DEVICE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FERMENTED MILK PRODUCTS
The device addresses inefficient filtration in fermented dairy production by using a vertically positioned filter basket and scraper to separate fermented product from serum, ensuring efficient drainage and reducing manual compaction and cleaning needs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2025000412
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-15
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-15
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-18
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing devices for producing fermented dairy products, such as yogurt and kefir, face issues with inefficient filtration of the fermented product from serum, often leading to clogging and requiring manual compaction and thorough cleaning of filters.
A device with a vertically positioned filter basket and a scraper mechanism that allows for easy separation of fermented product from serum, preventing clogging and enabling efficient drainage without altering the product's texture.
Facilitates fast, comfortable, and simple filtration of fermented products, ensuring complete serum drainage while maintaining product quality, and reducing the need for manual compaction and extensive cleaning.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FERMENTED DAIRY PRODUCTS
[0001] Field of technology
[0002] The present utility model relates to a device intended for the manufacture of fermented dairy products such as yogurt or kefir.
[0003] The proposed device suitable for the manufacture of yogurt and kefir comprises a thermally insulated outer container with a lid; an inner container insertable inside the outer container; a filter basket insertable inside the inner container; scraper spatulas attachable to the filter basket; wherein the filter basket comprises coupling configurations, which allows it to be attached to the inner container in an elevated position. State of the art
[0004] Devices for the production of fermented dairy products are widely known. For example, patent application KR20160102624Al describes a device for the production of yogurt which comprises an insulated outer container with a lid and an inner container with a lid, as well as an intermediate container for separating the hot water introduced into the outer container from the inner container.
[0005] However, the device described in this document does not allow filtering the fermented product obtained from the fermentation process of the serum generated during this process.
[0006] Other devices are also known, similar to that described in the aforementioned patent, which further incorporate, inside the inner container, a filter basket for extracting the fermented product by separating it from the serum.
[0007] However, in this type of known devices, the fermented product tends to fill the openings of the filter basket, making it difficult, slowing down or even preventing complete drainage of the serum.
[0008] Due to its traditional nature, the following process is also known: inserting a cloth into the inner container as a filter, allowing the extraction and draining of the fermented product by separating it from the serum by wrapping this cloth around the fermented product, pressing it and making it compact by expelling the serum through the cloth. However, it requires compressing and compacting the fermented product by changing its texture, and also requires a thorough cleaning of the cloth between each use.
[0009] The present invention solves the above problems and other problems existing in the devices of the known state of the art, by providing a device which allows efficient, fast, comfortable and simple filtration of the fermented product, separating it from the serum, without producing compaction of the fermented product.
[0010] Brief description of the invention
[0011] The present invention relates to a device for the manufacture of fermented dairy products, in particular yogurt or kefir, as described in claim 1.
[0012] According to the information contained in the existing state of the art, the proposed device comprises: an outer container, thermally insulated with an outer cover; an inner container insertable inside the outer container; and a filter basket insertable inside the inner container.
[0013] Thus, the filter basket and the inner container are nested within each other, and both within the outer container. The filter basket will occupy the majority of the interior volume, for example more than 80% and preferably more than 90%, of the inner container when inserted therein.
[0014] By filling the inner container with warm milk mixed with dairy ferments, the outer container and its lid will keep this mixture warm long enough to obtain accelerated fermentation of the mixture, which produces a dairy fermentation which, for the most part, will be contained in the filter basket.
[0015] Therefore, the extraction of the filter basket will allow to extract, in a simple manner, the majority of the fermented milk from inside the inner container, allowing the serum to exit from inside the filter basket through filter openings thereof, falling inside the inner container as long as the filter basket remains vertical to the inner container.
[0016] The proposed device is characterized in that: the inner container comprises the first coupling configurations; the filter basket comprises second coupling configurations complementary to the first, provided for fixing the filter basket to the inner container in an elevated position, leaving at least an upper third of the filter basket above the mouth of the inner container; and in that the device also includes a scraper configured to be inserted into the filter basket allowing its rotation against the interior surface of the filter basket.
[0017] Thus, the first and second coupling configurations allow mutual coupling, keeping the filter basket vertical, leaving it partially extracted from the inner container and therefore with its bottom separated from the bottom of the inner container, and leaving a space inside the inner container, under the filter basket, in which the serum drawn from the filter basket accumulates.
[0018] The scraper allows, by rotating inside the filter basket, to move the fermented milk away from the filter openings of the filter basket, preventing their clogging and thus facilitating the complete filtering of the serum.
[0019] The aforementioned first coupling configurations may protrude from a lower surface of the inner container and may be located in an upper third of the inner container, and the second coupling configurations may protrude from an upper surface of the filter basket, on a lower third of the filter basket.
[0020] Further, these first and second coupling configurations may be arranged with an equidistant angular spacing relative to a central axis of the inner container and a central axis of the filter basket.
[0021] For its part, the filter basket is configured to be insertable inside the inner container in at least a first position, in which the first and second coupling configurations are not aligned in the insertion direction, being separated and allowing a complete insertion of the filter basket inside the inner container, and a second position, in which the first and second coupling configurations are aligned in the insertion direction, being coupled and retaining the filter basket in the raised position, preventing a complete insertion of the filter basket inside the inner container.
[0022] In this way, by lifting the filter basket and rotating it at the right time, these coupling configurations can be arranged opposite each other and in a chain, which promotes secure support when the bottom of the filter basket is suspended above the bottom of the inner container.
[0023] The above-mentioned scraper preferably comprises several spatulas, distributed radially around a center concentric with the center of the filter basket in which it will be inserted, and connected to a handle protruding towards the mouth of the filter basket for manual manipulation of the rotation of the scraper.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the handle is eccentric relative to the center of the spatulas.
[0025] The inner container may have, in its mouth, first handles, while the filter basket has second handles at its mouth, these first and second handles overlapping when the filter basket is inserted into the inner container in the first mentioned position.
[0026] Further, the inner container may include a first lid securable to its mouth, configured to produce closure of the inner container with or without the filter basket inserted in the first position.
[0027] The outer cover of the outer container may be configured to produce closure of the outer container with or without the inner container inserted into the outer container, or with or without the inner container and filter basket inserted into the outer container.
[0028] The proposed device allows the production of yogurt, without the use of the scraper and while retaining the rest of the components.
[0029] For the manufacture of kefir, the aforementioned coupling configurations allow the filter basket to be arranged in an exceptional position, elevated relative to the inner container, which facilitates the insertion and rotational manipulation of the scraper, the special configuration of which is detailed below, preventing the fermentation granules from clogging the filter during rotation of the scraper.
[0030] The coupling configurations also allow for the production of denser, creamier Greek yogurt by maintaining a fine mesh filter basket in an elevated position. The scraper allows for filtering of the more liquid fraction of the yogurt, preventing clogging of the filter basket, thickening and concentrating it, to obtain a denser, creamier yogurt.
[0031] Further, other features relating to the covers and thermal insulation means of the proposed device will be described in detail, in accordance with the attached drawings.
[0032] Brief description of the diagrams
[0033] The above-mentioned advantages and characteristics, among others, will be easier to understand in view of the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment, in accordance with the attached diagrams, and which are provided for illustrative and non-exhaustive purposes, and in which:
[0034] [Fig.l] is an exploded view showing all the components of the proposed device, in particular the aligned arrangement of the outer and inner containers and the filter basket, as well as the configuration of the scraper mentioned.
[0035] [Fig.2] is a perspective view showing the thermal insulation elements associated with the outer container.
[0036] [Fig.3] is a perspective view showing the filter basket with its cover and the inner container also equipped with its cover, both closed.
[0037] [Fig.4] illustrates the attachment of the filter basket to the inner container in an elevated position, revealing a large portion of the filter basket above the mouth of the inner container and inside the scraper, of which only a handle is visible.
[0038] Finally, [Fig.5] shows the configuration of the cover associated with the filter basket and the inner container.
[0039] Detailed description of the invention and examples of embodiment
[0040] The attached diagrams show non-exhaustive examples of embodiments of the present invention.
[0041] In diagram 1, we see the constitution of the proposed device, in which the following components are represented: a thermally insulated outer container (10) with an outer cover (11); an inner container (20) insertable inside the outer container (10); and a filter basket (30) insertable into the inner container (20);
[0042] As shown in this diagram 1, the inner container (20) has first coupling configurations (21) and the filter basket (30) has second coupling configurations (31) complementary to the first (21), provided for fixing the filter basket (30) to the inner container (20) in an elevated position (see diagram 4), leaving at least an upper third of the filter basket (30) above the mouth of the inner container (20).
[0043] In this diagram 1, a scraper (40) can also be seen configured to be inserted into the filter basket (30), which allows its rotation against an interior surface of the filter basket (30) when the scraper (40) is inserted into the filter basket (30) as can be seen in diagram 4.
[0044] The scraper (40) comprises several spatulas (41), distributed radially around a center concentric with the center of the filter basket (30), and connected to a handle (42) protruding towards the mouth of the filter basket (30) for manual manipulation of the rotation of the scraper (40).
[0045] As illustrated in diagrams 1 and 4, the handle (42) is eccentric relative to the center of the spatulas (41).
[0046] The scraper in a preferred embodiment will be made of polypropylene (resistant to chemical attack due to its low porosity) and will also include PBT to increase its rigidity and strength.
[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the filter basket (30) is circular and includes filter openings in at least its lower third.
[0048] The first coupling configurations (21) protrude from a lower surface of the inner container (20) into an upper third of the inner container (20), and the second coupling configurations (31) protrude from an upper surface of the filter basket (30) into a lower third of the filter basket (30).
[0049] As shown in diagrams 1 and 4, the first and second coupling configurations (21, 31) are arranged with an equidistant angular spacing relative to a central axis of the inner container (20) and a central axis of the filter basket (30).
[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, two coupling configurations (21, 31) have been provided opposite each other, in opposition both in the inner container (20) and in the filter basket (30).
[0051] The filter basket (30) is configured to be insertable inside the inner container (20) in at least a first position, in which the first and second coupling configurations (21, 31) are not aligned in the direction of insertion, being separated and allowing complete insertion of the filter basket (30) inside the inner container (20), and a second position, illustrated in detail in diagram 4, in which the first and second coupling configurations (21, 31) are aligned in the direction of insertion, being coupled while retaining the filter basket (30) in the raised position.
[0052] This elevated position of the filter basket (30) illustrated in diagram 4 is provided to allow insertion into the filter basket of the scraper (40), which can be rotated by manipulating the handle (42), thus preventing the fermentation granules from clogging the filter when rotating the scraper.
[0053] As can be seen in diagram 1 the inner container (20) has, in its mouth, first handles (22) and the filter basket (30) has, also next to its mouth, second handles (32). In diagram 3 it can be seen that the first and second handles (22, 32) overlap when the filter basket (30) is fully inserted into the inner container (20) in the first position.
[0054] Diagram 1 also shows that the inner container (20) has a first removable cover (23) at its mouth, configured to produce the closure of the inner container (20) with or without the filter basket (30) inserted in the first position.
[0055] As specified in diagram 5, the first cover (23) comprises two crimping configurations (24), at different heights in the direction of insertion, both complementary to the mouth of the inner container (20), which allows the coupling of the first cover (23) to the mouth of the inner container (20) at two different heights depending on the presence or absence of the filter basket (30) inside the inner container (20).
[0056] For its part, the outer container (10) comprises third handles (12) in its mouth (see diagram 1), where the first, second and third handles (12, 22, 32) are superimposed when the filter basket (30) is inserted into the inner container (20) in the first position, and the inner container (20) inserted into the outer container (10), as appears from the exploded view of diagram 1. Thus, the set of superimposed handles (12, 22, 32), provides a single body when gripping the entire device for manipulation.
[0057] On the other hand, the outer cover (11) is configured to produce the closure of the outer container (10) with or without the inner container (20) inserted inside the outer container (10), or with or without the inner container (20) and the filter basket (30) inserted inside the outer container (10).
[0058] As illustrated in diagram 2, the outer container (10) has, inside, a layer of insulating foam (13) on its walls and bottom or on its walls, bottom and outer cover (11).
[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the insulating foam layer (13) is made of polyethylene foam.
[0060] Similarly, diagram 3 above shows that the outer container (10) has a retaining ring (14) attached to its mouth, producing a narrowing of the mouth, the insulating foam layer (13) of the walls of the outer container (10) being retained by this retaining ring (14).
[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the outer (10) and inner (20) containers, as well as the filter basket (30) can be made of propylene and the aforementioned lids (11 and 23) of silicone.
[0062] As an insulating material, it is proposed to use polyethylene foam which, in the case of the insulation of the layer (13), may include a waterproof coating formed using a protective layer of aluminum plasticized with polyethylene.
Claims
Claims
1. Device for the manufacture of fermented dairy products comprising: a thermally insulated outer container (10) with an outer cover (11); an inner container (20) insertable inside the outer container (10); a filter basket (30) insertable in the inner container (20); characterized in that the inner container (20) comprises first coupling configurations (21); the filter basket (30) comprises second coupling configurations (31) complementary to the first coupling configurations (21), provided for fixing the filter basket (30) to the inner container (20) in an elevated position, at least an upper third of the filter basket (30) remaining above the mouth of the inner container (20); and in that the device also comprises a scraper (40) configured to be inserted into the filter basket (30), which allows its rotation against an inner surface of the filter basket (30).
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling configurations (21) protrude from a lower surface of the inner container (20), in an upper third of the inner container (20), and the second coupling configurations (31) protrude from an upper surface of the filter basket (30), in a lower third of the filter basket (30).
3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second coupling configurations (21, (31) are arranged with an angular spacing equidistant from a central axis of the inner container (20) and a central axis of the filter basket (30).
4. The device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the filter basket (30) is configured to be insertable into the inner container (20) in at least a first position, in which the first and second coupling configurations (21, 31) are not aligned in the insertion direction, being separated and allowing a complete insertion of the filter basket (30) into the inner container (20), and a second position, in which the first and second coupling configurations (21, 31) are aligned in the insertion direction, being coupled while maintaining the filter basket (30) in the raised position.
5. The device referred to in claim 4, wherein the inner container (20) comprises, in its mouth, first handles (22), the filter basket (30), in its mouth, second handles (32), and where the first and second handles (22, 32) overlap when the filter basket (30) is inserted into the inner container (20) in the first position.
6. The device referred to in claim 5, wherein the inner container (20) comprises a first removable cover (23) at its mouth, configured to produce the closure of the inner container (20) with or without the filter basket (30) inserted in the first position.
7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the first cover (23) comprises two crimping configurations (24), at different heights in the direction of insertion, both complementary to the mouth of the inner container (20), which allows the coupling of the first cover (23) to the mouth of the inner container (20) at two different heights depending on the presence or absence of the filter basket (30).
8. The device according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the outer container (10) has third handles (12) in its mouth and wherein the first, second and third handles (12, 22, 32) are superimposed when the filter basket (30) is inserted into the inner container (20) in the first position, and the inner container (20) into the outer container (10).
9. The device referred to in claim 8, wherein the outer cover (11) is configured to produce the closure of the outer container (10) with or without the inner container (20) inserted into the outer container (10), or with or without the inner container (20) and the filter basket (30) inserted into the outer container (10).
10. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the filter basket (30) is circular and has filter openings in at least its lower third.
11. The device referred to in claim 10, wherein the scraper (40) comprises several spatulas (41), distributed radially around a center concentric with the center of the filter basket (30), and connected to
12.
13.
14.
15. a handle (42) protruding towards the mouth of the filter basket (30) for manual manipulation of the rotation of the scraper (40). The device according to claim 11, wherein the handle (42) is eccentric relative to the center of the spatulas (41). The device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the outer container (10) comprises, inside, a layer of insulating foam (13) on its walls and bottom or on its walls, bottom and outer cover (11). The device according to claim 13, wherein the insulating foam layer (13) is made of polyethylene foam. The device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the outer container (10) has a retaining ring (14) fixed to its mouth, which produces a narrowing of the mouth, the insulating foam layer (13) of the walls of the outer container (10) being retained by this retaining ring (14).