Jug with whisk retainer

Abstract

A jug (10) for processing a liquid food substance, such as milk or a milk-based substance, is provided. The jug (10) comprises a container (12) delimiting a food cavity for containing said liquid food substance, the food cavity having a top opening (22), a lid (20) connected to the container (12) and movable between a closed position in which the lid (20) covers the top opening (22) and an open position in which the lid (20) at least partially uncovers the top opening (22) for filling and / or emptying the container (12), an impeller (38) removably received by the container (12) and configured for driving said liquid food substance in the container (12), and a retaining element (46) connected to the lid (20) and configured for retaining the impeller (38) in the container (12) when the lid is in the open position.

Description

[0001]JUG WITH WHISK RETAINER Field of the invention The present invention relates to a jug and a machine for processing a liquid food substance such as milk or a milk-based substance. Background of the invention Beverages with processed liquid food substances such as milk or a milk-based substance are becoming increasingly popular. The best-known beverage of this type is a cappuccino type coffee. The beverage is made of an espresso topped with a portion of processed milk such as frothed milk. Processing liquid food substances, however, takes time, effort, and skill. One customary way of processing a liquid food substance is using a dedicated stirring device. Such a device usually contains a jug with a container and an impeller arranged inside the container. During turning of the impeller, the impeller drives the liquid food substance for processing the liquid food substance. Once the liquid food substance is processed to the desired degree, the liquid food substance may be poured out of the device and the beverage may be prepared. Such known devices, however, may not be ideal. For example, the impeller may get loose when the processed liquid food substance is poured out of the device. US Patent 6,318,247 relates to an appliance for preparing hot beverages or food with stirring such as hot chocolate, for example. Other devices for stirring food products are describedin patent documents WO 2004 / 043213 or DE 196 24 648. Stirringsystems with a magnetic engagement type are described in documents US 2,932,493, DE 1 131 372, US 4,537,332 and US 6,712,497. DE 89 15 094 relates to a refrigerated pot for dispensing a milk-based beverage. US Patent 3,356,349 discloses a stirring device that has a heated tank, magnetic drive means positioned under the tank for driving a hub located in the middle of the tank. Further examples of beverage processing appliances using stirring systems, in particular magnetically driven stirring systems, are disclosed in WO 2006 / 050900, WO 2008 / 142154, WO 2009 / 074555, WO 2010 / 023313, WO 2011 / 039222, WO 2011 / 039224, WO 2011 / 144647, WO 2016 / 202814, WO 2016 / 202815, WO 2016 / 202816, WO 2016 / 202817, WO 2017 / 098037, WO 2016 / 202818, WO 2017 / 216133, WO 2018 / 108804, WO 2018 / 108807, WO 2018 / 108808, WO 2019 / 101764, WO 2019 / 101765 and PCT / EP19 / 057841. It is thus an object of the present invention to propose a jug and a machine in which the impeller does not get loose during tilting of the jug such as during tilting of the jug for pouring the processed liquid food substance out of the jug. Solution to the problem These and other objects, which become apparent upon reading the description, are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Further embodiments and developments are provided in the dependent claims. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a jug for processing a liquid food substance, such as milk or a milk- based substance is provided. The jug comprises a container delimiting a food cavity for containing said liquid food substance, the food cavity having a top opening. The jug further comprises a lid connected to the container and movable between a closed position in which the lid covers the top opening and an open position in which the lid at least partially uncovers the top opening such as for filling and / or emptying the container. The jug further comprises an impeller removably received by the container and configured for driving said liquid food substance in the container, such as for frothing the liquid food substance (e.g., milk or a plant-based milk surrogate). The jug further comprises a retaining element connected to the lid and configured for retaining the impeller in the container when the lid is in the open position. The jug according to the present invention is based at least partially on the idea that a retaining element connected to the lid and configured for retaining the impeller inside the container prevents the impeller from getting loose from the container. Preferably, the retaining element is configured for holding the impeller in position or in place inside the container during tilting of the container such as during tilting of the container for pouring the processed liquid food substance out of the container. This ensures that the impeller does not get loose even during tilting of the container and in particular when the processed liquid food substance is poured out of the container. Preferably, the retaining element is configured for holding a stem of the impeller in place during tilting of the container. Preferably, the retaining element is configured for holding an upper portion of the stem during tilting of the container. Preferably, the retaining element includes a catch-wall. The catch-wall is configured for holding and / or catching a portion of the impeller. As the catch-wall is part of the retaining element and as the retaining element is connected to the lid, the catch-wall may move together with the lid during opening and closing of the lid. Preferably, the impeller is configured not to abut the catch wall when the liquid food substance is being processed and / or when the jug is in an upright position. Preferably, the impeller is configured to abut the catch- wall during tilting of the container and in particular during tilting of the container for pouring the processed liquid food substance out of the container. Preferably, the impeller does not abut on the catch-wall when the container is not tilted. The retaining element (or catch-wall) may be dimensioned such that the impeller abuts the retaining element (or catch-wall) when the container is tilted and when the lid is in the open position. Preferably, the catch-wall extends circumferentially around a portion of the impeller. Preferably, the catch-wall extends circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the impeller and / or around a longitudinal axis of the jug. Preferably, the catch wall extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the impeller and / or the longitudinal axis of the jug over an angle of at least 60°, preferably at least 90°, more preferably at least 180°. The longitudinal axis of the impeller and the longitudinal axis of the jug may coincide. The catch wall may extend circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the impeller and / or the longitudinal axis of the jug over an angle of less than 270°, preferably less than 240°. Preferably, the catch-wall is configured for holding and / or catching an end portion of the impeller such as an end portion of a stem of the impeller, e.g. an upper end portion of the stem. Preferably, the catch-wall is a curved wall such as an arcuate or circular wall. Preferably, the curved wall extends circumferentially at least partially around a portion of the impeller, preferably a stem of the impeller such that the impeller can be caught when the container is tilted. The catch- wall may surround or extend around the impeller by less than 360 degrees, preferably by less than 270 degrees, more preferably by less than 240 degrees. Preferably, the lid or a bottom side of the lid extends in a lid plane. Preferably, the catch-wall projects from the lid plane, more preferably in a perpendicular direction thereto. Preferably, the catch-wall terminates at an end having an edge and the edge extends in an inclined plane with respect to a lid plane. Preferably, the inclined plane and the lid plane confine an interior angle therebetween. The interior angle may be in a range from 10° to 80°, preferably in a range from 15° to 45°, and / or may be at least 10°, preferably at least 15°, more preferably at least 45°. Preferably, the catch-wall extends or projects from a bottom side of the lid into the food cavity of the container. The catch- wall may be arranged centrally on the lid. Preferably, the catch-wall extends with a predetermined length from the bottom side of the lid. The predetermined length may increase with decreasing distance from an intended pouring area of the container. The distance from the intended pouring area may be measured along the lid or lid plane. The predetermined length of the catch-wall may be measured perpendicular to the lid or lid plane. Preferably, the lid is pivotally connected to the container such as hingedly connected to a handle of the jug, the handle being connected to the container. The hinge allows the lid to pivot between the open position and the closed position. As the retaining element is connected to the lid, the retaining element may pivot with the lid. Preferably, the container includes a rim confining the top opening of the food cavity, the lid includes an extension portion extending peripherally or radially beyond the rim and the extension portion is configured such that upon pressing on the extension portion, the lid rotates from the closed position to the open position. Preferably, the extension portion includes a depression or recess for inserting a finger of a user of the jug. The depression, recess or protrusion may assist in opening of the lid. Alternatively, the extension portion may include a protrusion which may assist in opining of the lid. The extension portion may overlap with a handle of the jug, e.g. when viewed from above and / or along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the jug. The extension portion and the lid may be integrally and / or monolithically formed. Preferably, the container includes a confinement member (which may also be referred to as a limiting member in the context of the present invention) configured for confining or limiting an opening angle of the lid. The confinement member may be arranged underneath the extension portion. The extension portion and the confinement member may be arranged such that in the open position of the lid, the extension portion contacts an abutment surface of the confinement member. Preferably, the abutment surface of the confinement member extends in an inclined plane with respect to the rim of the container. The rim may extend in an inclined plane with respect to a bottom plane of the container in which a bottom or bottom face of the container extends. The confinement member may have a wedge-like shape. The abutment surface may include a dampening portion for dampening an opening movement of the lid. Preferably, the rim extends in a first plane, the abutment surface extends in a second plane, and the first plane and the second plane confine an interior angle therebetween. The interior angle may be in a range from 5° to 45°, preferably from 10° to 30°, and / or may be at least 5°, preferably at least 10°, and / or may be 45° or less, preferably 30° or less. Preferably, the first plane extends at an angle to a bottom plane in which a bottom or bottom face of the container extends. The angle may be in a range from 10° to 60°, preferably from 15° to 45°, and / or may be at least 10°, preferably at least 15°, more preferably at least 20°, and / or may be 60° or less, preferably 50° or less, more preferably 45° or less. Preferably, the jug further includes a handle and the confinement member is connected to the handle. Preferably, the handle includes a connection member and a gripping member. The connection member is connected to the container and the gripping member connected to the connection member. The connection member projects peripherally or radially from the container and gripping member extends at an angle from the connection member. The confinement member may be arranged on top of the connection member. Preferably, the retaining element is integrally and / or monolithically formed with the lid. For example, the lid and the retaining element may be formed as a single piece, for example during production of the lid (e.g., by injection molding). Preferably, the lid comprises a sealing protrusion extending from the lid into the container. The sealing protrusion is configured for sealing the top opening of the container in the closed position of the lid. The sealing protrusion may be provided with a rubber gasket that engages with an inner wall of the container. The sealing protrusion may be an upright flange. The upright flange may extend in a perpendicular direction to the lid or the lid plane. In other words, the sealing protrusion may extend from the lid plane downwards along the longitudinal axis of the jug into the container. Another aspect of the present invention, which may form an independent aspect of the present invention, relates to a machine for processing a liquid food substance, such as milk or a milk- based substance, in particular for frothing said milk or milk- based substance. The machine comprises a jug according to the aforementioned aspect or embodiments thereof, and a base having one or more walls forming a seat for removably receiving the container of the jug. Preferably, the base includes a motor with a magnetic drive magnetically coupled to the impeller of the jug. The magnetic drive includes a magnetic driver device and the impeller includes a magnetic follower device. The magnetic follower device is configured for following the magnetic driver device that is arranged inside the base. The magnetic drive may drive rotation of the impeller in the jug. Further embodiments and aspects of the present invention are explained using the accompanying schematic figures, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification. These figures are merely exemplary. They are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Brief description of the drawings- Figure 1 is a schematic view of a jug according to the presentinvention.- Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the jug of Figure1 with the lid in the closed position.- Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of the jug of Figure1 with the lid in the open position and the container tilted.- Figure 4 is a schematic view of a machine according to thepresent invention.- Figure 5 is a schematic view of another machine according tothe present invention. Detailed description Within the figures, same components are referenced by the same reference numerals. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a jug 10 for processing a liquid food substance such milk or a milk-based substance. The jug 10 can be used to provide frothed milk for example for a cappuccino type beverage. The jug 10 may also be used to provide hot chocolate or other processed (hot or cold) liquid food substances. The jug 10 can be removably inserted into a base of a machine. Such machines are described in more detail with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The jug 10 includes a container 12. The container 12 delimits a food cavity for containing the liquid food substance. The jug 10 further includes a handle 14. The handle 14 is used for holding the jug 10. The handle 14 includes a connection member 16 and a gripping member 18 connected to the connection member 16. The connection member 16 extends in a substantially radial direction of the container 12. The gripping member 18 extends in a substantial longitudinal direction of the container 12. In the specific embodiment shown, the connection member 16 and the gripping member 18 are arranged at an angle to one another. In other embodiments not shown, this may not be the case. The jug 10 further includes a lid 20. The lid 20 is used for opening and closing the container 12. The lid 20 can be pivoted or rotated between a closed position and an open position as will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3, respectively. Referring to Figure 2, a schematic view of the jug 10 of Figure 1 is shown. In Figure 2, the lid 20 is in the closed position. In the closed position, the lid 20 closes a top opening 22 of the container 12. The top opening 22 is defined by a rim 24 of the container 12. The lid 20 further includes a main portion 26 and an extension portion 28 connected to the main portion 26. The extension portion 28 extends in radial direction from the main portion 26. The extension portion 28 extends beyond the rim 24. In the specific embodiment shown, the extension portion 28 overlaps at least partially with the handle 14 of the jug 10 and more specifically with the connection member 16 of the handle 14. As can be further seen in Figure 2, the lid 20 is pivotally connected to the container 12 by a hinge 30. The hinge 30 is arranged between the main portion 26 and the extension portion 28 such that by pressing on the extension portion 28, the lid 20 may rotate or pivot from the closed position (see Figure 2) to the open position (see Figure 3). In the specific embodiment shown, the extension portion 28 includes a depression portion 32 configured for inserting a finger of a user of the jug 10. The depression portion 32 may assist in opening of the jug 10. The depression portion 32 may be a dent or a recess formed in the extension portion 28. In other embodiments not shown, the extension portion 28 may include a protrusion portion instead of the depression region 32 for assisting in opening the lid 20. The lid 20 further includes a sealing protrusion 34. The sealing protrusion 34 extends into the food cavity. The sealing protrusion 34 is configured for sealing the top opening 22 of the food cavity when the lid 20 is in the closed position. In the specific embodiment shown, the sealing protrusion 34 may be formed as an upright flange connected to the main portion 26 of the lid 20 and extending from the main portion 26 into the food cavity. In the specific embodiment shown, the sealing protrusion 34 may further include a rubber gasket 36. The rubber gasket 36 may engage with an inner wall of the container 12 in the closed position of the lid 20. The rubber gasket 36 may increase the sealing performance of the sealing protrusion 34. The jug 10 further includes an impeller 38. The impeller 38 is removably received by the container 12. In other words, the impeller 38 is not fixedly connected to the container 12. The impeller 38 may be removed from the container 12 for example by a user of the jug 10. The impeller 38 is used for driving the liquid food substance. The impeller 38 includes a stem 40 and a whisk portion 42 connected to the stem 40. The whisk portion 42 is configured for beating and driving the liquid food substance when the impeller 38 is turning. The impeller 38 is magnetically coupled to a magnetic drive (not shown). The magnetic drive is arranged outside and external to the jug 10. The magnetic drive may be arranged in a base of a machine such as the machine described in Figures 4 and 5. The machine may provide a seat into which the container 12 of the jug 10 may be removably inserted. The magnetic drive includes at least one magnetic driver device and the impeller 38 of the jug 10 includes at least one magnetic follower device. One example of such a magnetic follower device is indicated in Figure 2 by reference numeral 44. The magnetic driver device and the magnetic follower device 44 are magnetically coupled to one another such that the impeller 38 is magnetically driven (e.g., rotated) through the container 12 of the jug 10 by the magnetic drive arranged outside and external to the jug 10. In other words, the jug 10 does neither include nor contain a motor or drive for driving the liquid food substance. Instead, the motor or drive is arranged outside and external of the jug 10. The magnetic driver device and the magnetic follower device 44 may each include a magnetic-field generating element, such as a permanent magnet. Alternatively, one of the magnetic driver device and follower device 44 may be a magnetic-field generating element and the other one may be a ferromagnetic element. As already indicated, the impeller 38 is removably received by the container 12. As a result, the impeller 38 may get loose from the container 12. In particular, the impeller 38 may get loose during tilting of the container 12 such as during tilting of the container 12 for pouring the processed liquid food substance out of the container 12. In order to prevent the impeller 38 from getting loose from the container 12, the lid 20 includes a retaining element 46. The retaining element 46 is used for retaining the impeller 38 in position inside the container 12. More specifically, the retaining element 46 is used for retaining the impeller 38 in position inside the container 12 when the lid 20 is in the open position and the container 12 is tilted such as for pouring the liquid food substance out of the container 12. The retaining element 46 and the lid 20 may be monolithically connected to one another. In other words, the retaining element 46 and the lid 20 may form a single unit and / or may be produced as a single unit during production of the lid 20. The retaining element 46 includes a catch-wall 48. The catch-wall 48 is used for catching the impeller 38 when the container 12 is tilted. In the specific embodiment shown, the catch-wall 48 may be a curved wall such as an arcuate or circular wall. The catch-wall 48 surrounds at least partially the impeller 38. The catch-wall 48 may fully surround the impeller 38, preferably at least at a top end portion thereof. The catch-wall 48 may surround the impeller 38 by less than 360°, preferably by less than 270°, more preferably by less than 240°. The catch-wall 48 may surround a circumference of the stem 40, preferably at a top end portion of the stem 40. In the closed position of the lid 20 (see Figure 2), the catch-wall 48 may surround the impeller 38 but may be configured not to contact the impeller 38, e.g. when the jug 10 is in an upright position as shown in Figure 2. In other words, in the closed position of the lid 20 and / or the upright position of the jug 10, the impeller 38 and the catch-wall 48 may be configured not to contact each other or may be free of contact, for example, such that the catch-wall 48 does not interfere with the impeller 38 during turning and processing of the liquid food substance. As can be further seen in Figure 2, the catch-wall 48 projects from the lid 20 and more precisely from a bottom side 50 of the lid 20. The catch-wall 48 extends into the food cavity of the container 12 and terminates at an end having an edge 52. In the specific embodiment shown, the catch-wall 48 is dimensioned such that the edge 52 extends in an inclined plane 54 with respect to a lid plane 56 in which the lid 20 such as the bottom side 50 of the lid 20 extend. The lid plane 56 and the inclined plane 54 confine an interior (internal) angle 58 therebetween. The catch-wall 48 may be dimensioned such that the interior angle 58 is in a range from about 10° to about 80°, preferably in a range from about 15° to about 45°. Alternatively or additionally, the catch-wall 48 may be dimensioned such that the interior angle 58 is at least about 10°, preferably at least about 15°, more preferably at least about 45°. As can be further seen in Figure 2, the catch-wall 48 may extend at a predetermined length 60 from the bottom side 50 of the lid 20, the length 60 being measured in a direction perpendicular to the lid plane 56. In the specific embodiment shown, the catch-wall 48 may be dimensioned such that the length 60 of the catch-wall 48 increases with decreasing distance from an intended pouring area 62 or mouth of the container 12. In other words, the predetermined length 60 of the catch-wall 48 may be larger at a location closer to the pouring area 62 than at a location further away from the pouring area 62. The length 60 of the catch-wall 48 may be dimensioned such that a portion of the catch-wall 48 closest to the pouring area 62 overlaps at least partially with a top end portion of the stem 40 so as to provide an abutment face for the impeller 38 to abut on, when the container 12 is tilted and the lid 20 is in the open position. Referring to Figure 3, another schematic sectional view of the jug 10 of Figure 1 is shown. In Figure 3, the jug 10 is tilted and the lid 20 is opened, such as for pouring the processed liquid food substance out of the container 12. The container 12 includes a confinement member 64. The confinement member 64 confines an opening angle of the lid 10. The opening angle of the lid 20 may be measured as interior (internal) angle 66 between a rim plane 68 in which the rim 24 of the container 12 extends and the lid plane 56 in which the lid 20 of the container 12 extends. In the specific embodiment shown, the confinement member 64 is connected to the handle 14 of the jug 10 and arranged on top of the connection member 26 and underneath the extension portion 28 of the lid 20. The confinement member 64 may have a generally wedge-like shape and includes an abutment surface 70. When the lid 20 is opened to the full extent, the extension portion 28 of the lid 20 contacts the abutment surface 70 and the opening angle 66 of the lid 20 reaches its maximum value. The confinement member 64 may have a dampening portion 71 for dampening an opening movement of the lid 20. As can be seen in Figure 3, the abutment surface 70 extends in an inclined plane 72 with respect to the rim plane 68 of the container 12. The rim plane (first plane) 68 and the inclined plane (second plane) 72 confine an interior (internal) angle 74 therebetween. The interior angle 74 may be in a range from about 5° to about 45°, preferably in a range from about 10° to about 30°. Alternatively or additionally, the interior angle 74 may be at about 5°, preferably at least about 10°, and / or may be about 45° or less, preferably about 30° or less. The rim plane (first plane) 68 may extend at an angle 76 to a bottom plane 78 in which a bottom or bottom face 80 of the container 12 extends. The angle 76 between the rim plane 68 and the bottom plane 78 may be in a range from about 10° to about 60°, preferably from about 15° to about 45°. Alternatively or additionally, the angle 76 may be at least about 10°, preferably at least about 15°, more preferably at least about 20°, and / or may be about 60° or less, preferably about 50° or less, more preferably about 45° or less. As shown schematically in Figure 3, the catch-wall 48 of the retaining element 46 is dimensioned such that a portion of the impeller 38 can abut with the catch-wall 48 when the jug 10 is tilted and the lid 20 is the open position. This ensures that the impeller 38 is retained in position inside the container 12 during tilting of the container 12. The catch-wall 48 is dimensioned such that even at the maximum opening angle of the lid 20, as indicated in Figure 3, the impeller 38 can still abut on the catch-wall 48 and can be held in position inside the container 12. Referring to Figure 4, a machine 81 for processing a liquid food substance such as milk or a milk-based substance is shown. The machine 81 includes a base 82 and two jugs 10 as described in connection with Figures 1 to 3. A skilled reader will understand that in other embodiments not shown, the machine 81 may include any number of jugs 10. The jugs 10 are removably received in a dedicated seat formed inside the base 82. Each jug 10 has its own seat and can be removed from the respective seat independently. The base 82 further includes one or more man- machine-interface sections (MMI-sections) 84 for interaction of the user with the machine 81 and / or the respective jug 10 of the machine 81 such as for heating of the jug 10 or driving the impeller of the jug 10. The base 82 further includes a motor with a magnetic drive (not shown). The magnetic drive is magnetically coupled to the impeller of the jug 10. The magnetic drive includes at least one magnetic driver device for driving the at least one magnetic follower device of the jug 10 as already mentioned in connection with Figure 2. The jug 10 may be inserted into the base 82, the MMI-sections 84 may be used to activate the magnetic drive of the base 82 and the impeller inside the respective jug 10 may start turning for processing the liquid food substance contained in the jug 10. Once the liquid food substance is processed to the desired degree, the jug 10 may be removed from the base 82 and the processed liquid food substance may be poured out of the jug 10. As the jug 10 includes the retaining element as described in connection with Figures 2 and 3, the impeller of the jug 10 is retained inside the jug and does generally not get loose and / or fall out during tilting of the jug 10, neither when the lid 20 is closed nor when the lid 20 is opened (e.g., for better pouring frothed milk out of the jug 10). Referring to Figure 5, another machine 86 for processing a liquid food substance such as milk or a milk-based substance is shown. As compared to the machine 81 of Figure 3, the machine 86 of Figure 4 includes a single jug 10. The functionality and / or handling of the machine 86 may be similar to the machine 81 which is why no further details are provided here. The following aspects are preferred embodiments of the invention:1. A jug (10) for processing a liquid food substance, such asmilk or a milk-based substance, comprising:- a container (12) delimiting a food cavity for containing saidliquid food substance, the food cavity having a top opening (22),- a lid (20) connected to the container (12) and movable betweena closed position in which the lid (20) covers the top opening (22) and an open position in which the lid (20) at least partially uncovers the top opening (22) for filling and / or emptying the container (12),- an impeller (38) removably received by the container (12) andconfigured for driving said liquid food substance in the container (12), and- a retaining element (46) connected to the lid (20) andconfigured for retaining the impeller (38) in the container (12) when the lid is in the open position.2. The jug (10) of aspect 1, wherein the retaining element(46) is configured for holding the impeller (38) in position inside the container (12) during tilting of the container (12), such as during tilting of the container for pouring the processed liquid food substance out of the container (12), preferably wherein the retaining element (46) is configured for holding a stem (40) of the impeller (38) in place during tilting.3. The jug (10) of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the retaining element(46) includes a catch-wall (48) configured to be abutted by a portion of the impeller (38), preferably during tilting of the container (12), more preferably during tilting of the container (12) for pouring the processed liquid food substance out of the container (12).4. The jug (10) of aspect 3, wherein the catch-wall (48) isconfigured for holding and / or catching an end portion of the impeller (38), preferably an end portion of a stem (40) of the impeller (38).5. The jug (10) of aspect 3 or 4, wherein the catch-wall (48)is a curved wall, preferably an arcuate or circular wall.6. The jug (10) of any one of aspects 3 to 5, wherein thecatch-wall (48) extends circumferentially at least partially around a portion of the impeller (38).7. The jug (10) of aspect 6, wherein the catch-wall (48)surrounds the impeller (38) by less than 360 °, preferably by less than 270 °, more preferably by less than 240 °.8. The jug (10) of any one of aspects 3 to 7, wherein- the lid (20) extends in a lid plane (56),- the catch-wall (48) projects from the lid plane (56),preferably in perpendicular direction thereto,- the catch-wall (48) terminates at an end having an edge (52),and- the edge (52) extends in an inclined plane (54) with respectto the lid plane (56).9. The jug (10) of aspect 8, wherein the inclined plane (54)and the lid plane (56) confine an interior angle (58) therebetween, the interior angle (58) being:- in a range from 10 ° to 80 °, preferably from 15 ° to 45 °,and / or- at least 10 °, preferably at least 15 °, more preferably atleast 45 °.10. The jug (10) of any one of aspects 3 to 9, wherein thecatch-wall (48) extends from a bottom side (50) of the lid (20) into the container (12).11. The jug (10) of aspect 10, wherein the catch-wall (48)extends with a predetermined length (60) from the bottom side (50) of the lid (20), wherein the predetermined length (60) increases with decreasing distance from an intended pouring area (62) of the container.12. The jug (10) of any one of the preceding aspects, whereinthe lid (20) is pivotally connected to the container (12).13. The jug (10) of aspect 12, wherein- the container (12) includes a rim (24) confining the topopening (22) of the food cavity,- the lid (20) includes an extension portion (28) extendingperipherally beyond the rim (24), and- the extension portion (28) is configured such that uponpressing on the extension portion (28) the lid (20) rotates from the closed position to the open position.14. The jug (10) of aspect 13, wherein the container (12)includes a confinement member (64) configured for confining or limiting an opening angle (66) of the lid (20), wherein the confinement member (64) is arranged underneath the extension portion (28), and wherein the extension portion (28) contacts an abutment surface (70) of the confinement member (64) in the open position of the lid (20).15. The jug (10) of aspect 14, wherein the abutment surface(70) extends in an inclined plane (72) with respect to the rim (24) of the container (12).16. The jug (10) of aspect 14 or 15, wherein- the rim (24) extends in a first plane (68),- the abutment surface (70) extends in a second plane (72), and- the first plane (68) and the second plane (72) confine aninterior angle (74) therebetween, the interior angle (74) being: -in a range from 5 ° to 45 °, preferably from 10 ° to 30 °,and / or -at least 5 °, preferably at least 10 °, and / or- 45 ° or less, preferably 30 ° or less.17. The jug (10) of aspect 16, wherein the first plane (68)extends at an angle (76) to a bottom plane (78) in which a bottom or bottom face (80) of the container (12) extends, the angle (76) being:- in a range from 10 ° to 60 °, preferably from 15 ° to 45 °,and / or- at least 10 °, preferably at least 15 °, more preferably atleast 20 °, and / or- 60 ° or less, preferably 50 ° or less, more preferably 45 °or less.18. The jug (10) of any one of aspects 14 to 17, furtherincluding a handle (14), wherein the confinement member (64) is connected to the handle (14).19. The jug (10) of aspect 18, wherein the handle (14) includesa connection member (16) connected to the container (12) and a gripping member (18) connected to the connection member (16), wherein the connection member (16) projects peripherally from the container (12) and the confinement member (64) is arranged on top of the connection member (16).20. The jug (10) of any one of the preceding aspects, whereinthe retaining element (46) is monolithically formed with the lid (20).21. The jug (10) according to any of the preceding aspects,wherein the lid (20) comprises a sealing protrusion (34) that extends into the container(12), preferably wherein the sealing protrusion (34) is provided with a rubber gasket (36) that engages with an inner wall of the container (12).22. A machine (81, 86) for processing a liquid food substance,such as milk or a milk-based substance, the machine (81, 86) comprising:- the jug (10) according to any of the preceding aspects; and- a base (82) having one or more walls forming a seat forremovably receiving the container.23. The machine (80, 86) of aspect 22, wherein the base (82)includes a motor with a magnetic drive magnetically coupled to the impeller (38) of the jug (10), wherein the magnetic drive includes a magnetic driver device and the impeller (38) includes a magnetic follower device (44), wherein the magnetic follower device (44) is configured for following the magnetic driver device that is arranged inside the base (82).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A jug (10) for processing a liquid food substance, such asmilk or a milk-based substance, comprising:- a container (12) delimiting a food cavity for containing saidliquid food substance, the food cavity having a top opening (22),- a lid (20) connected to the container (12) and movable betweena closed position in which the lid (20) covers the top opening (22) and an open position in which the lid (20) at least partially uncovers the top opening (22) for filling and / or emptying the container (12),- an impeller (38) removably received by the container (12) andconfigured for driving said liquid food substance in the container (12), and- a retaining element (46) connected to the lid (20) andconfigured for retaining the impeller (38) in the container (12) when the lid is in the open position.

2. The jug (10) of claim 1, wherein the retaining element (46)is configured for holding the impeller (38) in position inside the container (12) during tilting of the container (12), such as during tilting of the container for pouring the processed liquid food substance out of the container (12), preferably wherein the retaining element (46) is configured for holding a stem (40) of the impeller (38) in place during tilting.

3. The jug (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the retaining element(46) includes a catch-wall (48) configured to be abutted by a portion of the impeller (38), preferably during tilting of the container (12), more preferably during tilting of the container (12) for pouring the processed liquid food substance out of the container (12).

4. The jug (10) of claim 3, wherein the catch-wall (48) isconfigured for holding and / or catching an end portion of the impeller (38), preferably an end portion of a stem (40) of the impeller (38).

5. The jug (10) of claim 3 or 4, wherein the catch-wall (48)is a curved wall, preferably an arcuate or circular wall, preferably wherein the catch-wall (48) extends circumferentially at least partially around a portion of the impeller (38) (38), preferably at least partially around a stem of the impeller (38).

6. The jug (10) of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein- the lid (20) extends in a lid plane (56),- the catch-wall (48) projects from the lid plane (56),preferably in perpendicular direction thereto,- the catch-wall (48) terminates at an end having an edge (52),and- the edge (52) extends in an inclined plane (54) with respectto the lid plane (56).

7. The jug (10) of claim 6, wherein the inclined plane (54)and the lid plane (56) confine an interior angle (58) therebetween, the interior angle (58) being:- in a range from 10 ° to 80 °, preferably from 15 ° to 45 °,and / or- at least 10 °, preferably at least 15 °, more preferably atleast 45 °.

8. The jug (10) of any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the catch-wall (48) extends from a bottom side (50) of the lid (20) into the container (12), preferably wherein the catch-wall (48) extends with a predetermined length (60) from the bottom side (50) of the lid (20), wherein the predetermined length (60) increases with decreasing distance from an intended pouring area (62) of the container.

9. The jug (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein- the lid (20) is pivotally connected to the container (12)- the container (12) includes a rim (24) confining the topopening (22) of the food cavity,- the lid (20) includes an extension portion (28) extendingperipherally beyond the rim (24), and- the extension portion (28) is configured such that uponpressing on the extension portion (28) the lid (20) rotates from the closed position to the open position.

10. The jug (10) of claim 9, wherein the container (12) includesa confinement member (64) configured for confining or limiting an opening angle (66) of the lid (20), wherein the confinement member (64) is arranged underneath the extension portion (28), and wherein the extension portion (28) contacts an abutment surface (70) of the confinement member (64) in the open position of the lid (20).

11. The jug (10) of claim 10, wherein the abutment surface (70)extends in an inclined plane (72) with respect to the rim (24) of the container (12).

12. The jug (10) of claim 10 or 11, wherein- the rim (24) extends in a first plane (68),- the abutment surface (70) extends in a second plane (72), and- the first plane (68) and the second plane (72) confine aninterior angle (74) therebetween, the interior angle (74) being: -in a range from 5 ° to 45 °, preferably from 10 ° to 30 °,and / or -at least 5 °, preferably at least 10 °, and / or- 45 ° or less, preferably 30 ° or less.

13. The jug (10) of claim 12, wherein the first plane (68)extends at an angle (76) to a bottom plane (78) in which a bottom or bottom face (80) of the container (12) extends, the angle (76) being:- in a range from 10 ° to 60 °, preferably from 15 ° to 45 °,and / or- at least 10 °, preferably at least 15 °, more preferably atleast 20 °, and / or- 60 ° or less, preferably 50 ° or less, more preferably 45 °or less.

14. The jug (10) of any one of claims 10 to 13, furtherincluding a handle (14), wherein the confinement member (64) is connected to the handle (14), preferably wherein the handle (14) includes a connection member (16) connected to the container (12) and a gripping member (18) connected to the connection member (16), wherein the connection member (16) projects peripherally from the container (12) and the confinement member (64) is arranged on top of the connection member (16).

15. A machine (81, 86) for processing a liquid food substance,such as milk or a milk-based substance, the machine (81, 86) comprising:- the jug (10) according to any of the preceding claims; and- a base (82) having one or more walls forming a seat forremovably receiving the container, wherein the base (82) includes a motor with a magnetic drive magnetically coupled to the impeller (38) of the jug (10), wherein the magneticdrive includes a magnetic driver device and the impeller (38) includes a magnetic follower device (44), wherein the magnetic follower device (44) is configured for following the magnetic driver device that is arranged inside the base (82).

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