Attachment and kitchen appliance

Abstract

To provide a device for peeling foodstuffs.SOLUTION: This device comprises a rotatable disc 110 having a first friction surface 112; and a second, preferably friction, surface 310, encircling the first friction surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment for kitchen appliances, particularly handheld kitchen appliances such as hand blenders and immersion blenders. The present invention particularly relates to an attachment for peeling garlic or similar foodstuffs, and a method for removing the tool from the attachment. Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for peeling food material, the apparatus having a rotatable disc with a first friction surface and a second surface surrounding the first friction surface, preferably also a friction surface.

[0003] As used herein, "surrounding" preferably means surrounding, but is not limited to a circular configuration, and preferably means that the first friction surface and the second surface are non-parallel.

[0004] Preferably, at least a portion of the first friction surface and the second surface are at an angle between 45 degrees and 135 degrees, more preferably between 60 degrees and 120 degrees, more preferably between 75 degrees and 105 degrees, more preferably between 80 degrees and 100 degrees, and even more preferably between 85 degrees and 95 degrees. It is desirable for at least a portion of the first friction surface and the second surface to be vertical.

[0005] Preferably, the second surface is a wall surrounding the first friction surface, and more preferably, the second surface abuts the first friction surface.

[0006] In a preferred arrangement, the first friction surface and the second surface define a chamber for receiving the food material, and both the first friction surface and the second surface face the chamber. Preferably, the chamber is not completely surrounded by the first friction surface and the second surface. More preferably, the chamber has an inlet opening, and the first friction surface faces the inlet opening.

[0007] The second surface may be provided on a cylinder within which the disc (including or forming the first friction surface) is disposed. The cylinder is preferably tapered.

[0008] One or both of the first friction surface and the second surface may preferably have an outer surface formed from a resilient material. For example, the outer surface may be formed from rubber, silicone, or a similar polymer. The first and second surfaces are preferably not abrasive or cutting surfaces that contain rough or sharp particles, grains, or teeth that may scratch, cut, or penetrate the skin of a foodstuff. Preferably, the surfaces grip, but do not scratch or penetrate, the skin of a foodstuff, such as a garlic clove. Preferably, the friction surface has a smooth outermost surface.

[0009] Preferably, the coefficient of friction between the first friction surface and the food material to be peeled is higher than the coefficient of friction between the food material to be peeled and the remainder of the disc and / or the second surface.

[0010] The second surface may preferably include a structure that impedes movement of the food to be peeled. The coefficient of friction between the second surface and the food may not be higher than that of a normal surface of the kitchen appliance, such as a bowl of the kitchen appliance. Alternatively, the second surface may be provided as or on a sleeve to cover the structure.

[0011] Because the friction surfaces are not parallel, ingredients to be peeled, such as garlic cloves, do not need to be the same size to be effectively peeled.

[0012] The device may be formed by the engagement of an attachment with the appliance, or the device may be an attachment to another appliance, such as a kitchen appliance, or may be a stand-alone appliance itself.

[0013] The second surface need not completely surround or encircle the first friction surface, preferably the second surface surrounds the first friction surface sufficiently to contain the food material to be peeled and preferably prevents the food material from spilling out.

[0014] In a preferred configuration, the disk is rotatable about an axis, with the second surface facing the axis. As used herein, the term "facing" is preferably used to mean that the normal of the surface is oriented in the direction of the axis. The normal may be tangent to the axis at any angle. As the disk rotates, the food material may be subjected to centrifugal force and pushed outward from the axis. In this configuration, the food material may preferably be fed to the second surface. The second surface may be the inner surface of a container or bowl. The disk may be attached to a shaft, preferably aligned with the axis, by which the shaft may be driven to rotate the disk.

[0015] Preferably, the second surface is angled within 45 degrees of the axis, more preferably within 30 degrees, more preferably within 15 degrees, more preferably within 10 degrees, and even more preferably within 5 degrees.

[0016] Preferably, the disc is rotatable relative to the second surface, which may be stationary. The relative motion preferably imparts shear forces to the surface of the food material to assist in peeling.

[0017] The food material to be peeled may be unconstrained between the first friction surface and the second surface. Preferably, the first friction surface and the second surface are not parallel so that the food material is unconstrained between them so that the food material can move under the centrifugal force caused by the rotational motion. Engagement of the food material with the first friction surface is preferably due to gravity. Engagement of the food material with the second surface is preferably the result of centrifugal force. Thus, the device is capable of peeling food materials of various sizes.

[0018] The first friction surface and / or the second surface may include a friction coating and / or patterning. The friction coating may be formed of a resilient material such as rubber, silicone, or similar polymers, and preferably acts to grip the foodstuff. The surface patterning may be shaped as raised or recessed ribs, diamonds, cross-hatching, dots, or other patterns. The patterning preferably has a smooth surface and / or is scaled such that wear is minimized or, more preferably, no wear occurs.

[0019] The second friction surface may be provided on a sleeve for use in a container for a kitchen appliance. The use of such a sleeve allows the device to form part of or be used in an existing kitchen appliance (container), which may be adapted for other uses. In particular, the sleeve may cover a wall formation of the kitchen appliance. This allows the sleeve to present a second friction surface that does not include substantial protrusions or discontinuities (or includes less noticeable protrusions or discontinuities), which may help prevent damage to ingredients during operation of the device. The disc may contact the sleeve or extend very close to the sleeve in use.

[0020] The sleeve may be formed as a rigid sleeve having first and second open ends. The first open end may allow the rotatable disk to engage the drive and, optionally, allow the food material to be inserted into the sleeve. The rigid sleeve may be formed with a shoulder connecting a side of the sleeve and the first open end such that the rigid sleeve forms a "bell" shape. The rigid sleeve may be formed of a rigid plastic material or a rigid elastomeric material.

[0021] The sleeve may be formed as a deformable sleeve and / or a relatively soft sleeve. Such a sleeve may consist of side walls only (i.e., may not include a top or bottom wall). Such a sleeve may be deformed by a user so that the second friction surface contacts a food item placed in the sleeve from at least two sides of the food item, and then may be used as a food item peeler independent of the device by moving it relative to the food item to peel the food item. The deformable sleeve may be formed of soft silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, or elastomeric material.

[0022] The rotatable disc may comprise a portion arranged at an oblique angle to the second friction surface and / or another (flat) portion of the disc, the first friction surface extending over said portion. Preferably, said portion is conical. Preferably, said portion is located in the center of the disc. The obliquely arranged portion may occupy between one-quarter and three-quarters of the radius of the disc, preferably occupying about one-half of the radius of the disc. The obliquely arranged portion may extend over a major portion of the (central) shaft attached to the disc, preferably, the obliquely arranged portion extends over substantially the entirety of the (central) shaft attached to the disc. The obliquely arranged portion may be arranged at an angle between 90° and 135°, more preferably between 100° and 125°, even more preferably between 105° and 120°, with respect to the outer / flat portion of the disc. The obliquely arranged portion and the outer / flat portion of the disc may be coated with a soft material, such as silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer, preferably via a two-part injection molding process. The use of the obliquely disposed portions may reduce the amount of radial movement of the food item during use, thereby increasing the likelihood that the food item will contact the second friction surface for effective peeling, and may also reduce damage to the food item during use. Although the obliquely disposed portions are generally described as "conical", it will be appreciated that portions having different shapes (e.g., a rounded or curved conical or hemispherical shape) may instead be used.

[0023] The first friction surface may be reversibly attached to the disc, allowing it to be removed for cleaning, and allowing it to be replaced if it becomes worn or damaged.

[0024] Preferably, the disc can have an alternative food processing purpose: if a first friction surface can be attached to the disc (e.g., a grater disc) to convert the food processing purpose to peeling, storage space can be minimized.

[0025] The device may comprise a cavity beneath the first friction surface, and the disc may comprise a plurality of openings extending therethrough to the cavity. In some configurations, the openings may be large enough to receive a garlic skin. Preferably, the openings are not large enough to receive a garlic clove (which typically measures 1 cm to 3 cm). Preferably, the openings do not have a continuous opening of more than 1 cm. This may aid in separating the peeled clove from the skin.

[0026] In a preferred arrangement, the disk comprises an inner portion and an outer portion, with a plurality of openings provided in both the inner and outer portions, which can assist in creating airflow within the device, for example through the cavity.

[0027] Preferably, the opening in the outer portion is at the periphery of the disk, which prevents the opening from being blocked by the cloves.

[0028] A plurality of grilles may be provided across at least some of the openings. In configurations where the openings are for airflow, the grilles preferably prevent the peeled skin from being drawn into the cavity by the airflow. The grilles may be provided across only the openings in the inner portion, only the openings in the outer portion, or across both the openings in the inner and outer portions. Preferably, the grilles are spaced 1 cm apart.

[0029] The cavity may comprise a number of ribs for directing airflow. The ribs are preferably configured to facilitate airflow between the openings. In a preferred embodiment, the ribs are configured to facilitate airflow from the inner portion to the outer portion. Preferably, the ribs are curved. Even more preferably, the ribs are curved away from the direction of rotation, with the radius of curvature expanding in the opposite direction to the direction of rotational motion. This may encourage accumulation of skins on the inner portion of the disc and peeled cloves on the outer portion of the disc.

[0030] Preferably, the openings in the outer portion of the disc are located between the ribs, in this way air can flow between the ribs and exit directly through the openings.

[0031] Preferably, the device further comprises a cover that can rotate in conjunction with the disk. The cover can provide a vertical constraint to the movement of the food material. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is freely movable to vary the distance between the disk and the cover. In this way, the height of the chamber can be varied, so that cloves of different sizes can be accommodated. Preferably, the cover simply rests gently on the food material by gravity.

[0032] The cover may be reversibly attachable - preferably the cover can be repeatedly attached and removed from the device without damage to the cover or the device.

[0033] According to a further aspect, there is provided an attachment for a kitchen appliance, the attachment comprising a disc configured to transform the appliance into a device for peeling foodstuffs as described above.

[0034] A disc attachment with a friction surface may be attached to the food utensil, the friction surface providing a first friction surface as described above, and a second surface may be provided by a wall of a bowl or container of the food processing equipment.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an attachment for a rotary food processing equipment having a shaft with a first part having a rotary tool for food processing and a second part having a cover, the first part and the second part being reversibly attachable.

[0036] Thus, the first portion may be placed in the food processing equipment, followed by the food ingredient, followed by the second portion. This configuration can provide a safety guard. Because the rotating tool continues to spin after power is turned off, without the cover, the rotating disk could injure a user. The cover shields the rotating tool and helps prevent such injuries from occurring.

[0037] Preferably, one of the first and second parts is configured to transmit rotational drive from the rotary food processing equipment to the other of the first and second parts, preferably such that drive is only transmitted when the two parts are brought together, thereby providing a further safety guard.

[0038] The rotary tool for food processing may be, for example, a grater disc, a slicing disc, a spiralizer disc, an emulsifier disc, a friction surface disc, or a disc such as a dough hook, chopper, blender, or may have an alternative food processing purpose. The rotary tool may be a disc as mentioned above.

[0039] An apparatus as described above may include such an attachment. A disk as described above may be provided on a first portion of the shaft and a cover as described above may be provided on a second portion. The food material may preferably be contained between the disk and the cover.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a kitchen appliance comprising the device and / or attachment described above.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for peeling food material, the apparatus comprising a rotatable disc having a first friction surface and a second surface surrounding the first friction surface.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for peeling food material, the apparatus comprising a disk rotatable about an axis having a first friction surface and a second surface facing the axis. Preferably, the second surface forms an angle with the axis of 45 degrees or less. More preferably, the second surface forms an angle with the axis of 30 degrees or less. Even more preferably, the second surface forms an angle with the axis of 15 degrees or less.

[0043] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for peeling food material, the apparatus having a rotatable disc having a first friction surface and a second surface perpendicular to the first friction surface.

[0044] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for peeling food material, the apparatus comprising a container and a disc, the disc having a friction surface and rotatable within the container.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an attachment for a hand blender comprising a reversibly attachable tool and an ejector for the reversibly attachable tool.

[0046] The tool can be removed via the ejector, so the user does not need to touch the tool to remove it. This helps the user hold the tool and prevent accidents that could occur if the tool is activated. It also helps prevent food from getting on the user's hands when removing the tool.

[0047] According to a further aspect, there is provided an attachment for a kitchen appliance comprising a reversibly attachable tool, an ejector for the reversibly attachable tool, and coupling means for coupling to the kitchen appliance, the ejector and the coupling means being located on the same face of the attachment.

[0048] As used herein, "same side" is used to mean the same surface and / or side of the attachment. In use, this may be the top side. It is often more convenient for a user, especially when using handheld appliances, if the ejector is located on the same side of the attachment that couples to the appliance motor.

[0049] Preferably the coupling means comprises structure configured to engage structure of the kitchen appliance to reversibly attach the attachment to the kitchen appliance, even more preferably the coupling means is configured to transfer drive from the kitchen appliance to the attachment, preferably to a tool to which it is reversibly attachable.

[0050] Preferably, the ejector and the coupling means are separate, so that removal of the tool from the attachment can be performed separately from removal of the attachment from the kitchen appliance. More preferably, the ejector and the coupling means are spaced apart from each other. This space may have a distance of at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, more preferably at least 3 cm. This helps to prevent a user from accidentally activating the ejector when holding the kitchen appliance.

[0051] According to yet another aspect, there is provided an attachment for a kitchen appliance comprising a reversibly attachable tool and an ejector for the reversibly attachable tool, the ejector being offset from an axis of the tool.

[0052] The term "offset" is used herein to mean that the ejector is preferably actuated with an actuation direction that is not coincident with the axis of the tool. This configuration can provide space for the tool to align with other mechanisms, for example a gearbox for transmitting the rotational drive. Preferably, the actuation direction is parallel to the axis of the tool.

[0053] Preferably, the reversibly attachable tool and the ejector for the reversibly attachable tool are provided on opposite faces of the attachment, which tends to ensure that the actuation direction is parallel to the axis of the tool.

[0054] Preferably, the reversibly attachable tool is ejected along an ejection direction, and the ejector comprises an ejector controller that operates in an actuation direction, the actuation direction being parallel to the ejection direction. Preferably, the ejection direction is along the axis of the tool, which allows for a more efficient transfer of the ejection force.

[0055] The controller may be a button, a lever, or a switch.

[0056] In a preferred configuration, the actuation direction may be offset from the ejection direction, which is used to mean that the actuation direction is parallel to the ejection direction but does not coincide with it, to allow space for further elements in the attachment, for example to couple a tool to a motor.

[0057] The ejector may further comprise an ejector pin for each component of the tool. The pin can be used to transmit the force to eject the tool. Preferably, there are two or more ejector pins, and the ejector pins have different lengths. Thus, the user can eject the tools in sequence, reducing the force required to eject each tool.

[0058] In a preferred configuration, the ejector further comprises a guide structure parallel to the ejection direction, which allows the ejector to smoothly move downward and reduces the effect of rotational moment. The guide structure may preferably comprise a rib in a direction parallel to the ejection direction.

[0059] The guide structure is preferably parallel to and may be aligned with the actuation direction, which helps to guide the ejector smoothly downward.

[0060] Preferably, the guide structure further comprises a plurality of struts in a direction perpendicular to the ejection direction, which can strengthen and / or stiffen the ejector mechanism to withstand shear forces while minimizing weight and volume.

[0061] According to a further aspect, a kitchen appliance is provided having an attachment having a reversibly attachable tool, a first ejector mechanism for removing the attachment from the kitchen appliance, and a second ejector mechanism for removing the reversibly attachable tool from the attachment, the first ejector mechanism being separate from the second ejector mechanism.

[0062] Providing two separate ejector mechanisms for attachment ejection and tool ejection allows the equipment to be disassembled in stages. Furthermore, the user does not need to touch the tool to remove it.

[0063] The kitchen appliance attachment may preferably be an attachment as described above.

[0064] The kitchen appliance may be a handheld kitchen appliance, preferably a hand blender.

[0065] According to a further aspect, there is provided a sleeve for use in an apparatus, preferably a kitchen appliance, for peeling foodstuffs, optionally with an inner surface of the sleeve providing a friction surface for peeling the foodstuffs, the sleeve may be used in combination with a rotating component disposed inside the sleeve, optionally with the rotating component providing a further friction surface.

[0066] According to a further aspect, there is provided a rotatable disc for a device, preferably a kitchen appliance, for peeling foodstuffs, comprising a first portion and a second portion arranged at an oblique angle to the first portion, preferably wherein at least the second portion is provided with a friction surface, more preferably wherein the second portion is cone-shaped.

[0067] The present invention also includes kits of parts for constructing any of the devices or device elements described herein.

[0068] The present invention extends to methods, systems and apparatus substantially as herein described and / or illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] The invention extends to any novel aspect or feature described and / or illustrated herein.

[0070] Apparatus features described herein may also be provided as method features, and vice versa. As used herein, means-plus-function features may alternatively be expressed in terms of their corresponding structure, such as, for example, a suitably programmed processor and associated memory.

[0071] Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention in any suitable combination. In particular, a method aspect may be applied to an apparatus aspect and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and / or all features in one aspect may be applied to any, some and / or all features in any other aspect in any suitable combination. It is also to be understood that specific combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspect of the invention may be implemented and / or provided and / or used independently.

[0072] It is also to be understood that specific combinations of the various features described and defined in any embodiment of the present invention can be implemented and / or provided and / or used independently.

[0073] In this specification, the term "or" can be interpreted in an exclusive or inclusive sense, unless otherwise stated.

[0074] As used herein, the term "removable attachment" (and similar terms such as "removably attachable" and "reversibly attachable") when used in relation to an attachment between a first object and a second object preferably means that the first object can be attached to and detached from the second object (preferably repeatedly reattached, redetached, etc.) and / or that the first object can be removed from the second object without damaging the first object or the second object, more preferably that the first object can be reattached to the second object without damaging the first object or the second object, and / or that the first object can be removed from (and optionally reattached to) the second object by hand and / or without the use of tools (e.g., screwdrivers, spanners, etc.). In this regard, mechanisms such as snap fits, bayonet attachments, and hand-rotatable locking nuts may be used.

[0075] Furthermore, functionality that is implemented in hardware may generally be implemented in software and vice versa, and any references to software and hardware functionality herein should be construed accordingly.

[0076] The invention is described in the field of domestic food processing and cooking machines, but it can also be implemented in any field of use where efficient, effective and convenient cooking and / or processing of materials is desired, either on an industrial scale and / or in small quantities. Fields of use include the preparation and / or processing of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paints, building materials, clothing materials, agricultural and / or animal feed and / or treatments (including fertilizers, grains and / or other agricultural and / or animal products), oils, fuels, dyes, cosmetics, plastics, tars, finishes, waxes, varnishes, beverages, medical and / or biological research materials, solders, alloys, waste liquids, and / or other substances. References herein to "food", "ingredients" or similar terms can be replaced by such working medium.

[0077] The invention described herein can be used in any kitchen appliance and / or as a stand-alone device. This includes any domestic food processing and / or cooking machine, including both top-driven machines (e.g., stand mixers) and bottom-driven machines (e.g., blenders or food processors). It can be implemented in heating and / or cooling machines. The invention can also be implemented in both hand-held appliances (e.g., hand blenders) and tabletop appliances (e.g., blenders). It can be used in appliances integrated into a worktop or worktable, or in stand-alone devices. The invention can also be provided as a stand-alone device, whether motorized or manually driven.

[0078] As used herein, the term "processing" preferably means any action related to or contributing to the transformation of a product into an ingredient or an ingredient into a different form of ingredient, including, by way of example, the application of mechanical operations (e.g., cutting, beating, blending, whipping, dicing, spiraling, grinding, extruding, molding, kneading, etc.) and the application of hot or cold. As used herein, "food" and "ingredient" can include beverages and frozen ingredients as well as ingredients used to make them (e.g., coffee beans). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0079] [Figure 1] 1 shows a side view of a food processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a food processing apparatus lid connected to a hand blender shaft. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a food processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the disc insert and the cover disc. [Diagram 5] 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a disc insert. [Figure 6] 13 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a disc insert. [Figure 7] 13 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a disc insert. [Figure 8] 13 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a disc insert. [Figure 9] 13 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a disc insert. [Figure 10] 13 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a disc insert. [Figure 11] 11 shows a top view of the disc insert of FIG. 10. [Figure 12a] 1 shows a perspective view of an alternative disc insert; [Figure 12b] 12b shows a cross-sectional view of a food processing device including the sleeve and disc insert of FIG. 12a. [Figure 12c]12b shows a cross-sectional view of a food processing device including the alternative sleeve and disc insert of FIG. 12a. [Figure 12d] Sleeve is shown. [Figure 12e] 1 shows an alternative sleeve. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a hand blender with a beater attachment attached. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a hand blender attachment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the hand blender attachment of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional side view of the hand blender attachment of FIGS. 14 and 15 with a tool attached. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional side view of the hand blender attachment of FIGS. 14-16 without a tool attached. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the inner surface of the button element of the hand blender attachment of FIGS. 14 to 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the outer surface of the button element of the hand blender attachment of FIGS. 14-18. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0080] Peeling insert

[0081] Peeling garlic and similar vegetables can be tedious and leave a long-lasting odor on the cook's hands. It is therefore desirable to provide an electric garlic peeler. Figures 1 and 3 show a first embodiment of the invention for peeling garlic in a rotary food processing appliance, comprising a tool attachment 100, a lid 200 and a bowl 300. The attachment comprises a shaft 120 and a disk 110 rotatable in the bowl 300. At the end of the shaft there are means 140 for transmitting drive from a motor unit which can be mounted via the lid 200.

[0082] In this embodiment, tool 100 is provided as an attachment for a hand or immersion blender 700, as shown in FIG. 2. Tool attachment 100 includes a locating post 130 that engages with a corresponding recess 330 in the base of bowl 300. Tool 100 is configured to be held in a fixed position within bowl 300 by engagement of locating post 130 with corresponding recess 330. Recess 330 in bowl 300 includes a locating pin 332 that fits within a hole in post 130 of tool attachment 100. Shaft 120 of tool 100 is rotatable relative to locating pin 332 such that bowl 300 remains in a fixed position while attachment 100 rotates therein.

[0083] The motor unit of the appliance is located within the handle of a hand blender 700 which is attachable to the lid 200. FIG. 2 shows the lid 200 connected to the handle of the hand blender 700. The blender handle is received within a channel 240 extending from the top surface of the lid 200. The lid 200 and the hand blender handle have corresponding locking structures to secure the connection, such as a bayonet mechanism and / or a snap lock. The upper edge of the channel 240 has a notch 242 which can receive a release button 710 of the hand blender 700. Actuation of the release button 710 releases the bayonet and / or snap lock mechanism to release the connection between the blender handle 700 and the lid 200.

[0084] The hand blender 700 can be powered on by a control 750. The drive transmission mechanism provided in the lid is shown in cross section in FIG. 3. A transmission pin 252 is provided in the channel 240, which engages with a motor mechanism located in the handle of the food processing equipment. The transmission pin 252 transmits torque to a transmission mechanism 250 in the lid, which can then transmit the torque to the tool. The transmission mechanism 250 transmits the rotational motion of the motor to the tool through engagement with a coupling component 140 located at the end of the shaft 120 of the tool attachment 100. The coupling component 140 comprises a spade-shaped structure 142 that engages with the transmission mechanism 250. In this way, the rotational motion is imparted to the shaft or axis 120 of the tool 100.

[0085] The lid 100 includes a lower edge 210 projecting from its periphery that fits over the bowl 300. The lower edge 210 includes projections 212 that engage corresponding slots (not shown) in the inner surface of the bowl to form a secure connection. The lid may further be connected to the bowl via a bayonet and / or snap-fit ​​mechanism. The lid 200 further includes an outwardly projecting rim 230 that covers the interface between the lid 200 and the bowl 300.

[0086] The tool attachment 100 comprises a substantially flat disc 110 disposed on a shaft 120, the disc 110 being rotatable about an axis defined by the shaft 120. When assembled (as shown in FIG. 3), the arrangement of the tool 100, the lid 200, and the bowl 300 defines a chamber 350 for receiving the food item 50 between an upper surface of the disc 110 and a lower surface of the lid 200. The upper surface of the disc 110 includes a friction surface 112. The inner surface of the bowl 300 forms a second surface 310, which can act as a second friction surface. When the garlic cloves 50 (or similar foodstuffs to be peeled) are placed in the chamber 350, they rest on the friction surface 112 of the disc 110. The disc 110 rotates within the bowl 300, while the bowl 300 remains stationary.

[0087] The disk 110 is positioned in the bowl 300 such that the second friction surface 310 surrounds the disk friction surface 112. The second friction surface 112 abuts the outer circumference of the disk 110 and its friction surface 112. The angle between the disk friction surface 112 and the second friction surface 310 may be 90 degrees, but this is not necessary for the invention to function properly. The two friction surfaces 112, 310 may not be parallel, but may be disposed at an angle ranging between 45 degrees and 135 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the surfaces 112, 310 are disposed at an angle slightly greater than 90 degrees. Both the disk friction surface 112 and the bowl friction surface 310 face a chamber 350 in which the foodstuff to be peeled is contained. The disk friction surface 112 faces upwards and faces the opening of the chamber 350. Because the friction surface 112 of the disk and the second friction surface 310 are not parallel, the clove 50 is not constrained between the two friction surfaces. Rather, the clove 50 is held against the friction surface 112 of the disk by gravity. As the disk rotates, the clove 50 is pushed outward by centrifugal force. Because the second friction surface faces the axis of the shaft 120, centrifugal force presses the clove 50 against the second friction surface 310.

[0088] The tool 100 is formed as two separable main components, a disk insert 102 and a shank attachment 104, as shown in FIG. 4. The disk insert 102 includes a disk 110 and a shaft 116. The shaft 116 can be received within the shank 120 of the shank insert 104. A cap 150 is secured to the top of the shaft 116 by a screw 152, closing the shaft 116 and preventing the ingress of foodstuffs. When connected, the shaft 116 and the shank 120 act as an axis for the tool 100. The shaft 116 and the shank 120 include corresponding engagement structures so that rotational motion can be transferred between the components. In this exemplary embodiment, there are splines 118 extending along the outer peripheral shaft 116 that are located within corresponding slots (not shown) in the shank 120. Alternatively, ribs can be provided within the inwardly extending shank and corresponding slots can be provided on the shaft where the ribs are located. Engagement formations 114 and 124 in the form of teeth are also provided at the ends of the splines, at the interface of the shank 120 and the disk 110. In this embodiment, the shank attachment 104 transfers rotational motion to the disk insert 102. However, alternatively, a disk insert component may be coupled to a motor that transfers drive to the shank insert component.

[0089] Further attachments may be attached to the tool insert 100 to improve or change the mode of food processing. The shank 120 comprises a structure 122 configured to engage and secure the further attachment. In this embodiment, the structure 122 is provided as a slot extending along the length of the shaft 120 (and thus along the axis of rotation), into which a protruding structure on the further attachment can be inserted. This arrangement allows the further attachment to move freely along the axis of the shaft 120, allowing the distance between the disk 110 and the further attachment to be varied. This also facilitates the transmission of rotational forces to the further attachment, so that the further attachment rotates in synchronism with the rotation of the disk 110.

[0090] A further example of an attachment is a cover 400 as shown in FIG. 4. The cover 400 has a disk-shaped footprint corresponding to that of the tool disk 110. The cover 400 serves as the upper surface of the chamber 350. The cover 400 is free to move up and down the shaft 120 (along the axis of rotation) so that the distance between the cover 400 and the disk 110 can be varied, and the size of the chamber 350 can be varied. The cover 400 can be gently placed on the garlic cloves 50 and apply gentle pressure due to gravity. Thus, the cover 400 can minimize the size of the chamber 350 in which the cloves 50 are housed. When the motor is turned on, the cover 400 rotates together with the disk 110. During the rotation, the centrifugal force acting on the cloves 50 can cause them to move randomly. The cover has the effect of minimizing vertical movement and promoting lateral movement towards the second friction surface 310. In this way, the cloves 50 can be urged towards the wall 310 more quickly and efficiently. The cover 400 is preferably made of a food-safe plastic material and has a weight that inhibits but does not prevent movement. Thus, the cover may have a weight of the order of between 10 and 100 g, preferably between 15 and 35 g, more preferably between 20 and 30 g, and even more preferably has a weight of 25 g. The underside of the cover does not have to be parallel to the friction surface 112 of the disc 110. For example, it may be angled upward from the central portion towards the outer portion to encourage the cloves 50 towards the wall 310 of the bowl 300.

[0091] In use, the disk insert 102 is placed and secured within the bowl 300 as previously described. The food material 50 to be processed is then placed on the friction surface 112 of the disk 110 within the chamber 350. The shank insert 104 is then fitted over the disk insert 102, and the food material is held within the chamber 350 defined by the friction surface 112, the walls of the bowl 300, and the cover 400. When the appliance is turned on and the disk 110 is set to rotate by the motor, centrifugal force moves the garlic cloves 50 towards the second friction surface 310 of the inner wall of the bowl 300 into the outer region of the cavity. The relative movement between the disk friction surface 112 and the second friction surface 310 exerts a shear force on the surface of the garlic cloves 50, thereby removing the skin.

[0092] Typically, conventional peeling devices exert shear forces by rubbing the cloves between two parallel surfaces. In such a configuration, the width of the gap between these two surfaces is determined by the larger cloves. Thus, only the larger cloves contact both surfaces and are effectively peeled. The present invention utilizes gravity to hold the cloves against the friction surface 112 of the disk and centrifugal force to engage the cloves with a second friction surface surrounding the disk 110. The centrifugation acts on cloves of all sizes, and all cloves contact the friction surface. Thus, both small and large cloves experience shear forces from the friction surface as a result of the rotational motion. Thus, cloves of all sizes can be effectively peeled.

[0093] A sufficiently high rotational speed of the disk 110 is required to exert a sufficient centrifugal force on the clove 50 to propel it towards the second friction surface 310. This is usually achieved by rotation at a speed typically in excess of 1,000 RPM, although preferably between 1,000-5,000 RPM, more preferably between 2,500-3,500 RPM, and even more preferably 3,000 RPM rotational motion may be more typically used.

[0094] The friction surface 112 is formed of a resilient material, such as rubber, silicone, or similar polymeric material. Such materials provide a higher coefficient of friction than materials typically used for tool attachments, such as metal. To avoid damaging the garlic cloves (or other foodstuffs being peeled), the upper friction surface of the disk is not formed of an abrasive material having a granular surface configured to scratch or wear, such as sandpaper. Abrasive materials may damage the surface of the garlic, resulting in the cloves not being in optimal condition for cooking. Often, garlic cloves release juices, which can leave a smell on the hands when the user handles the peeled cloves. The friction surface 112 of the present invention has a smooth outermost surface and is less abrasive than P1200 sandpaper. In this way, the skin of the foodstuff is removed by rubbing, rather than by abrasion. The friction surface may have a pattern in the form of either recessed or protruding features. These features may be formed of the same or different materials and may take the form of ribs, dots, cross-hatching or similar patterns configured to enhance grip. The outermost surface of the patterned material may still be considered smooth in that it is formed of a smooth continuous layer rather than granular particles. The inner surface of the wall 310 of the bowl 300 may simply be formed of plastic as is customary in food processing equipment, or may further include a coating of a similar frictional material to enhance the peeling process. The inner surface of the bowl may be coated with a material such as rubber, silicone, thermoplastic polymer (TPE) or other polymer to increase the coefficient of friction. The surface may also be patterned to provide a structure that exerts a shear stress on the cloves during rotation of the tool. As shown in FIG. 3, patterned structures such as ribs 320 may be provided to enhance friction on the inner surface of the wall 310. Such ribs 320 are often already present in existing food processing bowls, in which the present invention may be practiced. The second friction surface 310 on the inner surface of the bowl need not produce a higher coefficient of friction than a typical food processing bowl, or indeed any other surface of food processing equipment.If it exerts a shear force on the food being peeled and does not significantly abrade the food, it can be considered a frictional surface.

[0095] The bowl 300 and lid 200 are preferably formed of a food-safe thermoplastic material so that they can be easily formed and easily cleaned. The disk 110 is formed of a hard food-safe metal or plastic material and is coated with a material such as rubber, silicone, thermoplastic polymer (TPE) or other polymer that forms the friction surface 112. This coating may be fixed or may be reversibly removable and attachable so that it can be removed without damage and replaced as needed. For example, the disk 110 may be formed as a grating surface or other form of food processing surface with a replaceable coating to convert the upper surface into a friction surface. In this way, the function of the disk can be reversibly converted between various food processing functions. Also, as the friction surface wears or cracks, it can be easily replaced with a new removable friction surface coating. The disk may also be made of a high friction material (such as a high hardness TPE) so that it can provide a friction surface by itself without additional parts. The bowl 300, lid 200, and disk 110 are preferably all dishwasher safe. To provide a configuration that is much easier to clean than an elastic element for peeling with a deformable shape such as a balloon that is prone to trap water inside during washing, even if the replaceable coating itself is not placed in a dishwasher.

[0096] The cover 400 is shown in FIG. 4 as preassembled on the shank insert 104 and is attachable to the disk insert 102 by engagement of the splines 118 with the components 114 and 124 (as described above). The cover 400 may be provided attached to the shank 120. Alternatively, the cover 400 may be provided as a separate component and attachable to the shank by sliding the cover 400 over the shank while formations (not shown) engage with the slits 122 on the shank. The shaft 116 and disk insert 110 are preferably provided as a single integral component (disk insert 102) to simplify and reduce manufacturing costs. However, the disk 110 may be provided as a separate component attachable to the shank. This may be preferred, for example, when the invention is implemented in a food processor.

[0097] Figures 5-11 show alternative embodiments of the construction of the disk insert as an integral part that can be attached to the shank 120. Figure 5 shows a simple insert 1100 with a disk 1110 and a drive shaft 1120 as an integral component. The upper surface 1112 of the disk forms a friction surface for peeling garlic or similar foodstuffs. The drive shaft 1120 is provided with a slot 118 that can engage with a spline in the drive shank to transmit the rotational drive. This shows an alternative to the construction shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4 where the splines are provided in the shaft and corresponding slots in the drive shank.

[0098] 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which an insert 2100 comprises a shaft 2120 and a disk 2110 formed from a rigid material. The top surface 2112 of the disk 2110 comprises ribs 2114 or other structures that form the friction surface of the disk. The ribs 2114 or similar structures can improve the grip of the friction surface with the food item. The ribs 2114 can also provide contact points with the clove that exert a shear stress on the outer surface, thus facilitating peeling. The disk 2110 itself may be formed from stainless steel or a thermoplastic material.

[0099] FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment in which the insert 3100 comprises a shaft 3120 and a disc 3110. The disc 3110 is formed of a hard material, while the upper surface 3112 has a coating 3114 formed of a resilient food-safe material such as rubber, thermoplastic polymer (TPE) or silicone that forms the friction surface 3112. The coating 3114 may be permanently attached (non-removably) to the disc 3110. This can be produced, for example, by overmolding. Alternatively, the coating 3114 may be a separate entity in the form of a soft disc placed on top of the base disc 3110, with or without further fastening. The soft disc may optionally comprise scaffolding elements such as spokes and / or rings of harder material to prevent the cover from coming off during use.

[0100] FIG. 8 shows a similar embodiment in which the coating 4114 is formed of a soft material and can be removably attached to the base disc 4110, for example by engaging the outer edge by a snap fit. The base disc 4110 can have a secondary use, for example as a grater disc, which can be converted into a peeling disc by the attachment of a soft cover. The disc 4110 and cover 4114 can have corresponding openings through which the peels can pass but not the garlic cloves. As garlic cloves are typically 1-3 cm in size, it is preferred that the openings have an uninterrupted opening of 1 cm or less. The openings themselves can be less than 1 cm in any dimension, or a grid may be provided across the openings at intervals of 1 cm or less. The peels can then accumulate in a cavity 4116 below the disc, while the cloves remain on top of the disc 4110.

[0101] In a slightly modified embodiment as shown in Figure 9, the soft material 5114 is positioned at a distance above the base disc 5110. An opening 5118 is provided in the soft material 5114 but not in the disc 5110 itself. The garlic skins therefore fall through the opening 5118 into the space between the soft material 5114 and the disc 5110, forming a cavity 5116 for receiving the garlic skins. The skins are allowed to accumulate in the cavity 5116 and are thus separated from the peeled cloves.

[0102] A further slightly modified embodiment is shown in Figures 10 and 11, where Figure 11 provides a top view of the insert 6100 of Figure 10 with a breakout of the space between the soft material 6114 and the disk 6110, which forms a cavity 6116. This cavity 6116 is also provided with curved ribs 6122 shaped to act as a radial fan. The ribs 6122 are curved away from the direction of rotation so that when the disk 6110 is rotating, the radial fan creates an airflow that promotes the movement of air from the inner part to the outer part of the cavity 6116. An inlet opening 6130 in the inner part of the disk allows air from above the soft cover 6114 to enter the cavity 6116. The air can then flow across the cavity and exit through an outlet opening 6140 located in the outer part of the disk 6110. The outlet 6140 is preferably located at the periphery of the disk 6110. The open arrows in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 indicate the air flow, while the solid arrow in Fig. 11 indicates the direction of rotation of the disk 6110. This air flow helps to separate the garlic cloves from their skin. The cloves are pushed by the centrifugal force towards the outer wall of the container. However, the skin is very light and is blown by the air flow towards the inner part of the disk 6110. In this way, the cloves are collected at the outer edge of the disk 6110 by the wall of the container, while the skin is collected inside along the shaft 6120. A lattice element 6132 is provided at the inlet 6130 to reduce the size of the opening, thus preventing pieces of skin from being sucked into the cavity 6116. As the typical size of a garlic clove is 1-3 cm, it is preferred that the spacing between the lattices (uninterrupted openings) is usually less than 1 cm. The outlet 6140 can also be provided with a lattice, especially if the lattice is placed on the top surface of the disk 6110 and not on the periphery.

[0103] Further alternatives are shown in Figures 12a-12e. Figure 12a shows a further insert 7100 including a conical portion 7128. The conical portion 7128 is located in the center of the disc 7110 and extends from the disc 7110 to cover substantially all of the shank 7116 (leaving only the drive receiving formation 7126 extending from the top of the shaft 7116). The conical portion 7128 extends over approximately half the diameter of the disc. The conical portion 7128 forms an angle of approximately 10-115 degrees with the flat portion of the disc 7110. The first friction surface 7112 extends over both the flat portion of the disc 7110 and the conical portion 7128. The effect of providing such a conical portion is that the radial movement of the food material may be reduced (or the radial component of any movement of the food material may be reduced). Such radial movement of the food material may be undesirable as the food material may contact the second friction surface from a direction perpendicular to the second friction surface, which generally does not result in effective peeling and may cause damage to the food material (e.g., by shattering parts of the food material).

[0104] FIG. 12b shows a further insert 7100 mounted in the bowl 300, surrounded by the lid 200. For clarity, the connection between the further insert 7100 and the transmission mechanism 250 and the recess 330 in the base of the bowl 300 is not shown in the figure. Apart from including the further insert 7100, the illustrated configuration differs from that of FIG. 3 in that a removable sleeve 900 is provided between the wall of the bowl 300 and the further insert 7100. The sleeve 900 consists of a substantially cylindrical wall that generally matches the wall of the surrounding bowl, the inner surface of said wall of the sleeve acting as a second friction surface 920 rather than the wall of the bowl. The sleeve 900 is open at the top and bottom ends so that the device can operate without other substantial changes from the configurations already described. The further insert 7100 is used without the cover 400 (although alternatively such a cover may be used).

[0105] The sleeve 900 shown in FIG. 12b (and also shown in FIG. 12d) is a rigid sleeve including a shoulder 910 and an upstanding wall 930 connected to the shoulder 910 and defining the upper open end of the sleeve. The use of such a shoulder 910 helps the sleeve to conform to the shape of the bowl 300 and the lid 200. The sleeve 900 forms a generally "bell" like shape and is configured to simply snap into place in the bowl 300. Optionally, a positioning feature 940 is provided on the sleeve 900 and / or the bowl 300 and / or the lid 200 to help prevent the sleeve 900 from rotating with the further insert 7100 during use. For example, the positioning feature 940 can be provided on an outer portion of the sleeve 900 to abut against a rib on the bowl 300, thereby preventing the sleeve 900 from rotating during use.

[0106] Alternatively, as shown in Figures 12c and 12e, the sleeve 900 may be a soft, deformable sleeve that does not include a shoulder 910. This means that the sleeve 900 does not have to extend the entire length of the shaft 7116, as shown in Figure 12c. The deformable sleeve 900 may have a further application outside the device in that it may be used manually to peel food ingredients in the manner of the known "garlic roller" (food ingredients are placed within a deformable tube and compressed by the user while rolling the tube, peeling the food ingredients by friction).

[0107] The configurations of Figures 5 to 12c are preferably implemented on an insert where the disk is integral with the shank. However, they may also be implemented on an insert where the disk is a separate component that can be attached to the shank of the food processing equipment. All of the configurations may be implemented in combination with a cover element as described above.

[0108] In an alternative embodiment, the invention may be provided as an attachment for an existing food processing tool. For example, the disk may be an attachment that can be placed on a grater disk, dough hook, or similar rotating tool to provide an upper friction surface. It is detachable by a snap-fit ​​connection. When the food processing tool is turned on, the disk rotates as well. The garlic cloves are pressed against the outer edge of the bowl and the skin is removed by the interaction of the friction surface of the upper edge of the disk with the friction surface of the inner wall of the bowl. In this way, the attachment can transform the tool into a garlic clove peeler, which can be provided with a structure that functions as a cover element.

[0109] For added safety, an interlock system may preferably be included that determines whether drive is transferred. For example, the interlock system prevents drive transfer when the lid 200 is not engaged with the bowl 300. For example, a push rod in the lid 200 may be actuated by attachment of the lid 200 to the bowl 300, which may activate a microswitch associated with the hand blender 700 and activate a motor of the hand blender 700. In another example, the transmission mechanism 250 of the lid 200 may include a spring clutch biased toward a disengaged position (or neutral position), for example, by a coil spring, thus preventing transfer of drive when the lid 200 is not properly attached to the bowl 300. Thereafter, when the lid 200 is attached to the bowl 300, the spring clutch may be actuated (e.g., via a push rod) to engage and allow transfer of drive from the hand blender 700 via the transmission mechanism 250.

[0110] Although tool 100 is described above as being powered by a separable hand blender 700, tool 100 may alternatively be powered by a motor unit formed integrally with lid 200. This cheaper and simpler arrangement is known as a "mini chopper." In another alternative, rather than using hand blender 700, a hand mixer may be used instead, in which case tool 100 would be driven from an opening normally used to receive and drive a beater-spindle.

[0111] The control mechanism (e.g., control 750) of tool 100 can be used to operate the motor driving tool 100 either in a "pulse" mode, where tool 100 is driven only while the user activates the control (e.g., by holding down a button), or in a continuous mode (where the motor is activated by user interaction and remains on until the user again interacts with the controller to deactivate the motor). The continuous mode is advantageous in that the user does not need to continually interact with the control and can walk away to perform other tasks. The pulse setting is particularly advantageous for short duration operations where over-processing of food products must be avoided, and also improves safety since the motor stops as soon as the user stops, for example by pressing a button. Thus, the user can visually see the progress of the garlic peeling and stop pressing the button (e.g., control 750) as soon as they know the peeling is complete or if a dangerous condition occurs. Thus, if the control 750 is capable of entering continuous and pulse modes, the interlock system described above desirably prevents the control 750 from entering continuous mode when the tool 100 or lid 200 is attached to the hand blender 700. Thus, the interlock system can control how drive is transmitted, preferably preventing drive transmission in continuous mode when the tool 100 is engaged with the motor, and / or preferably only allowing drive transmission in pulse mode when the tool 100 is engaged with the motor. However, in some embodiments, the control 750 may be configured to only be capable of entering "pulse" mode, and not be able to enter continuous mode at all.

[0112] The present invention can be implemented in food processing equipment other than hand or immersion blenders. For example, a peeling insert according to the present invention can be modified to function as an attachment for a blender, food processor or stand mixer and can be powered from below.

[0113] Ejector Button

[0114] 13-19 show a further attachment 500 for a hand blender or immersion blender. FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the attachment 500 connected to a handle 700 of a hand blender. The hand blender 700 is connectable to a power source via a cable 800 and includes a motor. The attachment 500 can be removed from the hand blender 700 by pressing an attachment release button 710. The attachment 500 holds and drives a tool 600 (an example of two beaters is shown), which can be removed from the attachment 500 by actuating a tool ejector button 540. Thus, removal of the attachment 500 from the hand blender 700 is a separate operation and has a separate mechanism from removal of the tool 600 from the attachment 500.

[0115] 14 and 15 show side and perspective views of the attachment 500 with the tool 600 attached. In a similar manner as previously described, the shaft or handle of the hand blender 700 includes a motor and fits into a channel 560 on the attachment and engages with a transmission mechanism 520 (shown in FIGS. 16 and 17). The hand blender 700 is secured within the channel 560 by corresponding engagement structures such as one or more openings 566 and / or notches 564 for receiving corresponding structures on the blender shaft 700. The blender shaft may be attached by a bayonet and / or snap-fit ​​mechanism. On either side of the handle 700 are two attachment release buttons 710 that the user presses together. This action disengages the bayonet and / or snap-fit ​​mechanisms, thereby releasing the attachment 500 from the blender shaft. The lip of the channel 560 includes a curved surface 562 for receiving the attachment release button 710.

[0116] 16 and 17 show cross-sectional views of the attachment 500. The drive shaft can be received in a receiving tab 568 at the base of the receiving channel 560. The attachment 500 includes a transmission mechanism 520 that engages a motor in the hand blender shaft 700, which includes a gear 580 in which a tool 600 is received. These components transmit the rotational motion to the attachment tool 600. Tools such as beaters, whisks, or the like as shown can be attached to the attachment 500.

[0117] The tool 600 typically comprises an axle, one end of which is provided with a food processing structure. The other end of the tool 600 comprises a channel 610 that extends around the shaft of the axle. The radius of the axle decreases at the channel and then increases at the end of the axle. The tool 600 is attached to the attachment 500 by a snap connection between a snap hook 548 located on the rotating gear 580 of the transmission mechanism 520 and the channel 610 on the tool 600. The tool 600 can be removed by pressing a button 540 located on the top surface of the attachment 500. The mechanism by which the button 540 releases the tool 600 from the gear 580 is shown in Figures 16 and 17. The button 540 protrudes through the attachment housing 510 and is movable in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the tool 600. The button 540 is formed as part of an ejector element 522 that transmits axial force from the button 540. The ejector element further comprises two pins 544a, 544b. These two pins 544a, 544b are located directly above each of the tools 600. When the user presses the button 540, a force is transmitted by the element 522 to the pins 544a, 544b, which then exert an axial force on the tool 600. This axial force pushes the tool 600 out of the snap connection, releasing it from the transmission mechanism 520. In this way, the user can release the tool 600 without having to directly touch it. In addition, the mechanism for removing the tool from the attachment is separate from the mechanism for removing the attachment from the motor source. This allows the separation to be more carefully controlled and performed sequentially, rather than simultaneously, improving safety.

[0118] The pins 544a, 544b move in an ejection direction that coincides with the axis of the tool 600. However, the button 540 is not aligned with the tool. The button 540 and the pins 544a, 544b move in parallel directions, but their movement vectors are offset from each other. Both the position of the button 540 and its actuation direction are offset from the axis of the tool 600 in that they are not aligned with the axis of the tool. In this way, the ejector mechanism can be mounted around any transmission mechanism and tool, as needed. Thus, the presence of the ejector button does not prevent the attachment from being used in combination with existing equipment. For example, in some existing equipment, the tool may be aligned with the motor. However, in this configuration, a tilting moment may occur. To compensate for this, the ejector element 522 is provided with ribs 524 on the front wall near the button 540. When the button 540 is pressed, these ribs 524 guide and stabilize the movement of the button 540 and the element 522 within the housing of the gear box 520. The button 540 and pins 544a, 544b then move smoothly downwards with minimal or no tilting or rotation. It should be understood that although ribs 524 are used in this embodiment, any guide element of sufficient length to compensate for the tilting moment may be used. The ejector element may further comprise struts 526, preferably as shown in FIG. 19, extending perpendicular to the ejection direction between the button 540 and the pins 544a, 544b. These act to reinforce and increase the stiffness of the ejector element 522 so as to inhibit plastic deformation as a result of shear stress. The use of struts is preferred to increase the overall thickness or density of the element so that the weight and volume of the element can be minimized.

[0119] The button 540 is preferably located on the face opposite the tool entry point (the side where the tool is placed) so that the direction the button is pressed is the same as the direction of movement required to release the tool. Other release controllers such as levers or slide buttons can also be used. These can be located on the side of the attachment 500 and the mechanism can be pushed or slid downwards to release the tool such that the actuation direction is parallel to the removal direction.

[0120] In some embodiments, the two pins 544a, 544b have different lengths, as shown in Figure 18. This has the effect that the pins 544a, 544b do not engage the tool 600 at the same time. Thus, the force required by the user to remove the tool 600 is reduced, as the user does not have to remove the tools 600 at the same time. Alternatively, the present invention may be implemented on a tool attachment that only attaches one tool, for example a balloon whisk.

[0121] In the illustrated embodiment, the button 540 is in contact (either directly or through an intermediate element) with a resilient element 546. The resilient element 546 presses on the button 540, biasing it to an upward position away from the surface of the housing 510. In an alternative embodiment, the button may be biased to a lower position and only rise to a higher level above the surface of the housing 510 when a tool is connected to the gear 580.

[0122] The invention has been described purely by way of example, it will be understood that modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

[0123] Each feature disclosed in this specification, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings, may be provided independently or in any suitable combination.

[0124] Any reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for peeling food material, comprising a rotatable disc having a first friction surface and a second surface surrounding the first friction surface, the second surface being preferably a friction surface.

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the disk is rotatable about an axis, and the second surface faces the axis.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the disk is rotatable relative to the second surface.

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the food material to be peeled is not constrained between the first friction surface and the second surface.

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first friction surface and / or the second friction surface have a friction coating and / or pattern.

6. 6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second friction surface is provided on a sleeve for use with a container for a kitchen appliance.

7. 7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rotatable disc comprises a portion arranged at an oblique angle to the second friction surface, the first friction surface extending across said portion, preferably said portion being conical.

8. 8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first friction surface is reversibly attachable to the disc, preferably the disc having an alternative food processing purpose.

9. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cavity beneath the first friction surface, the disk comprising a plurality of openings extending therethrough to the cavity.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the disk comprises an inner portion and an outer portion, a plurality of openings being provided in both the inner and outer portions, preferably a plurality of grids being provided across at least some of the plurality of openings.

11. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the cavity includes a plurality of ribs for directing air flow, preferably the plurality of ribs configured to promote air flow between a plurality of openings.

12. 12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover rotatable in conjunction with the disc, preferably the cover being freely movable to vary the distance between the disc and the cover, and even more preferably the cover being reversibly attachable.

13. An attachment for a rotary food processing device, comprising: a first part comprising a rotary tool for food processing; a second portion comprising a cover; a shaft having The attachment, wherein the first and second portions are reversibly attachable.

14. 14. The attachment of claim 13, wherein one of the first and second parts is configured to transfer rotational drive from the rotary food processing equipment to the other of the first and second parts.

15. 15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising an attachment according to claim 13 or 14.

16. A kitchen appliance comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or 15 or an attachment according to claim 13 or 14.

17. 1. An attachment for a hand blender, the attachment including: a reversibly attachable tool; and an ejector for the reversibly attachable tool.

18. An attachment for a kitchen appliance, the attachment comprising: A reversible attachment tool; an ejector for the reversibly attachable tool; and coupling means for connecting to the kitchen appliance; The attachment, wherein the ejector and the coupling means are disposed on the same face of the attachment.

19. 1. An attachment for a kitchen appliance comprising a reversibly attachable tool and an ejector for the reversibly attachable tool, the ejector being offset from an axis of the tool.

20. 20. An attachment as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the reversibly attachable tool and the ejector for the reversibly attachable tool are provided on opposite faces of the attachment.

21. 21. An attachment according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the reversibly attachable tool is ejected along an ejection direction, and the ejector comprises an ejector controller which is actuated in an actuation direction, the actuation direction being parallel to the ejection direction.

22. 22. The attachment of claim 21, wherein the actuation direction is offset from the removal direction.

23. 23. An attachment according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the ejector further comprises an ejector pin for each component part of the tool, preferably the ejector comprises two ejector pins, a first ejector pin having a different length than a second ejector pin.

24. 24. An attachment as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the ejector further comprises a guide structure parallel to the removal direction, preferably the guide structure comprises a plurality of ribs in a direction parallel to the removal direction, and even more preferably the guide structure is aligned in the actuation direction.

25. 25. The attachment of claim 24, wherein the guide structure further comprises a plurality of posts in a direction perpendicular to the removal direction.

26. an attachment having a reversibly attachable tool; a first ejector mechanism for removing the attachment from the kitchen appliance; a second ejector mechanism for ejecting the reversibly attachable tool from the attachment; The kitchen appliance, wherein the first ejector mechanism is separate from the second ejector mechanism.

27. 27. A kitchen appliance as claimed in claim 26, wherein the attachment is an attachment as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 25.

28. A sleeve for use in a device, preferably a kitchen appliance, for peeling foodstuffs, optionally with an inner surface of the sleeve providing a friction surface for peeling foodstuffs.

29. 1. A rotatable disc for a device for peeling foodstuffs, the disc having a first part and a second part arranged at an oblique angle to the first part, preferably wherein a friction surface is provided on at least the second part and / or the second part is conical.

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