Insert and screen for a food processing machine

Abstract

An insert and screen for a food processor having a processing tool, the insert comprising a disc having at least one aperture for passage of food that has been processed by the processing tool, where the disc is configured to be positionable in and removable from the screen. Other aspects are also included herein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an insert, a sieve, a combination comprising a sieve and an insert, and a kit of parts for use with a food processor. Background Art

[0002] Food processors are versatile kitchen appliances that can be used for a variety of processing purposes, such as chopping food into cubes or crushing ice into smaller pieces.

[0003] One way to use a food processing device for chopping and crushing ice is to set a rotating knife directly in the bowl of the device, such as an ice crusher knife. The food or ice to be processed is placed in the bowl and the rotating knife is allowed to contact the food to be processed. For example, by using a motor to drive the knife to rotate, and as the knife rotates, the blade cuts the food into smaller pieces. As the food remains in the space around the knife, the food is constantly in contact with the knife, thereby reducing its size. Although this method can effectively reduce the size of the food, it produces a product with uneven sizes because the knife contacts some food more times than others. This also makes it extremely difficult to achieve the desired size because softer food is processed faster, so it is difficult for the user to judge how long to process the food.

[0004] The present invention is directed to solving these and other problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] As used herein, the term "tool" preferably refers to a shaft for receiving a drive, the shaft preferably being provided with one or more food processing tools (eg blades or paddles) for processing food.

[0006] As used herein, the term "disc" preferably refers to an item having one, some or all of the following characteristics: it has a circular cross-section; it is a prism; the thickness of the prism is less than the diameter of the cross-section; the thickness is constant or non-constant along the radius; it is symmetrical or asymmetrical; it has features protruding from any surface; it has features recessed in any surface; and it has features opening in any surface.

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided an insert for a food processor having a processing tool, the insert comprising a disc having at least one aperture for passing food that has been processed by the processing tool, wherein the disc is configured to be positionable in a sieve and removable from the sieve. The at least one aperture allows food to pass from a processing space to prevent over-processing, wherein the processing tool is positionable in a container space. The at least one aperture may have any shape, size, orientation, position and area. Due to the disc shape, the insert may be removed from the sieve as a single component for easy cleaning.

[0008] The insert preferably includes at least one formation for enabling the insert to be positioned in the screen. Preferably, the at least one formation is a recess on the periphery of the disc. Preferably, the recess is beveled at the upper and lower edges to guide the insert into the correct position. Preferably, the recess has no sharp edges to reduce the risk of injury to the user and / or the risk of the insert breaking over time.

[0009] Preferably, the insert has a plurality of holes to increase the area through which the processed food can pass, thereby increasing the speed of food processing. The plurality of holes may all have the same size and shape. Preferably, at least one hole is different from at least one other hole in shape, size, position, appearance and direction, but is not limited to differences in these aspects. The plurality of holes can provide a larger total passage area for the food from the processing area to the container space, thereby reducing the processing time by increasing the food processing rate.

[0010] The insert preferably has a hole for the food processing tool. Preferably, the hole extends through the entire thickness of the insert. Preferably, the hole is circular in cross-section. Preferably, the hole is located in the center of the disc. Preferably, the hole diameter is slightly larger than the mounting seat of the processing tool to allow easy insertion and removal of the insert without causing incorrect assembly of the insert relative to the processing tool.

[0011] Preferably, at least one surface of the insert has at least one structure. Preferably, at least one structure is a protrusion. Preferably, the insert has a plurality of protrusions on at least one surface thereof. Preferably, the plurality of protrusions are symmetrically spaced apart on the surface of the insert.

[0012] As used herein, "upper surface" preferably refers to a planar surface of the insert from which the food processed by the processing tool travels and can enter at least one hole on the surface of the insert. Similarly, as used herein, "lower surface" preferably refers to another planar surface of the insert from which the processed food can exit through at least one hole on the surface of the insert.

[0013] The protrusion may be located on the upper surface of the insert for improving the quality of processed food or reducing the time required to process food. Preferably, the protrusion does not overlap with the opening of at least one of the holes. Preferably, the protrusion extends radially outwardly from the center of the insert. Preferably, the protrusion is solid.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, a protrusion may be located on the lower surface of the insert to assist in positioning the insert in the sieve. Preferably, the protrusion has a hole and is aligned with at least one hole in the sieve. Preferably, the protrusion completely surrounds at least one hole. The protrusion may also assist in removing the insert from the sieve.

[0015] The insert preferably comprises at least one formation located near the centre of the insert. Preferably, there are a plurality of formations and preferably these formations are in the form of protrusions. Preferably, the protrusion is solid and preferably, the protrusion is curved. Preferably, the protrusion is symmetrical about the centre of the insert. This protrusion may assist in assembling the insert into the sieve to reduce the risk of incorrectly assembling the device. Preferably, if assembled incorrectly, the protrusion may interfere with the axis of the processing tool, preferably, if assembled incorrectly, the protrusion may interfere with the processing tool by positioning the processing tool too high in the food processor. Preferably, if the insert is assembled incorrectly, the protrusion may prevent the lid from being assembled onto the device. The protrusion may have any shape, size, number and / or orientation.

[0016] As used herein, the term "bowl" preferably refers to an item having one, some or all of the following characteristics: it has a cylindrical portion, one end of the cylindrical portion is closed by a surface and the other end is open, it has a hole passing through the plane and it has a structure on the plane.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a sieve for a food processor having a processing tool, the sieve comprising a bowl having at least one hole for passing food that has been processed by the processing tool and in which an insert is positionable and removable.

[0018] Preferably, the sieve is provided with a plurality of holes to increase the area through which the processed food can pass, thereby increasing the speed of food processing. The plurality of holes may all have the same size and shape. Preferably, at least one hole is different from at least one other hole in shape, size and direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0019] Preferably, the screen comprises at least one formation for enabling the insert to be positioned in the screen. Preferably, the at least one formation is a protrusion on the inner circumference of the cylindrical surface of the screen. Preferably, the at least one protrusion is beveled to guide the insert to the correct position. Preferably, the at least one protrusion does not have sharp edges to reduce the risk of injury to the user and / or the risk of the insert breaking due to long-term use.

[0020] The screen preferably includes a mount for positioning a processing tool. Preferably, the mount is located on the surface of the cylindrical portion that limits the screen. The mount may include, but is not limited to, all, some, or none of the following features: a removable portion, a bearing, a seal, a brake mechanism, and a shaft and a connection.

[0021] Preferably, the sieve includes a formation on the open end of the cylindrical portion for engaging with a lid of the food processing device. Preferably, the formation is a recess configured to receive the lid. The sieve may be provided with a seal for engaging with the lid when assembled.

[0022] Preferably, the sieve is characterized by having at least one formation on its outer surface which is at least partially aligned with at least one hole in the sieve. Preferably, each formation has an aperture to allow food to pass through the aperture of the sieve. Preferably, the formation is a protrusion and curves around the exposed aperture of the sieve to reduce the risk of injury from contact with a processing tool.

[0023] Preferably, the screen has at least one formation near the centre of the screen bottom, which formation is preferably a small formation. Preferably, the formation is a hole, and preferably there are a plurality of holes. Preferably, the holes are curved, and preferably, the holes are symmetrical about the centre of the insert. Preferably, the hole corresponds to the formation on the insert. Preferably, if (and only if) the insert is correctly assembled in the screen, the protrusion on the insert passes through the small hole in the screen base. The holes may be of any shape, size, number and / or orientation.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a combination comprising an insert and a screen, preferably one or two of the foregoing. Preferably, at least one insert is locatable in the screen and removable from the screen. Preferably, the configuration on the screen corresponds to the configuration on the insert, thereby allowing engagement between the two aspects of the invention. Preferably, a smaller tolerance is provided between the configuration on the screen and the insert to reduce the risk of interference during assembly or use.

[0025] Preferably, when the insert is located in the screen, at least one hole on the insert is aligned with at least a portion of at least one hole on the screen. Preferably, all holes on the insert are aligned with at least one hole on the screen. Preferably, the combination of the insert and the screen produces an aperture size that is smaller than the aperture size of the screen alone.

[0026] The invention also extends to a kit of parts comprising a plurality of inserts, preferably as described above, and preferably comprising a sieve. Preferably, at least one insert differs from another such insert in, but not limited to, the shape of the insert, the size of the insert, the thickness of the insert, the number of holes, the size of the holes, the orientation of the holes, the location of the holes, the appearance of the holes, the shape of the holes, the total area of ​​the holes, the individual area of ​​each hole, the number of formations, the size of the formations, the orientation of the formations, the location of the formations and the appearance of the formations. Thus, in other words, a plurality of inserts may be provided which may be interchanged in the sieve to achieve different final aperture sizes or shapes. This allows the user to adjust the result to achieve different finenesses.

[0027] The invention extends to a food processor comprising an insert, a sieve and a combination, preferably one, some or all of those described above.

[0028] Any device features described herein may also be provided as method features, and vice versa.As used herein, means-plus-function features may alternatively be expressed in terms of their corresponding structure, such as a suitably programmed processor and associated memory.

[0029] Any feature in one aspect of the present invention may be applied to other aspects of the present invention in any appropriate combination. Specifically, method aspects may be applied to device aspects, and vice versa. In addition, any, some and / or all features in one aspect may be applied to any, some and / or all features in any other aspect in any appropriate combination.

[0030] It should also be understood that specific combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspect of the invention may be implemented and / or provided and / or used independently.

[0031] The present invention is directed to methods, systems and apparatus substantially as described herein and / or as shown with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] The invention extends to any novel aspect or feature described and / or illustrated herein.

[0033] In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the word "or" may be interpreted as having an exclusive or inclusive meaning.

[0034] Furthermore, features implemented in hardware may generally be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any references herein to software and hardware features should be interpreted accordingly.

[0035] Although the present invention is described in the field of domestic food processing and preparation appliances, it may be implemented in any application field where efficient, effective and convenient preparation and / or processing of materials is required, whether on an industrial scale or in small batches. Fields of use include the preparation and / or processing of: chemicals; pharmaceuticals; paints; building materials; clothing materials; agricultural and / or veterinary feed and / or treatments, including fertilizers, grains 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; waste water; and / or other substances. Any reference to "food", "beverage" (or similar language) herein may be replaced by such working media.

[0036] The invention described herein can be used in any appliance, such as a kitchen appliance, and / or as a stand-alone device. This includes any household food processing and / or preparation appliance, including top drive appliances (such as stand mixers) and bottom drive appliances (such as food processors). It can be implemented in heating and / or cooling appliances. The invention can also be implemented in handheld (such as hand mixers) and tabletop (such as blenders) appliances. It can be used in appliances built into a countertop or work surface, or in stand-alone appliances. The invention can also be provided as a stand-alone device, whether motor-driven or manually driven.

[0037] As used herein, "food processing" shall include cutting, beating, blending, kneading, chopping, grinding, shaping, shredding, grating, cooking, freezing, making ice cream, juicing (centrifugal or tumbling), or other food processing activities involving physical and / or chemical transformation of food and / or beverage materials by mechanical, chemical, and / or thermal means. "Food processing attachment" encompasses any attachable component that is configured, for example, to rotate and / or be powered, to perform any of the previously described food processing tasks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a view of one embodiment of an assembled food processing device; Figure 2 are views of various embodiments of assembled food processing devices; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sieve and container with the tool installed; Figure 4 is a view of the sieve with the tool inserted; Figure 5 is a view of one embodiment of a screen having protrusions; Figure 6 is a view of one embodiment of an insert; Figure 7 are views of different embodiments of inserts; Figure 8 is a view of another different embodiment of an insert; Fig. 9 is a view of yet another different embodiment of an insert; Fig.10 is a view of one embodiment of a screen and insert assembly; Fig.11 are views of various embodiments of screen and insert assemblies; Fig.12 is a view of yet another embodiment of a sieve; Fig.13is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a screen and insert assembly; Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a screen having protrusions; Fig.15 is a view of one embodiment of an insert having protrusions extending through a screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figure 1 An embodiment of a motor-driven electric food processor 1 is shown, which includes a processor space 100 , a handle 150 , a lid 200 , a base 300 , and a sieve 400 .

[0040] The processor space 100 is formed by a container sidewall 110 extending from a base 120. The base 120 is circular in cross section, and the container sidewall 110 extends to form a hollow cylindrical space defining the processor space 100. The processor space 100 is divided into a food processing space 130 and a container space 140 by a screen 400. The container sidewall 110 has at least one recess 160 to improve the operation of the food processor 1; such recess 160 forms ribs on the inner surface of the container sidewall 110 to improve food processing performance, especially when the container is not used with a screen or other insert. A handle 150 is provided to help carry the food processor 1.

[0041] A cover 200 is provided to seal the processor space 100; the cover 200 can be reversibly attached to the screen 400. The cover 200 has a shoulder 210 configured to abut the open end of the screen 400, thereby facilitating user positioning and preventing over-insertion of the cover 200 onto the screen 400.

[0042] One end of the processing space is bounded by a base 300. The base 300 may be removably attached to or integrally formed with the container sidewall 110. The flat lower surface of the base 300 provides a stable surface for the food processor during use or storage.

[0043] The container space 140 is separated from the lid 200 by the screen 400. The side wall 110 of the processor space 100 extends to meet the shoulder 410a on the screen 400. The shoulder 410a is configured to abut against the side wall 110, thereby facilitating user positioning and preventing the screen 400 from being over-inserted into the processor space 100.

[0044] Figure 2A food processor 1 of a different embodiment with a container space 140 is shown. The lid 200 is provided with a tool mount 220 on a mainly flat outer surface. The outer surface of the lid has a flange 230 on its circumference, which abuts against a larger flange 210 on the upper part of the sieve 400. The flange 230 is used to support the forces and torques from the motor 10 and the user during use. A gearbox can be integrated with the lid to change the speed of the processing tool 50.

[0045] In one variation, the container sidewall 110 of the processor space 100 is free of the recess 160 and the handle 150, thereby making the entire food processing device 1 more compact. This provides advantages to the user in terms of storage and transportation. When the container is used without a sieve, the ribs 112 on the inner surface of the container wall 110 can improve the flow of the material inside the container; these ribs 112 are smaller than the ribs formed by the recess 160 (thus, the outer side does not need to have a recess 160). In this variation, the second shoulder 410b is used to position the sieve 400 on the container sidewall 110, thereby allowing the same sieve 400 to be used with different types of containers with different container sidewalls, or different types of sieves to be used with the same container.

[0046] Figure 3 A cross section of a first embodiment of a processor space 100, a base 300 and a sieve 400 is shown. The processor space 100 is divided into a processing space 130 and a container space 140 by the sieve 400. The processor space 100 is defined by a food processor base 120, a side wall 110 and a lid 200. The generally cylindrical side wall 110 extends upward from the base 120 to partially enclose the generally cylindrical space defining the container space 140.

[0047] A plurality of protrusions 112 extend axially along the inner surface of the sidewall 110 along the cylindrical major axis of the container space 140. The protrusions extend toward the center of the container space 140 and taper gradually from the container sidewall 110 toward the center of the container space 140. The protrusions 112 may be beveled along any edge to facilitate easier cleaning of the container space 140. The protrusions 112 interact with the food and improve processing performance when the processing tool 50 is used directly in the container space 140 without using the sieve 400 and the insert 500, and in some embodiments provide structural rigidity for the sidewall 110. The protrusions 112 may be integrally formed with the sidewall 110 or may be separate elements connected by gluing or clamping. In one variation, the plurality of protrusions 112 are symmetrically spaced around the circumference of the container space 140.

[0048] The screen 400 is installed on the open end of the container space 140. The screen 400 is mainly in the shape of a bowl, having a cylindrical side wall 420, a bottom 430, and an open end opposite to the bottom 430.

[0049] A plurality of projections 414 extend axially along the inner surface of the sieve sidewall 420 along the cylindrical major axis of the sieve. A plurality of projections 414 extend toward the center of the sieve 400 and taper from the sieve sidewall 420 toward the center of the sieve 400. The projections 414 can be tilted along any edge to facilitate easier cleaning of the sieve 400. The projections 414 are integrated with the base 430 of the sieve 400 to facilitate easier cleaning. The projections 414 can be formed integrally with the sieve sidewall 420 or can be separate elements connected by bonding or clamping. In a variant, a plurality of projections 414 are symmetrically spaced around the circumference of the sieve sidewall 420. The projections 414 provide rigidity for the sieve sidewall 420 and improve food processing time and / or quality by interacting with the processed material. The projections 414 also facilitate the positioning of the insert 500.

[0050] A tool mount 440 is provided for engaging with a food processing tool 50. The food processing tool 50 includes two cutters and a shaft. The shaft is rotated by the motor 10 while the cutters contact the material to be processed, thereby reducing the size of the material. The cutters can be of any shape, size, orientation and / or number and can be sharp, blunt or serrated. The mount is configured to support the food processing tool 50 at one end and can provide axial and lateral resistance. The mount 440 is located in the center of the base 430. Another tool mount 17 is disposed in the container space 140 located in the center of the base 120.

[0051] The screen 400 has grooves 402 for Figure 1 The larger embodiment of the lid 200 shown engages to facilitate positioning of the lid 200 on the screen 400. The groove 402 extends circumferentially around the open surface of the screen 400, tapers from the open surface, and terminates in the screen sidewall 420. This taper allows the lid 200 to be easily inserted onto the screen 400 and then secured when the user applies pressure to the lid 200 along the main cylindrical axis of the screen 400. Thus, the groove 402 allows the same screen to be used with different embodiments of containers and lids.

[0052] The inner peripheral area of ​​the sieve sidewall 420 closest to the open end of the sieve 400 has a plurality of formations 450. The formations 450 are a plurality of straight edges around the inner circumference of the sieve sidewall 420 that are seamlessly connected to form a closed surface and are configured to limit relative rotation of the lid 200 and the sieve 400. The formations 450 are beveled on the edges adjacent to the open edge of the sieve 400 to allow easier insertion of the lid 200 onto the sieve 400. The formations 450 are seamlessly connected to the sieve sidewall 420 to eliminate the risk of food, ice or other debris being trapped, thereby making it easier to clean.

[0053] The screen 400 has a flat base 430 with an inclined periphery 460 connecting the flat base 430 to the screen sidewalls 420. There are no seams between the flat base 430, the inclined periphery 460 and the screen sidewalls 420, thereby eliminating the risk of food, ice or other debris being trapped, thereby making cleaning easier.

[0054] The sieve 400 includes a plurality of holes 470 through the thickness of the base 430 for transferring processed food from the processing space 130 to the container space 140. The plurality of holes 470 also extend through the thickness of the inclined periphery 460 of the sieve 400. The plurality of holes 470 may extend perpendicular to the inclined periphery 460 or perpendicular to the sieve base 430. In one variation, the edges of the holes 470 are beveled to reduce the risk of injury away from sharp edges and facilitate cleaning.

[0055] Figure 4 A view of the sieve 400 with the processing tool 50 inserted is shown. The sieve 400 has six holes 470, which are elongated, curved, and rounded at the ends. In one variation, there are multiple holes 470 to increase the area through which the processed food can pass, thereby reducing the processing time and / or changing the fineness of the processed food. In order to avoid reducing the structural integrity of the sieve base 430, the holes 470 are narrow and do not extend into each other.

[0056] The hole 470 is formed as a part of a circumference. The distance from the center of the sieve 400 to the center of the hole is defined as the radius of the circumference 472, and the radius of the circumference 472 is less than the outer radius of the sieve 400 but greater than the radius of the tool mounting seat 440. Six holes 470 are located at two different circumferences 472, wherein there are three holes 470 on each circumference 472. The hole 470 is staggered so that the center of the hole 470 of the inner layer is located in the middle of the center of the hole 470 of the outer layer. In a variant, the hole 470 is located on the circumference of more than two different radii and / or has different numbers of holes 470 on each circumference. The width of the hole 470 is less than the distance between the two circumferences 472, so that the holes 470 on different circumferences 472 will not touch or merge. This maintains the structural integrity of the sieve base 430. It will be appreciated that a different number of holes (eg from 3 or 4 or 5 or 10, or up to 10 or 20 or 30 or 40) and a different number of circles of different radii (eg 3 or 4) may be provided.

[0057] The holes 470 are evenly distributed around the circumference, that is, the distance from the center of any hole 470 in the clockwise direction to the center of the next hole 470 is equal to the same measurement in the counterclockwise direction. This creates rotational symmetry for the holes 470 on any one circumference 472. The holes occupy more than half of the circumference 472 of the screen base 430. In a variation, the holes 470 are not evenly distributed around the circumference, occupy less than half of the circumference and / or overlap the angled periphery 460 of the screen 400.

[0058] In further variations, the holes 470 are spaced at different distances from the center of the screen 500 (and are generally not located on a circular circumference). The holes 470 themselves may include any shape (e.g., elongated) or may be oriented such that the longest extension of the holes 470 does not extend in the circumferential direction, but may be oriented at an angle thereto, forming, for example, a radial or spiral pattern.

[0059] Figure 5 A variation of the sieve 400 is shown. The underside of the sieve base 430 has eight protrusions 480, which are located on a portion of the circumference, and the centers of the protrusions 480 have a common circumference. The protrusions 480 are located on two circumferences of different radius, with four protrusions 480 on each circumference. The radius of the circumference can be any radius between the outside radius of the sieve 400 and the radius of the tool mount 440. The protrusions 480 are in the form of walls that deviate from the circular circumference and curve around the circular circumference, and also curve away from the bottom surface of the sieve base 430. The wall of each protrusion 480 defines a hole 482, which is at least partially located adjacent to the hole 470 of the sieve. This provides a path for processed food to enter the container space 140 from the processing space 130 through the hole 470 of the sieve and the hole 482 of the protrusion. The protrusions 480 also provide protection for the user by reducing the risk of accidental contact with the food processing tool 50 if the food processing tool 50 is used in the sieve 400 without the container 100 in place.

[0060] The protrusions 480 on the circumference of each radius are evenly distributed around the circumference of the screen base 430; that is, the distance from the center of any protrusion 480 to the center of the next protrusion 480 in the clockwise direction is equal to the same measurement in the counterclockwise direction. There are protrusions 480 on the circumference of two different radii; the size of the protrusions 480 on the circumference of the smaller radius is smaller than the size of the protrusions 480 on the circumference of the larger radius. The protrusions 480 are seamlessly connected to the bottom surface of the screen base 430, and the edges of the protrusions 480 are beveled to reduce the risk of injury and facilitate easier cleaning. In one variation, there are multiple holes 470 located on the circumference of more than one radius; they are not evenly distributed around the circumference and / or the size of the protrusions is independent of their location on the screen base 430.

[0061] The screen shoulder 410b has at least one locating pin 412 for engaging with the container sidewall 110. The at least one locating pin 412 facilitates easier assembly of the screen 400 to the container sidewall 110 by providing pre-alignment between the screen protrusion 416 and the container 100. In one variation, there is a single locating pin 412 that is configured to allow the screen 400 to be assembled to the container sidewall 110 in only one orientation. In another variation, there are multiple locating pins 412 that are evenly distributed around the circumference of the screen shoulder 410b, thereby allowing the screen 400 to be assembled to the container sidewall 110 in multiple orientations. In different variations, the multiple locating pins 412 are configured to only allow the screen 400 to be assembled to the container sidewall 110 in one orientation.

[0062] The screen shoulder 410b has a plurality of protrusions 416. The protrusions 416 are a plurality of straight edges around the periphery of the screen shoulder 410b, seamlessly connected to form a joint surface. The protrusions 416 can be configured to limit the relative rotation of the screen 400 and the container sidewall 110. The protrusions 416 are beveled at the outer edge to reduce the risk of injury and facilitate easier cleaning.

[0063] Figure 6 An insert 500 is shown. The insert 500 is disc-shaped, flat and circular in cross-section, with a thickness less than the diameter of the cross-section and a constant thickness across the cross-section. This can allow for compact storage of multiple such inserts and facilitate easier cleaning of each such insert.

[0064] There are six formations 510 on the periphery of the insert 500. The formations 510 are in the form of recesses with a V-shaped cross-section and extend through the thickness of the insert 500. The formations 510 facilitate positioning the insert 500 in the screen 400. The plurality of recesses 510 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the insert 500; that is, the distance from the center of any one recess 510 in the clockwise direction to the center of the next recess 510 is equal to the same measurement in the counterclockwise direction. This creates rotational symmetry for the recesses 510 on the insert 500. The edges of the recesses 510 are beveled to reduce the risk of injury from sharp edges and facilitate easier cleaning. In a variant, there are multiple recesses and / or they are unevenly distributed around the periphery of the insert 500.

[0065] The insert 500 is provided with a hole 520 for placing the food processing tool 50. The hole 520 extends through the thickness of the insert 500 and is configured to allow the insert 500 to be inserted into the mounting seat 440 on the sieve 400. The hole 520 is circular in cross section and is located at the center of the insert 500.

[0066] The insert 500 has holes 530 for transferring processed food from the processing space 130 to the container space 140, which holes 530 extend through the thickness of the insert 500. The holes 530 are located on a portion of the circumference 540. The distance from the center of the insert 500 to the center of the circumference 540 is defined as the radius of the circumference 540, and the radius of the circumference 540 is smaller than the outer radius of the insert 500 but larger than the radius of the holes 520. The holes 530 are located at two circumferences 540 of different radius, wherein sixteen holes 530 are located on the circumference 540 of the outer circle and eight holes 530 are located on the circumference of the inner circle. The width of the holes 530 is less than the distance between the two circumferences 540, so that the holes 530 on different circumferences 540 do not touch or merge. This maintains the structural integrity of the insert 500. It should be understood that different numbers of apertures, clusters and / or circumferences can be provided.

[0067] The holes 530 and 532 can have any size, number, direction, angle and shape relative to the surface of the insert 500. A number of examples are described herein, but should not be considered as limitations on the holes 530 and 532. For example, in one variant, the hole 530b has a rectangular cross-section with rounded corners. The radius of the corners can be constant at all corners, or can be different between at least one corner and at least one other corner. The hole 530b is oriented so that the center point of a straight edge extending parallel to the edge is tangent to the circumference 540 on the insert 500. The holes 530b on the four outer circumferences are combined to form clusters 534, wherein the variant has four outer clusters 534 that are evenly spaced around a single circumference 540; that is, the distance from the center of any one cluster 534 clockwise to the center of the next cluster 534 is equal to the same measurement counterclockwise. In one variant, the edges of the holes 530b are beveled to reduce the risk of injury from sharp edges and facilitate easier cleaning.

[0068] This variant of the insert 500 has eight holes 532 that run through the thickness of the insert 500 and are located on a smaller circumference 540 than the 16 outer ring holes 530b. The holes 532 have a rectangular cross-section with rounded corners. The radius of the corners can be constant at all corners, or can be different between at least one corner and at least one other corner. In this variation, some holes 532 have a D-shaped cross-section, including a flat edge, two main flat edges, and a curved edge connected to the two main flat edges, thereby defining the perimeter of the cross-section. The cross-section of at least one hole 532 is constant over the entire thickness of the insert 500. The corners of this variant of the hole 532 can be sharp or have a small radius to improve food processing quality, reduce time, or facilitate easier cleaning.

[0069] The holes 530 of the insert can have any number or shape. They are positioned so that they overlap or at least partially overlap with the holes 470 in the sieve 400. The size, number and position of the holes 530 have the effect that the combined holes formed by the sieve 500 and the insert 400 are smaller in size and / or number than the holes 470 of the individual sieves. As a result, the food needs to be processed into finer pieces before it can pass through the aperture. The following paragraphs give many different implementation examples.

[0070] Figure 7 A different embodiment of an insert 500 having symmetrical protrusions 550 is shown. Figure 7 The top side of a variant of the insert 500 is shown, wherein eight protrusions 550a are provided on the surface of the insert 500 to improve food processing quality and / or time. The eight protrusions 550a are in the form of a cuboid with beveled edges and beveled angles, and protrude above the insert 500, and the protrusion distance is similar to the thickness of the insert 500. The protrusions 550a are arranged so that the major axis of the cuboid is aligned parallel to the radius of the insert 500. The center of the protrusions 550a is located on the circumference 540 of the insert 500. The protrusions 550a are arranged on two circumferences 540 of different radii, and there are at least four protrusions 550a on each circumference 540. The protrusions 550a have rotational symmetry due to their spacing and direction. In another variation, there are multiple protrusions 550a of any shape, size, number, position and / or direction located on the surface of the insert 500. The protrusions may be integrally formed with the insert 500, or may be separate elements attached by bonding or clamping.

[0071] Figure 8 Shows Figure 6 or Figure 7The bottom side of the insert 500 of the variant shown in (or any other variant) is provided with two protrusions 550b on the surface of the insert to facilitate the removal of the insert 500 from the sieve 400. The protrusions 550b can also prevent incorrect assembly of the insert 500 and the sieve 400, because the processing tool 50 cannot be assembled to the tool mount 440 unless the insert 500 is in the correct position and the protrusions 550b are inserted into the matching holes 470 of the sieve. If the protrusions 550b are not inserted into the holes 470 of the sieve, the insert 500 will deviate from the bottom of the sieve 400, making it impossible to properly install the processing tool 50 and close the lid 200. The protrusions 550b are in the form of protrusions that surround at least a portion of the holes 532. The protrusions 550b are curved in shape, and their walls surround a central hole located adjacent to at least a portion of one of the holes 532. The centers of the protrusions 550b are located on the same circumference 540, and this can correspond to the circumference 540 of the hole 532 or 510. The protrusions 550b are equidistantly distributed around the circumference 540; that is, the distance from the center of any one protrusion 550b clockwise to the center of the next protrusion 550b is equal to the distance of the same measurement counterclockwise, and this produces the rotational symmetry of the protrusions 550b on the insert 500. In one variation, there are multiple protrusions 550b, and the centers of the multiple protrusions 550b are located on at least one circumference 540 and / or are not equidistantly spaced. At least one protrusion 550b has a beveled outer edge to reduce the risk of injury and facilitate easier cleaning. The insert 500 may have either or both of the protrusions 550a and 550b. The shape of the protrusion 550b matches the hole 470 of the screen, allowing the protrusion 550b to be inserted into the hole 470 of the screen when properly assembled.

[0072] Fig. 9 A variant of an insert 500 is shown having Figure 8 The features shown in and the additional protrusion 560 located near the center hole 520, which has a chamfer on one surface in this embodiment. The two protrusions 560 are bent around the center hole 520 and deviate from the center hole 520. The purpose of the additional protrusion 560 is to prevent the screen 400 and the insert 500 from interfering with the processing tool 50 and causing incorrect assembly. If the user places the insert 500 in the screen 400 in the wrong way, the additional protrusion 560 will prevent the blade of the processing tool 50 from cutting into the larger protrusion 550b. The additional protrusion 560 will interfere with the axis of the processing tool 50 and prevent the assembly of the tool 50 in the processor assembly 1. If the user still tries to close the lid 200 using the incorrectly assembled processing tool 50, the lid 200 will not close because the processing tool 50 is too high in the screen 400. It should be understood that in order to prevent the incorrect assembly of the screen 400 and the insert 500, the protrusion 560 can have any number, size, shape or direction.

[0073] Fig.10 Shows Figure 6 The embodiment of the combination of the screen 400 and the insert 500 is shown. Fig.10 , insert 500 is properly assembled into screen 400, and protrusions 550b are inserted into holes 470 of the matching screen.

[0074] Fig.11 Different embodiments of the combination of screen 400 and insert 500 are shown with different insert apertures 530a. Fig.10 and 11 In the embodiment, the insert 500 rests on the screen base 430, and the insert recess 510 is aligned with the screen protrusion 414. A small gap is provided between the insert 500 and the screen 400, thereby forming a loose fit, allowing the combination of the screen 400 and the insert 500 to be easily assembled or disassembled.

[0075] The insert holes 530 are aligned with the sieve holes 470 so that at least a portion of at least one insert hole 530 is adjacent to at least a portion of at least one sieve hole 470. This forms a passage from the food processing space 130 to the container space 140.

[0076] As used herein, "apparent pore area" is preferably defined as the area through which food can move from the food processing space 130 to the container space 140.

[0077] exist Fig.10 and 11 In the variant shown, all of the insert holes 530 are located adjacent to the screen holes 470, so that the resulting apparent pore area is equal to the area of ​​the insert holes 530. Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the illustrated variation, the insert apertures 530 are smaller in area than the sieve apertures 470. In various variations, the sieve base 430 at least partially reduces the apparent aperture area by at least partially overlapping at least one aperture 530, and / or when the sieve and insert combination is assembled, at least one insert aperture 530 is not aligned with the sieve aperture 470. This can be used to improve food processing quality and / or reduce food processing time.

[0078] Fig.12 Shown with Fig. 94. In addition to the features discussed previously, there are small holes 490 for engaging with the additional protrusions 560 on the insert 500. If the insert 500 is properly inserted into the screen 400 (with the additional protrusions 560 facing the screen base 430), the additional protrusions 560 will extend through the small holes 490 in the screen 400 and allow the insert 500 to be properly assembled in the screen 400. The holes 490 correspond to the additional protrusions 560 and can have any number, size, shape or orientation.

[0079] Fig.13 A cross section of an assembled screen 400 and insert 500 combination is shown. The screen 400 has a flat bottom 430 that extends to meet the screen sidewall 420 without an intermediate portion. The insert 500 rests on the screen base 430, and the tool mount 440 protrudes through the insert's aperture 520. At least a portion of at least one insert's aperture 530 is shown aligned with at least a portion of at least one screen's aperture 470.

[0080] Fig.14 There are shown cross sections of different embodiments of the combination of the sieve 400 and the insert 500. The sieve 400 has a protrusion 480, wherein the insert holes 530, the sieve holes 470 and the protrusion holes 482 form a passage from the food processing space 130 to the container space.

[0081] Fig.15 4 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of an assembled screen 400 and insert 500 combination. The insert 500 has a Figure 8 A projection is shown which extends through the screen base 430. In the variation shown, the insert 500 has an elongated aperture 530, thereby forming two through-holes for each aperture 470 in the screen 400.

[0082] In one embodiment, a container space 140, a sieve 400 and a lid 200 are provided, the lid closing the sieve 400 towards the top, and a motor unit 10 can be attached to the lid to drive the food processing tool 50 inside. The food processing tool 50 rotates in the sieve 400 with holes 470 on the base 430 to chop food or ice cubes. When the broken pieces are small enough to enter the holes 470, the broken pieces will fall into the collection container 140 and will no longer be chopped, thereby achieving a very uniform processing result. For the chopping process, some ribs 414 are also needed in the sieve 400 to improve performance and make the process faster. The processing tool 50 is driven by the motor unit 10 connected to the lid 200 of the attachment and rotates around the axis installed in the lower area of ​​the sieve 400. A gear box can also be installed inside the lid 200 to reduce the speed of the blade rotation.

[0083] An insert 500 can be inserted into the bottom of the sieve 400. The insert 500 has a different pattern of holes 530 than the sieve 400, which overlaps with the holes 470 in the sieve 400 and produces a new final hole pattern. The resulting hole pattern has a smaller total hole surface area, which makes the final processing result more refined. In theory, an unlimited number of inserts 500 can be provided, so that the device 1 can be ideally adjusted to suit every possible food, application or market. This allows the device 1 to be better adapted to the food to be processed.

[0084] In addition to changing the holes, the top surface of the insert 500 may also be changed. For example, the insert 500 may be provided with different ribs, different surface structures, patterns, or may be made of different materials to further tailor it to a particular application. For example, the ribs or structures 550 may have the effect of slowing down the movement of food particles, or push them upward toward the processing tool 50, thereby producing finer, faster, or more uniform results, depending on the food for which the insert 500 is intended.

[0085] The size of the holes 530 has the greatest impact on the size and uniformity of the food and ice. More holes 530 of a particular width will give more uniform results than longer holes 530 of the same width. The insert 500 may overlap the holes 470 of the sieve 400 so that the holes 470 of the sieve no longer have an effect.

[0086] To assemble the insert 500 into the screen 400, the insert 500 is placed on the screen base 430 before installing the processing tool 50. The protrusions 550b on the insert 500 enter the two holes 470 on the screen and rotationally lock the insert 500 in place.

[0087] The projection 550b protrudes beyond the base 430 of the sieve and can also serve as a disassembly aid for the user. For disassembly, the user can push the insert 500 upward by pushing the projection 550b, thereby easily removing the insert 500 from the sieve 400.

[0088] If the insert 500 is not pushed far enough (or if the protrusions 500b are not properly aligned with the holes 470 in the sieve 400), the processing tool 50 cannot be installed because the insert 500 is too high inside the sieve 400, preventing the correct assembly of the processing tool 50. The user will clearly notice this because it is impossible to close the cover 200 in this case, thus preventing the processor 1 from being used in the case of incorrect assembly.

[0089] In theory, the sieve 400 (including the processing tool 50, the cover 200 and the motor unit 10) can be operated without the collection container 140. In this case, in theory, a user with smaller fingers can pass through the hole 470 on the underside of the sieve 400 and touch the rotating processing tool 50. In order to minimize this risk, a plurality of protective ribs 480 can be provided around the hole 470. The ribs 480 partially block the hole 470, making it less likely that a finger will pass through them, while they maintain the same cross-section as the hole 470, so that the transfer of food particles is not affected.

[0090] The operation of the present invention is as follows. Insert 500 is placed into sieve 400. Formation 510 on insert 500 engages with protrusion 414 of sieve 400, thereby allowing insert 500 to rest on base 430 of sieve 400. Interlocking structures 414 and 510 prevent relative rotation between sieve and insert. The sieve 400 and insert 500 assembly can then be placed onto food processor container sidewall 110. Food processing tool 50 can then be engaged with mounting seat 440 on sieve 400, and lid 200 can be placed onto sieve 400.

[0091] The food is reduced in size by rotating the food processing tool 50 by the motor unit 10, bringing the food into contact with the tool 50. Once smaller than the size of the hole 530 in the insert 500, the food moves through the holes 530 and 470, and optionally, places 454 and 482 into the container space 140, thereby preventing it from being further processed.

[0092] Insert 500 is interchangeable with other such inserts that may be different, for example by having different sizes, shapes, orientations, and / or numbers of apertures 530 to allow the user to vary the nature of the processed food. Removal of insert 500 is facilitated by protrusions 550b extending below sieve base 430, allowing the user to press insert 500 toward the open end of sieve 400 once sieve 400 is removed from container space 140. Configuration 550b also aids in positioning insert 500 on sieve 400.

[0093] The structure 550a on the insert 500 is used to improve the food processing quality and / or time by interacting with the material during processing. The protrusion 480 on the screen 400 prevents the user from being injured by contacting the food processing tool 50 during operation, and guides the processed food from the hole 482 into the container space 140.

[0094] As used herein, the term "detachably connected" (and similar terms, such as "removable connection"), when used in connection between a first object and a second object, preferably means that the first object is connected to the second object and can be detached (and preferably repeatedly reconnected, detached again, etc.), and / or the first object can be detached from the second object without damaging the first object or the second object; more preferably, the term means that the first object can be reconnected to the second object without damaging the first object or the second object, and / or the first object can be detached from the second object (and optionally reconnected to the second object) by hand and / or without the use of tools (e.g., screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.). In this regard, mechanisms such as snap-on, bayonet-type connections, and manually rotating locking nuts can be used.

[0095] As used herein, the term "processing" preferably refers to any action related to or contributing to the conversion of a product into a food or the conversion of a food into a different form of food, including, for example, the application of mechanical work (e.g., cutting, beating, mixing, whipping, dicing, spiralizing, grinding, extruding, shaping, kneading, etc.) and the application of heat or cooling. "Food" and "foodstuff" as used herein may include beverages and frozen materials as well as materials used to make them (e.g., coffee beans).

[0096] "Food safe" in this context means any substance that, when ingested, does not release clinically significant amounts of substances that are harmful to human health. For example, it should be BPA-free.

[0097] "Dishwasher safe" means that it should remain physically and chemically stable when exposed to the conditions found in a dishwasher for extended periods of time. For example, it should be able to withstand attack by a mixture of water and typical dishwasher materials (e.g., washing with FairyTM or FinishTM dishwasher tablets and water at 82 degrees Celsius for up to 8 hours without showing noticeable deterioration (e.g., cracking)).

[0098] It should be understood that the present invention has been described above by way of example only and that modifications of detail may be made within the scope of the present invention.Each feature disclosed in the specification, claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

[0099] Reference signs appearing in the claims are for illustrative purposes only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An insert for a food processor having a processing tool, characterized in that The insert comprises: a disc having at least one hole for passing food that has been processed by the processing tool; The disc is configured to be positionable in and removable from a screen.

2. The insert according to claim 1, characterized in that The disc comprises at least one formation for enabling positioning of the insert in the screen, preferably the at least one formation is adapted to prevent incorrect positioning of the insert in the screen.

3. The insert according to claim 2, characterized in that The at least one formation is located on an outer periphery of the insert.

4. Insert according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A plurality of holes are provided for passing the food processed by the processing tool; and at least one hole among the plurality of holes is different from another hole.

5. Insert according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The insert has a hole for a machining tool.

6. Insert according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The surface of the disk has at least one texture.

7. The insert according to claim 6, characterized in that A plurality of such formations are provided, symmetrically spaced apart.

8. The insert according to claim 7, characterized in that The formation surrounds at least one aperture.

9. The insert according to claim 8, characterized in that The formations extend radially from the center of the disk.

10. An insert according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Also included is a sieve for use with a food processor.

11. A sieve for a food processor having a processing tool, characterized in that: The sieve comprises: A bowl having at least one hole for passing food that has been processed by a processing tool; wherein an insert can be positioned therein and removed therefrom.

12. The sieve according to claim 11, characterized in that The screen comprises at least one formation for enabling positioning of the insert in the screen, preferably the at least one formation is adapted to prevent incorrect positioning of the insert in the screen.

13. The sieve according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that The screen includes a mount for positioning the processing tool.

14. The sieve according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that The screen includes structure for engaging a lid of a food processor.

15. The sieve according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that The screen has at least one formation on its outer surface that is at least partially adjacent to at least one aperture in the screen.

16. A composite component, characterized in that: Comprising an insert according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a screen according to any one of claims 11 to 15.

17. The composite component according to claim 16, characterized in that At least one insert is positionable in and removable from the screen.

18. A composite component according to claim 16 or 17 as dependent on claims 2 and 12, characterised in that The insert and the formations on the screen are engageable with each other.

19. The combined component according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that: When the insert is positioned in the screen, at least one aperture on the insert is aligned with at least a portion of at least one aperture on the screen.

20. The composite component according to claim 19, characterized in that The plurality of apertures in the insert are aligned with the at least one aperture in the screen.

21. A kit of parts, characterized in that: Comprising a plurality of inserts, preferably an insert according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

22. The kit of parts according to claim 21, characterized in that At least one of the inserts is different from another of the inserts.

23. The kit of parts according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that Also included is a screen according to any one of claims 11 to 15.

24. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that It also comprises a composite component according to any one of claims 16 to 20.

25. A food processing machine, characterized in that: The invention comprises an insert according to any one of claims 1 to 10, a screen according to any one of claims 11 to 15, a combined component according to any one of claims 16 to 20 and / or a kit of parts according to any one of claims 21 to 24.

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