FOOD PROCESSOR ARRANGEMENTS
This invention relates to food processor arrangements, and it relates
especially, though not exclusively, to such arrangements adapted for
preparing heated beverages, such as soup.
Food processing appliances are well known and established as useful and
reasonably priced kitchen appliances with a reasonably broad range of
capabilities. Because of design constraints, some of which have their
origins in the pricing structure which has become established for such
appliances, however, food processors do not tend to exhibit the broadly-
based functionality of the more expensive stand-mixers. Nevertheless, it
has long been proposed to provide food processors with heating
capabilities, thereby to permit the preparation of heated beverages and
such proposals are currently being revisited and redeveloped.
One particularly effective heated beverage processor is described in WO
2005/037036 Al; the processor as described therein being currently
marketed as the Kenwood Frothie. This appliance is primarily intended
for making hot drinks, such as cocoa and chocolate drinks, which benefit
from blending as well as heating, and which can conveniently be
dispensed from the working receptacle, or goblet, of the appliance
through a tap provided at the base of the goblet.
In further developing blending and heating appliances, attention has been
directed at the provision of blenders capable of heavier duty operation
with the capability, for example, of usage for preparing the ingredients

for, and then heating, more substantial comestibles, such as soups. In that
regard, certain difficulties are encountered in relation to (a) the stirring
and sampling operations that are customarily employed when making
soup, and (b) the addition of seasonings by ingredients, such as bay
leaves, which are best kept separate from the soup stock.
The invention aims to reduce or eliminate at least one of the above
difficulties.
According to the invention from one aspect, there is provided a food
processor arrangement comprising an electrically powered blender having
a working receptacle within which ingredients can be processed by means
of a macerating tool rotatable by means of an electric motor and heated
by means of an electrically powered heater, wherein the receptacle is
provided with a lid formed with an aperture through which additional
ingredients can be introduced into the receptacle wherein the arrangement
further comprises a ladle mounted to a shank dimensioned so as, in use,
to pass through said aperture whereby the ladle can be manipulated to
sample the content of the receptacle and configured such that the ladle
can be used, during operation of the motor and/or the heater of the
blender, to manually stir or otherwise manipulate the ingredients without
fouling the said tool.
Typically, the ingredients may include a liquid stock, as with a soup, and
in such circumstances the ladle conveniently comprises a spoon-like
portion for sampling, and the aperture in the lid of the receptacle is

elongated in one dimension to accommodate withdrawal of the spoon-like
portion therethrough.
It is preferred that the underside of the spoon-like portion is shaped with a
concavity to facilitate pushing floating ingredients down into the stock to
ensure thorough heating of such floating ingredients.
Conveniently, the shank of the ladle is fitted with a stop configured to
interact with a plurality of edge portions of the aperture in the lid of the
receptacle to form a stop at such a position as to ensure that the ladle
cannot foul the tool.
According to the invention from another aspect there is provided a food
processor arrangement comprising an electrically powered blender having
a working receptacle within which ingredients can be processed by means
of a macerating tool rotatable by means of an electric motor and heated
by means of an electrically powered heater, wherein an internal wall
portion of the receptacle supports a container for seasoning materials
intended to impart flavourings and/or aromas to ingredients in a liquid
stock.
Preferably, the container is provided with at least one foraminate wall
structure having apertures sited and dimensioned to allow liquid stock to
enter the container, interact with the seasoning materials therein and leave
the container, whilst retaining at least a major portion of the seasoning
materials within the container.

In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the container is located
with said at least one foraminate wall structure at or proximate to a region
of the receptacle at which relatively high flow rates are imparted to the
liquid stock when said tool is rotated by said motor.
The said internal wall of the receptacle may conveniently be formed with
retaining means permitting at least the said foraminate wall, and
preferably the entire container, to be removed for cleaning and/or
replacement.
In other preferred embodiments of the invention, a range of
interchangeable containers, or at least the foraminate walls thereof,
formed with differently dimensioned apertures for liquid ingress and
egress may be provided for use with differing kinds of flavouring
materials.
In order that the invention may be clearly understood and readily, carried
into effect, certain embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
Figure 1 shows, in general perspective view, one example of a typical
food processor;
Figure 2 shows in general perspective view, another example of a typical
food processor;

Figure 3(a) shows a receptacle and an associated ladle components
adapted for use in an arrangement according to a first embodiment of the
invention;
Figure 3(b) shows a detailed perspective view of part of the ladle
component illustrated in Figure 3(a); and
Figure 4 shows, in similar view to Figure 3, a receptacle and associated
components adapted for use in an arrangement according to a second
embodiment of the invention.
Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown an example of a food processor
which can advantageously host an arrangement in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
The food processor 10 shown in Figure 1 includes a casing 20 which, as
is well known, houses an electric motor (not shown) and a drive system
(not shown) disposed and arranged to provide rotational drive outputs for
use with a blender section 30 and a food processor section 40.
The blender section 30 comprises a relatively high platform 31, atop the
part 21 of the casing 20 which houses the motor; the platform having
associated therewith a relatively high speed drive outlet, typically running
at the operational speed of the motor and configured to drive a rotary tool
located in the base of a receptacle 32, such as a goblet. The goblet is
typically formed with a spout 33 and a handle 34, and capped by a
removable lid 35; the receptacle 32 may take any convenient form,

however. An interlock system is normally provided to prevent operation
of the motor unless the lid 35 is correctly attached to the goblet 32.
The food processor section 40 comprises a relatively low platform 41
beneath which, and within a lower part 22 of the casing 20, are provided
elements of a speed-reduction system, linked to the motor, which
provides, centrally of the platform 41, a relatively lower speed drive
outlet capable of rotating cutting, chopping and other food processing
tools inserted into a blender bowl 42. The bowl 42 has a handle 43, a lid
44 and a feed-tube 45 through which ingredients can be added to the bowl
whilst the motor is running, provided that the lid 44 is in place on the
bowl 42.
Usually, the dimensions of the feed tube 45 are configured so as to
prevent insertion of a user's hands or fingers into the bowl therethrough,
at least to within touching distance of the rotating tool. Some food
processors, however, utilise a wide feed-tube to allow the addition of
relatively large ingredients to the bowl. Such wide feed-tubes are
provided with further interlocks to protect the user; such further
interlocks usually being based around the detection of a pushing device in
correct placement in the tube, whereby the user has to employ the
pushing device to urge ingredients into the bowl 42, and the motor will
not run unless the pushing device is located in the feed-tube.
The present invention can be advantageously applied to food processors
of varying kinds, such as (by way of example only) the kind shown in
Figure 1 and that shown in Figure 2, wherein the processor 50 comprises

a box-like casing which supports a single platform 51 which can support
and drive (by way of coaxially located drive outlets, as is known) rotary
tools comprised in either a blender receptacle (not shown) or a food
processor bowl 62. The bowl 62 has a handle 63, a lid 64 and a feed-tube
65, similar to the components 43, 44 and 45 of the processor described
with reference to Figure 1, and to which similar comments apply.
In accordance with one example of the invention, and as shown in
Figures 3(a) and 3(b), a food processor arrangement of any convenient
kind, for example in accordance with either of the configurations shown
in Figures 1 and 2, is provided with a heating capability, for example in
the manner described in the aforementioned WO 2005/037036 A1.
However the processor and its heating are configured, there is provided a
working receptacle 70 within which ingredients can be processed by
means of a macerating tool 71, rotatable by means of the processor's
electric motor, and/or heated by means of the aforementioned heater. The
receptacle 70 is provided with a lid 72 formed with an aperture 73
through which additional ingredients can be introduced, before and/or
during an operating cycle of the food processor, into the receptacle 70.
The arrangement further comprises a ladle 74, mounted to a shank 75
which is dimensioned to pass through the aperture 73, so that the ladle
can be manipulated to sample the content of the receptacle 70.
The ladle 74 is further configured so as to be usable, during operation of
the motor and/or the heater of the blender, to manually stir, or otherwise
manipulate the ingredients in the receptacle 70 without fouling the tool 71

and, in this respect, the shank 75 of the ladle is (in this example of the
invention), fitted with a stop 76 configured to interact with a plurality of
edge portions 77, 78 of the aperture 73 in the lid of the receptacle 70 to
form a stop at such a position as to ensure that the ladle 74 cannot foul the
tool 71.
Typically, the ingredients will include a liquid stock, as with a soup, and
in such circumstances the ladle 74 conveniently comprises a spoon-like
portion 79 for sampling, and the aperture 73 in the lid of the receptacle is
elongated in one dimension to accommodate withdrawal therethrough of
the spoon-like portion 79 of the ladle 74.
As best seen in Figure 3(b), it is preferred that the underside of the spoon-
like portion 79 of the ladle 74 is shaped with a concavity 80 to facilitate
pushing floating ingredients down into the stock to ensure thorough
heating of such floating ingredients.
As will now be described with reference to Figure 4, the invention further
provides, in accordance with a configuration regarded as inventive of
itself, and which may be used together with the arrangement described
with reference to Figures 3(a) and 3(b) or independendy thereof, a food
processor arrangement of any convenient kind, again comprising an
electrically powered blender having a working receptacle 70 within
which ingredients can be processed by means of a macerating tool 71 that
is rotatable by means of an electric motor and heated by means of an
electrically powered heater, but differing from the previously described
construction in that an internal wall portion 81 of the receptacle 70

supports a container 82 for seasoning materials intended to impart
flavourings and/or aromas to ingredients in a liquid stock. The container
82 is preferably constructed as a basket, with open mesh sides but in any
event is provided with at least one foraminate wall structure 83, the
perforations of which are sited and dimensioned to allow liquid stock to
enter the container 82, interact with the seasoning materials therein and
leave the container, whilst retaining at least a major portion of the
seasoning materials within the container.
In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the container 82 is
located with the at least one foraminate wall structure 83 at, or proximate
to, a region of the receptacle 70 at which relatively high flow rates are
imparted to the liquid stock when the tool 71 is rotated by the motor.
The said internal wall portion 81 of the receptacle 70 is conveniently
formed with retaining means, such as vertically-orientated runner
portions 84, 85, permitting at least the said foraminate wall 83, and
preferably the entire container 82, to be removed for cleaning and/or
replacement. The container 82 as a whole, or merely the foraminate wall
83 thereof, depending which is to be removable, is provided with co-
operative slider members 86, 87 which engage with and slide relative to
the runner portions 84, 85, thereby to locate the seasoning container 82 on
the portion 81 of the inner wall of the receptacle 70 in which the
ingredients are to be processed and/or heated.
It will be appreciated that, instead of using runners such as 84, 85 to
permit removal and insertion of the seasoning container 82 or a wall 83

thereof, latches, suction pads or, indeed, any convenient means of
temporary attachment can be used. Criteria which influence the choice of
attachment means include ease of cleaning, the magnitudes of the forces
transmitted to the container by the agitated fluid during operation of the
processing tool and mechanical strength in relation to the dimensions of
the container.
In other preferred embodiments of the invention, a range of
interchangeable seasoning containers 82, or at least the foraminate walls
such as 83 thereof, formed with differently dimensioned apertures for
liquid ingress and egress may be provided for use with differing kinds of
seasonings.

Claims:
1. A food processor arrangement comprising an electrically powered
blender (10, 50) having a working receptacle (70) within which
ingredients can be processed by means of a macerating tool (71) rotatable
by means of an electric motor and heated by means of an electrically
powered heater, wherein the receptacle (70) is provided with a lid (72)
formed with an aperture (73) through which additional ingredients can be
introduced into the receptacle (70) wherein the arrangement further
comprises a ladle (74) mounted to a shank (75) dimensioned so as, in use,
to pass through said aperture (73) whereby the ladle (74) can be
manipulated to sample the content of the receptacle (70) and configured
such that the ladle (74) can be used, during operation of the motor and/or
the heater of the blender, to manually stir or otherwise manipulate the
ingredients without fouling the said tool (71).
2. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the ingredients
include a liquid stock, as with a soup, and wherein the ladle (74)
comprises a spoon-like portion (79), out of line with the shank (75), for
sampling the stock.
3. An arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the said aperture
(73) in the lid (72) of the receptacle (70) is elongated in one dimension to
accommodate withdrawal of the spoon-like portion (79) therethrough.
4. An arrangement according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the
underside of the spoon-like portion (79) is shaped with a concavity (80)

to facilitate pushing floating ingredients down into the stock to ensure
thorough heating of such floating ingredients.
5. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the
shank (75) of the ladle is fitted with a stop (76) configured to interact
with a plurality of edge portions (77, 78) of the aperture (73) in the lid of
the receptacle (70) to form a stop at such a position as to ensure that the
ladle (74) cannot foul the tool (71).
6. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein an
internal wall portion (81) of the receptacle (70) supports a container (82)
for seasoning materials intended to impart flavourings and/or aromas to
ingredients in a liquid stock.
7. A food processor arrangement comprising an electrically powered
blender (10, 50) having a working receptacle (70) within which
ingredients can be processed by means of a macerating tool (71) rotatable
by means of an electric motor and heated by means of an electrically
powered heater, wherein an internal wall portion (81) of the receptacle
(70) supports a container (82) for seasoning materials intended to impart
flavourings and/or aromas to ingredients in a liquid stock.
8. An arrangement according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the
container (82) comprises at least one foraminate wall structure (83) with
apertures sited and dimensioned to allow liquid stock to enter the
container (82), interact with the seasoning materials therein and leave the

container (82), whilst retaining at least a major portion of the seasoning
materials within the container (82).
9. An arrangement according to any of claims 6, 7 or 8, wherein the
container (82) is located with said at least one foraminate wall structure
(83) at or proximate to a region of the receptacle (70) at which relatively
high flow rates are imparted to the liquid stock when said tool (71) is
rotated by said motor.
10. An arrangement according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein said
internal wall (81) of the receptacle (70) is formed with retaining means
(84, 85) permitting the seasonings container (82) to be removed for
cleaning and/or replacement.
11. An arrangement according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein said
internal wall (81) of the receptacle is formed with retaining means
permitting the said foraminate wall (83) of the seasonings container to be
removed for cleaning and/or replacement.
12. An arrangement according to any of claims 6 to 11, further
comprising a range of interchangeable seasoning containers (e.g. 82),
respectively having foraminate walls (e.g. 83) formed with differently
dimensioned apertures for liquid ingress and egress and for use with
differing kinds of seasoning materials.
13. An arrangement according to any of claims 6 to 11, further
comprising a range of interchangeable foraminate walls for said

seasoning container (82), said walls being respectively formed with
differently dimensioned apertures for liquid ingress and egress and for
use with differing kinds of seasoning materials.

A food processor arrangement comprises an electrically powered blender (10, 50) having a working receptacle (70)
within which ingredients can be processed, by means of a macerating tool (71), and heated. The receptacle (70) is provided with
a lid (72) formed with an aperture (73) through which additional ingredients can be introduced into the receptacle (70), and the
arrangement further comprises a ladle (74) mounted to a shank (75) dimensioned to pass through the aperture (73) so that the ladle
(74) can be manipulated to sample the content of the receptacle (70). The ladle (74) can be used without fouling the tool (71), and
the ladle (74) comprises a spoon-like portion (79) for sampling the stock; the aperture (73) in the lid (72) of the receptacle (70) being
elongated in one dimension to accommodate withdrawal of the spoon-like portion (79). Preferably an internal wall portion (81) of
the receptacle (70) supports a container (82) for seasoning materials intended to impart flavourings and/or aromas to ingredients in
a liquid stock.