Multipurpose kitchen appliance

Abstract

A multipurpose kitchen appliance configured to operate various attachment tools in different modes. A base of the multipurpose kitchen appliance includes a housing and a drivetrain. The attachment tools mount to the housing and the drivetrain operates the mounted attachment tool at a speed and torque optimized for the attachment tool. The drivetrain includes an input driver, a gearbox, and a plurality of output drivers. Each attachment tool is configured to engage with a respective one of the output drivers.

Description

MULTIPURPOSE KITCHEN APPLIANCECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No.63 / 770,732 filed March 12, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to kitchen appliances, and more specifically to a multipurpose appliance adapted for use in various kitchen tasks such as blending, mixing, and food processing.BACKGROUND

[0003] A variety of kitchen appliances, sometimes referred to as home appliances, domestic appliances, and electric appliances, are available to consumers to assist with cooking and food preservation uses. Such kitchen appliances may include, for example, a mixer for mixing ingredients to make dough or creams, a blender for blending wet foods in typical uses, and a food processor for shredding and slicing ingredients. Mixer appliances may be designed for high-torque operation to be able to mix thick recipes while blenders may be designed for high-speed operation to blend or puree ingredients. Moreover, each of these different appliances use their own base with a power source and take up space on kitchen counters or cabinets. There remains a desire to provide multipurpose appliances so that a single appliance can perform the blending, mixing, and food processing of ingredients and use less storage space in a kitchen.

[0004] This background information is merely for context and no admission is intended, nor should such admission be inferred or construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present disclosure.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the following features and combinations thereof.

[0006] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a multipurpose kitchen appliance may include a base and a plurality of attachment tools. The base may include a housing and a drivetrain coupled to the housing. Each attachment tool may be configured to mount on the housing and engage with the drivetrain for rotation of an implement of the attachment tool in response to operation of the drivetrain. The drivetrain may include an input driver, a gearbox, and a plurality of output drivers coupled to one of the input driver or gearbox and configured to rotate about an axis in response to operation of the input driver. Each attachment tool may be configured to engage with one of the plurality of output drivers.

[0007] In illustrative embodiments, the gearbox includes a casing, a first planetary gear set, and a second planetary gear set. A drive gear is configured for rotation in response to operation of the input driver and to engage with the first planetary gear set. The first planetary gear set is configured to engage with the casing to provide a first gear reduction ratio. The first planetary gear set is further configured to engage with the second planetary gear set, and the second planetary gear set is configured to engage with the casing to provide a second gear reduction ratio.

[0008] In illustrative embodiments, the plurality of output drivers includes a first output driver, a second output driver, and a third output driver. The first output driver is coupled to a shaft of the input driver to rotate with the shaft. The second output driver is coupled to the first planetary gear set, and the first planetary gear set is configured to drive rotation of the second output driver at the first gear reduction ratio. The third output driver is coupled to the second planetary gear set, and the second planetary gear set is configured to drive rotation of the third outputdriver at a total gear reduction ratio of the first gear reduction ratio compounded by the second gear reduction ratio.

[0009] In illustrative embodiments, the first planetary gear set includes a first lower carrier, a first upper carrier, and a first plurality of planet gears arranged between the first lower and first upper carriers and engaged with the drive gear and the casing. The first plurality of planet gears are coupled to the first lower and first upper carriers to rotate with the first lower and first upper carriers about the axis and configured to rotate relative to the first lower and first upper carriers in response to operation of the input driver. The second planetary gear set includes a second lower carrier, a second upper carrier, and a second plurality of planet gears arranged between the second lower and second upper carriers and engaged with the first planetary gear set and the casing. The second plurality of planet gears are coupled to the second lower and second upper carriers to rotate with the second lower and second upper carriers about the axis and configured to rotate relative to the second lower and second upper carriers in response to operation of the input driver.

[0010] In illustrative embodiments, the casing of the gearbox includes an inner casing section and an outer casing section. The inner casing section is coupled to the outer casing section and blocked from rotation relative to the outer casing section about the axis. The inner casing section defines a first ring gear engaged with the first planetary gear set. The outer casing section defines a second ring gear engaged with the second planetary gear set.

[0011] In illustrative embodiments, the housing includes an upper enclosure and a lower enclosure coupled to the upper enclosure. The drivetrain is suspended from the upper enclosure between the upper and lower enclosures within the housing.

[0012] These and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of the illustrative embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate disclosed embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

[0014] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multipurpose kitchen appliance in accordance with the present disclosure showing multiple attachment tools that may be mounted on a base for operation at speeds and torques optimized for the mounted attachment tool;

[0015] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the base of Fig. 1 showing a platform of the base where the attachment tools are mounted and a plurality of output drivers for engaging with connectors of the attachment tools (Figs. 16A, 18A, 20A) for operation of the attachment tools with operation of an input driver (Fig. 3);

[0016] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the base of Fig. 1 showing the base includes a housing with an upper enclosure and a lower enclosure and a drivetrain having an input driver and a gearbox;

[0017] Fig. 4 is an exploded assembly view of the base of Fig. 3 showing connection of the drivetrain to the upper enclosure of the housing;

[0018] Fig. 5 is a similar view to Fig. 4 showing connection of the upper enclosure of the housing to the lower enclosure;

[0019] Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the drivetrain of Fig. 3 showing the gearbox includes a casing, a first planetary gear set, and a second planetary gear set, and suggesting that the input driver and the planetary gear sets drive rotation of the output drivers;

[0020] Fig. 7 is a further exploded view of the drivetrain of Fig. 6;

[0021] Fig. 8 is an exploded assembly view of the first planetary gear set of Fig. 7 configured to drive one of the output drivers with operation of the input driver;

[0022] Fig. 9 is an exploded assembly view of the second planetary gear set of Fig. 7 configured to operate another one of the output drivers with operation of the input driver;

[0023] Fig. 10 is a lower perspective view of a first one of the output drivers of Fig. 6;

[0024] Fig. 11 is a lower perspective view of a second one of the output drivers of Fig. 6;

[0025] Fig. 12 is a lower perspective view of a third one of the output drivers of Fig. 6;

[0026] Fig. 13 is a lower perspective view of an upper carrier of the second planetary gearset of Fig. 7;

[0027] Fig. 14 is a sectional view of the base taken along line 14-14 in Fig.1 showing the drivetrain suspended within the housing;

[0028] Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of Fig. 14 showing the drivetrain;

[0029] Fig. 16 is a lower perspective view of an embodiment of a blender attachment tool for use with the base of the multipurpose kitchen appliance;

[0030] Fig. 16A is an enlarged view of Fig. 16 showing a coupler of the blender attachment tool;

[0031] Fig. 17 is a perspective and sectional view of the blender attachment tool taken along line 17-17 in Fig. 1 ;

[0032] Fig. 17A is an enlarged view of Fig. 17;

[0033] Fig. 18 is a lower perspective view of an embodiment of a mixer attachment tool for use with the base of the multipurpose kitchen appliance;

[0034] Fig. 18A is an enlarged view of Fig. 18 showing a coupler of the mixer attachment tool;

[0035] Fig. 19 is a perspective and sectional view of the mixer attachment tool taken along line 19-19 in Fig. 1 ;

[0036] Fig. 19A is an enlarged view of Fig. 19;

[0037] Fig. 19B is another enlarged view of Fig. 19;

[0038] Fig. 20 is a lower perspective view of an embodiment of a food processor attachment tool for use with the base of the multipurpose kitchen appliance;

[0039] Fig. 20A is an enlarged view of Fig. 20 showing a coupler of the food processor attachment tool;

[0040] Fig. 21 is a perspective and sectional view of the food processor attachment tool taken along line 21-21 in Fig. 1 ;

[0041] Fig. 21A is an enlarged view of Fig. 21 ;

[0042] Fig. 21 B is another enlarged view of Fig. 21 ;

[0043] Fig. 22 is a sectional view of the platform of the base taken along line 22-22 in Fig. 2 showing an embodiment of a detector;

[0044] Fig. 23 is a view similar to Fig. 22 showing another embodiment of a detector;

[0045] Fig. 24 is an exploded view showing an embodiment of a drainage system for the base of the multipurpose kitchen appliance having a collar coupled to the drivetrain and configured to direct liquid caught in the collar to a drain spout of the lower enclosure;

[0046] Fig. 25 is an exploded view of another embodiment of an upper enclosure having a primary enclosure section and a cover;

[0047] Fig. 26 is an exploded assembly view of the upper enclosure of Fig.25;

[0048] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a multipurpose kitchen appliance in accordance with the present disclosure with a mounted blender attachment suggesting the multipurpose kitchen appliance is in a high-speed mode;

[0049] Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the multipurpose kitchen appliance of Fig. 27 with a mixer attachment suggesting the multipurpose kitchen appliance is in a high-torque mode;

[0050] Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the multipurpose kitchen appliance in accordance with the present disclosure with a food processor attachment suggesting the multipurpose kitchen appliance is operable in either the high-speed mode or the high-torque mode;

[0051] Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the internal components of the multipurpose kitchen appliance showing an input driver, a drive shaft coupled with the input driver, a gearbox coupled with the drive shaft and configured to reduce speed and increase torque of rotational energy it receives, and an output driver coupled to both the drive shaft and the gear box and configured to be driven by the drive shaft in the high-speed mode or the gearbox in the high-torque mode, depending on a direction of rotation of the input driver;

[0052] Fig. 31 is an exploded view of the components of the multipurpose kitchen appliance of Fig. 30;

[0053] Fig. 32 is an exploded view of the input driver included in the multipurpose kitchen appliance showing the input driver includes a motor having a rotatable motor shaft and a motor gear coupled to the motor shaft for transferring motive force to the drive shaft;

[0054] Fig. 33 is an exploded view of the drive shaft, output driver, and a portion of the gearbox showing that the output driver includes an output shaft coupled with a set of miter gears, the drive shaft is coupled to the set of miter gears via a first freewheel clutch, and the gearbox has a transfer gear that is coupled to the set of miter gears via a second freewheel clutch;

[0055] Fig. 34 is an exploded view of another portion of the gearbox showing the gearbox includes an input shaft having a gear configured to be driven by the drive shaft, a transmission configured to vary the speed and torque of the rotational energy received through the input shaft, and an output shaft configured transmit the rotational energy to the output shaft of the output driver via the transfer shaft and set of miter gears of Figs. 30 and 33;

[0056] Fig. 35 is an exploded view of the drive shaft, gearbox, and output driver of the multipurpose kitchen appliance of Fig. 30 suggesting that the multipurpose kitchen appliance is operating in the high-speed mode such that the drive shaft is being rotated in a first input direction to transfer rotational energy from the drive shaft through the first freewheel clutch to the set of miter gears to cause the output shaft to rotate in an output direction with a first output speed and a first output torque while causing the second freewheel clutch to rotate without driving the gear set; and

[0057] Fig. 36 is a similar view to Fig. 35 suggesting that the multipurpose kitchen appliance is operating in the high-torque mode such that the drive shaft is being rotated in a second input direction to transfer rotational energy from the drive shaft through the gearbox and the second freewheel clutch to the set of miter gears to cause the output shaft to rotate in the output direction at a second output speed and a second output torque different from the first output speed and the first output torque while causing the first freewheel clutch to rotate without driving the gear set.

[0058] In one or more implementations, not all of the depicted components in each figure may be required, and one or more implementations may include additional components not shown in a figure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. Additional components, different components, or fewer components may be utilized within the scope of the subject disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

[0060] An illustrative embodiment of a multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 is shown in Figs. 1-5. The multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 includes a base 12 configured to receive and operate a plurality of attachment tools, such as a blender14A, a mixer 14B, and a food processor 14C among other attachment tools, in various modes of the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 such that the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 may act as, and replace, multiple separate kitchen appliances. The base 12 includes a housing 16 defining a platform 11 and a drivetrain 18 having an input driver 20, a gearbox 22, and multiple output drivers 24, 26, 28 configured to rotate about an axis A with various speeds and torques in response to operation of the input driver 20 as shown in Figs. 1-15.

[0061] The attachment tools 14A, 14B, 14C (shown in further detail in Figs.16-21 B) are each configured to engage with the platform 11 to secure the respective attachment tool 14A, 14B, 14C to the base 12 and to engage with one of the output drivers 24, 26, 28, respectively, for operating the attachment tools 14A, 14B, 14C at various speeds and torques optimized for the particular attachment tool 14A, 14B, 14C. A user-interface 30 is configured to allow a user of the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 to operate the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10. The user-interface 30 includes a processor and a memory coupled with the processor and storing instructions that, when performed by the processor, cause the processor to operate the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10.

[0062] In the exemplary embodiment, the platform 11 of the housing 16 includes a first catch 13 and a second catch 15 as shown in Fig. 2. The attachment tools 14A, 14B, 14C are configured to mount on one of the first or second catches 13, 15 to secure the attachment tool 14A, 14B, 14C to the base 12. In some embodiments, the blender attachment tool 14A mounts on the first catch 13, and the mixer attachment tool 14B and food processor attachment tool 14C mount on the second catch 15. In some embodiments, more or less catches 13, 15 can be used. In some embodiments, slots 33, 35 of the first and second catches 13, 15, respectively, are configured to receive tabs 133, 153, 183 of the attachment tools 14A, 14B, 14C, respectively (see Figs. 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 20A, 21 A), with rotation of the attachment tools 14A, 14B, 14C relative to the base 12 for securing the attachment tools 14A, 14B, 14C to the base 12. In some embodiments, otherarrangements in addition or alternative to slots 33, 35 are used to secure the attachment tools 14A, 14B, 14C to the base 12, such as interfacing threads, latches, snaps, fittings, or magnets among others. In some embodiments, the userinterface 30 includes input options for speed control and pulsing. In some embodiments, the user-interface 30 allows the user to change between the different modes. In the illustrative embodiment, an input device 29 of the userinterface 30 (Fig. 1) allows a user to make adjustments and / or selections available through the user-interface 30, such as from a list of options visible to a user on a screen of the user-interface 30. In some embodiments, the input device 29 is a knob configured to be rotated and depressed by a user for making the various adjustments and / or selections available through the user-interface 30. In some embodiments, the input device 29 includes a rotatable knob 29A and a depressible button 29B for the user to make the various adjustments and / or selections available through the user-interface 30. In some embodiments, the knob 29A is also depressible.

[0063] In some embodiments, one or more detectors 200 (Figs. 2, 4, 5, 22) is configured to detect a secure connection to the base 12 and / or operating condition of the attachment tools 14A, 14B, 14C. In some embodiments, one or more sensors 240, 242, 244 (Figs. 2 and 4) are configured to sense a presence of one or more tags 138, 158, 188 of the attachment tools 14A, 14B, 14C, respectively (see Figs. 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 20A, 21 A), and the user-interface 30 is configured to identify the mounted attachment tool 14A, 14B, or 14C based on signals from the one or more sensors 240, 242, 244 and operate the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 in a mode optimized for that attachment tool 14A, 14B, or 14C. In some embodiments, the tags 138, 158, 188 and sensors 240, 242, 244 communicate through unique magnetic arrays, RFID chips, or color-coded swatches, to name a few.

[0064] The housing 16 of the exemplary base 12 includes an upper enclosure 32 and a lower enclosure 34 as shown in Figs. 3-5. In the illustrativeembodiment, the drivetrain 18 is arranged within the housing 16 between the upper and lower enclosures 32, 34 with the output drivers 24, 26, 28 accessible through an opening 36 through the platform 11. In some embodiments, the platform 11 is formed as part of the upper enclosure 32 as a unitary and integral structure. In some embodiments, the upper enclosure includes a primary enclosure section 32A and a cover 230, and the platform 11 is formed as part of the cover 230 (see Figs.25 and 26). In some embodiments, the user-interface 30 is coupled to the upper enclosure 32. In some embodiments, additional circuitry 38 is provided in communication with the user-interface 30 for distributing power to the input driver 20 and / or otherwise facilitating operational control of the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10. The circuitry 38 can be coupled to the upper and / or lower enclosures 32, 34.

[0065] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the drivetrain 18 couples to the upper enclosure 32 such that the drivetrain 18 is suspended relative to the lower enclosure 34 as shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 14. In the illustrative embodiment, posts 31 extend from the upper enclosure 32, and flanges 21 of the drivetrain 18 are coupled to the posts 31 , such as by fasteners, to align the output drivers 24, 26, 28 concentric with the opening 36 through the platform 11. While four posts 31 and four flanges 21 are shown, more or less posts 31 and corresponding flanges 21 can be used. Suspending the drivetrain 18 on the upper enclosure 32 has several benefits, including, for example, minimizing obstructions within the housing 16 to allow components of the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 to be arranged more compactly and / or to provide room for additional features coupled to the lower enclosure 34. Suspending the drivetrain 18 on the upper enclosure 32 also minimizes a distance for forces to travel between the flanges 21 of the drivetrain 18 and the platform 11 where the attachment tools 14A, 14B, 14C are mounted for operation by the output drivers 24, 26, 28 to control torques applied through the housing 16. Noise and vibrations generated by the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 is also minimized. In some embodiments, one or more structures may alsoextend from the posts 31 toward the lower enclosure 34, and may engage with the lower enclosure 34, while the posts 31 provide the primary structural support for the drivetrain 18 relative to the housing 16. In some embodiments, the drivetrain 18 is suspended within a cowling 120 coupled to the lower enclosure 34 to further minimize noise and maximize airflow across the input driver 20. In some embodiments, a cooling fan 122, such as an electric fan, is coupled to the lower enclosure 34 in fluid communication with the cowling 120 to further increase airflow across the input driver 20. In some embodiments, posts extend from the lower enclosure 34 and couple to the flanges 21 of the drivetrain 18 in addition to the posts 31 of the upper enclosure 32 in order to minimize a distance for forces to travel between the flanges 21 of the drivetrain 18 and the platform 11 while providing additional support to the drivetrain 18. In some embodiments, posts extend from the lower enclosure 34 and couple to the upper enclosure 32, and the flanges 21 of the drivetrain 18 couple to the posts extending from the lower enclosure 34 in order to minimize a distance for forces to travel between the flanges 21 of the drivetrain 18 and the platform 11 while providing additional support to the drivetrain 18.

[0066] In the illustrative embodiment, the upper enclosure 32 with attached drivetrain 18 is coupled to the lower enclosure 34 as shown in Figs. 5 and 14. Upper column sections 37 extending from the upper enclosure 32 engage with lower column sections 39 extending from the lower enclosure 34 and are secured together, such as by fasteners, snap fittings, or other means, to hold the upper and lower enclosures 32, 34 together. In some embodiments, a lower rim of the upper enclosure 32 engages with and overlaps an upper rim of the lower enclosure 34.

[0067] The exemplary drivetrain 18 includes the input driver 20, gearbox 22, and output drivers 24, 26, 28 as shown in Figs. 6-15. In the illustrative embodiment, the gearbox 22 includes a casing 40, a first planetary gear set 42 and a second planetary gear set 44. In some embodiments, the casing 40 includes an inner casing section 41 and an outer casing section 43 engaging with rotationalcomponents of the first and second gear sets 42, 44, respectively. In some embodiments, the input driver 20 is an electric motor including a stator 50 and a rotor 52 configured to rotate relative to the stator 50 in response to the stator 50 being energized. Other input drivers 20 can also be used. In some embodiments, the input driver 20 further includes a jacket 51 coupled to the stator 50, and the flanges 21 extend from the a

[0068] The output drivers 24, 26, 28 are concentric with one another and rotate about a central axis A (Fig. 6) at various speeds and torques in response to rotation of the input driver 20 as controlled by the user-interface 30. In the illustrative embodiment, a drive shaft 54 of the input driver 20 extends through the gearbox 22 to engage with a first (central) output driver 24 such that the drive shaft 54 and first output driver 24 rotate at a same first rotational speed and a first torque (sometimes referred to as a direct drive or 1 :1 ratio arrangement) as shown in Figs.6, 7, 14, and 15. In some embodiments, the drive shaft 54 is formed as part of the rotor 52. In some embodiments, the shaft 54 is coupled to the input driver 20 to rotate in response to operation of the input driver 20.

[0069] A second (intermediate) output driver 26 is coupled to the first planetary gear set 42 as shown in Figs. 6-8, 14, and 15. A drive gear 57 (sometimes called a sun gear) coupled to the drive shaft 54 engages with the first planetary gear set 42, and the first planetary gear set 42 engages with the inner casing section 41 to provide a first gear reduction ratio to drive rotation of the second output driver 26 with rotation of the drive shaft 54 of the input driver 20 at a second rotational speed relatively lower than the first rotational speed for a given first rotational speed of the shaft 54 and a second torque higher than the first torque for a given input torque provided by the input driver 20. In some embodiments, the drive gear 57 is formed unitary and integral with the drive shaft 54.

[0070] A third (outer) output driver 28 is coupled to the second planetary gear set 44 as shown in Figs. 6, 7, 9, 14, and 15. The first planetary gear set 42 engages with the second planetary gear set 44, and the second planetary gear set44 engages with the outer casing section 43 to provide a second gear reduction ratio, that compounds the first gear reduction ratio for a total gear reduction ratio, to drive rotation of the third output driver 28 with rotation of the drive shaft 54 of the input driver 20 at a third rotational speed relatively lower than the second speed for a given first rotational speed of the shaft 54 and a third torque higher than the second torque for a given input torque provided by the input driver 20.

[0071] In some embodiments, the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 is configured to operate the input driver 20 to rotate the drive shaft 54 with a speed between about 1500 RPMs and about 20,000 RPMs, preferably between about 2500 RPMs and about 15,000 RPMs, and a torque between about 0.025 N-m and about 2 N-m, preferably between about 0.050 N-m and about 1.5 N-m. In some embodiments, the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 is configured to operate the input driver 20 in a first mode to rotate the drive shaft 54 with a first speed and a first torque to drive the first output driver 24 for operating the attachment tool 14A (such as a blender). In some embodiments, the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 is configured to operate the input driver 20 in a second mode to rotate the drive shaft 54 with a second speed and a second torque to drive the second output driver 26 for operating the attachment tool 14C (such as a food processor). In some embodiments, the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 is configured to operate the input driver 20 in a third mode to rotate the drive shaft 54 with a third speed and a third torque to drive the third output driver 28 for operating the attachment tool 14B (such as a mixer). In some embodiments, the first, second, and third speeds are substantially the same, with the resulting rotational speed at the second output driver 26 being lower than the first output driver 24 and the rotational speed at the third output driver 28 being lower than the second output driver 26, due to the gear reductions provided by the gearbox 22. In some embodiments, the first, second, and third torques are substantially the same, with the resulting torque at the second output driver 26 being higher than the first output driver 24 and the torque at the third output driver 28 being higher than the second output driver 26, due to thegear reductions provided by the gearbox 22. In some embodiments, one or more of the first, second, and third speeds are substantially the same and the other(s) are different. In some embodiments, each of the first, second, and third speeds is different. In some embodiments, one or more of the first, second, and third torques are substantially the same and the other(s) are different. In some embodiments, each of the first, second, and third torques is different. In some embodiments, the first, second, and third speeds and the first, second, and third torques are optimized for operation of the attachment tool 14A, 14B, 140 operated in the respective first, second, or third mode. In some embodiments, each mode is operable continuously or in pulses, and rotational speeds can be varied in each mode.

[0072] In some embodiments, the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 is configured to operate the input driver 20 to rotate the output drivers 24, 26, 28 in the same rotational direction (e.g., clockwise in the perspective of Figs. 1 and 2) for operation of the attachment tools 14A, 14B, 14C. In some embodiments, the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 is configured to operate the input driver 20 to rotate the output drivers 24, 26, 28 in different rotational directions (e.g., one or more of the output drivers 24, 26, 28 rotate clockwise in the perspective of Figs. 1 and 2 and the remaining one or more output drivers 24, 26, 28 rotate counterclockwise) for operation of the attachment tools 14A, 14B, 14C. In some embodiments, one or more one-way bearings are arranged on the input driver 20 and / or gearbox 22 to isolate operation of the output drivers 24, 26, 28 (e.g., rotating the drive shaft 54 of the input driver 20 in a first direction rotates only the first output driver 24, and rotating the drive shaft 54 of the input driver 20 in an opposite second direction rotates the first, second, and third output drivers 24, 26, 28). For example, in some embodiments, a one-way bearing is arranged on the drive shaft 54 and the drive gear 57 is coupled to the one-way bearing such that the drive gear 57 does not rotate with rotation of the drive shaft 54 in the first direction and does rotate with rotation of the drive shaft 54 in the second direction.

[0073] The exemplary casing 40 of the gearbox 22 includes the inner casing section 41 coupled to the outer casing section 43 as shown in Figs. 6, 7, 14, and 15. The separate inner and outer casing sections 41 , 43 simplifies assembly of the gearbox 22 and provides further running surfaces and separation between the first and second planetary gear sets 42, 44. In some embodiments, the inner and outer casing sections 41 , 43 are formed as a unitary and integral structure.

[0074] In the illustrative embodiment, the inner casing section 41 includes an annular wall 45 extending around a central opening 49 as shown in Fig. 6. A first ring gear 47 is formed on an interior surface of the annular wall 45. A cap wall 46 extends radially inward from an upper end of the annular wall 45. The outer casing section 43 includes an annular wall 55 extending around a central opening 60. A second ring gear 56 is formed on an interior surface of the annular wall 55. The annular wall 55 also defines a recess 59 configured to receive a bearing 62 that engages with the outer casing section 43 and the second planetary gear set 44 to support relative rotation of the second planetary gear set 44 to the outer casing section 43. A slot 58 is defined at a lower end of the annular wall 55 of the outer casing section 43 and configured to receive a tab 48 extending radially outward from the annular wall 45 of the inner casing section 41 to align the inner casing section 41 with the outer casing section 43 and block rotation of the inner casing section 41 relative to the outer casing section 43. In some embodiments, flanges 61 of the outer casing section 43 align with holes 63 in the input driver 20 for fasteners to hold the gearbox 22 on the input driver 20. In some embodiments, the flanges 61 are arranged to align with the flanges 21 of the input driver 20 and configured to be coupled to the posts 31.

[0075] In the illustrative embodiment, the first planetary gear set 42 includes a first lower carrier 70, a first upper carrier 72, and a plurality of first planet gears 74 arranged between the first lower and upper carriers 70, 72 as shown in Figs. 7, 8, 14, and 15. In some embodiments a plurality of first pins 76 support the plurality of first planet gears 74 for rotation relative to the first lower and upper carriers 70,72 around axes Gi and for rotation with the first lower and upper carriers 70, 72 around central axis A. In some embodiments, the pins 76 are unitary and integral with one of the first lower and upper carriers 70, 72. While three first planet gears 74 and corresponding pins 76 are shown, more or less gears and pins can be used. In some embodiments, bearings are arranged between the pins 76 and first planet gears 74.

[0076] The exemplary first lower carrier 70 includes an annular wall 81 extending around a central opening 87, standoffs 83 extending from the annular wall 81 toward the first upper carrier 72, and recesses 85 defined in the annular wall 81 as shown in Fig. 8. The annular wall 81 generally extends a greater extent radially than axially. The standoffs 83 engage with holes 86 of the first upper carrier 72 to align the first lower carrier 70 with the first upper carrier 72 and to offset the annular wall 81 of the first lower carrier 70 from the first upper carrier 72 to allow room for the first planet gears 74. The first pins 76 extend through the first planet gears 74 into the recesses 85. In some embodiments, holes are used in place of the recesses 85, and the pins 76 are press fit into the holes or otherwise supported relative to the annular wall 81. In some embodiments, a bearing, such as a thrust bearing, is arranged between the annular wall 81 and the input driver 20 to support the first planetary gear set 42 for rotation around central axis A. The exemplary first upper carrier 72 includes an annular wall 82 extending around a central opening 89, a sun gear 84 extending axially from the annular wall 82, the holes 86, and holes 88 arranged to receive the first pins 76. The annular wall 82 generally extends a greater extent radially than axially. The central opening 89 extends through the sun gear 84. The central openings 87, 89 allow the shaft 54 of the input driver 20 to extend through the first planetary gear set 42.

[0077] The second planetary gear set 44 includes a second lower carrier 71 , a second upper carrier 73, and a plurality of second planet gears 75 arranged between the second lower and upper carriers 71, 73 as shown in Figs. 7, 9, 14, and 15. In some embodiments a plurality of second pins 77 support the plurality ofsecond planet gears 75 for rotation relative to the second lower and upper carriers 71 , 73 around axes G2 and for rotation with the second lower and upper carriers 71 , 73 around central axis A. While three second planet gears 75 and corresponding pins 77 are shown, more or less gears and pins can be used. In some embodiments, the pins 77 are unitary and integral with one of the second lower and upper carriers 71, 73. In some embodiments, bearings are arranged between the pins 77 and second planet gears 75.

[0078] The exemplary second lower carrier 71 includes an annular wall 91 extending around a central opening 97, standoffs 93 extending from the annular wall 91 toward the second upper carrier 73, and recesses 95 defined in the annular wall 91 as shown in Fig. 9. The annular wall 91 generally extends a greater extent radially than axially. The standoffs 93 engage with recesses 101 (see also Fig. 13) of the second upper carrier 73 to align the second lower carrier 71 with the second upper carrier 73 and to offset the annular wall 91 of the second lower carrier 71 from the second upper carrier 73 to allow room for the second planet gears 75. The second pins 77 extend through the second planet gears 75 into the recesses 95. In some embodiments, holes are used in place of the recesses 95, and the pins 77 are press fit into the holes or otherwise supported relative to the annular wall 91. In some embodiments, a bearing, such as a thrust bearing, is arranged between the annular wall 91 and the first upper carrier 72 to support the second planetary gear set 44 for rotation around central axis A. The exemplary second upper carrier 73 includes an annular wall 90 extending around a central opening 100, the recesses 101, and recesses 99 arranged to receive the second pins 77 (see also Fig. 13). The central openings 97, 100 allow the shaft 54 of the input driver 20 to extend through the second planetary gear set 44.

[0079] In the illustrative embodiment, the first output driver 24 includes an annular wall 107 extending around a central opening 109 and a first set of spline teeth 111 formed on an interior surface of the annular wall 107 as shown in Figs.6, 10, 14, and 15. The annular wall 107 also defines a recess 113 concentric withthe central opening 109 configured to receive a distal end 116 of the shaft 54 of the input driver 20 (see Figs. 10 and 15). In some embodiments, the recess 113 and distal end 116 of the shaft 54 have complementary shapes to block rotation of the first output driver 24 relative to the shaft 54 such that the first output driver 24 and shaft 54 rotate together. In some embodiments, the recess 113 and distal end 116 are formed to include slots to receive a key to block rotation of the first output driver 24 relative to the shaft 54. The first output driver 24 is coupled to the shaft 54, such as by a press fit or fastener extending through the central opening 109 into the distal end 116 to hold the first output driver 24 on the shaft 54.

[0080] The exemplary second output driver 26 includes an annular wall 102 extending around a central opening 104 and a second set of spline teeth 103 formed on an exterior surface of the annular wall 102 as shown in Figs. 8, 11, 14, and 15. The central opening 104 allows the shaft 54 of the input driver 20 to extend into the second output driver 26 to couple with the first output driver 24 that also extends into the central opening 104 from an opposite end of the second output driver 26. A set of alignment teeth 106 are also formed on an interior surface of the annular wall 102 configured to engage with the sun gear 84 of the first planetary gear set 42 to block rotation of the second output driver 26 relative to the first planetary gear set 42 such that the second output driver 26 and first planetary gear set 42 rotate together.

[0081] A seat 105 defined on an exterior of the annular wall 102 of the second output driver 26 (figs. 8 and 11 ) is configured to receive a bearing 64 (Figs.6 and 7) to support the second output driver 26 for rotation relative to the second planetary gear set 44. A circumferential groove 108 is formed into the exterior of the annular wall 102 and configured to receive a clip 66 to hold the bearing 64 on the second output driver 26. In the illustrative embodiment, the second upper carrier 73 of the second planetary gear set 44 defines a recess 96 in the annular wall 90 to receive the bearing 64 on the second output driver 26 as shown in Figs.9, 14, and 15. A seat 98 is also formed on an exterior of the annular wall 90 to receive the bearing 62 on the outer casing section 43.

[0082] The exemplary third output driver 28 includes an annular wall 112 extending around a central opening 114 and a third set of spline teeth 115 formed on an interior surface of the annular wall 112 as shown in Figs. 9, 12, 14, and 15. The central opening 114 allows the second output driver 26 to extend through the third output driver 28, and the central openings 97, 100 of the second planetary gear set 44 allow the sun gear 84 of the first planetary gear set 42 to pass through the second planetary gear set 44 to engage with the second output driver 26. The central opening 114 also allows the shaft 54 of the input driver 20 to extend into the third output driver 28 to engage with the first output driver 24. The third output driver 28 is coupled to the second planetary gear set 44 for rotation therewith, such as by fasteners extending through holes 117 in the annular wall 112 of the third output driver 28 into recesses 92 of the second upper carrier 73. In some embodiments, projections 119 extend from the annular wall 112 of the third output driver 28 into recesses 99 of the second upper carrier 73 to align the third output driver 28 with the second planetary gear set 44.

[0083] Exemplary attachment tools 14A, 14B, 140 for use with the base 12 of the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 are shown in Figs. 16-21 B. One of the exemplary attachment tools 14A is a blender shown in Figs. 16-17A. In the illustrative embodiment, the blender attachment tool 14A includes a container 130 housing an implement 132, such as a blade for cutting and blending ingredients in the container 130 when rotated, a connector 134, and a coupler 136. A shaft 137 extends between the connector 134 and the implement 132 to dive rotation of the implement 132 with rotation of the connector 134. The connector 134 is configured to engage with the first (central) output driver 24 when the blender attachment tool 14A is mounted on the platform 11 of the base 12 and to rotate the implement 132 in response to rotation of the first output driver 24 by the input driver 20. The connector 134 is formed to define exterior spline teeth to engage with the first setof spline teeth 111 of the first output driver 24 to block rotation of the connector 134 relative to the first output driver 24 such that the first output driver 24 and connector 134 rotate together.

[0084] The shaft 137 is supported for rotation relative to the container 130 of the exemplary blender attachment tool 14A by a hub 140 and bearings 139 as shown in Fig. 17A. The hub 140 extends through the container 130 and a nut 145 engages with the hub 140 to clamp a portion of the container 130 between an upper end of the hub 140 and the nut 145 to hold the hub 140 on the container 130. One or more seal members, such as seal members 147, 149, can be arranged between the hub 140 and the container 130 and shaft 137 to block material within in the container 130 passing out of the container 130 through or around the hub 140. In some embodiments, the hub 140 is coupled to a removable floor 142 of the container 130 that extends into an opening 144 of the container 130 as shown in Figs. 16A, 17, and 17A. In some embodiments, interfacing tabs 141 , 143 on the floor 142 and container 130, respectively, engage with rotation of the floor 142 relative to the container 130 to hold the floor 142 on the container 130. One or more seal members, such as a seal member 146, can be arranged between the floor 142 and the container 130 to block material within in the container 130 passing out of the container 130 around the floor 142.

[0085] The coupler 136 in the illustrative embodiment of the blender attachment tool 14A is attached to the container 130 and configured to engage with the first catch 13 of the platform 11 to hold the blender attachment tool 14A on the base 12. The exemplary coupler 136 includes an annular ring wall 131 and an annular cover 135 coupled to the ring wall 131 as shown in Figs. 16A and 17A. The ring wall 131 is coupled to the container 130 to hold the coupler 136 on the container 130. In some embodiments, the ring wall 131 is formed of a substantially rigid material, such as metal or plastic, and the cover 135 is formed from a semirigid, resilient material, such as an elastomer. In some embodiments, the cover 135 is mechanically or chemically bonded to the ring wall 131 to hold the cover135 on the ring wall 131. In the exemplary embodiment, the cover 135 extends along an exterior of the ring wall 131 and over upper and lower rims of the ring wall 131 to fix the cover 135 on the ring wall 131. In some embodiments, the cover 135 is formed of a material configured to provide anti-slip properties to the coupler 136 such that sliding movement of the blender attachment tool 14A along a supporting surface, such as a kitchen countertop, is minimized.

[0086] A plurality of tabs 133 extend radially inward from the ring wall 131 , and the slots 33 of the first catch 13 (see Fig. 2) are configured to receive the tabs 133 with rotation of the blender attachment tool 14A relative to the platform 11 to hold the blender attachment tool 14A on the base 12. In some embodiments, one or more tags 138 are coupled to the container 130 or the coupler 136, and one or more sensors 240, 242, 244 (Figs. 2 and 4) are configured to sense a presence of the one or more tags 138 to provide a signal to the user-interface 30 in order to identify that the blender attachment tool 14A is mounted on the platform 11 and operate the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 in a mode optimized for the blender attachment tool 14A.

[0087] Another of the exemplary attachment tools 14B is a mixer shown in Figs. 18-19B. In the illustrative embodiment, the mixer attachment tool 14B includes a container 150 housing an implement 152, such as a mixing head for combining ingredients in the container 150 when rotated, a connector 154, and a coupler 156. A shaft 159 extends between the connector 154 and the implement 152 to dive rotation of the implement 152 with rotation of the connector 154. In some embodiments, the connector 154 is coupled to a nut 166, and the nut 166 couples the connector 154 to the shaft 159 such that the connector 154 and shaft 159 rotate together relative to the container 150. The connector 154 is configured to engage with the third (outer) output driver 28 when the mixer attachment tool 14B is mounted on the platform 11 of the base 12 and to rotate the implement 152 in response to rotation of the third output driver 28 by the input driver 20 and gearbox 22. The connector 154 is formed to define exterior spline teeth to engagewith the third set of spline teeth 115 of the third output driver 28 to block rotation of the connector 154 relative to the third output driver 28 such that the third output driver 28 and connector 154 rotate together.

[0088] The coupler 156 in the illustrative embodiment of the mixer attachment tool 14B is attached to the container 150 and configured to engage with the second catch 15 of the platform 11 to hold the mixer attachment tool 14B on the base 12. The exemplary coupler 156 includes a hub 151 and an annular cover 157 coupled to the hub 151 as shown in Figs. 18A and 19A. In some embodiments, the cover 157 is coupled to an annular member 155 that is coupled to the container 150 by with the hub 151. In some embodiments, the member 155 is unitary and integral with the hub 151. In some embodiments, the hub 151 (and member 155 in various embodiments) is formed of a substantially rigid material, such as metal or plastic, and the cover 157 is formed from a semi-rigid, resilient material, such as an elastomer. In some embodiments, the cover 157 is mechanically or chemically bonded to the hub 151 (or member 155) to hold the cover 157 on the hub 151 (or member 155). In the exemplary embodiment, the cover 157 extends along an exterior of the member 155 and over upper and lower rims of the member 155 to fix the cover 157 on the member. In some embodiments, the cover 157 is formed of a material configured to provide anti-slip properties to the coupler 156 such that sliding movement of the mixer attachment tool 14B along a supporting surface, such as a kitchen countertop, is minimized.

[0089] A plurality of tabs 153 extend radially inward from the hub 151, and the slots 35 of the second catch 15 (see Fig. 2) are configured to receive the tabs 153 with rotation of the mixer attachment tool 14B relative to the platform 11 to hold the mixer attachment tool 14B on the base 12. In some embodiments, one or more tags 158 are coupled to the coupler 156, and one or more sensors 240, 242, 244 (Figs. 2 and 4) are configured to sense a presence of the one or more tags 158 to provide a signal to the user-interface 30 in order to identify that the mixerattachment tool 14B is mounted on the platform 11 and operate the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 in a mode optimized for the mixer attachment tool 14B.

[0090] The shaft 159 is supported for rotation relative to the container 150 of the exemplary mixer attachment tool 14B by the hub 151 and bearings 165, 175 as shown in Figs. 19, 19A, and 19B. In the illustrative embodiment, a tubular pillar 162 of the hub 151 extends into the container 150, and a sleeve 164 extends around the pillar 162. A portion of the container 150 and a portion of the hub 151 are clamped between a lower end of the sleeve 164 and a disk 160 to hold the hub 151 on the container 150. In some embodiments, a plurality of fasteners extend through the disk 160 to engage with the sleeve 164. Portions of the member 155 and cover 157 are arranged between portions of the hub 151 and the container 130 to hold the member 155 and cover 157 on the container 150. One or more seal members, such as seal members 161, 163, 173, can be arranged between the sleeve 164 and the container 130 and between the shaft 159 and pillar 162 of the hub 151 to block material within in the container 150 passing out of the container 150 through or around the hub 151.

[0091] The exemplary implement 152 is removably coupled to the shaft 159 for rotation relative to the container 150 and configured to move mixing components 170, such as whisks, within the container 150 as shown in Figs. 19, 19A, and 19B. In the illustrative embodiment, the implement 152 includes a carriage 172, a central gear 174, and one or more transfer gears 176. The central gear 174 is configured to engage with an upper end of the sleeve 164 to block rotation of the central gear relative to the container 150. The carriage 172 engages with a pin 171 coupled to the shaft 159 to rotate with the shaft 159. In some embodiments, the implement 152 mounts on the shaft 159 using a twist lock mechanism where the pin 171 can pass into the carriage 172 in a first orientation of the carriage 172 relative to the shaft 159 and is blacked from passing out of the carriage 172 in a second orientation of the carriage 172 relative to the shaft 159 rotated relative to the first orientation. The transfer gears 176 are coupled to thecarriage 172 to revolve about the central gear 174 with rotation of the carriage 172. The transfer gears 176 are also configured to rotate relative to the carriage 172 and engage with the central gear 174 such that rotation of the carriage 172 causes rotation of the transfer gears 176. The mixing components 170 are coupled to the transfer gears 176 such that the mixing components 170 and transfer gears 176 rotate together relative to the carriage 172. In other embodiments, a different implement 152 is used in the mixer attachment tool 14B, such as revolving hooks or other mixing devices providing different functionality, driven by the connector 154 and shaft 159.

[0092] Another of the exemplary attachment tools 14C is a food processor shown in Figs. 20-21 B. In the illustrative embodiment, the food processor attachment tool 14C includes a container 180 housing an implement 182, such as a chopping blade, slicing plate, and / or shredding plate for processing ingredients in the container 180 when rotated, a connector 184, and a coupler 186. A shaft 187 extends between the connector 184 and the implement 182 to dive rotation of the implement 182 with rotation of the connector 184. The connector 184 is configured to engage with the second (intermediate) output driver 26 when the food processor attachment tool 14C is mounted on the platform 11 of the base 12 and to rotate the implement 182 in response to rotation of the second output driver 26 by the input driver 20 and gearbox 22. The connector 184 is formed to define interior spline teeth to engage with the second set of spline teeth 103 of the second output driver 26 to block rotation of the connector 184 relative to the second output driver 26 such that the second output driver 26 and connector 184 rotate together.

[0093] The shaft 187 is supported for rotation relative to the container 180 of the exemplary food processor attachment tool 14C by a hub 191 and bearing 195 as shown in Fig. 21 A. The hub 191 extends through the container 180 and a nut 193 engages with the hub 191 to clamp a portion of the container 180 between an upper end of the hub 191 and the nut 193 to hold the hub 191 on the container 180. One or more seal members, such as seal member 197, 199, can be arrangedbetween the hub 191 and the container 180 and shaft 187 to block material within in the container 180 passing out of the container 180 through or around the hub 191. In some embodiments, the connector 184 is coupled to a nut, and the nut couples the connector 184 to the shaft 187 such that the connector 184 and shaft 187 rotate together relative to the container 180. In some embodiments, a bit 189 is coupled to the shaft 187 and configured to engage with the adapter of the implement 182 to drive rotation of the adapter with rotation of the connector 184.

[0094] In the illustrative embodiment, the implement 182 is configured as a central adapter with a connected plate 196 having one or more slicing and / or shredding features or a chopping blade 198 as shown in Figs. 21 and 21 A. The plate 196 and chopping blade 198 typically are not mounted on the adapter at the same time during operation of the food processor attachment tool 14C. The plate 196 is configured to mount on a distal end of the adapter of the implement 182 adjacent a lid 190 of the food processor attachment tool 14C to rotate with the adapter in response to rotation of the connector 184. In some embodiments, the adapter of the implement 182 engages with the lid 190 to minimize bending of the adapter during operation of the chopping blade 198 is configured to mount on a proximal end of the adapter of the implement 182 adjacent the hub 191 to rotate with the adapter in response to rotation of the connector 184.

[0095] The coupler 186 in the illustrative embodiment of the food processor attachment tool 14C is attached to the container 180 and configured to engage with the second catch 15 of the platform 11 to hold the food processor attachment tool 14C on the base 12. The exemplary coupler 186 includes an annular ring wall 181 and an annular cover 185 coupled to the ring wall 181 as shown in Figs. 20A and 21 A. The ring wall 181 is coupled to the container 180 to hold the coupler 186 on the container 180. In some embodiments, the ring wall 181 is formed of a substantially rigid material, such as metal or plastic, and the cover 185 is formed from a semi-rigid, resilient material, such as an elastomer. In some embodiments, the cover 185 is mechanically or chemically bonded to the ring wall 181 to hold thecover 185 on the ring wall 181. In the exemplary embodiment, the cover 185 extends along an exterior of the ring wall 181 and over upper and lower rims of the ring wall 181 to fix the cover 185 on the ring wall 181. In some embodiments, the cover 185 is formed of a material configured to provide anti-slip properties to the coupler 186 such that sliding movement of the food processor attachment tool 14C along a supporting surface, such as a kitchen countertop, is minimized.

[0096] A plurality of tabs 183 extend radially inward from the ring wall 181 , and the slots 35 of the second catch 15 (see Fig. 2) are configured to receive the tabs 183 with rotation of the food processor attachment tool 14C relative to the platform 11 to hold the food processor attachment tool 14C on the base 12. In some embodiments, one or more tags 188 are coupled to the container 180 or the coupler 186, and one or more sensors 240, 242, 244 (Figs. 2 and 4) are configured to sense a presence of the one or more tags 188 to provide a signal to the userinterface 30 in order to identify that the food processor attachment tool 14C is mounted on the platform 11 and operate the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 in a mode optimized for the food processor attachment tool 14C.

[0097] In the illustrative embodiment, the food processor attachment tool 140 further includes an actuator 194 (Figs. 21 -21 B) arranged within a handle 192 of the food processor attachment tool 140 and configured to engage with a detector 200 (Figs. 2, 4, 5, 22) to detect a secure connection to the base 12 and operating condition of the food processor attachment tool 140. The actuator 194 is biased upward by a spring 194A toward a raised position (shown in Fig. 21 A), and a tab 190A on the lid 190 engages with the actuator 194 in response to rotation of the lid 190 relative to the container 180 to drive the actuator 194 downward to a lowered position (shown in Fig. 21 B and in phantom in Fig. 21 A). In some embodiments, the food processor attachment tool 14C can be mounted on the platform 11 with the tab 190A of the lid 190 disengaged from the actuator 194 (e.g., with the lid 190 removed from the container 180) or engaged with the actuator 194. In some embodiments, the input driver 20 will not operate with the actuator 194disengaged from the detector 200. In some embodiments, the food processor attachment tool 14C includes one or more additional structures configured to cooperate with the detector 200 in response to one or more lids, plungers, closures, or other components being secured to the container 180 and / or lid 190. In some embodiments, the blender attachment tool 14A also includes an actuator or other structure movable between raised and lowered positions in response to a lid, plunger, closure, or other component being secured to an open end of the container 130 for cooperative engagement with the detector 200.

[0098] The exemplary detector 200 includes a frame 202 coupled to the housing 16 of the base 12, a plunger 204, and a switch 206 as shown in Fig. 22. The switch 206 is coupled to the frame 202, and the plunger 204 is configured to move relative to the frame 202 between a raised position (Fig. 22) and a lowered position. The plunger 204 is biased upward by a spring 205. In some embodiments, a guide pin 203 extends from the plunger 204 an engages with the frame 202 to guide movement of the plunger 204 between the raised and lowered positions and to trap the spring 205. In the lowered position, a shoulder 201 of the plunger 204 engages with the switch 206 to activate the switch 206 and send a signal to the user-interface 30. In the illustrative embodiment, the plunger 204 is configured to move from the raised position to the lowered position in response to one of the attachment tools 14A or 14C engaging with one of tabs 208, 209 of the plunger 204. For example, when mounting the blender attachment tool 14A to the platform 11 , the tabs 133 of the blender attachment tool 14A enter the slots 33 of the first catch 13 and engage the tab 209 to drive the plunger 204 downward to the lowered position. For the food processor attachment tool 14C, the actuator 194 engages with the tab 208 of the plunger 204 when the food processor attachment tool 14C is mounted on the platform 11 and the lid 190 is properly secured to the container 180. In some embodiments, one or more of the attachment tools 14A, 14B, 14C is configured to engage with the detector 200 for providing a signal to the user-interface 30 indicating a secure connection of the attachment tool 14A, 14B, 14C to the base 12.

[0099] Another embodiment of a detector 210 is shown in Fig. 23. The exemplary detector 210 includes a frame 212 coupled to the housing 16 of the base 12, a plunger 214, and switches 216, 219. The switches 216, 219 are coupled to the frame 212, and the plunger 214 is configured to move relative to the frame 212 between a raised position (Fig. 23) and a lowered position. The plunger 214 is biased upward by a spring 215. A guide pin 213 extends from the plunger 214 an engages with the frame 212 to guide movement of the plunger 214 between the raised and lowered positions and to trap the spring 215. In the lowered position, a shoulder 211 of the plunger 214 engages with the switch 216 to activate the switch 216 and send a signal to the user-interface 30, and the guide pin 213 engages with the switch 219 to activate the switch 219 and send a signal to the user-interface 30. The two switches 216, 219 provide redundancy. In the illustrative embodiment, the plunger 214 is configured to move from the raised position to the lowered position in response to the food processor attachment tool 14C engaging with a tab 218 of the plunger 214. For example, when mounting the food processor attachment tool 14C on the platform 11 , the actuator 194 engages with the tab 218 of the plunger 214 with the lid 190 properly secured to the container 180. In some embodiments, one or more of the attachment tools 14A, 14B, 14C is configured to engage with the detector 210 for providing a signal to the user-interface 30 indicating a secure connection of the attachment tool 14A, 14B, 14C to the base 12.

[0100] Signals from the detectors 200, 210 and / or sensors 240, 242, 244 can be used to uniquely identify the attachment tool 14A, 14B, 14C mounted on the platform 11 and, at least in some instances, an operating condition thereof as disclosed herein. In the illustrative embodiment, the one or more tags 158 of the mixer attachment tool 14B are arranged such that one of the tags 158 is positioned adjacent (over) the sensor 240 with the mixer attachment tool 14B mounted on theplatform 11. The sensor 240 detects the presence of the tag 158 and sends a signal to the user-interface 30 indicating that the mixer attachment tool 14B is mounted on the base 12. In some embodiments, the number of tags 158 on the mixer attachment tool 14B matches the number of available mounting orientations for the mixer attachment tool 14B relative to the base 12 (three in the exemplary embodiment) such that at least one tag 158 is positioned adjacent to the sensor 240 when the mixer attachment tool 14B is mounted on the base 12.

[0101] In the illustrative embodiment, the one or more tags 138 of the blender attachment tool 14A are arranged such that one of the tags 138 is positioned adjacent (over) the sensor 242 with the blender attachment tool 14A mounted on the platform 11. The sensor 242 detects the presence of the tag 138 and sends a signal to the user-interface 30 indicating that the blender attachment tool 14A is mounted on the base 12. In some embodiments, the number of tags 138 on the blender attachment tool 14A matches the number of available mounting orientations for the blender attachment tool 14A relative to the base 12 (three in the exemplary embodiment, though only one tag 138 is shown in Figs. 16 and 16A) such that at least one tag 138 is positioned adjacent to the sensor 242 when the blender attachment tool 14A is mounted on the base 12.

[0102] In the illustrative embodiment, the one or more tags 188 of the food processor attachment tool 14C are arranged such that one of the tags 188 is positioned adjacent (over) the sensor 244 with the food processor attachment tool 14C mounted on the platform 11. The sensor 244 detects the presence of the tag 188 and sends a signal to the user-interface 30 indicating that the food processor attachment tool 14C is mounted on the base 12. In some embodiments, the number of tags 188 on the food processor attachment tool 14C matches the number of available mounting orientations for the food processor attachment tool 14C relative to the base 12 (one in the exemplary embodiment such that the actuator 194 is positioned to engage with the detector 200) such that at least onetag 188 is positioned adjacent to the sensor 244 when the food processor attachment tool 14C is mounted on the base 12.

[0103] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the exemplary multipurpose kitchen appliance 10 incorporates various drainage features to allow wet ingredients that may spill on the base 12, for example, to pass through the base 12 away from electrical components of the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10. In some embodiments, a drain collar 220 is arranged between the input driver 20 and gearbox 22 as shown in Fig. 24. The exemplary drain collar 220 is configured to collect liquid(s) that may pass through the opening 36 of the platform 11 for drainage through a drain port 222. The drain collar 220 forms seals with the input driver 20 and gearbox 22. In some embodiments, the drain collar 220 is configured to direct liquid in the drain collar 220 toward the drain port 222. In the illustrative embodiment, a lower enclosure 34A (similar to the lower enclosure 34 of Figs. 3-5 and 14) includes a drain spout 224, and the drain port 222 of the drain collar 220 is arranged over the drain spout 224 to allow liquid in the drain collar 220 to pass through the lower enclosure 34A. In some embodiments, the housing 16 additionally or alternatively includes one or more drainage features. For example, in some embodiments, the upper enclosure 32 is formed to define a deck 121 surrounded by a rim 123 to collect liquid(s) for drainage through a drain port 125 as shown in Fig. 3. The drain port 125 is arranged over an upper drain spout section 124 that extends into a lower drain spout section 126 of the lower enclosure 34 to provide a path for liquid to drain through the housing 16. In some embodiments, the deck 121 is configured to direct liquid toward the drain port 125.

[0104] In the exemplary embodiment where the upper enclosure 32 includes a primary enclosure section 32A and a cover 230 (see Figs. 14, 25, and 26), the drain port 125 is formed through the cover 230 and arranged over a drain port 127 in the primary enclosure section 32A in fluid communication with the upper drain spout section 124. An opening 236 extends through the primary enclosure section 32A aligned with the platform 11 , and a plurality of projections 231 extendfrom the cover 230 into a plurality of recesses 233 in the primary enclosure section 32A for securing the cover 230 to the primary enclosure section 32A, such as with fasteners. Additional drainage features for directing a flow of liquid passing through an opening in the upper enclosure 32 toward the drain spout 224 or another designated location are also contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0105] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, another embodiment of a multipurpose kitchen appliance 1010 is shown in Figs. 27-36. The multipurpose kitchen appliance 1010 is operable in at least a high-speed mode and a high-torque mode as suggested in Figs. 27-29. The multipurpose kitchen appliance 1010 includes an input driver 1014, a drive shaft 1016, a gearbox 1018, and an output driver 1020 located within a housing 1022 as shown in Figs. 27-34. A plurality of attachment tools 1012A, 1012B, 1012C are configured to be mounted for operation by the output driver 1020 for various food preparation tasks. The input driver 1014 rotates the drive shaft 1016 in a first input direction to rotate the output driver 1020 in an output direction in the high-speed mode as suggested in Fig. 35. The input driver 1014 rotates the drive shaft 1016 in a second opposite direction to rotate the output driver 1020 in the output direction through the gearbox 1018 in the high-torque mode as suggested in Fig. 36. The output driver 1020 rotates in the same output direction in both the high-speed and high-torque modes.

[0106] In the illustrative embodiment, the attachment tools include a blender 1012A shown in Fig. 27, a mixer 1012B shown in Fig. 28, and a food processor 1012C shown in Fig. 29. The different modes of the multipurpose kitchen appliance 1010 provide varying output speeds and torques for the different attachment tools 1012A, 1012B, 1012C so that the multipurpose kitchen appliance 1010 may act as, and replace, multiple separate kitchen appliances. For example, the highspeed mode provides a higher speed and lower torque for blending as compared to the lower speed and higher torque provided by the high-torque mode for mixing. The multipurpose kitchen appliance 1010 may be operated in either the high-speed mode or the high-torque mode with the food processor 1012C attachmentdepending on the food being processed. Each mode may be operated continuously or in a pulse operation, and the output speed can be varied in each mode.

[0107] The drive shaft 1016 is configured to be driven by the input driver 1014 to rotate about a drive-shaft axis 1017 selectively in a first input direction and in a second input direction opposite the first input direction as shown in Figs. 30, 31 , and 33. The gearbox 1018 is coupled with the drive shaft 1016 and configured to be driven by the drive shaft 1016 to vary at least one of a torque and a speed of the rotational energy received from the drive shaft 1016. The output driver 1020 is configured to be driven selectively by the drive shaft 1016 or the gearbox 1018 depending on the direction of rotation of the drive shaft 1016 to operate the multipurpose kitchen appliance 1010 in the high-speed or high-torque modes.

[0108] The housing 1022 of the multipurpose kitchen appliance 1010 includes a base 1024 and a cover 1026 coupled with the base 1024 and arranged around the input driver 1014, the drive shaft 1016, the gearbox 1018, and the output driver 1020 as suggested in Figs. 27-30. The cover 1026 includes side walls 1028 and a user-interface 1030 configured to allow a user of the multipurpose kitchen appliance 1010 to operate the multipurpose kitchen appliance 1010. The user-interface 1030 includes a processor and a memory coupled with the processor and storing instructions that, when performed by the processor, cause the processor to operate the multipurpose kitchen appliance 10. In some embodiments, the user-interface 1030 includes input options for speed control and pulsing. In some embodiments, the user-interface 1030 allows the user to change between the different modes.

[0109] The input driver 1014 is coupled with the base 1024 and is arranged to drive the drive shaft 1016 in response to a user operating the multipurpose kitchen appliance 1010 as suggested in Figs. 30-32. The input driver 1014 is connected with the user-interface 1030. The input driver 1014 includes a motor 1032, such as an electric motor having a stator and a rotor, a motor shaft 1034,and a motor gear 1036 (illustratively a timing pulley) coupled to the motor shaft 1034. In some embodiments, the motor shaft 1034 is formed as an integral part of the rotor. The motor 1032 is configured to rotate in a first input direction or in a second input direction opposite the first input direction selectively in response to the user-interface 1030 initiating the high-speed mode or high-torque mode. In some embodiments, a detector is provided to allow the multipurpose kitchen appliance 1010 to detect which of the attachment tools 1012 is mounted on the output driver 1020 and set the direction of rotation of the motor 1032 in response to the detected attachment tool 1012A, 1012B, 1012C. For example, a sensor could be arranged on the multipurpose kitchen appliance 1010 and a tag, such as a unique magnetic array, RFID chip, or color-coded swatch to name a few, could be arranged on the attachment tools 1012A, 1012B, 1012C to interact with the sensor for detection of the attachment tool 1012A, 1012B, 1012C mounted on the multipurpose kitchen appliance 1010. The motor shaft 1034 is coupled with the motor 1032 for rotation about a motor axis 1015. The motor gear 1036 is coupled with the motor shaft 1034 and configured to transfer rotational energy to the drive shaft 1016. In other embodiments, the motor 1032 drives the drive shaft 1016 directly. The input driver 1014 is spaced apart from the gearbox 1018 to locate the drive shaft 1016 and the output driver 1020 between the input driver 1014 and the gearbox 1018.

[0110] In the illustrative embodiment, the motor 1032 rotates the motor shaft 1034 and the motor gear 1036 with the same speed and torque in both the first and directions regardless of mode of operation. In other embodiments, the motor 1032 may rotate with different speeds and torques based on direction of rotation and / or mode. In the illustrative embodiment, the input driver 1014 further includes a fan 1038 coupled with the motor 1032 and a support mount 1040 coupled to the motor 1032 using fasteners, for example, as shown in Fig. 32. The support mount 1040 secures and supports the input driver 1014 within the housing 1022.

[0111] The drive shaft 1016 is coupled with the input driver 1014 and configured to be driven by the input driver 1014 to rotate selectively about the driveshaft axis 1017 in a first input direction (e.g., counter-clockwise in the orientation of Fig. 33) or a second input direction opposite the first input direction (e.g., clockwise in the orientation of Fig. 33). The drive shaft 1016 includes a drive rod 1046 and a driven gear 1048 (illustratively a timing pulley) coupled to the drive rod 1046. In the illustrative embodiment, the driven gear 1048 is coupled with the motor gear 1036 via a belt 1052 included in the drive shaft 1016 as shown in Figs. SO-33. The belt 1052 includes teeth that engage the teeth in the motor gear 1036 and the driven gear 1048. In the illustrative embodiment, the motor gear 1036 and the driven gear 1048 have a ratio of 1 :1. As such, the drive rod 1046 rotates at the same torque and speed as the motor shaft 1034. In some embodiments, the gear ratio is different. In some embodiments, the motor gear 1036, the driven gear 1048, and the belt 1052 are omitted and the input driver 1014 drives the drive shaft 1016 directly. In some embodiments, the motor gear 1036 is meshed directly with the driven gear 1048 or through one or more intermediate gears.

[0112] In the illustrative embodiment, freewheel clutches 1098, 1099, 1100 allow selective rotation of the output driver 1020 by the drive shaft 1016 in the highspeed mode or the drive shaft 1016 and gearbox 1018 in the high-torque mode as shown in Figs. 30, 31, and 33-36. The drive rod 1046 is coupled with the output driver 1020 and configured to selectively drive the output driver 1020 through a first freewheel clutch 1098. The gearbox 1018 includes an input shaft 1062 coupled to the drive shaft 1016 through a drive gear 1050, an output shaft 1064, and a transmission 1066 coupling the input shaft 1062 to the output shaft 1064. The gearbox 1018 further includes a transfer shaft 1068 (see Fig. 33) coupled to the output shaft 1064 and also coupled to the output driver 1020. A second freewheel clutch 1100 of the transfer shaft 1068 and a third freewheel clutch 1099 of the drive shaft 1016 allow selective rotation of the output driver 1020 through the gearbox 1018.

[0113] The drive shaft 1016 further includes a mount assembly 1054 that includes support walls 1056, bearings 1058, etc. for securing and supporting the components within the housing 1022. The driven gear 1048 is coupled with the drive rod 1046 for rotation therewith and is configured to be driven by the input driver 1014. The drive gear 1050 is mounted on the drive rod 1046 through the third freewheel clutch 1099, and is engaged with an input gear 1072 of the gearbox 1018 to selectively drive rotation of the gearbox 1018 with rotation of the drive shaft 1016. The drive gear 1050 is located axially between the output driver 1020 and the driven gear 1048 in the illustrative embodiment. In some embodiments, a clip 1053 couples with the drive rod 1046 to hold the drive gear 1050 and third freewheel clutch 1099 on the drive rod 1046.

[0114] The input shaft 1062 of the gearbox 1018 is selectively driven by the drive gear 1050 of the drive shaft 1016 such that the input shaft 1062 rotates at a first operational speed and first operational torque. The output shaft 1064 is coupled with the transmission 1066 and with the output driver 1020 via the transfer shaft 1068 to transfer rotational energy from the drive shaft 1016 to the output driver 1020. In other embodiments, the transfer shaft 1068 is omitted and the output shaft 1064 is coupled directly to the output driver 1020. The transmission 1066 is coupled between the input shaft 1062 and the output shaft 1064 to vary the speed and the torque received by the input shaft 1062 such that the output shaft 1064 is driven at a second operational speed and a second operational torque. The second operational torque is higher than the first operational torque. In some embodiments, the second operational speed may also be different than the first operational speed. The input shaft 1062, output shaft 1064, and transmission 1066 are aligned along a gearbox axis 1019. The transfer shaft 1068 is aligned along the drive-shaft axis 1017.

[0115] The input shaft 1062 includes an input rod 1070 configured to rotate about the gearbox axis 1019 and an input gear 1072 as shown in Fig. 34. The input rod 1070 is coupled with the transmission 1066 and the input gear 1072 is coupledwith the input rod 1070 for rotation therewith, such as by a key 1071. The input gear 1072 is engaged with the drive gear 1050. In the illustrative embodiment, the gear ratio between the drive gear 1050 of the drive shaft 1016 and the input gear 1072 of the input shaft 1062 is 1 :1. In some embodiments, the gear ratio is different.

[0116] The output shaft 1064 includes an output rod 1074 configured to rotate about the gearbox axis 1019 and an output gear 1076 as shown in Fig. 34. The output rod 1074 is coupled with the transmission 1066 and the output gear 1076 is coupled with the output rod 1074 for rotation therewith, such as by a key 1073. The output gear 1076 is engaged with the transfer shaft 1068. The transfer shaft 1068 includes a transfer rod 1080 coupled with the output driver 1020 and a transfer gear 1082 coupled with the transfer rod 1080 through the second freewheel clutch 1100. In the illustrative embodiment, the gear ratio between the output gear 1076 and the transfer gear 1082 is 1 :1. In some embodiments, the gear ratio is different.

[0117] The transmission 1066 includes a gear set 1084 configured to vary a speed and a torque of the rotational energy received from the input shaft 1062. The transmission 1066 illustratively includes a planetary gear set 1084 having at least one sun gear, ring gear, and a set of planetary gears. In some embodiments, the planetary gear set includes a plurality of successive combinations of sun gears, ring gears, and planetary gears. In the illustrative embodiment, the transmission 1066 provides a gear reduction between the input shaft 1062 and the output shaft 1064. An exemplary transmission is commercially available from Assun Motors Pte Ltd. as model AM-52GP. The gearbox 1018 further includes a mount assembly 1086 having mount support walls 1088 for the input shaft 1062, output shaft 1064, and transfer shaft 1068, as well as bearings 1090, fasteners, etc. for securing and supporting the components within the housing 1022.

[0118] The output driver 1020 is configured to drive rotation of the different attachment tools 1012A, 1012B, 1012C as suggested in Figs. 27-29. The outputdriver 1020 includes an output shaft 1094 and a gear set 1096 as shown in Figs.31 and 33. The output shaft 1094 includes an attachment coupler 1092 coupled to an output rod 1097 to rotate with the output rod 1097. In some embodiments, the attachment coupler 1092 is threaded onto the output rod 1097. The attachment coupler 1092 of the output shaft 1094 is adapted to removably couple with and drive the attachment tools 1012A, 1012B, 1012C as the output shaft 1094 rotates about an output axis 1021. The output shaft 1094 extends through a mount assembly 1091 having a mount support wall 1093, as well as bearings 1095, fasteners, etc. for securing and supporting the components within the housing 1022.

[0119] The gear set 1096 of the output driver 1020 includes a first miter gear 1102, a second miter gear 1104, and a third miter gear 1106 as shown in Fig. 33. The first miter gear 1102 is coupled to the drive rod 1046 of the drive shaft 1016 through the first freewheel clutch 1098. The second miter gear 1104 is coupled with the transfer rod 1080 of the transfer shaft 1068 for rotation with the transfer rod 1080, such as by a key 1081. The first miter gear 1102 and the second miter gear 1104 are configured to rotate about the drive-shaft axis 1017. The third miter gear 1106 is coupled with the output shaft 1094, such as with a fastener 1105, and engaged with the first miter gear 1102 and the second miter gear 1104. As such, rotation of any one gear 1102, 1104, 1106 causes rotation of all other gears 1102, 1104, 1106. The third miter gear 1106 rotates about the output axis 1021 which is perpendicular to the drive-shaft axis 1117. The third miter gear 1106 rotates the output shaft 1094 in the same direction whether the miter gear 1106 is being driven by the first miter gear 1102 or the second miter gear 1104.

[0120] Each of the freewheel clutches 1098, 1099, 1100 have an engaged (driving) direction, where torque is transmitted between inner and outer portions of the clutch such that they rotate together in the engaged direction, and an opposite disengaged (spinning) direction, where the inner portion of the clutch can rotate independently relative to the outer portion of the clutch in the disengaged direction.The engaged direction of the first freewheel clutch 1098 is counter-clockwise in the orientation of Fig. 33. The engaged direction of the second and third freewheel clutches is clockwise in the orientation of Fig. 33. In some embodiments, the freewheel clutches 1098, 1099, 1100 are sprag clutches. In some embodiments, the first and third freewheel clutches 1098, 1099 are one-way needle bearings, such as those commercially available through McMaster-Carr Supply Company as model 2489K29. An exemplary second freewheel clutch is commercially available from GMN PAUL MULLER INDUSTRIE GMBH & CO. KG as model FP 422 M.

[0121] In the illustrative embodiment, the first freewheel clutch 1098 is configured to transmit rotational energy to the gear set 1096 of the output driver 1020 in response to the drive shaft 1016 being rotated in the first input direction (Fig. 35) and to not transmit rotational energy in response to the drive shaft 1016 being rotated in the second input direction (Fig. 36). The second freewheel clutch 1100 and third freewheel clutch 1099 are configured to transmit rotational energy to the gear set 1096 of the output driver 1020 through the drive gear 1050 and gearbox 1018 in response to the drive shaft 1016 being rotated in the second input direction (Fig. 36) and to not transmit rotational energy in response to the drive shaft 1016 being rotated in the first input direction (Fig. 35).

[0122] The multipurpose kitchen appliance 1010 is operable selectively at least in a first mode and a second mode as suggested in Figs. 35 and 36. The first mode is illustratively the high-speed mode and the second mode is the high-torque mode. In some embodiments, the output shaft 1094 is configured to rotate with a first speed and a first torque in the first (high-speed) mode. In some embodiments, the output shaft 1094 is configured to rotate with a second speed and a second torque in the second (high-torque) mode.

[0123] In the first mode, the input driver 1014 rotates the drive shaft 1016 in the first input direction as suggested in Fig. 35. The motor shaft 1034 rotates the motor gear 1036 which transmits the rotational energy through the belt 1052 and driven gear 1048 to the drive rod 1046. The drive shaft 1016 transmits therotational energy through the first freewheel clutch 1098 to the third miter gear 1106 via the first miter gear 1102 of the gear set 1096 to cause the output shaft 1094 to rotate in the output direction with a first output speed and a first output torque. At the same time, the second freewheel clutch 1100 allows the second miter gear 1104 and connected transfer rod 80 to rotate relative to the transfer gear 1082 such that torque is not transmitted through the gearbox 1018.

[0124] In the second mode, the input driver 1014 rotates the drive shaft 1016 in the second input direction opposite the first input direction as suggested in Fig. 36. The motor shaft 1034 rotates the motor gear 1036 which transmits the rotational energy through the belt 1052 and driven gear 1048 to the drive rod 1046. The drive shaft 1016 transfers rotational energy to the gearbox 1018 via the third freewheel clutch 1099, drive gear 1050, and input gear 1072. The input gear 1072 transmits the rotational energy through input shaft 1062 to the transmission 1066, which transmits the rotational energy to the output shaft 1064 and transfer gear 1082. The second freewheel clutch 1100 transmits the rotational energy through the transfer rod 1080 to the connected second miter gear 1104 to cause the output shaft 1094 to rotate in the output direction via the third miter gear 1106 at a second output speed and a second output torque. The second output torque is higher than the first output torque. In some embodiments, the second output speed may also be different than the first output speed. At the same time, the first freewheel clutch 1098 allows the first miter gear 1102 to rotate relative to the drive rod 1046 such that torque is not transmitted through the first freewheel clutch 1098 to the first miter gear 1102 in the first input direction.

[0125] A method of operating the multipurpose kitchen appliance 1010 includes a number of steps. The method may include rotating the drive shaft 1016 about the drive-shaft axis 1017 in the first input direction as suggested in Fig. 35. Next, the rotational energy is transmitted from the drive shaft 1016 through the first freewheel clutch 1098 to the output shaft 1094 to cause the output shaft 1094 to rotate about the output axis 1021 with a first output speed and a first output torque.The drive shaft 1016 is rotated about the drive-shaft axis 1017 in the second input direction opposite the first input direction as suggested in Fig. 36. The rotational energy is transmitted from the drive shaft 1016 through the third freewheel clutch 1099, the gearbox 1018, and the second freewheel clutch 1100 to the output shaft 1094 to cause the output shaft 1094 to rotate about the output axis 1021 at a second output speed and a second output torque, with at least the second output torque being different from the first output torque.

[0126] In some embodiments of the method, transmitting the rotational energy from the drive shaft 1016 through the first freewheel clutch 1098 to the output shaft 1094 causes the output shaft 1094 to rotate about the output axis 1021 in the output direction and transmitting the rotational energy from the drive shaft 1016 through the third freewheel clutch 1099, the gearbox 1018, and the second freewheel clutch 1100 to the output shaft 1094 causes the output shaft 1094 to rotate about the output axis 1021 in the same output direction.

[0127] The embodiment(s) detailed hereinabove may be combined in full or in part, with any alternative embodiment(s) described.

[0128] A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” The term “some” refers to one or more. Underlined and / or italicized headings and subheadings are used for convenience only, do not limit the subject technology, and are not referred to in connection with the interpretation of the description of the subject technology. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various configurations described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology.Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

[0129] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any nonclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

[0130] As used in the description, terms such as “up” and “down”, “upper” and “lower”, “inner” and “outer”, “top” and “bottom” as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (for example, “upwardly” or the like), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure and are not intended to be limiting to the scope of the disclosure.

[0131] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.

[0132] The following numbered clauses include embodiments that are contemplated and non-limiting:

[0133] Clause 1 : A multipurpose kitchen appliance comprising: a base having a housing and a drivetrain coupled to the housing; and a plurality of attachment tools, each attachment tool configured to mount on the housing and engage with the drivetrain for rotation of an implement of the attachment tool in response to operation of the drivetrain.

[0134] Clause 2: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of clause 1 , wherein the drivetrain includes an input driver, a gearbox, and a plurality of output drivers coupled to one of the input driver or gearbox and configured to rotate about an axisin response to operation of the input driver, and wherein each attachment tool is configured to engage with one of the plurality of output drivers.

[0135] Clause 3: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of clause 1 or 2, wherein the gearbox includes a casing, a first planetary gear set, and a second planetary gear set, wherein a drive gear is configured for rotation in response to operation of the input driver, wherein the drive gear is further configured to engage with the first planetary gear set and the first planetary gear set is configured to engage with the casing to provide a first gear reduction ratio, and wherein the first planetary gear set is further configured to engage with the second planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set is configured to engage with the casing to provide a second gear reduction ratio.

[0136] Clause 4: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein a first output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a first speed and with a first torque in response to operation of the input driver, wherein a second output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a second speed less than the first speed and with a second torque greater than the first torque in response to operation of the input driver, and wherein a third output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a third speed less than the second speed and with a third torque greater than the second torque in response to operation of the input driver.

[0137] Clause 5: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of output drivers includes a first output driver, a second output driver, and a third output driver, wherein the first output driver is coupled to a shaft of the input driver to rotate with the shaft, wherein the second output driver is coupled to the first planetary gear set and the first planetary gear set is configured to drive rotation of the second output driver at the first gear reduction ratio, and wherein the third output driver is coupled to the second planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set is configured to drive rotationof the third output driver at a total gear reduction ratio of the first gear reduction ratio compounded by the second gear reduction ratio.

[0138] Clause 6: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the first output driver includes a first annular wall extending around a first opening through the first output carrier and a first set of spline teeth extending radially inward from the first annular wall and configured to engage with a first attachment tool of the plurality of attachment tools to drive rotation of a first implement of the first attachment tool in response to operation of the input driver.

[0139] Clause 7: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the second output driver includes a second annular wall extending around a second opening through the second output carrier and a second set of spline teeth extending radially outward from the second annular wall and configured to engage with a second attachment tool of the plurality of attachment tools to drive rotation of a second implement of the second attachment tool in response to operation of the input driver.

[0140] Clause 8: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the third output driver includes a third annular wall extending around a third opening through the third output carrier and a third set of spline teeth extending radially inward from the third annular wall and configured to engage with a third attachment tool of the plurality of attachment tools to drive rotation of a third implement of the third attachment tool in response to operation of the input driver.

[0141] Clause 9: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the first planetary gear set includes a first lower carrier, a first upper carrier, and a first plurality of planet gears arranged between the first lower and first upper carriers and engaged with the drive gear and the casing, wherein the first plurality of planet gears are coupled to the first lower and first upper carriers to rotate with the first lower and first upper carriers about the axis and configured to rotate relative to the first lower and first upper carriers in response to operation of the input driver.

[0142] Clause 10: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the second planetary gear set includes a second lower carrier, a second upper carrier, and a second plurality of planet gears arranged between the second lower and second upper carriers and engaged with the first planetary gear set and the casing, wherein the second plurality of planet gears are coupled to the second lower and second upper carriers to rotate with the second lower and second upper carriers about the axis and configured to rotate relative to the second lower and second upper carriers in response to operation of the input driver.

[0143] Clause 11 : The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the second plurality of planet gears of the second planetary gear set are engaged with a sun gear extending from the first upper carrier of the first planetary gear set.

[0144] Clause 12: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the second output driver is coupled to the sun gear for rotation with the sun gear.

[0145] Clause 13: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the third output driver is coupled to the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set for rotation with the second upper carrier.

[0146] Clause 14: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the casing of the gearbox includes an inner casing section and an outer casing section, wherein the inner casing section is coupled to the outer casing section and blocked from rotation relative to the outer casing section about the axis, wherein the inner casing section defines a first ring gear engaged with the first planetary gear set, and wherein the outer casing section defines a second ring gear engaged with the second planetary gear set.

[0147] Clause 15: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, further comprising a bearing engaged with the second output driver and the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set.

[0148] Clause 16: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, further comprising a bearing engaged with the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set and the casing.

[0149] Clause 17: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the housing includes an upper enclosure and a lower enclosure coupled to the upper enclosure, and wherein the drivetrain is suspended from the upper enclosure between the upper and lower enclosures within the housing.

[0150] Clause 18: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein posts extend from the upper enclosure toward the lower enclosure, and wherein the drivetrain is coupled to the posts.

[0151] Clause 19: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, further comprising a cooling fan coupled to the lower enclosure and configured to drive airflow across the input driver.

[0152] Clause 20: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein a platform of the housing includes a first catch configured to engage with at least one attachment tool of the plurality of attachment tools to hold the at least one attachment tool on the base, and a second catch configured to engage with at least one other attachment tool of the plurality of attachment tools to hold the at least one other attachment tool on the base, wherein the first and second catches are arranged concentric with an opening through the platform, and wherein the plurality of output drivers are arranged concentric with the opening.

[0153] Clause 21 : The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the first catch includes a first plurality of slots configured to engage with a first plurality of tabs of the at least one attachment tool with rotation of the at least one attachment tool relative to the base to hold the at least one attachment tool on the base, and wherein the second catch includes a second plurality of slots configured to engage with a second plurality of tabs of the at least one other attachment tool with rotation of the at least one other attachment tool relative to the base to hold the at least one other attachment tool on the base.

[0154] Clause 22: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one attachment tool is a blender attachment tool including a container and a coupler attached to the container, wherein the coupler includes an annular ring wall coupled to the container and an annular cover coupled to the ring wall, wherein the first plurality of tabs extend radially inward from the ring wall, and wherein the cover extends along an exterior of the ring wall and over upper and lower rims of the ring wall to fix the cover on the ring wall.

[0155] Clause 23: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one other attachment tool is a food processor attachment tool including a container and a coupler attached to the container, wherein the coupler includes an annular ring wall coupled to the container and an annular cover coupled to the ring wall, wherein the second plurality of tabs extend radially inward from the ring wall, and wherein the cover extends along an exterior of the ring wall and over upper and lower rims of the ring wall to fix the cover on the ring wall.

[0156] Clause 24: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one other attachment tool is a mixer attachment tool including a container and a coupler attached to the container, wherein the coupler includes a hub coupled to the container, an annular member, and an annular cover coupled to the member, wherein the second plurality of tabs extend radially inward from the hub, wherein the cover extends along an exterior of the member and over upper and lower rims of the member to fix the cover on the member, and wherein portions of the member and cover are arranged between portions of the hub and the container to hold the member and cover on the container.

[0157] Clause 25: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one other attachment tool is a mixer attachment tool including a container, a hub, a sleeve, and a disk, wherein a tubular pillar of the hub extends into the container, wherein the sleeve extends around the pillar, andwherein portions of the container and the hub are clamped between portions of the sleeve and the disk to hold the hub on the container.

[0158] Clause 26: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the housing defines a deck surrounding the platform and a rim surrounding the deck, wherein the deck is configured to collect liquid for drainage through the drain port.

[0159] Clause 27: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein an upper drain spout section extends from the upper enclosure into a lower drain spout section extending from the lower enclosure, wherein the drain port is configured to pass liquid from the deck to the upper drain spout section, and wherein the upper and lower drain spout sections are configured to pass the liquid out of the housing.

[0160] Clause 28: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, further comprising a drain collar coupled to the drivetrain and configured to collect liquid passing through the opening of the platform for drainage through a drain port.

[0161] Clause 29: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein a drain spout extends from the lower enclosure toward the drain collar, wherein the drain port is configured to pass liquid from the drain collar to the drain spout, and wherein the drain spout is configured to pass the liquid out of the housing.

[0162] Clause 30: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, further comprising a plurality of sensors coupled to the housing, wherein a first tag is coupled to a first attachment tool of the plurality of attachment tools and a second tag is coupled to a second attachment tool of the plurality of attachment tools, wherein the first tag is arranged adjacent to the first sensor with the first attachment tool mounted on the base and the first sensor is configured to sense a presence of the first tag to provide a first signal indicating that the first attachment tool is mounted on the base, and wherein the second tag is arranged adjacent tothe second sensor with the second attachment tool mounted on the base and the second sensor is configured to sense a presence of the second tag to provide a second signal indicating that the second attachment tool is mounted on the base.

[0163] Clause 31 : The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, further comprising a detector coupled to the housing, wherein the detector is configured to engage at least one of the attachment tools with the attachment tool mounted to the base and provide a signal indicating a secure connection of the attachment tool to the base.

[0164] Clause 32: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the detector includes a frame coupled to the housing, a plunger, and a switch coupled to the frame, wherein the plunger is configured to move relative to the frame between a raised position and a lowered position, and wherein the plunger is configured to move from the raised position to the lowered position in response to engagement by one of the attachment tools and engage the switch to provide the signal indicating a secure connection of the attachment tool to the base.

[0165] Clause 33: A base for a multipurpose kitchen appliance, the base comprising: a housing and a drivetrain coupled to the housing, wherein the housing is configured to support, respectively, a first attachment tool for operation by the drivetrain in a first mode, a second attachment tool for operation by the drivetrain in a second mode, and a third attachment tool for operation by the drivetrain in a third mode.

[0166] Clause 34: The base of clause 33, wherein the drivetrain includes an input driver, a gearbox, and a plurality of output drivers coupled to one of the input driver or gearbox and configured to rotate about an axis in response to operation of the input driver, wherein a first output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to engage with the first attachment tool to drive the first attachment tool in the first mode in response to operation of the input driver, wherein a second output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to engage with thesecond attachment tool to drive the second attachment tool in the second mode in response to operation of the input driver, and wherein a third output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to engage with the third attachment tool to drive the third attachment tool in the third mode in response to operation of the input driver.

[0167] Clause 35: The base of clause 33 or 34, wherein the gearbox includes a casing, a first planetary gear set, and a second planetary gear set, wherein a drive gear is configured for rotation in response to operation of the input driver, wherein the drive gear is further configured to engage with the first planetary gear set and the first planetary gear set is configured to engage with the casing to provide a first gear reduction ratio, and wherein the first planetary gear set is further configured to engage with the second planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set is configured to engage with the casing to provide a second gear reduction ratio.

[0168] Clause 36: The base of any of clauses 33-35, wherein the first output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a first speed and with a first torque in response to operation of the input driver, wherein the second output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a second speed less than the first speed and with a second torque greater than the first torque in response to operation of the input driver, and wherein the third output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a third speed less than the second speed and with a third torque greater than the second torque in response to operation of the input driver.

[0169] Clause 37: The base of any of clauses 33-36, wherein the first output driver is coupled to a shaft of the input driver to rotate with the shaft, wherein the second output driver is coupled to the first planetary gear set and the first planetary gear set is configured to drive rotation of the second output driver at the first gear reduction ratio, and wherein the third output driver is coupled to the second planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set is configured to drive rotationof the third output driver at a total gear reduction ratio of the first gear reduction ratio compounded by the second gear reduction ratio.

[0170] Clause 38: The base of any of clauses 33-37, wherein the first output driver includes a first annular wall extending around a first opening through the first output carrier and a first set of spline teeth extending radially inward from the first annular wall and configured to engage with the first attachment tool.

[0171] Clause 39: The base of any of clauses 33-38, wherein the second output driver includes a second annular wall extending around a second opening through the second output carrier and a second set of spline teeth extending radially outward from the second annular wall and configured to engage with the second attachment tool.

[0172] Clause 40: The base of any of clauses 33-39, wherein the third output driver includes a third annular wall extending around a third opening through the third output carrier and a third set of spline teeth extending radially inward from the third annular wall and configured to engage with the third attachment tool.

[0173] Clause 41 : The base of any of clauses 33-40, wherein the first planetary gear set includes a first lower carrier, a first upper carrier, and a first plurality of planet gears arranged between the first lower and first upper carriers and engaged with the drive gear and the casing, wherein the first plurality of planet gears are coupled to the first lower and first upper carriers to rotate with the first lower and first upper carriers about the axis and configured to rotate relative to the first lower and first upper carriers in response to operation of the input driver.

[0174] Clause 42: The base of any of clauses 33-41, wherein the second planetary gear set includes a second lower carrier, a second upper carrier, and a second plurality of planet gears arranged between the second lower and second upper carriers and engaged with the first planetary gear set and the casing, wherein the second plurality of planet gears are coupled to the second lower and second upper carriers to rotate with the second lower and second upper carriersabout the axis and configured to rotate relative to the second lower and second upper carriers in response to operation of the input driver.

[0175] Clause 43: The base of any of clauses 33-42, wherein the second plurality of planet gears of the second planetary gear set are engaged with a sun gear extending from the first upper carrier of the first planetary gear set.

[0176] Clause 44: The base of any of clauses 33-43, wherein the second output driver is coupled to the sun gear for rotation with the sun gear.

[0177] Clause 45: The base of any of clauses 33-44, wherein the third output driver is coupled to the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set for rotation with the second upper carrier.

[0178] Clause 46: The base of any of clauses 33-45, wherein the casing of the gearbox includes an inner casing section and an outer casing section, wherein the inner casing section is coupled to the outer casing section and blocked from rotation relative to the outer casing section about the axis, wherein the inner casing section defines a first ring gear engaged with the first planetary gear set, and wherein the outer casing section defines a second ring gear engaged with the second planetary gear set.

[0179] Clause 47: The base of any of clauses 33-46, further comprising a bearing engaged with the second output driver and the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set.

[0180] Clause 48: The base of any of clauses 33-47, further comprising a bearing engaged with the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set and the casing.

[0181] Clause 49: The base of any of clauses 33-48, wherein the housing includes an upper enclosure and a lower enclosure coupled to the upper enclosure, and wherein the drivetrain is suspended from the upper enclosure between the upper and lower enclosures within the housing.

[0182] Clause 50: The base of any of clauses 33-49, wherein posts extend from the upper enclosure toward the lower enclosure, and wherein the drivetrain is coupled to the posts.

[0183] Clause 51 : The base of any of clauses 33-50, further comprising a cooling fan coupled to the lower enclosure and configured to drive airflow across the input driver.

[0184] Clause 52: The base of any of clauses 33-51 , wherein a platform of the housing includes a first catch configured to engage with the first attachment tool to hold the first attachment tool on the base, and a second catch configured to engage, respectively, with the second attachment tool and the third attachment tool to hold the second attachment tool and the third attachment tool on the base, wherein the first and second catches are arranged concentric with an opening through the platform, and wherein the plurality of output drivers are arranged concentric with the opening.

[0185] Clause 53: The base of any of clauses 33-52, wherein the first catch includes a first plurality of slots configured to engage with a first plurality of tabs of the first attachment tool with rotation of the first attachment tool relative to the base to hold the first attachment tool on the base, and wherein the second catch includes a second plurality of slots configured to engage, respectively, with a second plurality of tabs of the second attachment tool with rotation of the second attachment tool relative to the base and a third plurality of tabs of the third attachment tool with rotation of the third attachment tool relative to the base to hold the second attachment tool and the third attachment tool on the base.

[0186] Clause 54: The base of any of clauses 33-53, wherein the housing defines a deck surrounding the platform and a rim surrounding the deck, wherein the deck is configured to collect liquid for drainage through the drain port.

[0187] Clause 55: The base of any of clauses 33-54, wherein an upper drain spout section extends from the upper enclosure into a lower drain spout section extending from the lower enclosure, wherein the drain port is configured to passliquid from the deck to the upper drain spout section, and wherein the upper and lower drain spout sections are configured to pass the liquid out of the housing.

[0188] Clause 56: The base of any of clauses 33-55, further comprising a drain collar coupled to the drivetrain and configured to collect liquid passing through the opening of the platform for drainage through a drain port.

[0189] Clause 57: The base of any of clauses 33-56, wherein a drain spout extends from the lower enclosure toward the drain collar, wherein the drain port is configured to pass liquid from the drain collar to the drain spout, and wherein the drain spout is configured to pass the liquid out of the housing.

[0190] Clause 58: An attachment tool for a multipurpose kitchen appliance, the attachment tool comprising: a container, an implement configured for rotation relative to the container about an axis, and a coupler attached to the container, wherein the coupler includes an annular ring wall coupled to the container and an annular cover coupled to the ring wall, and wherein the cover extends along an exterior of the ring wall and over upper and lower rims of the ring wall to fix the cover on the ring wall.

[0191] Clause 59: The attachment tool of clause 58, therein a plurality of tabs extend radially inward from the ring wall.

[0192] Clause 60: An attachment tool for a multipurpose kitchen appliance, the attachment tool comprising: a container, an implement configured for rotation relative to the container about an axis, and a coupler attached to the container, wherein the coupler includes a hub coupled to the container, an annular member, and an annular cover coupled to the member, wherein the cover extends along an exterior of the member and over upper and lower rims of the member to fix the cover on the member, and wherein portions of the member and cover are arranged between portions of the hub and the container to hold the member and cover on the container.

[0193] Clause 61 : The attachment tool of clause 60, therein a plurality of tabs extend radially inward from the hub.

[0194] Clause 62: An attachment tool for a multipurpose kitchen appliance, the attachment tool comprising: a container, an implement configured for rotation relative to the container about an axis, a hub, a sleeve, and a disk, wherein a tubular pillar of the hub extends into the container, wherein the sleeve extends around the pillar, and wherein portions of the container and the hub are clamped between portions of the sleeve and the disk to hold the hub on the container.

[0195] Clause 63: A drivetrain for a multipurpose kitchen appliance, the drivetrain comprising: an input driver, a gearbox, and a plurality of output drivers coupled to one of the input driver or gearbox and configured to rotate about an axis in response to operation of the input driver, wherein the gearbox includes a casing, a first planetary gear set, and a second planetary gear set, wherein a drive gear is configured for rotation in response to operation of the input driver, wherein the drive gear is further configured to engage with the first planetary gear set and the first planetary gear set is configured to engage with the casing to provide a first gear reduction ratio, and wherein the first planetary gear set is further configured to engage with the second planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set is configured to engage with the casing to provide a second gear reduction ratio.

[0196] Clause 64: The drivetrain of clause 63, wherein the first output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a first speed and with a first torque in response to operation of the input driver, wherein the second output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a second speed less than the first speed and with a second torque greater than the first torque in response to operation of the input driver, and wherein the third output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a third speed less than the second speed and with a third torque greater than the second torque in response to operation of the input driver.

[0197] Clause 65: The drivetrain of clause 63 or 64, wherein the first output driver is coupled to a shaft of the input driver to rotate with the shaft, wherein the second output driver is coupled to the first planetary gear set and the first planetarygear set is configured to drive rotation of the second output driver at the first gear reduction ratio, and wherein the third output driver is coupled to the second planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set is configured to drive rotation of the third output driver at a total gear reduction ratio of the first gear reduction ratio compounded by the second gear reduction ratio.

[0198] Clause 66: The drivetrain of any of clauses 63-65, wherein the first output driver includes a first annular wall extending around a first opening through the first output carrier and a first set of spline teeth extending radially inward from the first annular wall.

[0199] Clause 67: The drivetrain of any of clauses 63-66, wherein the second output driver includes a second annular wall extending around a second opening through the second output carrier and a second set of spline teeth extending radially outward from the second annular wall.

[0200] Clause 68: The drivetrain of any of clauses 63-67, wherein the third output driver includes a third annular wall extending around a third opening through the third output carrier and a third set of spline teeth extending radially inward from the third annular wall.

[0201] Clause 69: The drivetrain of any of clauses 63-68, wherein the first planetary gear set includes a first lower carrier, a first upper carrier, and a first plurality of planet gears arranged between the first lower and first upper carriers and engaged with the drive gear and the casing, wherein the first plurality of planet gears are coupled to the first lower and first upper carriers to rotate with the first lower and first upper carriers about the axis and configured to rotate relative to the first lower and first upper carriers in response to operation of the input driver.

[0202] Clause 70: The drivetrain of any of clauses 63-69, wherein the second planetary gear set includes a second lower carrier, a second upper carrier, and a second plurality of planet gears arranged between the second lower and second upper carriers and engaged with the first planetary gear set and the casing, wherein the second plurality of planet gears are coupled to the second lower andsecond upper carriers to rotate with the second lower and second upper carriers about the axis and configured to rotate relative to the second lower and second upper carriers in response to operation of the input driver.

[0203] Clause 71 : The drivetrain of any of clauses 63-70, wherein the second plurality of planet gears of the second planetary gear set are engaged with a sun gear extending from the first upper carrier of the first planetary gear set.

[0204] Clause 72: The drivetrain of any of clauses 63-71 , wherein the second output driver is coupled to the sun gear for rotation with the sun gear.

[0205] Clause 73: The drivetrain of any of clauses 63-72, wherein the third output driver is coupled to the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set for rotation with the second upper carrier.

[0206] Clause 74: The drivetrain of any of clauses 63-73, wherein the casing of the gearbox includes an inner casing section and an outer casing section, wherein the inner casing section is coupled to the outer casing section and blocked from rotation relative to the outer casing section about the axis, wherein the inner casing section defines a first ring gear engaged with the first planetary gear set, and wherein the outer casing section defines a second ring gear engaged with the second planetary gear set.

[0207] Clause 75: The drivetrain of any of clauses 63-74, further comprising a bearing engaged with the second output driver and the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set.

[0208] Clause 76: The drivetrain of any of clauses 63-75, further comprising a bearing engaged with the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set and the casing.

[0209] Clause 77: A multipurpose kitchen appliance comprising: an input driver, a drive shaft coupled with the input driver and configured to be driven by the input driver to rotate selectively about a drive-shaft axis in a first input direction or in a second input direction opposite the first input direction, a gearbox coupled with the drive shaft and configured to be driven by the drive shaft in response tothe drive shaft rotating in the second input direction, the gearbox having an input shaft coupled to the drive shaft and configured to be driven by the drive shaft, an output shaft, and a transmission coupled between the input shaft and the output shaft and configured to drive rotation of the output shaft with a torque that is higher than a torque output by the drive shaft, and an output driver configured to drive rotation of an attachment tool that is adapted to couple with the multipurpose kitchen appliance, the output driver including an output shaft adapted to removably couple with and drive the attachment tool and a gear set coupled with the output shaft to drive rotation of the output shaft, wherein the multipurpose kitchen appliance is operable selectively in a first mode and a second mode, wherein, in the first mode, the input driver is configured to rotate the drive shaft in the first input direction to transfer rotational energy from the drive shaft through the gear set to cause the output shaft to rotate in an output direction, and wherein, in the second mode, the input driver is configured to rotate the drive shaft in the second input direction to transfer rotational energy from the drive shaft through the gearbox to the gear set to cause the output shaft to rotate in the output direction.

[0210] Clause 78: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of clause 77, wherein the gear set of the output driver includes a first miter gear coupled with the drive shaft, a second miter gear coupled with the gearbox, and a third miter gear coupled with the output shaft and engaged with the first miter gear and the second miter gear, wherein the drive shaft is configured to drive rotation of the first miter gear in the first input direction with rotation of the drive shaft in the first input direction to drive rotation of the third miter gear in the output direction, and wherein the gearbox is configured to drive rotation of the second miter gear in the second input direction with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction to drive rotation of the third miter gear in the output direction.

[0211] Clause 79: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of clause 77 or 78, wherein the gearbox further includes a transfer shaft coupled to the output shaft and a drive gear coupled to the drive shaft, and wherein the drive gear is arrangedto transfer rotational energy to the input shaft with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction, and wherein the transfer shaft is arranged to transfer rotational energy from the output shaft to the second miter gear with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction.

[0212] Clause 80: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of clauses 77- 79, further comprising a first freewheel clutch coupled with the gear set and the drive shaft and configured to transmit rotational energy from the drive shaft to the gear set in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the first input direction and to not transmit rotational energy to the gear set in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the second input direction, a second freewheel clutch coupled with the gear set and the gearbox and configured to transmit rotational energy from the gearbox to the gear set in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the second input direction and to not transmit rotational energy to the gear set in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the first input direction, and a third freewheel clutch coupled with the drive shaft and the gearbox and configured to transmit rotational energy from the drive shaft to the gearbox in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the second input direction and to not transmit rotational energy to the gearbox in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the first input direction.

[0213] Clause 81 : The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of clauses 77- 80, wherein the first, second, and third freewheel clutches are sprag clutches.

[0214] Clause 82: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of clauses 77- 81 , wherein the gear set of the output driver includes a first miter gear coupled with the first freewheel clutch, a second miter gear coupled with the gearbox, and a third miter gear coupled with the output shaft and engaged with the first miter gear and the second miter gear, wherein the drive shaft is configured to drive rotation of the first miter gear in the first input direction with rotation of the drive shaft in the first input direction to drive rotation of the third miter gear in the output direction, and wherein the gearbox is configured to drive rotation of the second miter gear inthe second input direction with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction to drive rotation of the third miter gear in the output direction.

[0215] Clause 83: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of clauses 77- 82, wherein the gearbox further includes a transfer shaft coupled to the output shaft and a drive gear coupled to the third freewheel clutch, wherein the transfer shaft includes a transfer gear and a transfer rod, wherein the transfer rod is coupled to the second miter gear and to the second freewheel clutch, wherein the transfer gear is coupled to the second freewheel clutch and to the output shaft, and wherein the drive gear is arranged to transfer rotational energy to the input shaft with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction, and wherein the transfer shaft is arranged to transfer rotational energy from the output shaft to the second miter gear with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction.

[0216] Clause 84: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of clauses 77- 83, wherein the drive shaft includes a drive rod and a driven gear coupled to the drive rod and configured to be driven by the input driver, wherein the first freewheel clutch is coupled to the drive rod, and wherein the third freewheel clutch is coupled to the drive rod and spaced apart from the first freewheel clutch.

[0217] Clause 85: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of clauses 77- 84, wherein the input shaft of the gearbox includes an input rod coupled to the transmission and an input gear coupled with the input rod, and wherein the input gear is coupled to the drive gear.

[0218] Clause 86: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of clauses 77- 85, wherein the output shaft of the gearbox includes an output rod coupled to the transmission and an output gear coupled with the output rod, and wherein the output gear is coupled with the transfer gear.

[0219] Clause 87: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of clauses 77- 86, wherein the input driver includes a motor, a motor shaft coupled with the motor, and a motor gear coupled with the motor shaft and configured to drive the driven gear of the drive shaft.

[0220] Clause 88: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of clauses 77-87, further comprising a belt coupled to the motor gear and the driven gear and configured to transfer rotational energy from the motor gear to the driven gear.

[0221] Clause 89: A multipurpose kitchen appliance comprising: a drive shaft configured to be driven to selectively rotate about a drive-shaft axis to provide rotational energy in a first input direction or in a second input direction opposite the first input direction, a gearbox coupled with the drive shaft and configured to be driven by the drive shaft in response to the drive shaft rotating in the second input direction, the gearbox further configured to output rotational energy having a torque that is higher than a torque output by the drive shaft, an output driver including an output shaft and a gear set coupled to the output shaft, the drive shaft, and the gearbox, a first freewheel clutch coupled between the gear set and the drive shaft, a second freewheel clutch coupled between the gearbox and the gear set, and a third freewheel clutch coupled between the drive shaft and the gearbox, wherein the first freewheel clutch is configured to transmit the rotational energy of the drive shaft to the gear set to rotate the output shaft in an output direction in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the first input direction and to not transmit rotational energy to the output shaft in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the second input direction, wherein the second freewheel clutch is configured to transmit rotational energy from the gearbox to the gear set to rotate the output shaft in an output direction in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the second input direction and to not transmit rotational energy to the gear set in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the first input direction, and wherein the third freewheel clutch is configured to transmit rotational energy from the drive shaft to the gearbox in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the second input direction and to not transmit rotational energy to the gearbox in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the first input direction.

[0222] Clause 90: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of clause 89, wherein the first, second, and third freewheel clutches are sprag clutches.

[0223] Clause 91 : The multipurpose kitchen appliance of clause 89 or 90, wherein the gear set of the output driver includes a first miter gear coupled with the first freewheel clutch, a second miter gear coupled with the gearbox, and a third miter gear coupled with the output shaft and engaged with the first miter gear and the second miter gear, wherein the drive shaft is configured to drive rotation of the first miter gear in the first input direction with rotation of the drive shaft in the first input direction to drive rotation of the third miter gear in the output direction, and wherein the gearbox is configured to drive rotation of the second miter gear in the second input direction with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction to drive rotation of the third miter gear in the output direction.

[0224] Clause 92: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of clauses 89- 91 , wherein the gearbox includes a drive gear coupled to the third freewheel clutch, an input shaft coupled to the drive gear, an output shaft, a transmission coupled between the input shaft and the output shaft and configured to drive rotation of the output shaft with a second torque that is higher than the first torque, and a transfer shaft coupled to the output shaft and the gear set, wherein the transfer shaft includes a transfer gear and a transfer rod, wherein the transfer rod is coupled to the second miter gear and to the second freewheel clutch, wherein the transfer gear is coupled to the second freewheel clutch and to the output shaft, and wherein the drive gear is arranged to transfer rotational energy to the input shaft with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction, and wherein the transfer shaft is arranged to transfer rotational energy from the output shaft to the second miter gear with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction.

[0225] Clause 93: The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of clauses 89- 92, wherein the drive shaft includes a drive rod and a driven gear coupled to the drive rod and configured to be driven by the input driver, wherein the first freewheel clutch is coupled to the drive rod, wherein the third freewheel clutch is coupled to the drive rod and spaced apart from the first freewheel clutch, wherein the input shaft of the gearbox includes an input rod coupled to the transmission and an inputgear coupled with the input rod, wherein the input gear is coupled to the drive gear, wherein the output shaft of the gearbox includes an output rod coupled to the transmission and an output gear coupled with the output rod, and wherein the output gear is coupled with the transfer gear.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A multipurpose kitchen appliance comprising:a base having a housing and a drivetrain coupled to the housing; and a plurality of attachment tools, each attachment tool configured to mount on the housing and engage with the drivetrain for rotation of an implement of the attachment tool in response to operation of the drivetrain.

2. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of claim 1 , wherein the drivetrain includes an input driver, a gearbox, and a plurality of output drivers coupled to one of the input driver or gearbox and configured to rotate about an axis in response to operation of the input driver, and wherein each attachment tool is configured to engage with one of the plurality of output drivers.

3. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of claim 1 or 2, wherein the gearbox includes a casing, a first planetary gear set, and a second planetary gear set, wherein a drive gear is configured for rotation in response to operation of the input driver, wherein the drive gear is further configured to engage with the first planetary gear set and the first planetary gear set is configured to engage with the casing to provide a first gear reduction ratio, and wherein the first planetary gear set is further configured to engage with the second planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set is configured to engage with the casing to provide a second gear reduction ratio.

4. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein a first output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a first speed and with a first torque in response to operation of the input driver, wherein a second output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a second speed less than the first speed and with a second torque greater than the first torque in response to operation of the input driver, and wherein a third output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a third speed lessthan the second speed and with a third torque greater than the second torque in response to operation of the input driver.

5. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of output drivers includes a first output driver, a second output driver, and a third output driver, wherein the first output driver is coupled to a shaft of the input driver to rotate with the shaft, wherein the second output driver is coupled to the first planetary gear set and the first planetary gear set is configured to drive rotation of the second output driver at the first gear reduction ratio, and wherein the third output driver is coupled to the second planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set is configured to drive rotation of the third output driver at a total gear reduction ratio of the first gear reduction ratio compounded by the second gear reduction ratio.

6. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the first output driver includes a first annular wall extending around a first opening through the first output carrier and a first set of spline teeth extending radially inward from the first annular wall and configured to engage with a first attachment tool of the plurality of attachment tools to drive rotation of a first implement of the first attachment tool in response to operation of the input driver.

7. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the second output driver includes a second annular wall extending around a second opening through the second output carrier and a second set of spline teeth extending radially outward from the second annular wall and configured to engage with a second attachment tool of the plurality of attachment tools to drive rotation of a second implement of the second attachment tool in response to operation of the input driver.

8. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the third output driver includes a third annular wall extending around a third opening through the third output carrier and a third set of spline teeth extending radially inward from the third annular wall and configured to engage with a thirdattachment tool of the plurality of attachment tools to drive rotation of a third implement of the third attachment tool in response to operation of the input driver.

9. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the first planetary gear set includes a first lower carrier, a first upper carrier, and a first plurality of planet gears arranged between the first lower and first upper carriers and engaged with the drive gear and the casing, wherein the first plurality of planet gears are coupled to the first lower and first upper carriers to rotate with the first lower and first upper carriers about the axis and configured to rotate relative to the first lower and first upper carriers in response to operation of the input driver.

10. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the second planetary gear set includes a second lower carrier, a second upper carrier, and a second plurality of planet gears arranged between the second lower and second upper carriers and engaged with the first planetary gear set and the casing, wherein the second plurality of planet gears are coupled to the second lower and second upper carriers to rotate with the second lower and second upper carriers about the axis and configured to rotate relative to the second lower and second upper carriers in response to operation of the input driver.

11. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the second plurality of planet gears of the second planetary gear set are engaged with a sun gear extending from the first upper carrier of the first planetary gear set.

12. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the second output driver is coupled to the sun gear for rotation with the sun gear.

13. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the third output driver is coupled to the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set for rotation with the second upper carrier.

14. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the casing of the gearbox includes an inner casing section and an outer casing section, wherein the inner casing section is coupled to the outer casing sectionand blocked from rotation relative to the outer casing section about the axis, wherein the inner casing section defines a first ring gear engaged with the first planetary gear set, and wherein the outer casing section defines a second ring gear engaged with the second planetary gear set.

15. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, further comprising a bearing engaged with the second output driver and the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set.

16. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, further comprising a bearing engaged with the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set and the casing.

17. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the housing includes an upper enclosure and a lower enclosure coupled to the upper enclosure, and wherein the drivetrain is suspended from the upper enclosure between the upper and lower enclosures within the housing.

18. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein posts extend from the upper enclosure toward the lower enclosure, and wherein the drivetrain is coupled to the posts.

19. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, further comprising a cooling fan coupled to the lower enclosure and configured to drive airflow across the input driver.

20. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein a platform of the housing includes a first catch configured to engage with at least one attachment tool of the plurality of attachment tools to hold the at least one attachment tool on the base, and a second catch configured to engage with at least one other attachment tool of the plurality of attachment tools to hold the at least one other attachment tool on the base, wherein the first and second catches are arranged concentric with an opening through the platform, and wherein the plurality of output drivers are arranged concentric with the opening.

21. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the first catch includes a first plurality of slots configured to engage with a first plurality of tabs of the at least one attachment tool with rotation of the at least one attachment tool relative to the base to hold the at least one attachment tool on the base, and wherein the second catch includes a second plurality of slots configured to engage with a second plurality of tabs of the at least one other attachment tool with rotation of the at least one other attachment tool relative to the base to hold the at least one other attachment tool on the base.

22. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one attachment tool is a blender attachment tool including a container and a coupler attached to the container, wherein the coupler includes an annular ring wall coupled to the container and an annular cover coupled to the ring wall, wherein the first plurality of tabs extend radially inward from the ring wall, and wherein the cover extends along an exterior of the ring wall and over upper and lower rims of the ring wall to fix the cover on the ring wall.

23. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one other attachment tool is a food processor attachment tool including a container and a coupler attached to the container, wherein the coupler includes an annular ring wall coupled to the container and an annular cover coupled to the ring wall, wherein the second plurality of tabs extend radially inward from the ring wall, and wherein the cover extends along an exterior of the ring wall and over upper and lower rims of the ring wall to fix the cover on the ring wall.

24. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one other attachment tool is a mixer attachment tool including a container and a coupler attached to the container, wherein the coupler includes a hub coupled to the container, an annular member, and an annular cover coupled to the member, wherein the second plurality of tabs extend radially inward from the hub, wherein the cover extends along an exterior of the member and over upper and lower rims of the member to fix the cover on the member, and wherein portionsof the member and cover are arranged between portions of the hub and the container to hold the member and cover on the container.

25. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one other attachment tool is a mixer attachment tool including a container, a hub, a sleeve, and a disk, wherein a tubular pillar of the hub extends into the container, wherein the sleeve extends around the pillar, and wherein portions of the container and the hub are clamped between portions of the sleeve and the disk to hold the hub on the container.

26. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the housing defines a deck surrounding the platform and a rim surrounding the deck, wherein the deck is configured to collect liquid for drainage through the drain port.

27. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein an upper drain spout section extends from the upper enclosure into a lower drain spout section extending from the lower enclosure, wherein the drain port is configured to pass liquid from the deck to the upper drain spout section, and wherein the upper and lower drain spout sections are configured to pass the liquid out of the housing.

28. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, further comprising a drain collar coupled to the drivetrain and configured to collect liquid passing through the opening of the platform for drainage through a drain port.

29. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein a drain spout extends from the lower enclosure toward the drain collar, wherein the drain port is configured to pass liquid from the drain collar to the drain spout, and wherein the drain spout is configured to pass the liquid out of the housing.

30. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of sensors coupled to the housing, wherein a first tag is coupled to a first attachment tool of the plurality of attachment tools and a second tag is coupled to a second attachment tool of the plurality of attachment tools,wherein the first tag is arranged adjacent to the first sensor with the first attachment tool mounted on the base and the first sensor is configured to sense a presence of the first tag to provide a first signal indicating that the first attachment tool is mounted on the base, and wherein the second tag is arranged adjacent to the second sensor with the second attachment tool mounted on the base and the second sensor is configured to sense a presence of the second tag to provide a second signal indicating that the second attachment tool is mounted on the base.

31. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, further comprising a detector coupled to the housing, wherein the detector is configured to engage at least one of the attachment tools with the attachment tool mounted to the base and provide a signal indicating a secure connection of the attachment tool to the base.

32. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the detector includes a frame coupled to the housing, a plunger, and a switch coupled to the frame, wherein the plunger is configured to move relative to the frame between a raised position and a lowered position, and wherein the plunger is configured to move from the raised position to the lowered position in response to engagement by one of the attachment tools and engage the switch to provide the signal indicating a secure connection of the attachment tool to the base.

33. A base for a multipurpose kitchen appliance, the base comprising: a housing; anda drivetrain coupled to the housing,wherein the housing is configured to support, respectively, a first attachment tool for operation by the drivetrain in a first mode, a second attachment tool for operation by the drivetrain in a second mode, and a third attachment tool for operation by the drivetrain in a third mode.

34. The base of claim 33, wherein the drivetrain includes an input driver, a gearbox, and a plurality of output drivers coupled to one of the input driver or gearbox and configured to rotate about an axis in response to operation of theinput driver, wherein a first output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to engage with the first attachment tool to drive the first attachment tool in the first mode in response to operation of the input driver, wherein a second output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to engage with the second attachment tool to drive the second attachment tool in the second mode in response to operation of the input driver, and wherein a third output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to engage with the third attachment tool to drive the third attachment tool in the third mode in response to operation of the input driver.

35. The base of claim 33 or 34, wherein the gearbox includes a casing, a first planetary gear set, and a second planetary gear set, wherein a drive gear is configured for rotation in response to operation of the input driver, wherein the drive gear is further configured to engage with the first planetary gear set and the first planetary gear set is configured to engage with the casing to provide a first gear reduction ratio, and wherein the first planetary gear set is further configured to engage with the second planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set is configured to engage with the casing to provide a second gear reduction ratio.

36. The base of any of claims 33-35, wherein the first output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a first speed and with a first torque in response to operation of the input driver, wherein the second output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a second speed less than the first speed and with a second torque greater than the first torque in response to operation of the input driver, and wherein the third output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a third speed less than the second speed and with a third torque greater than the second torque in response to operation of the input driver.

37. The base of any of claims 33-36, wherein the first output driver is coupled to a shaft of the input driver to rotate with the shaft, wherein the second output driver is coupled to the first planetary gear set and the first planetary gearset is configured to drive rotation of the second output driver at the first gear reduction ratio, and wherein the third output driver is coupled to the second planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set is configured to drive rotation of the third output driver at a total gear reduction ratio of the first gear reduction ratio compounded by the second gear reduction ratio.

38. The base of any of claims 33-37, wherein the first output driver includes a first annular wall extending around a first opening through the first output carrier and a first set of spline teeth extending radially inward from the first annular wall and configured to engage with the first attachment tool.

39. The base of any of claims 33-38, wherein the second output driver includes a second annular wall extending around a second opening through the second output carrier and a second set of spline teeth extending radially outward from the second annular wall and configured to engage with the second attachment tool.

40. The base of any of claims 33-39, wherein the third output driver includes a third annular wall extending around a third opening through the third output carrier and a third set of spline teeth extending radially inward from the third annular wall and configured to engage with the third attachment tool.

41. The base of any of claims 33-40, wherein the first planetary gear set includes a first lower carrier, a first upper carrier, and a first plurality of planet gears arranged between the first lower and first upper carriers and engaged with the drive gear and the casing, wherein the first plurality of planet gears are coupled to the first lower and first upper carriers to rotate with the first lower and first upper carriers about the axis and configured to rotate relative to the first lower and first upper carriers in response to operation of the input driver.

42. The base of any of claims 33-41 , wherein the second planetary gear set includes a second lower carrier, a second upper carrier, and a second plurality of planet gears arranged between the second lower and second upper carriers and engaged with the first planetary gear set and the casing, wherein the secondplurality of planet gears are coupled to the second lower and second upper carriers to rotate with the second lower and second upper carriers about the axis and configured to rotate relative to the second lower and second upper carriers in response to operation of the input driver.

43. The base of any of claims 33-42, wherein the second plurality of planet gears of the second planetary gear set are engaged with a sun gear extending from the first upper carrier of the first planetary gear set.

44. The base of any of claims 33-43, wherein the second output driver is coupled to the sun gear for rotation with the sun gear.

45. The base of any of claims 33-44, wherein the third output driver is coupled to the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set for rotation with the second upper carrier.

46. The base of any of claims 33-45, wherein the casing of the gearbox includes an inner casing section and an outer casing section, wherein the inner casing section is coupled to the outer casing section and blocked from rotation relative to the outer casing section about the axis, wherein the inner casing section defines a first ring gear engaged with the first planetary gear set, and wherein the outer casing section defines a second ring gear engaged with the second planetary gear set.

47. The base of any of claims 33-46, further comprising a bearing engaged with the second output driver and the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set.

48. The base of any of claims 33-47, further comprising a bearing engaged with the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set and the casing.

49. The base of any of claims 33-48, wherein the housing includes an upper enclosure and a lower enclosure coupled to the upper enclosure, and wherein the drivetrain is suspended from the upper enclosure between the upper and lower enclosures within the housing.

50. The base of any of claims 33-49, wherein posts extend from the upper enclosure toward the lower enclosure, and wherein the drivetrain is coupled to the posts.

51. The base of any of claims 33-50, further comprising a cooling fan coupled to the lower enclosure and configured to drive airflow across the input driver.

52. The base of any of claims 33-51, wherein a platform of the housing includes a first catch configured to engage with the first attachment tool to hold the first attachment tool on the base, and a second catch configured to engage, respectively, with the second attachment tool and the third attachment tool to hold the second attachment tool and the third attachment tool on the base, wherein the first and second catches are arranged concentric with an opening through the platform, and wherein the plurality of output drivers are arranged concentric with the opening.

53. The base of any of claims 33-52, wherein the first catch includes a first plurality of slots configured to engage with a first plurality of tabs of the first attachment tool with rotation of the first attachment tool relative to the base to hold the first attachment tool on the base, and wherein the second catch includes a second plurality of slots configured to engage, respectively, with a second plurality of tabs of the second attachment tool with rotation of the second attachment tool relative to the base and a third plurality of tabs of the third attachment tool with rotation of the third attachment tool relative to the base to hold the second attachment tool and the third attachment tool on the base.

54. The base of any of claims 33-53, wherein the housing defines a deck surrounding the platform and a rim surrounding the deck, wherein the deck is configured to collect liquid for drainage through the drain port.

55. The base of any of claims 33-54, wherein an upper drain spout section extends from the upper enclosure into a lower drain spout section extending from the lower enclosure, wherein the drain port is configured to passliquid from the deck to the upper drain spout section, and wherein the upper and lower drain spout sections are configured to pass the liquid out of the housing.

56. The base of any of claims 33-55, further comprising a drain collar coupled to the drivetrain and configured to collect liquid passing through the opening of the platform for drainage through a drain port.

57. The base of any of claims 33-56, wherein a drain spout extends from the lower enclosure toward the drain collar, wherein the drain port is configured to pass liquid from the drain collar to the drain spout, and wherein the drain spout is configured to pass the liquid out of the housing.

58. An attachment tool for a multipurpose kitchen appliance, the attachment tool comprising:a container;an implement configured for rotation relative to the container about an axis; anda coupler attached to the container,wherein the coupler includes an annular ring wall coupled to the container and an annular cover coupled to the ring wall, and wherein the cover extends along an exterior of the ring wall and over upper and lower rims of the ring wall to fix the cover on the ring wall.

59. The attachment tool of claim 58, therein a plurality of tabs extend radially inward from the ring wall.

60. An attachment tool for a multipurpose kitchen appliance, the attachment tool comprising:a container;an implement configured for rotation relative to the container about an axis; anda coupler attached to the container,wherein the coupler includes a hub coupled to the container, an annular member, and an annular cover coupled to the member, wherein the cover extendsalong an exterior of the member and over upper and lower rims of the member to fix the cover on the member, and wherein portions of the member and cover are arranged between portions of the hub and the container to hold the member and cover on the container.

61. The attachment tool of claim 60, therein a plurality of tabs extend radially inward from the hub.

62. An attachment tool for a multipurpose kitchen appliance, the attachment tool comprising:a container;an implement configured for rotation relative to the container about an axis; a hub;a sleeve; anda disk,wherein a tubular pillar of the hub extends into the container, wherein the sleeve extends around the pillar, and wherein portions of the container and the hub are clamped between portions of the sleeve and the disk to hold the hub on the container.

63. A drivetrain for a multipurpose kitchen appliance, the drivetrain comprising:an input driver;a gearbox; anda plurality of output drivers coupled to one of the input driver or gearbox and configured to rotate about an axis in response to operation of the input driver, wherein the gearbox includes a casing, a first planetary gear set, and a second planetary gear set, wherein a drive gear is configured for rotation in response to operation of the input driver, wherein the drive gear is further configured to engage with the first planetary gear set and the first planetary gear set is configured to engage with the casing to provide a first gear reduction ratio, and wherein the first planetary gear set is further configured to engage with thesecond planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set is configured to engage with the casing to provide a second gear reduction ratio.

64. The drivetrain of claim 63, wherein the first output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a first speed and with a first torque in response to operation of the input driver, wherein the second output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a second speed less than the first speed and with a second torque greater than the first torque in response to operation of the input driver, and wherein the third output driver of the plurality of output drivers is configured to rotate at a third speed less than the second speed and with a third torque greater than the second torque in response to operation of the input driver.

65. The drivetrain of claim 63 or 64, wherein the first output driver is coupled to a shaft of the input driver to rotate with the shaft, wherein the second output driver is coupled to the first planetary gear set and the first planetary gear set is configured to drive rotation of the second output driver at the first gear reduction ratio, and wherein the third output driver is coupled to the second planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set is configured to drive rotation of the third output driver at a total gear reduction ratio of the first gear reduction ratio compounded by the second gear reduction ratio.

66. The drivetrain of any of claims 63-65, wherein the first output driver includes a first annular wall extending around a first opening through the first output carrier and a first set of spline teeth extending radially inward from the first annular wall.

67. The drivetrain of any of claims 63-66, wherein the second output driver includes a second annular wall extending around a second opening through the second output carrier and a second set of spline teeth extending radially outward from the second annular wall.

68. The drivetrain of any of claims 63-67, wherein the third output driver includes a third annular wall extending around a third opening through the thirdoutput carrier and a third set of spline teeth extending radially inward from the third annular wall.

69. The drivetrain of any of claims 63-68, wherein the first planetary gear set includes a first lower carrier, a first upper carrier, and a first plurality of planet gears arranged between the first lower and first upper carriers and engaged with the drive gear and the casing, wherein the first plurality of planet gears are coupled to the first lower and first upper carriers to rotate with the first lower and first upper carriers about the axis and configured to rotate relative to the first lower and first upper carriers in response to operation of the input driver.

70. The drivetrain of any of claims 63-69, wherein the second planetary gear set includes a second lower carrier, a second upper carrier, and a second plurality of planet gears arranged between the second lower and second upper carriers and engaged with the first planetary gear set and the casing, wherein the second plurality of planet gears are coupled to the second lower and second upper carriers to rotate with the second lower and second upper carriers about the axis and configured to rotate relative to the second lower and second upper carriers in response to operation of the input driver.

71. The drivetrain of any of claims 63-70, wherein the second plurality of planet gears of the second planetary gear set are engaged with a sun gear extending from the first upper carrier of the first planetary gear set.

72. The drivetrain of any of claims 63-71 , wherein the second output driver is coupled to the sun gear for rotation with the sun gear.

73. The drivetrain of any of claims 63-72, wherein the third output driver is coupled to the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set for rotation with the second upper carrier.

74. The drivetrain of any of claims 63-73, wherein the casing of the gearbox includes an inner casing section and an outer casing section, wherein the inner casing section is coupled to the outer casing section and blocked from rotation relative to the outer casing section about the axis, wherein the inner casingsection defines a first ring gear engaged with the first planetary gear set, and wherein the outer casing section defines a second ring gear engaged with the second planetary gear set.

75. The drivetrain of any of claims 63-74, further comprising a bearing engaged with the second output driver and the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set.

76. The drivetrain of any of claims 63-75, further comprising a bearing engaged with the second upper carrier of the second planetary gear set and the casing.

77. A multipurpose kitchen appliance comprising:an input driver;a drive shaft coupled with the input driver and configured to be driven by the input driver to rotate selectively about a drive-shaft axis in a first input direction or in a second input direction opposite the first input direction;a gearbox coupled with the drive shaft and configured to be driven by the drive shaft in response to the drive shaft rotating in the second input direction, the gearbox having an input shaft coupled to the drive shaft and configured to be driven by the drive shaft, an output shaft, and a transmission coupled between the input shaft and the output shaft and configured to drive rotation of the output shaft with a torque that is higher than a torque output by the drive shaft; andan output driver configured to drive rotation of an attachment tool that is adapted to couple with the multipurpose kitchen appliance, the output driver including an output shaft adapted to removably couple with and drive the attachment tool and a gear set coupled with the output shaft to drive rotation of the output shaft, wherein the multipurpose kitchen appliance is operable selectively in a first mode and a second mode,wherein, in the first mode, the input driver is configured to rotate the drive shaft in the first input direction to transfer rotational energy from the drive shaft through the gear set to cause the output shaft to rotate in an output direction, andwherein, in the second mode, the input driver is configured to rotate the drive shaft in the second input direction to transfer rotational energy from the drive shaft through the gearbox to the gear set to cause the output shaft to rotate in the output direction.

78. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of claim 77, wherein the gear set of the output driver includes a first miter gear coupled with the drive shaft, a second miter gear coupled with the gearbox, and a third miter gear coupled with the output shaft and engaged with the first miter gear and the second miter gear, wherein the drive shaft is configured to drive rotation of the first miter gear in the first input direction with rotation of the drive shaft in the first input direction to drive rotation of the third miter gear in the output direction, and wherein the gearbox is configured to drive rotation of the second miter gear in the second input direction with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction to drive rotation of the third miter gear in the output direction.

79. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of claim 77 or 78, wherein the gearbox further includes a transfer shaft coupled to the output shaft and a drive gear coupled to the drive shaft, and wherein the drive gear is arranged to transfer rotational energy to the input shaft with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction, and wherein the transfer shaft is arranged to transfer rotational energy from the output shaft to the second miter gear with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction.

80. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of claims 77-79, further comprising a first freewheel clutch coupled with the gear set and the drive shaft and configured to transmit rotational energy from the drive shaft to the gear set in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the first input direction and to not transmit rotational energy to the gear set in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the second input direction, a second freewheel clutch coupled with the gear set and the gearbox and configured to transmit rotational energy from the gearbox to the gear set in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the secondinput direction and to not transmit rotational energy to the gear set in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the first input direction, and a third freewheel clutch coupled with the drive shaft and the gearbox and configured to transmit rotational energy from the drive shaft to the gearbox in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the second input direction and to not transmit rotational energy to the gearbox in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the first input direction.

81. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of claims 77-80, wherein the first, second, and third freewheel clutches are sprag clutches.

82. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of claims 77-81 , wherein the gear set of the output driver includes a first miter gear coupled with the first freewheel clutch, a second miter gear coupled with the gearbox, and a third miter gear coupled with the output shaft and engaged with the first miter gear and the second miter gear, wherein the drive shaft is configured to drive rotation of the first miter gear in the first input direction with rotation of the drive shaft in the first input direction to drive rotation of the third miter gear in the output direction, and wherein the gearbox is configured to drive rotation of the second miter gear in the second input direction with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction to drive rotation of the third miter gear in the output direction.

83. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of claims 77-82, wherein the gearbox further includes a transfer shaft coupled to the output shaft and a drive gear coupled to the third freewheel clutch, wherein the transfer shaft includes a transfer gear and a transfer rod, wherein the transfer rod is coupled to the second miter gear and to the second freewheel clutch, wherein the transfer gear is coupled to the second freewheel clutch and to the output shaft, and wherein the drive gear is arranged to transfer rotational energy to the input shaft with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction, and wherein the transfer shaft is arranged to transfer rotational energy from the output shaft to the second miter gear with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction.

84. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of claims 77-83, wherein the drive shaft includes a drive rod and a driven gear coupled to the drive rod and configured to be driven by the input driver, wherein the first freewheel clutch is coupled to the drive rod, and wherein the third freewheel clutch is coupled to the drive rod and spaced apart from the first freewheel clutch.

85. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of claims 77-84, wherein the input shaft of the gearbox includes an input rod coupled to the transmission and an input gear coupled with the input rod, and wherein the input gear is coupled to the drive gear.

86. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of claims 77-85, wherein the output shaft of the gearbox includes an output rod coupled to the transmission and an output gear coupled with the output rod, and wherein the output gear is coupled with the transfer gear.

87. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of claims 77-86, wherein the input driver includes a motor, a motor shaft coupled with the motor, and a motor gear coupled with the motor shaft and configured to drive the driven gear of the drive shaft.

88. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of claims 77-87, further comprising a belt coupled to the motor gear and the driven gear and configured to transfer rotational energy from the motor gear to the driven gear.

89. A multipurpose kitchen appliance comprising:a drive shaft configured to be driven to selectively rotate about a drive-shaft axis to provide rotational energy in a first input direction or in a second input direction opposite the first input direction;a gearbox coupled with the drive shaft and configured to be driven by the drive shaft in response to the drive shaft rotating in the second input direction, the gearbox further configured to output rotational energy having a torque that is higher than a torque output by the drive shaft;an output driver including an output shaft and a gear set coupled to the output shaft, the drive shaft, and the gearbox;a first freewheel clutch coupled between the gear set and the drive shaft; a second freewheel clutch coupled between the gearbox and the gear set; anda third freewheel clutch coupled between the drive shaft and the gearbox, wherein the first freewheel clutch is configured to transmit the rotational energy of the drive shaft to the gear set to rotate the output shaft in an output direction in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the first input direction and to not transmit rotational energy to the output shaft in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the second input direction,wherein the second freewheel clutch is configured to transmit rotational energy from the gearbox to the gear set to rotate the output shaft in an output direction in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the second input direction and to not transmit rotational energy to the gear set in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the first input direction, andwherein the third freewheel clutch is configured to transmit rotational energy from the drive shaft to the gearbox in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the second input direction and to not transmit rotational energy to the gearbox in response to the drive shaft being rotated in the first input direction.

90. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of claim 89, wherein the first, second, and third freewheel clutches are sprag clutches.

91. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of claim 89 or 90, wherein the gear set of the output driver includes a first miter gear coupled with the first freewheel clutch, a second miter gear coupled with the gearbox, and a third miter gear coupled with the output shaft and engaged with the first miter gear and the second miter gear, wherein the drive shaft is configured to drive rotation of the first miter gear in the first input direction with rotation of the drive shaft in the first input direction to drive rotation of the third miter gear in the output direction, and whereinthe gearbox is configured to drive rotation of the second miter gear in the second input direction with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction to drive rotation of the third miter gear in the output direction.

92. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of claims 89-91 , wherein the gearbox includes a drive gear coupled to the third freewheel clutch, an input shaft coupled to the drive gear, an output shaft, a transmission coupled between the input shaft and the output shaft and configured to drive rotation of the output shaft with a second torque that is higher than the first torque, and a transfer shaft coupled to the output shaft and the gear set, wherein the transfer shaft includes a transfer gear and a transfer rod, wherein the transfer rod is coupled to the second miter gear and to the second freewheel clutch, wherein the transfer gear is coupled to the second freewheel clutch and to the output shaft, and wherein the drive gear is arranged to transfer rotational energy to the input shaft with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction, and wherein the transfer shaft is arranged to transfer rotational energy from the output shaft to the second miter gear with rotation of the drive shaft in the second input direction.

93. The multipurpose kitchen appliance of any of claims 89-92, wherein the drive shaft includes a drive rod and a driven gear coupled to the drive rod and configured to be driven by the input driver, wherein the first freewheel clutch is coupled to the drive rod, wherein the third freewheel clutch is coupled to the drive rod and spaced apart from the first freewheel clutch, wherein the input shaft of the gearbox includes an input rod coupled to the transmission and an input gear coupled with the input rod, wherein the input gear is coupled to the drive gear, wherein the output shaft of the gearbox includes an output rod coupled to the transmission and an output gear coupled with the output rod, and wherein the output gear is coupled with the transfer gear.

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