not need to be held in place by a user). That is, the spatula is mounted or mountable such that it is fixed in place. Preferably, the spatula is mounted or mountable such that it is fixed in a plurality of different positions, more preferably at a plurality of different angles (yet more preferably, angle of attack) relative to the lid and/or to the wall of the container.

Preferably, the blade is removably attachable to the closure. This may allow the blade to be separated for cleaning. The blade is preferably configured to be insertable into the container when attached to the closure, such that the closure fills the aperture.

Preferably, the spatula is configured to allow an angle of extension of the blade from the closure to be varied. This may allow for improved reduction of co-rotation.

Optionally, the closure is shaped and dimensioned to act as a handle. This may increase the ease of use and convenience of the spatula.

The blade may optionally have a flexible edge, and preferably a flexible edge that is integrally formed with the rest of the blade. A flexible edge may enhance the usefulness of the tool and enhances its use in tasks such as wiping/scraping. Making the wiping element integrally formed with the rest of the blade can simplify the tool and manufacturing of it. This may also allow the angle of attack of the blade relative to the flow of material to be varied.

The closure preferably comprises at least one sheath and the blade can be configured to be partially received and releasably secured within (one of) the at least one sheath, preferably so that at least approximately 5-10% of the length of the blade is supported against lateral bending. This sheath can provide an easy point of attachment for the blade and protect it against excessive bending.

The at least one sheath can potentially be configured to allow an angle of extension of the blade from the closure to be varied. This may permit the blade to be fixed at differing angles relative to the closure (i.e. allow the angle of attack of the blade relative to the flow of material to be varied), enhancing its ability to disrupt vortexes and/or bubble formation within the container. The at least one sheath may, in one optional configuration, comprise a plurality of sheaths, each configured to hold the blade at a different angle of extension. Such multiple sheaths are potentially an easy-to-implement way of providing variable angles of extension.

The plurality of sheaths can be inter-connected so as to provide mutual support. This may strengthen the sheaths.

The closure can potentially also comprise, or be, a measuring cup. This can add additional functionality and convenience to the spatula.

The closure can optionally comprise a sealing element for sealing an aperture of a container. This can reduce liquid egress from the container.

The closure may comprise fixing elements for fixing it within an aperture of a container. This can prevent the closure being accidentally dislodged.

A food processing container comprising a lid, wherein the lid defines an aperture therethrough, further comprising the above-discussed spatula, is also disclosed. The spatula may increase the usefulness of the container. The spatula may be configured such that an angle of attack of the blade relative to the flow of material (in use) in the container (i.e. the axial orientation of the blade) can be varied; preferably wherein the spatula may be fixed at a plurality of different angles of attack..

The food processing container is preferably configured such that the spatula is pivotable relative to the aperture, and preferably lockable at a desired angle. This can allow the spatula to be moved to (and potentially locked at) a desired angle (of attack) for e.g., reducing vortex formation.

A food processing appliance comprising the above-discussed container is also disclosed. The food processing appliance preferably additionally comprises a motor unit releasably attachable thereto comprising a motor configured to drive a preferably rotary tool to process food within the container, such that, preferably, material can be caused to flow in the container.

The food processing appliance may optionally further comprise an interlock arrangement configured to detect the presence or absence of the lid on the container and/or the spatula within the aperture of the lid, and to allow or prevent energizing of the motor responsive to the detection. Safety of the appliance may thus be increased.

The spatula may be removable from the aperture and/or mountable to the aperture when the appliance is in use. This may improve utility, and allow a user to only use the spatula to affect fluid flow when needed.

In another aspect of the invention, a spatula is disclosed, the spatula being configured to be mounted to and inserted into a container of a kitchen appliance, wherein the spatula is removable while the kitchen appliance is in use.

In another aspect of the invention, a spatula and container, in combination, are disclosed, the spatula and container being configured such that an angle of attack of a blade of the spatula relative to the flow of material (in use) in the container can be varied.

In another aspect of the invention, a spatula is disclosed comprising a handle from which a blade extends, wherein the blade is releasably attached to the handle, preferably by having the blade releasably received in a sheath of the handle.

In a further aspect of the invention, a handle is disclosed having multiple sheaths, where in the multiple sheaths are each configured to releasably receive a spatula blade.

A closure for a lid is disclosed in a further aspect of the invention, the closure comprising one or more sheaths for releasably receiving a tool therein.

A closure for a lid is disclosed in another aspect of the invention, wherein the closure is also configured for use as a measuring cup. In yet another aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a lid, the lid defining an aperture therethrough, the aperture configured to releasably receive and fix a spatula inserted through the aperture. There is also disclosed a container having this lid, and a food processing appliance having this container.

In another aspect of the invention a push-rod operated interlock system is disclosed, wherein the push-rod is shaped like a serifed capital-letter Ί”, and more preferably like the Chinese character “XE”. A container including the push-rod interlock system is also disclosed, as well as a food processing appliance comprising the container.

In a yet further aspect of the invention, a kit of parts is disclosed comprising any of the above-described spatulas, a lidded container, and a motor base for driving a rotary tool inside the container.

The invention also encompasses a kit of parts for constructing any of the apparatuses or apparatus elements herein described.

As used herein, the term “spatula” refers to a non-cylindrical member; more preferably a member having a generally flat elongate part (which may itself be referred to as a “blade”); yet more preferably a member suitable for use as the conventional kitchen utensil known as the spatula. Such a spatula is preferably a broad, flat, flexible blade used to mix, spread and lift material such as foodstuff. However, the term “spatula” may connote any member that can affect the flow of fluid in a container and/or that may act as a hydrofoil.

As used herein, the term “flow of material” refers to the flow of fluid and/or food items in the container when an associated tool in the container is operated.

Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. 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.

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.

In this specification the word 'or' can be interpreted in the exclusive or inclusive sense unless stated otherwise.

Furthermore, features implemented in hardware may generally be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any reference to software and hardware features herein should be construed accordingly.

Whilst the invention has been described in the field of domestic food processing and preparation machines, 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, and any reference to “food” herein may be replaced by such working mediums.

The invention described here may be used in any kitchen appliance and/or as a stand alone device. This includes any domestic food-processing and/or preparation machine, including both top-driven machines ( e.g . stand-mixers) and bottom-driven machines ( e.g . blenders). It 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. Brief Description of Drawings

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:

Fig. 1 is a side-on drawing of a spatula according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a side-on, cut-away drawing of the spatula of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a perspective drawing of the filler cap of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4 is a side-on, cut-away drawing of a processing container incorporating the spatula of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 5 is a top-down, cut-away drawing of a processing container incorporating spatula of Fig. 1 ; and,

Fig. 6 is a side-one, simplified schematic drawing of a food processing device incorporating the processing container of Fig. 4.

Specific Description

An exemplary spatula 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The spatula 100 comprises a paddle-shaped blade 101 attached at one end to a measuring cap 102. The cap 102 is preferably dimensioned and shaped to fit within the average adult human hand to act as a handle, and is preferably substantially cylindrical in shape so as to fill and close a circular aperture into which it is placed.

The cap 102 has a sealing ring 103 formed about its circumference. This allows the cap 102 to seal an aperture into which it is placed, preventing the splashing of liquid past the cap 102. Fixing tabs 104 are provided about a lower end of the cap 102 (i.e. , the end of the cap 102 closest to a distal end 107 of the blade 101 extending away from the cap 102). The fixing tabs 104 are shaped and dimensioned to fit within corresponding recesses provided within an aperture of a container into which the spatula 100 may be deployed. When used in this way, the spatula 100 may be fixed axially and/or rotationally about a major axis of the spatula 100.

In order to facilitate use of the measuring cap 102 as a measuring container, it preferably has graduation marks provided either inside it, or (particularly where the measuring cap 102 is made of a transparent substance) on an exterior surface. The measuring cap 102 is preferably sealed at one end 108 so that it can be used to measure liquids.

To further facilitate use of the measuring cap 102, the blade 101 is preferably removably attachable to the measuring cap 102. This can be achieved, as shown in Fig. 2, by providing a blade-sheath 105 within the cylindrical cavity of the measuring cap 102, into which the blade 101 may be removably attached. The sheath 105 also supports at least ~5-10% of the length of the blade against lateral bending so as to prevent excessive bending of it during use.

Removable attachment of the blade 101 within the sheath 105 can be achieved by sliding an end of the blade 101 into the sheath 105 until a rib 106 provided on the blade 101 passes over resilient elements 109 within the sheath 105 which bend/retract away from the rib 106 under the force of the blade 101 being pushed into the sheath 105. Once the rib 106 passes over the resilient elements 109, the resilient elements 109 return to their previous location against the blade 101 beneath the rib 101 , thus retaining the blade 101 within the sheath 105.

To remove the blade 101 from the sheath 105, the user need only pull hard enough on the blade 101 to cause the resilient elements 109, under the pressure of the rib 106 pushing against them, to resiliently deform away from the blade 101 again. Once the resilient elements 109 have deformed sufficiently to permit the rib 106 to pass over them, the blade 101 can be removed from the sheath 105. However, the means by which removable attachment is achieved can be varied and is not limited to the above-described sheath arrangement. For example the blade 101 may screw into a threaded hole provided in the cap 102, or may be attached using a clip, or may be bolted on to it. The blade 101 may even be formed integrally with the cap 102 to simplify manufacturing.

As shown in Fig. 1 , the proximal end 110 of the blade 101 (i.e. , that end closest to the measuring cap when it is attached to the measuring cap) may narrow relative to the distal end 107 to form a handle. This facilitates use of the blade 101 as an additional tool independent of the measuring cap 102. This narrowing also reduces the size of the sheath 105 in which the proximal end 110 locates.

To further increase the utility of the blade 101, the distal end 107 is preferably shaped so as to be multi-functional. For example, as shown in Fig. 1 , the distal end 107 may be broadly rectangular in shape, with elongate sides 113 and 114 extending away from the proximal end 100, forming a rounded shape at one extreme corner 111 (useful for e.g., spreading butter or cutting through material), and a point (e.g., a right-angle) at another corner 112 which may be used for e.g., scraping into recesses.

The rectangular distal end 107 may also vary in thickness/flexibility from one of its elongate sides 113 and 114 to the other. This allows one side 114 of the distal end 107 to be stiff and relatively inflexible, whilst the other 113 is relatively flexible to permit e.g., wiping of the sides of a container.

Whilst the distal end 107 has been described as rectangular, other shapes including square, triangular, ovular, circular etc. are also possible.

As shown in Fig. 3, multiple sheaths 105 may be provided in the cap 102, each oriented at a different angle. This permits the user to select different angles of extension for the blade 101 of the spatula 100, allowing the spatula 100 to adapt to different fill-levels and materials being processed. The sheaths 105 may be formed so as to be supported by an inner wall of the cap 102, thus improving their rigidity and strength. The sheaths 105 may also, where multiple sheaths 105 are provided, so as to be mutually supporting for similar reasons. Walls or struts 115 may be provided extending between the sheaths 105 to improve this mutual support, though these preferably should not extend so as to prevent liquid substantially filling the inner cavity of the measuring cap 102. Whilst four sheaths 105 are shown, any practical number of them may be provided.

In a further potential embodiment the sheath 105 may be provided so as to be continually pivotable (e.g., about a ball-joint) relative to the cap 102, with a screw-means or other fixation means provided to fix the sheath 105 at a desired angle. Alternatively the sheath 105 may be pivotable between indexed orientations, by, e.g., providing a ratcheted pivot.

The tabs 104 are preferably provided so as to allow the cap 102 to be fixed within an aperture at more than one orientation. The variability of the positioning of the blade 101 within the container is thus improved.

Figs. 4 and 5 show the spatula 100 deployed in a container 200. The container 200 consists of a jug 201 having an upper opening enclosed by an apertured lid 202 which is releasably attached to the jug 201. The jug 201 has a rotary tool 203 (in this case a blending tool) located at the bottom end opposite to the opening for processing food. The jug 201 has ribs 204 extending vertically within it between the opening and the closed end at which the tool 203 is located, for aiding in disrupting vortex formation. Additionally, the jug 201 has an inner wall with an essentially rounded triangular cross- section, which also acts to move food towards and away from the processing tool 203.

The tool 203 receives rotary drive from a motor unit via a drive shaft 205 extending through a liquid-tight sealed bearing 207. The drive shaft 205 connects to the motor unit via an attachment 206. Additional lugs 208 are provided on the jug 201 for attaching the jug 201 securely to the motor unit.

A hollow tubular handle 209 is provided on the jug 201 for facilitating manipulation of it by the user. A push-rod 210 extends through the hollow interior of the handle 209 from the opening of the jug 201 to the bottom of the jug. When the lid 202 is attached to the jug 201 the push-rod 210 is actuated by the lid against the bias of a spring (not shown) and pushes against an element in the motor unit (e.g., a micro-switch) to which the container 200 is attached to signal to the motor unit that the lid is attached and that the motor unit may be safely activated to carry out food processing. Such an arrangement is generally known as a “interlock”.

Whilst the push rod 210 is shown as being actuated by attachment of the lid 202, the push rod 210 may be alternatively or additionally actuated by the spatula 100, or an additional push-rod may be provided to be actuated by the spatula 100. In this way activation of the motor unit, and the operating speed of the motor unit, may be determined based on whether the spatula 100 (more specifically, the cap 102) is located within the aperture of the lid 202 or not.

As can be seen in Fig. 5, the handle 209 may comprise two separable shell components 209a and 209b, which may be either clipped or glued together. This facilitates positioning of the push-rod 210 within the handle 209 during assembly, prior to attachment of the shell components To improve strength and rigidity of the push-rod 210, it may be T- shaped (i.e. , having transverse bars extending bilaterally from either end of a central bar, similar to a serifed capital letter I) in cross-section. As shown in Fig. 5, the cross- section of the push-rod 210 may include another transverse bar extending from the centre of the central bar to make it shaped substantially like the Chinese character for “king” (i.e., “XE”) in cross-section for additional strength.

As can be seen in Fig. 4, the spatula 100 is located in the aperture of the lid 202 by the tabs 104 being rotated into a position where they lock beneath the lid 202 to retain the measuring cup 102 of spatula 100 within the aperture. The sealing ring 103 seals against the lid 202 preventing liquid egress, and also prevents the measuring cup 102 falling completely through the aperture of the lid 202. This locking of the measuring cup 102 in position serves to position the blade 101 within the jug 201 such that it extends to just above the tool 203, but not to within its volume of rotation (i.e., the volume of space swept out by the blades of the tool 203 with each rotation), meaning that obstruction of the tool 203 by the blade 101 is avoided.

As shown by the flow-lines in Fig. 5, in this position, protruding into the centre of the container at a user-defined (or predetermined) angle, the blade 101 acts as a vane directing food to be processed away from the sides of the container across the rotary tool 203. In this way processing is enhanced.

Fig. 6 shows a highly simplified, schematic drawing of a food processing appliance 300 comprising the spatula 100, the container 200, and a motor unit 400. The motor unit 400 has a motor 401 linked to the tool 203 by a suitable drive-shaft and drive-shaft-links for driving the rotation of the tool 203. Sensors 402 (e.g., micro-switches) are also provided on the motor unit 400, which can sense the presence or absence of the lid 202 and/or spatula 100 using push-rods in communication with these elements via the handle 209. Sensors 402 may also include weight, temperature, fill-level sensors (e.g., electrical contacts for which a circuit is completed by e.g., water once the container reaches a certain fill-level), and other sensors located both in the motor unit 400 and in the container 200. A control unit 403 is provided in the motor unit 400, the control unit includes a suitable user-interface (e.g., touch screen) for receiving instructions from the user and transmitting feedback to them. The control unit 403 also has a suitable memory and processor for storing and processing instructions and feedback. The control unit 403 communicates electronically with the sensors 402 and the motor 401 such that it can control the motor 401 based both on user input and on feedback from the sensors.

The control unit 403 may therefore prevent activation of the motor 401 unless the lid 202 and/or spatula 100 are detected as being present. It may also provide feedback to the user as to what position and angle the blade 101 should be located in based on feedback related to the weight of food being processed, and the fill-level of the container.

It will 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.