Wooden bowls for vertical blenders and related methods

Abstract

The invention relates to a wooden bowl for a vertical mixer and a related method. The stirring bowl includes a bowl body defining an exterior and an interior cavity and including a plurality of stacked segments. The laminated segments are substantially made of wood and are arranged in alternating layers of a first type and layers of a second type along the height of the bowl body. Wherein the layers of the first type include respective ones of the stack segments having a width extending in a first transverse direction relative to the bowl body and coupled together along a seam extending in a second transverse direction relative to the bowl body. The second lateral direction is perpendicular to the first lateral direction. The second type of layer includes respective ones of the stack segments having a width extending in a second lateral direction relative to the bowl body and coupled together along a seam extending in a first lateral direction relative to the bowl body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a combined wooden and metal bowl for a KitchenAid stand mixer, and more particularly, to a wooden bowl with a metal lining configured to be used with a stand mixer. Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a mixing bowl includes a bowl body that defines an exterior and an interior cavity and includes a plurality of laminated segments. The laminated segments are substantially composed of wood and are arranged along the height of the bowl body in alternating first-type layers and second-type layers, where the first-type layers include corresponding laminated segments in the laminated segments that have a width extending in a first lateral direction relative to the bowl body and are coupled together along a seam extending in a second lateral direction relative to the bowl body. The second lateral direction is perpendicular to the first lateral direction. The second-type layers include corresponding laminated segments in the laminated segments that have a width extending in the second lateral direction relative to the bowl body and are coupled together along a seam extending in the first lateral direction relative to the bowl body.

[0003] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a mixing bowl includes assembling a plurality of laminated layers from corresponding pluralities of wooden boards. Each wooden board defines a width across the grain structure of the board and is coupled together at corresponding seams extending along the respective lengths of the boards between them. The laminated layers each have a height corresponding to the thickness of the wooden board in a direction perpendicular to its width and length. The method further includes joining the laminated layers together in a direction corresponding to the respective heights of the laminated layers to form a blank. The laminated layers are arranged continuously in alternating first and second orientations. The first orientation causes the respective lengths of the wooden boards to extend in a first direction, and the second orientation causes the respective lengths of the wooden boards to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The method further includes shaping the blank into a bowl body that defines an exterior and an interior cavity.

[0004] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a mixing bowl for a stand mixer includes a bowl body that defines an exterior and an interior cavity and is formed from a blank having a plurality of laminated layers. Each laminated layer is assembled from a corresponding plurality of wood boards. Each wood board defines a width across the grain structure of the board and is coupled together at corresponding seams extending along the respective lengths of the boards therebetween. The laminated layers each have a height corresponding to the thickness of the wood boards in a direction perpendicular to their width and length. The laminated layers are joined together in a direction corresponding to the respective heights of the laminated layers to form the blank. The laminated layers are arranged continuously in alternating first and second orientations. The first orientation has the respective lengths of the wood boards extending in a first direction, and the second orientation has the respective lengths of the wood boards extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The mixing bowl for a stand mixer further includes a coating applied to at least a majority of the bowl body and a mounting base coupled to the exterior of the bowl body and configured to couple the mixing bowl to a holding structure of the stand mixer.

[0005] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a mixing bowl for a stand mixer includes an outer body and a liner. The outer body is substantially formed of wood and defines an exterior and an interior cavity. The liner is substantially formed of metal and is coupled within the interior cavity of the outer body to define the inner surface of the mixing bowl. A mounting base is coupled to the exterior of the outer body and is configured to couple the mixing bowl to a holding structure of the stand mixer.

[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a mixing bowl for a stand mixer includes an outer body that is substantially formed of wood and defines an exterior, an interior cavity, an upper edge between the exterior and the interior cavity, and a groove extending inwardly from an inner wall defining the interior cavity adjacent the upper edge. The mixing bowl further includes a liner having an upper flange, substantially formed of metal, and coupled within the interior cavity of the outer body to define the inner surface of the mixing bowl at least by receiving the upper flange within the groove of the outer body.

[0007] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a mixing bowl for a stand mixer may include coupling a metal liner within the interior cavity of an outer body to define the inner surface of the mixing bowl. The outer body is substantially formed of wood and defines an exterior and an interior cavity. The method further includes coupling a mounting base to the exterior of the outer body. The mounting base is configured to couple the mixing bowl to a holding structure of the stand mixer.

[0008] Those skilled in the art will further understand and appreciate these and other features, advantages, and purposes of the present disclosure by reference to the following specification, claims, and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In the drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 Is a perspective view of a wooden mixing bowl according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the wooden mixing bowl being shown for use in combination with a stand mixer;

[0011] Figure 2 Is the wooden mixing bowl removed from the stand mixer Figure 1 Perspective view of;

[0012] Figure 3 Is a perspective view showing a plurality of wooden boards in an assembled state of the wooden mixing bowl;

[0013] Figure 4 Is shown Figure 3 Perspective view of a plurality of wooden boards assembled into a stacked layer, showing additional wooden boards in an additional assembled position in a further assembled state of the wooden mixing bowl;

[0014] Figure 5 Is a perspective view of a plurality of stacked layers assembled into a blank in another assembled state of the wooden mixing bowl;

[0015] Figure 6 Is Figure 5 Perspective view of the blank being formed into the bowl body of the mixing bowl in another assembled state of the mixing bowl;

[0016] Figure 7 Is a perspective view of an alternative blank with offset stacked layers;

[0017] Figure 8 Is Figure 7 Perspective view of the blank being formed into the bowl body of the mixing bowl in another assembled state of the mixing bowl;

[0018] Figure 9 Is Figure 7 Perspective view from below of the blank being formed into the bowl body of the mixing bowl;

[0019] Figure 10 Is shown in an assembled state with the mounting base of the wooden mixing bowl Figure 9 Perspective view from below of the bowl body;

[0020] Figure 11 Is Figure 10 Perspective view from below of the wooden mixing bowl with the bowl body and the mounting base assembled together;

[0021] Figure 12 Is a perspective view of an alternative wooden mixing bowl according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 13 Is Figure 12 Cross-sectional view of the wooden mixing bowl;

[0023] Figure 14 Is Figure 12 A cross-sectional detail view of the wooden mixing bowl and its metal lining in an assembled state;

[0024] Figure 15 According to one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 12 A cross-sectional detail view of the wooden mixing bowl and its metal lining in an assembled state;

[0025] Figure 16 According to an alternative aspect of the present disclosure Figure 12 A three-dimensional assembled view of the wooden mixing bowl;

[0026] Figure 17 A three-dimensional view of an alternative wooden mixing bowl according to another aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0027] Figure 18 Is Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the wooden mixing bowl.

[0028] The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather are focused on illustrating the principles described herein. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0029] The presently illustrated embodiments are mainly concerned with combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to the mixing bowl. Accordingly, where appropriate, apparatus components and method steps have been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, and the drawings show only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that would be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art who have benefited from the description herein. In addition, like reference numerals in the specification and drawings denote like elements.

[0030] For the purposes of the description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and their derivatives shall be related to the disclosure oriented as in Figure 1 Unless otherwise indicated, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of the element closer to the intended observer, and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of the element farther from the intended observer. However, it should be understood that unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the present disclosure may assume various alternative orientations. It should also be understood that the specific apparatus and processes shown in the drawings and described below are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Thus, unless the claims otherwise explicitly state, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0031] The term "comprising", "including" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises a series of elements does not include only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to the process, method, article or apparatus. Elements followed by "comprising..." are not excluded from the process, method, article or apparatus that includes such an element, additional identical elements may exist without further limitation.

[0032] Ordinal modifiers (i.e., "first", "second", etc.) may be used to distinguish various structures of the disclosed articles in various contexts, but such ordinals are not necessarily intended to apply to such elements outside of the particular context in which they are used, and in various aspects, different elements within the same category of elements may be identified with the same context-specific ordinal. In such cases, other specific names for the elements are used to clarify the overall relationship between these elements. Ordinals are not used to specify the location of elements, nor do they exclude additional or intermediate unordered elements, nor do they indicate the importance or ranking of elements within a particular category.

[0033] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (and all its forms) generally means that two components are directly or indirectly connected to each other (electrically or mechanically). Such a connection can be fixed or movable in nature. Such a connection can be achieved through two (electrical or mechanical) components and any additional intermediate members, which are integrally formed with one of the two components or integrally formed with the two components as a single entity. Unless otherwise stated, such a connection can be permanent or removable or releasable in nature.

[0034] For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms "about", "approximately" or "substantially" are intended to mean that the value of a parameter is close to the stated value or position. However, minor differences may prevent the value or position from being exactly as stated. Thus, unless otherwise stated, differences of up to ten percent (10%) of a given value are reasonable differences from the ideal target as described exactly. In many cases, a significant difference may be when the difference is greater than ten percent (10%), except in cases where a person of ordinary skill in the art would otherwise understand based on the context in which such terms are used.

[0035] Reference Figures 1 to 11, reference numeral 10 denotes a mixing bowl. The mixing bowl 10 includes a bowl body 12 that defines an exterior 14 and an interior cavity 16 and includes a plurality of laminated segments 50. The laminated segments 50 are substantially composed of wood and are arranged in alternating first type 50a and second type 50b layers 52 along the height H of the bowl body 12, wherein the first type of layer 52a includes corresponding laminated segments in the laminated segments 50 that have a width 54 extending in a first transverse direction 56 relative to the bowl body 12 and are coupled together along a seam 58 extending in a second transverse direction 60 relative to the bowl body 12. The second transverse direction 60 is perpendicular to the first transverse direction 56. The second type of layer 52b includes corresponding laminated segments in the laminated segments 50 that have a width 54 extending in the second transverse direction 60 relative to the bowl body 12 and are coupled together along a seam 58 extending in the first transverse direction 56 relative to the bowl body 12.

[0036] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, in at least one aspect, the mixing bowl 10 may include a mounting base 22 that is coupled to the bowl body 12 on the exterior 14 of the bowl body 12 and is configured to couple the mixing bowl 10 to a holding structure M of a stand mixer S ( Figure 1 ). It will be appreciated that the depicted stand mixer S is merely exemplary, and the mixing bowl 10 described herein may be adapted to work with different types of stand mixers. Generally, a stand mixer S is typically constructed as an electrical device for mixing ingredients. According to a typical configuration, the stand mixer S includes a holding structure in the form of a bowl mount M that is defined on a base B for anchoring or otherwise removably holding various mixing bowls. The stand mixer S includes an output O to which various mixing tools may be attached for use in combining various ingredients and desired outcomes or purposes. The stand mixer S is configured to drive such tools (including the depicted beater attachment A) in a planetary motion that involves rotating the mixing tool about a moving axis that rotates about a central fixed axis (which is aligned with the center of the mixing bowl 10). For example, such an arrangement is used to effect a more uniform incorporation of ingredients during mixing by re-incorporating the ingredients. The mixing bowl 10 is removably coupled to the bowl mount via the aforementioned mounting base 22 such that the beater attachment A may, for example, mix or otherwise process the ingredients contained in the mixing bowl 10. As shown, in one aspect, the beater attachment A may be used to prepare pastes, frostings, and other viscous food products that are intended to be thicker in consistency than, for example, items processed using a blender, without depositing as a sticky mass like, for example, dough (e.g., dough may be processed using a separate element in the form of a hook).

[0037] This vertical mixer S can generally be referred to as a "tilt-head" vertical mixer, in which the mixing head H is rotatably fixed about the upper end of the base B to an extent sufficient to move the mixing tool (i.e., the whisk attachment A) upward out of the mixing bowl 10, so that the tool can be removed or the interior of the mixing bowl 10 can be accessed or removed (e.g., for adding ingredients or removing the mixed product). As Figure 1 shown, the vertical mixer S includes the above-mentioned mixing head H connected to the base B, and the base B supports the mixing head H above the working surface W. The mixing head H encloses a drive motor, which is configured to drive the planetary motion of the output end O as described above and to rotate the coupler within the attachment hub C. In one example, the drive motor can be a variable-speed AC motor, which can be controlled by the user via an accessible slide control knob on the outside of the mixing head H. In other examples, the drive motor can be a DC motor, including a brushless DC motor that can be digitally controlled using an adaptation of the control knob or using a digital interface.

[0038] Still referring to Figure 2 , each of the first and second types of layers 52a and 52b can be configured such that each corresponding laminated segment 50 has a common height 62 in the direction of the height H of the bowl body 12, so that each layer 52a, 52b has the same height 62 as the segment 50. In one example, the height 62 of each layer 52a, 52b can be about 1 inch (e.g., 1.00" + / - 0.050"). The width 54 of the laminated segment 50 can be between about 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches (e.g., + / - 5%). More specifically, the segment 50 can have the same width 54 within a given range, including the segments 50 in the first layer type 52a and the laminated segments 50 in the second layer type 52b, which are configured to always have a substantially uniform width (e.g., + / - 5%). Additionally, the first type of layer 52a and the second type of layer 52b can have the same height, e.g., within the range provided above, such that all the laminated segments 50 have these same dimensions, although the individual laminated segments 50 have different shapes or configurations, as described below. In this regard, the main difference between the "types" of the described layers 52a and 52b can be the direction 56 or 60 in which the width 54 of the segment 50 extends and the corresponding direction of the seam 58 between the segments 50. As described above, these features are oriented at 90° to each other between the first layer type 52a and the second layer type 52b, respectively.

[0039] All of the laminated segments 50 within the two layer types 52a and 52b can be coupled together along the respective seams 58 using an adhesive. Various types of adhesives (including glues, etc.) can be approved for indirect food contact and will thus be suitable for coupling the laminated segments 50 along the respective seams 58. Additionally, successive layers within the alternating layers 52a and 52b can meet along the interface 64 and can be similarly coupled together along this interface using the same adhesive or glue as used in the seam 58. In one aspect, the dimensions of the segments 50 provided herein, as well as the orientation of the segments 50 between the layer types 52a and 52b and the type of wood forming the segments 50, can be interrelated such that the specific dimensions described herein can be adapted to minimize the separation of the segments 50 along the seams 58 and the interface 64 between successive layers 52a and 52b, as well as the breakage of the segments 50, particularly along the end grain of the wood disposed along certain segments 50 that extends at least partially across the exposed exterior 19 or the inner surface 20 of the bowl body 12 through the width 54 of the specific segment 50. In another aspect, such dimensions may be particularly suitable when the segments 50 are made of walnut wood (including with respect to its texture structure, texture type, harness, density, moisture content, etc.), and other wood species having one or more similar related characteristics are also generally suitable for the dimensions and configurations discussed herein.

[0040] As Figures 3 to 8 shown, the laminated segment 50 can be a formed portion of a laminate 50' having a width 54 corresponding to the respective width 54 of the laminated segment 50. In this way, the direction in which the respective width 54 of the laminated segment 50 extends (e.g., a corresponding one of the first direction 56 and the second direction 60) can span the grain direction 66 of the laminate. More specifically, the mixing bowl 10 can be manufactured in this way by a method including assembling a plurality of wood boards 50' into a plurality of laminated layers 52'. As mentioned, each wood board 50' defines a width 54 that spans the grain structure of the board, which will exhibit a generally defined grain direction 66. As Figure 3 shown, a specific number of boards 50' are selected for a given layer (e.g., Figure 3 layer 52a' therein) based on the dimensions of the board (i.e., its width 54 and height 62) and the desired dimensions of the bowl, including such that the resulting laminated layer 52a' is larger than the desired dimensions of the mixing bowl 10 at the corresponding location along the height H of the mixing bowl 10. In a similar manner, the boards 50' can be cut to length 68 along similar considerations. Additionally, some of the boards 50' can be cut with chamfers 70 at one or both ends to reduce material use and / or facilitate the forming of the resulting segments 50 (or the mixing bowl 10 generally).

[0041] As Figure 3As shown, a suitable number of boards 50' are coupled together at respective seams 58' therebetween that extend along a respective length 68 of the wooden boards 50'. The boards 50' can be processed (e.g., using a planing or joining process with suitable equipment) to ensure their consistent fit along the seams 58'. As described above, the boards 50' can be joined together along the seams 58' using a food-safe wood glue or other suitable adhesive, which can include applying an appropriate amount of adhesive between the wooden boards such as Figure 3 shown to align the wooden boards along the seam 58' and physically hold them in contact along the seam 58' until the adhesive has dried or cured to an acceptable degree, which can be accomplished using clamps or the like. It will be appreciated that the resulting laminates 52' each have a height 62 corresponding to the thickness 62 of the wooden boards 50' (measured in a respective direction perpendicular to their width 54 and length 68). After an acceptable number of laminates 52' have been assembled, given the desired height H of a given mixing bowl 10 and the height 62 of the layers 52', the laminates 52' are joined together in a direction corresponding to the respective height 62 of the laminates 52' (i.e., vertically, in the direction shown in the reference figure) to form a blank 12'( Figure 5 ).

[0042] As Figure 4 shown, the laminates 52' are arranged continuously in alternating first and second orientations corresponding to the resulting layer types 52a and 52b described above. More specifically, as Figure 4 shown, a first laminate 52a' is considered to be positioned in a first orientation such that the respective length 68 of the wooden boards 50' extends in a first direction 56. Then, a second laminate 52b' is positioned vertically above the first laminate 52a' in a second orientation, which causes the respective length 68 of the wooden boards 50' in this layer 52b' to extend in a second direction 60, which, as described above, is determined to be perpendicular to the first direction. The second laminate 52b' is then joined to the first laminate 52a' along the resulting interface 64' therebetween. As described above, this joining can be accomplished using the same adhesive applied between the seams 58' and can include subjecting the laminates 52a', 52b' to a planing process or the like to also ensure a consistent fit along the interface 64. In this regard, it should be noted that Figure 4The second laminate 52b’ is shown in a disassembled state, but in one example, for efficiency, all of the laminates 52a’ and 52b’ can be assembled simultaneously before being assembled together, since the only apparent difference between the layers 52a’ and 52b’ may be their orientation. Additionally, it should be noted that the configuration of the laminates 52a’ and 52b’ can be considered to be roughly determined by the configuration of the plate 50’ and its resulting width 54 and length 68 (e.g., the grain direction of the plates in the specified first layer 52a’ corresponds to the second direction 60) to define the first direction 56 and the second direction 60.

[0043] As Figure 5 shown, these layers are positioned alternately such that they correspond in their orientation to the described first layer 52a’ and second layer 52b’. More specifically, each successive layer 52a’ or 52b’ is oriented such that the seam 58’ (and the length 68 of the plate 50’) extends perpendicular (with an acceptable tolerance, such as + / - 1°) to the layer 52b’ or 52a’ directly beneath it. It can be understood that this continuously alternating orientation arrangement results in the alternating layer types 52a and 52b of the resulting mixing bowl 10. Once an acceptable number of assembled laminates 52a and 52b are stacked together, the resulting blank 12’ can be clamped or loaded to maintain a tight and / or slightly compressed relationship between the interfaces 64’ until the adhesive has dried or cured acceptably. As Figure 6 shown, once the blank 12’ has been assembled to the desired size, the blank 12’ can be formed into the desired form of the bowl body 12, as Figure 8 shown, including the desired shape of the exterior 14 and the interior cavity 16. This forming can also include forming the base portion 24 ( Figure 9 ), to which the mounting base 30 is fixed, as Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown.

[0044] It can be understood that forming the blank 12’ into the bowl body 12 causes the wooden plates 50’ to be reconfigured respectively as described above and as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 6The laminated segment 50 shown in [description]. In this way, the laminated segment 50 can be characterized as the formed part of the corresponding plate 50' with a width 54 corresponding to the width 54 of the resulting laminated segment 50, where the corresponding width 54 is measured in the corresponding first direction 56 and second direction 60, which are determined by the orientation of the wooden plate 50' in the laminated layers 52a' and 52b', as described above. In this way, the relevant orientation in the bowl body 12 can be demonstrated at least by evaluating the direction of the seam 58 between the segments in a given layer type 52a or 52b, because this direction (which can be evaluated by comparing the position of this seam 58 between the exterior 14 and the inner cavity 16) will remain consistent after formation. As described above, the width 54 of the laminated segment 50 will extend across the grain direction 66 of the wooden plate 50' and the resulting segment 50, such that portions of the end grain 72 are exposed on the exterior 14 and the interior 16 of the bowl body 12. In this way, and consistent with the above discussion, the height 62 of each of the laminated layers 52a' and 52b' can be approximately 1 inch, resulting in the segments 50 having the same height 62 after the bowl body 12 is formed. Similarly, the width 54 of the wooden plate 50' can be between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches, and can result in the segments 50 having the same width 54 after being formed. It can be understood that the individual plates in the plate 50' for the final assembly of the blank 12' can be formed into multiple segments in the segment 50, such that some of the segments in the segment 50 can come from the same plate 50'.

[0045] As Figure 2 shown, the resulting mixing bowl 10 can be constructed such that the wall thickness T of the bowl body 12 is approximately 1 / 2 inch, or in a more specific example, 0.47 inches, or in another specific example, 0.472 inches (given an acceptable tolerance corresponding to such dimensions). The total height H of the mixing bowl 10 can be approximately 7.5" (+ / -.01"), the outer diameter D is approximately 9.4", and the inner diameter is approximately 8.4". It should be understood that the methods described herein can be used to manufacture different types of bowls having different configurations and / or different dimensions than those shown and described herein.

[0046] The step of forming the blank 12' into the bowl body 12 can be carried out by selectively removing material from the blank 12' using a mechanical process. Such a process can be carried out using a lathe, a milling machine, etc., and a sanding process can be used for finishing. Any of these processes can be carried out using a manually controlled machine or an automated machine (i.e., a CNC lathe or a CNC milling machine) or various combinations thereof. As Figure 6As shown, the shaping of the bowl 12 in specific dimensions relative to the above-mentioned dimensions of the plank 50' may cause some of the seams 58 to be vertically aligned between consecutive layers 52a and 52b, or within a predetermined range of vertical alignment (e.g., 1 cm), which may be undesirable. Examples of such alignment are shown in FIG. Figure 6 The seam shown as 58a in FIG. 5 is shown, but may exist in other areas in other configurations of the laminate layer 52' ​​and / or the bowl body 12. To eliminate this, the layer 52a o ' and 52b o ' (i.e., the layers corresponding to the aligned seams 58a) can be offset from the position of the next consecutive layer 52a' or 52b' having the same orientation (or from a "centered" position, for example, determined by the lowermost layer 52a'). In this regard, the direction of the deviation corresponds to the direction of the width 54 of the board 50' in a given layer 52a' (i.e., transverse to the grain direction 66). The degree to which the subject layer stack 52a' or 52b' is offset can vary depending on the positioning of the associated seam 58a and other affected seams 58, such that the deviation eliminates the associated alignment state without introducing other alignment states in other affected seams 58. Figure 7 As shown, the stacked layer 52a is in one orientation o ' respectively in another orientation (ie, perpendicular to layer 52a o ') another stacked layer 52b o ' above and below the joint, wherein the stacked layer 52a o ' offset relative to each other. In the example shown, the two layers 52a o ' are offset in the same orientation relative to the other laminate layer 52a', but in some examples, the laminate layer 52a o Only one of them can be used in this way similar to the middle layer 52b o ' way. It can be seen that this deviation causes the lower stack layer 58a o The seams 58' between the panels 50' (and the seams 58 between the segments 50) in the ' are offset in the relative direction 60 from the other contrasting laminate layer 52a. o ' plate (and this deviation can be proved thereby). Figure 8 The effect of this deviation on the resulting bowl body 12 is shown in FIG.

[0047] In any example, after the bowl body 12 is formed, the bowl body 12 can be coated with a polymeric material to help seal the bowl body 12 against liquid intrusion and / or to improve the durability of the resulting mixing bowl 10. In various aspects, the coating can be a polymeric material and can be a coating designated as safe for food contact. In one example, such a coating can be polyurethane, which can be applied by spraying, painting, dipping, etc. The coating can be applied over the entire bowl body 12, or in some examples only within the inner cavity 16, or over the entire bowl body 12 except for the portion along the base portion 24 that is not covered by the mounting base 22.

[0048] Referring Figures 12 to 15 , where features similar to those discussed above are denoted by like numerals incremented by 100, the reference numeral 110 generally denotes a mixing bowl for a stand mixer S according to another aspect of the present disclosure (as Figure 2 shown). The mixing bowl 110 includes an outer body 112 that is substantially constructed of wood and defines an exterior 114 and an inner cavity 116. The mixing bowl 110 also includes a liner 118 that is substantially constructed of metal and is coupled within the inner cavity 116 of the outer body 112 so as to define an inner surface 120 of the mixing bowl 110. A mounting base 122 is coupled to the outer body 112 on the exterior 114 of the outer body 112 and is configured to couple the mixing bowl 110 to a holding structure of the stand mixer S.

[0049] The interaction of various types of tools that can be used in conjunction with the stand mixer S to process ingredients within the mixing bowl 110 can subject the inner surface 120 of the mixing bowl 110 to repeated impacts and scraping from the mixing tools used. While certain implementations of the beater attachment A shown herein can have rubber "flexible edges", other implementations thereof as well as other tools such as mixers and dough hooks can be metal. In particular, a mixer can be configured to make intentional periodic contact with the inner surface 120 of the mixing bowl. When such tools are used in conjunction with a wooden mixing bowl, the periodic contact of the metal tools with the interior and the frequent internal cleaning can result in undesirable wear to its inner surface. Accordingly, the mixing bowl of the present invention incorporates the metal liner 118 described above to provide a durable inner surface 120 of the mixing bowl 110 that includes a wooden outer body 112, which may be preferred by some consumers for aesthetic purposes as well as for weight reduction and environmental considerations. In this way, the inner surface 120 defined on the metal liner 118 can provide improved durability compared to wooden bowls without such a liner and some plastic bowls.

[0050] In at least one implementation of the mixing bowl 110 generally described above, the outer body 112 may define a first material thickness T1 between 10 mm and about 15 mm (e.g., all dimensions = / - 10%) along a portion of the outer body 112 that is coupled to the lining 118 (or, for example, in the region where the lining 118 is disposed). For example, the lining 118 may define a second material thickness T2 between 2 mm and 3 mm. In this regard, it should be noted that the thicknesses T1 and T2 recited herein may vary depending on the specific type or species of wood used for the outer body 112 and the type of metal of the lining 118. In various examples, the outer body 112 may be made of various types of hardwoods, including but not limited to walnut, olive, teak, peach, oak, ash, birch, etc. In this way, the outer body 112 may be formed from a blank of the desired type of wood through various woodworking processes, including but not limited to wood turning (i.e., using a lathe, which may be computer-controlled and may involve separate processes and / or machinery for shaping the exterior 114 and the inner cavity 116), CNC milling, etc. In connection with such processes, the blank may include, for example, a plurality of selected wood blocks joined together by gluing, etc. in an arrangement selected according to the wood species (e.g., its hardness, strength, grain profile, etc.) and the shaping process (an example of which is discussed further below). Thus, the thickness T1 of the outer body 112 may vary accordingly based on the selection of any or all of these characteristics or processes (species, blank composition, manufacturing) and the overall geometry of the mixing bowl 110. In this way, the thickness T1 may not be uniform over the entire profile of the outer body 112, but may generally vary to provide additional strength or material in certain regions of the outer body 112, as discussed in some of the examples below. Once manufactured, at least the exterior 114 (e.g., any portion of the outer body 112 not covered by the lining 118) may be sanded and finished using an acceptable coating material (e.g., various food-grade polyurethanes, natural waxes, oils, etc.).

[0051] In a similar manner, the thickness T2 of the liner 118 can vary depending on the metal selected, which can be aluminum, copper, stainless steel, etc., and the manufacturing process. In various examples, a metal spin coating process, a deep drawing process, etc. can be used to form the liner 118. It is worth noting that some harder metals, such as stainless steel, may accommodate thinner profiles than relatively softer or more ductile materials, such as copper, etc. Similarly, some processes may require thicker materials or may result in thinner overall profiles with varying degrees of uniformity. In various implementations of the mixing bowl 110, the liner 118 can be coupled to the outer body by an adhesive layer 125 disposed at least partially between the liner 118 and the lower portion of the outer body 112. The location and amount of the adhesive can vary depending on the type of adhesive used. In some applications, the entire outer surface 127 of the liner 118 can be coated with the adhesive 125 (it should be understood that the adhesive 125 can be applied to the corresponding part(s) of the outer body 112). In other examples, the adhesive layer 125 can include multiple parts, such as a ring applied adjacent to the upper end of the liner 118 and towards its bottom and / or vertical strips extending at intervals of, for example, 45°, 30°, or 20° along the height of the liner 118. Generally, certain adhesives designated for food-related applications can be used (although the adhesive layer 125 is not currently considered to be in a position to contact the actual food product). Such adhesives can have good processability, low viscosity, and high molecular weight, and can include certain pressure-sensitive adhesives, laminating adhesives (including acrylic and urethane adhesives, which can be crosslinked with aliphatic polyisocyanates), hot melt adhesives. The adhesive compositions used in these types of applications can include polyurethanes (which have high adhesion strength and flexibility), solution adhesives, which can be water-based in some applications and / or can include natural polymers or certain resins that can contain starch, such as dextrin or casein).

[0052] In one example, the base portion 124 of the outer body 112 may have an additional material thickness that exceeds thickness T1, which generally corresponds to the wall portion 126 of the outer body 112. In at least one aspect, the additional material may correspond to the raised central region 128 of the inner cavity 116, which reflects the tool movement within the mixing bowl 110 due to the planetary motion of the output end O of the stand mixer S. Notably, the liner 118 may be shaped such that the inner surface 120 reflects the shape of the central region of the inner cavity generally defined by the outer body 112 (including that the thickness T2 of the liner 118 in such a region does not vary significantly). Additionally, the base portion 124 may extend downward to a generally flat base 30, which may define or receive the aforementioned mounting base 122. In various aspects, the mounting base 122 may be configured to engage a specific bowl mount M, which may be consistent for a particular manufacturer or brand of, for example, the stand mixer S. In some variations, the bowl mount M may be configured as a shallow, bayonet or twist-lock mechanism having lugs or flanges that engage with the angled flange 132 on the mounting base 122 by twisting the mixing bowl 110 (e.g., clockwise to secure and counterclockwise to release) when the mixing bowl 110 is received in the bowl mount M. In such an implementation, the angled flange 132 may be formed directly in the wood material of the outer body 112 (e.g., by CNC milling, etc.), or, for increased strength or durability, may be formed on a metal base unit 134 that generally defines the mounting base 122 when coupled to the base portion 124 of the outer body 112, such as as Figure 13 shown. In the example shown, the base unit 134 may be generally cup-shaped to receive the base portion 124 of the outer body 112 therein and may define a circular outer profile sized to fit within the exemplary bowl mount M and including the aforementioned plurality of angled flanges 132 extending outward therefrom. Variations to this arrangement may be made to interoperate with other configurations of the bowl mount. Additionally, the mixing bowl 110 including the wooden outer body 112 and the metal liner 118 according to the disclosure herein may be adapted to work with a bowl-lift stand mixer, which is known in the art.

[0053] As Figure 14 and Figure 15As shown in detail, the outer body 112 may define an upper edge 136 that extends between an exterior 114 and an interior cavity 116. As shown, the upper edge 136 may have a semi-circular profile so as to smoothly engage each of the exterior 114 and the interior cavity 116 at its opposite ends. In the example shown, the outer body 112 further includes a groove 138 that extends inwardly from an inner wall 410 that defines the interior cavity 116. As shown, the groove 138 may be positioned adjacent the upper edge, such as within 5 mm of a transition point 142 between the upper edge 136 and an upper portion 140a of the inner wall 140. In some variations, it should be noted that the groove 138 may be positioned adjacent the transition point 142 (or an end of the upper edge 136) such that there is no discernible portion of the upper portion 140a of the inner wall 140. In either variation, the liner 118 may include an upper flange 144 that is received within the groove. Such an arrangement may help to retain the liner 118 within the interior cavity 116 and may provide an improved seal between an upper edge 145 of the liner 118 and the outer body 112 by embedding a portion of the liner 118 that extends beyond the upper edge 145 (i.e., the upper flange 144) within the outer body 112. As Figure 13 shown, the outer body 112 as described above defines a first material thickness T1 along the inner wall 140 within a portion adjacent the groove 38 and where the liner 118 is positioned thereon. The outer body 112 may further define an additional material thickness T3 on a side of the outer body 112 that is opposite the groove 38. In the example shown, the material thickness T3 may be defined between the upper edge 36 and the groove 138, including at a junction 146 between the groove 138 and one of the inner wall 140 and the upper edge 136. As shown, the material thickness T3 above the groove 138 may be greater than the thickness T1 below the groove 138 such that the junction 146 is substantially flush with an inner surface 120 of the mixing bowl 110 defined by the liner 118. In addition to fitting the upper flange 144 within the groove 38, one or more fasteners 147 ( Figure 15 ) are assembled between the liner 118 and portions of the outer body 112 that are adjacent the upper flange 144 and the groove 138. The one or more fasteners 147 may be small nails, rivets, staples, etc., and may be positioned at regular intervals along the circumference of the liner 118.

[0054] Generally, a method for manufacturing the mixing bowl 110 described herein may include coupling a metal liner 118, as described above, within the inner cavity 116 of a wooden outer body 112 to define an inner surface 120 of the mixing bowl 110. The outer body 112 may be made of wood according to the various processes described above to define an exterior 114 and an inner cavity 116. The method further includes coupling a mounting base 122 to the outer body 112 on the exterior 114 of the outer body 112. As further discussed above, the mounting base 122 is configured to couple the mixing bowl 110 to a holding structure (e.g., a bowl mount B) of a stand mixer M. In various aspects, the description of the mounting base 122 and the outer body 112 may include forming the mounting base 122 and the outer body 112 directly according to the variations described above.

[0055] In one aspect, Figure 13 A particular variation of the mixing bowl 110 shown can be manufactured by forming the outer body 112, as described above. In an additional step, as described above, a groove 138 can be cut or milled in a desired location to receive an upper flange 144 of the liner 118. In one aspect, a wall portion 126 of the mixing bowl 110 below a desired location of the groove 138 can be machined to achieve a desired thickness T1 before or after forming the groove 138 in the outer body 112. Once the groove 38 is formed, according to any of the variations described above and optionally including applying some adhesive within the groove 38, the outer body 112 can be finished and an adhesive layer 125 can be applied within the inner cavity 116. Then the liner 118 can be pressed into place such that the liner 118 deflects inwardly to allow the upper flange 144 to move inwardly ( Figure 14 ), thereby snapping substantially into place within the groove 138 ( Figure 15 ). In various aspects, the geometry of the outer body 112 (including the shape of the upper edge 136 and the location and depth of the groove 138, as well as the width of the flange 144) can be configured to allow assembly in this manner without causing plastic deformation of the liner 118. Then one or more of the above-described fasteners 147 can be assembled between the liner 118 and the outer body 112. In some variations, the fasteners 147 can be used in implementations where the mixing bowl 110 and related methods do not include the adhesive 125.

[0056] In Figure 16 Another variation shown, the outer body 112 may include a lower portion 112a and an upper portion 112b that joins the lower portion at an interface 148. In such an arrangement, the lower portion 112a and the upper portion 112b can jointly define the groove 138 such that the groove 138 extends from or otherwise abuts the interface 148. In such an arrangement, the groove 138 can be initially formed as an open ridge 138’ in the lower portion 112a, asFigure 16 As shown. In other variations, the groove 138 can be similarly initially formed in the upper portion 112b, or can be formed by shallower ridges in each of the lower portion 112a and the upper portion 112b. As shown, in this manufacturing process, the lower portion 112b and the upper portion 112a of the outer body 112 can be formed as generally described above. Then the lining 118 can be assembled with the lower portion 112b of the outer body 112 (including applying an adhesive 125 therebetween). Then, the upper portion 112a can be glued along the interface 148 to couple the upper portion 112a with the lower portion 112b to define the groove 138 (the upper flange 144 being captured within the groove 138) and to provide the upper edge 36 to the outer body 112. The outer bowl can be sanded or otherwise smoothed along the interface 148 at the exterior 114 to provide a generally seamless appearance to the resulting outer body 112, which can then be subjected to the finishing process as described above, or the final stage of such a finishing process (wherein the inner surface 120 is appropriately masked). As described above, the outer body 112 can include multiple layers of wood material, including within the lower portion 112a, where the upper portion 112a is formed or otherwise appears as one of such layers.

[0057] In Figure 17 and Figure 18 In another variation shown, where features similar to those discussed above with respect to Figures 1 to 11 are denoted by similar numbers incremented by 200, the lining can be defined as a metal plating 218 within the inner cavity 216 of the outer body 212. In such a variation, the metal plating 218 can be directly formed within the inner cavity 216 on the outer body 212 using generally known plating processes, or can be otherwise formed from a desired material and formed to a desired thickness as needed, which plating processes can include electroplating, electroless plating (e.g., using nickel), etc. In some examples, a similar layer still generally referred to as the plating 218 can be formed by other processes for depositing a generally thin metal layer, including but not limited to chemical vapor deposition, etc. The outer body 212 used in conjunction with the plating 218 can be similar to the Figure 13 outer body shown such that a greater material thickness can be observed above the plating 218 to achieve a generally smooth transition, but without a groove. In Figure 17 and Figure 18 In another variation shown, the outer body 212 can have a generally uniform thickness T1 through the wall portion 226. In either variation, the plating 218 adheres generally uniformly and, to some extent, integrates with the outer texture structure of the wood of the outer body 212 to obtain a desired level of adhesion and fluid resistance.

[0058] When forming the coating 218 using an electroplating process, it may be desirable to apply a thin metal layer 250 to the inner surface 220, which can be applied as a metal coating or the like. This can be beneficial for forming an electrode base for plating onto the layer 250 and thus onto the outer body 212. After forming the coating 218, it can be polished or finished using other processes such as brushing or the like through any such process.

[0059] The invention disclosed herein is further outlined in the following paragraphs and is also characterized by any and all combinations of the various aspects described herein.

[0060] Paragraph 1: According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a mixing bowl includes a bowl body that defines an exterior and an interior cavity and includes a plurality of laminated segments. The laminated segments are substantially composed of wood and are arranged in alternating first-type layers and second-type layers along the height of the bowl body, where the first-type layers include corresponding laminated segments in the laminated segments that have a width extending in a first transverse direction relative to the bowl body and are coupled together along a seam extending in a second transverse direction relative to the bowl body. The second transverse direction is perpendicular to the first transverse direction. The second-type layers include corresponding laminated segments in the laminated segments that have a width extending in the second transverse direction relative to the bowl body and are coupled together along a seam extending in the first transverse direction relative to the bowl body.

[0061] Paragraph 2: In the mixing bowl of Paragraph 1, each type of layer in the first type and the second type can be configured such that each corresponding layer segment has a common height in the direction of the height of the bowl body, such that each layer defines a height.

[0062] Paragraph 3: In the mixing bowl of Paragraph 2, the height of each layer can be approximately 1 inch.

[0063] Paragraph 4: In the mixing bowl of any one of Paragraphs 1 to 3, the width of the laminated segments in the first layer type and the width of the laminated segments in the second layer type can be between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches.

[0064] Paragraph 5: In the mixing bowl of any one of Paragraphs 1 to 4, the laminated segments of the first layer type and the laminated segments of the second layer type can be coupled together along the corresponding seams using an adhesive.

[0065] Paragraph 6: In the mixing bowl of any one of Paragraphs 1 to 5, the alternating first-type layers and second-type layers can be coupled together using an adhesive.

[0066] Paragraph 7: In the mixing bowl of any one of Paragraphs 1 to 6, the wood can be walnut.

[0067] Paragraph 8: In the mixing bowl of any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, the laminated segments can be formed portions of a laminate having a width corresponding to the respective widths of the laminated segments, and the widths of the laminated segments extend across the grain direction of the laminate.

[0068] Paragraph 9: The mixing bowl of any one of paragraphs 1 to 8 may further include a coating of polymeric material applied over at least a majority of the bowl body.

[0069] Paragraph 10: The mixing bowl of any one of paragraphs 1 to 9 may further include a mounting base that is coupled to the bowl body on an exterior of the bowl body and is configured to couple the mixing bowl to a retaining structure of a stand mixer.

[0070] Paragraph 11: According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a mixing bowl includes assembling a plurality of laminated layers from a corresponding plurality of wood boards. Each wood board defines a width across the grain structure of the board and is coupled together at respective seams extending along the respective lengths of the wood boards therebetween. Each laminated layer has a height corresponding to the thickness of the wood board in a direction perpendicular to its width and length. The method further includes joining the laminated layers together in a direction corresponding to the respective heights of the laminated layers to form a blank. The laminated layers are arranged in a continuous alternating first orientation and second orientation. The first orientation causes the respective lengths of the wood boards to extend in a first direction, and the second orientation causes the respective lengths of the wood boards to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The method further includes shaping the blank into a bowl body defining an exterior and an interior cavity.

[0071] Paragraph 12: In the method of paragraph 11, the height of each laminated layer can be about 1 inch.

[0072] Paragraph 13: In the method of paragraph 11 or paragraph 12, the width of the wood board can be between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches.

[0073] Paragraph 14: In the method of any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, the laminated layers can be joined together along their mutual interfaces using an adhesive.

[0074] Paragraph 15: In the method of any one of paragraphs 11 to 14, assembling the plurality of laminated layers can include coupling the wood boards together along the respective seams using an adhesive.

[0075] Paragraph 16: In the method of any one of paragraphs 11 to 15, shaping the blank into a bowl body causes the wood boards to be reconfigured into laminated segments that are formed portions of respective boards having widths corresponding to the respective widths of the laminated segments, and the widths of the laminated segments extend across the grain direction of the laminate.

[0076] Paragraph 17: The method of any one of paragraphs 11 to 16 may further include applying a coating of polymeric material over at least a majority of the bowl body.

[0077] Paragraph 18: The method of any one of paragraphs 11 to 17 may further include coupling an attachment base to the bowl body on an exterior of the bowl body, the attachment base being configured to couple the mixing bowl to a retaining structure of a stand mixer.

[0078] Paragraph 19: In the method of any one of paragraphs 11 to 18, the step of forming the blank into the bowl body may be performed by selectively removing material from the blank using a mechanical process.

[0079] Paragraph 20: In the method of any one of paragraphs 11 to 19, joining the plurality of laminated layers together may include joining a first laminated layer in a first orientation to a second laminated layer in a second orientation, and joining a third laminated layer in the first orientation to the second laminated layer opposite to the first laminated layer, the seams between the boards in the first laminated layer being offset in a second direction from the boards in the third laminated layer.

[0080] Paragraph 21: According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a mixing bowl for a stand mixer includes a bowl body that defines an exterior and an interior cavity and is formed from a blank having a plurality of laminated layers. Each laminated layer is assembled from a respective plurality of wooden boards. Each wooden board defines a width across the grain structure of the board and is coupled together at respective seams that extend along the respective lengths of the boards. The laminated layers each have a height corresponding to the thickness of the wooden boards in a direction perpendicular to their width and length. The laminated layers are joined together in a direction corresponding to the respective heights of the laminated layers to form the blank. The laminated layers are arranged continuously in alternating first and second orientations. The first orientation causes the respective lengths of the wooden boards to extend in a first direction, and the second orientation causes the respective lengths of the wooden boards to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The mixing bowl for a stand mixer further includes a coating applied over at least a majority of the bowl body and an attachment base coupled to the bowl body on an exterior of the bowl body, the attachment base being configured to couple the mixing bowl to a retaining structure of a stand mixer.

[0081] Paragraph 22: According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a mixing bowl for a stand mixer includes an outer body and a liner, the outer body being substantially formed of wood and defining an exterior and an interior cavity, the liner being substantially formed of metal and coupled within the interior cavity of the outer body so as to define an inner surface of the mixing bowl. An attachment base is coupled to the outer body on an exterior of the outer body and is configured to couple the mixing bowl to a retaining structure of a stand mixer.

[0082] Paragraph 23: In the mixing bowl of paragraph 22, the outer body may define an upper edge between the exterior and the inner cavity and a groove extending inwardly from the inner wall defining the inner cavity adjacent the upper edge, and the lining may include an upper flange received in the groove.

[0083] Paragraph 24: In the mixing bowl of paragraph 23, the outer body may define a first material thickness along the inner wall adjacent the groove, the outer body may define a second material thickness at the junction between the upper edge and the groove, and the second material thickness may be greater than the first thickness such that the junction is substantially flush with the inner surface of the mixing bowl defined by the lining.

[0084] Paragraph 25: In the mixing bowl of paragraph 23 or paragraph 24, the outer body may include a lower portion and an upper portion joined to the lower portion at an interface, and the lower and upper portions may jointly define a groove extending from the interface.

[0085] Paragraph 26: In the mixing bowl of paragraph 25, the lower portion of the body may include multiple layers of wood coupled together.

[0086] Paragraph 27: In the mixing bowl of any one of paragraphs 22 to 26, the outer body may define a first material thickness between 10 mm and about 15 mm along the portion where it is coupled to the lining, and the lining may define a second material thickness between 2 mm and 3 mm.

[0087] Paragraph 28: In the mixing bowl of any one of paragraphs 22 to 27, the lining may be coupled to the outer body by an adhesive layer disposed at least partially between it and the outer body.

[0088] Paragraph 29: In the mixing bowl of paragraph 22, the lining may be defined as a metal plating within the inner cavity of the outer body.

[0089] Paragraph 30: In the mixing bowl of paragraph 29, the plating may cover a metal coating layer applied to the inner wall of the outer body, and the inner surface of the plating may be polished.

[0090] According to yet another aspect, a mixing bowl for a stand mixer includes an outer body that is substantially composed of wood and defines an exterior, an inner cavity, an upper edge between the exterior and the inner cavity, and a groove extending inwardly from the inner wall defining the inner cavity adjacent the upper edge. The mixing bowl further includes a lining that has an upper flange, is substantially composed of metal, and is coupled within the inner cavity of the outer body at least by receiving the upper flange within the groove of the outer body so as to define the inner surface of the mixing bowl.

[0091] Paragraph 32: The mixing bowl of paragraph 31 may further include a mounting base that is coupled to the outer body on the outside of the outer body and is configured to couple the mixing bowl to the retaining structure of the stand mixer.

[0092] Paragraph 33: In the mixing bowl of paragraph 31 or paragraph 32, the outer body may define a first material thickness along the inner wall adjacent to the groove, and the outer body may define a second material thickness at the junction between the upper edge and the groove, the second material thickness being greater than the first thickness such that the junction is substantially flush with the inner surface of the mixing bowl defined by the lining.

[0093] Paragraph 34: In the mixing bowl of any one of paragraphs 31 to 33, the outer body may include a lower portion and an upper portion that joins the lower portion at an interface, and the lower portion and the upper portion may jointly define a groove that extends from the interface.

[0094] Paragraph 35: In the mixing bowl of paragraph 34, the lower portion of the body may include multiple layers of wood coupled together.

[0095] Paragraph 36: In the mixing bowl of any one of paragraphs 31 to 35, the outer body may define a first material thickness between 10 mm and about 15 mm along the portion where it is coupled to the lining, and the lining may define a second material thickness between 2 mm and 3 mm.

[0096] Paragraph 37: According to yet another aspect, a method for manufacturing a mixing bowl for a stand mixer may include coupling a metal lining within the inner cavity of an outer body to define the inner surface of the mixing bowl. The outer body is substantially made of wood and defines an exterior and an inner cavity. The method further includes coupling a mounting base to the outer body on the outside of the outer body. The mounting base is configured to couple the mixing bowl to the retaining structure of the stand mixer.

[0097] Paragraph 38: In the method of paragraph 37, the outer body may define an upper edge between the exterior and the inner cavity and a groove that extends inwardly from the inner wall defining the inner cavity adjacent to the upper edge, and coupling the metal lining to the outer body may include positioning the upper flange of the lining in the groove.

[0098] Paragraph 39: In the method of paragraph 38, the outer body may include a lower portion and an upper portion, and positioning the upper flange of the lining in the groove may include joining the upper portion and the lower portion at a junction, the lower portion and the upper portion jointly defining a groove that extends from the interface, wherein the upper flange of the lining is positioned in the groove.

[0099] Paragraph 40: In the method of paragraph B16, the lining may be coupled within the inner cavity of the outer body by applying the lining as a metal coating to the outer body by a metal plating process.

[0100] Paragraph 41: In the method of paragraph 40, the metal plating process may include an initial step of applying a metal coating to the inner wall of the outer body, and the method may further include polishing the coating along the inner surface of the mixing bowl.

[0101] Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the described disclosure and the construction of other components are not limited to any particular material. Unless otherwise described herein, other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed of a variety of materials.

[0102] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention shown in the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who have read this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions of various elements, the values of parameters, the mounting arrangements, the use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) can be made without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise changed, the structure and / or the length or width of the members or connectors or other elements of the system may be changed, the nature or amount of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or components of the system may be made of any of a variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability and have any of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made to the design, operating conditions and arrangements of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0103] It should be understood that any of the processes described or any steps in the described processes may be combined with other processes or steps disclosed to form structures within the scope of the invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A mixing bowl, comprising: A bowl body that defines an exterior and an interior cavity and includes a plurality of stacked segments, the stacked segments being substantially composed of wood and arranged in alternating first-type layers and second-type layers along the height of the bowl body, wherein: The first-type layers include corresponding stacked segments in the stacked segments that have a width extending in a first lateral direction relative to the bowl body and are coupled together along a seam extending in a second lateral direction relative to the bowl body, the second lateral direction being perpendicular to the first lateral direction; and The second-type layers include corresponding stacked segments in the stacked segments that have a width extending in the second lateral direction relative to the bowl body and are coupled together along a seam extending in the first lateral direction relative to the bowl body.

2. The mixing bowl according to claim 1, wherein Each type of layer, i.e., the first type and the second type, is constructed such that each corresponding layer segment has a common height in the direction of the height of the bowl body, whereby each layer defines a height.

3. The mixing bowl according to claim 2, wherein, The height of each layer is approximately 1 inch.

4. The mixing bowl according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The width of the stacked segments in the first-type layers and the width of the stacked segments in the second-type layers are between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches.

5. The mixing bowl according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The stacked segments in the first-type layers and the stacked segments in the second-type layers are coupled together along the corresponding seams using an adhesive.

6. The mixing bowl according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The alternating first-type layers and second-type layers are coupled together using an adhesive.

7. The mixing bowl according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The wood is walnut.

8. The mixing bowl according to claim 1, wherein, The stacked segments are formed parts of laminates with widths corresponding to the respective widths of the stacked segments, and the widths of the stacked segments extend across the grain direction of the laminates.

9. The mixing bowl according to claim 1 or 8, further comprising a coating of polymeric material applied to at least a majority of the bowl body.

10. The mixing bowl according to claim 1 or 8, further comprising a mounting base that is coupled to the bowl body on the exterior of the bowl body and is configured to couple the mixing bowl to a holding structure of a stand mixer.

11. A method for manufacturing a mixing bowl, comprising: Assembling a plurality of stacked layers from corresponding pluralities of wooden boards, each wooden board defining a width across the grain structure of the wooden board and being coupled together at corresponding seams extending along the respective lengths of the wooden boards, the stacked layers each having a height corresponding to the thickness of the wooden board in a direction perpendicular to its width and length; Joining the stacked layers together in a direction corresponding to the respective heights of the stacked layers to form a blank, the stacked layers being arranged continuously in alternating first and second orientations, the first orientation causing the respective lengths of the wooden boards to extend in a first direction, and the second orientation causing the respective lengths of the wooden boards to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; And Shaping the blank into a bowl body that defines an exterior and an interior cavity.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The height of each of the stacked layers is approximately 1 inch.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The width of the wooden boards is between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches.

14. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: the laminate layers are coupled together along their mutual interfaces using an adhesive; and assembling the plurality of laminate layers includes coupling the wooden boards together along corresponding seams using an adhesive.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The blank is formed into a bowl body such that the wooden boards are respectively reconfigured into laminate segments, which are formed portions of corresponding boards with widths corresponding to the respective widths of the laminate segments, and the widths of the laminate segments extend across the grain direction of the wooden boards.

16. The method according to claim 11 or 15, further comprising applying a coating of a polymeric material over at least a majority of the bowl body.

17. The method according to claim 11 or 15, further comprising coupling a mounting base to the exterior of the bowl body, the mounting base being configured to couple the mixing bowl to a retaining structure of a stand mixer.

18. The method according to claim 11 or 15, wherein The step of forming the blank into a bowl body is performed by selectively removing material from the blank using a mechanical process.

19. The method according to claim 11 or 15, wherein Joining the plurality of laminate layers together includes joining a first laminate layer in the first orientation to a second laminate layer in the second orientation, and joining a third laminate layer in the first orientation to the second laminate layer opposite to the first laminate layer, with the seams between the boards in the first laminate layer offset from the boards in the third laminate layer in the second direction.

20. A mixing bowl for a stand mixer, comprising: a bowl body that defines an exterior and an interior cavity and is formed from a blank having a plurality of laminate layers, wherein: each of the laminate layers is assembled from a corresponding plurality of wooden boards, each wooden board defining a width across the grain structure of the wooden board and being coupled together at corresponding seams extending along the respective lengths of the wooden boards, and each of the laminate layers has a height corresponding to the thickness of the wooden board in a direction perpendicular to its width and length; and the laminate layers are joined together in a direction corresponding to the respective heights of the laminate layers to form the blank, the laminate layers being arranged continuously in alternating first and second orientations, the first orientation causing the respective lengths of the wooden boards to extend in a first direction, and the second orientation causing the respective lengths of the wooden boards to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a coating applied over at least a majority of the bowl body; and a mounting base coupled to the exterior of the bowl body, the mounting base being configured to couple the mixing bowl to a retaining structure of a stand mixer.

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