GB2613812A - Lid and food preparation arrangements - Google Patents

Abstract

A lid 100 for a container, comprising a cap portion 110 for covering the container, a skirt portion 120, a feed tube 130 which extends through the cap portion, and a formation 150 extending between the feed tube and the skirt portion. The formation prevents a food trap (fig 1a) being formed in a gap between the feed tube and the skirt portion. Preferably, the formation comprises a main portion 152 extending between the feed tube and the skirt portion, and a side portion 151 extending between the main portion and the cap portion, where the side and main portions are perpendicular. Also claimed is a food preparation arrangement comprising a container 200 and an attachment 100 therefore, including two engagement arrangements 122, 210 for removably attaching the attachment to the container, wherein one of the engaging means can be engaged when the first is disengaged. Preferably the attachment is the lid. Preferably each engagement is of the bayonet-type.

Description

Lid and food preparation arrangements

Field

The present invention relates to a lid arrangement for a food processing appliance. The present invention also extends to a food preparation arrangement including a container and an attachment, in particular to engagement arrangements between the container and the attachment.

Background

Food processing appliances typically comprise tools and/or heating/cooling elements that carry out food processing on food matter within a container in order to obtain processed food. As this can result in the spraying of food-matter out of the container it is desirable to provide a lid to seal the opening of the container to prevent this.

In order to allow ingredients to be inserted into the container during processing, an optionally-closable feed-tube is typically provided as an opening in the lid. The tubular form of this optionally-closable opening is important as the length of the tube can be sufficient to prevent, e.g., the insertion of human adult fingers through the tube into the interior of the container where harm may result to the user due to e.g., rotary tools or hot elements. A minimum length of -8-10cm may achieve this. The width of the tube also may be chosen to prevent the insertion of a human adult hand through the tube. A maximum width of -6-8cm may be sufficient to achieve this.

Providing the feed-tube so that it extends above the lid can lead to excessive height of the product, which is undesirable as it makes it harder to store. This is particularly the case where a maximum combined height of at most 300mm can be accommodated within a typical household drawer, and the feed-tube extends 100mm meaning that 1/31d of the available space is taken up by the feed-tube, leaving only 200mm for all other components. Shortening the feed-tube is also undesirable as it renders the product less safe. Therefore, having the feed-tube extend for part of its length below the lid, as shown in the prior art lid of Fig. 1, has been proposed. This lessens the height of the product, whilst maintaining safety as e.g., fingers inserted into the feed-tube are still protected by its walls.

However, the device of Fig. 1 has the drawback that, as the tube extends close to a side-skirt of the lid having latching recesses formed thereon for receiving a latch of the container for fixing the lid to the container, a food-trap is formed between the tube and the skirt. A food-trap is a place on a food processing device where food may become trapped and it is difficult to remove it during cleaning due to the confined nature of the place. Food trapped within a food-trap may decay, and thus cause food-poisoning as well as unsightly rotten matter and unpleasant smells. Moving the feed-tube away from skirt towards the centre to make the space between the feed tube and the skirt easier to clean has the drawback of interfering with tools that may bear rotationally on a bearing point at the centre of the lid. Additionally providing a feed-tube centrally on the lid means that food inserted into it will fall on the central shaft of a rotational tool rotating inside the container, rather than on to blades/discs/etc. extending from it, and not be efficiently processed.

It is also desirable to provide a handle on the lid whereby the food processing device to which the lid and the container are attached may be safely carriable. However, the forces generated by the inertia of the heavy motor-base as it is carried can easily cause the lid to become unlatched from the container or the container to become unlatched from the base, causing either the base, or the container and the base together, to fall and become damaged. The user may also be harmed by material spilling from the container or by sharp food-processing tool elements within the container.

Strengthening the latches connecting the lid to the container or the container to the base, for example by adding metal clamps or screw-fixings, may make such dangerous detachment during carrying less likely. However, this may also increase the cost of the device.

The present invention aims to at least partially ameliorate the above-described problems of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a food preparation arrangement comprising: a container, and an attachment for the container, wherein the container and attachment include two engagement arrangements for removably attaching the attachment to the container, wherein the second engagement arrangement can be engaged when the first engagement arrangement is disengaged. The second engagement arrangement can act as a back-up catch and can prevent accidental detachment of the attachment and the container (e.g. when the food preparation arrangement is carried by a user).

The second engagement arrangement may be adapted to engage upon: disengagement of the first engagement arrangement; and a user action on the attachment and/or container, preferably a relative force being applied between the attachment and the container to force them apart (i.e. a relative force being applied between the attachment and the container away from one another); preferably wherein the second engagement arrangement is adapted to disengage otherwise. The second engagement arrangement is preferably adapted not to engage / disengage (if previously engaged) in the absence of said force, which may facilitate easier detachment of the attachment from the container (e.g. when the food preparation arrangement is resting on a surface).

For example, the second engagement arrangement may be adapted to engage upon: disengagement of the first engagement arrangement; and lifting of the container relative to the attachment by the user.

The first and second engagement arrangements are preferably adapted to removably attach the attachment to the container in two different relative positions; more preferably wherein the first and second positions correspond to different relative rotational and/or axial positions of the attachment and the container. In other words, preferably, the first engagement arrangement is adapted to removably attach the attachment to the container in a first relative position, and the second engagement arrangement is adapted to removably attach the attachment to the container in a second, different, relative position.

The first and second positions corresponding to different positions of the attachment and the container can allow detecting (e.g. visually by a user or using a push rod and interlock switch combination) whether the attachment and container are attached using the first engagement arrangement or the second engagement arrangement, which can e.g. be used to determine whether a motor or some other actuator should be activated. For example, it may be desirable to only activate the motor when the attachment and container are attached using the first engagement arrangement and not when the attachment and container are attached using the second engagement arrangement.

Preferably, the second position is arranged between the first position and a disengaged position in which both the first and the second engagement arrangements are disengaged.

Preferably, the container and attachment are adapted to detach when the first and second engagement arrangements are disengaged; more preferably regardless of user action on the container and/or attachment, and/or regardless of a/the relative force being applied between the attachment and the container to force them apart.

Preferably, the first position is an engaged position, and the second position is a partially disengaged position. In other words, preferably, the first position is a latched position, and the second position is a partially unlatched position.

The food preparation arrangement preferably further comprises an interlock, wherein the interlock is adapted to actuate when the first engagement arrangement is engaged, and not to actuate when the second engagement arrangement is engaged. Preferably, the interlock only actuates when the first engagement arrangement is engaged, and not otherwise. Preferably, the food preparation arrangement is adapted to detect whether the attachment and container are attached in the first or second position. Preferably, the container comprises a push rod, and the attachment comprises the interlock adapted to be actuatable by the push rod.

Preferably, each of the first and second engagement arrangements is a bayonet-type arrangement.

The first engagement arrangement preferably comprises an engaging element on one of the attachment and the container and a niche adapted to receive the engaging element on the other of the attachment and the container.

The second engagement arrangement preferably comprises the engaging element (or a further engaging element on the one of the attachment and the container) and a notch adapted to receive the engaging element on the other of the attachment and the container.

Preferably, the niche is adapted to receive the engaging element in a/the first position, and the notch is adapted to receive the engaging element in a/the second position.

The niche and notch may be arranged at two different, preferably axial (i.e. along axis of the container and/or attachment), levels. Preferably the engaging element is configured, on exiting the niche, to fall from the niche to the notch and, more preferably, be retained rotationally and axially therein when a relative force is applied between the attachment and the container to force them apart (e.g. under the bias of gravity). Preferably, the notch is axially spaced apart from the niche (i.e. arranged at a different axial level), more preferably such that the engaging element can be disengaged from the niche without engaging with the notch (e.g. when the attachment rests on the container or vice versa)).

The niche is preferably configured to retain the engaging element frictionally and/or by interaction of a rib on one of the engaging element and the niche with an indent on the other of the engaging element and the niche.

The food preparation arrangement may further include a lip portion arranged to retain the engaging element in the notch. Preferably, the notch is adapted to retain the engaging element rotationally and axially, when a relative force is applied between the attachment and the container to force them apart.

The food preparation arrangement may further include a guiding portion (e.g. a ramp) for guiding the engaging element between the niche and the notch. The engaging element is preferably adapted to move from the niche to the notch when the first engagement arrangement is disengaged and a relative force is applied between the attachment and the container to force them apart.

Preferably, the food preparation arrangement includes an engaging element on one of the attachment and the container and a formation, more preferably a recess, on the other of the attachment and the container, wherein the engaging element and formation are adapted to form the first and second engagement arrangements (i.e. the engaging element and recess form both the first and second engagement arrangements). Preferably, the formation includes the niche and the notch.

Preferably, the container and/or attachment further comprise a handle whereby the food preparation arrangement is portable. Preferably, the handle includes a grip portion (i.e. a portion for gripping by the user). The grip portion and the cap portion of the lid are preferably arranged approximately parallel to one another. Preferably, the handle (and/or the grip portion thereof) is arranged approximately parallel to a direction of relative rotation of the attachment and the container, more preferably between the first and second positions. The handle (and/or the grip portion thereof) is preferably arranged approximately perpendicularly to an axis of relative rotation between the attachment and the container. The handle preferably abuts and/or connects to the feed tube.

The food preparation arrangement may further comprise a seal adapted to seal a gap between the container and the attachment when at least one of the first and second engagement arrangements is engaged. The seal is preferably provided on one of the attachment and the container.

The attachment is preferably one of a lid or a motor base. The lid may be the lid as described herein The food preparation arrangement may further comprise a further attachment for the container, wherein the container and the further attachment include two further engagement arrangements for removably attaching the further attachment to the container, wherein the fourth engagement arrangement can be engaged when the third engagement arrangement is disengaged. The two further engagement arrangements may be as the first and second engagement arrangements described herein.

The attachment may be a lid and the further attachment may be a base, the base preferably being adapted for driving/powering a food processing device for performing food processing within the container. Preferably, the base includes an interlock adapted to: energize the food processing device when the first and the third engagement arrangements are engaged, and to prevent energising of the food processing device (e.g. not to be actuated) when the second and/or fourth engagement arrangements are engaged; more preferably the container includes a push-rod adapted to be actuated by engagement of the first engagement arrangement, and to actuate the interlock switch of the base when the third engagement arrangement is engaged.

Preferably, the food processing device is one of: a motor configured to drive a tool located within the container, a power source for a heating or cooling device located within the container, a heating or cooling device configured to heat or cool the contents of the container.

The container and the attachment may include one or more further pairs of first and second engagement arrangements for removably attaching the attachment to the container, wherein each second engagement arrangement can be engaged when the corresponding first engagement arrangement is disengaged.

The one of the attachment and the container may include a further guiding portion for guiding the engaging element towards the niche and/or notch, preferably wherein the further guiding portion is V-shaped.

Preferably, the container and the attachment are adapted to removably engage to one another in two relative positions. Preferably, a second engagement position is arranged between a first engagement position and a disengaged position.

According to another aspect, there is provided a lid for a container, the lid comprising: a cap portion for covering the container; a skirt portion extending towards the container; a feed tube extending through the cap portion towards the container; and a formation extending between the feed tube and the skirt portion. The formation can prevent a food trap being formed between the skirt portion and the feed tube.

The skirt portion preferably extends from the cap portion.

For structural rigidity, the formation is preferably adapted to connect the feed tube and the skirt portion.

The formation is preferably adapted to cover a gap present between the skirt portion and the feed tube in the absence of the formation.

The formation is preferably adapted to occlude at least part of the feed tube from foodstuffs in the container. This can allow preventing the trapping of said foodstuffs between the feed tube and the skirt portion.

The formation is preferably adapted to occlude/cover at least a segment of the feed tube from foodstuffs in the container. The segment is preferably adjacent the gap between the feed tube and the container.

The formation is preferably adapted to occlude at least part of an outer wall of the feed tube from foodstuffs in the container. The formation is preferably adapted to cover/occlude a gap between the feed tube and the skirt portion. The formation is adapted to occlude at least a part of the feed tube adjacent the skirt portion from foodstuffs in the container The formation may comprise a web.

The formation preferably extends adjacent an end of the feed tube, more preferably the formation extends at an end of the feed tube.

The formation and the skirt portion are preferably arranged approximately perpendicularly to one another. This can avoid sharp angles between the formation and the skirt portion, and so facilitate cleaning of the lid. Further, this can allow reducing the size of the cavity between the cap portion, the skirt portion and the formation (as compared to an obtuse angle arrangement).

Preferably, the formation comprises: a main portion extending between the feed tube and the skirt portion, and a side portion extending between the main portion and the cap portion; preferably wherein the side portion is arranged approximately axially and the main portion is arranged approximately perpendicularly to the side portion. This can allow preventing food entering (and being trapped) between the skirt portion and the feed tube axially (via the main portion) and radially (via the side portion).

The side portion preferably also extends between the feed tube and the skirt portion.

Preferably, the main portion and the skirt portion are arranged approximately perpendicularly to one another. Preferably, the side portion and the skirt portion are arranged approximately perpendicularly to one another. Preferably, the side portion and the cap portion are arranged approximately perpendicularly to one another. This can avoid sharp angles between the various portions and so facilitate cleaning of the lid.

Preferably, the main portion and the cap portion are arranged approximately parallel to one another. Preferably, the main portion and the feed tube are arranged approximately perpendicularly to one another.

Preferably, the side portion is arranged approximately parallel to the feed tube (i.e. approximately parallel to a tangent of the feed tube at a point on the feed tube from which the side portion extends). This presents a smooth profile for an inner surface of the lid and so can facilitate cleaning of the lid. Further, this arrangement can allow maximising the volume of the lid (excluding the feed tube) and so the amount of foodstuff that can be inserted and processed in the container.

The term "approximately parallel" as used herein in relation to an angular orientation of a first object relative to a second object (or an axis) preferably connotes that the first and second objects (or the first object and the axis) are at an angle of at most 200, more preferably at most 100, yet more preferably at most 5°, still more preferably at most 3° to one another. The term "approximately axially" as used herein in relation to an angular orientation of a first object relative to an axis preferably connotes that the first object is approximately parallel to said axis.

The term "approximately perpendicular(ly)" as used herein in relation to an angular orientation of a first object relative to a second object preferably connotes that the first and second objects are at an angle of between 70° and 110°, more preferably between 80° and 100°, yet more preferably between 85° and 95°, still more preferably between 87° and 93° to one another.

The formation preferably comprises a/the main portion adapted to axially occlude the at least part of the feed tube from foodstuffs in the container (i.e. to prevent the foodstuffs from reaching the feed tube axially), and a/the side portion adapted to radially occlude the at least part of the feed tube from foodstuffs in the container (i.e. to prevent the foodstuffs from reaching the feed tube radially).

Preferably, a gap is provided between the feed tube and the skid portion (i.e. the feed tube and the skirt are separated by a gap). The formation preferably comprises a web adapted to cover the gap from foodstuffs in the container.

The feed tube may be arranged away from a centre of the cap portion, and preferably does not overlap with the centre of the cap portion; preferably wherein a/the gap is provided between the skid portion and a part of the feed tube adjacent (more preferably closest to) the skirt portion Preferably, the formation includes a surface facing the container; wherein said surface is smooth, and more preferably flat and/or featureless. This can facilitate cleaning of the lid.

Preferably, the formation, (a side wall of) the feed tube, the skirt portion, and the cap portion define a non-apertured receptacle in the lid. This can facilitate cleaning as the user can more easily clean said uniform / non-apertured receptacle than the prior art lid in which the space around the aperture defined by the feed tube is difficult to clean. Preferably, the receptacle has a smooth side wall. Preferably, the receptacle extends across at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, yet more preferably at least 70% of the cap portion. The addition of the formation thus preferably facilitates cleaning whilst not substantially reducing the volume of the receptacle (as compared to the prior art).

The formation preferably extends between a part of the feed tube and a part of the skirt portion (i.e. does not extend around the entire feed tube and/or skirt portion).

Preferably, the cap portion, the skirt portion and the formation define a cavity therebetween, and the lid is adapted to ventilate the cavity; more preferably wherein the lid comprises a hole for ventilating the cavity; yet more preferably wherein the hole is formed in the skirt portion. Alternatively, the hole may be provided in the cap portion.

Preferably, the hole is sized and configured to permit washing of the cavity therethrough. Preferably, the hole extends around the entire formation, more preferably the hole extends between the end points of the formation.

The lid may include a bearing formation adapted to support, preferably receive, a tool in the container, preferably wherein the bearing formation is connected to the feed tube.

The bearing formation preferably protrudes/extends towards the container.

The bearing formation is preferably connected to the feed tube via one or more connecting walls. A wall of the bearing formation and the one or more connecting walls preferably form a continuous wall. The connecting walls may extend radially.

The bearing formation is preferably adapted to facilitate cleaning of the bearing formation. Preferably, the bearing formation is open along part of its side wall.

The bearing formation may be configured to allow rotary tools to bear on it. The bearing formation may include a tubular bearing element configured to bearingly receive a tool-shaft within it. The tubular bearing element may be inter-connected with the feed tube.

The skirt portion may be adapted to abut an inner wall of the container.

The lid may further comprise a handle for carrying the lid. The handle is preferably arranged not to extend beyond the height of the feed tube. For structural rigidity, the handle is preferably arranged to abut, more preferably connect to, the feed tube.

The lid is preferably made of a food-safe and/or dish-washer safe material.

According to another aspect, there is provided a food processing appliance incorporating the food preparation arrangement as described herein, and/or the lid as described herein, and/or a food preparation arrangement, preferably as described herein, incorporating the lid as described herein, preferably wherein the food processing appliance has an assembled height of less than 300mm.

According to another aspect, there is provided a lid for a container, the lid comprising: a cap portion for covering the container; a skirt portion extending from the cap portion towards the container; a feed tube extending through the cap portion towards the container; and a formation extending between the feed tube and the skirt portion; wherein the formation is adapted a cover a gap present between the skirt portion and the feed tube in the absence of the formation.

According to another aspect, there is provided a lid for a container, the lid comprising: a cap portion for covering the container; a skirt portion; a feed tube extending through the cap portion towards the container, wherein a gap is defined between the feed tube and the skirt portion; and a formation adapted to occlude the gap (from foodstuffs in the container).

According to another aspect, there is provided a lid for a container, the lid comprising: a flange for covering the container, the flange having a skirt (extending towards the container); a feed tube extending through the flange towards the container; and a web extending between the feed tube and the skirt, and adapted to cover a part of (an outer wall of) the feed tube from the container.

According to another aspect, there is provided a lid for a container, the lid including a bearing formation adapted to support a tool in the container. The bearing formation is preferably adapted to receive the tool. The bearing formation is preferably connected to a/the feed tube.

According to another aspect, there is provided a lid for a food preparation container comprising: a flange for substantially sealing the container, a skirt depending peripherally from the flange, a feed tube extending through the flange parallel to the skirt, and a web extending below the flange configured to block off a gap between the feed tube and the skid.

Preferably, the web connects the feed tube to the skid Preferably, the web corresponds to a hole sized and configured to aerate a cavity between the web and the flange. Preferably, the hole is formed in the skirt.

Preferably, the hole is sized and configured to permit washing of the cavity therethrough.

Preferably, the lid further comprises a central bearing element configured to allow rotary tools to bear on it. Preferably, the bearing element further comprising a tubular bearing element configured to bearingly receive a tool-shaft within it. Preferably, the tubular bearing element is inter-connected with the feed tube.

Preferably, the feed-tube is provided off-centre through the flange, and preferably does not over-lap with a centre of the flange.

Preferably, the lid is made of a food-safe and/or dish-washer safe material.

According to another aspect, there is provided a food preparation/processing arrangement comprising: a food processing container, an attachment for the food processing container configured to be removably attachable thereto by a latching element, wherein the latching element is configured to be latchable at a first, latched position, and to be movable under the influence of gravity acting on one of the container or the attachment to a second, partially unlatched position in which the latching element retains the attachment on the container.

Preferably, the attachment is one of a lid or a motor-base.

Preferably, the latching element comprises a latch on one of the attachment (more preferably lid) and the container and a recess on the other of the attachment and the container.

Preferably, the first position and second position correspond to different relative rotational positions of the container and attachment.

Preferably, the recess comprises a niche configured to receive the latch in the first position, and a notch configured to receive the latch in the second position, wherein latch is configured on exiting the niche to fall relative to the recess from the niche to the notch and be retained rotationally and axially therein under the bias of gravity.

Preferably, the niche is configured to retain the latch frictionally and/or by interaction of a rib on one of the latch and the niche with an indent on the other of the latch and the niche.

Preferably, the container and/or attachment further comprise a handle whereby the arrangement is carriable. Preferably, the handle extends parallel to the direction of relative rotation.

Preferably, the arrangement further comprises a seal configured to seal a gap between the container and the attachment in both the first and second position.

Preferably, the arrangement further comprises a second attachment configured to be latchable via a second latching element to the container at a third position, and to be movable under the influence of gravity acting on one of the container or the second attachment to a fourth, partially unlatched position in which a second latching element retains the second attachment on the container.

Preferably, the attachment is a lid and the second attachment is a base removably attachable to the container for driving/powering a food processing device for performing food processing within the container.

Preferably, the base comprises an interlock switch configured to energize the food processing device responsive to the container being securely located on the base in the third position, and the lid being in the first position relative to the container, and not be actuated when the lid is in the second position relative to the container and/or the base is in the fourth position relative to the container.

Preferably, the container comprises a push-rod configured to be actuated by the lid in the first position, and to actuate the interlock switch of the base when the container is in the third position relative to the base.

Preferably, the food processing device is one of: a motor configured to drive a tool located within the container, a power source for a heating or cooling device located within the container, a heating or cooling device configured to heat or cool the contents of the container.

According to another aspect, there is provided a food processing appliance comprising: the lid of any preceding aspect and/or as described herein; and/or the arrangement of any preceding aspect and/or as described herein; preferably wherein the food processing appliance has an assembled height of less than 300mm.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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 kitchen appliance and/or as a standalone device. This includes any domestic food-processing and/or preparation machine, including both top-driven machines (e.g. stand-mixers) and bottom-driven machines (e.g. blenders). It may be implemented in heated and/or cooled machines. It may be used in a machine 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.

"Food processing" as described herein should be taken to encompass chopping, whisking, stirring, kneading, mincing, grinding, shaping, shredding, grating, cooking, freezing, making ice-cream, 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.

Brief Description of Drawings

One or more aspects will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings having like-reference numerals, in which: Fig. 1 shows a perspective, bottom-up view of a lid of the prior art; Fig. 2 shows a perspective, bottom-up view of a lid according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 shows partial, perspective, from-above view of the lid of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 shows partial, perspective, from-above view of the lid of Fig. 2 at a differing orientation to that of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 shows a partially cut-away view of the container of Fig. 2 latched to a container in a first position; Fig. 6 shows a partially cut-away view of the container of Fig. 2 latched to a container in a second position; Fig. 7 shows a perspective, radially-outwards view of a latch of a container for use with the lid of Fig. 2; Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a base for use with the container of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 shows a perspective, radially-outwards view of a latch of the container of Fig. 7 container for use with the base of Fig. 8; Fig. 10 shows a side-on, cut-away, schematic and highly simplified view of the lid of a food processing device comprising the Fig. 2, the container of Fig. 7, and the base of Fig. 8 assembled together in a first configuration; and, Fig. 11 shows a side-on, cut-away, schematic and highly simplified view of the food processing device of Fig. 10 with the food processing device comprising the Fig. 2, the container of Fig. 7, and the base of Fig. 8 assembled together in a second configuration.

Specific Description

Figs. 2 and 3 show a lid 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The lid 100 has a broadly discoidal flange 110 extending radially away from a central bearing point 140. The flange/cap portion 110 is designed to substantially seal the opening of a container 200 to which the lid 100 may be removably attachable. A skirt portion 120 extends axially from the periphery of the flange 110 so as to extend into the opening of the container 200 to which the lid 100 is attached to secure it therein. A lip 111 of the flange extends radially outwards from the point where the flange 110 meets the skirt 120 to prevent the lid 100 being completely inserted into the container 200 with which the lid 100 is used. A sealing element such as, for example, a rubber seal may be provided on the lip 111 for sealing the join between it and the container 200. A feed tube 130 with a lower opening 131 is provided extending axially through the lid 100 in the same direction in which the skirt 120 extends. A pusher (not shown) removably locatable within the feed tube 130 and/or a closable lid (not shown) on the top of the feed tube 130, may be provided to selectively close and/or seal the feed tube 130.

A formation in the form of a web 150 extends radially between the lower opening 131 and the skirt 120. This web 150 blocks material from entering axially into the gap between the feed tube 130 and the skirt 120. The web 150 also forms an axially and radially extending web-wall 151 preventing food from entering into the gap between the skirt 120, the feed tube 130, and the flange 110 in a rotational direction relative to the central axis of the lid 100. In other words, the web 150 comprises a main portion 152, arranged parallel to the flange 110, that prevents foodstuffs entering axially into the gap between the feed tube 130 and the skirt 120, and side portion / web-wall 151, arranged perpendicular to the flange 110, that prevents foodstuffs entering radially into the gap between the feed tube 130 and the skirt 120.

As the extension of the web 150 between the flange 110, skirt 120, and feed tube 130 necessarily creates a cavity, in which mould might gather if it is not sufficiently aerated and/or accessible for cleaning, the skirt 120 also defines an opening 121 corresponding to the interior of the cavity formed by the web 150. The opening 121 also simplifies the manufacturing of the lid 100 in a single piece through, e.g., a one-shot injection moulding, as the opening can be shaped so as not to have an over-hanging features in the direction in which the lid 100 is de-moulded through the opening 121 during manufacturing. The opening may also be provided in the flange 110, however it is desirable to provide it in the skirt 120 as this way food material is blocked from entering the cavity during food processing from below by the web 150, above by the flange 110, and sideways by the wall of the container 200 that closely abuts the skirt 120.

The bearing-hole 140 may form an axially-extending cylindrical/tubular or semicylindrical/tubular bearing formation 141 into which a tool may extend so as to be supported by the lid 100 during rotation within the container 200 below the lid 100. For added strength, this bearing formation 141 may be connected to the feed tube 130 along all or part of its axial extent. This connection may be achieved using one or more radially extending walls 142. Preferably the bearing formation 141 is semi-cylindrical/tubular (that is, it is open along part of its rotational circumference) as this eases cleaning inside the formation 141 and helps prevent a food-trap being formed within the bearing formation 141. To further strengthen the bearing formation 141, where it is semi-cylindrical/tubular, the radially extending walls 142 can be formed as an extension of the walls of the bearing formation 141, such that the radially extending walls 142 and bearing formation 141 form a single curving wall along a single curved line as shown in Fig. 2. Having the bearing formation 141 and radially extending walls 142 be co-extensive in this way can also simplify manufacturing.

The use of the web 150 and/or walls 142 to further connect the feed tube 130 to the rest of the lid 100 also serves to strengthen the connection between the rest of the lid 100 and the feed tube 130. This can make it safer to carry the lid 100 by the feed tube 130 even if the lid 100 is connected to a heavy object compared to the prior art lid of Fig. 1. The web 150 thus has a synergistic effect with the latching feature 122 described below, as they co-operatively increase the security of the lid 100 when carried.

Fig. 4 shows the latching/engaging feature 122 of the skirt 120 of the lid 100 in detail, whilst Fig. 7 shows the latch / engaging element 210 of the container 200 that is designed to be received within it. The latching feature 122 is here provided as radially-outward-facing feature formed by a radially-inwards indent into the skirt 120, but it could just as easily be formed by a radially-outward protrusion, or indeed face axially or radially inwards (where, e.g., the skirt 120 surrounds the container 200 rather than fitting within it). The essential principle of operation of the latching feature 122 would be the same in all of the above cases. A recess/protrusion latching arrangement has the advantage of being easy to manufacture through e.g., moulding or stamping.

The latching feature 122 forms a broadly inverted-1/"-shaped opening that opens in a direction axially along the skirt 120 and away from the flange 110. This opening helps guide (i.e. acts as a guiding portion for guiding) the latches 210 of the container 200 in an axial direction towards a location that is at the same axial level, but at a different rotational position, such as a niche 125 of the latching feature 122. The lid 100 may then be rotated relative to the container 200 to move the latches 210 along a passage 127 that extends rotationally from an apex 122a of the inverted-"V"-shaped opening to the niche 125.

Going rotationally about the central axis of the lid 100 around the skirt 120 from the apex 122a to the niche 125, a hook-shaped structure (i.e. lip portion) 123 is formed adjacent to the apex 122a to create an axial narrowing in the passage 127. The hook 123 is followed rotationally, continuing from the apex 122a to the niche 125, by a notch 124 extending axially away from the flange 110 such that it forms an axial widening of the passage 127. The niche 125 is formed at the rotational end of the passage 127 opposite to that which abuts the apex 122a. The niche 125 may form an axial narrowing of the passage 127 such that latches 210 inserted into it are retained frictionally, and have a lower surface that is axially above (i.e., towards the flange 110) the notch 124, and optionally also above the hook 123. Alternatively or additionally to the narrowing of the niche 125 to retain the latches 210 frictionally, the niche 125 may feature one or more ribs 126 that extend into corresponding indents 211 in the latches 210 to help retain the latches 210 within the niches 125.

The latch I engaging element 210 and the niche 125 therefore form a first engagement arrangement, and the latch 210 and the notch 124 form a second engagement arrangement. The second engagement arrangement can be engaged when the first engagement arrangement is disengaged, and acts as a back-up catch to prevent accidental detachment of the lid 100 from the container 200. In particular, if the lid 100 and container 200 are lifted by lifting the lid 100, a force is applied on the lid 100 away from the container 200 (due to the gravitational force on the container 200) which causes the engaging element 210 to fall into the second engagement formation 123, 124 and prevents accidental detachment of the lid 100 from the container 200.

As may also be seen in Fig. 4, the lid 100 has a handle 160 extending axially above and parallel to flange 110 on the opposite side of the flange 110 to the skirt 120. The handle 160 allows the lid 100, and any object to which it is connected either directly or indirectly, to be picked up. The longer extension of the handle 160 parallel to the flange 110, relative to its shorter axial extent away from the flange 110, means that the user will tend to grip it so that the handle 160 and flange 110 extend horizontally under ordinary use conditions. Thus, the longer extension of the handle 160 parallel to the flange 110 forms a grip portion for the handle 160. Of course the lid 100 may also be gripped by other means, for example by the feed tube 130. The handle 160 has a locking element 161 designed to lock rotationally into a corresponding feature on the container 200.

As discussed above, if the lid 100 is picked up and carried with a container 200 that is filled with a relatively heavy material (such as water) or attached to it (such as the motor base 300), then the inertial forces acting on the container 200 may cause the latch 210 to exit the notch 125. Figs. 5-6 demonstrate how the lid 100 and container 200 compensate for this.

Fig. 5 shows the latch 210 of the container 200 at a first position, corresponding to a first rotational orientation of the lid 100 relative to the container 200, in which the latch 210 is secured within the niche 125. At this first orientation the rib 126 locates into the corresponding indent 211 of the latch 210. To unlatch the lid 100 from the container 200, the user need only rotate the lid 100 relative to the container 200 so that the latch 210 reaches the apex 122a, and then remove the lid 100 axially away from the container 200.

Fig. 6 shows the latch 210 of the container 200 at a second position, corresponding to a second orientation of the lid 100 relative to the container 200, in which the latch 210 has slid (e.g., due to a heavy weight acting rotationally and/or axially on the container 200) rotationally out of the niche 125 and axially downward (i.e., away from the flange 110) into the notch 124, where it is prevented from exiting the passage 127 by the hook 123. The weight acting on the container 200, acting axially downwards when the handle 160 is held horizontally, thus holds the latch 210 within the notch 124. Complete separation of the lid 100 from the container 200 during carrying may thus be avoided without excessively complicating the latching mechanism, with the lid 100 and 200 instead being partially separated until the container 200 can be put down and the lid 100 rotated back into the first position for further processing.

As shown in Figs. 4-6, the notch 124 may have a bevelled transition where it abuts the hook 123 and the niche 125, such as a bevelled guiding portion tramp 128. This can help the latch 210 move between the first and second positions. As can also be seen in Fig. 7, the latch 210 may have a bevelled lower edge 212 matching the axially-upward-facing bevels within the latching feature 122, which can similarly assist with the latch 210 moving between the first and second positions.

Whilst only one latching feature 122 is shown, the skirt 120 may have multiple such latching features at differing orientations. For example, multiple latching features 122 may be located symmetrically about the skirt 120, for example three latching features 122 could be located on the skirt 120 each separated by 120 degrees rotationally about the central axis of the lid 100. In this way the forces acting on the lid 100 are balanced.

As shown in Figs. 8-9, a similar arrangement may be provided where the container 200 meets the base 300 to help prevent accidental separation of those two elements, which are removably attachable to each other, during carrying. The base 300 may have an axially-upwardly (i.e., towards the container 200) extending plinth/platform 310 that is relatively narrower than a main body of the base 301, from which latching elements 320 extend both radially and rotationally so as to overhang the main body of the base 301. Each latching element 320 thus forms a rotationally-extending passage 321 co-operatively with the main body of the base 301 accessible rotationally through an opening 322, and extending rotationally from the opening 322 to a niche 325 similar to the niche 125. An axially-downwardly-projecting hook 323 is formed as a narrowing of the passage 321 near the opening 321. A notch 324 similar to the notch 124 extends rotationally between the hook 323 and the niche 325, and forms an axially-upward widening of the passage 321. As with the latching feature 122, bevels may be provided where the notch 324 meets the niche 325 and where the notch 324 meets the hook 323.

In order to attach the container 200 to the base 300, the user lowers a lower skirt 201 that extends axially downwards from a rotational periphery of the container 200, below a bottom 204 of the container 200, over the plinth 301, so that the skirt 201 of the container surrounds the circumference of the plinth 301 and rests on the main body of the base 301. In this position a lower latch 220 extending radially inwards from the lower skirt 201 is at the same axial height as the opening of the latching element 320, and the container 200 can be rotated relative to the base 300 to engage the lower latch 320 with the niche 325.

Also in this position, the shaft of the tool 230 of the container 200 mates with a bearing hole 330 of the base to receive rotatory drive from a motor 350 of the base 300. The base 300 may include an interlock switch 340 that allows energising of the motor 350 when the lid 100 is properly attached to the container 200.

As with the latching feature 122 and the latch 210, the lower latch 320 helps avoid the container 200 and the base 300 becoming completely separated. This is because the weight acting axially downwards on the base 300 tends to result in the lower latch 220 moving, relative to the base 300, to slide from the niche 325 to the notch 324 where it is prevented from exiting rotationally through the opening 322 by the hook 323. To remove the container 200 from the base 300 once the lower latch 220 is held within the notch 324 by the gravitational bias of the base 300, the user must push the base 300 and the container 200 axially towards each other, bringing the lower latch 220 back in line with the opening 322. Once the lower latch 220 is axially level with the opening 322, the container 200 may be rotated relative to the base 300 to remove the lower latch 220 from the latching element 320 through the opening 322, so that the container 200 can be separated axially from the base 300.

As with the latch 210, the lower latch 220 may have a bevelled upper surface 222 to allow it to slide within the passage 321 more easily. The lower latch 220 may also include an indent 221 designed to receive an axially-downwards-extending rib 326 within the niche 325 of the latching element 320, so help secure it within the niche 325. Both the latch 210 and lower latch 220 are preferably made of an elastically defomnable substance such as e.g., plastic, to allow the latch 210 and lower latch 220 to slide over their respective ribs during normal attachment/detachment -the force required to do this should be neither so great that it is difficult to do it by hand, nor so little that it can happen through accidental contact. For example the force needed to remove the latch 210 or lower latch 220 from their respective niches 125 and 325 may be between 1N and 10N applied in a rotational direction at the circumference of the lid 100 or container 200.

Figs. 10 and 11 show an exemplary food processing device 400 assembled from the lid 100, container 200, and base 300 stacked on top of each other top-to-bottom in that order. Fig. 10 depicts a partially unlocked configuration, whilst Fig. 11 depicts a locked configuration.

In the partially unlocked configuration of Fig. 10, the lid 100 is partially unlocked from the container 200 such that the latch 210 is held within the notch 124 by e.g., the force of gravity acting on the container 200 as the lid 100 is grasped in the hand of the user by the handle 160. Due to the latch 210 (and thus the container 200 as a whole) moving axially downwards, away from the lid 100, as the latch 210 moves from the axially-higher niche 125 to the axially-lower notch 124, a gap of width di has opened between the flange 110 of the lid 100 and the top opening 202 of the lid 200 (indicated in dotted line). Similarly a gap dz may open between the base 300 and the container 200 when the lower latch 220 is located in the nice 325 of the base 300 when the base 300 is partially unlocked from the container 200 and slips downwards relative to the container 200 under the force of gravity. Accordingly, the two latching/engagement positions (i.e. locked and partially unlocked) correspond to different axial positions of the lid 100 / base 300 and container 200, separated by distances di / dz.

Due to the gap di between the lid 100 and the container 200, material may spill from the container if a seal is not maintained between the lid and the container 200. However, a peripheral seal 101 provided on the lower surface of the flange 110 that meets the wall of the container 200 surrounding the top opening 202 may resiliently expand across the gap di to ensure that this gap is still sealed. For example, to bridge a gap of 2-4mm, the seal 101 may be a rubber seal having an uncompressed axial thickness of 2-5mm, and a fully compressed thickness (i.e., thickness at elastic limit) of 1-2mm. In this way spillage of material from the container 200 may be avoided.

Energising of the motor 350, which may be either from a mains power source or from an internal battery of the base 300, is enabled by actuation of an interlock switch 340 of the base 300. This switch 340 is actuated by the lid 100 engaging with the container 200 in the locked position, and the container 200 locking fully with the base 300, such that the latch 210 and lower latch 220 are received in their respective niches 125 and 325. Energising of the motor 350 causes it to drive the tool 230 via the bearing hole 330 and through the sealed bearing of the container 205, such that it can carry out food processing within the container 200 using its blades/paddles 231, which may extend at different heights and angles within the container 200.

Actuation of the interlock switch 340 by the lid 100 through the container 200 may be realised by a push-rod 241 extending through a tubular passage 240 extending along the side of the container 200 from the top of the container 200 adjacent the upper opening 202 to a lower edge 202 of the skirt 201 at the bottom of the container 200. The push-rod 241 is preferably biased by e.g., a spring towards a position where it is retracted within the passage 240 so that it does not extend from the lower edge 202 to actuate the switch 340 except when actuated by the lid 100. When the lid 100 is attached to the container 200, a protrusion of the lid 100 (e.g., the locking element 161) extends to push the push-rod 141 axially along the passage 140 into contact with the interlock switch 340, permitting energising of the motor 340.

To enable the container 200 to mate with the base 300 even when the push rod 241 extends below the lower edge 202 of the container 200, a rotationally-extending groove 341 not containing an interlock switch may be formed in the main body of the base 301 extending towards the interlock switch 340 to accommodate the push rod 241. In this way when joining the container 200 with the lid 100 properly attached, the push rod 241 locates into the groove 341 and then is rotated into contact with the interlock switch 340.

Actuation of the interlock switch 340 when the lid 100 and/or container 200 and/or base 300 are in the partially unlocked position relative to each other is desirably prevented such that accidental activation of the motor 350 when the elements are not securely attached to each other may be avoided. This can be achieved by the relative rotation of the lid 100 and container 200 taking the locking protrusion 161 rotationally out of engagement with the push rod 241, and/or the push rod 241 rotationally out of engagement with the switch 340 such that it is over the groove 341. Alternatively or additionally, the gaps di and d2 may be calculated so that, either separately or in combination, they are sufficient to bring the push rod 241 axially out of contact with the switch 340.

Whilst the interlock arrangement described above has been described as operating using a push-rod 241 and interlock switch 340, other interlock arrangements are possible. These include magnet/reed-switch combinations, NFC transmitters and receivers, electrically conductive elements on one part that complete a circuit on the other part, and other interlock mechanisms.

At least the lid 100, container 200, and tool 230 are desirably made of food-safe and/or dishwasher safe material. For example, they may be made of a co-polymer such as TritanTm, glass, or stainless steel.

Additionally and/or alternatively to the motor 350 and tool 230, a heating and/or cooling element, such as a resistive heating element and/or a heat-pump, may be provided for carrying out heating and/or cooling of the contents of the container 200. This heating and/or cooling element may be interlocked in a similar fashion to the motor 350 to prevent thermal harm to the user, and may be located in the container 200 or in the base 300. Where located in the container 200, the heating and/or cooling device is powered from the base 300 by electrical contacts.

As used herein: the term "removable attachment"(and similar terms such as "removably attachable"), 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 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).

As used herein, the term "latch" (and similar terms such as "latchable"), as used in relation to latching between a first object and a second object, preferably connotes engagement between the first object and the second object, more preferably such that the first object is retained relative to the second object, i.e. relative movement between the first and second objects is restricted (yet more preferably prevented).

As used herein, the term "axially' (and similar terms such as "axial"), as used in relation to an object (e.g. an attachment, lid or container), preferably connotes a direction along a main axis of the object (typically vertical in use).

As used herein, the term "occlude", as used in relation to occluding a first object from material in a second object, preferably connotes obstruction (more preferably prevention) of passage of the material from the second object to the first object.

"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.

For example, the second engagement arrangement may comprise a further niche (not shown), similar to niche 125, instead of the notch 124 and hook 123, arranged such that the latch 210 falls into the further niche (and is retained therein) when it falls out of niche 125. The further niche may be at the same axial level as niche 125, or it may be arranged axially below (i.e. closer to the container 200) than niche 125.

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.

The following lists a number of aspects: 1 A lid for a food preparation container comprising: - a flange for substantially sealing the container, - a skirt depending peripherally from the flange, - a feed tube extending through the flange parallel to the skirt, and - a web extending below the flange configured to block off a gap between the feed tube and the skirt, 2. The lid of aspect 1, wherein the web connects the feed tube to the skirt.

3. The lid of any preceding aspect, wherein the web corresponds to a hole sized and configured to aerate a cavity between the web and the flange.

4. The lid of aspect 3 wherein the hole is formed in the skirt.

5. The lid of either of aspects 3 and 4, wherein the hole is sized and configured to permit washing of the cavity therethrough.

6. The lid of any preceding aspect, further comprising a central bearing element configured to allow rotary tools to bear on it.

7. The lid of aspect 6, wherein the bearing element further comprising a tubular bearing element configured to bearingly receive a tool-shaft within it.

8. The lid of aspect 7, wherein the tubular bearing element is inter-connected with the feed tube.

9. The lid of any preceding aspect wherein the feed-tube is provided off-centre through the flange, and preferably does not over-lap with a centre of the flange.

10. The lid of any preceding aspect, wherein the lid is made of a food-safe and/or dish-washer safe material.

11.A food preparation arrangement comprising: - a food processing container, - an attachment for the food processing container configured to be removably attachable thereto by a latching element, wherein the latching element is configured to be latchable at a first, latched position, and to be movable under the influence of gravity acting on one of the container or the attachment to a second, partially unlatched position in which the latching element retains the attachment on the container.

12. The food preparation arrangement of aspect 11 wherein the attachment is one of a lid or a motor-base.

13. The food preparation arrangement of any one of aspects 11-12 wherein the latching element comprises a latch on one of the lid and the container and a recess on the other of the lid and the container.

14. The food preparation arrangement of aspect 13, wherein the first position and second position correspond to different relative rotational positions of the container and attachment.

The food preparation arrangement of aspect 14, wherein the recess comprises a niche configured to receive the latch in the first position, and a notch configured to receive the latch in the second position, wherein latch is configured on exiting the niche to fall relative to the recess from the niche to the notch and be retained rotationally and axially therein under the bias of gravity.

16. The food preparation arrangement of aspect 15, wherein the niche is configured to retain the latch frictionally and/or by interaction of a rib on one of the latch and the niche with an indent on the other of the latch and the niche.

17. The food preparation arrangement of any one of aspects 11-16, wherein the container and/or attachment further comprise a handle whereby the arrangement is carriable.

18. The food preparation arrangement of aspect 17 as dependent from any one of aspects 14-16, wherein the handle extends parallel to the direction of relative rotation.

19. The food preparation arrangement of any one of aspects 11-18, wherein the arrangement further comprises a seal configured to seal a gap between the container and the attachment in both the first and second position.

The food preparation arrangement of any one of aspects 11-19 further comprising a second attachment configured to be latchable via a second latching element to the container at a third position, and to be movable under the influence of gravity acting on one of the container or the second attachment to a fourth, partially unlatched position in which a second latching element retains the second attachment on the container.

21. The food preparation arrangement of aspect 20, wherein the attachment is a lid and the second attachment is a base removably attachable to the container for driving/powering a food processing device for performing food processing within the container.

22 The food preparation arrangement of aspect 21 wherein the base comprises an interlock switch configured to energize the food processing device responsive to the container being securely located on the base in the third position, and the lid being in the first position relative to the container, and not be actuated when the lid is in the second position relative to the container and/or the base is in the fourth position relative to the container.

23. The food preparation arrangement of aspect 22, wherein the container comprises a push-rod configured to be actuated by the lid in the first position, and to actuate the interlock switch of the base when the container is in the third position relative to the base.

24. The food preparation arrangement of any one of aspects 21-23 wherein the food processing device is one of: - a motor configured to drive a tool located within the container, - a power source for a heating or cooling device located within the container, - a heating or cooling device configured to heat or cool the contents of the container 25. A food processing appliance comprising the lid of any one of aspects 1-10 and/or the arrangement of any one of aspects 11-24, preferably wherein the food processing appliance has an assembled height of less than 300mm.

Claims (18)

1. CLAIMS: 1. A lid for a container, the lid comprising: a cap portion for covering the container; a skirt portion extending towards the container; a feed tube extending through the cap portion towards the container; and a formation extending between the feed tube and the skirt portion.
2. 2. The lid of claim 1, wherein the formation extends adjacent an end of the feed tube.
3. 3. The lid of claim 1 or 2, wherein the formation and the skirt portion are arranged approximately perpendicularly to one another.
4. 4. The lid of any preceding claim, wherein the formation comprises a main portion extending between the feed tube and the skirt portion, and a side portion extending between the main portion and the cap portion; preferably wherein the side portion is arranged approximately axially and the main portion is arranged approximately perpendicular to the side portion.
5. 5. The lid of any preceding claim, wherein a gap is provided between the feed tube and the skirt portion; wherein the formation comprises a web adapted to cover the gap from foodstuffs in the container.
6. 6. The lid of any preceding claim, wherein the feed tube is arranged away from a centre of the cap portion, and preferably does not overlap with the centre of the cap portion; preferably wherein a/the gap is provided between the skirt portion and a part of the feed tube adjacent the skirt portion.
7. 7. The lid of any preceding claim, wherein the cap portion, the skirt portion and the formation define a cavity therebetween, and wherein the lid is adapted to ventilate the cavity; preferably wherein the lid comprises a hole for ventilating the cavity; more preferably wherein the hole is formed in the skirt portion.
8. 8. The lid of any preceding claim, wherein the lid includes a bearing formation adapted to support, preferably receive, a tool in the container, preferably wherein the bearing formation is connected to the feed tube.
9. 9. A food preparation arrangement comprising: a container, and an attachment for the container, wherein the container and attachment include two engagement arrangements for removably attaching the attachment to the container, wherein the second engagement arrangement can be engaged when the first engagement arrangement is disengaged.
10. The food preparation arrangement of claim 9, wherein the second engagement arrangement is adapted to engage upon: disengagement of the first engagement arrangement; and a user action on the attachment and/or container, preferably a relative force being applied between the attachment and the container to force them apart; preferably wherein the second engagement arrangement is adapted to disengage otherwise.
11. 11 The food preparation arrangement of claim 9 or 10, wherein the first and second engagement arrangements are adapted to removably attach the attachment to the container in two different relative positions; preferably wherein the first and second positions correspond to different relative rotational and/or axial positions of the attachment and the container.
12. 12 The food preparation arrangement of claim 11, wherein the first position is an engaged position, and the second position is a partially disengaged position.
13. 13 The food preparation arrangement of any of claims 9 to 12, further comprising an interlock, wherein the interlock is adapted to actuate when the first engagement arrangement is engaged, and not to actuate when the second engagement arrangement is engaged.
14. 14 The food preparation arrangement of any of claims 9 to 13, wherein each of the first and second engagement arrangements is a bayonet-type arrangement.
15. The food preparation arrangement of any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the first engagement arrangement comprises an engaging element on one of the attachment and the container and a niche adapted to receive the engaging element on the other of the attachment and the container; and wherein the second engagement arrangement comprises the engaging element and a notch adapted to receive the engaging element on the other of the attachment and the container.
16. 16 The food preparation arrangement of claim 15, wherein the niche and notch are arranged at two different, preferably axial, levels; preferably wherein the engaging element is configured, on exiting the niche, to fall from the niche to the notch and, more preferably, be retained rotationally and axially therein when a relative force is applied between the attachment and the container to force them apart.
17. 17 The food preparation arrangement of claim 15 or 16, wherein the niche is configured to retain the engaging element frictionally and/or by interaction of a rib on one of the engaging element and the niche with an indent on the other of the engaging element and the niche.
18. 18 The food preparation arrangement of any of claims 15 to 17, further including a lip portion arranged to retain the engaging element in the notch 19 The food preparation arrangement of any of claims 15 to 18, further including a guiding portion for guiding the engaging element between the niche and the notch.The food preparation arrangement of any of claims 9 to 19, wherein the container and/or attachment further comprise a handle whereby the food preparation arrangement is portable, preferably wherein the handle includes a grip portion, the grip portion and the cap portion of the lid preferably being arranged approximately parallel to one another.21 The food preparation arrangement of any of claims 9 to 20, wherein the arrangement further comprises a seal adapted to seal a gap between the container and the attachment when at least one of the first and second engagement arrangements is engaged.22 The food preparation arrangement of any of claims 9 to 21, wherein the attachment is one of a lid or a motor base, preferably wherein the lid is the lid of any of claims 1 to 8.23 The food preparation arrangement of any of claims 9 to 22, further comprising a further attachment for the container, wherein the container and the further attachment include two further engagement arrangements for removably attaching the further attachment to the container, wherein the fourth engagement arrangement can be engaged when the third engagement arrangement is disengaged.24 The food preparation arrangement of claim 23, wherein the attachment is a lid and the further attachment is a base, the base being adapted for driving/powering a food processing device for performing food processing within the container; preferably wherein the base includes an interlock adapted to: energize the food processing device when the first and the third engagement arrangements are engaged, and to prevent energising of the food processing device when the second and/or fourth engagement arrangements are engaged; more preferably wherein the container includes a push-rod adapted to be actuated by engagement of the first engagement arrangement, and to actuate the interlock switch of the base when the third engagement arrangement is engaged.25. A food processing appliance incorporating the food preparation arrangement of any one of claims 9 to 24, and/or the lid of any one of claims 1 to 8, and/or a food preparation arrangement, preferably according to any one of claims 9 to 24, incorporating the lid of any one of claims 1 to 8, preferably wherein the food processing appliance has an assembled height of less than 300mm.