Accessory for a kitchen appliance and a kitchen appliance using the same

Abstract

An accessory for a kitchen appliance, comprising a spindle rotatable about an axis, a mixing structure mounted to the spindle to thereby effect rotation in a rotation direction of the spindle about the axis, and a kneading structure mounted to the spindle above the mixing structure to thereby effect rotation in the rotation direction; wherein, the kneading structure comprises a pressing arm extending from a central hub, said pressing arm having opposed leading and trailing faces relative to the rotation direction, wherein the leading face curves towards a far edge of the forming arm distal from the axis.

Description

ACCESSORY FOR A KITCHEN APPLIANCE AND A KITCHENAPPLIANCE USING THE SAME

[0001] The present invention relates to an accessory for a kitchen appliance. In particular, the invention relates to an accessory to form dough in a kitchen appliance, such as a food processor or a bread maker.BACKGROUND

[0002] Manual preparation of dough is a laborious process involving complex operations such as kneading, where dough is worked into cohesive mass by actions such as pressing, folding and stretching. Proper kneading produces the required viscoelastic properties, such as gas retention capacity, develops glutens, distributes yeast and greatly effects the final product baked from the dough. Both over-kneading and under-kneading can have deleterious effects on the final product.

[0003] Techniques for mechanically kneading have been developed for both commercial and household applications. Examples include planetary mixers, or stand type mixers using rotating spirals or hooks. Efforts have also been made to adapt food processing type devices for kneading dough, though results have been poor leading to low adoption in the market-place.

[0004] There is an on-going need for mechanical kneading techniques.SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of existing arrangements, or at least provide a useful alternative to existing arrangements.

[0006] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an accessory for a kitchen appliance, comprising a spindle rotatable about an axis, a mixing structure mounted to the spindle to thereby effect rotation in a rotation direction of the spindle about the axis, and a kneading structure mounted to the spindle above the mixing structure to thereby effect rotation in the rotation direction; wherein, the kneading structure comprises a pressing arm extending from a central hub, said pressing arm having opposed leading and trailing faces relative to the rotationdirection, wherein the leading face curves towards a far edge of the pressing arm distal from the axis.

[0007] Preferably, the trailing face of the pressing arm curves towards the far edge.

[0008] Preferably, the leading edge is in the form of a rounded nose.

[0009] Preferably, the curvature of the rounded nose is continuous with curvature of one or both of the leading face or the trailing face.

[0010] Preferably, the curvature of the leading face, rounded nose and the trailing face is continuous.

[0011] Preferably, the pressing arm has a partial -oval cross section taken perpendicular to the axis.

[0012] Preferably, the pressing arm is shaped as a cam lobe.

[0013] Preferably, the far edge of the pressing arm it tilted relative to the axis, such that an upper portion of the pressing arm extends further from the axis than a lower portion of the pressing arm.

[0014] Preferably, the kneading structure further comprises a stretching arm extending from the central hub, wherein a far edge of the stretching arm is curved such that an upper portion of the far edge of the stretching arm extends further from the axis than a lower portion of the far edge of the stretching arm.

[0015] Preferably, a leading face of the stretching arm is downwardly tilted such that an upper edge of the leading face is forward of a lower edge of the leading face relative the rotation direction.

[0016] Preferably, the stretching arm extends from the central hub at an angular distance of 180° about the central hum from the pressing arm.

[0017] Preferably, the mixing structure comprises at least one mixing arm extending from a central hub.

[0018] Preferably, the mixing structure comprises two mixing arms extending from the central hub of the mixing structure at an angular distance of 180° about the central hub from each other.

[0019] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kitchen appliance comprising the accessory according to the preceding aspect, optionally in combination with one or more of the above preferable features, said appliance having a container defining an internal chamber and a rotating drive component protruding into the chamber, wherein the accessory further includes a drive coupling at a lower end of the spindle for rotatable coupling to the rotating drive component.

[0020] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kitchen appliance comprising a container having an internal chamber defined by a base and cylindrical wall rising from the base, and a rotating drive component proximal to the base; the kitchen appliance further comprising an accessory rotatably coupled to the rotating drive component to effect rotation of the accessory in a rotation direction about an axis, wherein said accessory comprises: a kneading structure having a pressing arm extending from a central hub and a stretching arm extending from the central hub, wherein said pressing arm has the form of a semiovular lobe protruding from the central hub, and the stretching arm has the form of a paddle; and a mixing structure locating proximal to the base and below the kneading structure, said mixing structure including one or more mixing arms extending outwardly from the axis.

[0021] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of operating the kitchen appliance of one of the preceding aspects, comprising the steps of: placing dough ingredients into the chamber to a level below the kneading structure; rotating the accessory at a first speed to combine the ingredients into a dough by way of the mixing structure; and rotating the accessory at a second speed to knead the dough by way of the kneading structure..

[0022] Preferably, the first speed is higher than the second speed.

[0023] Preferably, the pressing arm is vertically spaced from the mixing arm.

[0024] Preferably, the stretching arm is vertically spaced from the mixing arm.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

[0026] Figure lis a side perspective view of an embodiment of an accessory in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 is an alternate side perspective view of the accessory of Figure 1;

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective front view of the accessory of Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 4 is a top view of the accessory of Figure 1;

[0030] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the accessory of Figure 1;

[0031] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a kitchen appliance comprising the accessory of Figure 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Disclosed herein is an accessory 100 for a kitchen appliance for use in the preparation of dough.

[0033] The accessory 100 is adapted for use with a kitchen device 1 having a container 2 defining an internal chamber 3 where the dough is to be kneaded. Said kitchen device is to be configured with a rotating drive output 6 to effect rotation of the accessory 100 within the chamber 3. One example form of such a kitchen appliance is of the type commonly referred to as a food processor. Typically, such a device includes a rotating drive output 6 to which a tool oraccessory 100, such as a blending blade or chopping blade, is atached. By the arrangement, the tool is placed within the chamber 3 and rotatably coupled with the rotating drive output 6, such that a motor 7 of the kitchen appliance / food processor 1 rotates the rotating drive output to effect rotation of the tool / accessory 100. Typically, the chamber 3 of a kitchen appliance / food processor 3 comprises a botom or a base 4 from which cylindrical side walls 5 rise, with the drive 6 output locating proximal to the base and energized by a motor 7 external of the chamber.

[0034] With reference to the Figures, accessory 100 comprises a spindle 101 associated with a rotating drive coupling 103. Drive coupling 103 is configured for removable atachment to the drive output 6 of a kitchen device 1 such as a food processor. A motor 7 of the food processor is able to be energized to rotate the drive output, which thereby effects rotation of the drive coupling 103 and the spindle 101.

[0035] In the non-limiting depicted example embodiment, the accessory 100 is intended for use with a kitchen appliance 1 having a drive output 6 at the bottom of the chamber 3, although it is to be understood that other forms of the invention can be worked using the principles disclosed herein.

[0036] Accessory 100 may include a kneading structure 200 and a mixing structure 300 mounted to the spindle 101 to effect rotation of said structure(s) as the spindle 101 is in turn rotated by the drive output powered by the motor. In the depicted example embodiments, the mixing structure 300 and the kneading structure 200 are provided as separate components removably mounted to the spindle 101. However, in alternative realisations of the invention, the mixing structure 300 and kneading structure 200 may be provided as a single, one-piece component, unitarily formed or otherwise. In other alternative embodiments, the mixing structure 300 and / or kneading structure 200 may be fixedly mounted to the spindle 101, that is, the spindle 101 as well as the mixing structure 300 and / or kneading structure 200 may be provided as a single, one-piece component, unitarily formed or otherwise.

[0037] The mixing structure 300 comprises a central region having an aperture (not shown) to receive the spindle 101, where said central region may generally be thought of as a central hub 301. In the depicted embodiment, the spindle 101 is configured with splines 102, such that the aperture may be configured with corresponding grooves (not shown). By this arrangement, the mixing structure 300 may be mounted to the spindle 101 by sliding the spindle101 through the aperture, with the splines 102 received in the grooves, thereby rotatably coupling the mixing structure 300 to the spindle 101. However, it is to be understood that alternative embodiments may employ other methods of rotatably mounting the mixing structure 300 to the spindle 101.

[0038] In the example embodiment shown, the mixing structure hub 301 is generally in the form of a cylinder centered about the aperture and hence the rotation axis X. The mixing structure 300 may include one or more arms 304 extending from the mixing structure hub 301. In the depicted embodiment, the mixing structure 300 has two arms 304 extending from diametrically opposite positions about the central hub 301, the is, the two mixing arms 304 extend from the central hub 301 at 180° from each other, radially about the axis X. However, other arrangements of mixing arms 304 are possible using the principles disclosed herein.

[0039] In the depicted embodiment, each mixing arm 304 extends in a swept manner from the mixing structure hub 301. Each mixing arm 304 is forward swept so as to be concave in the direction of rotation R. As depicted, each mixing arm 304 may have a cross section, as taken in a parallel plane to the rotation axis X, in the general form of a semi-circle or semi-oval. The orientation of the semi-circular cross section may be oppositely arranged as depicted in the example embodiment of the Figures, with one arm 304 having the flat portion 305 facing downwards in the direction of the axis X, i.e. toward the base of the chamber; and one arm 304 having the flat surface 305 facing upwards in the direction of the axis X. However, it is to be understood that the particular arrangement of the depicted embodiment is not essential to the invention disclosed herein. Rather, the skilled person would be able to provide alternative arrangements of the mixing arms 304 in order to achieve their intended purpose of mixing the ingredients of a dough using the principles disclosed herein. By way of further non-liming illustrative example, the mixing arms 304 may have a less pronounced curve compared to those depicted herein, or may be straight or substantially straight. The mixing arms 304 may also be thinner than those depicted, and may have a planar or substantially planar profile tilted upwards towards the kneading structure 200, which may reduce the load on the mixing structure 300.

[0040] In use, the mixing structure 300 is operated to combine the ingredients to form a dough, prior to the dough being kneaded. With the accessory 100 in place within the chamber of a typical food processor has hereinbefore characterized, the mixing structure 300 locates vertically below the kneading structure 200 along the axis X, that is, the mixing structure 300locates proximal to the base of the chamber. By this arrangement, when the ingredients are added to the chamber, they will settle on the base of the chamber and hence within the zone within which the mixing arms 304 will sweep as the accessory 100 is rotated about the axis X. Preferably, said ingredients will settle on the base suitably below the zone within the arms of the kneading structure 200 sweeps as it is also rotated about the axis X via a common spindle 101 with the mixing structure 300. Preferably, at least one mixing arm 304 is provided to sweep suitably close to the base of the chamber to prevent a layer of ingredients at the bottom of the chamber locating beneath the region swept by the mixing arms 304, which may lead to inefficiencies in combining the ingredients to form a dough. As the ingredients are combined by the mixing arms 304, they begin to consolidate to form a dough mass more resistant to settling on the base after each sweep of a mixing arm. At this stage, the sweep of the mixing arms 304 begins to encourage the mixed and consolidated ingredients upwardly toward the zone swept by the kneading structure 200 to thereby knead the dough mass.

[0041] The kneading structure 200 also comprises a generally central region having an aperture (not shown) to receive the spindle 101 that may be thought of as a central hub 201. In the depicted embodiment, the spindle 101 is configured with splines 102, such that the aperture may be configured with corresponding grooves (not shown). By this arrangement, the kneading structure 200 may be mounted to the spindle 101 by sliding the spindle 101 through the aperture, with the splines 102 received in the grooves, thereby rotatably coupling the kneading structure 200 to the spindle 101. However, it is to be understood that alternative embodiments may employ other methods of rotatably mounting the kneading structure 200 to the spindle 101.

[0042] As depicted, the kneading structure 200 is mounted to the spindle 101 vertically above the mixing structure 300, such that the mixing structure 300 locates closer to the drive coupling 103.

[0043] In the example embodiment shown, the kneading structure hub 201 is generally in the form of a barrel-like region centered the rotation axis X. The depicted embodiment of the kneading structure 200 includes a stretching arm 204 and a pressing arm 211. In this example embodiment, the stretching arm 204 and pressing arm 211 smoothly transition with the central hub 201, such that said hub 201 may be considered generally cylindrical in regions angularly away from the stretching arm 204 and the pressing arm 211, but is drawn-out from a generally cylindrical envelope transition with the stretching arm 204 and pressing arm 211. The exampleembodiment depicted shows the stretching arm 204 and the pressing arm 211 radially disposed at 180° from each other about the axis X, however this arrangement is not considered essential and other angles of radial displacement between the stretching arm 204 and the pressing arm 211 may be selected based on the general principles of application described herein.

[0044] In general, the pressing arm 211 operates to push or press the dough mass against the side wall of the chamber as it sweeps past, wherefrom the subsequent sweep of the stretching arm 204s acts to pull the pressed dough mass from the side wall thereby elongating and stretching the dough mass. The subsequent sweep of the pressing arm 211 then acts to re-press the stretched dough mass against the side wall of the chamber to repeat the process and thereby act to knead the dough mass.

[0045] The stretching arm 204 has a leading face 205 and a trailing face 206 relative to the direction of rotation R. The leading face 205 and the trailing face 206 of the stretching arm 204 may be considered “paddle-like”, having a generally or mostly planar character aligned with the axis X and perpendicular to the direction of rotation R. However, it is to be understood the present disclosure does not limit the leading face 205 and trailing face 206 to be strictly planar. Rather, the leading face 205 and / or trailing face 206 of the stretching arm 204 may comprise curved contouring in whole or in part and still be considered generally or mostly planar and / or paddle-like. The periphery of the stretching arm 204 is defined by an upper edge 207, a lower edge 208 and a far edge 209. The lower edge 208 sites nearer to the drive coupling 103 than the upper edge 207 with the kneading structure 200 is mounted to the spindle 101. The far edge 209 is the periphery distal from the stretching arm’s 204 root of extension from the central hub 201, said far edge 209 connecting the upper edge 207 and the lower edge 208. In the depicted embodiment, the upper edge 207 is parallel to the lower edge 208, with both being perpendicular relative the axis X. However, this parallel arrangement is not considered essential and other arrangements are possible based on the principles of general application disclosed herein.

[0046] The leading face 205 of the stretching arm 204 may be configured with a forward slant in the direction of rotation R, such that the upper edge 207 locates forward of the lower edge 208 in the direction of rotation R. Otherwise stated, the leading face 205 may be tilted with respect to the rotation axis X such that the leading face 205 has a slight orientation downwards.The purpose of orientating the leading face 205 slightly downwards relative the axis X rather than purely radially orientated is to apply a gentle downwards encouragement to the dough mass so keep it within the zone swept by the stretching arm 204 and the pressing arm 211.

[0047] In the depicted example embodiment, the upper edge 207 extends further from the axis X than the lower edge 208. The far edge 209 connecting the upper edge 207 and the lower edge 208 may be curved as depicted, leaving a space 210 below the leading face 205 at the junction of the upper edge 207 and the far edge 209. By this arrangement, as the stretching arm204 rotates into contact with the pressed dough mass, the leading face 205 pulls a proximal portion the dough mass with a distal portion of the dough mass resisting the pulling action of the rotating stretching arm 204, thereby causing the dough mass to elongate and stretch. The space210 provided by the curved far edge 209 encourages the dough mass to be released from contact with the leading face 205 as the stretching arm 204 continues its rotation, so the stretched dough mass is encouraged to remain intact for subsequent contact with the pressing arm 211, rather than a portion of the dough mass becoming over-elongated which may lead to breaking up of the dough mass. It is thought the slight downward slant of the leading face 205 hereinbefore described may also serve to encourage the dough mass to release from contact with the stretching arm 204 before over elongation. Said downward tilt may also be more pronounced in the leading face 205 proximal to the junction of the far edge 209 and lower edge 208 to thereby encourage the dough mass to slip through the gap. Such an example embodiment may be observed in Figure 3, where the leading face 205 proximal to the junction of the upper edge 207 and far edge 209 is generally vertical and aligned with respect to the axis X, whereas the leading face 205 curves to recede away from the direction of rotation R towards the lower edge 208 giving the leading face205 a slightly twisted character proximal to the junction of the lower edge 208 and the far edge 209.

[0048] As hereinbefore described, the kneading structure 200 includes a pressing arm211 configured to push, or press the dough mass against the a wall of the chamber within which the accessory 100 rotates. In the depicted example embodiment, the pressing arm 211 extends from the central hub 201 at a location radially disposed by 180° from the location at which the stretching arm 204 extends from the central hub 201.

[0049] Although termed an “arm”, the pressing arm 211 does not have a radial extension equivalent to the stretching arm 204 or the mixing arms 304. Rather, the pressing arm 211 is inthe form of a ramped addendum, bulge, or mound projecting from the hub 201. Otherwise stated, the pressing arm 211 is a pressing surface in the form of a radial elongation of the central hub 201. In this manner, the pressing arm 211 may be thought of as having a general form like that of a cam lobe.

[0050] The pressing arm 211 has a leading face 212 facing the direction of rotation R, and an opposing trailing face 213 facing away from the direction of rotation R. The leading face 212 and the trailing face 213 meet to form a far edge 214 of the pressing arm 211. Said far edge 214 is distal from the central hub 201 and may represent the furthest point of radial projection of the pressing arm 211 at any point along the axis X.

[0051] As depicted in Figure 4, the far edge 214 may be flat or blunted, rather than sharp or pointed. In this manner, the leading edge may be thought of as forming a rounded nose.

[0052] One or both of the leading face 212 and the trailing faces 213 may be curved. As depicted in Figure 4, both the leading face 212 and the trailing face 213 curve towards the rounded far edge 214. By this arrangement, the cross section of the pressing arm 211 has a partial-oval, partial-egg, or partial-ellipse shaped character. This U-shaped cross section defining the pressing arm 211 may be thought of as a cam lobe projecting from the central hub 201.

[0053] As depicted in Figure 2, the radial extension of the far edge 214 from the axis X may not be equal at different points along the axis X. In the depicted example embodiment, the far edge 214 is tilted with respect to the axis X such that the upper portion of the far edge 214 extends further from the axis X than the lower portion. This forward leaning character of the far edge 214 is thought to gently encourage the dough mass downwardly as it is being pressed against the chamber wall by the pressing arm 211, thereby acting against the dough ball being encouraged upwardly and out of the effective zone swept by the kneading structure 200.

[0054] The rounded nose of the far edge 214 is intended to roll against the dough mass as it rotates past, thereby pressing the dough mass while acting against the dough mass becoming stuck or caught by the pressing arm 211 as it rotates past. The curved leading face 212 and / or trailing face 213 may also aid in pressing the dough mass against the chamber wall without it becoming caught by the pressing arm 211. This rolling action of the partial-oval shaped pressingarm 211 may also encourage dough that has just been stretched by the stretching arm 204 to form up and consolidate to some degree as it is being pressed against the wall.

[0055] In use, accessory 100 is operated in conjunction with a kitchen appliance having a drive output and a chamber, such as a food processor. The accessory 100 would be placed withing the chamber and rotatably coupled with the drive output of the kitchen appliance, such that energizing the motor associated with the drive output would cause it to rotate thereby effecting rotation of the accessory 100.

[0056] With accessory 100 in place within the chamber, the ingredients for a dough could then be added to the chamber to be consolidated into dough as hereinbefore described. In embodiments, the accessory 100 may be rotated at a first speed during this mixing step. As the consolidated dough is encouraged upwards by the mixing structure 300 into the effective zone swept by the kneading structure 200, the dough mass is kneaded by the kneading structure 200 as hereinbefore described. In embodiments, the accessory 100 may be rotated at a second speed during this kneading step. The first speed may be higher than the second speed. In an example embodiment, a sensor may be provided to measure the load on the motor. As the ingredients consolidate to form a dough in the mixing step, the load on the motor will increase due to the viscosity of the formed dough mass. Once a threshold load is sensed indicating the ingredients have combined to form the dough mass, the motor may be controlled to reduce speed from the first speed to the second speed. In an example non-limiting embodiment, the first speed may be in the order of about 1500 rpm. However, other speeds are possible, and may be selected by the person skilled in the art based on the particular dimensions of the various parts of the appliance and selection of the motor etc. to achieve an optimized result for efficiently combining the ingredients without throwing the ingredients about the chamber 3. The second speed may be in the order of about 700 rpm, however other speeds are possible, and may be selected by the person skilled in the art based on the particular dimensions of the various parts of the appliance and selection of the motor etc. to achieve an optimized result for efficiently kneading the dough at a suitably low motor torque without causing breakages as the dough is stretched.

[0057] Various forms of the accessory 100 described above may have one or more of the following advantages.

[0058] Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and / or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0059] It will also be appreciated that in this document the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include”, “including”, “contain”, “containing”, “have”, “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps recited but may include other elements, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms “a” and “an” used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.

[0060] Parts ListX rotation axisR rotation direction1 appliance2 container3 chamber4 base5 wallsrotating drive output motor accessory spindle spines drive coupling kneading structure central hub central hub aperture (not shown) aperture grooves (not shown) stretching arm leading face trailing face upper edge lower edge far edge space pressing arm leading face trailing face far edge mixing structure central hub central hub aperture (not shown) aperture grooves (not shown) arms flat portion

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An accessory for a kitchen appliance, comprising a spindle rotatable about an axis, a mixing structure mounted to the spindle to thereby effect rotation in a rotation direction of the spindle about the axis, and a kneading structure mounted to the spindle above the mixing structure to thereby effect rotation in the rotation direction; wherein, the kneading structure comprises a pressing arm extending from a central hub, said pressing arm having opposed leading and trailing faces relative to the rotation direction, wherein the leading face curves towards a far edge of the pressing arm distal from the axis.

2. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the trailing face of the pressing arm curves towards the far edge.

3. The accessory of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the leading edge is in the form of a rounded nose.

4. The accessory of claim 3, wherein the curvature of the rounded nose is continuous with curvature of one or both of the leading face or the trailing face.

5. The accessory of claim 4, wherein the curvature of the leading face, rounded nose and the trailing face is continuous.

6. The accessory of claim 5, wherein the pressing arm has a partial-oval cross section taken perpendicular to the axis.

7. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the pressing arm is shaped as a cam lobe.

8. The accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the far edge of the pressing arm it tilted relative to the axis, such that an upper portion of the pressing arm extends further from the axis than a lower portion of the pressing arm.

9. The accessory of according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the kneading structure further comprises a stretching arm extending from the central hub, wherein a far edgeof the stretching arm is curved such that an upper portion of the far edge of the stretching arm extends further from the axis than a lower portion of the far edge of the stretching arm.

10. The accessory of claim 9, wherein a leading face of the stretching arm is downwardly tilted such that an upper edge of the leading face is forward of a lower edge of the leading face relative the rotation direction.

11. The accessory of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the stretching arm extends from the central hub at an angular distance of 180° about the central hum from the pressing arm.

12. The accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing structure comprises at least one mixing arm extending from a central hub.

13. The accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing structure comprises two mixing arms extending from the central hub of the mixing structure at an angular distance of 180° about the central hub from each other.

14. A kitchen appliance comprising the accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, said appliance having a container defining an internal chamber and a rotating drive component protruding into the chamber, wherein the accessory further includes a drive coupling at a lower end of the spindle for rotatable coupling to the rotating drive component.

15. A kitchen appliance comprising a container having an internal chamber defined by a base and cylindrical wall rising from the base, and a rotating drive component proximal to the base; the kitchen appliance further comprising an accessory rotatably coupled to the rotating drive component to effect rotation of the accessory in a rotation direction about an axis, wherein said accessory comprises: a kneading structure having a pressing arm extending from a central hub and a stretching arm extending from the central hub, wherein said pressing arm has the form of a semi-ovular lobe protruding from the central hub, and the stretching arm has the form of a paddle; and a mixing structure locating proximal to the base and below the kneading structure, said mixing structure including one or more mixing arms extending outwardly from the axis.

16. A method of operating the kitchen appliance of claim 15 to prepare a dough, comprising the steps of: placing dough ingredients into the chamber to a level below the kneading structure; rotating the accessory at a first speed to combine the ingredients into a dough by way of the mixing structure; and rotating the accessory at a second speed to knead the dough by way of the kneading structure.

17. The method according to claim 16, where the first speed is higher than the second speed.

Images