WO2024126314A1

WO2024126314A1 - Drive axle for a food processor, a combination comprising the same and a food processor

Info

Publication number: WO2024126314A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/084995
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel VACHER; John Philip Harding; Sean Sweeney; Daniel LEBSACK; Christoph Eissengarthen
Original assignee: De'longhi Braun Household Gmbh
Priority date: 2022-12-12
Filing date: 2023-12-08
Publication date: 2024-06-20

Abstract

There is provided a drive axle (40) for a food processor (1), wherein the drive axle (40) is removable and is capable of storing, preferably in a storage area, a plurality of processing components (60).

Description

Drive axle for a food processor, a combination comprising the same and a food processor

Field

The present invention relates to a drive axle for a food processor, a combination comprising a drive axle and processing components for a food processor, and a food processor comprising said drive axle or combination.

In particular, the present invention relates to the compact and convenient storage of food processing components with a drive axle for a food processor.

Background

Kitchen appliances for processing food, including blenders, choppers, graters and the like, typically include processing tools that are driven in a rotary fashion about an axle. Processing tools compatible with such appliances often include a variety of processing components comprising sharp apertures on the surfaces that make different components suitable for different processing jobs including cutting, grating, peeling, spiralising, or otherwise processing food.

In kitchen appliances that can be used with a wide variety of tools and processing components (provided with the appliance, or separately obtained), it frequently becomes difficult to store the processing components in a compact and convenient manner within or outside the kitchen appliance.

Some existing appliances have a specific configuration allowing for tool storage within the appliance when the appliance is not in use. However, such a configuration generally requires sorting attachments into a ‘correct’ order to facilitate storage, which can be inconvenient.

Additionally, such a configuration does not allow for storage of temporarily extraneous processing components while the appliance is in use with other components, attachments, and/or tools. This presents a significant problem as the storage capability of the appliance becomes non-existent when the appliance is in use, most often using only a subset of the components, attachments, and/or tools.

One way to solve this problem is the production and provision (together with the appliance, or separately) of a dedicated storage piece for storage of processing attachments and tools separately from the appliance. However, this solution adds to the costs incurred during production of the appliance, in addition to increasing the total number of pieces to be stored by the user when the appliance is not in use.

Presently, there is a need for a method of storage of processing components, attachments, and tools, or any subset thereof, that allows for storage while the processing container of the kitchen appliance is in use or not in use, that does not increase the cost of manufacturing, and does not require the consumer to store any extra accessories.

The present invention aims to provide a solution to these and other storage problems.

Statement of Invention

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are set out in the appended claims. These and other aspects and embodiments of the invention are also described herein.

According to the present invention, there is provided a drive axle for a food processor, wherein the drive axle is removable and capable of storing, preferably in a storage area, a plurality of processing components.

As the drive axle is removable and capable of storing a plurality of processing components, a more versatile storage solution can be afforded. The removable drive axle can provide a convenient and compact storage method for the processing components. By using a component (the drive axle) that is commonly produced with the food processor during manufacturing and provided when sold for the dual purpose of storage and food processing, the consumer may compactly store the processing components provided with, or obtained separately from, the food processor and/or the drive axle.

Herein, and throughout, a “plurality”, relating to the processing components, preferably connotes two or more (for example, three, four, or five) processing components. Preferably, said plurality of processing components is a set. Preferably, the set of processing components is provided in combination with the drive axle. Preferably, the drive axle and set of processing components are provided as a combination with a compatible food processor. Preferably, said set of processing components is complete and constitutes all the processing components complementary with an embodiment of the drive axle(s) provided.

The embodiments of, and variations on, the drive axle and processing components provided herein may be supplied in combination with each other, a subset of said embodiments, and/or a compatible food processor.

Preferably, the storage area is a region of the axle dedicated to storing the plurality of processing components. In providing a dedicated storage area, ideally designed to contain the complete set of processing components, an apparatus to store the plurality of processing components can be provided, where those processing components may not need to be organised or sorted prior to storage. The storage area may be dedicated to the sole purpose of storing the plurality of processing components or may be dedicated to storage in combination with other purposes. Preferably, the storage area includes, at least partially, an area that is dedicated to the sole purpose of storage. Alternatively, the storage area may consist of at least one region dedicated solely to storage as well as at least one region dedicated to both storage and engagement of at least one processing component to be driven. Optionally, at least some regions of the storage area may be dedicated to two or more purposes as well as storage.

Preferably, the storage area spans the majority of the length of the drive axle; thus, the largest possible storage area for processing components can be provided on the drive axle. Optionally, the storage area may span more than or equal to 20%, or 30%, or 40%, or 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, or 95% of the length of the drive axle and/or less than or equal to 100%, or 95%, or 90%, or 80%, or 70%, or 60%, or 50%, or 40%, or 30% of the length of the drive axle.

Preferably, the beginning and/or end of the storage area is located within 10%, or 20%, or 30%, or 40%, or 50% of the length of the drive axle from an end of said drive axle. Optionally, the beginning or end of the storage area may be located at an end of the drive axle; the beginning and end of the storage area may be located at opposite ends of the drive axle. More preferably, the beginning or end of the storage area is located within 10%, or 20%, or 30%, or 40%, or 50% of the length of the drive axle from an end of said drive axle. Most preferably, each end of the storage area is located within 10%, or 20%, or 30%, or 40%, or 50% of the length of the drive axle from the end of the drive axle nearest to itself. Optionally, each end of the storage area may be located within 50%, or 40%, or 30%, or 20%, or 10%, or 5% of the length of the drive axle from the end of the drive axle nearest to itself. The storage area may be located such that the distance of each end of the storage area from the end of the drive axle nearest to itself is the same or different. Again, for versatility of storage, the storage area provided is preferably a region of the drive axle dedicated to storing the plurality of processing components.

Preferably, the drive axle includes means for retaining the plurality of processing components on the axle. Preferably, the retaining means delimits one or both ends of the storage area. Preferably, the retaining means is adapted to prevent the plurality of processing components from moving off one end of the axle. Preferably, the retaining means is adapted to prevent the plurality of processing components from moving off both ends of the axle. Preferably, the retaining means is a formation on the drive axle, or is provided by the profile of the drive axle; the retaining means may be an annular rim, a tapering of the axle, a locking mechanism, or the like. This can allow for secure storage of the processing components on the drive axle. In addition to being a convenient, easy, secure, and versatile method of storage, the retaining means can also make it difficult to drop and/or lose stored processing components. Preferably, the retaining means is also located near to each end of the drive axle, thereby maximising the available storage space. Preferably, the storage area may be delimited by the retaining means in a longitudinal sense (along the axis of the axle), or in a rotary sense (about the axis of the axle), or in both a longitudinal and a rotary sense. Inclusion of such a retaining means can make the drive axle with stored components easier to move and compactly store.

Preferably, the retaining means comprises a locking mechanism. Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a bayonet fitting. Preferably, said bayonet fitting can act co-operatively with formations in an aperture of the processing components. Even more preferably, a processing component attached to the drive axle by said locking mechanism can co-operatively act to retain stored, unattached, processing components in the storage area. The stored processing components can be kept from moving off, or being removed from, one end of the storage area by a processing component attached with a locking mechanism and from moving off, or being removed from, the other end of the storage area by means of a formation such as the annular rim or the tapering of the drive axle. Yet more preferably, the stored processing components can be kept from moving off either end of the storage area, and/or the drive axle, by processing components that may be attached at both ends of the storage area by the locking mechanisms.

In some embodiments, the retaining means includes an annular rim and/or tapering of the drive axle. Alternatively, or additionally, the retaining means comprises one or more locking mechanisms to which a processing component can be reversibly attached. Preferably, an aperture of the processing component comprises formations complementary to said locking mechanism(s). More preferably, the retaining means comprises an annular rim or tapering of the drive axle, and a locking mechanism to reversibly attach a processing component. Yet more preferably, the locking mechanism may allow attachment and detachment of a processing component to the drive axle by hand, without the need of tools, and may not cause damage to the locking mechanism or processing component.

Herein, and throughout, “reversibly attached” preferably connotes that the drive axle can be attached and detached from a processing component repeatedly over the lifetime of the products without significant degradation of the locking mechanism or the processing component(s).

Preferably, the processing components can be added to the storage area from at least one end of the storage area. More preferably, it is possible to add the processing components to the storage area from both ends at the same time. This can allow easy access to the storage area by processing components no matter the type of processing components that are already stored.

Preferably, the storage area further comprises at least one formation for limiting the rotation of stored processing components. Preferably, the profile of the drive axle provides a snug fit with the stored processing components. The rotation of stored processing components that can be limited by the at least one formation is preferably about the longitudinal axis of the drive axle. By limiting the rotational motion of stored components, the processing surfaces of the components may be prevented from excessive collision with each other; thus, degradation of the processing surfaces can be reduced. Similarly, the snug fit between the drive axle and the processing components can act to preserve the condition of the processing surfaces of the components by limiting the motion of the processing components; thus, collisions between the components can also be reduced.

Preferably, the at least one formation to limit the rotation of stored, unattached processing components is included in the storage area. Stored but unattached processing components in the storage area are typically not attached to the drive axle using a locking mechanism. Such processing components may not be held stationary with respect to the drive axle, or each other, while they are stored and therefore may collide with each other or any attached, stored, processing components. Preferably, the formation to limit the rotation of stored, unattached processing components is at least one protruding rib. More preferably, the at least one rib extends the majority of the length of the storage area. The rib may advantageously extend along enough of the storage area that all the stored, unattached processing components engage with said rib(s) and thus can be prevented from a wide range of rotational motion reducing excessive friction between stored components. Preferably, a plurality of such ribs is provided. Preferably, one or more ribs limit the rotational motion of the stored, unattached, processing components and a snug fit exists between the drive axle and the aperture of the stored, unattached components, such that damage due to excessive motion of the processing components during storage is minimised. Preferably, one or more slots and one or more ribs limit the rotational motion of the stored, unattached, processing components. Preferably, one or more slots and a snug fit limit the previously described motion of stored, unattached, processing components. Preferably: one or more ribs; one or more slots; and a snug fit between the drive axle and stored, unattached processing components; or a subset or combination thereof; work co-operatively to limit the previously described motion and subsequent possible degradation of said processing components. Preferably, an area between at least two or more ribs is dedicated solely to storage of processing components. The area dedicated to storage only may or may not be larger than one or more areas or slots between two other ribs.

Preferably, the profiles of the drive axle and processing component apertures are complementary to each other to ensure the aforesaid snug fit, for example each with tapering with around the same angle to the axis of the drive axle (when the processing component is stored). More preferably, when the processing component engages with the drive axle by means requiring protrusions into the apertures of the processing components, for example bayonet fittings, then the profile of the drive axle is broadly parallel to the axis of the drive axle and there is a snug fit between the aperture and axle as described above. Preferably, in the case of processing components where the aperture is not tapered and the drive axle is tapered, the aperture of the processing components has a snug fit with the widest point of the drive axle that still allows for the processing component to be driven at its optimal driving distance from the end of the axle; thus, the movement of the processing component can be limited when stored. Preferably, in the case of the tapered drive axle and the non-tapered processing component central aperture, the processing component further includes a rim around part, or all, of the circumference of the processing component such that the processing surfaces of the components do not collide with each other during storage and degrade, reducing the quality of processing by said components.

Further, to provide a convenient, versatile, and compact storage method for the processing discs, preferably the axle is additionally adapted to drive at least one processing component. Preferably, the axle has a formation to engage the at least one processing component to be driven. Preferably, means for engaging at least one processing component by the drive axle for driving is provided. Preferably, one or more of the aforesaid retaining means can additionally act as such an engaging means. Preferably, the engaging means are sufficient to hold a processing component in a position sufficient for processing. Ideally, the engaging means is located to increase the efficiency of said processing.

Preferably, the engaging means is a formation that is a bayonet fitting. Preferably, the engaging means is one or more bayonet fittings as in the retaining means above. Preferably, the one or more bayonet fittings is located on the drive axle at an optimal working distance for at least one of the processing components provided. Preferably, the optimal working distances of the processing components from the ends of the drive axle coincide with the limits of the storage area and the positions of the retaining means, minimising the total number of locking mechanisms required. Herein, and throughout, the phrase ‘working distance’ preferably connotes a position along the axis the drive axle where a reversibly attached processing component can successfully perform its processing operation when driven by the drive axle. Herein, and throughout, the term ‘optimal’ relating to a position for processing preferably connotes a position that can provide increased efficiency of processing over other positions.

By using the retaining means to engage the processing components to be driven, extra adaptations to the shape of the drive axle can be minimised. This can reduce the number of necessary changes to any of the existing drive axle manufacturing steps and the costs to produce the provided drive axle that can store a plurality of processing components. Similarly, the quantity of material used to form the drive axle may be reduced.

Preferably, the engaging means is a formation that is a slot. Preferably, the slot is provided longitudinally along the axis of the drive axle. More preferably, the slot extends along the storage area. Even more preferably, the slot extends along the majority of the storage area and/or the drive axle. Preferably, said slot is complementary to a subset of the processing components. Preferably, the slot is suitable to engage the processing components to be driven via the drive axle. Preferably, the slot allows a processing component to move freely along the axis of the drive axle before or while both are driven. Preferably, a plurality of such slots is provided, optionally spaced evenly around the axis of the drive axle. Thus, the slot(s) can allow a processing component to access a working distance along the drive axle that is not at an end of the storage area; optionally, the slot may allow for a processing component with a working distance that varies during processing to be driven and that could not be accommodated by locking mechanisms. Preferably, the drive axle and/or the storage area includes the previously described bayonet fittings and slot(s), each of which are suitable for engaging at least one processing component to be driven via the drive axle. Preferably again, the aperture of each processing component is complementary to the locking mechanism, the slot, or both the locking mechanism and the slot. Preferably, the provided slot(s) can also serve to limit the rotation of the stored, unattached, processing components. Preferably, the width and/or profile of the drive axle provides a snug fit with said stored, unattached, processing components thereby preventing excessive wobbling and/or collisions between the stored processing components, and between the stored processing components and the drive axle.

Preferably, the at least one formation to engage the at least one processing component for driving is accessed by the at least one processing component from one end of the drive axle and preferably the storage area is accessed by the at least one processing component from the opposite end of the drive axle. Herein, and throughout, the term ‘accessed by’ relating to a drive axle and one or more processing components preferably connotes the location of a processing component: in the storage area for storing; for engagement of a processing component with a formation to engage it for driving; or for other purposes. If the processing components comprise an aperture for said purpose(s), then the term ‘accessed by’ used with reference to an end of the drive axle preferably identifies the end of the drive axle that is to be inserted through an aperture in the processing component to store, engage, or otherwise use the at least one processing component.

Preferably, the formation that is an engaging means is located in a different, optionally overlapping, area on the axle to another formation that is an engaging means and said formations are different to each other, such that processing components that are complementary to each formation can be distinguished between by the formations and can only be driven by a subset of said formations. Therefore, a versatile storage solution can be provided and ease of use of the drive axle with processing components by a user may be ensured. This may be possible because processing components cannot be driven while located in an ‘incorrect’ or undesirable location on the drive axle.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a combination comprising: a drive axle for a food processor, optionally as aforesaid; and a plurality of processing components.

Preferably, the combination can be moved as a self-contained bundle when the plurality of processing components is stored on the drive axle. This can present a compact and convenient storage solution for the processing components and drive axle. Preferably, each processing component includes an aperture. Preferably, an end of the drive axle can be passed through the aperture of each processing component such that the processing components are located around the storage area. Preferably, the plurality of processing components is a set capable of just fitting within the length of the storage area of the drive axle of the provided combination.

Preferably, the plurality (or set) of stored processing components is sufficient to fill all or substantially all (say at least 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90% of) the space in the designated storage area of the drive axle. More preferably, the plurality of processing components is a complete set of complementary processing components available for use with the drive axle provided. This can allow the combined drive axle and stored processing components to be removed from the complementary food processor, and/or moved, and/or stored separately from said food processor as a self-contained bundle. The ability to thus remove, move, and/or store the combination of an embodiment of the drive axle and the processing components as a self- contained bundle can provide a storage option that is convenient, compact and easy to remove from, and replace into, the food processing container of the food processor before and after use. Such a bundle can make it harder to misplace the processing components and/or the drive axles supplied with a food processor; in addition, the bundle may provide a way to store both the drive axle and processing components when the food processor, or processing container, is otherwise in use - possibly with other tools or components. Other such components may include: embodiments of the drive axle that are the same as or different from each other; and/or the plurality of processing components; and/or other processing tools, for example a cutting blade or the like. Other such uses may include use of the processing container for measuring or temporarily holding an ingredient or other similar tasks.

Preferably, the plurality of components, fitting just within the storage area, constitutes a complete set of processing components. It is to be understood that a storage area of sufficiently close length to that required by the plurality of processing components may be combined with any one or more of the previously mentioned rib(s), slot(s), and snug fit of the drive axle and the aperture of the processing components. By limiting excessive and unnecessary motion of the processing components during storage, degradation of the processing surfaces of the components can be reduced; thus, good processing performance can be maintained. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is possible to design the storage area to be compatible with processing components that have differing means of engaging with the drive axle than as described herein.

Preferably, each processing component comprises at least one protrusion extending into the aperture. These protrusions may engage with the aforementioned means of engagement, or means for limiting rotation.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a food processor including: a drive axle as aforesaid; or a combination as aforesaid.

Preferably, the food processor further comprises a food processing container capable of containing the drive axle and/or the combination. Preferably, the food processor additionally comprises a lid for closing said processing container when containing the drive axle or the combination. This can allow for the compact storage of the processing components and the drive axle of the food processor when it is not in use.

Preferably, the food processor further comprises a drive coupling, wherein the coupling is suitable for driving the drive axle. Preferably, the food processing container additionally comprises means for permitting rotation complementary to an end of the drive axle. The means for permitting rotation may hold the drive axle in one location within the processing container while the drive axle is driven in a rotary fashion by the drive coupling. Preferably, the drive axle is removable from said means for permitting rotation, and the processing container, when the lid is not closing the processing container. Preferably, the opposite end of the drive axle is complementary to a drive coupling in the food processor. Preferably, the drive coupling is located in the lid of the food processor. The drive axle may be driven from the top of the food processor and the means for permitting rotation may be located opposite on the floor of the processing container; however, driving the drive axle from the bottom and locating the means for permitting rotation in the lid is also possible. Preferably, the means for permitting rotation is a shaft-like formation, a bearing, a pin, or the like. Preferably, the means for permitting rotation can be inserted into an aperture or bearing in the bottom (distal) end of the drive axle. Alternatively, the end of the drive axle may be inserted into the means for permitting rotation, for example if the means for permitting rotation is a doughnut-shaped ball bearing or the like.

The drive axle is preferably driven by an electric motor. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the drive axle can alternatively be driven manually, directly or indirectly, by a crank handle or the like. Preferably, the food processor uses an electric motor capable of driving the drive axle and at least one processing component directly or via a drive coupling. Preferably, the electric motor is built into the lid. Preferably, the lid comprises a coupling mechanism to which a motor unit can be connected, such as that of a handheld blender, in order to drive the drive axle and one or more processing components. Optionally, the coupling mechanism for receiving a motor unit drives the drive axle directly. The coupling mechanism may comprise a shaft to be driven by a coupled motor unit, to drive the drive axle via a torque transfer mechanism, such as a gear assembly or the like. Preferably the built-in motor drives the drive axle via a torque transfer mechanism. Preferably, the torque transfer mechanism is a gear assembly contained within the lid.

In the present invention, the drive axle can serve as a storage and organizing means, when the device is not in use. Therefore, no additional component is required to provide a storage solution.

The processing components that are used with aspects of the present invention may be discshaped and referred to as processing discs, or ‘discs’. A drive axle according to an aspect of the present invention may also be known as a ‘carrier axle’. The combination comprising processing components and drive axle may also be referred to as a ‘disc system’ when the processing components designed for use with the drive axle are generally disc-shaped. Preferably, the disc

- io - system consists of a disc carrier axle and a number of processing discs. More preferably, the discs can be attached to the carrier axle via a bayonet lock. For this, the discs may comprise a central hole with a number of protrusions extending into the inside of the hole. The carrier axle may further comprise a matching bayonet geometry on the outer diameter, into which the protrusions can be inserted in an axial motion and locked with a rotational motion. The bayonet geometry can carry and guide the disc during operation. Non-disc shaped tools, also referred to throughout as ‘processing components’, may also be used with the carrier axle in the same way, such as blades, and whipping or stirring tools.

In an aspect of the present invention, the carrier axle may be designed to hold the disc on its upper end. Thus, the disc can be located close to the top of the processing container of a food processor. The discs can be installed from the top end of the carrier axle. Such a carrier axle is preferably used for devices with a focus on slicing, shredding, and grating, where it is advantageous to have the discs close to the upper end of the container, where they can be fed by a feeding tube in the lid of the food processor. In this case, the main bayonet is located on the top end of the carrier axle and discs are connected from the top side, then the storage area may be located underneath the bayonet and equipped from the bottom side. As the discs are placed in the storage area from the bottom side, an additional locking mechanism is needed to keep them in place. This may be achieved by a secondary bayonet lock. After feeding all but one discs onto the storage area, the last disc can be connected to the secondary bayonet with a rotary motion, locking it in place and thereby preventing all other discs from sliding off the storage area. This aspect may also contain a secondary disc attachment position for discs, that need to be located in a lower position within the container during use. For this, the carrier axle may comprise a number of vertical slots formed between some of the vertical ribs, and which are open at the top end. The discs for use in this attachment position preferably comprise a number of elongated ribs or splines in the central hole. A disc can be attached from the top end of the carrier axle by feeding the ribs/splines into the slots; the disc can then slide down until it reaches its end stop, defining the desired working height in the container. The discs from the secondary attachment point can be placed in the storage area in a similar way as described above.

In another aspect of the present invention, the carrier axle may be designed to hold the disc on its lower end. Thus, during use the disc can be located close to the bottom of the processing container. Here the discs can be inserted into and/or engaged with the bayonet from the bottom end of the carrier axle. This kind of carrier axle is preferably used for devices with a focus on whipping, emulsifying, peeling, or rasping, for which the disc needs to be located close to the bottom of the container or a certain processing space is needed above the disc. In this case, when the bayonet is located on the bottom side of the carrier axle and the discs may be connected from the bottom side, then the storage area is preferably located above the main bayonet and equipped from the top side. Thus, the discs to be stored can be placed in the storage area from the top and can remain there by means of gravity due to the profile of the carrier axle; the profile may be tapered (widening towards the bottom of the storage area) or have a formation, such as an annular rim, at the base of the storage area. As in the aforesaid aspect, a processing component may be inserted into a slot on the carrier axle and the width of the aperture of the processing component, or disc, can be such that it defines the location of the stopping point in the slot, when used with a tapered carrier axle that widens towards the bottom of the slot.

One carrier axle could also be equipped with multiple types of processing components, or discs, at the same time.

A complete food processor according to an aspect of the present invention may consist of a processing container, in which the carrier axle can be guided onto a bearing pin, located on the bottom surface of the container. This bearing pin may be made from stainless steel, plastic, or other suitable materials. A processing disc can be installed on the carrier axle as mentioned above. The food processing device may further comprise a lid, which closes the container towards the top. It may also contain a drive coupling, which engages the carrier axle and thereby drives the processing discs. The lid may contain a feeding tube, which can be used to continuously feed food to the discs. However, depending on the purpose of the device and the provided discs, a configuration without feeding tube is also possible. The lid may further comprise a coupling geometry, to which a motor unit can be connected, such as the motor unit of a hand blender. The rotation generated by the motor unit may be transmitted to the drive coupling directly or via a gear system installed in the lid, to reduce the rotation speed of the tools. Alternatively, the electric motor may also be installed in the lid directly.

Preferably, the discs may be stored in a storage area while not in use. Preferably, the storage area can receive the discs by their central hole. The storage area may be located on the opposite side of the bayonet. Both aforesaid aspects may further comprise a number of broadly vertical ribs in the storage area. Those ribs can engage in the area between the protrusions of the discs and can thus prevent unwanted rotation during storage.

Preferably, a carrier axle can carry a stack of all discs that are provided with the food processing device. Preferably, the complete package can be inserted into the container for compact storage and/or can be handled and stored as a bundle, for example when the container is used with a different tool, such as a chopping knife.

Optionally, a plurality of drive axles with different means of engaging subsets of the processing components may be provided with the food processor. In such a scenario, preferably all, or a subset of, the drive axles are suitable for store processing components with any type of engaging means, such that when one or more drive axles are in use for processing, the unnecessary processing components can still be stored by one or more of the other drive axles, in one or more compact and self-contained bundles that can be easily moved and stored. Thus, the consumer may never be required to store loose processing components.

Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure, such as a suitably programmed processor and associated memory.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

The invention extends to methods, system and apparatus substantially as herein described and/or as illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures.

The invention extends to any novel aspects or features described and/or illustrated herein.

In this specification the word 'or' can be interpreted in the exclusive or inclusive sense unless stated otherwise.

Furthermore, features implemented in hardware may generally be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any reference to software and hardware features herein should be construed accordingly.

Whilst the invention has been described in the field of domestic food processing and preparation appliances, it can also be implemented in any field of use where efficient, effective and convenient preparation and/or processing of material is desired, either on an industrial scale and/or in small amounts. The field of use includes the preparation and/or processing of: chemicals; pharmaceuticals; paints; building materials; clothing materials; agricultural and/or veterinary feeds and/or treatments, including fertilisers, grain and other agricultural and/or veterinary products; oils; fuels; dyes; cosmetics; plastics; tars; finishes; waxes; varnishes; beverages; medical and/or biological research materials; solders; alloys; effluent; and/or other substances. Any reference to “food”, “beverage” (or similar language) herein may be replaced by such working mediums.

The invention described here may be used in any appliance, such as a kitchen appliance, and/or as a stand-alone device. This includes any domestic food-processing and/or preparation appliance, including both top-driven appliances (e.g., stand-mixers) and bottom-driven appliances (e.g., food processors). It may be implemented in heated and/or cooled appliances. The invention may also be implemented in both hand-held (e.g., hand blenders) and table-top (e.g., blenders) appliances. It may be used in an appliance that is built-in to a work-top or work surface, or in a stand-alone device. The invention can also be provided as a stand-alone device, whether motor-driven or manually powered.

“Food processing” as described herein should be taken to encompass chopping, whisking, stirring, kneading, mincing, grinding, shaping, shredding, grating, cooking, freezing, making icecream, juicing (centrifugally or with a scroll), or other food-processing activities involving the physical and/or chemical transformation of food and/or beverage material by mechanical, chemical, and/or thermal means. “Food processing attachment” encompasses any attachable component configured, for example on rotation and/or energising, to carry out any of the previously described food processing tasks.

Preferably, the term ‘processing component’ is to be interpreted as equivalent to the term ‘food processing attachment’ of which examples are given above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a view of an exemplary food processor;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the food processor shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a sectional view, through the section K-K shown in Figure 4, of a first embodiment of a drive axle in a first storage configuration with disc-shaped processing components, within a processing container that is closed with a lid;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the same embodiment of the drive axle, and the processing components in Figures 2 and 3 within the processing container closed with the lid, as in Figures 1 and 3;

Figure 5 is a view of the first embodiment of the drive axle shown in Figures 2 to 4;

Figure 6 is a view of processing components compatible with the first embodiment of the drive axle shown in Figures 2 to 5;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of a first storage configuration of the first embodiment of the drive axle and three processing components of the types shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is another view of the first storage configuration shown in Figure 7, including the first embodiment of the drive axle shown in Figure 5, and three stored processing components of the types shown in Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a view of the first embodiment of the drive axle with two stored processing components delimiting a storage area in a second storage configuration;

Figure 10 is another view of the second storage configuration in Figure 9 including the first embodiment of the drive axle, two stored processing components delimiting the storage area and three other stored processing components between the components that delimit the storage area;

Figures 11 are views of a first driving configuration including the first embodiment of the drive axle and one type of processing component;

Figure 12 is a view of a second driving configuration including the first embodiment of the drive axle and another type of processing component;

Figure 13 A is a view of a second embodiment of the drive axle;

Figure 13 B is the same view of the second embodiment of the drive axle, including three section cutting planes L, M, and N;

Figure 13 C is a sectional view, through the section L-L in Figure 13 B, of the second embodiment of the drive axle;

Figure 13 D is another sectional view, through the section M-M in Figure 13 B, of the second embodiment of the drive axle;

Figure 13 E is yet another sectional view, through the section N-N in Figure 13 B, of the second embodiment of the drive axle;

Figure 14 is a view of four types of processing components compatible with the second embodiment of the drive axle;

Figure 15 is an exploded view of a storage configuration including the second embodiment of the drive axle in Figures 13 A and 13 B, and four processing components of the types shown in Figure 14;

Figure 16 is another view of the storage configuration shown in Figure 15 including the same embodiment of the drive axle and four processing components;

Figure 17 is a view of a first driving configuration including the second embodiment of the drive axle shown in Figures 13 A and 13 B, and a processing component shown in Figure 14; and

Figure 18 is a view of a second driving configuration including the second embodiment of the drive axle shown in Figures 13 A and 13 B and two processing components shown in Figure 14.

Detailed Description

The embodiments of a drive axle described herein are designed to be used in combination with a kitchen appliance such as a food processor. Figure 1 shows such an exemplary food processor 1 comprising: a processing container 10; a lid 20; and a motor unit 30 of the type commonly used for handheld blenders. The exemplary food processor further comprises a first embodiment of a drive axle 40 and five planar processing components 60 in a removable storage configuration, as shown in the exploded view of the food processor in Figure 2.

Figure 3 shows a full sectional view K-K of the processing container 10, closed by the lid 20, containing the drive axle 40 and the five processing components 60 in a storage configuration, wherein the top processing component is stored in a region of a storage area 42 (see Figure 5) that is ‘multi-purpose’ in the sense of being useable for both storage and processing and the lower four discs are stored in an area that is dedicated to the sole purpose of storage. Figure 4 shows a plan view of the processing container 10, when closed by the lid 20 and containing the first embodiment of the drive axle 40 and the five processing components 60, in a storage configuration. Both the lid and the processing container are circular in shape when seen in a plan view as shown in Figure 4.

The processing container 10 includes a means for permitting rotation 12 of the drive axle 40, shown in Figure 3. The means for permitting rotation 12 holds the drive axle 40 in place when it is driven by the motor unit, and is a shaft-like formation or bearing that is fixed against rotation with respect to the processing container 10 but can be inserted into an aperture or bearing in the bottom (distal) end of the drive axle 40, as shown in Figure 3, to permit rotation of the drive axle about itself.

The size of the lid 20 corresponds to the size of the processing container 10 such that it closes the processing container with the circumferential surface of the lid 20 in contact with the inner surface of the processing container. The coupling mechanism 22 located on top of the lid can receive the motor unit 30 to drive the drive axle 40 and a processing component 60 in a driving configuration, via a gear assembly 24 and drive coupling 26. The drive coupling 26 is accordingly located opposite the means for permitting rotation 12 when the processing container 10 is closed by the lid 20.

The motor unit 30, shown in Figures 1 and 2, is of the type used in common handheld or ‘stick’ blenders, as will be known to the skilled person. The motor unit includes an electrical cable 32 and a power button 34 and is adapted to engage with a coupling mechanism 22 on the top of the lid 20 of the food processor. The top of the lid 20 is the outer surface when the lid closes the processing container 10, as shown in Figures 1 , 3, and 4. Henceforth, this ‘top’ surface of the lid 20 may also be referred to as the outer surface of the lid.

The coupling mechanism 22 engages the distal end of the motor unit 30. It includes a shaft 222, the top end of which is driven by the electric motor unit 30. The other end of the shaft 222 engages the gear assembly 24 that is integrated into the inside of the lid 20 underneath the base of the coupling mechanism 22, as shown in Figure 3. The gear assembly drives the drive coupling 26 which in turn drives the drive axle 40 and any engaged processing components 60.

The lid 20 additionally includes a feeding tube 28 through which food can be inserted for processing. When the lid is seen in a plan view as in Figure 4, the feeding tube wall is beanshaped. The feeding tube is located opposite the coupling mechanism 22 on the outer surface of the lid.

The drive coupling 26 engages with the top (proximal) end of the drive axle 40 and is located on the lower surface of the lid 20, as shown in Figure 3. Henceforth, this lower surface of the lid 20, which is contained when the lid closes the processing container, may also be referred to as the inner surface of the lid.

A First Embodiment of the Drive Axle 40

Figure 5 shows the drive axle 40, including a storage area 42 that spans the majority of the length of the drive axle, for storing a plurality of food processing components. The storage area 42 consists of: four ‘storage-only’ regions 42 A that do not have protrusions or formations; four bayonet fittings 44 A near the proximal end of the drive axle that are spaced evenly around the axis of the drive axle, two of which are visible in Figure 5; two bayonet fittings 44 B near the distal end of the drive axle, opposite each other and in line with the gap between two of the four bayonet fittings 44 A; six parallel ribs 46 that extend from the bottom of the bayonet fittings 44 A longitudinally along the axis of the axle spanning the length of the storage area between the bayonet fittings 44 A and 44 B, four of which are visible in Figure 5; and two slots 48, each formed by and located between two of the ribs 46, one of which slots is visible in Figure 5.

In the specific embodiment that is shown in Figure 5 and now described, the bayonet fittings 44 B are not intended to engage a component for driving and with the ‘storage-only’ regions 42 A constitute the parts of the storage area 42 that may be considered ‘storage-only’. The bayonet fittings 44 A, ribs 46, and slots 48 each have at least one additional purpose including engaging at least one processing component to be driven and/or reversibly attaching at least one processing component to the drive axle 40. These are the parts of the storage area 42 that are considered ‘multi-purpose’.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the storage area 42 may be designed to be entirely ‘storage-only’ or ‘multi-purpose’ instead of a mixture of the two as shown in the first specific embodiment of the drive axle 40.

The multi-purpose nature of bayonet fittings 44 A and storage-only nature of bayonet fittings 44 B are distinguished from each other by virtue of the fact that a processing component 60 A engaged in each and driven via the drive axle will be disengaged by only one set of bayonet fittings; which of the bayonet fittings is disengaged depends on the direction of the rotational motion of the drive axle about its axis.

The drive axle 40 as described is designed to be driven by a food processor that drives the axle to rotate about its axis in a manner such that the bayonet fittings 44 A are suitable for engaging a processing component to be driven and the bayonet fittings 44 B are not suitable for this purpose. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that variations on the drive axle 40 wherein the position of bayonet fittings 44 A and 44 B are swapped would be suitable for use with a food processor designed to drive the drive axle in a rotationally opposite manner such that processing components to be driven may be attached near the bottom end of such a drive axle.

The bayonet fittings 44 A and 44 B delimit the ends of the storage area 42 of the drive axle 40. The bayonet fittings 44 A also allow a processing component 60 A to be driven, via drive axle 40, when the complementary protrusions 62 in the aperture 61 of the processing component 60 A - shown in Figure 6 - are engaged creating a bayonet lock. Two bayonet fittings, for example a fitting 44 A or 44 B, and a protrusion 62, are engaged by sliding into each other, in an interlocking manner, and twisting or rotating one relative to the other, such that the protrusion 62 is held in place by the fitting 44 A or 44 B when the two are driven in an oppositive direction to the locking rotation.

Conversely, driving the axle in the same rotatory fashion as the twisting motion used to engage the bayonet fittings causes the two fittings to disengage. In this way, two bayonet fittings cooperate to form a single bayonet lock that is engaged when driven in one rotary direction and that is disengaged when driven in the opposite rotary direction.

The six parallel ribs 46 extend longitudinally along the axis of the drive axle 40 from each of the bayonet fittings 44 A. The top of each rib is attached to a bayonet fitting 44 A; the bottoms of four of the ribs 46 B are attached to the tops of the bayonet fittings 44 B, where each of the bayonet fittings 44 B has two ribs 46 attached to it. Thus, the four ribs 46 B constitute two pairs of ribs with a narrow gap between them, also referred to as slot 48. One of the ribs 46 B, from a pair that forms a slot 48, is attached at its top to the bottom of a bayonet fitting 44 A that is also attached to the top of one of the ribs 46 A. There is a gap between the ribs 46 A and 46 B that share a connection to bayonet fitting 44 A, that corresponds to a ‘storage-only’ region 42 A and that is wider than the slot 48. As Figure 5 shows, the angular displacement between a rib 46 B and its closest rib 46 A is around 80 degrees. It will be readily apparent to the skilled person that this angular displacement may be varied, for example by: movement of either rib; widening or narrowing the bayonet fittings 44 A or 44 B; or by widening or narrowing of the slot 48 or ‘storage-only’ region 42 A, and still produce a functionally equivalent drive axle. Similarly, variations are possible in the shape and/or size of the aperture 61 and/or protrusions 62 or splines 64, and the like - while preserving the important features of the drive axle and combination of drive axle with processing components. The remaining two opposite bayonet fittings 44 A each have two ribs 46 B attached. The slot 48 is open at the top end, in line with a gap between two of the bayonet fittings 44 A, and closed at the bottom end by the top of a bayonet fitting 44 B. Slots 48 extend longitudinally along the axis of the drive axle 40, spanning the length between the bayonet fittings 44 A and 44 B in the same manner as the ribs 46 A and 46 B. Along with the bayonet fittings, the slots 48 allow a processing component 60 B to be driven by the motor unit 30 via the drive axle 40. Two variations of the processing component 60, namely 60 A and 60 B, are shown in Figure 6. Both processing components shown in Figure 6 are disc-shaped; however, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the processing components may instead take any other shape suitable for processing food when rotated about an axis. The processing components 60 A and

60 B are engageable with the drive axle 40 shown in Figure 5. Processing component 60 A is compatible with the bayonet fittings 44, having four protrusions 62 that are spaced and shaped for engagement with those bayonet fittings. Processing component 60 B is compatible with the slots 48, having four splines 64 spaced and shaped for engagement with the slots.

Both of the processing components 60 A and 60 B shown in Figure 6 comprise an aperture 61 that has a maximum cross-sectional dimension larger than the widest cross-sectional dimension of the drive axle 40. The aperture 61 is circular in shape when ignoring the protrusions 62 and splines 64 respectively, and has a minimum cross-sectional dimension, measured between oppositely placed protrusions 62 or splines 64, that is between the size of the cross-sectional dimension of the distal (bottom) end of the drive axle 40 and the widest cross-sectional dimension of the drive axle 40 at a point including the bayonet fittings 44 A.

As used herein, unless specifically stated otherwise, all the cross-sections of the drive axle 40 are to be taken perpendicular to the axis of the drive axle 40 and cross-sections of the apertures

61 of the processing components 60 are to be taken perpendicular to the plane of the aperture 61 of each processing component, through the centre of the aperture.

Storage Configurations of the Drive Axle 40 and the Processing Components 60 A & 60 B:

Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the first storage configuration including the drive axle 40 with two identical processing components 60 A and a processing component 60 B. It is to be understood that different combinations of the processing components 60 A and 60 B and variations on those processing components are possible and this will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The planes of the processing components 60 A and 60 B are aligned such that the apertures 61 are centred on the axis of the drive axle 40; equally, those planes in use are perpendicular to the axis of the drive axle 40.

Figure 8 shows another view of the storage configuration of Figure 7, including the drive axle 40, two processing components 60 A, and a processing component 60 B in the storage area.

The top two stored processing components, 60 A and 60 B, are added to the storage area 42 first by inserting the bottom (distal) end of the drive axle through their respective apertures 61 and locating protrusions 62 and splines 64 in the ‘storage-only’ regions 42 A. The third processing component 60 A can then be reversibly attached to the drive axle via the protrusions 62 by engagement with the bayonet locks 44 B. This processing component, 60 A, may be reversibly attached to the drive axle by placing it onto the drive axle 40 by inserting the bottom (distal) end of the drive axle through the aperture 61 and rotating the two with respect to each other to engage the bayonet fittings 44 B with the protrusions 62; thus, the fittings 44 B and protrusions 62 co-operatively form a locked bayonet lock. In this configuration, all three of the processing components are stored in ‘storage-only’ parts of the storage area.

The storage configurations that are shown in Figures 2 and 3 are equivalent to the storage configuration described and shown in Figures 7 and 8 with the addition of two further processing components. One of the additional processing components 60 is located with protrusions 62 (or splines 64) adjacent to the ‘storage-only’ regions 42 A and can be either type of processing component, 60 A (shown) or 60 B (not shown), while the other is a processing component 60 A that is reversibly attached at the top of the drive axle with the bayonet fittings 44 A.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many other alternative storage configurations are possible, such as storage configurations where processing components are stored in areas of the storage area that have more than one purpose. For example, the processing component 60 B that has two splines 64 on opposite sides of the aperture 61 of the processing component, which can slot into the slots 48 on the drive axle 40, may be stored by the slot 48 and/or a processing component 60 A may be stored by the bayonet fittings 44 A. In the specific embodiment described, both processing components 60 A and B must access the aforementioned multi-purpose areas, slots 48 and bayonet fittings 44 A respectively, from the top (proximal) end of the drive axle 40. The processing component 60 B can be prevented from moving off or being removed from the storage area 42 in the direction of the bottom of the drive axle 40 due to the slots 48 being closed at the bottom by the top of the bayonet fittings 44 B. When processing components 60 A and/or 60 B are stored in the storage-only area 42 A they are prevented from moving off or being removed from the storage area 42 in the direction of the top of the drive axle 40 by the bottoms of the bayonet fittings 44 A and the left-most rib 46 B (when viewed with the bayonet fittings 44 A located above the ribs 46 B). The distance between the opposite splines 64 across the centre of the aperture 61 is sufficient that lateral movement of the processing component does not allow the splines to: pass over the ribs 46 B that define the slot 48; or pass over the top of the bayonet fittings 44 B. When a processing component 60 A is stored by drive axle 40 with bayonet fittings 44 A above a processing component 60 B that is stored by slot 48, then the processing component 60 B is prevented from moving off or being removed from the storage area 42 by the processing component 60 A.

In the specific first embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 7 - 12, the storage-only areas 42 A and bayonet fittings 44 B can only be accessed by the processing components 60 A and B via the bottom (distal) end of the drive axle; in contrast, the multi-purpose storage areas, including bayonet fittings 44 A and slots 48, must be accessed via the top (proximal) end of the drive axle. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this arrangement of features is not necessary for the drive axle and storage area to function with the processing components for proper storage and/or engagement for driving.

In a variant such protrusions 62 and splines 64 may not be necessary, according to the particular use case; a processing component without such protrusions/splines can also be stored and prevented from moving off or being removed from the storage area 42 in the direction of the bottom of the drive axle 40 by a processing component 60 A when it is stored and reversibly attached to the drive axle by the bayonet fittings 44 B at the bottom of the storage area as previously described and shown in Figure 8. When held by the proximal end of the drive axle 40, that is the end suitable for engagement with the drive coupling 26 in the lid 20 as previously described and shown in Figure 3, the storage configuration of Figure 8 can be moved and carried easily as a bundle without the processing components 60 A and 60 B moving off or being removed from the storage area.

Drive axle 40 can also have two processing components 60 A (or indeed any appropriate combination of similar or different processing components that have protrusions or other formations suitable for engaging a complementary bayonet fitting) reversibly attached by the bayonet fittings 44 A and 44 B, one at each of the proximal and distal ends of the storage area respectively, as shown in Figure 9. This arrangement provides a basis for a second storage configuration, where at least one processing component 60 B can be stored using the slots 48 and one or more processing components 60 A or 60 B are stored in the storage-only area 42 A.

A storage configuration of this second type is shown in Figure 10 and now described. The stored processing components shown in Figure 10 include one processing component 60 B and four processing components 60 A, by way of example only. Of these five stored processing components, the bottom three processing components 60 A (closest to the distal end of the drive axle) are stored in ‘storage-only’ areas 42 A or with bayonet fittings 44 B, and the top two processing components 60 A and 60 B are stored, by bayonet fittings 44 A and slots 48 respectively, in areas that serve a dual purpose - that is to say that each area can provide for storage of processing components and engagement of processing components for driving. The top and bottom processing components 60 A are reversibly attached to the drive axle 40 by the bayonet fittings 44 A and 44 B; in contrast, the middle three processing components, two of the type 60 A and one of the type 60 B, are kept on the drive axle by the reversibly attached processing components 60 A and can move relative to the drive axle 40 and the reversibly attached processing components. The processing components that can move relative to the drive axle may also be referred to herein, and throughout, as ‘unattached’.

The unattached processing component 60 B can be added to the storage area over the top (proximal) end of the drive axle and slides down into slot 48. Following this, the top processing component 60 A is added to the storage area over the top end of the drive axle and the two are rotated in relation to each other about their shared axis, engaging the bayonet fittings 44 A and protrusions 62 reversibly attaching the processing component to the drive axle 40. This prevents the processing component 60 B from moving off or being removed from the top (proximal) end of the drive axle 40.

The two unattached processing components 60 A that are stored, with protrusions located adjacent to areas 42 A, are added to the storage area over the bottom (distal) end of the drive axle. Finally, the processing component 60 A that is attached to the bayonet fittings 44 B is placed onto the drive axle from the bottom and secured in place, preventing the two processing components 60 A stored directly above from moving off or being removed from the bottom (distal) end of the drive axle 40.

In the first and second storage configurations described, the drive axle 40 and the stored processing components can be easily removed from storage within the processing container 10 to be moved, carried, or stored separately as a bundle by virtue of: a formation that can stop the protrusions 62 or splines 64 of the processing components from passing; or a processing component reversibly attached at each end of the storage area 42. The drive axle can be held by either the proximal or the distal end - and indeed in any orientation - without the stored processing components 60 moving off or being removed from the storage area 42 during removal from the processing container 10, or indeed during any other movement, and/or during storage separate from said processing container.

The order, number, and type of processing components stored on such a drive axle can of course be varied. Similarly, the bayonet fittings on the drive axle and protrusions in the aperture of the processing components may be different in shape to those shown in the exemplary figures; the only requirement for such storage configurations being that there is provided a processing disc that has an aperture of a suitable size and shape, possibly with formations, that is complementary to the type of retaining means used on the drive axle.

Driving Configurations of the Drive Axle 40 and the Processing Components 60 A & 60 B:

Figures 11 show two views of a first driving configuration including the drive axle 40 and a processing component 60 A. The processing component 60 A is attached and secured to the drive axle 40 by engagement of the protrusions 62 in the aperture of the processing component with the bayonet fittings 44 A at the top of the storage area 42. When attached to the drive axle 40 by the bayonet fittings 44 A, as shown in Figures 11 , the processing component 60 A is held suitably firmly to process food inserted through the feeding tube 28 while being rotated in the direction to maintain the bayonet lock by the motor unit 30 via the drive axle 40.

Figure 12 shows a second driving configuration including the drive axle 40 and a processing component 60 B. The splines 64 of the processing component 60 B engage with the slots 48 of the drive axle allowing the processing component 60 B to be driven via the drive axle 40. In this driving configuration, the processing component 60 B can move vertically along the axis of the drive axle 40 to reach the bottom of the slot 48, as shown by the arrow in Figure 12.

A processing component 60 B, or similar, can be used for processes such as chopping foodstuffs into uniform pieces, wherein food that is to be processed is located above the component 60 B and processed by another processing component (not shown) that is engageable by the bayonet fittings 44 A until the processed food is small enough to fit through holes in the processing component 60 B. When the food is small enough, it can pass through the processing component 60 B into the bottom of the processing container; thus, the food is prevented from being overprocessed.

Additionally, the driving configuration described in the previous paragraphs may be suitable for use with processing components where it may be desirable for the working distance of the processing component from the end of the drive axle to change during processing.

A Second Embodiment of the Drive Axle 50

Figure 13 A shows the drive axle 50, including: a storage area 52, that spans the majority of the length of the drive axle, for storing a plurality of food processing components; two bayonet fittings 54 on opposite sides of the axle to each other, one of which is visible in Figure 13 A; two slots 56 on opposite sides of the axle to each other, one of which is visible in Figure 13 A; and an annular rim 58.

The bayonet fittings 54 are located near the bottom (distal) end of the drive axle, when viewed from the perspective shown in Figure 13 A. The bottom of the slots 56 and the top of the annular rim 58 delimit a ‘storage-only’ region of the storage area 52. The bayonet fittings 54 delimit the bottom of a ‘multi-purpose’ region of the storage area 52 of the drive axle on one side of the annular rim 58 and allow a processing component 60, of the types 60 C, 60 E, or 60 F in Figure 14, to be driven by the motor unit 30 via the drive axle 50.

The slots 56 extend longitudinally along the axis of the drive axle 50, for around two thirds of the length of the storage area 52. The slots 56 also allow a processing component 60 D to be driven by the motor unit 30 via the drive axle 50 and constitute a second ‘multi-purpose’ region of the storage area 52.

Additionally, the profile of the drive axle 50 is tapered above the annular rim 58 such that the top end of the axle is narrower than a cross-section of the drive axle taken adjacent to the annular rim 58.

Four types of processing component, 60 C to 60 F, that are engageable with the drive axle 50, are shown in Figure 14. The processing components 60 C, 60 E, and 60 F, each include an aperture 61 with two formations 66 shaped to engage with the bayonet fittings 54. The size of the apertures 61 in each of the processing components is now defined relative to the size of the drive axle 50. Figures 13 B to 13 E are provided to assist in visualising the relevant cross- sectional dimensions that are described. Figure 13 B shows the drive axle 50 with three cutting planes, L, M, and N, that are each perpendicular to the axis of the drive axle. The cutting planes L and M are located at the top and bottom ends of the slots 56 respectively, where the top refers to the end of the slot where the width of the drive axle 50 is narrowest. The cutting plane N is located such that it passes through the bottom of the bayonet fitting 54.

Bearing in mind the cross-section N shown in Figure 13 E, the relative size of the apertures 61 of the processing components 60 C, 60 E, and 60 F, is now described. These processing components each have an aperture 61 with a cross-sectional dimension (excluding the formations 66), taken perpendicular to the plane of the aperture 61 , that is larger than the cross- sectional dimension of the bottom (distal) end of the drive axle 50. The cross-sectional distance between the opposite formations 66 through the centre of the aperture 61 is: smaller than the distance between the furthest points of protrusion of bayonet fittings 54 from the surface of the drive axle (the longest sides of the part-rectangles that protrude from the circular cross-section), shown in Figure 13 E; and larger than the largest cross-sectional dimension of the distal (bottom) end of the drive axle 50 (which does not have protruding bayonet formations 54) when measured through the central axis of the drive axle. This can ensure that the formations 66 can engage with the bayonet formations 54 and the aperture of the processing component can fit over the distal end of the drive axle 50. The annular rim is wider than the aperture 61 ; thus, the annular rim can retain the processing components on the storage area above the annular rim, when the components are stored by inserting the top end of the drive axle 50 through the aperture.

The processing component 60 D in Figure 14 also includes an aperture 61. The aperture 61 is circular in shape with splines 68 that extend from the circumference of the aperture towards the centre of the aperture and are shaped to engage with the slots 56. The splines 68 are located on opposite sides of the aperture 61 from each other. The aperture of the processing component

60 D extends above the plane of the processing component forming a short (roughly a third of the length of the slot 56) ‘tunnel’ that is tapered at the same angle as the storage area 52 above the annular rim 58. The tunnel is the shape of the non-circular face of a hollow truncated circular cone. The end of the tunnel that is widest is connected to the plane of the processing component.

Bearing in mind the cross-sections L and M, shown in Figures 13 C and 13 D respectively, the size of the aperture 61 of the processing component 60 D is now described. The aperture 61 has a maximum cross-sectional dimension (the diameter of the circle formed when excluding the splines 68) that is larger than the size of the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the cut area in Figure 13 D, namely the diameter of the circular cross-section due to cutting plane M ignoring the slots 56. The aperture 61 of the processing component 60 D has a minimum cross- sectional dimension, between the points of the splines 68, that is larger than the distance between the bottom of the U-shapes in the cross-section due to cutting plane M, shown in Figure 13 D. The distance between the bottom of the U-shapes is constant despite the tapering of the drive axle; thus, the depth of the slots 56 (radially with respect to the drive axle) is shallower in the cross-section due to cutting plane L shown in Figure 13 C than in the cross-section due to the cutting plane M that is shown in Figure 13 D. The bottom of the slot 56 is closed and therefore can retain the processing component 60 D from leaving the storage area in the direction of the proximal end of the drive axle.

As used herein, unless specifically stated otherwise, all the cross-sections of the drive axle 50 are taken perpendicular to the axis of the drive axle 50 and all the cross-sections of the apertures

61 of the processing components 60 C to 60 F are taken perpendicular to the plane of the processing components, through the centre of their respective apertures 61.

Storage Configurations of the Drive Axle 50 and the Processing Components 60 C to 60 F:

Figure 15 shows an exploded view of a storage configuration including the drive axle 50 and the processing components 60 C, 60 D, 60 E, and 60 F. It is to be understood that variations on the specific processing components shown here are possible and this will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The planes of the processing components, 60 C to 60 F, are aligned such that central apertures 61 are centred on the axis of the drive axle 50; equally, those planes in use are perpendicular to the axis of the drive axle 50.

Figure 16 shows a stored view of the exploded configuration in Figure 15, including the drive axle 50, and the processing components, 60 C to 60 F. The top three processing components, 60 D to 60 F, are prevented from moving off or being removed from the storage area 52 in a downwards direction (towards the distal end of the drive axle) by the annular rim 58 on the drive axle 50, as shown in Figures 13, 15, and 17. In this particular example, the fourth processing component 60 C is reversibly attached to the drive axle 50, from underneath, by the bayonet fittings 54. When held by the proximal (top) end of the drive axle 50, the storage configuration described, and shown in Figure 16, can be easily removed from a processing container, carried, and/or stored separately from said processing container as a bundle without the processing components 60 C to 60 F moving off or being removed from the storage area 52 in the distal direction.

It is to be understood that combinations of processing components 60 C to 60 F and variations on the specific processing components different to those stored as shown in Figures 15 and 16 are possible and would be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Driving Configurations of the Drive Axle 50 and Processing Components 60 C to 60 F:

Figure 17 shows a first driving configuration including the drive axle 50 and the processing component 60 C. The processing component 60 C is attached to the drive axle 50 by the bayonet fittings 54 at the bottom of the storage area 52 by engagement with the formations 66. When attached to the drive axle 50 by the bayonet fittings 54, as shown in Figure 17, processing component 60 C is held suitably firmly to process food while being driven via the drive axle 50.

The other processing components 60 C, 60 E, and 60 F, shown in Figure 14, are also engageable with the bayonet fitting 54, and can be used in place of the processing component 60 C in the driving configuration shown in Figure 17. Variations on the specific processing components 60 C, 60 E, and 60 F shown in Figure 14 will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Figure 18 shows a second driving configuration including the drive axle 50 and two processing components, 60 E and 60 D. The splines 68 of the processing component 60 D engage with the slots 56 of the drive axle 50 above the annular rim 58, and the processing component 60 E is reversibly attached to the bayonet fitting 54 by the formations 66 below the annular rim 58; thus, the processing components 60 D and 60 E can be driven concurrently by the motor unit 30 via the drive axle 50. In this driving configuration, the processing component 60 D can move vertically along the axis of the drive axle 50 during the driving process, while food stuffs located between the two components are peeled by friction and/or rotational torque from the above component 60 D and from the second engaged component 60 E below, as shown by the double headed arrow in Figure 18. During such a process, the foods to be peeled are forced into motion by the component 60 E below and tend to move outwards, towards the walls of the processing container. In a variant, a processing component for zesting (not shown), engaged with bayonet fittings 54, can be used with a processing component like 60 D, where a substantial downwards force on, and/or tumbling motion by, the foodstuff is desirable and increases the efficiency of processing. In this case, processing component 60 D may be made of a more dense material such that sufficient downwards force is exerted on the foodstuff to be processed.

The specific features, storage and driving configurations, and relative dimensions described herein and shown in Figures 1 to 18 are provided as specific examples only and other combinations of the features described may be combined or substituted.

Equally, the basic shape, number, or size of the apertures, protrusions, or formations may be changed.

As used herein, unless specifically stated otherwise, all the cross-sections of the drive axles 40 and 50 are to be taken perpendicular to the axis of the respective drive axle and the crosssections of the processing components, 60 A to 60 F, are to be taken perpendicular to the plane of each processing component respectively, through the centre of the aperture 61.

As used herein, the term ‘storage-only’ relating to part or all of a storage area preferably connotes a region that is designed solely for the purpose of storing processing components.

As used herein, the term ‘multi-purpose’ relating to part or all of a storage area preferably connotes a region that is designed for two or more (for example three, or four, or five) purposes, wherein at least one of the purposes is storage. The additional purpose(s) may or may not include engaging a processing component for driving.

As used herein, the terms “top” and “bottom” are relative to the perspective shown in each individual figure as referenced at the point of use. The perspectives in the figures are consistent such that the term “top” relating to the drive axles preferably connotes the end of the drive axle visible or, when more than one end is visible, the end that is located closest to the lid of the food processor when the lid closes the drive axle within the processing container. Similarly, the perspectives of the figures are such that the term “bottom” relating to the drive axles preferably connotes the end of the drive axle that is located closest to the circular floor of the processing container that has the retaining means for permitting rotation. Preferably, “top” and “proximal” may be used interchangeably, wherein the proximal end of the drive axles 40 and 50 preferably connotes the end suitable for engagement with a drive coupling (splined or otherwise). Similarly, the terms “bottom” and “distal” may be used interchangeably, wherein the distal end of the drive axles 40 and 50 is the end suitable for engagement with a means for permitting rotation in a processing container of a food processor, for example means for permitting rotation 12 in processing container 10 of food processor 1. The means for permitting rotation 12, is a shaftlike formation or bearing that may be inserted into an aperture or bearing in the bottom (distal) end of the drive axles 40 or 50, as shown with drive axle 40 by way of example in Figure 3.

As used herein, the term "removable attachment" (and similar terms such as “removably attachable”, “reversibly attached/attachable”, and “reversible attachment”), as used in relation to an attachment between a first object and a second object, preferably connotes that the first object is attached to the second object and can be detached (and preferably re-attached, detached again, and so on, repetitively), and/or that the first object may be removed from the second object without damaging the first object or the second object; more preferably the term connotes that the first object may be re-attached to the second object without damaging the first object or the second object, and/or that the first object may be removed from (and optionally also re-attached to) the second object by hand and/or without the use of tools (e.g. screwdrivers, spanners, etc.). Mechanisms such as a snap-fit, a bayonet attachment, and a hand-rotatable locking nut may be used in this regard.

As used herein, the term “processing” preferably connotes any action relating to or contributing towards transforming products into foodstuff, or transforming foodstuff into a different form of foodstuff, including - as examples - applying mechanical work (e.g. for cutting, beating, blending, whisking, dicing, spiralising, grinding, extruding, shaping, kneading etc.) and applying heat or cold. “Food” and “foodstuff” as used herein can include beverages and frozen material and material used in creating them (e.g., coffee beans).

“Food safe” in this context means any substance that does not shed substances harmful to human health in clinically significant quantities if ingested. For example, it should be BPA-free.

“Dishwasher safe” means that it should be physically and chemically stable during prolonged exposure to the conditions prevailing within a dishwasher machine. For example, it should be able to withstand exposure to a mixture of water and a typical dishwasher substance (e.g., washing with FairyTM or FinishTM dishwasher tablets and water, at temperatures of 82 degrees centigrade for as long as 8 hours without visibly degrading (e.g., cracking)).

It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention. Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A drive axle for a food processor, wherein the drive axle is removable and is capable of storing, preferably in a storage area, a plurality of processing components.

2. A drive axle according to Claim 1 , wherein the storage area is a region of the axle dedicated to storing the plurality of processing components.

3. A drive axle according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, including means for retaining the plurality of processing components on the axle.

4. A drive axle according to Claim 3, wherein the retaining means delimits one or both ends of the storage area.

5. A drive axle according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the retaining means is adapted to prevent the plurality of processing components from moving off one end of the axle.

6. A drive axle according to any of Claims 3 to 5, wherein the retaining means is adapted to prevent the plurality of processing components from moving off both ends of the axle.

7. A drive axle according to any of Claims 3 to 6, wherein the retaining means comprises a locking mechanism.

8. A drive axle according to Claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a bayonet fitting.

9. A drive axle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the storage area further comprises at least one formation for limiting the rotation of stored processing components.

10. A drive axle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the profile of the drive axle provides a snug fit with the stored processing components.

11. A drive axle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the axle is additionally adapted to drive at least one processing component.

12. A drive axle according to Claim 11 , wherein the axle has a formation to engage the at least one processing component to be driven.

13. A drive axle according to Claim 12, wherein the formation is a bayonet fitting.

14. A drive axle according to Claim 12 or 13, wherein the formation is a slot.

15. A drive axle according to any of Claims 12 to 14, wherein the formation is located in a different, optionally overlapping, area on the axle to another formation and said formations are different to each other such that processing components that are complementary to each formation can be distinguished from each other by the formations and can only be driven by a subset of said formations.

16. A combination comprising a drive axle for a food processor, optionally according to any of the preceding claims, and a plurality of processing components.

17. A combination according to Claim 16, wherein the combination can be moved as a self- contained bundle when the plurality of processing components is stored on the drive axle.

18. A combination according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein each processing component includes an aperture.

19. A combination according to Claim 18, wherein an end of the drive axle can be passed through the aperture of each processing component such that the processing components are located around the storage area.

20. A combination according to any of Claims 16 to 19, wherein the plurality of processing components is a set capable of just fitting within the length of the storage area.

21. A combination according to any of Claims 18 to 20, wherein each processing component further comprises at least one protrusion extending into the aperture.

22. A food processor including a drive axle according to any of Claims 1 to 14 or a combination according to any of Claims 16 to 21.

23. A food processor according to Claim 22 further comprising a food processing container capable of containing the drive axle and/or the combination.

24. A food processor according to Claim 22 or 23 additionally comprising a lid for closing said container when containing the combination.

25. A food processor according to any of Claims 22 to 24 further comprising a drive coupling, wherein the coupling is suitable for driving the drive axle.