A texturing assembly

Abstract

A texturing assembly comprising: a rotor structure configured to be driven about an axis, wherein the rotor structure comprises a cylindrical member circumferentially disposed about the axis about which it rotates and defining an interior chamber with an axial opening, said cylindrical member configured with a plurality of perforations in communication with the interior chamber; and, a stator structure at least partially disposed about the rotor structure.

Description

A TEXTURING ASSEMBLYFIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a texturing assembly. The texturing assembly, in nonlimiting example embodiments may be used in appliances to froth milk for the preparation of beverages such as caffeinated beverages, and in appliances for blending foodstuffs.BACKGROUND

[0002] Devices for texturing foodstuffs are known. Texturing of milk is used to generate froths for the preparation of espresso style coffees such as lattes and cappuccinos. Such milk texturing generally involves heating, such as by the injection of steam into the milk to be frothed.

[0001] A disadvantage of known milk frothing or texturing devices is that heat by steaming is typically required to create a desired level of texture in the milk. Such devices may therefore be unsuitable for providing textured milk for cold drinks such as tea lattes and milkshakes. The heating methods employed by such devices may also be less suitable for alternative milks such as oat milk and almond milk. Mechanical milk texturing devices such as milk frothing whisks, on the other hand, may not introduce an adequate amount of air or air bubbles to the milk, which may result in poorly textured milk having an undesirable (typically flat) texture, thereby detracting from the taste of the milk and ultimately the flavour of the beverage being consumed. Known mechanical milk texturing devices are also susceptible to creating uneven frothing or too much foaming in the milk, leading to a “meringue effect” whereby an undesirable clump or dollop of milk froth can fall out during the pouring process when creating the beverage due to poor texture integration.

[0002] There is also the need to texture foodstuffs other than milk, such as processing low viscosity liquids, mixtures and suspensions into froths and emulsions. Use of heat in such applications may result in poor texturing or unwanted organoleptic properties, and known mechanical methods may also produce unsatisfactory results.

[0003] Furthermore, cleaning of existing texturing equipment can often be burdensome and dissuade use of these devices. Moreover, failure to properly clean equipment after use can present a health hazard and / or lead to fouling of foodstuffs upon subsequent use.

[0004] There is therefore need for improved texturing means.

[0005] Throughout the specification, the term ‘milk’ will be understood as including dairy milk and non-dairy milk such as soy milk, hazelnut milk, coconut milk, goats’ milk or other ‘milks’ that may be textured to generate froths.SUMMARY

[0006] It is an object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to: overcome, or at least ameliorate one or more shortcomings in the prior art, such as one or more of the above disadvantages; or at least to provide an alternative choice to the prior art.

[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a texturing assembly comprising: a rotor structure configured to be driven about an axis, wherein the rotor structure comprises a cylindrical member circumferentially disposed about the axis about which it rotates and defining an interior chamber with an axial opening, said cylindrical member configured with a plurality of perforations in communication with the interior chamber; and, a stator structure at least partially disposed about the rotor structure.

[0011] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a texturing apparatus having a motor, wherein the texturing assembly of the preceding aspect is releasably attachable to the texturing apparatus and adapted to couple with the motor to transfer torque to the rotor structure.

[0012] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of texturing a foodstuff, comprising submerging the texturing assembly of the preceding aspect in the foodstuff to be textured until the plurality of protrusions are at least partially covered, and subsequently rotating the rotor structure about the axis.

[0013] Also disclosed is a texturing assembly for a milk frothing apparatus comprising: a rotor structure configured to be driven about an axis, wherein the rotor structure comprises a cylindrical member circumferentially disposed about the axis about which it rotates and defining an interior chamber with an axial opening, said cylindrical member configured with a plurality of perforations in communication with the interior chamber; and, a stator structure comprisingbaffles at least partially disposed about the rotor structure and a body having one or more connecting members for releasably attaching to a steam wand.

[0014] Also disclosed is a texturing assembly for a milk frothing apparatus comprising: a rotor structure configured to be driven about an axis, wherein the rotor structure comprises a cylindrical member circumferentially disposed about the axis about which it rotates and defining an interior chamber with an axial opening, said cylindrical member configured with a plurality of perforations in communication with the interior chamber; and, a stator structure comprising baffles at least partially disposed about the rotor structure and a body having one or more frame members for locating the texturing assembly with respect to the milk frothing apparatus.

[0015] Also disclosed is a texturing assembly for a milk frothing apparatus comprising: a rotor structure configured to be driven about an axis, wherein the rotor structure comprises a cylindrical member circumferentially disposed about the axis about which it rotates and defining an interior chamber with an axial opening, said cylindrical member configured with a plurality of perforations in communication with the interior chamber; and, a stator structure comprising baffles at least partially disposed about the rotor structure, wherein the texturing assembly is locates at one end of an elongated stalk.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a milk frothing apparatus making use of a texturing assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2 is an alternate schematic view of the Figure 1 milk frothing apparatus and texturing assembly;

[0019] Figure 3 is an alternate section schematic view of the Figure 1 milk frothing apparatus and texturing assembly;

[0020] Figure 4 is an alternate section schematic view of the Figure 1 milk frothing apparatus and texturing assembly;

[0021] Figure 5 is an alternate partial schematic view of the Figure 1 milk frothing apparatus and texturing assembly;

[0022] Figure 6 is an alternate partial schematic view of the Figure 1 milk frothing apparatus and texturing assembly;

[0023] Figure 7 is an alternate partial sectional schematic view of the Figure 1 milk frothing apparatus and texturing assembly;

[0024] Figure 8 is a detail view from Figure 7 ;

[0025] Figure 9 is a schematic view of a milk frothing apparatus making use of a texturing assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 10 is an alternate schematic view of the Figure 9 milk frothing apparatus and texturing assembly;

[0027] Figure 11 is an alternate schematic view of the Figure 9 milk frothing apparatus and texturing assembly;

[0028] Figure 12 is an alternate sectional schematic view of the Figure 9 milk frothing apparatus and texturing assembly;

[0029] Figure 13 is an alternate sectional schematic view of the Figure 9 milk frothing apparatus and texturing assembly;

[0030] Figure 14 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a stator structure in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 15 is a schematic view of the stator structure of Figure 14 positioned in respect to a jug;

[0032] Figure 16 is a schematic view of a milk frothing apparatus making use of a texturing assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 17 is an alternate schematic view of the Figure 14 milk frothing apparatus and texturing assembly;

[0034] Figure 18 is an alternate sectional schematic view of the Figure 14 milk frothing apparatus and texturing assembly;

[0035] Figure 19 is an alternate sectional schematic view of the Figure 14 milk frothing apparatus and texturing assembly;

[0036] Figure 20 is an alternate schematic view of the Figure 14 milk frothing apparatus and texturing assembly;

[0037] Figure 21 is a schematic view of a texturing assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 22 is an alternative cutaway schedule view of the Figure 19 texturing assembly;

[0039] Figure 23 is an alternate schematic view of the Figure 19 texturing assembly;

[0040] Figure 24 is an alternate schematic view of the Figure 19 texturing assembly; and

[0041] Figure 25 is an alternate cutaway schematic view of the Figure 19 texturing assembly.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0042] Described herein with reference to the Figures is a texturing assembly 1. Non-limiting embodiments of the texturing assembly 1 may be used to froth milk. Non-limiting embodiments of the texturing assembly 1 may be used to froth cold milk. Non-limiting embodiments of the texturing assembly 1 may be used to blend liquid or solid foodstuffs. Other uses of the texturing assembly 1 will be apparent to the skilled address based on the principles set out herein.

[0043] The texturing assembly 1 comprises a rotor structure 101 and a stator structure 113 at least partially disposed about the rotor structure 101. The rotor structure 101 is configured to be driven about an axis of rotation, herein referred as the axis 20. In the non-limiting embodiments of the Figures, the rotor structure 101 includes a cylindrical rotor member 102, however, themember 102 may be otherwise shaped, such as, but not limited to frustoconical, barrel (i.e. bulged), bell.

[0044] The rotor member 102 has an outer surface 103, and inner surface 104, and defines an interior chamber 105 with an axial opening 106. By this arrangement fluid communication is provided such that fluid can flow through the axial opening 106 and into the interior chamber 105.

[0045] The member 102 is configured with perforations 107 in the outer surface 103 through the inner surface 104 such that fluid communication is provided through the perforations 107 to the interior chamber 105. By this arrangement fluid can flow through the axial opening 106 into the interior chamber 105, and then from the interior chamber 105 through the perforations 107 to be expelled from the outer surface 103 of the member 102.

[0046] As hereinbefore described the rotor structure 101 generally locates, at least in part, radially within an extent of the stator structure 113. Otherwise stated, the stator structure 113 is disposed at least partially about the rotor structure 101.

[0047] Generally, a portion of the stator structure 113 is at least partially arranged adjacent at least a portion of the rotor structure 101 member 102. By this arrangement, at least a portion of the stator structure 113 is arranged radially about at least a portion of the rotor structure 101 as it rotates about the axis 20.

[0048] More specifically, the stator structure 113 may comprise baffles 115 that at least in part site radially adjacent from at least a portion of the member 102 having perforations 107. A radial clearance 116 is provided between these radially adjacent portions of the rotor structure 101 and the stator structure 113.

[0049] In use, rotation of the rotor structure 101 about the axis 20 draws fluid through the axial opening 106 and into the interior chamber 105 from whence it is expelled radially and tangentially through the perforations 107. Some portion of the fluid expelled from the perforations 107 is then drawn into the clearance 116, thereby undergoing shear.

[0050] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that rotation of the rotor structure 101 about axis 20 promotes some entrainment of air into the fluid flowing through the axialopening 106 to the interior chamber 105. Said air manifests as bubbles in the fluid, which are thought to undergo size reduction when flowing through the perforations 107, and then as a result of shear when flowing through the clearance 116 between the member 101 outer surface 103 and the baffles 115, thereby producing a tight foam. It has been surprisingly found that cold milk can be suitably textured in this manner to prepare froths of the type used in coffee making, without the need for adding heat or steam.

[0051] Various parameters of the texturing assembly 1 contribute to texturing performance and can be varied to thereby affect the texture obtained. Provision of a large rotor structure 101 having a cylindrical member 102 of large diameter (or equivalent dimension for otherwise shaped members 102), high speed of rotation, and small perforations 107 have been found to texture milk with high “frothing performance”, that is, producing tight and voluminous froths of the type generally favoured in the preparation of espresso style coffee such as lattes and cappuccinos. Similarly, the number of baffles 115 and minimising the clearance 116 between the baffles 116 and the outer surface 103 also act to efficiently produce milk froths of this desired type.

[0052] The stator structure 113 generally comprises baffles 115 disposed radially about the cylindrical member 102. Typically, the baffles 115 are planar and radially aligned with the axis 10, however other arrangements may be used, such as parallel offsets and helical twist, by way of non-limiting example. In addition to their use in texturing the baffles 115 also serve to act against vortex formation, which may promote flow patterns facilitative to texturing as well as preventing spills

[0053] The perforations 107 are generally arranged in a 2D array upon the cylindrical member 102. Typically, the perforations 107 fully span the cylindrical member 102 circumference. It has been found that perforations 107 having a dimension of approximately 1 millimetre or less are suitable for efficient texturing of milk, including cold milk. Typically, the perforations 107 are circular with diameter of 1mm or less, however other non-limiting perforations 107 shapes include slots, arcs and any rectilinear or curvilinear shape according to the general principles of application set out herein. For example, the perforations 107 may be provided by mesh panels incorporated into the member 102.

[0054] Generally, the radial clearance 116 between the outer surface 103 of the member 102 and the baffles 115 is minimized to promote fluid shear and hence texturing. Ideally, clearances 116 of 1 millimetre or less provide good texturing results, however it is preferred that the clearance 116 it not minimized to the extent that the member 101 rubs against the baffles 115, which can reduce texturing performance.

[0055] It is advantageous if the texturing assembly 1 is formed of a material suitable for use in a dishwasher to facilitate easy cleaning. One non-limiting suitable method of construction for the texturing assembly 1 including the stator structure 113 and rotor structure 101 is plastic moulding using a food and dishwasher safe polymer.

[0056] Described herein with reference to the Figures are various non-limiting apparatuses making use of the texturing assembly 1. With specific reference to Figures 1 to 7, shown is milk frothing apparatus 2 of the type used to prepare milk froths for the preparation of beverages such as lattes and cappuccinos.

[0057] For clarity, the milk frothing apparatus 2 of Figures 1 to 7 is shown disembodied from the wider assembly in which it is used. Typically, such a milk frothing apparatus 2 will be integrated with a coffee making machine, however it is possible that such milk frothing apparatuses 2 can be provided separately of a coffee machine with the inclusion of other necessary components typically found in coffee machines, such as a means of producing steam such as a boiler.

[0058] The milk frothing apparatus 2 includes a body 201 having a base 202 and a bracket 203 for pivotally mounting 205 a steam wand 204 thereto. The base 202 is adapted to support a jug 20 for receiving milk to be frothed. In use, the steam wand 204 is pivoted upwards for location within the jug 20 by moving the jug 20 to facilitate this position. Then, with the steam wand 204 within the jug 20, the steam wand 204 will be pivoted downwards together with the jug 20 such that the jug 20 comes to rest on the base 202 with the steam wand 204 within the jug 20 ready for a frothing operation.

[0059] The depicted steam wand 204 is of the inflected type, with a generally horizontal portion 206 provided between the pivoting mount 205 and the generally vertical 207 discharge end of the steam wand 204.

[0060] The texturing assembly 1 shown in Figures 1-7 is adapted to be removably attached to the steam wand 204 such that it locates in use within the jug 20 along with the steam wand 204. In this manner, the relevant portions of the texturing assembly 1 including the axial opening 106, perforated 107 member 102 and baffles, are adapted to be submerged in milk within the jug 20 supported on the base 202.

[0061] The stator structure 113 of the texturing assembly 1 includes a body 114 having connecting members 117 for removable attachment to the steam wand 204. In the depicted embodiment, the connecting members 117 are of the type referred to a C-clips and sleeves, though any suitable connecting member 117 can be used. As the steam wand 204 is of the inflected type, the body 114 is provided with a sleeve connecting member 117 to slide onto the vertical portion 207 and a C-clip connecting member 117 to clip onto the horizontal portion 206. This arrangement may be advantageous to limit connection of the texturing assembly 1 to the steam wand 204 to the desired position, however other manners of detachable connection can be provided.

[0062] The stator member 113 also includes a hub 118 for rotationally receiving an axle 108 of the rotor structure 101. Both said axle 108 and hub 118 are aligned with the axis 20 and provide, at least in part, rotational mounting of the rotor structure 101 to the stator structure 113. The axle 108 is provided at one axial end of the cylindrical member 102 opposite to the axial opening 106, which locates nearer to the bottom of the jug 20 in use. Rotational mounting of the rotor structure 101 to the stator structure 113 is configured to suspend the rotor structure 101 above the bottom of the jug 20 in use, to thereby avoid occlusions or undue restriction of flow through the axial opening 106. In the depicted example embodiment, the axle 108 is configured with an enlarged end 109 to limit downwards movement of the axle 108 through the hub in the direction of the axis 10, thereby defining the position of the rotor structure 101 relative to the stator structure 113 in this direction.

[0063] The rotor structure 101 also includes a rotational coupling 110 to drive rotation of the rotor structure 101 relative to the stator structure 113. The depicted embodiment uses a magnetic coupling 110 rather than a physical mechanical connection, thereby allowing a motor 208 to locate within the base 202 to transfer torque to the rotor structure 101 through the bottom of the jug 202, and also to facilitated easy disconnection of the milk texturing assembly 1 from the milk frothing apparatus 2. Furthermore the magnetic coupling 110 may serve to reduce vibrations,which may in turn allow tighter tolerances, for example in the clearance 116 to configure the assembly 1 to the desired texturing performance, and may also reduce wear.

[0064] The magnetic coupling 110 includes a flanged portion 111 of the cylindrical member 102 adjacent the axial opening 106, said flanged portion 111 embedded with an angular array of alternating pole (multipole) magnets 112 provided in an even number. A corresponding rotational coupling 209 with an annular multipole magnet array is provided in the base 202 and positioned to magnetically couple with the magnetic coupling 110 of the rotor structure 101 in use. Typically, the offset between the two magnetic couplings 110, 209 is between about 5 to 10 millimetres, however the offset is determined by variables including the number and strength of the magnets and so other arrangements may be selected. The rotational coupling 209 within the base 202 is rotatably driven by a motor 208 similarly located within the base 202, to thereby provide torque to the magnetic coupling 110 and thus rotor structure 101 when the motor 208 is energised. The flanged portion 111 may also increase the contacting surface with the liquid, which may in turn accelerate the texturing process.

[0065] The depicted milk texturing assembly 1 is advantageously adapted for connection to the steam wand 204 in the desired position for a frothing operation, yet is also readily detachable to facilitate easy clean up. For example, once a frothing operation has been completed, the milk texturing assembly 1 can simply be placed in a dishwasher for cleaning.

[0066] Referring now to Figure 8-15, shown is an alternative milk frothing apparatus 2 making use of an alternative embodiment of the texturing assembly 1. This milk frothing apparatus 2 does not comprise a steam wand 204, and is thus particularly adapted for use as a stand-alone unit separate to a broader coffee making machine.

[0067] Instead of using connecting members 117 to latch onto some component such as a steam wand 204 to correctly position the texturing assembly 1 within the jug 2 for use in a foaming operation, the stator structure 113 body 114 is configured as a frame configured to interact with the jug 20 for correct positioning relative thereto. In the embodiment of Figures 8-13, the body 114 is configured for a friction fit with the 2 to resist angular movement in use. In the embodiment of Figures 14 and 15 the stator structure 113 is configured with stator connecting members 117 to interact with the jug 2 in order to resist movement of the jug 2 in use. As depicted, the stator structure 113 my be configured with two downward protrusions 128 from anupper portion of the body 114, with a portion of the jug 2 handle configured to cite in the space between the protrusions 128 thereby acting against angular movement of the stator structure 113. Also as depicted, a number of appendages 129 may extend from the upper portion of the body 114 with said appendages 129 configured to hook over the rim of the jug 2. Said appendages 129 may be resiliently deformable, for example by the provision of a narrowed region such that they splay outward as they contact with the jug 2, thereby providing an inwards bias to increase their contact with the jug 2. In varying embodiments, the body may have one or more of the friction fit, the protrusions and the appendages, individually or in any combination.

[0068] The body 114, in part, can be considered an extension of the baffles 115 radially in respect to the axis 10, thereby forming frame members 119. Some portion of said frame members 119 are configured to engage with some portion of the jug 20 internal walls, such that the texturing assembly 1 self-centres and correctly locates within the jug 20 for a frothing operation. An uppermost portion of the body 114 can be considered a flanged frame member 119 adapted to rest on the rim of the jug 20.

[0069] Internal of the base 202 is a motor 208 with a magnetic rotational coupling 209 for transferring torque to the rotor structure 101 magnetic coupling 110 in the manner hereinbefore described in relation to Figures 1-7. Attraction between the motor rotational coupling 209 and the rotor structure 101 rotational coupling 110 also aids in facilitating correct position of the texturing assembly 1 within the jug 20 of the frothing apparatus 2 for a frothing operation.

[0070] The depicted milk texturing assembly 1 is advantageously adapted for correct placement within the jug 20 of a milk frothing apparatus 2 for a frothing operation, yet is readily removable for ease of cleaning. In embodiments, some portion of the texturing assembly 1 may be configured with a handle (not shown), such as some portion of the stator structure body, so as to simplify placement and removal of the texturing assembly 1 to and from the milk frothing apparatus 2.

[0071] Referring now to Figures 16 to 20, shown is an alternative milk frothing apparatus 2 making use of an alternative embodiment of the texturing assembly 1. Here the texturing assembly 1 locates at one end of an elongated stalk 120. The other end of the stalk 120 is removably attached to a motor 208 that is pivotally mounted 211 to a bracket 203 of the milk frothing apparatus 2. By this arrangement with the stalk 120 attached with the motor 208, thestalk 120 is pivotable about the pivotable mount 211 of the motor 208 to which is detachably connected.

[0072] The pivotable mount 211 between the motor 208 and the bracket 203 suspends the motor 208 above a base 202 for supporting a jug 20 of the milk frothing assembly 2. The base 202 has a jug locating feature 210 in the form of raised ring in the base 202 surface sized to correspond to the diameter of the bottom of the jug 20 such that the bottom of the jug 20 is snuggly received within the raised ring jug locating feature 210. By this arrangement, the jug 20 is correctly positioned with respect to the stalk 120 and the texturing assembly 1 for a frothing operation.

[0073] A shaft 121 is provided within the stalk 120 for rotatably connecting the motor 208 with the rotor structure 101. As depicted, one end of the shaft 121 is rotatably connected with the axle 108 of the rotor structure 101 received by the hub 118 of the stator structure 113. The other end of the shaft 121 is rotatably coupled with the motor 208 such that torque is transferred from the motor 208 to the rotor structure 101 via the shaft 121. The rotational coupling 110 between the shaft 121 and the motor 208 may be a mechanical coupling 210. Bearings 122 and seals 123 within the stalk 120 can be placed around the shaft 121 as required.

[0074] Advantageously, the texturing assembly 1 is removably attached to the milk frothing apparatus 2. In the depicted embodiment, the rotor structure 101, stator structure 113, and the stalk 120 are provided as a single component that can be disconnected from the motor 208 for ease of cleaning. Any suitable method of releasable connection 124 between the stalk 120 and the motor 208 may be used, including by not limited to magnetic fasteners, clips and / or bayonet / hook fasteners.

[0075] Referring now to Figures 21 to 25, shown is an embodiment of the texturing assembly 1 suitable for use in a food processing apparatus 2, such as a wand mixer, for processing low viscosity liquids, mixtures and suspensions into froths and emulsions.

[0076] Like that of the embodiment depicted in Figures 16 to 20, the texturing assembly 1 locates on one end of an elongated stalk 120, with the other end of the stalk 120 adapted for releasable connection with a motor 208 to transfer torque to the rotor structure 101 via a shaft 121 internal of the stalk 120.

[0077] The stator structure 113 body 114 includes an annular sheath 125 applied about the baffles 115, with the body 114 further including ports 126 above the sheath 125 providing flow from the texturing assembly 1. The bottom of the sheath 125 is notched 127 providing space for flow when the sheath 125 is in contact with vessel 2 containing the foodstuff to be processed.

[0078] Example clauses pertaining to non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are provided below:

[0079] Example Clause Al: a texturing assembly for a milk frothing apparatus comprising: a rotor structure configured to be driven about an axis, wherein the rotor structure comprises a cylindrical member circumferentially disposed about the axis about which it rotates and defining an interior chamber with an axial opening, said cylindrical member configured with a plurality of perforations in communication with the interior chamber; and, a stator structure comprising baffles at least partially disposed about the rotor structure and a body having one or more connecting members for releasably attaching to a steam wand.

[0080] Example Clause A2: the texturing assembly of Clause Al wherein the rotor structure further includes a magnetic coupling.

[0081] Example Clause A3: the texturing assembly of Clause A2, wherein the magnetic coupling comprises a flange at or near an end of the cylindrical member, said flange carrying an even number of alternating polarity magnets for interacting with a corresponding magnetic coupling of a motor.

[0082] Example Clause A4: the texturing assembly of any one of Clause A1-A3, wherein the rotor structure is rotationally mounted to the stator structure.

[0083] Example Clause A5: the texturing assembly of Clause A4, wherein the rotor structure comprises an axle coaxial with the axis, said axle received within a hub of the stator structure body.

[0084] Example Clause A6: the texturing assembly of Clause A5 when appended from Clause A2, optionally in conjunction with any other preceding Clause A1-A4, wherein the axle locates at an opposing end of the cylindrical member to the magnetic coupling.

[0085] Example Clause A7: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses A1-A6, wherein the stator structure comprises baffles disposed radially about the cylindrical member.

[0086] Example Clause A8: texturing assembly of Clause A7, wherein the baffles are planar and radially aligned with the axis.

[0087] Example Clause A9: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses A1-A8, wherein the perforations are arranged in a 2D array upon the cylindrical member.

[0088] Example Clause A10: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses A1-A9, wherein the perforations fully span the cylindrical member circumference.

[0089] Example Clause Al l: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses A1-A10, wherein the perforations have a dimension of 1 millimetre or less

[0090] Example Clause A12: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses Al-Al l. wherein the perforations are circular, rectilinear, slots, arcs and / or curvlinear

[0091] Example Clause A13: texturing assembly of Clauses A12, wherein the perforations are circular with diameter of 1 millimetre or less.

[0092] Example Clause A14: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses A1-A13, wherein the perforations are formed by drilling, moulding, punching, lasering and / or expanding slots

[0093] Example Clause A15: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses A1-A14, wherein a clearance of 1 millimetre or less is provided between an outer surface of the cylindrical member and the stator structure.

[0094] Example Clause A16: a method of texturing a foodstuff, comprising submerging the texturing assembly of any one of Clauses A1-A14 in the foodstuff to be texture until the plurality of protrusions are at least partially covered, and subsequently rotating the rotor structure about the axis.

[0095] Example Clause A17: method according to Clause A16, wherein the food stuff is cold milk.

[0096] Example Clause Bl: a texturing assembly for a milk frothing apparatus comprising: a rotor structure configured to be driven about an axis, wherein the rotor structure comprises a cylindrical member circumferentially disposed about the axis about which it rotates and defining an interior chamber with an axial opening, said cylindrical member configured with a plurality of perforations in communication with the interior chamber; and, a stator structure comprising baffles at least partially disposed about the rotor structure and a body having one or more frame members for locating the texturing assembly with respect to the milk frothing apparatus.

[0097] Example Clause B2: the texturing assembly of Clause Bl wherein the rotor structure further includes a magnetic coupling.

[0098] Example Clause B3: the texturing assembly of Clause B2, wherein the magnetic coupling comprises a flange at or near an end of the cylindrical member, said flange carrying an even number of alternating polarity magnets for interacting with a corresponding magnetic coupling of a motor.

[0099] Example Clause B4: the texturing assembly of any one of Clause B1-B3, wherein the rotor structure is rotationally mounted to the stator structure.

[0100] Example Clause B5: the texturing assembly of Clause B4, wherein the rotor structure comprises an axle coaxial with the axis, said axle received within a hub of the stator structure body.

[0101] Example Clause B6: the texturing assembly of Clause B5 when appended from Clause B2, optionally in conjunction with any other preceding Clause B 1-B4, wherein the axle locates at an opposing end of the cylindrical member to the magnetic coupling.

[0102] Example Clause B7: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses B 1-B6, wherein the stator structure comprises baffles disposed radially about the cylindrical member.

[0103] Example Clause B8: texturing assembly of Clause B7, wherein the baffles are planar and radially aligned with the axis.

[0104] Example Clause B9: texturing assembly of Clauses B7 or B8, wherein the frame members are formed at least in part by radial extensions of the baffles.

[0105] Example Clause B 10: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses B 1-B9, wherein the frame members include an annular flange adapted to rest against a rim of a vessel.

[0106] Example Clause B 11 : texturing assembly of any one of Clauses B 1-B 10, wherein the perforations are arranged in a 2D array upon the cylindrical member.

[0107] Example Clause B 12: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses B 1-B 11, wherein the perforations fully span the cylindrical member circumference.

[0108] Example Clause B 13: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses B 1-B 12, wherein the perforations have a dimension of 1 millimetre or less

[0109] Example Clause B 14: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses B 1-B 13. wherein the perforations are circular, rectilinear, slots, arcs and / or curvilinear

[0110] Example Clause B15: texturing assembly of Clauses B14, wherein the perforations are circular with diameter of 1 millimetre or less.

[0111] Example Clause B 16: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses B 1-B 15, wherein the perforations are formed by drilling, moulding, punching, lasering and / or expanding slots

[0112] Example Clause B 17: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses B 1-B 16, wherein a clearance of 1 millimetre or less is provided between an outer surface of the cylindrical member and the stator structure.

[0113] Example Clause B18: a method of texturing a foodstuff, comprising placing the texturing assembly in a vessel with the frame members contacting, at least in part, with the vessel; and with food stuff in the vessel at least partially covering the plurality of protrusions, subsequently rotating the rotor structure about the axis.

[0114] Example Clause B 19: method according to Clause B 18, wherein the food stuff is cold milk.

[0115] Example Clause Cl: a texturing assembly for a milk frothing apparatus comprising: a rotor structure configured to be driven about an axis, wherein the rotor structure comprises a cylindrical member circumferentially disposed about the axis about which it rotates and defining an interior chamber with an axial opening, said cylindrical member configured with a plurality of perforations in communication with the interior chamber; and, a stator structure comprising baffles at least partially disposed about the rotor structure, wherein the texturing assembly is locates at one end of an elongated stalk.

[0116] Example Clause C2: the texturing assembly of Clause Cl wherein the opposite end of the stalk is adapted for releasable connection to a milk frothing apparatus.

[0117] Example Clause C3: the texturing assembly of Clause Cl wherein the opposite end of the stalk is adapted for releasable connection to a wand mixer.

[0118] Example Clause C4: the texturing assembly of Clause C1-C3, wherein the stator structure comprises a body having an annular shroud around the baffles, said body having ports at an upper portion and said shroud having notches at a lower portion.

[0119] Example Clause C5: the texturing assembly of any one of Clauses C1-C4, wherein the rotor structure is rotationally mounted to the stator structure.

[0120] Example Clause C6: the texturing assembly of Clause C5, wherein the rotor structure comprises an axle coaxial with the axis, said axle received within a hub of the stator structure body.

[0121] Example Clause C7: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses C1-C6, wherein the stator structure comprises baffles disposed radially about the cylindrical member.

[0122] Example Clause C8: texturing assembly of Clause C7, wherein the baffles are planar and radially aligned with the axis.

[0123] Example Clause C9: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses C1-C8, wherein the perforations are arranged in a 2D array upon the cylindrical member.

[0124] Example Clause CIO: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses C1-C9, wherein the perforations fully span the cylindrical member circumference.

[0125] Example Clause Cl 1: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses C1-C10, wherein the perforations have a dimension of 1 millimetre or less

[0126] Example Clause C12: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses Cl-Cl 1. wherein the perforations are circular, rectilinear, slots, arcs and / or curvilinear

[0127] Example Clause C13: texturing assembly of Clauses C12, wherein the perforations are circular with diameter of 1 millimetre or less.

[0128] Example Clause C14: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses C1-C13, wherein the perforations are formed by drilling, moulding, punching, lasering and / or expanding slots

[0129] Example Clause C15: texturing assembly of any one of Clauses C1-C14, wherein a clearance of 1 millimetre or less is provided between an outer surface of the cylindrical member and the stator structure.

[0130] Example Clause C16: a method of texturing a foodstuff, comprising submerging the texturing assembly of any one of Clauses C1-C14 in the foodstuff to be texture until the plurality of protrusions are at least partially covered, and subsequently rotating the rotor structure about the axis.

[0131] Example Clause C17: method according to Clause C16, wherein the food stuff is cold milk.

[0132] The various embodiments of the present invention described above have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The present invention should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above.

[0133] Parts list1 texturing assembly10 axis101 rotor structure102 rotor member103 member outer surface104 member inner surface105 member interior chamber106 member axial opening107 body perforations108 rotor structure axle109 axle enlarged end110 rotor structure rotational coupling111 rotor structure flanged portion112 rotor structure flange magnets113 stator structure114 stator structure body115 baffles116 clearance117 stator structure connecting members118 stator structure hub119 stator body frame members120 stalk121 shaft122 bearings123 seals124 releasable connection125 sheath126 ports127 notch128 protrusions129 appendages2 milk frothing / food processing apparatus20 jug201 body milk frothing apparatus202 base milk frothing apparatus203 bracket milk frothing apparatus204 steam wand milk205 steam wand pivotal mount206 steam wand generally horizontal portion207 steam wand generally vertical portion208 motor209 motor rotational coupling209211 motor pivotal mount210 / 212 jug locating feature

Claims

CLAIMS1. A texturing assembly comprising: a rotor structure configured to be driven about an axis, wherein the rotor structure comprises a cylindrical member circumferentially disposed about the axis about which it rotates and defining an interior chamber with an axial opening, said cylindrical member configured with a plurality of perforations in communication with the interior chamber; and, a stator structure at least partially disposed about the rotor structure.

2. The texturing assembly of claim 1, wherein the stator structure comprises baffles disposed radially about the cylindrical member.

3. The texturing assembly of claim 2, wherein the baffles are planar and radially aligned with the axis.

4. The texturing assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perforations are arranged in a 2D array upon the cylindrical member.

5. The texturing assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perforations fully span the cylindrical member circumference.

6. The texturing assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perforations have a dimension of 1 millimetre or less.

7. The texturing assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perforations are circular, rectilinear, slots, arcs and / or curvilinear.

8. The texturing assembly of claim 7, wherein the perforations are circular with diameter of 1 millimetre or less.

9. The texturing assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perforations are formed by drilling, moulding, punching, lasering and / or expanding slots.

10. The texturing assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a clearance of 1 millimetre or less is provided between an outer surface of the cylindrical member and the stator structure.

11. A texturing apparatus having a motor, wherein the texturing assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10 is releasably attachable to the texturing apparatus and adapted to couple with the motor to transfer torque to the rotor structure.

12. A method of texturing a foodstuff, comprising submerging the texturing assembly of any one of claims 1-10 in the foodstuff to be textured until the plurality of protrusions are at least partially covered, and subsequently rotating the rotor structure about the axis.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the food stuff is cold milk.

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