A dough carrier assembly

Abstract

A dough carrier assembly (100) for use in a proofer is described. The assembly comprises a base frame (120) and a proofer pocket (150). The base frame (120) comprises coupling means (220) arranged to couple the base frame to a tray of the proofer. The base frame also comprises an opening (125) arranged in the center of the base frame, and at least one magnetic base frame element. The proofer pocket (110) comprises a pocket frame (150), wherein the pocket frame (150) comprises at least one magnetic pocket frame element (195). In an assembled state, the proofer pocket (110) is magnetically connected to the base frame (120) via a magnetic force between the at least one magnetic pocket frame element (195) and the at least one magnetic base frame element.

Description

[0001] A DOUGH CARRIER ASSEMBLY

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a dough carrier assembly comprising a proofer pocket. The invention also relates to a proofer comprising such a dough carrier assembly.

[0004] A proofer pocket is generally a pocket used for holding a dough while proofing the dough in a proofing machine, also called a proofer. The proofing machine or the proofer refers to a piece of equipment designed to provide specific temperature and relative humidity conditions to boost the yeast activity of the fermenting dough pieces.

[0005] In a conventional approach, a plastic frame with a polymeric mesh or felt inlay makes up the proofer pocket. The proofer pocket is put within a hole of a tray of the proofer. The proofer / machine is moving the tray inside.

[0006] Nowadays, snap-fit connections are used to install the pocket frame to the tray. The snap-fit part of the pocket frame is capable of sliding onto the tray's sheet. In most proofers, the tray can swing since it is hanging inside the machine. It may be challenging to insert the pocket into the tray and far more challenging to remove it from its position because the tray swings instead of being fixed. As a result, the conventional approach of inserting and removing these proofer pockets is labour intensive.

[0007] Hence, there is a need for an improved proofer pocket design in order to address the aforementioned issues.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a dough carrier assembly for use in a proofer. The assembly comprises:

[0010] - a base frame comprising coupling means arranged to couple the base frame to a tray of a proofer, an opening arranged in the centre of the base frame, and at least one magnetic base frame element;

[0011] - a proofer pocket comprising a pocket frame, wherein the pocket frame comprises at least one magnetic pocket frame element.

[0012] In an assembled state, the proofer pocket is magnetically connected to the base frame via a magnetic force between the at least one magnetic pocket frame element and the at least one magnetic base frame element.

[0013] By providing a base frame that can be mounted to the tray, and magnetically coupled to a proofer pocket, a solution is provided wherein the proofer pocket can easily be removed from the base frame. This can be done by simply (manually or mechanically) lifting part of the proofer pocket, thereby disengaging the magnetic coupling between the proofer pocket and the base frame, leaving the base frame in the tray. In this solution the opening in the base frame receives part of the proofer pocket (i.e. the inlay) and as such functions as the new hole in the tray. In an embodiment, the coupling means comprises one or more snap-fit elements arranged to removably mount the base frame into a hole of the tray by way of a snap-fit connection. It is noted that instead of snap-fit connections, other alternatives are possible such as using screws or glue.

[0014] In an embodiment, the pocket frame comprises a number of magnetic pocket frame elements that are arranged at equidistant locations along a circumference of the pocket frame, and wherein the base frame comprises a number of magnetic base frame elements that are arranged at equidistant locations along a circumference of the base frame, wherein in the assembled state each of the magnetic pocket frame elements cooperates with one of magnetic base frame elements. Such an arrangement results in a proper coupling between the base frame and the pocket frame.

[0015] In an embodiment, the pocket frame comprises one or more indentations arranged at a bottom side, and wherein the base frame comprises one or more elevations arranged at a top side, wherein each of the one or more indentations are received by one of the elevations in the assembled state. Using cooperating indentations and elevations provides for a solution wherein the frames are positioned relative to each other so that the magnetic elements are properly aligned.

[0016] In an embodiment, each of the at least one magnetic pocket frame element is arranged above one of the indentations of the pocket frame, and each of the at least one magnetic base frame element is arranged in one of the elevations of the base frame. This solution results in a secure alignment of magnetic elements. Furthermore, the base frame can be designed relatively thin wherein the elevations of the base frame can provide space to install the magnetic base frame elements.

[0017] In an embodiment, the at least one magnetic base frame element and the at least one magnetic pocket frame element comprises a permanent magnet, or a temporary magnet, or an electromagnet, or a combination thereof.

[0018] In an embodiment, the proofer pocket comprises a mesh or felt inlay arranged in an opening of the pocket frame. The mesh or felt inlay being arranged for receiving and holding a dough during a proofing process.

[0019] In an embodiment, the at least one magnetic pocket frame element and / or the at least one magnetic base frame element comprises a plastic resin compounded with a magnetic pigment, such as FesO4, or a similar magnetic filler additive component. The magnetic pigment or filler additive may be arranged locally in the frames, so as to form a local magnetic element. Alternatively, the magnetic pigment or filler additive may be distributed over the whole of the frames, to make the frames as a whole magnetic. In this embodiment, the alignment features (e.g. the elevations and indentations) may not be needed, since the frames can be magnetically coupled in any orientation.

[0020] According to a further aspect, there is provided a proofer comprising at least one tray with at least one hole, and at least one dough carrier assembly as described above.

[0021] In an embodiment, the proofer comprises a controlling unit wherein the at least one magnetic pocket frame element and / or the at least one magnetic base frame element comprises an electromagnet, wherein the control unit is arranged to control an electric current through the electromagnet. By controlling the current through the electromagnet, the magnetic force between the base frame and the pocket frame can be activated and deactivated, which makes removal of the proofer pockets from the trays more easy, minimizing or even replacing manual labour. To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

[0024] Figure 1A illustrates a schematic representation of a perspective view of a dough carrier assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 1 B is a perspective view of the dough carrier assembly of Figure 1A in an assembled state;

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a cross section of the assembled dough carrier assembly of the Figure 1 B;

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representation of a perspective view from a bottom of a base frame of the assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic representation of a perspective view from a bottom of a pocket frame of the assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a tray of a proofer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0030] Figure 6 schematically shows a proofer according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended.

[0033] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting. In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a dough carrier assembly for use in a proofer. The assembly comprises a proofer pocket and a separate base frame. As used herein, the term “proofer pocket” refers to a pocket used for holding a dough while the dough is being proofed I fermented in a proofer. Further, proofing in bread preparation refers to the rise the dough undergoes, which takes place after being shaped into a loaf or ball or into any other shape, and before it is baked off. Furthermore, the proofer refers to a piece of equipment designed to provide specific temperature and relative humidity conditions to boost the yeast activity of the fermenting dough pieces.

[0036] Figure 1A illustrates a schematic representation of a perspective view of a dough carrier assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A shows the dough carrier assembly in a disassembled state.

[0037] The assembly 100 comprises a base frame 120. The base frame comprises an opening 125 for receiving at least part of a proofer pocket.

[0038] In an embodiment, the base frame 120 comprises at least one snap-fit element arranged on a bottom side of the base frame 120 (see also element 220 in Figure 3). The base frame 120 may be positioned in a tray hole of a tray via the at least one snap-fit element. The tray (see also Figure 5) may be arranged in a proofer. It is noted that the ‘tray’ is often rotationally arranged in the proofer, and in that case the tray is also referred to as ‘the swing’.

[0039] As an alternative to this embodiment, the base frame 120 can also be connected to the tray by means of any other mechanical or chemical fastening solution such as screwing, welding, glueing and the like.

[0040] In this example, the base frame 120 also comprises at least one frame elevation 130 elevated relative to a top surface 140 of the base frame 120. In an embodiment, the at least one frame elevation 130 are adapted to house a magnetic base frame element (not shown in Figure 1).

[0041] The assembly 100 also comprises a proofer pocket 110 comprising a pocket frame 150. The pocket frame 150 in this embodiment is a substantially ring-shaped frame holding a mesh or felt inlay 160. The mesh inlay 160 may be manufactured using the same material as the pocket frame 150, e.g. both being made out of a plastic. The pocket frame 150 can be positioned on top of the base frame 120. In this particular embodiment, the pocket frame 150 comprises four magnetic pocket frame elements, one of which is shown in Figure 1A, see magnetic element 195.

[0042] The pocket frame 150 comprises at least one indentation in a bottom surface of the pocket frame 150 (see also 240 in Figure 4). The pocket frame 150 is adapted to be positioned on the top surface 140 of the base frame 120 with the at least one indentation receiving one base frame elevation 130, see Figure 1A.

[0043] The pocket frame 150 also comprises at least one frame elevation 170 elevated relative to a top surface 180 of the pocket frame 150. The at least one frame elevation 170 comprises a recess 190 adapted to receive and hold a magnetic pocket frame element 195. In one embodiment, the recess 190 may be facing away from the top surface 180 of the pocket frame 150. Each of the magnetic pocket frame elements 195 is positioned so that it can magnetically engage with one of the magnetic base frame elements. As a result, the pocket frame 150 can be magnetically coupled / connected to the base frame 120 via a magnetic force between the corresponding magnetic elements, thereby assembling the dough carrier assembly 100.

[0044] It is noted that the base frame 120 may comprise an aluminium ring that can be mounted to a tray sheet, thereby coupling the magnetic base frame elements to the tray sheet. In one embodiment, the magnetic force applied by the magnetic elements may be approximately 1 kg (minimum) and 20 kg (maximum).

[0045] It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that the magnetic pocket frame elements and base frame elements may be magnetizable or magnetic in nature.

[0046] It is noted that the at least one magnetic pocket frame element may be fabricated in various shapes and forms, for instance, partly or fully circumferential, that fits into the recesses 190 of the elevations 170 of the pocket frame 150.

[0047] In one embodiment, the at least one magnetic pocket frame element 195 is a piece or a chip of a magnetizable metal.

[0048] In an embodiment, the at least one magnetic base frame element comprises a plastic resin that is compounded with a magnetic pigment or a similar magnetic filler additive component. The pocket frame 150 may be partially or fully constructed by using the plastic resins. The plastic resins may become part of the inner structure of the pocket frame by means of an injection molding process variant, for instance 2K injection molding. Further, the plastic resins may be formed in various shapes or forms but must be aligned within the dimensional shape of the pocket frame.

[0049] It is noted that both the magnetic base frame element as the magnetic pocket frame element can be an element that is ‘magnetic’, ‘magnetized’ or ‘magnetizable’. For example, the magnetic elements can be magnets, electromagnets, ferromagnetic elements, etcetera.

[0050] The pocket frame 150 may be loosened from the base frame 120 by lifting at least part of the pocket frame 150, thereby disengaging one or more of the cooperating magnetic elements.

[0051] The base frame 120 and the pocket frame 150 may have a circular shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, or the like. The frames 120,150 may comprise one or more of the following materials: plastic, Polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (HDPE, MDPE, LDPE.LDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), Polyamide (PA6, PA6.6, PA4.6, PA11 , PA12, PA6.10, PA6.12), polyester (PETP, PBTP, PEN, PEF, PLA, PCTG), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide block copolymers (PEBA) and / or blends of multiple polymers, whether or not supplemented with fillers or reinforcing substances (glass fibers, chalk, talc, silicon oxide, glass beads). The two frames 120,150 may also comprise a combination of the said examples. It is noted that preferably the chosen material(s) for the base frame, the pocket frame and for the mesh or felt inlay, adhere to the Food Contact Materials Framework Regulations, such as (EC) 1935 / 2004. Food contact materials (FCM) refer to any materials and articles intended to come in contact with food.

[0052] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a cross-section view of the assembly 100 of Figure 1 B along the line ll-ll. In Figure 2 the mesh or felt inlay 160 is left out. In this embodiment, upon positioning the pocket frame 150 on top of the base frame 120, the two frames 120, 150 will magnetically couple with each other, with the pocket frame 150 covering the base frame 120 completely as shown in the section view of Figure 2. In this way, the base frame 120 will not (or hardly) get into contact with the dough, and therefore will not get contaminated with dough or flour particles etc. Furthermore, the material of the base frame is protected from the UV-C radiation coming from the UV-C lamps that may be present within the proofer.

[0053] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representation of a perspective view from a bottom side of the base frame 120 according to an embodiment. The base frame 120 comprises four snap-fit elements 220 positioned equidistant from each other at the bottom surface 230 of the base frame 120. The base frame 120 is adapted to be positioned in the tray hole by means of the snap-fit elements 220. By placing the base frame 120 into a tray hole, and sliding it further, the snap-fit elements 220 may couple the base frame into the tray hole.

[0054] As was shown in Figure 1A, the base frame 120 in this embodiment comprises the at least one frame elevation 130 positioned equidistant from each other at the top surface 140 of the base frame 120.

[0055] The magnetic base frame elements may be arranged in recesses 235 at the bottom of the base frame 120 and covered with plastic resins to prevent corrosion caused by a warm and humid environment and the use of (aggressive) cleaning agents.

[0056] As noted before, the magnetic base frame elements may comprise at least one permanent magnet, at least one temporary magnet, at least one electromagnet, or a combination thereof.

[0057] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic representation of a perspective view from a bottom of the pocket frame 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pocket frame 150 comprises four indentations 240 positioned equidistant from each other on the bottom surface of the pocket frame 150.

[0058] Figure 5 schematically shows a perspective view of a proofer tray 500 according to an embodiment. The tray 500 may be made of rectangular metal or stainless steel profiles providing a rectangular or square space provided with holes in which both the base frame and the proofer pocket can be placed. In some embodiments, the tray 500 may be made from tubular or oval profiles.

[0059] In the example of Figure 5 the tray 500 comprises three holes 501 . In each of the tray holes 501 a base frame can be coupled by means of for example a snap-fit of the base frame, after which the corresponding pocket frames can be placed on top of the base frames.

[0060] Figure 6 schematically shows a proofer 600 according to an embodiment of the invention. The proofer 600 comprises a transport mechanism 601 arranged to transport a number of trays 500 through a climatized chamber of the proofer 600.

[0061] In an embodiment, the proofer 600 may comprise a controlling unit 602 wherein the at least one magnetic pocket frame element and / or the at least one magnetic base frame element comprises an electromagnet. The control unit 602 may be arranged to control an electric current through the electromagnet(s). Controlling the electromagnets may be executed by communicating control signals from the control unit 602 via a communication unit 603 arranged to wirelessly communicate with electronics in the pocket frames and / or base frames. Each of the pocket frames or the base frames may comprise a power unit, such as a battery for operating the electronics and / or the electromagnets in the respective frames. The base frames and / or the pocket frames may also comprise communication means for receiving the control signals from the controlling unit 602.

[0062] By remotely controlling the current through the electromagnets, the magnetic force between the base frames and the pocket frames can be activated and deactivated, which makes removal of the proofer pockets from the trays more easy, minimizing or even replacing manual labour.

[0063] As mentioned above, covering the magnetic elements with the plastic resins protects the magnetic elements from corroding. This ensures that the magnetic elements do not come into contact with the environment (humid, cleaning agents) which prevents from corrosion. Another way to prevent the magnetic elements from corrosion is to provide a coating. In one embodiment, the magnetic elements may be food-grade magnets. The food-grade magnets are typically made from stainless steel or any other material that is corrosion-resistant, non-reactive and suitable for contact with food or have a coating. The food-grade coating provides additional protection and prevents any potential transfer of substances from the magnet to the food. Further, food-grade magnets are designed to be easily cleaned and maintained to ensure food safety.

[0064] The provided solution applies to all kinds of pockets used in the bakery industry, as they come in a circular, a square, a rectangular shape or the like. The alignment features (i.e. the indentations and elevations) enable the operator to correctly place the pocket frames on the base frames so as to ensure the best fit and thus the highest magnetic force.

[0065] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0066] While specific language has been used to describe the invention, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0067] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A dough carrier assembly (100) for use in a proofer, the assembly comprising:- a base frame (120) comprising coupling means (220) arranged to couple the base frame to a tray of a proofer, an opening (125) arranged in the center of the base frame, and at least one magnetic base frame element;- a proofer pocket (110) comprising a pocket frame (150), wherein the pocket frame (150) comprises at least one magnetic pocket frame element (195), wherein in an assembled state, the proofer pocket (110) is magnetically connected to the base frame (120) via a magnetic force between the at least one magnetic pocket frame element (195) and the at least one magnetic base frame element.

2. The assembly (100) according to clause 1 , wherein the coupling means comprises one or more snap-fit elements (220) arranged to removably mount the base frame into a hole of the tray by way of a snap-fit connection.

3. The assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the pocket frame (150) comprises a number of magnetic pocket frame elements that are arranged at equidistant locations along a circumference of the pocket frame (150), and wherein the base frame (120) comprises a number of magnetic base frame elements that are arranged at equidistant locations along a circumference of the base frame (120), wherein in the assembled state each of the magnetic pocket frame elements cooperates with one of magnetic base frame elements.

4. The assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the pocket frame comprises one or more indentations (240) arranged at a bottom side, and wherein the base frame comprises one or more elevations (130) arranged at a top side, wherein each of the one or more indentations are received by one of the elevations in the assembled state.

5. The assembly (100) according to clause 4, wherein each of the at least one magnetic pocket frame element is arranged above one of the indentations (240) of the pocket frame, and each of the ate least one magnetic base frame element is arranged in one of the elevations (130) of the base frame.

6. The assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one magnetic base frame element and the at least one magnetic pocket frame element comprises a permanent magnet, a or a temporary magnet, or an electromagnet, or a combination thereof.

7. The assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the proofer pocket (110) comprises a mesh or felt inlay (160) arranged in an opening of the pocket frame (150),the mesh or felt inlay (160) being arranged for receiving and holding a dough during a proofing process.

8. The assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one magnetic pocket frame element and / or the at least one magnetic base frame element comprises a plastic resin compounded with a magnetic pigment, such as FesC , or a similar magnetic filler additive component.

9. A proofer (600) comprising at least one tray (500) with at least one hole (501), and at least one dough carrier assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding clauses.

10. The proofer (600) according to clause 9, comprising a controlling unit (602), and wherein the at least one magnetic pocket frame element and / or the at least one magnetic base frame element comprises an electromagnet, wherein the control unit (602) is arranged to control an electric current through the electromagnet.

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