A kitchen device with an interlock system

Abstract

A kitchen device including a base having a mechanism that is operated using electrical power to cause processing of food, a vessel removably mounted on the base and including a bottom wall, a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a rim so as to provide a space to receive the food to be processed, with the rim surrounding an opening to the space, and an interlock system operatively associated with the mechanism to permit the delivery of the electric power to the mechanism, the interlock system including a first interlock circuit, wherein delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit, wherein the first interlock circuit comprises: an electromagnetic receiver and a first coil located in the base, an electromagnetic transmitter and a second coil located in the vessel, wherein, when the first and second coils are inductively coupled, the second coil receives electrical power from the first coil to power the electromagnetic transmitter, and an annular member located between electromagnetic transmitter and the electromagnetic receiver when the vessel is mounted on the base, and wherein the annular member diffuses and distributes electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitter along an entire edge or surface of the annular member such that the electromagnetic radiation is detectable by the electromagnetic receiver irrespective of an orientation of the electromagnetic transmitter relative to the electromagnetic receiver.

Description

A KITCHEN DEVICE WITH AN INTERLOCK SYSTEMFIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a kitchen device with an interlock system.BACKGROUND

[0002] Kitchen devices frequently feature an interlock that detects whether a lid is secured to the top of a vessel to close an opening defined by a rim of the vessel. Presently, such devices are equipped with mechanical interlocks which typically require a large number of complex parts and moving mechanisms. Such designs require the parts and mechanisms to operate with higher accuracy and smaller tolerance to avoid, for example, food material jamming in the interlock. Mechanical interlocks are also difficult to design in a way that enables them to be safely cleaned in a dishwasher without causing part deformations. Similarly, in some designs, the electrical connection to the lid or handle that is required is prone to faults or incomplete connection.

[0003] Further, kitchen devices with mechanical interlocks often require the lid, the vessel and a base of the kitchen device to be connected in a particular orientation so that the individual interlocking portions are aligned and engage with each other. This may be inconvenient for the user depending on the limited bench space available for the kitchen device and location of the mains power outlet. Moreover, the orientation of the vessel after it has been interlocked with the base may lead to the vessel’s fixed handle being in an orientation that is inconvenient for the user.SUMMARY

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of existing arrangements, or at least provide a useful alternative to existing arrangements.

[0005] In a first aspect, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a kitchen device including: a base having a mechanism that is operated using electrical power to cause processing of food; a vessel removably mounted on the base and including a bottom wall, a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a rim so as to provide a space to receive thefood to be processed, with the rim surrounding an opening to the space; and an interlock system operatively associated with the mechanism to permit the delivery of the electric power to the mechanism, the interlock system including a first interlock circuit, wherein delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit, wherein the first interlock circuit comprises: an electromagnetic receiver and a first coil located in the base, an electromagnetic transmitter and a second coil located in the vessel, wherein, when the first and second coils are inductively coupled, the second coil receives electrical power from the first coil to power the electromagnetic transmitter, and an annular member located between electromagnetic transmitter and the electromagnetic receiver when the vessel is mounted on the base, and wherein the annular member diffuses and distributes electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitter along an entire edge or surface of the annular member such that the electromagnetic radiation is detectable by the electromagnetic receiver irrespective of an orientation of the electromagnetic transmitter relative to the electromagnetic receiver.

[0006] Preferably, the mechanism is a motor. Preferably, the motors is coupled to a shaft extending from a center of the base to drive the shaft about an axis.

[0007] Preferably, the base includes a transmitter coil control circuit connected to the first coil. Preferably, the first coil is configured to wirelessly power the second coil.

[0008] Preferably, the base includes a switch connected to the mechanism. Preferably, the switch is connected to the electromagnetic receiver.

[0009] Preferably, the first interlock circuit includes two electromagnetic transmitters. Preferably, the first interlock circuit includes two electromagnetic receivers. Preferably, the electromagnetic receivers are connected in series. Preferably, the electromagnetic transmitters are connected in series.

[0010] Preferably, the electromagnetic transmitter is located in the bottom wall of the vessel. Preferably, the electromagnetic transmitter is located in an annular central recess formed in the bottom wall of the vessel. Preferably, the electromagnetic transmitter is powered by the first coilvia the second coil. Preferably, the electromagnetic transmitter is a LED. Preferably, the LED emits infrared radiation.

[0011] Preferably, the electromagnetic receiver is a photodiode. Preferably, the electromagnetic receiver is configured to detect infrared radiation.

[0012] Preferably, the annular member is transparent or translucent. Preferably, the annular member allows at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitter to pass through the annular member. Preferably, the annular member is located in the central recess of the bottom wall of the vessel. Preferably, the annular member is located radially inwards relative to the electromagnetic transmitter. Preferably, the electromagnetic transmitter is embedded in the annular member.

[0013] Preferably, the interlock system includes a second interlock circuit. Preferably, the second interlock circuit includes at least two interlocking portions. Preferably, the interlocking portions are located adjacent the rim of the vessel. Preferably, the interlocking portions extend upwardly from the side wall of the vessel. Preferably, the interlocking portions are spaced from each other.

[0014] Preferably, the kitchen device includes a lid removably coupled to the rim so as to at least partially close the opening. Preferably, the lid includes a circumferential member that extends along a circumference of an outer edge of the lid. Preferably, the circumferential member is electrically conductive. Preferably, the circumferential member is a metal band. Preferably, the circumferential member comes into contact with the interlocking portions when the lid is engaged with the vessel. Preferably, the circumferential member comes into contact with the interlocking portions irrespective of the orientation of the lid relative to the vessel.

[0015] Preferably, the lid comprises a spring that allows the lid to move between a first engagement position and a second engagement position when the lid is engaged with the vessel. Preferably, in the first engagement position, the circumferential member is aligned with the rim of the vessel but located at a distance from the interlocking portions. Preferably, the lid is biased to remain in the first engagement position by the spring. Preferably, when a downward force is applied to the lid, the spring is compressed and the lid moves to the second engagement position. Preferably, in the second engagement position, the circumferential member comes intocontact with the interlocking portions. Preferably, the lid is configured to remain in the second engagement position until the downward force is removed. Preferably, the spring causes the lid to move back to the first engagement position.

[0016] Preferably, the interlocking portions, the electromagnetic transmitter and the second coil are electrically connected to each other to form an open circuit. Preferably, the open circuit is closed when the circumferential member comes into contact with the interlocking portions. Preferably, when the open circuit is closed, power transmitted to the second coil by the first coil is allowed to power the electromagnetic transmitter.

[0017] In a second aspect, the invention resides in an interlock system for a kitchen device, the kitchen device including a base having a mechanism that is operated using electrical power to cause processing of food and a vessel removably mounted on the base, wherein the interlock system is operatively associated with the mechanism to permit the delivery of the electric power to the mechanism, the interlock system including a first interlock circuit, wherein delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit, wherein the first interlock circuit includes: an electromagnetic receiver and a first coil located in the base, an electromagnetic transmitter and a second coil located in the vessel, wherein, when the first and second coils are inductively coupled, the second coil receives electrical power from the first coil to power the electromagnetic transmitter, and an annular member located between electromagnetic transmitter and the electromagnetic receiver when the vessel is mounted on the base, and wherein the annular member diffuses and distributes electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitter along an entire edge or surface of the annular member such that the electromagnetic radiation is detectable by the electromagnetic receiver irrespective of an orientation of the electromagnetic transmitter relative to the electromagnetic receiver.

[0018] Preferably, the interlock system includes a second interlock circuit. Preferably, delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit and the second interlock circuit.

[0019] In a third aspect, the invention resides in a method of permitting delivery of electric power to a mechanism of a kitchen device for processing food, the kitchen device having: a base, the mechanism mounted in the base and operable using electrical power to cause processing of food; a vessel removably mounted on the base and including a bottom wall, a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a rim so as to provide a space to receive the food to be processed, with the rim surrounding an opening to the space; a lid removably coupled to the rim so as to at least partially close the opening; and an interlock system operatively associated with the mechanism to permit the delivery of the electric power to the mechanism, the interlock system including a first interlock circuit, wherein delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit, the method comprising the steps of: coupling the vessel to the base, thereby completing the first interlock circuit; after completion of the first interlock circuit, sending a signal to a controller in the base to permit delivery of electric power to the mechanism.

[0020] Preferably, completing the first interlock circuit includes: receiving, by a second coil located in the vessel, electrical power from a first coil located in the base when the first and second coils are inductively coupled, the power being used to power an electromagnetic transmitter located in the vessel, emitting, by the electromagnetic transmitter, electromagnetic radiation that is diffused and distributed by an annular member located radially inwards relative to the electromagnetic transmitter, wherein the annular member located is between electromagnetic transmitter and the electromagnetic receiver when the vessel is mounted on the base, and the annular member diffuses and distributes electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitter along an entire edge or surface of the annular member, detecting, by an electromagnetic receiver located in the base, electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitter irrespective of an orientation of the electromagnetic transmitter relative to the electromagnetic receiver.

[0021] In a third aspect, the invention resides in a kitchen device including: a base having a mechanism that is operated using electrical power to cause processing of food;a vessel removably mounted on the base and including a bottom wall, a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a rim so as to provide a space to receive the food to be processed, with the rim surrounding an opening to the space; a lid removably coupled to the rim so as to at least partially close the opening; and an interlock system operatively associated with the mechanism to permit the delivery of the electric power to the mechanism, the interlock system including a first interlock circuit, wherein delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit, wherein the first interlock circuit comprises: an electromagnetic receiver located in the base, an electromagnetic transmitter and an energy storage device located in the vessel, wherein the energy storage device powers the electromagnetic transmitter, and an annular member located between electromagnetic transmitter and the electromagnetic receiver when the vessel is mounted on the base, and wherein the annular member diffuses and distributes electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitter along an entire edge or surface of the annular member such that the electromagnetic radiation is detectable by the electromagnetic receiver irrespective of an orientation of the electromagnetic transmitter relative to the electromagnetic receiver.

[0022] Preferably, the energy storage device is a battery. Preferably, the energy storage device is a supercapacitor. Preferably, the energy storage device is hermetically sealed.

[0023] Preferably, the interlock system includes a second interlock circuit. Preferably, delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit and the second interlock circuit.

[0024] Preferably, the second interlock circuit includes an actuator and a switch. Preferably, the actuator is located in the lid. Preferably, the switch is located in the vessel. Preferably, the switch is embedded in the side wall of the vessel. Preferably, the actuator is configured to actuate the switch to complete the second interlock circuit.

[0025] In a fourth aspect, the invention resides in an interlock system for a kitchen device, the interlock system including a first interlock circuit that comprises:an electromagnetic receiver and a first coil, the first coil being powered by a power source; an electromagnetic transmitter and a second coil, wherein, when the first and second coils are inductively coupled, the second coil receives electrical power from the first coil to power the electromagnetic transmitter; a removable member located between electromagnetic transmitter and the electromagnetic receiver, wherein the member diffuses and distributes electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitter along an edge or surface of the member such that the electromagnetic radiation is detectable by the electromagnetic receiver irrespective of an orientation of the electromagnetic transmitter relative to the electromagnetic receiver.

[0026] Preferably, the removable member is an annular member.

[0027] Preferably, wherein the kitchen device including a base having a mechanism that is operated using electrical power to cause processing of food and a vessel removably mounted on the base, and wherein the interlock system is operatively associated with the mechanism to permit the delivery of the electric power to the mechanism. Preferably, delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit.

[0028] Preferably, the electromagnetic receiver and the first coil are located in the base. Preferably, the electromagnetic transmitter and the second coil located in the vessel.

[0029] Preferably, the interlock system includes a second interlock circuit, and wherein delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit and the second interlock circuit.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic section view of a kitchen device, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is a detailed schematic section view of the base of the kitchen device of Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 3 is a detailed schematic section view of the vessel and the base of the kitchen device of Figure 1, when the vessel is located on the base.

[0034] Figure 4 is a detailed schematic section view of the vessel and the lid of the kitchen device of Figure 1.

[0035] Figure 5 is a detailed schematic section view of a vessel and a lid of a kitchen device according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a vessel and a lid of a kitchen device according to a further embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figures 1-4 illustrate a kitchen device 10 including a base 110, a vessel 120, and a lid 130. The vessel 120 is removably mounted on the base 110. The vessel 120 includes a bottom wall 121, a side wall 122 extending upwardly from the bottom wall 121 to a rim 123 so as to provide a space 124 to receive the food to be processed. The rim 123 surrounds an opening to the space 124. The lid 130 has a lid base and is removably coupled to the rim 123 so as to close the opening 124.

[0038] As seen in Figure 2, the base 110 houses a mechanism 111 that is operated using electrical power (for example, mains power) to cause processing of food contained in the space 124. In this embodiment, the mechanism 111 is a motor. The motor is coupled to a shaft (not fully shown) extending from a center of the base 110, through the bottom wall 121 and upwardly into the space 124 (when the vessel 120 is located on the base 110), to drive the shaft about an axis and, in turn, drive a blade system (not shown) coupled to the shaft. However, in an alternative embodiment, the mechanism may be a heating element for providing heat to the food to be processed. Other embodiments may include both a motor and a heating element.

[0039] The base 110 also includes a first coil 210, a transmitter coil control circuit 112 connected to the first coil 210, and a DC power supply (connected to a power source) to provide power to the first coil 210 via the transmitter coil control circuit 112. The first coil 210 is configured to wirelessly power electromagnetic transmitters 230 located in the bottom wall 121 of the vessel 120 by wirelessly transmitting power to a second coil 220 located in the bottom wall 121 of the vessel 120, for example, by inducing electric current or electric potential in each other. Moreover, the base 110 includes a switch 113 connected to the mechanism 111 and to electromagnetic receivers 240 located adjacent the shaft, as discussed further below.

[0040] Throughout the specification the term "electrical connection", “connected” or “electrically connected” does not necessarily define a direct connection, but can also refer to an indirect connection, e.g. with a further electrical component, such as a resistor, located between the two points being connected, or it may also refer to being communicatively coupled.

[0041] The kitchen device 10 further includes an interlock system to permit or allow delivery of electrical power to the mechanism 111. The interlock system includes a first interlock circuit 200 and a second interlock circuit 300. However, in further embodiments, the kitchen device 10 may only include one interlock circuit - the first interlock circuit 200 or the second interlock circuit 300. The interlock system is connected to the mechanism 111 to permit delivery of electric power to the mechanism 111 (via the switch 113).

[0042] As seen in Figures 1-3, the first interlock circuit 200 includes electromagnetic transmitters 230 located in the bottom wall 121 of the vessel 120, and electromagnetic receivers 240 located in the base 110 and adjacent the shaft of the base 110. In this embodiment, there are two electromagnetic transmitters 230 and two electromagnetic receivers 240, with theelectromagnetic receivers 240 being connected in series to account for electronic fault redundancy. However, in further embodiments with a kitchen device that is identical to the kitchen device 10 in every other aspect, there may be only one or any number of electromagnetic transmitters 230 and / or only one or any number of electromagnetic receivers 240. Moreover, in further embodiments with a kitchen device that is identical to the kitchen device 10 in every other aspect, the number of electromagnetic transmitters 230 may be more or less than the number of electromagnetic receivers 240.

[0043] In further embodiments with a kitchen device that is identical to the kitchen device 10 in every other aspect, the electromagnetic receivers 240 may be located in the bottom wall 121 of the vessel 120, and electromagnetic transmitters 230 may be located in the base 110 and adjacent the shaft of the base 110, with the second coil 220 providing power to the electromagnetic receivers 240. In such embodiments, the second coil 220 would also be able to wirelessly communicate and exchange data with the first coil 210 so that signals from the electromagnetic receivers 240 may be transmitted to the first coil 210 via the second coil 220, and subsequently to a controller in the base 110.

[0044] The electromagnetic transmitters 230 are located in an annular central recess formed in the bottom wall 121 of the vessel 120, into which a central portion (that includes the shaft) of the base 110 is received. The electromagnetic transmitters 230 are configured to be wirelessly powered by the first coil 210 via the second coil 220, for example by the first and second coils 210, 220 inducing electric current or electric potential in each other. In use, when the vessel 120 is located on the base 110, with the central recess of the vessel 120 aligned with the shaft of the base 110, the first coil 210 and the second coil 220 are inductively coupled and the second coil 220 receives electrical power from the first coil 210 to power the electromagnetic transmitters 230.

[0045] A disc 260 extends radially outwards from the central portion of the base, the disc 260 being located adjacent the electromagnetic receivers 240. The disc 260 is substantially planar and extends into the annular central recess formed in the bottom wall 121 of the vessel 120 to allow the disc 260 to act as a cover to prevent leakage of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the electromagnetic transmitters 230 or leakage of electromagnetic radiation from the ambient environment, such as a kitchen, into the electromagnetic receivers 240.

[0046] In this embodiment, the electromagnetic transmitters 230 are infrared LEDs (light emitting diodes). However, in further embodiments with a kitchen device that is identical to the kitchen device 10 in every other aspect, the electromagnetic transmitters 230 may emit other types of electromagnetic radiation, for example, visible light, ultraviolet etc. Moreover, in further embodiments with a kitchen device that is identical to the kitchen device 10 in every other aspect, there may be 2 or more different types of electromagnetic transmitters 230 in the kitchen device 10.

[0047] In this embodiment, the electromagnetic receivers 240 are photodiodes, photoresistors or any other electromagnetic receivers or sensors that detect infrared radiation. However, in further embodiments with a kitchen device that is identical to the kitchen device 10 in every other aspect, the electromagnetic receivers 240 may be capable of detecting any other type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic transmitters 230 and / or the electromagnetic receivers 240 may be capable of detecting multiple types of electromagnetic radiation, for example, infrared, visible light and / or ultraviolet.

[0048] The first interlock circuit 200 further includes a removable member in the form of an annular member 250 that diffuses and distributes electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitters 230 along an entire edge or surface of the annular member 250. The annular member 250 is located in the central recess of the vessel 120, radially inwards relative to the electromagnetic transmitters 230, and it is located between the electromagnetic transmitters 230 and the electromagnetic receivers 240 when the vessel 120 is coupled to the base 110. However, in further embodiments, the electromagnetic transmitters 230 may be embedded into the annular member 250. In this embodiment, the annular member 250 is transparent or translucent so as to allow at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitters 230 to pass through the annular member 250 and be detected by the electromagnetic receivers 240. However, in further embodiments, the annular member 250 may have other or different optical properties as far as at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitters 230 passes through the annular member 250 to be detected by the electromagnetic receivers 240. The annular member 250 may be formed from any material with the desired optical properties, for example, glass, plastic etc. Further, all surfaces of the annular material 250, except the radially inner lateral surface that faces the electromagnetic receivers 240, may be coated in a thin metallic layer (for example, gold) toprevent leakage of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the electromagnetic transmitters 230 via the surfaces other than the radially inner lateral surface.

[0049] As seen in Figures 1 and 4, the second interlock circuit 300 includes two interlocking portions 310, in the form of electrical contacts, that are located adjacent the rim 123 of the vessel 120 and extend upwardly from the side wall 122. The interlocking portions 310 are spaced from each other. However, in further embodiments, the interlocking portions 310 may be embedded in the side wall 122 adjacent the rim 123, with only a flat portion of each interlocking portion 310 exposed for contact, the flat portion being flush with an inner surface of the side wall 122. Moreover, in a further embodiment shown in Figure 5, the second interlock circuit 300 may include an interlocking magnet 330, biased in position by a spring, and a reed switch 340, instead of the interlocking portions 310. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, when the lid 130 is pushed downwardly to engage the lid 130 with the vessel 120, the interlocking magnet 330 moves downwardly to substantially retreat into the side wall 122 of the vessel 120, thereby actuating the reed switch 340 and completing / closing the second interlock circuit 300.

[0050] The lid 130 includes an electrically conductive circumferential member 320 that extends along the entire circumference of the outer edge of the lid 130 which engages with the side wall 122 of the vessel 120. The circumferential member 320 is in the form of a metal band that comes into physical contact with the interlocking portions 310 when the lid 130 is fully engaged with the vessel 120. As the circumferential member 320 extends along the entire circumference of the outer edge of the lid 130, the lid 130 can be engaged with the vessel 120 in any orientation and the circumferential member 320 would come into contact with the interlocking portions 310 irrespective of the orientation of the lid 130. However, in further embodiments, the lid may comprise a member that extends only partially along the circumference of the outer edge of the lid.

[0051] The lid 130 also comprises a spring 131 that allows it to move between a first engagement position and a second engagement position, when the lid 130 is engaged with the vessel 120. When the lid 130 is initially located on the vessel 130, it remains in the first engagement position, as shown in Figure 1, where circumferential member 320 is aligned with the rim 123 but located at a distance from the interlocking portions 310. The lid 130 is biased to remain in the first engagement position by the spring 131 until a downward force is applied by a user to the lid 130, causing the spring 131 to be compressed and moving the lid 130 to thesecond engagement position where the circumferential member 320 comes into contact with the interlocking portions 310. The lid 130 is configured to remain in the second engagement position until the downward force by the user is removed and the spring 131 causes the lid 130 to move back to the first engagement position.

[0052] The interlocking portions 310, the electromagnetic transmitters 230 and the second coil 220 are electrically connected to each other to form an open circuit that is configured to be closed / completed when the circumferential member 320 comes into contact with the interlocking portions 310 in the second engagement position of the lid 130, thereby allowing electricity to flow between the interlocking portions 310. When this circuit is closed / completed, the power transmitted to the second coil 220 by the first coil 210 is allowed to power the electromagnetic transmitters 230.

[0053] In use, the vessel 120 is first located on the base 110, with the central recess of the vessel 120 aligned with the shaft of the base 110. Next, the lid 130 is located on the vessel 120 and a downward force is applied to the lid 130 by a user to move the lid 130 to the second engagement position from the first engagement position. As noted above, in the second engagement position, the circumferential member 320 of the lid 130 comes into contact with the interlocking portions 310, thereby closing / completing the circuit between the interlocking portions 310, the electromagnetic transmitters 230 and the second coil 220. This allows the electromagnetic transmitters 230 to be powered by the power received by the second coil 220 from the first coil 210.

[0054] When the electromagnetic transmitters 230 are powered, they emit electromagnetic radiation which is diffused and distributed by the annular member 250 along an entire edge or surface thereof such that the electromagnetic radiation can be detected at any point radially inwards from the annular member 250, irrespective of the orientation of the vessel 120 relative to the base 110. The diffused electromagnetic radiation is detected by the electromagnetic receivers 240, irrespective of the alignment / orientation of the electromagnetic transmitters 230 relative to the electromagnetic receivers 240. Upon detecting the electromagnetic radiation, a signal from the electromagnetic receivers 240 is transmitted to a controller (not shown) in the base 110 to indicate that the first and second interlock circuits 200, 300 are completed / closed. The controller uses this signal as an instruction for actuating the mechanism 111. In particular, the controller then activates the switch 113 to permit the delivery of electric power to themechanism 111. In this manner, the interlock system ensures that the vessel 120 is properly located on the base 110 and the lid 130 is firmly engaged with the vessel 120 (in the second engagement position) prior to delivering electric power to the mechanism 111. Further, as the first and second interlock circuits 200, 300 can be completed / closed irrespective of the orientation of the vessel 120 relative to the base 110, it is possible for the vessel 120 to rotate relative to the base 110 when the kitchen device is in use and the mechanism I l l is activated.

[0055] In further embodiments with a kitchen device that is identical to the kitchen device 10 in every other aspect, the interlock system comprises only the first interlock circuit 200, and the electromagnetic transmitters are powered by the power received by the second coil from the first coil when the vessel is located on the base with the central recess of the vessel aligned with the shaft of the base. In such embodiments, engaging the lid with the vessel is not required to complete / close the circuit connecting the second coil and the electromagnetic transmitters. Thus, in such embodiments, electromagnetic transmitters emit electromagnetic radiation when the vessel is located on the base, and this electromagnetic radiation is detected by the electromagnetic receivers, thereby allowing delivery of electric power to the mechanism 111 irrespective of whether the lid has been engaged with the vessel.

[0056] Figure 6 illustrates a further embodiment in the form of a kitchen device 20 that is substantially similar to the kitchen device 10 but differences therebetween are noted below.

[0057] Like the kitchen device 10, the kitchen device 20 includes a base (not shown), a vessel 520, and a lid 530. The vessel 520 includes a bottom wall, a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a rim so as to provide a space to receive the food to be processed. The rim surrounds an opening to the space The lid 530 has a lid base and is removably coupled to the rim so as to close the opening.

[0058] The kitchen device 20 also includes an interlock system to permit or allow delivery of electrical power to a mechanism for processing the food (not shown). The interlock system includes a first interlock circuit and a second interlock circuit. However, in the kitchen device 20, the electromagnetic transmitters 630 are powered by an energy storage device in the form of a battery 640 located in the bottom wall of the vessel 520. In this embodiment, the battery 640 is located adjacent the annular member 650 (which is similar to annular member 250 of the kitchen device 10). However, in further embodiments, the battery 640 may be located elsewhere in thevessel 520, for example, in the side wall or adjacent the rim. The battery 640 may be a conventional dry battery of any shape and / or size, a supercapacitor etc and is removable from the vessel 520 so that it may be replaced by a user. Although removable from the vessel 520, the battery 640 is sealingly located in the vessel 520 and hermetically sealed against the external environment, thereby allowing the vessel 520 to be safe for use in a dishwasher.

[0059] The lid 530 includes an actuator 531 (for example, a magnet, button, shorting metal contact etc) configured to actuate a switch 532 (for example, a reed switch, electrical switch, shorting metal contact etc) located in the vessel 520, the actuator 531 and the switch 532 together forming the second interlock circuit of the kitchen device 20 (similar to the second interlock circuit of the kitchen device 10). Actuation of the switch 532 by the actuator 531 completes the second interlock circuit. The switch 532 is embedded in the side wall of the vessel 520 adjacent the rim. In further embodiments, the actuator 531 may be in the form of a circumferential member (not shown), similar to the circumferential member 320, thereby allowing the lid 530 to be engaged with the vessel 520 in any orientation while still completing the second interlock circuit. Completion of the second interlock circuit also allows the power from the battery to power the electromagnetic transmitters 630, thereby completing the first interlock circuit (if the vessel 520 is located properly on the base) and actuating the mechanism for processing the food in the vessel 520.

[0060] The battery 640 of the kitchen device 20 eliminates the need for the electromagnetic transmitters 630, the actuator 531 and the switch 532 to be powered by inductive coils (such as the first and second coils 210, 220 of the kitchen device 10), thereby simplifying the design of the kitchen device 20.

[0061] Various forms of the kitchen device described above may have one or more of the following advantages. As the interlock system of the kitchen device 10 does not include any physical interlocking members that need to be engaged with each other in a particular orientation, assembly of the kitchen device 10 for use (i.e. connecting the lid 130, the vessel 120 and the base 110) is significantly quicker and easier for the user. Further, as noted above, the lid 130 can be engaged with the vessel 120 in any orientation, and the vessel 120 can be located on the base 110 in any orientation, thereby eliminating the need for any particular alignment between the lid 130, the vessel 120 and the base 110. The lack of any mechanical interlockingmembers also ensures easier cleaning of the components after use and improved reliability of the kitchen device 10 due to fewer moving parts.

[0062] In a further embodiment (not shown), an interlock system for a kitchen device is provided, the kitchen device including a base having a mechanism that is operated using electrical power and operatively associated with the interlock system, and a vessel removably mounted on the base. The interlock system includes a first interlock circuit and delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit.

[0063] The first interlock circuit includes an electromagnetic receiver and a first coil located in the base, an electromagnetic transmitter and a second coil located in the vessel, and a removable member in the form of an annular member located between electromagnetic transmitter and the electromagnetic receiver when the vessel is mounted on the base. When the first and second coils are inductively coupled, the second coil receives electrical power from the first coil to power the electromagnetic transmitter. The annular member diffuses and distributes electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitter along an edge or surface of the annular member such that the electromagnetic radiation is detectable by the electromagnetic receiver irrespective of an orientation of the electromagnetic transmitter relative to the electromagnetic receiver.

[0064] The interlock system may further include a second interlock circuit and delivery of the electric power to the mechanism may be permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit and the second interlock circuit. Such a second interlock circuit may include interlocking portions located adjacent a rim of the vessel and an annular member located on a lid of the kitchen device, the lid being removably coupled to the rim of the vessel. When the annular member comes into contact with the interlocking portions, the second interlock circuit is completed / closed, thereby permitting delivery of the electric power to the mechanism.

[0065] In a further embodiment (not shown), a kitchen device with an interlock system is provided, the kitchen device including a base having a mechanism that is operated using electrical power, a vessel removably mounted on the base and a lid removably coupled to the vessel. The vessel has a bottom wall, a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a rim so as to provide a space to receive the food to be processed, with the rim surrounding an opening to the space. The lid at least partially closes the opening.

[0066] The interlock system of this embodiment is operatively associated with the mechanism to permit the delivery of the electric power to the mechanism, the interlock system including a first interlock circuit, wherein delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit. The first interlock circuit includes an electromagnetic receiver and a first coil located in the base, an electromagnetic transmitter and a second coil located in the vessel, and an annular member located between electromagnetic transmitter and the electromagnetic receiver when the vessel is mounted on the base. When the first and second coils are inductively coupled, the second coil receives electrical power from the first coil to power the electromagnetic transmitter. The annular member diffuses and distributes electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitter along an entire edge or surface of the annular member such that the electromagnetic radiation is detectable by the electromagnetic receiver irrespective of an orientation of the electromagnetic transmitter relative to the electromagnetic receiver. Further features of the kitchen device and first interlock circuit of this embodiments are similar to the kitchen device 10 and the first interlock circuit 200.

[0067] In a further embodiment (not shown), an interlock system for a kitchen device is provided. The interlock system includes a first interlock circuit that includes an electromagnetic receiver, a first coil, an electromagnetic transmitter, a second coil and a removable member in the form of an annular member located between electromagnetic transmitter and the electromagnetic receiver. The first coil is powered by a power source. When the first and second coils are inductively coupled, the second coil receives electrical power from the first coil to power the electromagnetic transmitter.

[0068] The removable member diffuses and distributes electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitter along an edge or surface of the annular member such that the electromagnetic radiation is detectable by the electromagnetic receiver irrespective of an orientation of the electromagnetic transmitter relative to the electromagnetic receiver. The removable member may be an annular member or differently shaped.

[0069] The kitchen device includes a base having a mechanism that is operated using electrical power to cause processing of food and a vessel removably mounted on the base. The interlock system is operatively associated with the mechanism to permit the delivery of the electric power to the mechanism. In particular, delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit.

[0070] The electromagnetic receiver and the first coil are located in the base, while the electromagnetic transmitter and the second coil located in the vessel. The interlock system may also include a second interlock circuit, such that delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit and the second interlock circuit.

[0071] Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and / or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of portions described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0072] It will also be appreciated that in this document the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include”, “including”, “contain”, “containing”, “have”, “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or portions or steps recited but may include other portions, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms “a” and “an” used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A kitchen device including: a base having a mechanism that is operated using electrical power to cause processing of food; a vessel removably mounted on the base and including a bottom wall, a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a rim so as to provide a space to receive the food to be processed, with the rim surrounding an opening to the space; and an interlock system operatively associated with the mechanism to permit the delivery of the electric power to the mechanism, the interlock system including a first interlock circuit, wherein delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit, wherein the first interlock circuit comprises: an electromagnetic receiver and a first coil located in the base, an electromagnetic transmitter and a second coil located in the vessel, wherein, when the first and second coils are inductively coupled, the second coil receives electrical power from the first coil to power the electromagnetic transmitter, and an annular member located between electromagnetic transmitter and the electromagnetic receiver when the vessel is mounted on the base, and wherein the annular member diffuses and distributes electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitter along an entire edge or surface of the annular member such that the electromagnetic radiation is detectable by the electromagnetic receiver irrespective of an orientation of the electromagnetic transmitter relative to the electromagnetic receiver.

2. The kitchen device of claim 1, wherein the annular member is transparent or translucent, and allows at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitter to pass through the annular member.

3. The kitchen device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the vessel is mountable on the base in any orientation relative to the base to complete the first interlock circuit.

4. The kitchen device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interlock system includes a second interlock circuit, wherein delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit and the second interlock circuit.

5. The kitchen device of claim 4, further comprising a lid removably coupled to the rim so as to at least partially close the opening, wherein the second interlock circuit comprises: at least two interlocking portions located adjacent the rim of the vessel; and a circumferential member located on an outer edge of the lid, wherein the second interlock circuit is completed when the circumferential member comes into contact with the at least two interlocking portions.

6. The kitchen device of claim 5, wherein the circumferential member is electrically conductive.

7. The kitchen device of claim 5 or 6, wherein the lid comprises a spring that allows the lid to move between a first engagement position and a second engagement position when the lid is engaged with the vessel.

8. The kitchen device of claim 7, wherein, in the first engagement position, the circumferential member is aligned with the rim of the vessel but located at a distance from the interlocking portions.

9. The kitchen device of claim 7 or 8, wherein, in the second engagement position, the circumferential member comes into contact with the interlocking portions.

10. The kitchen device of any one of claims 7-9, wherein the lid is biased to remain in the first engagement position by the spring.

11. The kitchen device of any one of claims 5-10, wherein the interlocking portions, the electromagnetic transmitter and the second coil are electrically connected to each other to form an open circuit.

12. The kitchen device of claim 11, wherein the open circuit is closed when the circumferential member comes into contact with the interlocking portions.

13. The kitchen device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electromagnetic transmitter is a LED.

14. The kitchen device of claim 12, wherein the LED emits infrared radiation.

15. The kitchen device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electromagnetic receiver is a photodiode.

16. A method of permitting delivery of electric power to a mechanism of a kitchen device for processing food, the kitchen device having: a base, the mechanism mounted in the base and operable using electrical power to cause processing of food; a vessel removably mounted on the base and including a bottom wall, a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a rim so as to provide a space to receive the food to be processed, with the rim surrounding an opening to the space; a lid removably coupled to the rim so as to at least partially close the opening; and an interlock system operatively associated with the mechanism to permit the delivery of the electric power to the mechanism, the interlock system including a first interlock circuit, wherein delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit, the method comprising the steps of: coupling the vessel to the base, thereby completing the first interlock circuit; after completion of the first interlock circuit, sending a signal to a controller in the base to permit delivery of electric power to the mechanism.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein completing the first interlock circuit includes: receiving, by a second coil located in the vessel, electrical power from a first coil located in the base when the first and second coils are inductively coupled, the power being used to power an electromagnetic transmitter located in the vessel, emitting, by the electromagnetic transmitter, electromagnetic radiation that is diffused and distributed by an annular member located radially inwards relative to the electromagnetictransmitter, wherein the annular member located is between electromagnetic transmitter and the electromagnetic receiver when the vessel is mounted on the base, and the annular member diffuses and distributes electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitter along an entire edge or surface of the annular member, and detecting, by an electromagnetic receiver located in the base, electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitter irrespective of an orientation of the electromagnetic transmitter relative to the electromagnetic receiver.

18. A kitchen device including: a base having a mechanism that is operated using electrical power to cause processing of food; a vessel removably mounted on the base and including a bottom wall, a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a rim so as to provide a space to receive the food to be processed, with the rim surrounding an opening to the space; an interlock system operatively associated with the mechanism to permit the delivery of the electric power to the mechanism, the interlock system including a first interlock circuit, wherein delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit, wherein the first interlock circuit comprises: an electromagnetic receiver located in the base, an electromagnetic transmitter and an energy storage device located in the vessel, wherein the energy storage device powers the electromagnetic transmitter, and an annular member located between electromagnetic transmitter and the electromagnetic receiver when the vessel is mounted on the base, and wherein the annular member diffuses and distributes electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitter along an entire edge or surface of the annular member such that the electromagnetic radiation is detectable by the electromagnetic receiver irrespective of an orientation of the electromagnetic transmitter relative to the electromagnetic receiver.

19. The kitchen device of claim 18, wherein the energy storage device is a battery or supercapacitor.

20. The kitchen device of claim 18, further comprising a lid removably coupled to the rim so as to at least partially close the opening.

21. An interlock system for a kitchen device, the interlock system including a first interlock circuit that comprises: an electromagnetic receiver and a first coil, the first coil being powered by a power source; an electromagnetic transmitter and a second coil, wherein, when the first and second coils are inductively coupled, the second coil receives electrical power from the first coil to power the electromagnetic transmitter; a removable member located between electromagnetic transmitter and the electromagnetic receiver, wherein the member diffuses and distributes electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitter along an edge or surface of the member such that the electromagnetic radiation is detectable by the electromagnetic receiver irrespective of an orientation of the electromagnetic transmitter relative to the electromagnetic receiver.

22. The interlock system of claim 21, wherein the removable member is an annular member.

23. The interlock system of claim 21 or 22, wherein the kitchen device including a base having a mechanism that is operated using electrical power to cause processing of food and a vessel removably mounted on the base, and wherein the interlock system is operatively associated with the mechanism to permit the delivery of the electric power to the mechanism.

24. The interlock system of claim 23, wherein delivery of the electric power to the mechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit.

25. The interlock system of claim 23, wherein the electromagnetic receiver and the first coil are located in the base.

26. The interlock system of any one of claims 23-25, wherein the electromagnetic transmitter and the second coil located in the vessel.

27. The interlock system of any one of claims 23-26, wherein the interlock system includes a second interlock circuit, and wherein delivery of the electric power to themechanism is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit and the second interlock circuit.

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