Machine with inclined top face

Abstract

A machine (10, 88) for processing a liquid food substance, such as milk or a milk-based substance, is provided. The machine (10, 88) comprises a jug (14) having a container (16) delimiting a food cavity for containing said liquid food substance and optionally a lid, e.g. a removable lid (38), for covering the food cavity, a base (12) forming a seat (52) for removably receiving the container (16), the base (12) having a bottom face (18) configured for placing the machine (10) on an external support surface (82), a top face (20) opposite the bottom face (18), and at least one peripheral side face (22) extending between the bottom face (18) and the top face (20), wherein the at least one peripheral side face (22) includes a front portion (24) configured for facing a user of the machine (10) and a rear portion (36) configured for facing away from the user; wherein a user interface (34) is provided along the top face (20); and wherein a height of the rear portion (26) is greater than a height of the front portion (24) such that the top face (20) is inclined to face the user when processing said liquid food substance.

Description

[0001]MACHINE WITH INCLINED TOP FACE Field of the invention The present invention relates to a machine and in particular to 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, spills of liquid food substance may flow over 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 machine for processing liquid food substances where spills of liquid food substances can be handled more easily. 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 machine for processing a liquid food substance, such as milk or a milk-based substance is proposed. The machine comprises a jug having a container delimiting a food cavity for containing said liquid food substance and optionally a lid such as a removable lid for covering the food cavity. The machine further comprises a base having one or more walls forming a seat for removably receiving the container, wherein the base has a bottom face configured for placing the machine on an external support surface, a top face opposite the bottom face, and at least one peripheral side face or peripheral lateral face extending between the bottom face and the top face. The at least one peripheral side face includes a front portion configured for facing a user of the machine when processing said liquid substance and a rear portion configured for facing away from the user when processing said liquid substance. The rear portion may be opposite the front portion. A user interface is provided along the top face for allowing the user of the machine to interact with the machine when processing said liquid substance. In the machine a height of the rear portion is greater than a height of the front portion such that the top face is inclined to face the user of the machine when processing said liquid food substance. Preferably, the machine is configured for frothing milk or mixing liquid food substances. For this purpose, an impeller (such as an impeller for frothing milk) may be arranged in the jug. The impeller may be configured to be driven by a motor arranged in the base. The impeller in the jug may be magnetically driven by the motor in the base. For example, a magnetic drive with at least one first magnetic element may be provided in the base and mechanically connected to the motor, while at least one second magnetic element may be provided in the impeller. At least one of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may be a permanent magnet, whereas the other one of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may be a ferromagnetic element. Alternatively, both the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may be permanent magnets. In other words, the impeller may include a magnetic follower device configured for following a magnetic driver device of the motor in the base. The jug may be devoid of a motor and / or may be removably coupled to the base and the motor provided in said base. The magnetic driver device of the motor may be magnetically coupled to the magnetic follower device of the impeller for making the impeller rotate in the jug. The machine according to the present invention is based at least partially on the idea that an inclined top face allows guiding spills of processed liquid food substance in a predetermined direction, in particular towards the front portion of machine rather than towards the rear portion of the machine. The user may thus attend to the liquid from the front portion and not from the rear portion, where the user has only limited visibility. Moreover, a negative impact of the food spill on a user interface may be minimized. Preferably, the lid has an outer lid face extending flush or substantially flush with the top face of the base when the lid is arranged on the container and the container is received in the seat. This is based at least partially on the idea that the liquid may flow uninterruptedly over the outer lid face and the top face towards the front portion of the machine. Preferably, one or more contact surfaces or support surfaces are provided along the bottom face for contacting the external support surface, and an imaginary plane extends through the one or more contact surfaces, wherein the top face extends at an angle to the imaginary plane. Preferably, the angle is in a range from 10° to 60°, preferably from 15° to 45°, and / or is at least 10°, preferably at least 15°, more preferably at least 20°, and / or is 60° or less, preferably 50° or less, more preferably 45° or less. Preferably, the top face and the front portion confine an interior angle therebetween, the interior angle being in a range from 100° to 150°, more preferably between 105° and 135°, and / or being at least 100°, preferably at least 105°, more preferably at least 110°, and / or being 150° or less, preferably 140° or less, more preferably 135° or less. An angle may be called an interior angle (or internal angle) if a point within the angle is in the interior of the polygon delimited by the front portion, the bottom face, the rear portion, and the top face, e.g. in a cross section of the machine perpendicular to the front portion and / or the rear portion. Preferably, the user interface includes one of more man- machine-interface sections (MMI-sections) for interaction of the user with the machine, and vice versa. Preferably, the MMI-sections are configured for performing at least one function selected from: initiating preparation of a cold beverage, initiating preparation of a hot beverage, displaying information to the user regarding a progress of a requested processing of the liquid food substance, displaying information to the user regarding a temperature of the liquid food substance, displaying information to the user regarding a parameter of the machine that requires a user intervention, displaying locally stored and / or remotely emitted graphic or text matter, a notepad function, and a visual ambiance generator. The MMI-sections may be buttons, levers or indicators and may be used to, for example, activate or deactivate a heater of the base, activate or deactivate an impeller of the jug or other suitable user-machine-interactions. Preferably, the MMI-sections are arranged closer towards the rear portion of the peripheral side face than towards the front portion of the peripheral side face. Alternatively or additionally, the MMI-sections may be arranged between the seat configured for receiving the container and the rear portion and / or may be arranged higher than an opening in the top face for receiving the container. This is based at least partially on the idea that the liquid food substance does not interfere with the MMI-sections when flowing over the top face of the base. Preferably, the MMI-sections are flush with the top face so that the user of the machine can easily see the MMI-sections when processing the liquid food substance. Alternatively or additionally, the MMI-sections may be inclined. Preferably, the lid includes an opening configured for fluidly connecting an inside of the food cavity to an outside of the food cavity, wherein the opening is configured for guiding an overflow of liquid food substance and / or excess liquid food substance from the inside of the food cavity to the outside of the food cavity. Preferably, the opening is arranged centrally on the lid. Alternatively, the opening may be arranged at an off-center location relative to a central point of the lid such as at a location that is closer towards the rear portion of the peripheral side face than towards the front portion of the peripheral side face. Preferably, the jug includes a handle with a confinement member and the front portion of the base delimits a peripheral seat for receiving the confinement member when the container is received by the seat such that the container is in place for processing the liquid food substance. Preferably, the peripheral seat and the confinement member include complimentary shapes such that the base and the confinement member form together a continuous front face of the base, and / or form an arrangement to prevent a rotation of the container relative to the base. Preferably, the container includes a rim delimiting an opening of the food cavity, the lid extends over the rim for closing the opening, and a shape of the container is adjusted such that an outer lid face of the lid and the top face of the base form together a continuous surface when the container is received by the seat and the confinement member of the handle is received by the peripheral seat. The lid may be removable from the container. Alternatively, the lid may be pivotally such as hingedly connected to the container. The rim of the container may extend in a plane that extends parallel to the inclined plane of the top face. Preferably, the machine comprises a liquid guard extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the bottom face, wherein the liquid guard is configured for hindering liquid on the external support surface from flowing under the machine, such as liquid spilled during an overflow. Preferably, the liquid guard extends around the periphery of the bottom face at least along the front portion, preferably wherein the liquid guard is uninterrupted along the front portion and / or extends uninterruptedly along the front portion. Preferably, the liquid guard does not extend around the periphery of the bottom face at least along a section of the rear portion. Preferably, the liquid guard is formed as one or more ridge walls or lips. Preferably, the liquid guard or a portion thereof is made from a resilient material such as a water-repellant material. Preferably, the liquid guard or a portion thereof is made from an elastomeric or thermoplastic material. 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 machine according to thepresent invention.- Figure 2 is a schematic view of a jug insertable into a baseof the machine of Fig. 1.- Figure 3 is another schematic view of the machine of Fig. 1.- Figure 4 is another schematic view of the machine of Fig. 1.- Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the machineof Fig. 1.- Figure 6 is another schematic view of the machine of Fig. 1.- Figure 7 is another schematic view of the machine of Fig. 1.- Figure 8 is another schematic view of the machine of Fig. 1.- Figure 9 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 machine 10 for processing a liquid food substance such as milk or a milk-based substance. The machine 10 may be used to provide frothed milk such as frothed milk for a cappuccino type beverage. The machine 10 may also be used to provide hot chocolate or for processing any other (hot or cold) liquid food substance. The machine 10 includes a base 12. The base 12 is configured for receiving two jugs 14. In other embodiments not shown, the base 12 may be configured for receiving a different number of jugs 14 such as one or more than two jugs 14. The jugs 14 are removably received by a seat in the base 12. Each jug 14 includes a container 16 delimiting a food cavity for containing the liquid food substance. An impeller 17 is arranged inside the container 16 for processing the liquid food substance. The machine 10 includes a motor with a magnetic drive magnetically coupled to the impeller 17 for driving the same. More details on the motor and the magnetic coupling are given in Figure 5. The base 12 of the machine 10 includes a bottom face 18 configured for placing the machine 10 on an external support surface such as a countertop. The base 12 further includes a top face 20 opposite the bottom face 18. The base 12 further includes at least one peripheral side face 22. The peripheral side face 22 may also be called peripheral lateral face. The peripheral side face 22 extends between the bottom face 18 and the top face 20. The peripheral side face 22 includes a front portion 24 and a rear portion 26 opposite the front portion 24. The front portion 24 is configured for facing a user of the machine 10 when processing the liquid food substance. The rear portion 26 is configured for facing away from the user when processing the liquid food substance. The front portion 24 may be a portion of the peripheral side face 22 where a handle 28 of the jug 14 protrudes from the peripheral side face 22. In other words, the front portion 24 may be a portion of the peripheral side face 22 where a user of the machine 10 may grab the handle 28 such as for removing and / or inserting the jug 14. In the specific embodiment shown, the handle 28 of the jug 14 includes a confinement member 30 and the front portion 24 of the base 12 includes a peripheral seat 32. The peripheral seat 32 is configured for receiving the confinement member 30 when the container 16 is received in the base 12. The peripheral seat 32 and the confinement member 30 may be dimensioned such that for example a rotation of the jug 14 in the base 12 may be prevented or limited. The confinement member 30 may be a portion of the handle 28 extending peripherally outside of the container 16 and / or radially away from the container 16. The peripheral seat 32 may be a cut-out or opening in the front portion 24 of the peripheral side face 22. The confinement member 30 and the peripheral seat 32 may be optional to the machine 10. In other words, in other embodiments not shown, the machine 10 may not include a confinement member 30 and / or a peripheral seat 32. As can be further seen in Figure 1, a user interface 34 is provided along the top face 24 of the base 12. The user interface 34 allows a user of the machine 10 to interact with machine 10 and vice versa. The user interface 34 includes one or more man- machine-interface sections (MMI-sections) 36 such as buttons, levers or indicators for interaction between the user and the machine 10. The MMI-sections 36 are configured for performing a function such as initiating preparation of a cold beverage, initiating preparation of a hot beverage, displaying information to the user regarding a progress of a requested processing of the liquid food substance, displaying information to the user regarding a temperature of the liquid food substance, displaying information to the user regarding a parameter of the machine 10 that requires a user intervention, displaying locally stored and / or remotely emitted graphic or text matter, a notepad function, and a visual ambiance generator. For example, the MMI- sections 36 may be used to activate or deactivate a heater for the jug 14, and / or may be used to activate or deactivate a drive for driving the impeller of the jug 14, and / or may be used to perform any other suitable user-machine-interaction. In the specific embodiment shown, the MMI-sections 36 extend substantially flush with the top face 20. In other embodiments not shown, this may not be the case. As can be seen in Figure 1 and as shown in more detail in Figure 4, a height of the rear portion 26 of the peripheral side face 22 is greater than a height of the front portion 24 of the peripheral side face 22. As a result, the top face 20 is inclined for facing the user of the machine 10 when processing the liquid food substance. Spills of liquid, such as spills caused during an overflow, may thus flow over the inclined top face 20 towards the front portion 24. In other words, the inclined top face 20 guides the flow of liquid towards the front portion 24 of the machine 10 from where the liquid may flow down onto an external support surface of the machine 10. A user of the machine 10 may easily realize the flow of liquid and may intervene with the flow of liquid, for example, by stopping the flow of liquid. As the top face 20 is inclined towards the front portion 24 and not towards the rear portion 26, liquid may be prevented from flowing down the rear portion 26 of the machine 10 where the user of the machine 10 usually has only limited visibility. As can be further seen in Figure 1, the user interface 34 and the MMI-sections 36 are arranged closer towards the rear portion 25 than towards the front portion 24. In other words, the user interface 34 and the MMI-sections 36 are arranged higher than an opening in the top face 20 forming the seat of the base 12. As a result, liquid that flows over the top face 20 and down the front portion 24 does not interfere with the user interface 34 or the MMI-sections 36. This ensures that the user interface 34 and / or the MMI-sections 36 remain intact and functionable, for example, during an overflow of liquid food substance. Referring to Figure 2, a schematic view of the jug 14 is shown. The jug 14 includes the container 16 as mentioned in Figure 1 and a lid 38 for opening and closing the container 16. The lid 38 extends over a rim 39 of the container 16 and closes the food cavity in the closed position of the lid 38. In the specific embodiment shown, the lid 38 is removable from the container 16. In other embodiments not shown, the lid 38 may be pivotally connected to the container 16. The container 16 is connected to the handle 28. In the specific embodiment shown, the handle 28 includes the confinement member 30 mentioned in Figure 1. In other embodiments, this may not be the case. Referring to Figure 3, another schematic view of the machine 10 is shown. In Figure 3, the lids 38 are placed on the container of the jugs 14. As can be seen, in the closed position of the lid 38 an outer lid face 40 of the lid 38 extends flush or substantially flush with the top face 20 of the base 12. Liquid such as excess liquid from an overflow may flow uninterruptedly over the top face 20 and the outer lid face 40 towards the front portion 24 of the base 12 and down the front portion 24. The container of the jug 14 may be dimensioned such that the rim of the container extends in a plane parallel to the top face 20 of the base 12. As can be further seen in Figure 3, one of the jugs 14 includes an opening 42. The opening 42 is arranged on the lid 40 and is configured for fluidly connecting an inside of the food cavity with an outside of the food cavity. The opening 42 is configured for guiding an overflow of liquid food substance from the inside of the food cavity to the outside of the food cavity. The liquid may leave the food cavity via the opening 42 and may flow over the outer lid face 40 and the top face 20 towards the front portion 24 and then down the front portion 24. In the specific embodiment shown, the opening 42 is arranged centrally on the lid 40. In other embodiments not shown, this may not be the case. For example, in other embodiments, the opening 42 may be arranged at an off-center location relative to a central point of the lid such as, for example, at a location that is closer towards the rear portion 26 than towards the front portion 24 of the base 12. A skilled reader will understand that an opening 42 may be provided on any number of jugs 14 of the machine 10. Referring to Figure 4, a side view of the machine 10 is shown. In Figure 4 the inclined top face 20 is shown in more detail. As can be seen, the inclined top face 20 forms an interior angle 44 with the front portion 24 of the peripheral side face 22. The interior angle 44 may also be called internal angle. Such angle may be measured within the body of the machine 10. The interior angle 44 may be in a range from 100° to 150°, more preferably between 105° and 135°, and / or may be at least 100°, preferably at least 105°, more preferably at least 110°, and / or may be 150° or less, preferably 140° or less, more preferably 135° or less. As can be further seen in Figure 4, the bottom face 18 of the base 12 includes one or more contact surfaces 46 which may be protrusions such as feet extending from the bottom face 18. The contact surfaces 46 are provided along the bottom face 18 and are configured for contacting an external support surface. An imaginary plane 48 extends through the one or more contact surfaces 46. The top face 20 of the base 12 extends at an angle 50 to the imaginary plane 48. The angle 50 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. The angle 50 between the imaginary plane 48 and the top face 20, and / or the interior angle 44 between the top face 20 and the front portion 24 of the machine 10 are dimensioned such that the liquid food substance can flow freely over the inclined top face 20 and towards the front portion 24. Referring to Figure 5, a schematic cross-sectional view of the machine 10 is shown. Figure 5 shows the contact surfaces 46 provided along the bottom face 18 of the base 12. The base 12 further includes two seats 52 for receiving the two jugs 14. A skilled reader will, however, understand that in other embodiments not shown, the base 12 may be configured for receiving any number of jugs 14. In Figure 5 the lids 38 are placed on the containers 16 for closing the food cavity. When the container 16 is received by the seat 52, the outer lid face 40 of the lid 38 forms a continuous surface with the top face 20 of the base 12. In other words, the lid 38 extends flush or substantially flush with the top face 20 of the base 12. As can be further seen in Figure 5, each jug 14 includes an impeller 17. The impeller 17 is removably inserted in the container 16. The impeller 17 includes a whisk portion 56 configured for driving the liquid food substance inside the container 16 such that, for example, a frothed milk can be prepared. The impeller 17 includes a magnetic follower device 58 configured for following a magnetic driver device of a motor 60 of the base 12. The jug 14 does not include a motor. The motor 60 is arranged inside a motor chamber 62 of the base 12. A magnetic drive of the motor 60 is magnetically coupled to the magnetic follower device 58 of the impeller 17 for driving the impeller 17. The motor 60, the magnetic drive and the magnetic coupling between the motor 60 and the impeller 17 are explainedin more detail in WO 2006 050 900 A1 incorporated herein byreference in its entirety which is why no further details are provided here. Referring to Figure 6, a further schematic view of the machine 10 is shown. Figure 6 shows the contact surfaces 46 for contacting an external support surface. Figure 6 further shows ventilation openings 64 configured for exchanging air between an inside and an outside of the motor chamber of the base 12. The ventilation openings 64 are arranged at the bottom face 18. The ventilation openings 64 may be fitted with air-pervious grids 66. The grids 66 may be recessed in the bottom face 18 such asrecessed by a height of at least 2.5 mm, such as a height in therange of 3 to 20 mm, for example 5 to 12 mm.Referring to Figure 7, a bottom view of the machine 10 is shown. In Figure 7 the contact surfaces 46 and the ventilation openings 64 with the air-pervious grids 66 are shown. Figure 7 further shows a liquid guard 68. The liquid guard 68 is arranged on the bottom face 18 of the base 12. The liquid guard 68 is formed as one or more ridge walls or lips. The liquid guard 68 is configured for hindering liquid on the external support surface from flowing under the machine 10 such that for example liquid that flows down the front portion 24 and onto the external support surface does not flow underneath the machine 10. The liquid guard 68 may be integrally formed with the bottom face 18 or may be connected to the bottom face 18. The liquid guard 68 may form a foot of the base 12 for placing the base 12 on the external support surface. The liquid guard 68 extends around at least a portion of the periphery of the bottom face 18. For example, the liquid guard 68 may extend around at least 50%, more preferably around at least 75% of a total periphery of the bottom face 18. The liquid guard 68 may extend uninterruptedly along the front portion 24 of the machine 10 so that liquid is hindered from flowing under the machine 10 at least at the front portion 24 of the machine 10. The liquid guard 68 may extend along one or more side portions 70 of the machine 10. The one or more side portions 70 connect the front portion 24 with the rear portion 26 of the machine 10. As can be seen, the liquid guard 68 may extend uninterruptedly along the side portions 70. For example, the liquid guard 68 may extend around at least 50%, preferably around at least 75% of a periphery of the side portions 70 of the machine 10. In the shown embodiment, the liquid guard 68 extends uninterruptedly along the side portions 70 and the front portion 24 of the machine 10. As can be further seen, the liquid guard 68 does not extend or at least not fully extend along the rear portion 26 of the machine 10. At least 30%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 75% of a periphery of the bottom face 18 extending along the rear portion 26 of the machine 10 may be free of the liquid guard 68. The liquid guard 68 is dimensioned such that liquid is hindered from flowing under the machine 10 at the front portion 24 and preferably also at the side portions 70 of the machine 10 but not necessarily at the rear portion 26 of the machine 10. Such liquid guard 68 may be advantageous when used in combination with the inclined top face 20 because liquid that spills towards the front portion 24 of the machine 10 will at least partially be prevented from flowing under the machine 10, thereby preventing, for example, the ventilation opening 64 from getting soiled. Meanwhile, at the rear portion 26, exchange of the air flowing in and / or out of the ventilation openings 64 is allowed for. The liquid guard 68 or a portion thereof such as a lip of the liquid guard 68 may be made from a water-repellant material and / or from an elastomeric or thermoplastic material. Referring to Figure 8, a rear view of the machine 10 is shown. Figure 8 shows the machine 10 from a side that faces away from the user when processing the liquid food substance. As already mentioned in connection with Figure 7, the rear portion 26 of the machine 10 is at least partially free of the liquid guard 68. In the specific embodiment shown, three ridge walls 72, 74 and 76 are forming the liquid guard 68 at the rear portion 26 of the machine 10. These ridge walls 72-76 are spaced apart from one another for forming air exchange openings 78 between two adjacent ridge walls. A first air exchange opening 78 may be provided between ridge walls 72 and 74, and a second air exchange opening 78 may be provided between ridge walls 74 and 76. A skilled reader will understand that in other embodiments not shown, any number of ridge walls and any number of air exchange openings may be provided at the rear portion 26 of the machine 10. The example shown in Figure 7 should thus not be understood as limiting the scope of the disclosure. The air exchange openings 78 may be configured for allowing air to enter or leave a space 80 that may be formed underneath the bottom face 18. The space 80 is configured for allowing air to be led therethrough from underneath the rear portion 26 of the machine 10 to the one or more ventilation openings 64 described, for example, in connection with Figure 7. In other words, air may enter the space 80 through the one or more air exchange openings 78, may flow through the space 80 underneath the bottom face 18 and may enter the motor chamber of the base 12 through the one or more ventilation openings 64 (see Figure 7). As already mentioned in connection with Figures 1 and 4, the inclined top face 20 of the base 12 guides liquid such as during an overflow towards the front portion of the base 12 and prevents the liquid from flowing towards the rear portion 26 of the base 12. As a result, a risk of drawing in liquid via the air exchange openings 80 at the rear portion 26 of the base 12 is limited. A height 84 of the air exchange openings 78 isdimensioned to be no more than 20 mm, such as in the range of3 mm to 15 mm, for example in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm. Theliquid guard 68 is dimensioned such that the bottom face 18 ofthe base 12 is spaced by no more than 20 mm, such as in the rangeof 3 mm to 15 mm, for example in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm,from the external support surface 82. The liquid guard 68 isdimensioned such that a gap 86 of no more than 1 mm, such asless than 0.6 mm, is formed between the liquid guard 68 and theexternal support surface 82 when the base 12 is placed on the external support surface 82. Referring to Figure 9, another machine 88 for processing a liquid food substance such as milk or a milk-based substance is shown. As compared to the machine 10 explained in connection with Figures 1-8, the machine 88 of Figure 9 includes only a single jug 14 and the base 12 has a substantially circular shape. The design and / or functionality of the machine 88 may, however, be similar to the machine 10 of Figures 1-8 so that, for example, the machine 88 may include an inclined top face and / or a liquid guard as explained in connection with Figures 1-8. The following aspects are preferred embodiments of the invention:1. A machine (10, 88) for processing a liquid food substance,such as milk or a milk-based substance, comprising:- a jug (14) having a container (16) delimiting a food cavityfor containing said liquid food substance and optionally a lid, e.g. a removable lid (38), for covering the food cavity,- a base (12) having one or more walls forming a seat (52) forremovably receiving the container (16),- the base (12) having a bottom face (18) configured for placingthe machine (10) on an external support surface (82), a top face (20) opposite the bottom face (18), and at least one peripheral side face (22) extending between the bottom face (18) and the top face (20) wherein the at least one peripheral side face (22) includes a front portion (24) configured for facing a user of the machine (10) when processing said liquid food substance and a rear portion (36) configured for facing away from the user when processing said liquid food substance; wherein a user interface (34) is provided along the top face (20) for allowing the user of the machine (10) to interact with the machine (10) when processing said liquid food substance; and wherein a height of the rear portion (26) is greater than a height of the front portion (24) such that the top face (20) is inclined to face the user when processing said liquid food substance.2. The machine (10, 88) of aspect 1, wherein the lid (38) hasan outer lid face (40), and the outer lid face (40) extends flush or substantially flush with the top face (20) when the lid (38) is arranged on the container (16) and the container (16) is received in the seat (52) for processing said liquid food substance.3. The machine (10, 88) of aspect 1 or 2, wherein one or morecontact surfaces (46) are provided along the bottom face (18) for contacting the external support surface (82), wherein an imaginary plane (48) extends through the one or more contact surfaces (46), wherein the top face (20) extends at an angle (50) to the imaginary plane (48), wherein the angle (50) is:- 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- is 60° or less, preferably 50° or less, more preferably 45°or less.4. The machine (10, 88) of any preceding aspect, wherein thetop face (20) and the front portion (24) confine an interior angle (44) therebetween, the interior angle (44) being:- in a range from 100° to 150°, more preferably between 105°and 135°; and / or- at least 100°, preferably at least 105°, more preferably atleast 110°; and / or- 150° or less, preferably 140° or less, more preferably 135°or less.5. The machine (10, 88) of any preceding aspect, wherein theuser interface (34) includes one of more man-machine-interface sections (MMI-sections) (36) for interaction of the user with the machine (10) and vice versa.6. The machine (10, 88) of aspect 5, wherein the MMI-sections(36) are arranged closer towards the rear portion (26) of the peripheral side face (22) than towards the front portion (24) of the peripheral side face (22).7. The machine (10, 88) of aspect 5 or 6, wherein the MMI-sections (36) are arranged between the seat (52) configured for receiving the container (16) and the rear portion (26) of the peripheral side face (22) and / or arranged higher than the seat (52).8. The machine (10, 88) of any one of aspects 5 to 7, whereinthe MMI-sections (36) are flush with the top face (20).9. The machine (10, 88) of any one of aspects 5 to 7, whereinthe MMI-sections (36) are inclined.10. The machine (10, 88) of any one of aspects 5 to 9, whereinthe MMI-sections (36) are configured for performing at least one function selected from: initiating preparation of a cold beverage, initiating preparation of a hot beverage, displaying information to the user regarding a progress of a requested processing of the liquid food substance, displaying information to the user regarding a temperature of the liquid food substance, displaying information to the user regarding a parameter of the machine that requires a user intervention, displaying locally stored and / or remotely emitted graphic or text matter, a notepad function, and a visual ambiance generator.11. The machine (10, 88) of any preceding aspect, wherein thelid (38) includes an opening (42) configured for fluidly connecting an inside of the food cavity to an outside of the food cavity, the opening (42) being configured for guiding an overflow of liquid food substance and / or excess liquid food substance from the inside of the food cavity to the outside of the food cavity during processing of the liquid food substance.12. The machine (10, 88) of aspect 11, wherein the opening (42)is arranged centrally on the lid (38).13. The machine (10, 88) of aspect 11, wherein the opening (41)is arranged at an off-center location relative to a central point of the lid (38), preferably wherein the opening (42) is arranged at a location that is closer towards the rear portion (26) than towards the front portion (24) of the peripheral side face (22) when the lid (38) is placed on the container (16) and the container (16) is received by the seat (52) such that the container (16) is in place for processing the liquid food substance.14. The machine (10, 88) of any preceding aspect, wherein thejug (14) includes a handle (28) with a confinement member (30) and the front portion (24) of the peripheral side face (22) delimits a peripheral seat (32) for receiving the confinement member (30) when the container (16) is received by the seat (52) such that the container (16) is in place for processing the liquid food substance.15. The machine (10, 88) of aspect 14, wherein the peripheralseat (32) and the confinement member (30) include:- complimentary shapes such that the base (12) and theconfinement member (30) form together a continuous front portion (24) of the peripheral side face (22); and / or- an arrangement to prevent a rotation of the container (16)relative to the base (12).16. The machine (10, 88) of aspect 14 or 15, wherein- the container (16) includes a rim (39) delimiting an openingof the food cavity;- the lid (38) extends over the rim (39) for closing theopening; and- a shape of the container (16) is adjusted such that an outerlid face (40) and the top face (20) of the base (12) form together a continuous surface when the container (16) is received by the seat (52) and the confinement member (30) of the handle (28) is received by the peripheral seat (32).17. The machine (10, 88) of any one of aspects 14 to 16, whereinthe lid (38) is pivotally such as hingedly connected to the container (16).18. The machine (10, 88) of any preceding aspect, furthercomprising a liquid guard (68) such as a ridge wall or lip extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the bottom face (18), wherein the liquid guard (68) is configured for hindering liquid on the external support surface (82) from flowing under the machine (10), such as liquid food substance spilled during an overflow.19. The machine (10, 88) of aspect 18, wherein the liquid guard(68) extends around the periphery of the bottom face (18) at least along the front portion (24) of the machine (10, 88), preferably wherein the liquid guard (68) is uninterrupted along the front portion (24).20. The machine (10, 88) of aspect 18 or 19, wherein the liquidguard (68) does not extend around the periphery of the bottom face (18) at least along a section of the rear portion (26).21. The machine (10, 88) of any one of aspects 18 to 20, whereinthe liquid guard (68) or a portion thereof is made from a resilient material, preferably wherein the resilient material is water-repellant.22. The machine (10, 88) of any one of aspects 18 to 21, whereinthe liquid guard (68) or a portion thereof is made from an elastomeric or thermoplastic material.23. The machine (10, 88) of any preceding aspect, wherein thecontainer (16) includes a rim (39) delimiting an opening of the food cavity, wherein the rim (39) extends in an inclined plane parallel to the top face (20).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A machine (10, 88) for processing a liquid food substance,such as milk or a milk-based substance, comprising:- a jug (14) having a container (16) delimiting a food cavityfor containing said liquid food substance and optionally a lid, e.g. a removable lid (38), for covering the food cavity;- a base (12) having one or more walls forming a seat (52) forremovably receiving the container (16); and- the base (12) having a bottom face (18) configured for placingthe machine (10) on an external support surface (82), a top face (20) opposite the bottom face (18), and at least one peripheral side face (22) extending between the bottom face (18) and the top face (20) wherein the at least one peripheral side face (22) includes a front portion (24) configured for facing a user of the machine (10) when processing said liquid food substance and a rear portion (36) configured for facing away from the user when processing said liquid food substance, wherein a user interface (34) is provided along the top face (20) for allowing the user of the machine (10) to interact with the machine (10) when processing said liquid food substance, and wherein a height of the rear portion (26) is greater than a height of the front portion (24) such that the top face (20) is inclined to face the user when processing said liquid food substance.

2. The machine (10, 88) of claim 1, wherein the lid (38) hasan outer lid face (40), and the outer lid face (40) extends flush or substantially flush with the top face (20) when the lid (38) is arranged on the container (16) and the container (16) is received in the seat (52) for processing said liquid food substance.

3. The machine (10, 88) of any preceding claim, wherein one ormore contact surfaces (46) are provided along the bottom face (18) for contacting the external support surface (82), wherein an imaginary plane (48) extends through the one or more contact surfaces (46), wherein the top face (20) extends at an angle (50) to the imaginary plane (48), wherein the angle (50) is:- 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° orless.

4. The machine (10, 88) of any preceding claim, wherein theuser interface (34) includes one of more man-machine-interface sections (MMI-sections) (36) for interaction of the user with the machine (10) and vice versa.

5. The machine (10, 88) of claim 4,wherein the MMI-sections (36) are arranged closer towards the rear portion (26) of the peripheral side face (22) than towards the front portion (24) of the peripheral side face (22), and / or wherein the MMI-sections (36) are arranged between the seat (52) configured for receiving the container (16) and the rear portion (26) of the peripheral side face (22) and / or arranged higher than an opening of the seat (52) in the top face (20).

6. The machine (10, 88) of claim 5, wherein the MMI-sections(36) are flush with the top face (20).

7. The machine (10, 88) of any preceding claim, wherein thelid (38) includes an opening (42) configured for fluidly connecting an inside of the food cavity to an outside of the food cavity, the opening (42) being configured for guiding an overflow of liquid food substance and / or excess liquid food substance from the inside of the food cavity to the outside of the food cavity during processing of the liquid food substance.

8. The machine (10, 88) of claim 7, wherein the opening (42)is arranged centrally on the lid (38).

9. The machine (10, 88) of any preceding claim, wherein thejug (14) includes a handle (28) with a confinement member (30) and the front portion (24) of the peripheral side face (22) delimits a peripheral seat (32) for receiving the confinement member (30) when the container (16) is received by the seat (52) such that the container (16) is in place for processing the liquid food substance.

10. The machine (10, 88) of claim 9, wherein the peripheralseat (32) and the confinement member (30) include:- complimentary shapes such that the base (12) and theconfinement member (30) form together a continuous front portion (24) of the peripheral side face (22); and / or- an arrangement to prevent a rotation of the container (16)relative to the base (12).

11. The machine (10, 88) of claim 9 or 10, wherein- the container (16) includes a rim (39) delimiting an openingof the food cavity,- the lid (38) extends over the rim (39) for closing theopening, and- a shape of the container (16) is adjusted such that an outerlid face (40) and the top face (20) of the base (12) form together a continuous surface when the container (16) is received by the seat (52) and the confinement member (30) of the handle (28) is received by the peripheral seat (32).

12. The machine (10, 88) of any preceding claim, furthercomprising a liquid guard (68) such as a ridge wall or lip extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the bottom face (18), wherein the liquid guard (68) is configured for hindering liquid on the external support surface (82) from flowing under the machine (10), such as liquid food substance spilled during an overflow.

13. The machine (10, 88) of claim 12, wherein the liquid guard(68) extends around the periphery of the bottom face (18) at least along the front portion (24) of the machine (10, 88), preferably wherein the liquid guard (68) is uninterrupted along the front portion (24).

14. The machine (10, 88) of claim 12 or 13, wherein the liquidguard (68) does not extend around the periphery of the bottom face (18) at least along a section of the rear portion (26).

15. The machine (10, 88) of any preceding claim, wherein thecontainer (16) includes a rim (39) delimiting an opening of the food cavity, wherein the rim (39) extends in an inclined plane, preferably parallel to the top face (20).

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