DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
[39 of 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
Section 10; Rule 13

APPARATUS FOR PREPARING FLATBREADS

INGEN ROBOTICS PVT. LTD.
JNRA 103
JAWAHAR NAGAR
EAST PATTATHANAM
KOLLAM 691021
KERALA
INDIA

INDIAN

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED

APPARATUS FOR PREPARING FLATBREADS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a food preparation apparatus and, more particularly, to an apparatus for preparation of flatbreads.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Cooking involves various techniques and use of ingredients which varies widely across the world. Cooking also reflects unique environmental, economic and cultural traditions. Thus, for efficient cooking of food, a sound dietary knowledge of cooking methods and the ingredients may be required.
[0003] One of the facets of cooking, which is gaining popularity lately is baking. Baking is the art of cooking food, wherein the food is heated or baked at a predetermined temperature using an oven. The temperature may be set based on the type of food to be prepared and the ingredients used. The food that may be typically prepared by baking may be flatbread which may be one of a chapati, a tortilla, a pita bread, a crepe and the like. Baking the food may typically require precise judgement of a cook, for optimum cooking. Apart from the instincts and skill of the cook, other parameters such as but not limiting to dough consistency, type of oven used, type of utensils used and the like, may also decide the quality of the food prepared. Hence, baking food typically requires substantial skills for optimum cooking, and thus, may not be feasible with majority of the people.
[0004] To overcome the limitations in baking food, technology is paving way for automated baking devices configured to prepare the flatbreads. These automated baking devices may be configured to automatically prepare the flatbreads, once an input from a user is received. However, these devices may generally be bulky, complex in construction and operation, which may not be again feasible for majority of users for usage and maintenance. Moreover, due to their complex construction and operation, efficiency and precision of these devices may fade over time, and thus may deteriorate the quality of the flatbread prepared. Additionally, due to the complex construction, the ingredients while being processed within the devices might contact multiple surfaces, which overtime requires cleaning. Due to the cumbersome construction, special implements or tools may be required for accessing intricate regions of the device, which is not desirable for a home appliance.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus for preparing the flatbread, which can overcome one or more limitations stated above.
[0006] The information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgment that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.
SUMMARY
[0007] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for preparing a flatbread. The apparatus includes a frame member and a plurality of containers mounted on the frame member, wherein each of the plurality of containers being adapted to store each of a plurality of ingredients. A mixer assembly is pivotally mounted on the frame member and operable to an ingredient dosing position and a transfer position. The mixer assembly is juxtaposed below each of the containers for receiving each of the ingredients. The mixer assembly is configured to knead the ingredients received from each of the containers to form a doughball. A mechanical press is mounted on the frame member and adapted to receive the doughball from the mixer assembly. The mechanical press is configured with an upper platen surface and a lower platen surface for flattening the doughball to form a flattened dough and simultaneously baking the flattened dough for preparing the flatbread. A control module is associated with each of the plurality of containers, the mixer assembly and the mechanical press, and adapted to control operations of each of the containers, the mixer assembly and the mechanical press for preparing the flatbread.
[0008] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus for preparing the flatbread is disclosed. The apparatus includes the frame member and the containers mounted on the frame member, wherein each of the containers is adapted to store the ingredients. A dosing mechanism is configured on a lower surface of each of the containers for dispensing each of the ingredients from each of the containers. Further, the mixer assembly is pivotally mounted on the frame member via a shaft and operable to the ingredient dosing position and the transfer position. The mixer assembly is positioned in a vicinity of the dosing mechanism below each of the containers for receiving each of the ingredients via an aperture. The mixer assembly also includes at least one mixer blade coupled to a motor, the motor is configured to operate the mixer assembly for mixing and kneading each of the ingredients received from each of the containers to form a doughball. An ejector member is coupled to a first actuator and mounted on the frame member, the ejector member being adapted to be operable between an intermediate position and an extended position from a rest position. Additionally, the mechanical press is mounted adjacent to the mixer assembly and adapted to receive the doughball from the mixer assembly. The mechanical press is configured with the upper platen surface and the lower platen surface for flattening the doughball and simultaneously baking the flattened dough for preparing the flatbread, wherein each of the upper platen surface and the lower platen surface is configured with a heating element for baking the flattened dough. A gasket member is mounted to the press mechanism and positioned adjacent to the retracted position of the upper platen surface. The gasket member includes the slot for allowing movement of the link connected to the upper platen surface during operation between a retracted position and an extended position. The upper platen surface is configured to envelope the slot at the retracted position for ingress protection. Also, a cover member is pivotally mounted on the frame member and operable between an open condition and a closed condition. Further, a control module is associated with each of the containers, the mixer assembly and the mechanical press. The control module is adapted to control operation of the dosing mechanism of each of the containers for dispensing a metered quantity of each of the at least one ingredient into the mixer assembly. The control module also controls operation of the mixer assembly via the motor for kneading the at least one ingredient received from each of the at least one container to the doughball. Additionally, the control module also controls pivotal operation of the mixer assembly from the ingredient dosing position to the transfer position via a second actuator coupled to the shaft, for dispensing the doughball from the mixer assembly to a transfer plate. Further, the control module also controls operation of the ejector member from the rest position to the intermediate position for guiding the doughball to the mechanical press and operation of the mechanical press for operating the upper platen surface and the lower platen surface for flattening the doughball, and the heating element while heating the flattened dough to prepare the flatbread.
[0009] Other aspects and exemplary embodiments are provided in the drawings and the detailed description that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] The following detailed description of illustrative embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for preparing a flatbread, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a mixer assembly configured within the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating kneading of a plurality of ingredients into a doughball, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the mixer assembly in a transfer position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0017] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of the phrase “in an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.
[0018] Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, although many of the features of the present disclosure are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present disclosure is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present disclosure.
OVERVIEW

[0019] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for preparing flatbreads. The apparatus is configured to prepare flatbreads (e.g., chapathi and tortilla) using a plurality of ingredients. The apparatus includes a frame member to which, the plurality of containers are mounted, wherein each of the plurality of containers is configured to store one of the plurality of ingredients. A dosing mechanism may be configured on a bottom portion of each of the containers, for dispensing each of the ingredients therefrom. Further, a mixer assembly is pivotally mounted on the frame member to be operable to an ingredient dosing position and a transfer position. The mixer assembly is juxtaposed below each of the containers for receiving the ingredients dispensed from the dosing mechanism. The mixer assembly also includes at least one mixer blade coupled to a motor, which upon actuation operates the mixer blade, for mixing and kneading the ingredients to form a doughball. The mixer assembly is then tilted to the transfer position, for dispensing the doughball to a transfer plate positioned below the mixer assembly. Subsequently, an ejector member which is mounted on the frame member, pushes the doughball to a mechanical press. The mechanical press includes an upper platen surface and a lower platen surface, for flattening the doughball received from the mixer assembly into a flatbread. Each of the upper platen surface and the lower platen surface is configured with a heating element, for baking the flatbread while flattening the doughball.
[0020] Further, the apparatus also includes a control module which may be associated with the containers, the mixer assembly and the mechanical press. The control module may be adapted to control operations of the containers, the mixer assembly and the mechanical press, for preparing the flatbread.
[0021] This configuration of the apparatus provides a compact device for preparing the flatbread, while also enabling easy access to the components of the apparatus. The access to the individual parts inherently mitigates the need for implements or special tools for cleaning the apparatus.
[0022] Various embodiments of an apparatus for preparing a flatbread are explained herein with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4.
[0023] FIG. 1 in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus (100) for preparing a flatbread (not shown in Figures). The apparatus (100) is adapted to prepare the flatbread by using a plurality of ingredients and is configured to be compact, while allowing easy access for a user therein for facilitating cleaning of the apparatus (100) without the need for implements or special tools. The apparatus (100) may be adapted to prepare the flatbread selected from one of a chapati, a tortilla, a pita-bread, a crepe, a pizza or any other flatbread as per requirement.
[0024] The apparatus (100) includes a frame member (101) onto which, a plurality of containers (102) (hereinafter referred to as containers (102)) are mounted. The containers (102) may be preferably mounted on a top surface portion (103) of the frame member (101). Each of containers (102) is adapted to receive and store one of the plurality of ingredients (hereinafter referred to as ingredients). The containers (102) herein are shown as including a first container (102a) and a second container (102b), wherein the first container (102a) may be adapted to store a flour (not shown in Figures) and the second container (102b) may be adapted to store water (not shown in Figures). A dosing mechanism (110) may be located on a bottom portion (111) of each of the containers (102), for dispensing the ingredients therefrom. In an embodiment, a first dosing mechanism (110a) may be configured on the first container (102a) and a second dosing mechanism (110b) may be configured on the second container (102b), for dispensing the dough and water respectively. Further, each of the containers (102) may include a metering mechanism, for indicating the quantity of the ingredients dispensed from the containers (102) via the dosing mechanism (110).
[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, a mixer assembly (104), configured to receive and knead the ingredients to a doughball (133) (for e.g. as shown in FIG. 3), is pivotally mounted on the frame member (101) via a shaft (112) aligned along a longitudinal axis A-A’ of the frame member (101). The shaft (112) may be coupled to a second actuator (113) which in-turn is affixed to the frame member (101). The second actuator (113) is adapted to operate the mixer assembly (104) to an ingredient dosing position (114) and a transfer position (115) (for e.g. as shown in FIG. 4). The ingredient dosing position (114) may be the position of the mixer assembly (104) capable of receiving the ingredients. In one implementation, the ingredient dosing position (114) may be a vertical position or a substantial vertical position of the mixer assembly (104) capable of receiving the ingredients from the container (102). The transfer position (115) may be the position of the mixer assembly (104) capable of dispensing the ingredients. In one implementation, the ingredient dosing position (114) may be a tilted position or a flipped position of the mixer assembly (104) capable of dispensing the ingredients.
[0026] The mixer assembly (104) is also juxtaposed below each of the containers (102) and positioned in a vicinity of the dosing mechanism (110), to ensure minimal travel path for each of the ingredients from the containers (102) to the mixer assembly (104). In other words, the ingredients from the containers (102) may directly fall into the mixer assembly (104) under the influence of the gravity. This configuration of the mixer assembly (104) mitigates the need for guideways or conveying means within the apparatus (100), for directing the ingredients into the mixer assembly (104) from the containers (102). Further, an aperture (116) is provided to the mixer assembly (104) (for e.g. also shown in FIG. 1), preferably on its upper surface (117) (for e.g. as shown in FIG. 3), for receiving the ingredients and to dispense the doughball (133) from the mixer assembly (104). The orientation of the aperture (116) may also be considered based on the operating positions of the mixer assembly (104), i.e. in the ingredient dosing position (114) and the transfer position (115) of the mixer assembly (104). In the ingredient dosing position (114) of the mixer assembly (104), the aperture (116) may be oriented towards the containers (102) for receiving the ingredients, and in the transfer position (115) of the mixer assembly (104), the opening may be oriented way from the containers (102) for dispensing the doughball (133) from the mixer assembly (104). In another embodiment, the aperture (116) may be aligned vertically with the containers (102) or the dosing mechanism (110) for directly receiving the ingredients therefrom.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 1, the mixer assembly (104) also includes a mixer bowl (106) for receiving the ingredients and at least one mixer blade (107) extending from a lower surface (118) of the mixer assembly (104) and into the mixer bowl (106). The mixer bowl (106) may be configured with an inner contour, which may facilitate stirring or whisking of the ingredients for optimum consistency of the doughball (133). The mixer bowl (106) and the at least one mixer blade (107) may be coupled to a motor (109) suitably. The motor (109) may operate the mixer bowl (106) and at least one mixer blade (107) for kneading the ingredients into the doughball (133). In an embodiment, the motor (109) may axially rotate the mixer bowl 106 and the at least one mixer blade (107) for kneading the ingredients. In an embodiment, the motor (109) may axially rotate the mixer bowl (106) and the at least one mixer blade (107) at dissimilar speeds for efficient kneading of the ingredients. The at least one mixer blade (107) during operation of the mixer bowl (106) acts as a dough hook, for facilitating kneading of the ingredients. In an embodiment, the at least one mixer blade (107) may include a protrusion (108), which may act as a dough hook for kneading the ingredients.
[0028] In an embodiment, the mixer assembly (104) is coupled to the motor (109) by suitable coupling mechanisms such but not limiting to a gear mechanism selected from one of a bevel-gear mechanism, a spur gear mechanism or any other mechanism as per feasibility and requirement. In an embodiment, the mixer bowl (106) and the mixer blade (107) may be coupled to the motor (109) via the gear mechanism selected from one of the bevel-gear mechanism, the spur gear mechanism or any other mechanism as per feasibility and requirement. In another embodiment, the mixer bowl (106) and the mixer blade (107) may be coupled to the motor (109) with varying gear ratios, for variable operating speeds.
[0029] Referring back to FIG. 1, the apparatus (100) also includes a mechanical press (119) (shown in FIG. 2) mounted on the frame member (101) and is adapted to receive the doughball (133) from the mixer assembly (104). The mechanical press (119) is configured with an upper platen surface (120) and a lower platen surface (121), for flattening the doughball (133) to form a flattened dough (not shown in Figures) and simultaneously bake the flattened dough for preparing the flatbread. The upper platen surface (120) is configured to be actuated between a retracted position (120a) and an extended position (not shown in Figures). The mechanical press (119) may receive the doughball (133) via an ejector member (122) (for e.g. also shown in FIG. 4), which pushes the doughball (133) dispensed on a transfer plate (123) by the mixer assembly (104) to the mechanical press (119). The ejector member (122) may be mounted to the frame member via a first actuator (124), which is configured to be operable to an intermediate position (126) and an extended position (127) from a rest position (125) (for e.g. as shown in FIG. 4). The ejector member (122), upon actuation from the rest position (125) to the intermediate position (126), is adapted to push the doughball (133) from the transfer plate (123) to the mechanical press (119). Also, the ejector member (122) upon actuation from the rest position (125) to the extended position (127) is adapted to eject the flatbread from the lower platen surface (121) of the mechanical press (119), out of the frame member (101). Thus, the ejector member (122) alone is configured to perform operation of guiding the doughball (133) into the mechanical press (119), as well as ejecting the flatbread out of the apparatus (100).
[0030] The mechanical press (119) upon receiving the doughball (133) is actuated such that, the upper platen surface (120) and the lower platen surface (121) move towards each other so that the platen surfaces contact and press the doughball (133) for flattening. Each of the upper platen surface (120) and the lower platen surface (121) includes a heating element (128), which may be configured on their contact surfaces. The heating element (128) is configured to generate heat, so that the mechanical press (119) while flattening the doughball (133), simultaneously bakes the flattened dough to prepare the flatbread.
[0031] Further, the apparatus (100) also includes a gasket member (134) mounted to the press mechanism (119), preferably at the retracted position (120a) of the upper platen surface (120). The gasket member (134) is configured to provide ingress protection to the apparatus (100) during use. In one embodiment, the gasket member (134) may be positioned at a location at a vicinity of the retracted position (120a) or any other location as per feasibility for providing ingress protection. The gasket member (134) includes a slot (134a) for allowing movement of a link (120b) connected to the upper platen surface (120) during operation between the retracted position (120a) and the extended position. The slot (134a) may be configured to allow movement of the link (120b), while further movement of the upper platen surface (120). As such, the dimensions of the slot (134a) is configured based on the link (120b) and the dimensions of the upper platen surface (120). The gasket member (134) is mounted such that the slot (134a) is covered by the upper platen surface (119) in its retracted position (120a). Thus, the upper platen surface (120) at the retracted position (120a) seals the press mechanism (119), particularly the top portion of the press mechanism (120), to provide ingress protection. The gasket member (134) may be a plate-like structure provided in the press mechanism (119) for ingress protection, during operation of the press mechanism (119). This feature ensures sterility of the apparatus (100) for producing the flatbreads. The gasket member (134) may be made of materials selected from one of a metallic material or a non-metallic material. In one implementation, the gasket member (134) is made of a rubber material.
[0032] The mechanical press (119) may also include a cover member (129), operable between an open condition (not shown in the Figures) and a closed condition (not shown in the Figures), at an exit region of the flatbread as a safety device for a user. The cover member (129) may be actuated to the open condition from the closed condition by the ejector member (122) in the extended position (127), for allowing the flatbread to exit the apparatus (100). The cover member (129) thus, prevents access into the lower platen surface (121) and until and unless operated by the ejector member (122), thereby acting as a safety feature to the apparatus (100). In an embodiment, the cover member (129) may be coupled to an actuator (not shown in Figures). The actuator may operate the cover member (129) suitably for enabling exit of the flatbread from the apparatus (100).
[0033] Further, referring back to FIG. 1., the apparatus (100) also includes a control module (130) which is associated with each of the containers (102), the mixer assembly (104) and the mechanical press (119), and adapted to control operation of the containers (102), the mixer assembly (104) and the mechanical press (119) for preparing the flatbread. The control module (130) may comprise a processor (not shown in Figures) and a memory unit (not shown in Figures), configured to execute stored instructions which may be required for automatic operation of the apparatus (100).
[0034] In an embodiment, the control module (130) may be associated with the dosing mechanism (110), so that a metered quantity of the ingredients is dispensed from each of the containers (102) into the mixer bowl (106). In an embodiment, the control module (130) may be associated with at least one sensor which may be provided in each of the containers (102) for measuring the quantity of ingredients dispensed from the containers (102). In an embodiment, the at least one sensor (not shown in Figures) may be selected from group consisting of optical sensors, image sensors, pressure sensors, or any other sensors as per feasibility and requirement.
[0035] In an embodiment, the control module (130) may be associated with the second actuator (113) for controlling pivotal operation of the mixer assembly (104) to the ingredient dosing position (114) and the transfer position (115).
[0036] In an embodiment, the control module (130) may be associated with the motor (109) for controlling the operation of the mixer assembly (104). In an embodiment, the control module (130) may control the motor (109) by controlling speed of rotation of the mixer assembly (104). In an embodiment, the control module (130) may be associated with a sensor (not shown in Figures) provided in the mixer assembly (104), for monitoring dough consistency and formation of the doughball (133).
[0037] In an embodiment, the control module (130) may be associated with the first actuator (124) for controlling actuation of the ejector member (122) to the intermediate position (126) and the extended position (127) from the rest position (125).
[0038] In an embodiment, the control module (130) may also be associated with an input interface (131) mounted on the frame member (101). The input interface (131) may be configured to receive inputs from the user for customizing the flatbread. The input interface (131) may receive inputs form the user such as but not limiting to type of flatbreads, number of flat breads, size and thickness of the flatbreads and the like, as per feasibility and user requirement.
[0039] In an embodiment, the control module (130) may be associated with the mechanical press (119), for controlling operation of the upper platen surface (120) and the lower platen surface (121), for flattening the doughball (133). In an embodiment, the control module (130) may control operation of the upper platen surface (120) and the lower platen surface (121) corresponding to the size and thickness of the flatbread selected by the user via the input interface (131).
[0040] In an embodiment, the control module (130) may communicate with the components of the apparatus (100) i.e. the containers (102), the mixer assembly (104), the motor (109), the first actuator (124), the second actuator (113), the input interface (131) by wired means or wireless means as per feasibility and requirement.
[0041] In an embodiment, the shape of each of the containers (102) may be selected from one of a rectangular shape, a square shape, a circular shape or any other shape as per feasibility and requirement.
[0042] In an embodiment, each of the containers (102) may be made of food grade materials selected from at least one of stainless steel, aluminium, glass and the like as per feasibility and requirement.
[0043] In another embodiment, each of the containers (102) may include volumetric markings along its periphery (not shown in Figures), for indicating the quantity of the ingredients dispensed from the containers (102).
[0044] In an embodiment, the dosing mechanism (110) may be a metering mechanism configured to dispense metered quantity of the ingredients from the containers (102). The dosing mechanism (110) may be a valve mechanism or any other mechanism which facilitates dispensing of metered quantities of ingredients from the containers (102).
[0045] In an embodiment, a tube member (132) may extend from the second dosing mechanism (110b) towards the mixer bowl (106) for dispensing water from the second container (102b) into the mixer bowl (106). In an embodiment, the tube member (132) may extend from the first dosing mechanism (110b) towards the mixer blade, for dispensing flour from the first container (102a) into the mixer bowl (106). In an embodiment, the tube member (132) may be dimensioned as per the discharge or dispensing rate required for the apparatus (100).
[0046] In an embodiment, the location of the transfer plate (123) may be selected such that, abutment or obstruction to the mixer assembly (104) is prevented, during its operation between the ingredient dosing position (114) and the transfer position (115).
[0047] In an embodiment, the first actuator (124) may reciprocally operate the ejector member (122) to the intermediate position 126 and the extended position 127 from the rest position (125). In an embodiment, the first actuator 124 may swivel the ejector member 122 to the intermediate position 126 and the extended position 127 from the rest position 125 (not shown in Figures).
[0048] In an embodiment, the mixer assembly (104) may be mounted on the frame member (101) via a vertical hinge, for pivoting about the longitudinal axis A-A’ of the frame member (101). In an embodiment, the mixer assembly (104) may be pivotally mounted on the shaft (112).
[0049] In an embodiment, the mechanical press (119) may be selected from at least one of a hydraulic press or a pneumatic press, as per feasibility and requirement.
[0050] In an embodiment, the mechanical press (119) may include the heating element (128) in the form of a grill (not shown in the Figures), or a coil (not shown in the Figures) or any other means as per feasibility and requirement.
[0051] In one embodiment, the mechanical press (119) may include an actuator (not shown in the FIG) associated with the control module (130). The actuator, as per the instruction from the control module, may control actuation of the upper platen surface (120) and the lower platen surface (121).
[0052] In an operational embodiment, the user may input parameters such as but not limiting to the number of flatbreads required, size of the flatbreads, thickness of the flatbreads and the like into the apparatus (100) via the input interface (131). The input interface (131) being associated with the control module (130), receives the input from the input interface (131) and initializes the apparatus (100). The control module (130) subsequently may operate the dosing mechanism (110) to dispense the metered quantity of the ingredients into the mixer assembly (104) in the ingredient dosing position (114) via the aperture (116), for mixing and kneading the ingredients into the doughball (133). Due to the juxtaposed placement of the mixer assembly (104) with the containers 102, the ingredients are dispensed directly into the mixer assembly (104) via gravity. In one implementation, the mixer assembly (104) may be rotated between the ingredient dosing position (114) and the transfer position (115) for adjusting the position of the aperture (116) with respect to the containers (102) for receiving the ingredients. In an embodiment, the quantity of the ingredients dispensed into the mixer assembly (104) may enable forming of a single doughball (133) (for e.g. as shown in FIG. 3).
[0053] The control module (130) operates the motor (109) coupled to the mixer assembly (104), so that the mixer bowl (106) is rotated axially about the mixer blade (107), for mixing and kneading the ingredients. Due to dissimilar rotational speeds of the mixer bowl (106) about the mixer blade (107), the ingredients roll themselves against an inner surface of the mixer bowl (106) and the surface of the mixer blade (107), for forming the doughball (133). The sensor provided in the mixer assembly (104) detects formation of the doughball (133), and accordingly communicates to the control module (130).
[0054] The control module (130) in this scenario, operates the second actuator (113), so that mixer assembly (104) is tilted to the transfer position 115 from the ingredient dosing position (114). In the transfer position (115), the mixer assembly (104) dispenses the doughball (133) onto the transfer plate (123). The doughball (133) on the transfer plate (123) is pushed to the mechanical press (119) via the ejector member. The control module (130) operates the first actuator (124) to actuate the ejector member (122) to the intermediate position (126) from the rest position (125) for guiding the doughball (133) to the mechanical press (119).
[0055] The control module (130) subsequently, operates the mechanical press (119) such that the upper platen surface (120) and the lower platen surface (121) are operated towards each other, so that the doughball (133) gets pressed and flattened. Simultaneously, the control module (130) operates the heating element (128) for heating the contact surfaces of the upper platen surface and the lower platen surface, thereby baking the flattened dough.
[0056] Further, the automated bread making apparatus is a compactly designed device optimal for the preparation of various kinds of flat breads such as, but not limited to chapathi, roti, tortilla, pita bread, crepes and the like. The apparatus is easy to operate and clean, and the apparatus is designed in a way that the whole process of preparation is visible. Also, due to the usage of minimal working components, the food touches very few and only necessary surfaces, this will keep the bread preparation method hygiene and safe.
[0057] Although various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are described herein in a language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.
,CLAIMS:CLAIMS

We claim:

1. An apparatus (100) for preparing a flatbread, comprising:
a frame member (101);
a plurality of containers (102) mounted on the frame member (101), each of the plurality of containers (102) adapted to store one of a plurality of ingredients;
a mixer assembly (104) pivotally mounted on the frame member (101) and adapted to operate between an ingredient dosing position (114) and a transfer position (115), the mixer assembly (104) juxtaposed below each of the plurality of containers (102) for receiving each of the plurality of ingredients from the plurality of containers (102), wherein, the mixer assembly (104) is configured to knead the plurality of ingredients received from each of the plurality of containers (102) to form a doughball (133);
a mechanical press (119) mounted on the frame member (101) and adapted to receive the doughball (133) from the mixer assembly (104), the mechanical press (119) configured with an upper platen surface (120) and a lower platen surface (121) for flattening the doughball (133) to form a flattened dough and baking the flattened dough for preparing the flatbread; and
a control module (130) associated with each of the plurality of containers (102), the mixer assembly (104) and the mechanical press (119), and adapted to control operations of each of the plurality of containers (102), the mixer assembly (104) and the mechanical press (119) for preparing the flatbread.

2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a dosing mechanism (110) located on a bottom portion (111) of each of the plurality of containers (102), the dosing mechanism (110) operable by the control module (130) for dispensing a metered quantity of each of the plurality of ingredients into the mixer assembly (104).

3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the mixer assembly (104) is positioned in a vicinity of the dosing mechanism (110) of each of the plurality of containers (102) to ensure a minimal travel path for each of the plurality of ingredients into the mixer assembly (104).

4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mixer assembly (104) is configured with an aperture (116) for receiving each of the plurality of ingredients from each of the plurality of containers (102).

5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein in the ingredient dosing position (114) of the mixer assembly (104), the aperture (116) is oriented towards and aligned vertically to each of the plurality of containers (102) for directly receiving the plurality of ingredients.

6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein in the transfer position (115) of the mixer assembly (104), the aperture (116) is towards the lower platen surface (121), for dispensing the doughball (133) from the mixer assembly (104) to a transfer plate (123).

7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein a position of the aperture (116) in the ingredient dosing position (114) of the mixer assembly (104) is adjustable by controlling rotation of the mixer assembly (104).

8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, further comprising an ejector member (122) mounted on the frame member (101) for pushing the doughball (133) on the transfer plate (123) to the mechanical press (119).

9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the ejector member (122) is coupled to a first actuator (124), the first actuator (124) operable by the control module (130) for operating the ejector member (122) between an extended position (127) and an intermediate position (126), from a rest position (125).

10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein actuation of the ejector member (122) to the intermediate position (126) from the rest position (125) is adapted to push the doughball (133) from the transfer plate (123) to the mechanical press (119).

11. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein actuation of the ejector member (122) to the extended position (127) from the rest position (125) is adapted to eject the flatbread from the lower platen surface (121) out of the apparatus (100).

12. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a motor (109) coupled to the mixer assembly (104), the motor (109) operable by the control module (130) for operating the mixer assembly (104) to knead the plurality of ingredients dispensed from each of the plurality of containers (102).

13. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mixer assembly (104) is pivotally mounted on the frame member (101) via a shaft (112) aligned along a longitudinal axis of the frame member (101), the shaft (112) coupled to a second actuator (113) associated with the control module (130).

14. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the second actuator (113) is operable by the control module (130) for actuating the shaft (112) to pivotally operate the mixer assembly (104) between the ingredient dosing position (114) and the transfer position (115).

15. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the upper platen surface (120) and the lower platen surface (121) is configured with a heating element (128) associated with the control module (130), the control module (130) configured to control temperature of the heating element (128) for optimum baking of the flattened dough in the mechanical press (119).

16. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanical press (119) is mounted adjacent to the mixer assembly (104) to ensure minimal travel path for the ejector member (122) during actuation between the extended position (127) and the intermediate position (126), from the rest position (125).

17. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cover member (129) pivotally mounted on the frame member (101) and operable between an open condition and a closed condition.

18. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the cover member (129) is operated to the open condition by the ejector member (122) in the extended position (127) for dispensing the flatbread out of the apparatus (100).

19. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a gasket member (134) mounted to the press mechanism (119) and positioned adjacent to a retracted position (120a) of the upper platen surface (120), the gasket member (134) including a slot (134a) for allowing movement of a link (120b) connected to the upper platen surface (120) during operation between a retracted position (120a) and an extended position, wherein the upper platen surface (120) is configured to envelops the slot (134a) at the retracted position (120a) for ingress protection.

20. An apparatus (100) for preparing a flatbread, comprising:
a frame member (101);
a plurality of containers (102) mounted on the frame member (101), each of the plurality of containers (102) adapted to store each of a plurality of ingredients, wherein a dosing mechanism (110) is configured on a bottom portion (111) of each of the plurality of containers (102) for dispensing each of the plurality of ingredients therefrom;
a mixer assembly (104) pivotally mounted on the frame member (101) via a shaft (112) and operable to an ingredient dosing position (114) and a transfer position (115), the mixer assembly (104) positioned in a vicinity of the dosing mechanism(110) below each of the plurality of containers (102) for receiving each of the plurality of ingredients via an aperture (116) ,
wherein, the mixer assembly (104) includes at least one mixer blade (107) coupled to a motor (109), the motor (109) is configured to operate the mixer assembly (104) for mixing and kneading each of the plurality of ingredients received from each of the plurality of containers (102) to form a doughball (133);
an ejector member (122) coupled to a first actuator (124) and mounted on the frame member (101), the ejector member (122) is adapted to be operable between an intermediate position (126) and an extended position (127) from a rest position (125),
a mechanical press (119) mounted adjacent to the mixer assembly (104) and adapted to receive the doughball (133) from the mixer assembly (104), the mechanical press (119) configured with an upper platen surface (120) and a lower platen surface (121) for flattening the doughball (133) to form a flattened dough and simultaneously baking the flattened dough for preparing the flatbread, wherein each of the upper platen surface (120) and the lower platen surface (121) is configured with a heating element (128) for baking the flattened dough;
a gasket member (134) mounted to the press mechanism (119) and positioned adjacent to a retracted position (120a) of the upper platen surface (120), the gasket member (134) including a slot (134a) for allowing movement of a link (120b) connected to the upper platen surface (120) during operation between a retracted position (120a) and an extended position, wherein the upper platen surface (120) is configured to envelops the slot (134a) at the retracted position (120a) for ingress protection;
a cover member (129) pivotally mounted on the frame member (101) and operable between an open condition and a closed condition, the cover member (129) operable to the open condition for dispensing the flatbread out of the apparatus (100); and
a control module (130) associated with each of the plurality of containers (102), the mixer assembly (104) and the mechanical press (119), and adapted to:
control operation of the dosing mechanism (110) of each of the plurality of containers (102) for dispensing a metered quantity of each of the plurality of ingredients into the mixer assembly (104);
control operation of the mixer assembly (104) via the motor (109) for kneading the plurality of ingredients received from each of the plurality of containers (102) into the doughball (133);
control pivotal operation of the mixer assembly (104) from the ingredient dosing position (114) to the transfer position (115) via a second actuator (113) coupled to the shaft (112), for dispensing the doughball (133) from the mixer assembly (104) to a transfer plate (123);
control operation of the ejector member (122) from the rest position (125) to the intermediate position (126) for guiding the doughball (133) to the mechanical press (119); and

control operation of the mechanical press (119) for operating the upper platen surface (120) and the lower platen surface (121) for flattening the doughball (133), and the heating element (128) while heating the flattened dough to prepare the flatbread.

Dated this 26th Day of April 2019

VINAYANAND
IN/PA – 1623
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT