WO2024163110A1

WO2024163110A1 - System and method for preparing food

Info

Publication number: WO2024163110A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/086557
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas James PORTER
Original assignee: Server Products, Inc.
Priority date: 2023-01-31
Filing date: 2023-12-29
Publication date: 2024-08-08

Abstract

A coating system includes a base unit with a motor, and a container that includes a bowl defining an internal area configured to receive a food item and a coating. A fin is disposed within the internal area of the bowl. The container is configured to couple to the base unit so that the motor rotates the fin about an axis to coat the food item with the coating. The fin is configured to rotate with or relative to the bowl. The container is supported on the base unit so that the axis is at an oblique angle relative to a direction of gravity.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARING FOOD

CROSS-REFERNCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/582,889, filed September 15, 2023, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/498,005, filed April 24, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/482,338, filed January 31, 2023, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for coating food products. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for coating a food product with a flowable or powdered coatings.

SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a system that can be used to distribute a sauce onto a food item. In particular, systems and methods are provided for automating a coating process to coat a food item with seasonings, sauces, other flavorings, etc. Automating the coating of food items may advantageously provide a more consistent completed food product, while increasing the efficiency of kitchen staff, by reducing the amount of time a cook must interact with a food item. Such automated systems may further reduce the need for experienced or highly trained kitchen workers. In general, a coating system according to the present disclosure can include a receptacle configured to receive a coating and a food item to be coated. The receptacle can include a fin configured to coat (e.g., toss or mix) the food product with the coating. In some cases, the fin can be a stationary fin and the receptable can be rotated by a base unit to cause the fin to coat the food product with the coating. In some examples, the fin can be a moveable fin that can rotate within and relative to the receptacle (e.g., a bowl) to coat the food product with the coating. A base unit may be configured to rotate the fin relative to the receptacle, and may also rotationally lock the receptacle. Attomey Docket No.: 850724.00129

[0004] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a coating system may include a base unit that can include a motor. The coating system may further include a container that can include a bowl. The bowl can define an internal area configured to receive a food item and a coating. A fin may be disposed within the internal area. The container can be configured to couple to the base unit so that the motor may rotate the fin about an axis to coat the food item with the coating. The container may be supported on the base unit so that the axis may be at an oblique angle relative to a direction of gravity.

[0005] In some non-limiting examples, the base unit can further include an electronic controller that can be configured to receive an input signal and to operate the motor based on the input signal. The input signal can include at least one of a type and a quantity of the food item being coated.

[0006] In some non-limiting examples, the base unit may operate the motor in accordance with a predetermined speed profile.

[0007] In some non-limiting examples, the base unit can further include a user interface that may be in communication with the electronic controller and configured to receive the input signal from a user.

[0008] In some non-limiting examples, the electronic controller may be configured to communicate with a kitchen management system that can be configured to provide the input signal. [0009] In some non-limiting examples, the base unit can include a sensor configured to detect a presence of the container on the base unit.

[0010] In some non-limiting examples, the base unit can further include a housing that may be configured to limit movement of the container relative to the base unit along the axis when the container is coupled to the base unit.

[0011] In some non-limiting examples, the fin can be configured to rotatably couple to the bowl and the base unit can be configured to rotate the fin relative to the bowl.

[0012] In some non-limiting examples, the base unit can be configured to limit rotation of the bowl about the axis so that the motor may rotate the fin relative to the bowl.

[0013] In some non-limiting examples, the fin may be further configured to removably couple to the bowl via a snap fit connection. Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129

[0014] In some non-limiting examples, the bowl can further include a boss formed on a bottom surface of the bowl. The boss may define an aperture that is configured to receive the fin. [0015] In some non-limiting examples, the fin can include a receiver that may be configured to couple to a motor shaft of the motor for rotation therewith. At least one of the receiver and the motor shaft may pass through the aperture.

[0016] In some non-limiting examples, the motor shaft can include an adapter that may be configured to form a keyed connection with the receiver to rotationally lock the fin with the motor shaft.

[0017] In some non-limiting examples, the fin can include an arm that may be configured to flex radially relative to the axis to snapably engage with the bowl.

[0018] In some non-limiting examples, a first connector that may be defined by the bowl and a second connector that may be defined by the fin can be correspondingly shaped to form a tortuous seal therebetween when the fin is coupled to the bowl.

[0019] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a coating system may include a container. The container can include a bowl that may define an internal area configured to receive a food item and a coating. The bowl may further define a first connector that may be positioned along a bottom surface of the internal area. The container may further include a fin that may be configured to be received within the internal area. The fin may include a second connector that can be configured to rotatably couple to the first connector. The second connector may include an arm that can be configured to engage with the first connector via a snap-fit connection so that the fin may rotate relative to the bowl about a rotational axis to coat the food item with the coating.

[0020] In some non-limiting examples, the fin may include a hub and a blade that may extend from the hub and away from the rotational axis. The blade may include a leading surface that may be configured to engage the food item to move the food item in at least one of a circumferential and radial direction relative to the rotational axis.

[0021] In some non-limiting examples, the blade may include a first segment that may extend in a first direction from the hub to extend along the bottom surface and a second segment that may extend in a second direction from the first segment to extend along a sidewall of the bowl. Attomey Docket No.: 850724.00129

[0022] In some non-limiting examples, the arm may extend from the hub in a third direction that may be opposite the second direction. The first connector may include a boss that may define an outer flange and an inner flange. The arm may include a groove that can be configured to receive the inner flange.

[0023] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a coating system can include a base unit that may include housing. A motor may be disposed in the housing. An electronic controller may be configured to receive an input signal and operate the motor based on the input signal. The input signal may include at least one of a type and a quantity of a food item being coated. The coating system may further include a container configured to couple the base unit. The container may include a bowl that may define an internal area configured to receive the food item and a coating. The container may further include a boss that may be positioned along a bottom surface of the internal area. The boss may include an aperture that may define an opening through the bottom surface. The container may further include a fin that can be configured to be received within the internal area. The fin may also be configured to rotate relative to the bowl about a rotational axis that may be at an oblique angle relative to a direction of gravity. The fin may include a hub and a blade that may extend from the hub to engage with the food item. The hub may include an arm that can be configured to couple to the boss via a snap fit connection. The hub may further include a receiver that can be configured to couple to the motor through the aperture such that operation of the motor induces a corresponding rotation of the fin relative to the bowl.

[0024] The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the disclosure will appear from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration a preferred configuration of the disclosure. Such configuration does not necessarily represent the full scope of the disclosure, however, and reference is made therefore to the claims and herein for interpreting the scope of the disclosure. Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention will be better understood and features, aspects, and advantages other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such detailed description makes reference to the following drawings. [0026] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a coating system, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the coating system of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a front view of the coating system of FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a side view of the coating system of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the coating system, taken through line 5-5 of

FIG. 3.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a base unit of the coating system of FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a top view of the base unit of the coating system of FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the base unit of the coating system of FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a frame of the base unit of the coating system of

FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a top view of a receptacle of the coating system of FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the receptacle of the coating system of FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a bowl of the coating system of FIG. 1.

[0038] FIG. 13 is a top view of the bowl of the coating system of FIG. 1.

[0039] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the bowl of the coating system of FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the bowl, taken through line 15-15 of FIG. 13.

[0041] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another example of a receptacle of the coating system of FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another example of a receptacle and a bowl for the coating system of FIG. 1.

[0043] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the receptacle of FIG. 17.

[0044] FIG. 19 is a top view of the bowl of FIG. 17.

[0045] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the bowl, taken through line 20-20 of FIG. 19. Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129

[0046] FIG. 21 is a top view of another example of a bowl for the coating system of FIG. 1.

[0047] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the bowl, taken through line 22-22 of FIG. 21.

[0048] FIG. 23 is a detail view of the bowl, taken about line 23-23 of FIG. 22.

[0049] FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective view of a fin of the bowl of FIG. 21.

[0050] FIG. 25 is an isometric view of another example of a bowl for the coating system of FIG. 1.

[0051] FIG. 26 is a top view of the bowl of FIG. 25.

[0052] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the bowl, taken through line 27-27 of FIG. 26.

[0053] FIG. 28 is a detail view of the bowl, taken about line 28-28 of FIG. 27.

[0054] FIG. 29 is a bottom perspective view of a fin of the bowl of FIG. 25.

[0055] FIG. 30 is another example a base unit of a coating system, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 31 is a top view of the base unit of the coating system of FIG. 30.

[0057] FIG. 32 is another example of a coating system, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 33 is another example of a coating system, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 34 is another example of a coating system, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 35 is another example of a coating system, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129 “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and may also include fluid and electrical connections.

[0062] The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.

[0063] One or more embodiments are described and illustrated in the following description and accompanying drawings. These embodiments are not limited to the specific details provided herein and may be modified in various ways. Further, other embodiments may exist that are not expressly described herein. Also, functions described as being performed by multiple components may be consolidated and performed by a single component. Similarly, functions described herein as being performed by one component may be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Additionally, a component described as performing particular functionality may also perform additional functionality not expressly described herein. For example, a device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not expressly listed.

[0064] In addition, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. For example, the use of “comprising,” Attomey Docket No.: 850724.00129 “including,” “containing,” “having,” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Additionally, the terms “connected” and “coupled” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect connecting and coupling, and may refer to physical or electrical connections or couplings. Furthermore, the phase "and/or" used with two or more items is intended to cover the items individually and the items together. For example, “a and/or b" is intended to cover: a, b, and a and b. As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and the like may refer to a value that is ± 1%, ± 5%, ± 10% of the intended amount, value, angle, or other quantity.

[0065] As described above, in many restaurant settings, workers manually distribute coatings over a food item. Manually mixing food items may require workers to shake or tumble the food items over a lengthy period of time, in order to ensure that the coating covers all of the food items in a consistent manner. In some cases, the manual mixing of the sauce may not evenly cover the food item, leading to inconsistent preparation of food. Furthermore, overly vigorous mechanical shaking and stirring of the bowl by workers can cause damage to some food items, such as breading on breaded food items (e.g., boneless wings or breaded vegetables), to fall off of the food item, resulting in an undesirable final product.

[0066] The present disclosure provides a system for coating a food item with a coating (e.g., a seasoning, sauce, dressing, flavorant, etc.). More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a coating system that can receive a food item (e.g., chicken wings, cauliflower, etc.) and mix the food item with the coating in order to coat the food item. The coating system can be configured to automatically coat a food item placed therein, allowing a worker to perform other tasks, thereby increasing line efficiency. For example, after adding a food item and coating to a bowl of the coating system, a worker may activate a motor or other mechanism configured to rotate, spin, or nutate the bowl, allowing the kitchen worker to attend to another duty (e.g., cooking), while the food items and coatings are mixed by the coating system. The coating system can therefore save valuable time during the preparation of the food item, allowing the kitchen to operate more efficiently. Relatedly, a coating system can be used in conjunction with other kitchen systems to further improve efficiency. For example, a coating system can be loaded with a food item or coating manually, or via another dispensing system, which can be configured to dispensing a least Attomey Docket No.: 850724.00129 one of the food item and the coating. Correspondingly, the coating system can be configured to communicate with a kitchen management system and may be configured to operate in accordance with a signal received from the kitchen management system. For example, the kitchen management system may provide information on a customer order or operation instructions for the coating system (e.g., a duration or speed of rotation).

[0067] Correspondingly, a coating system can be configured based on the type and quantity of food item or the type of coating to improve coating efficiency, as compared with manual coating by a worker, while also reducing potential damage to the food item. For example, a bowl of the coating system can be received by a base that is configured to rotate the bowl (to cause mixing of the food item with the coating. The bowl can be angled such that a rotational axis of the bowl is at a non-zero angle relative to a direction of gravity or a horizontal surface (e.g., horizontal relative to a direction of gravity), which aids in mixing and ensures that the food item remains within the bowl during rotation.

[0068] In addition, a fin can be disposed within a bowl and can be configured to facilitate the mixing of the food items and the coatings. The fin can be formed or otherwise coupled with the bowl to repeatedly scoop and mix the contents of the bowl, during rotation, allowing for consistent distribution of the sauce over the food item(s). In this way, the fin can aid coating by scooping the food items against the force of gravity, and facilitating further mixing and tumbling of the food items. In some non-limiting examples, different fin shapes or configurations can be optimized to mix specific food items and coatings. For example, a kitchen may include multiple bowls having different fin configurations for mixing different food items and coatings. In some non-limiting examples, the coating system can further include one or more dispensers configured to supply a coating into the bowl. A dispenser may be configured as a manual dispenser or as an automatic dispenser configured to dispense a certain type or quantity of coating based on a customer order, or by the food item in the bowl.

[0069] As generally mentioned above, a coating system can be used to coat food items with a coating. FIGs. 1-15 illustrate a non-limiting example of a coating system 100 that is configured to coat a food item (e.g., boneless wings, bone in wings, vegetable wings, salads, dessert, entree, or other food items mixed with sauce) with a coating (e.g., a seasoning, a sauce, a Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129 dressing, a topping, or other food product ingredient). As described below, the coating system 100 can be used to automate the mixing of or the even coating of the food item relative to the coating. Moreover, the coating system may be configured for coating of a specific type of food item, coating, or combination thereof, to allow for more efficient coating. That is, by configuring the system for particular types of food items or coatings, the coating system can achieve more even coating, reduce the amount of time needed to achieve an even coating, and reduce potential damage to the food product. Moreover, by allowing for automatic coating, the coating system can allow a worker to perform other tasks, improving overall kitchen efficiency and reducing total preparation time.

[0070] A coating system may generally include a base unit configured to operatively support a container (e.g., a bowl or other receptacle) that is configured to receive a food item and a coating. The base unit can be configured to move the container, or more specifically, a fin of the container, to mix the food item with the coating in order to coat the food item. For example, as shown in FIGs. 2 and 5, the coating system 100 can include a base unit 200 that is configured to move a container 300 to mix food ingredients. Correspondingly, the container 300 generally includes a bowl 302 that defines an opening 304 for an internal area 306 configured to receive a food product and a coating. The internal area 306 is bounded by a bottom surface 308 and sidewalls 310 that extend therefrom to define a depth of the bowl 302 (e.g., a dimension between the bottom surface 308 and the opening 304). A fin 312 is disposed within the internal area 306 of the bowl 302 to increase mixing of the food product and coating, thereby facilitating coating. As discussed below, in some cases, the fin 312 may be integrally or monolithically formed with the container 300, such that movement of the container 300 induces corresponding movement of the fin 312. In other cases, the fin 312 may be movably secured within the container 300, and the base unit 200 can cause the fin 312 to move relative to the container 300. The container 300 may further include a lip 314, which can form handle for the container. In some cases, the container 300 may further include a cover 316 configured to retain the food item and coating in the container 300. The cover 316 may couple to the lip 314 of the bowl 302.

[0071] As described in greater detail below, a base unit can be configured to move a fin or other internal feature of the container to mix the food product with the coating. In the illustrated Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129 non-limiting example, the base unit 200 is configured to rotate the fin 312 of the container 300 to cause coating of a food product retained therein. Referring to FIGs. 5, 8, and 9, the base unit 200 can include a frame 202 that is disposed within a housing 204. The frame 202 can include feet 206 to support the base unit 200 on a support surface and can be further configured to support a motor 208 that is configured to rotate the container 300 (e.g., the fin 312) about a rotational axis 318 of the container 300. In this case, the rotational axis 318 is coincident with a motor axis 210 defined by the motor 208. The motor 208 can include a motor body 212 that is configured to couple to the frame 202 and a motor shaft 214 that is configured to couple with and rotate the container 300. Correspondingly, the motor shaft 214 may extend through an aperture 216 in the housing 204 to allow the motor 208 to engage with the container 300. Here, the motor 208 directly rotates the container 300. In other examples, the motor axis 210 may not be aligned with the rotational axis 318, or the motor 208 may indirectly rotate the container 300 via a belt, geartrain, or other type of transmission.

[0072] Operation of the motor, and thus movement of a container, can be controlled based on an input signal provided to a base unit. The input signal can be provided as a manual input signal from a worker (e.g., via a user interface), or as an electronic signal provided by an external kitchen management system (e.g., for automatic dispensing based on a customer order). In some cases, the input signal may include information as to the type or quantity of food item, or the type or quantity of coating. In some cases, the input signal may include information on the customer order and the base unit can be configured to determine and automatically operate the motor based on the order. For example, the base unit can be configured to control operation of the motor to vary a speed (e.g., a rotational speed), direction, or duration of rotation of a container (e.g., a fin therein). For example, the base unit can be configured to operate the motor to rotate the fin on a predetermined speed profile, which can include constant or variable speed operation. In some cases, an example speed profile of the motor can be configured to rotate the fin at about sixty rotations per minute. The base unit may also be configured to operate the motor for a predetermined period of time. In other cases, the base unit can be operated in a manual mode, wherein a use can determine the speed or duration of rotation for the container (e.g., the fin). Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129

[0073] Relatedly, a base unit a can further include a user interface that can be configured to receive a user input or to display a status of the dispenser to a user. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the base unit 200 includes a user interface 218 configured as a physical input control (e.g., dials, buttons, switches, knobs, etc.) provided on a front of the housing 204, which can allow a user to provide an input signal via virtual buttons displayed thereon. In other non-limiting examples, other types of input devices can be provided, including, for example, a touch screen that can allow a user to provide an input signal via virtual buttons displayed thereon. The user interface 218 may also display a status of the coating system 100 to a user. For example, the user interface 218 can display a duration or speed of rotation, etc. In other non-limiting examples, the other types of status indicators may be provided, including, for example, visual indicators (e.g., lights), auditory indicators, etc.

[0074] To control rotation operation of the motor, and thus movement of a container (e.g., a fin disposed therein), the base unit can include a control unit (e.g., an electronic controller) that is configured to receive the input signal and to control the motor based on the input signal. For example, referring to FIGs. 5, 6, and 9, the base unit 200 can include a control system 220 configured to operate the coating system 100. For example, the base unit 200 may house a power supply 222 that is configured to power a control unit 224 and the motor 208. The control unit 224 may control a speed or direction of the motor 208 based on commands received from a user interface 218 or from an external device (e.g., kitchen management system) via a wireless transceiver 226. Put another way, the control unit 224 may control a distribution of power to the motor 208 from the power supply 222 to control rotation of the container 300 or the fin. In some cases, the control unit 224 may selectively control operation of the motor 208 based on a presence of the receptacle 400, the container 300, the food item, the coating, or the like. Correspondingly, as will be described further below, the base unit can include a sensor 228 configured to provide information to the control unit 224 regarding the presence of components mounted on the base unit 200. The sensor 228 may include presence sensors (e.g., a capacitive, motor load, photoelectric, infrared, ultraviolet, limit switch, or ultrasonic sensor, etc.) configured to communicate the presence of the container 300 to the control unit 224. Sensors 228 may also include other types of Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129 sensors, for example, weight sensors, etc., which can be configured to allow the control unit 224 to determine a type or quantity of food item therein.

[0075] As mentioned above, a container can be operatively supported on a base unit, such that the base unit can move a fin of the container (e.g., by rotating the container or the fin) to cause coating of a food item. In some cases, the container can be oriented so that a rotational axis is at a non-zero angle relative to a direction of gravity or horizontal surface. For example, referring to FIG. 5, the container 300 is supported at an angle 320 relative to a horizontal direction (e.g., horizontal relative to a vertical direction of gravity). The angle 320 can be selected in accordance with a type or quantity of food item being coating, as well as the type of coating, in order to provide more efficient coating. Correspondingly, the angle 320 can be selected based on the type or shape of fin in the container 300, as well as if the fin 312 rotates with or relative to the container 300. Moreover, the angle 320 can be selected to ensure that food items are retained in the container 300 during a coating process. Thus, during rotation, food items can be scooped by the fin 312, and rotated to a vertical position in which gravity causes the food items to fall, down the incline created by the angle 320, from the fin 312 to the vertically lowest portion of the container 300. The food items may continue to tumble and chum in this lowest vertical position during the rotational movement until the fin 312 again reaches the food items. This process may continue for each rotation of the fin 312 during the operation. In accordance with the illustrated example, the angle 320 can range between about 10 degrees and 60 degrees, about 15 degrees and 25 degrees, about 20 degrees, or any range therein. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the angle 320 is fixed; however, the angle 320 may be adjustable in other non-limiting examples.

[0076] As generally described above, the container 300 may be directly or indirectly mounted to the motor shaft 214 of the motor 208. As illustrated, the container 300 is mounted to the motor shaft 214 and rotated relative to the base unit 200 during operation. In some configurations, the container 300 is cantilevered on the motor shaft 214. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the container 300 may be mounted to the motor shaft 214 via a receptacle 400. In the non-limiting example, the receptacle 400 is coupled to the motor shaft 214, and is spun by the motor shaft 214 during operation. As will be described further below, the receptacle 400 can include a keying feature (e.g., a protrusion 402) configured to engage a bottom of the container 300. The protrusion Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129

402 can rotationally lock the container 300 with the receptacle 400. The receptacle 400 may therefore engage and spin the container 300 during operation.

[0077] With additional reference to FIGs. 10 and 11, the receptacle 400 is shaped to receive and retain the container 300. The receptacle 400 may include a receptacle sidewall 404 extending upward from a receptacle base 406, toward a receptacle opening 408. The shape and depth of the receptacle 400 may be defined by the receptacle sidewall 404. In some configurations, the receptacle 400 may include a perimeter wall 410. The perimeter wall 410 may be configured to stabilize or strengthen the receptacle 400. The perimeter wall 410 may extend from the receptacle opening 408 toward the receptacle base 406, surrounding the receptacle sidewall 404. Referring to FIG. 11, in some configurations, a rear surface of the receptacle base 406, may include a receiver 412. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the receiver 412 can be configured to couple the receptacle 400 to the motor shaft 214. The motor shaft 214 may therefore spin the receptacle 400, which may in turn spin the container 300. In some configurations, a receptacle may include an alternate sidewall configuration. For example, some such configurations may help to reduce material costs. In this regard, for example, FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of a receptacle 500. The receptacle 500 of FIG. 16 may generally include similar features as the receptacle 400 of FIGS. 1,2, 4, 5, 10, and 11 , including but not limited to a receptacle sidewall 504, a receptacle base 506, a receptacle opening 508 a protrusion 502, and a receiver (not shown). Thus, discussion of the receptacle 400 above also generally applies to similar components of the receptacle 500 (and vice versa). In some aspects, the receptacles 400 and 500 may differ. For example, the receptacle 500 may lack the perimeter wall 410.

[0078] To further retain or support a container during operation, a base unit can include a channel configured to receive the container. For example, referring again to FIGs. 2 and 5, in some configurations, the housing 204 may define a channel 230 configured to receive the lip 314 of the bowl 302. The channel 230 may be arcuate in shape to allow the container 300 to rotate within the channel 230 during operation of the coating system 100. Additionally, the channel 230 may limit axial movement of the container 300 during operation, relative to the rotational axis 318. The reduction of axial movement of the container 300, may ensure that the container 300 remains properly mounted during operation. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the sensor 228 may be Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129 located in the channel 230. In this way, the sensor 228 may determine the presence or absence of the container 300 or lid 322 and communicate a corresponding signal to the control unit 224.

[0079] As mentioned above, containers can be configured in a variety of ways to induce mixing of a food item and coating. In particular, containers according to the present disclosure generally include a fin that can rotate with or relative to a bowl to cause mixing. Referring to FIGs. 12-15, the container 300 includes the fin 312 that is configured to rotate with the bowl 302 to coat a food item with a coating. As illustrated, the fin 312 is formed with the bowl 302; however, it may also be formed as a separate component that can be fixedly coupled to the bowl 302. The fin 312 extends from an interior surface of the internal area 306. Specifically, the fin 312 may extend from the bottom surface 308 or along the sidewall 310.

[0080] The shape and size of the fin 312 can be optimized in accordance with the type of food item being prepared, so as to reduce coating time, achieve more even coating, and reduce damage to the food item being coated (e.g., reduce breading from detaching from the food item). For example, fin 312 can include one or more surfaces that can be shaped to aid the scooping of the food item and sauce. In particular, the fin 312 includes a leading surface 324 and a trailing surface 326. The leading and trailing surfaces 324, 326 are defined in reference to a rotational direction of the container 300, such that the leading surface 324 is configured to contact and scoop the food item and coating to induce mixing within the container 300. In some non-limiting examples, a thickness of the fin 312 may taper. For example, a distance between the leading surface 324 and the trailing surface 326 may decrease as the fin 312 extends from the sidewall 310 into the interior volume of the container 300. Similarly, the distance between the leading surface 324 and the trailing surface 326 may decrease as the fin 312 extends from the bottom surface 308 into the interior volume of the container 300. The tapered shape of the fin 312 may urge the food item and the coating toward a center of the container 300 to encourage further mixing.

[0081] In some embodiments, the fin 312 can be curved to further facilitate scooping of the food item and coating. As illustrated, one or both of the leading surface 324 and the trailing surface 326 may be arcuate in shape. Specifically, the leading surface 324 may curve concavely. In some configurations, the leading surface 324 may undulate or include one or more inflection points. For example, the leading surface 324 can be shaped to include one or more radii of Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129 curvature. Here, leading surface 324 includes a first radius of curvature 328, a second radius of curvature 330, and a third radius of curvature 332.

[0082] The fin 312 may also be sized to optimize coating efficiency. For example, in some non-limiting examples, the fin 312 extends a distance 334 (e.g., a radial distance) from the sidewall 310, toward an opposite side of the container 300, which can be selected based on a type or quantity of food item or coating. In some cases, the distance 334 can range between about 5% and about 45%, between about 25% and about 35%, or between about 20% and about 30% of the diameter defined by the sidewall 310 of the container 300 (e.g., a diameter of the opening 304 of the bowl 302), or any other range therein. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the distance 334 is about 33% of the diameter of the bowl 302. Furthermore, in some non-limiting examples, the fin 312 may extend from the bottom surface 308 and toward the opening 304 of the container 300 by a height 336, which can be selected based on a type or quantity of food item or coating. For example, the leading surface 324 may extend a height 336 (e.g., an axial distance relative to the rotation axis 318) that is between about 5% and about 90%, between about 30% and about 70%, or between about 40% and about 60% of a height of the container 300 (e.g., an axial depth of the internal area 306 of the bowl 302), or any range therein. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the height 336 is about 50% of the height of the container 300. In some embodiments, the container 300 may include a plurality of fins. For example, the container may include a second fin. The second fin may be similar or dissimilar to the fin 312 described above. The second fin may be disposed anywhere within the container 300, for example, directly across from the fin 312.

[0083] As discussed above, a stationary fin can be configured to rotate with a bowl of a container to induce coating of a food item. To rotate the bowl and fin, the bowl can be configured to engage a receptacle that is rotated by the base unit. For example, the container 300 includes a recess 338 disposed on an exterior of the container 300. The recess 338 may be formed by the fin 312, such that the recess 338 is the negative shape of the fin 312. The recess 338 and the protrusion 402 of the receptacle 400 are correspondingly shaped so that the protrusion 402 is received in the recess 338 when the container 300 is received by the receptacle 400, while still allowing axial movement so that the container 300 can be removed by a user. As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 402 may engage an inner wall of the recess 338 during operation. In this way, engagement of the Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129 protrusion 402 with the recess 338 rotationally locks the container 300 with the receptacle 400, and thereby the base unit 200.

[0084] In other non-limiting examples, fins can be shaped differently. For example, FIGs. 17, 19, and 20 illustrate another embodiment of a container 600. The container 600 may generally include similar features as the container 600, including but not limited to a bowl 602 having an internal area 606 defined by a sidewall 610 and a bottom surface 608, an opening 604, a rotational axis 618, and a recess 638. Thus, discussion of the container 300 above can also generally apply to similar components of the container 600. However, in some aspects, the containers 300 and 600 may differ. In particular, the container 600 includes a differently shaped fin 612 and handles 640 extending from the lip 614. The fin 612 is U-shaped and spans a diameter of the container 600 to extend onto opposing regions of the sidewall 610. That is, the fin 612 includes a first section 642 extending across the bottom surface 608, and a second section 644 and a third section 646 that extend upward along the sidewall 610 in an opposed configuration. Additionally, the fin 612 forms a ridge 648 that has a first surface 650 and a second surface 652. The first surface 650 and the second surface 652 may each extend at a non-zero angle relative to the interior surface 654 (e.g., to form a ridge with a triangle-like cross section). In some configurations, the first surface 650 and the second surface 652 extend at opposite angles. Because the fin 612 spans the entire diameter of the container 600, each of the first surface 650 and the second surface 652 can define a leading surface and a trailing surface. For example, the first surface 650 forms a leading surface of the second section 644 and a trailing surface of the third section 646, while the second surface 652 forms a leading surface of the third section 646 and a trailing surface of the second section 644, relative to a rotational direction of the container 600.

[0085] The fin 612 can extend a distance 634 into the internal area 606 of the container 600 (e.g., perpendicular to a local positioned along the interior surface 654). In the illustrated example, the maximum distance 634 the fin 612 extends into the container 600 is substantially constant; however, the distance may vary in other configurations. For example, in some cases, the distance 634 can range between about 5% and about 45%, between about 25% and about 35%, or between about 20% and about 30% of the diameter defined by the sidewall 610 of the container Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129

600 (e.g., a diameter of the opening 604 of the bowl 602), or any other range therein. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the distance 634 is about 10% of the diameter of the bowl 602.

[0086] Additionally, the fin 612 can define a height 636, measured from the bottom surface 608 to a distal end of the second section 644 or third section 646. Here, the maximum height is defined by each of the second section 644 and the third section 646, which extend along the sidewall 610 to have heights of about 75% of the height of the container 600 (e.g., a depth of the internal area 606 of the bowl 602). In other examples, the second section 644 and the third section 646 can have different heights relative to one another or relative to the depth of the bowl 602. For example, the height 636 may be between about 65% and about 85%, or between about 50% and about 95% of the height of the container 600, or between about 25% and about 75% of the height of the container 600 or any range therein.

[0087] Similar to the container 600, the container 600 includes a recess 638 (e.g., along an external surface), which is configured to couple to a receptacle. The recess 638 may be formed by the fin 612, such that the recess 638 is the negative shape of the fin 612. Correspondingly, a receptacle can also be configured to receive differently shaped containers. For example, FIGs. 17 and 18 illustrate another embodiment of a receptacle 700 that is configured to receive and support the container 600. The receptacle 700 includes similar features as the receptacle 400, including a receptacle sidewall 704, a receptacle base 706, a receptacle opening 708, a receptacle perimeter wall 710, a receptacle protrusion 702, and a receiver (not shown). Thus, discussion of the receptacle 400 above also generally applies to similar components of the receptacle 700. However, in some aspects, the receptacles 700 and 400 may differ. For example, the receptacle protrusion 702 may be shaped differently to correspond with a shape of at least a portion of the recess 638 (see FIG. 17). Here the protrusion 702 has a triangle-like shape to engage an inner wall of the recess 638 during operation. Similar to above, the receptacle 700 may be configurated to rotationally lock the container 600 with the receptacle 700 to rotate the container 600.

[0088] While some configurations of containers can include a stationary fin that rotates with bowl, containers may also include movable fins that can move within and relative to a bowl to cause coating of a food item. For example, FIGs. 21-24 illustrate another embodiment of a container 800. The container 800 includes similar features as the containers 300 and 600, in Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129 particular, a fin 812 and a bowl 802 having an internal area 806 defined by a sidewall 810, a bottom surface 808, an opening 804, a rotational axis 818, an interior surface 854, and handles 840 extending from a lip 814. Thus, discussion of the container 600 above may generally apply to similar components of the container 800. However, in some aspects, the container 800 may differ. In particular, the container 800 includes a fin 812 that can rotate within and relative the bowl 802. Similar to the fin 612, the fin 812 is U-shaped with a first section 842, second section 844, and a third section 846 that collectively define a first surface 850 and second surface 852. However, the fin 812 is configured as a separate component that is configured to rotationally couple to the bowl 802. More specifically, the fin 812 is coupled within the internal area 806 to rotate therein.

[0089] The fin 812 can extend a distance 834 into the internal area 806 of the container 800 (e.g., perpendicular to a local positioned along the interior surface 854). In the illustrated example, the maximum distance 834 the fin 812 extends into the container 800 is substantially constant; however, the distance may vary in other configurations. For example, in some cases, the distance 834 can range between about 5% and about 45%, between about 25% and about 35%, or between about 20% and about 30% of the diameter defined by the sidewall 810 of the container 800 (e.g., a diameter of the opening 804 of the bowl 802), or any other range therein. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the distance 834 is about 12% of the diameter of the bowl 802.

[0090] Additionally, the fin 812 can define a height 836, measured from the bottom surface 808 to a distal end of the second section 844 or third section 846. Here, the maximum height is defined by each of the second section 844 and the third section 846, which extend along the sidewall 810 to have heights of about 75% of the height of the container 800 (e.g., a depth of the internal area 806 of the bowl 802). In other examples, the second section 844 and the third section 846 can have different heights relative to one another or relative to the depth of the bowl 802. For example, the height 836 may be between about 65% and about 85%, or between about 50% and about 95% of the height of the container 800, or between about 25% and about 75% of the height of the container 800 or any range therein.

[0091] In some cases, a fin can be releasably coupled to a bowl of a container to allow a user to remove the fin for cleaning. Accordingly, the bowl and fin can include corresponding connectors to allow the fin to be coupled to the bowl. For example, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129 the bowl 802 includes a first connector 856 that is configured to rotatably couple with the fin 812. The first connector 856 is formed as a boss 858 that extends from the bottom surface 808 of the bowl 802, at a rotational axis 818 of the fin 812. Correspondingly, the fin 812 includes a second connector 860 that is configured to rotatably couple to the bowl 802 at the first connector 856. The second connector 860 is disposed on the first section 842, and more specifically, at a midpoint of a length of the first section 842.

[0092] The first connector 856 and second connector 860 are configured to releasably couple to one another. More specifically, the first connector 856 and the second connector 860 can be configured to be coupled via a snap-fit connection therebetween. Here, the second connector 860 includes one or more arms 862 that can snapably engage with the first connector 856. For example, the arms 862 can be inserted into an aperture 864 defined by the boss 858. As shown in FIG. 24, the arms 862 can be arcuate to allow for rotation of the fin 812. Here the arms 862 have a circular profile that extends circumferentially relative to the rotational axis 818, such they are concentric about the rotational axis 818.

[0093] In some cases, the arms 862 define teeth 866 at their terminal ends that can engage a lip 814 or groove defined by aperture 864 to prevent the fin 812 from disengaging the bowl 802 during a coating operation. That is, engagement of the teeth 866 with the first connector 856 limits axial movement of the fin 812 along the rotational axis 818. In this case, each arm 862 includes opposed teeth 866, such that the arms 862 define a groove 868 that engages with the boss 858 (e.g., a flange or other protrusion thereof) to limit axial movement in both directions. Correspondingly, the arms 862 can be configured to resiliency flex to allow the fin 812 to be coupled and decoupled from the bowl 802. For example, as a user pushes the arms 862 into the aperture 864 to couple the fin 812, the arms 862 can flex radially inward (e.g., due to contact with the inner walls of the aperture 864) until the teeth 866 align with the boss 858, at which point the arms 862 can flex radially outward to engage the teeth 866 with the boss 858. To decouple the fin 812, a user can apply a force to the arms 862 to bend the arms 862 radially inward and release the teeth 866 from the boss 858, allowing a user to push the fin 812 out the aperture 864. In other examples, snap fit connections can be provided in other ways. Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129

[0094] A connector of a bowl can also provide an opening to allow a fin to operatively couple to a base unit, such that the base unit rotates the fin within the bowl. For example, still referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the aperture 864 of the first connector 856 is configured as a through hole that provides an opening in the bottom surface 808 of the bowl 802. In this way, the aperture 864 can allow the fin 812 to couple to the motor shaft 214 of the motor 208 through the aperture 864, such that the motor 208 can rotate the fin 812. Correspondingly, the fin 812 can be configured to couple to the motor shaft 214 for rotation therewith. In the illustrated example, the fin 812 includes a receiver 870 that is configured to engage the motor shaft 214. Here, the receiver 870 is positioned radially inward of the arms 862, and can be considered as part of the second connector 860. As illustrated, the receiver 870 can be configured to rotationally lock to the motor shaft 214, and thus, may form a keyed connection therewith. For example, the receiver 870 includes a keyed recess 872 that receives the motor shaft 214. Here, the recess 872 defines an inner surface 874 that engages a correspondingly shaped outer surface 232 of the motor shaft 214. More specifically, the inner surface 874 is lobed to define lobed recess and the outer surface 232 is lobed to define correspondingly shaped lobed protrusions that are received by the lobed recessed of the inner surface. In other configurations, the inner surface 874 and outer surface 232 can be shaped differently, for example, with a square shape or to accommodate a separate key (e.g., a woodruff key) or set screw. In some configurations, the motor shaft 214 may include an adapter 234 (e.g., a receptacle) that defines the outer surface 232 of the motor shaft 214. The adapter 234 can couple the motor shaft 214, for example, via a fastener, adhesive, press-fit connection, etc.

[0095] In some non-limiting examples, the inner surface 874 or outer surface 232 can have a conical taper relative to the rotational axis 318. Accordingly, a distal end of the motor shaft 214 (e.g., the adapter 234) may be smaller than an opening of the receiver 870, allowing a user to more easily couple and decouple the container 800 from the base unit 200, as well as helping to center the container 800 (e.g., the fin 812) on the motor shaft 214 to reduce vibration of the fin 812.

[0096] Similar to stationary fins, rotatable fins can also be configured in different ways to optimize coating of different food items. For example, FIGs. 25-29 illustrate aspects of another embodiment of a container 900. The container 900 may generally include similar features as the container 800, including but not limited to a fin 912 an internal area 906 defined by a sidewall 910, Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129 a bottom surface 908, an opening 904, handles 940, an aperture 964, a receiver 970, one or more spring arms 962 having a spring arm recess, and a keyed recess 972. Thus, aspects of discussion of the container 900 above may generally apply to similar components of the container 900 (and vice versa). However, as will be discussed further below, in some aspects, the container 900 may differ. For example, the container 900 includes a fin 912 configured as a plow with a first blade 976 and second blade 978 extending from a hub 980 (e.g., a central hub) that is configured to rotatably coupled to the bowl 902, as described further below. In other examples, more or fewer blades can be provided.

[0097] As illustrated, each of the first blade 976 and the second blade 978 extend radially outward from the hub 980, relative to a rotational axis 918 of the fin 912, such that they are diametrically opposed from one another (e.g., in a U-shape). Accordingly, the blades 976, 978 are evenly spaced about the rotational axis 918 of the fin 912. In other examples, blades can be arranged differently, for example, the blades can be angled relative to a radial direction, or can be unevenly spaced about a rotational axis. Also, while the blades 976, 978 are substantially similar to one another, it is also possible to have differently shaped blades.

[0098] The blades 976, 978 can define a leading surface 924 and a trailing surface 926. Similar to the leading and trailing surfaces 324, 326, the leading and trailing surfaces 924, 926, may be defined in reference to a rotational direction of the fin 912, with the leading surface 924 configure to contact a food item when rotating. In some cases, the leading surface 924 may be angled obliquely relative to the interior surface 954, so as to move food items in a radial and circumferential direction. For example, the leading surface 924 may be angled relative to the interior surface 954 and the direction of rotation to push a food item radially inward, toward the rotational axis 918. Thus, the leading surface 924 can scoop the coating or the food item during rotation of the fin 912. In some configurations, the leading surface 924 and the trailing surface 926 may be substantially parallel along an entire length of the first blade 976.

[0099] Each blade 976, 978 can further define a first section 982 extending along the bottom surface 908 from the hub 980 (e.g., to be substantially parallel with the bottom surface 908) and a second section 984 extending from a distal end of the first section 982 and away from the bottom surface 908. Here, the second section 984 extends along the sidewall 910 (e.g., to be Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129 substantially parallel with the sidewall 910). Relatedly, in some configurations, the blades 976, 978 may extend from the hub 980 to an end 986 disposed between the bottom surface 908 and the opening 904. The end 986 may be disposed at a height 936, measured from the bottom surface 908 to the end 986. As illustrated, the height 936 may be about 85% of a height of the container 900. In other examples, the height 936 may be different. For example, in some configurations, the height 936 may be between about 80% and about 90%, between about 70% and about 99% of the height of the container 900, between about 65% and about 85%, or between about 50% and about 95% of the height of the container 600, or between about 25% and about 75% of the height of the container 600 or any range therein. Additionally, a width 934 of the first blade 976 (e.g., a radial dimension relative to the rotational axis 918) may be configured to accommodate and scoop one or more food items (e.g., wings, cauliflower wings, and the like. In some configurations, a width of a blade may be about 10% of a diameter of the opening 904 of the container 900. In some configurations, the width 934 of a blade may be between about 5% and 15%, or about 1% and 20% of the diameter of the opening 904 of the container 900. In some configurations, the width 934 may be substantially constant along an entire length of the first blade 976. For example, a width 934 of the first blade 976 may vary less than about 20% along the entire length of the first blade 976. In other configurations a width of a blade may vary along its length.

[00100] As mentioned above, the fin 912 can be configured to releasably and rotatably couple to the bowl to allow the fin 912 to rotate therein for coating. Accordingly, still referring to FIGS. 21-23 the bowl 902 can define a first connector 956 and the hub 980 can define a second connector 960 (e.g., the hub 980) that is configured to releasably and rotatably couple to the bowl 902 at the first connector 956. The first connector 956 includes boss 958 that defines an outer flange 988 (e.g., a first flange) and an inner flange 990 (e.g., a second flange), which are configured engage with the second connector 960 to control axial movement of the fin 912 relative to the bowl 902. The outer flange 988 is defined on an outer surface of the boss 958 and can form a landing to engage the fin 912. The inner flange 990 is positioned within the aperture 964 to extend from an inner surface of the boss 958. Correspondingly, the fin 912 (e.g., the hub 980) includes an outer wall 992 and arms 962 that are configured to cooperate with the outer flange 988 and the inner flange 990 to control axial movement of the fin 912. More specifically, when the fin 912 is coupled Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129 to the bowl 902, the outer wall 992 can fit over the boss 958 to engage with the outer flange 988, while the arms 962 can be received through the aperture 964 to engage with the inner flange 990. In some embodiments, and as similarly described above, the arms 962 can be configured to resiliently flex to provide a snap fit connection with the bowl 902. Accordingly, each arm 962 (e.g., a first and a second arm, etc.) can further define a groove 968 that is configured to receive the inner flange 990 of the boss 958.

[00101] Furthermore, as similarly discussed above, still referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, the aperture 964 of the first connector 956 provides an opening in the bottom surface 908 of the bowl 902 to allow the fin 912 to couple to the motor shaft 214 of the motor 208 for rotation therewith. The hub 980 includes a receiver 970 positioned radially inward of the arms 962 and configured to couple the motor shaft 214. The receiver 970 rotationally locks to the motor shaft 214 via a keyed connection therewith. In some configurations, the motor shaft 214 may include an adapter 234 that defines the outer surface 232 the motor shaft 214. The adapter 234 can couple the motor shaft 214, for example, via a fastener, adhesive, press-fit connection, etc. Additionally, the receiver 970 and motor shaft 214 can be tapered to allow user to more easily couple and decouple the container 900 from a base unit 200, as well as to help center the container (e.g., the fin 912) on the motor shaft 214 (e.g., to control radial movement of the fin 912 relative to the bowl 902).

[00102] In some cases, a seal can be provided between a fin and a bowl to prevent a coating from passing out of the bowl at the connection therebetween. For example, in some cases, sealing element (e.g., O-ring, gasket, etc.) can be coupled between the fin and bowl. In other cases, the shape of the fin or bowl can form a seal therebetween. For example, as shown in FIGs. 27 and 28, the coupling between the hub 980 and the boss 958 (e.g., between the first connector 956 and the second connector 960) can be configured to form a tortuous or labyrinth seal between the bowl 902 and the fin 912. That is, the fin 912 and the bowl 902 can be shaped to define a tortuous path 994 therebetween. Accordingly, a coating or other food item must flow along the tortuous path 994 to go under the outer wall 992 and upward and over the boss 958 before flowing downward again around the spring arms 962 to pass through the aperture 964. In some cases, the spacing for the tortuous path 994 is maintained by the interaction between the outer flange 988 and the outer wall 992 or the inner flange 990 and the arms 962. That is, engagement between the outer flange Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129 988 and the outer wall 992, or the inner flange 990 and the arms 962, can limit axial and radial movement between the fin 912 and the bowl 902 to maintain the tortuous path 994 in response to external forces experienced by the fin 912 during coating.

[00103] In some non-limiting examples, in particular, where a fin is configured to rotate relative to a bowl, a base unit can be configured to control rotation of a bowl, such that the bowl and fin rotate at different rotational speeds. For example, a base unit can be configured to hold a bowl stationary while the motor can rotate a fin at a desired, non-zero rotational speed during a coating operation. For example, FIGs. 30 and 31 illustrate another non-limiting example of a base unit 1000 according to aspects of the disclosure. While the base unit 1000 is shown and described in connection with the container 900, the base unit 1000 can also be used with other bowls as described herein and the like. The base unit 1000 is similar to the base unit 200 described above, but is configured to limit rotation of a bowl, to encourage rotation of the fin 912 relative to the bowl 902. In particular, the housing 1004 of the base unit 1000 includes a projection 1040 formed in the channel 1030. The projection 1040 is configured to engage with a corresponding feature on the bowl 902, here, the handles 940. Engagement of the handle 940 with the projection 1040 can prevent further rotation of the bowl 902 so that the bowl 902 is held stationary while the base unit 1000 (e.g., a motor) rotates the fin 912 therein. In some cases, the projection 1040 can be sized or shaped for use with containers with stationary or rotatable fins. That is, for example, the projection 1040 can be sized so as not to engage with bowls having stationary fins and to engage with bowls having rotatable fins. For example, the projection 1040 can be sized to allow free passage of the lip 314 of bowl 302 to allow the bowl 302 to rotate uninhibited, but to contact the handle 940 of bowl 902 to prevent the bowl 902 from rotating.

[00104] In still other non-limiting examples, a base unit can control rotation of a bowl in other ways. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 32, a base unit 1100 includes rollers 1142 that aid in supporting a bowl 302 on the base unit 1100. In some examples, the rollers 1142 are configured to allow free rotation of the bowl 302 on the base unit 1100, such as for coating with bowls having stationary fins. In some examples, the rollers 1142 are configured to resist or prevent rotation of the bowl 902 on the base unit 1100, such as for coating with bowls having rotatable fins. Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129

Accordingly, rollers 1142 can be configured to allow a bowl to rotate freely, rotate slower than a corresponding fin, or to hold a bowl stationary.

[00105] As mentioned above, in some configurations, a base unit may include an alternate sensor configuration. In this regard, for example, FIGs. 33-35 illustrate additional examples of sensor arrangements for a base unit 1200. The base unit 1200 of FIGs. 33-35 may generally include similar features as the base unit 1200 of FIGS. 1-6, including but not limited to a control unit (not depicted), a housing 1204, a user interface (not depicted), and one or more sensors 1228. Thus, discussion of the base unit 200 above also generally applies to similar components of the base unit 1200 (and vice versa). Similar to above, the base unit 1200 may be configured to rotate the container 300 or the fin 312, to facilitate the mixing of food items and coatings disposed within the container 300.

[00106] As described above, base units may include presence sensors configured to determine the presence or absence of a container or container lid. As described below, the presence sensors can be disposed at a plurality of locations on the base unit. In some configurations, as illustrated in FIG. 33, the sensor 1228 may be disposed on a front wall of the housing 1204. The non-limiting example of the sensor 1228 illustrates a limit switch having a switch arm 1240 configured to be actuated (e.g., depressed or pushed) by the container 300 or lid 322, when the container 300 or lid 322 is mounted on the base unit 1200. Although the sensor 1228 is described as being a limit switch, the sensor 1228 may alternatively be any other type of presence sensor, similar to those discussed above.

[00107] FIG. 34 illustrates another example arrangement of the sensor 1228. The nonlimiting example of the sensor 1228 illustrates a limit switch having a plunger 1242 that is configured to be actuated by the container 300 or lid 322, when the container 300 or lid 322 is mounted on the base unit 1200. Although the sensor 1228 is described as being a limit switch, the sensor 1228 may alternatively be any other type of presence sensor, similar to those discussed above.

[00108] FIG. 35 illustrates another example arrangement of the sensor 1228. The sensor 1228 may be mounted to a sensor arm 1244. Here the sensor arm 1244 extend from the front wall of the base unit 1200. The non-limiting example of the sensor 1228 is a time-of-flight sensor that Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129 is configured to detect the container 300 or lid 322 when the container 300 or lid 322 is mounted on the base unit 1200. Although the sensor 1228 is described as being a time-of-flight sensor, the sensor 1228 may alternatively be any other type of presence sensor, similar to those discussed above.

[00109] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129 CLAIMS I/We claim:

1. A coating system comprising: a base unit including a motor; and a container including a bowl defining an internal area configured to receive a food item and a coating and a fin disposed within the internal area, the container configured to couple to the base unit so that the motor rotates the fin about an axis to coat the food item with the coating, wherein the container is supported on the base unit so that the axis is at an oblique angle relative to a direction of gravity.

2. The coating system of claim 1, wherein the base unit includes an electronic controller that is configured to receive an input signal and to operate the motor based on the input signal, the input signal including at least one of a type and quantity of the food item being coated.

3. The coating system of claim 2, wherein the base unit operates the motor in accordance with a predetermined speed profile.

4. The coating system of claim 2, wherein the base unit includes a user interface in communication with the electronic controller and configured to receive the input signal from a user.

5. The coating system of claim 2, wherein the electronic controller is configured to communicate with a kitchen management system that is configured to provide the input signal.

6. The coating system of claim 1, wherein the base unit includes a sensor configured to detect a presence of the container on the base unit. Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129

7. The coating system of claim 1, wherein the base unit includes a housing configured to limit movement of the container relative to the base unit along the axis when the container is coupled to the base unit.

8. The coating system of claim 1, wherein the fin is configured to rotatably couple to the bowl and the base unit is configured to rotate the fin relative to the bowl.

9. The coating system of claim 8, wherein the base unit is configured to limit rotation of the bowl about the axis so that the motor rotates the fin relative to the bowl.

10. The coating system of claim 8, wherein the fin is further configured to removably couple to the bowl via a snap fit connection.

11. The coating system of claim 8, wherein the bowl includes a boss formed on a bottom surface of the bowl, the boss defining an aperture that is configured to receive the fin.

12. The coating system of claim 11, wherein the fin includes a receiver that is configured to couple to a motor shaft of the motor for rotation therewith, at least one of the receiver and the motor shaft passing through the aperture.

13. The coating system of claim 12, wherein the motor shaft includes an adapter that is configured to form a keyed connection with the receiver to rotationally lock the fin with the motor shaft.

14. The coating system of claim 8, wherein the fin includes an arm that is configured to flex radially relative to the axis to snapably engage with the bowl.

15. The coating system of claim 8, wherein a first connector defined by the bowl and a second connector defined by the fin are correspondingly shaped to form a tortuous seal therebetween when the fin is coupled to the bowl. Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129

16. A container for a coating system, the container comprising: a bowl defining an internal area configured to receive a food item and a coating and a first connector positioned along a bottom surface of the internal area; and a fin configured to be received within the internal area and including a second connector that is configured to rotatably couple to the first connector, the second connector including an arm that is configured to engage with the first connector via a snap-fit connection so that the fin rotates relative to the bowl about a rotational axis to coat the food item with the coating.

17. The container of claim 16, wherein the fin includes a hub and a blade extending from the hub and away from the rotational axis, the blade including a leading surface that is configured to engage the food item to move the food item in at least one of a circumferential and radial direction relative to the rotational axis.

18. The container of claim 17, wherein the blade includes a first segment extending in a first direction from the hub to extend along the bottom surface and a second segment extending in a second direction from the first segment to extend along a sidewall of the bowl.

19. The container of claim 18, wherein the arm extends from the hub in a third direction that is opposite the second direction, and wherein the first connector includes a boss defining an outer flange and an inner flange, and the arm includes a groove that is configured to receive the inner flange.

Attorney Docket No.: 850724.00129

20. A coating system comprising: a base unit including housing, a motor disposed in the housing, and an electronic controller that is configured to receive an input signal and to operate the motor based on the input signal, the input signal including at least one of a type and a quantity of a food item being coated; and a container configured to couple the base unit and including: a bowl defining an internal area configured to receive the food item and a coating and a boss positioned along a bottom surface of the internal area, the boss including an aperture that defines an opening through the bottom surface; and a fin configured to be received within the internal area and to rotate relative to the bowl about a rotational axis that is at an oblique angle relative to a direction of gravity, the fin including a hub and a blade extending from the hub to engage with the food item, the hub including an arm that is configured to couple to the boss via a snap fit connection and a receiver that is configured to couple to the motor through the aperture such that operation of the motor induces a corresponding rotation of the fin relative to the bowl.