GB2560823A

GB2560823A - Kitchen appliance

Info

Publication number: GB2560823A
Application number: GB1802592.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Davies Samuel; Lowes David
Original assignee: Kenwood Ltd
Current assignee: Kenwood Ltd
Priority date: 2017-02-20
Filing date: 2018-02-16
Publication date: 2018-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-16
Also published as: CN108479467A; GB201702731D0; GB201802592D0; GB2560823B

Abstract

A food processing apparatus 100 comprises a base unit and a head unit 102. The base unit 104 includes a platform 108 and the head unit is mounted upon and pivots relative to the base unit about a pivot point. The head unit comprises a proximal portion 114 adjacent the pivot point and a distal portion 116. The distal portion comprises a drive outlet 124 and extends at an angle from the proximal portion in plan view, such that the drive outlet overlies the platform. Also disclosed is a food processor wherein a portion of a front face 122 of a housing is planar and, when viewed in plan view, an axis of a drive outlet and an axis of a motor are in a plane that is not parallel to the plane of the planar portion of the front face. The axis of the motor is offset further from the front face than the axis of the drive outlet. Also disclosed is a food processor having a bowl 110 and a base unit with a straight outer edge. When the food processor is placed against a wall, the outer edge and the bowl are flush with the wall.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Kitchen appliance

Abstract Title: Food processor having a head portion comprising proximal and distal portions that extend at an angle relative to one another (57) A food processing apparatus 100 comprises a base unit and a head unit 102. The base unit 104 includes a platform 108 and the head unit is mounted upon and pivots relative to the base unit about a pivot point. The head unit comprises a proximal portion 114 adjacent the pivot point and a distal portion 116. The distal portion comprises a drive outlet 124 and extends at an angle from the proximal portion in plan view, such that the drive outlet overlies the platform. Also disclosed is a food processor wherein a portion of a front face 122 of a housing is planar and, when viewed in plan view, an axis of a drive outlet and an axis of a motor are in a plane that is not parallel to the plane of the planar portion of the front face. The axis of the motor is offset further from the front face than the axis of the drive outlet. Also disclosed is a food processor having a bowl 110 and a base unit with a straight outer edge. When the food processor is placed against a wall, the outer edge and the bowl are flush with the wall.

Figure 1

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Figure 2

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Figure 3

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Kitchen Appliance

The present invention relates to a kitchen appliance.

Many kitchen appliances (in particular, stand mixers) include a processing head unit, which is typically mounted on a support such that the head unit may extend over a bowl. This allows the head unit to perform food processing operations (such as mixing) on foodstuff within the bowl.

Such kitchen appliances may be suitable for use in a ‘side-on’ configuration (i.e. where a user faces towards the side of the kitchen appliance, with a bowl being presented on the user’s left or right), which allows a user to access most of the appliance at once. This is as opposed to a ‘nose-on’ configuration, in which a bowl is presented in front of the user with the kitchen appliance being provided generally behind the bowl. In such a configuration, certain parts of the kitchen appliance, especially user controls, may not be easily accessible.

However, in a ‘side-on’ configuration, the user’s ability to view and/or access the bowl may be limited by the position of the head unit extending towards a user’s right or left. It is known to provide a kitchen appliance arranged for use in a ‘side-on’ configuration in which a head unit extends directly towards the user, but such kitchen appliances are bulky and may not make efficient use of space on a worktop.

The present invention aims to address at least some of these issues.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a kitchen appliance, comprising: a base unit; and a head unit mounted upon the base unit and arranged to pivot relative to the base unit about a pivot point; wherein said head unit comprises a proximal portion adjacent the pivot point and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion generally at an angle to the proximal portion, preferably when viewed in plan.

This may improve the accessibility of the bowl, in particular for a user accessing the distal end when the kitchen appliance is in a ‘side-on’ configuration, while providing a

-2more compact kitchen appliance.

The angle is preferably less than 90 degrees (so that preferably the distal portion extends in at least partial prolongation ofthe proximal portion), more preferably the angle is between 15 and 80 degrees, still more preferably the angle is between 30 and 70 degrees, yet more preferably the angle is between 40 and 50 degrees, and most preferably the angle is between 42 and 47 degrees. Providing an angle within the defined range may provide a more compact kitchen appliance, while improving usability through better access to the distal portion of the head unit and the bowl underneath it.

Preferably, the distal portion has a length that is at least one quarter (preferably at least one third) of the length of the proximal portion (i.e. the proximal portion preferably takes up most of the head unit), which may further improve the compactness of the kitchen appliance while improving the accessibility ofthe distal portion by allowing a larger angle to be formed.

The distal and proximal portions may be joined at a kink and/or curved section. This may provide a direct connection between the distal and proximal portions, improving the compactness of the kitchen appliance.

The distal portion and the proximal portion may have generally the same width when viewed in plan. This may assist in improving the compactness ofthe kitchen appliance.

Preferably, the base unit includes a platform for supporting a bowl. The kitchen appliance may be more usable by providing a user with improved access to the bowl.

The distal portion may overlie the platform. The head unit thereby only may only have an angled portion where it overlies the platform, which may improve the compactness of the kitchen appliance while improving the accessibility of the bowl.

At least a part of the proximal portion may overlie the platform. This may further improve the compactness of the kitchen appliance while allowing a larger angle to be defined, improving the usability ofthe kitchen appliance.

-3Preferably, the distal portion includes a drive outlet that overlies the platform, and that is preferably locatable coaxially with a centre of a bowl supported on the platform. This may allow for improved consistency of food processing operations.

The kitchen appliance may further comprise a control panel; and preferably a plane generally defined by the control panel may intersect the distal portion. This may provide improved usability, as a user may be able to access more easily the control panel and the distal end of the head unit when the kitchen appliance is used in a ‘side-on configuration’.

The distal portion may include a drive outlet and, in plan view, the plane may interpose between an axis of the drive outlet and an edge of the distal portion. Preferably, an offset between the plane and the edge of the distal portion is substantially the same as an offset between the plane and the drive outlet. This may improve usability by ensuring the drive outlet is relatively close to the control panel, improving the user’s ability to access both the control panel and the drive outlet.

Optionally, the control panel is provided on the base unit. This may improve usability by providing controls towards a user’s hand when the kitchen appliance is in a ‘side-on’ configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the control panel may be provided on the head unit, preferably on a proximal portion of the head unit. This may improve usability by providing controls towards a user’s eyeline when the kitchen appliance is in a ‘side-on’ configuration. The control panel has at least one of: a controller such as a control knob, one or more buttons and/or a locking lever; and a screen.

Preferably, the proximal portion includes a motor. This may provide a more usable pivoting mechanism, as the (relatively heavy) motor travels a relatively small distance (or does not travel) in a pivoting motion.

The kitchen appliance may further comprise a motor (typically having a drive shaft); a drive outlet driven by said motor; and a housing for the motor and drive outlet; the housing having a front face, the front face optionally including a control panel; wherein

-4optionally a portion of the front face is generally planar and, when viewed in plan view, an axis of the drive outlet and an axis of the motor are in a plane that is not parallel to the plane of the generally planar portion of the front face; wherein the axis of the motor is offset further from the front face than the axis of the drive outlet.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kitchen appliance, comprising: a motor; a drive outlet driven by said motor; and a housing for the motor and drive outlet; the housing having a front face, the front face optionally including a control panel; wherein optionally a portion of the front face is generally planar and, when viewed in plan view, an axis of the drive outlet and an axis of the motor are in a plane that is not parallel to the plane of the generally planar portion of the front face; wherein the axis of the motor is offset further from the front face than the axis of the drive outlet. This may provide improved usability, as the drive outlet may be located closer to a user.

Preferably, a distance between the axis of the drive outlet and the axis of the motor is greater than a distance between the axis of the motor and the front face. The front face may therefore be a longer face of the housing, which may allow an offset drive outlet to be closer to a user in a ‘side-on’ configuration. The distance between the axis of the motor and the front face is preferably between 25% and 50%, more preferably between 30% and 40%, of the distance between the axis of the drive outlet and the axis of the motor in the plane.

Preferably, an offset distance of the axis of the drive outlet from the front face is between 5% and 50%, more preferably between 10% and 40%, and yet more preferably between 25% and 35%, of an offset distance of the axis of the motor from the front face.

The kitchen appliance may further comprise a cranked transmission for transmitting drive from the motor to the drive outlet. Preferably, in plan view, the housing has a shape corresponding to the cranked transmission. Preferably, in plan view, the housing has a shape generally corresponding to the cranked transmission.

The transmission may comprise a pulley driven by the motor and having an axis offset at the same distance from the front face as the axis of the motor. This may allow for a

-5smaller crank angle, which may allow a larger transmission and/or motor to be used within the housing.

Optionally, the motor is offset towards an interior side wall of the head unit. Providing an offset motor may allow drive to be transmitted around a larger angle.

The housing may be a head unit of a kitchen appliance. The kitchen appliance may be provided with a bowl for supporting a platform, and the drive outlet may be locatable coaxially with a centre of a bowl supported on the platform.

The kitchen appliance may comprise a bowl. The kitchen appliance may further comprise a base unit, preferably wherein said base unit has a generally straight outer edge and includes a platform for mounting the bowl; and a drive unit mounted in association with the base unit; preferably wherein the generally straight outer edge and the platform are disposed such that, when the kitchen appliance is placed against a wall, the outer edge and the bowl are substantially flush with the wall.

Preferably, the wall is straight and/or flat.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kitchen appliance, comprising a base unit, said base unit having a generally straight outer edge and including a platform for mounting the bowl; and a drive unit mounted in association with the base unit; wherein the generally straight outer edge and the platform are disposed such that, when the kitchen appliance is placed against a wall, the outer edge and the platform are substantially flush with the wall

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kitchen appliance, comprising: a bowl; a base unit, said base unit having a generally straight outer edge and including a platform for mounting the bowl; and a drive unit mounted in association with the base unit; wherein the generally straight outer edge and the platform are disposed such that, when the kitchen appliance is placed against a wall, the outer edge and the bowl are substantially flush with the wall. This may allow the kitchen appliance to be positioned against a wall, which may provide a more compact and/or easily storable

-6kitchen appliance.

In plan view, the base unit may have an asymmetric shape. This may reduce wasted space (as opposed to a symmetrical arrangement), which may assist in providing a more compact kitchen appliance.

The generally straight outer edge and the platform may be disposed such that, when the kitchen appliance is placed against a wall, the outer edge and the platform are substantially flush with the wall. This may further improve compactness and use of space.

In plan view, the drive unit may be narrower than the platform, preferably wherein the drive unit is narrower than the platform in a dimension perpendicular to the generally straight outer edge. Preferably, in plan view, a part of the base unit that supports the drive unit is also narrower than the platform. This may further improve the compactness of the kitchen appliance.

Preferably, the platform is generally circular. Providing a circular platform may improve use of available space by matching the shape of a circular bowl.

The outer edge may be generally tangential to the platform, and the base unit may have a further edge which is generally radial or secantial to the platform. This may further improve use of available space.

The outer edge is preferably a bottom edge. A part of the base unit away from the platform may be generally rectangular in plan, and may be wider than a radius of the platform. This may improve the stability of the kitchen appliance.

The drive unit may further comprise a drive outlet, which may be locatable coaxially with a centre of the bowl when the bowl is mounted on the platform. This may improve the consistency of food processing operations.

Preferably, the kitchen appliance is a stand mixer.

-7Aspects of the invention may provide one, some or all of the above, in any appropriate combination.

The invention extends to a kitchen appliance substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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

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

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

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

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

As used herein, the terms ‘side-on’ and ‘side-on configuration’ preferably refer to a position of a kitchen appliance relative to a user operating the kitchen appliance, in which a user faces towards the side of the kitchen appliance, with a bowl being presented on the user’s left or right.

-8As used herein, the term ‘control panel’ preferably refers to a panel of the kitchen appliance having controls for operating the kitchen appliance.

As used herein, the term ‘substantially flush’ preferably refers to no more than a predefined proportion of a dimension of an object (such as a diameter of a bowl) protruding beyond a flush plane, more preferably where said proportion is 8%, more preferably is 5%, and yet more preferably is 3%.

As used herein, the terms ‘symmetrical’ and ‘asymmetrical’ preferably refer to reflectional symmetry, and more preferably refer to the reflectional symmetry of an object viewed in plan.

As used herein, the term ‘platform’ preferably refers to a component having a level surface upon which further components or objects can stand. Where the terms Outward’ or ‘inward’ are used herein in the context of a platform, these terms preferably refer to a direction in the plane of the level surface of the platform.

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

The invention described here may be used in any kitchen appliance and/or as a standalone device. This includes any domestic food-processing and/or preparation machine,

-9including both top-driven machines (e.g., stand-mixers) and bottom-driven machines (e.g., food processors). It may be implemented in heated and/or cooled machines. The invention may also be implemented in both hand-held (e.g., hand blenders) and table-top (e.g., blenders) machines. It may be used in a machine that is built-in to a work-top or work surface, or in a stand-alone device. The invention can also be provided as a standalone device, whether motor-driven or manually powered.

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

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a kitchen appliance according to the present invention supporting a bowl;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the kitchen appliance;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the kitchen appliance supporting a bowl;

Figure 4 is a further plan view of the kitchen appliance supporting a bowl;

Figure 5 is a cutaway plan view of the kitchen appliance; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative kitchen appliance.

Specific Description

Referring to Figure 1, a kitchen appliance 100 in the form of a stand mixer comprises an elongate head unit 102 (also referred to as a drive unit) having first and second ends 102a, 102b. The head unit 102 is mounted at the second end 102b upon a base unit 104 in the form of a support 106, such that the head unit is cantilevered out from the support

106. The head unit 102 is arranged to pivot on the second end 102b relative to the support about a pivot point on a top of the support.

The base unit 104 further comprises a platform 108 for supporting a bowl 110, where the support 106 extends outwardly from an edge 112 of the platform 108. The head unit 102 is arranged to extend over the platform 108. A bowl 110 is supported on the platform. The bowl 110 is flat-bottomed and has curved sides, such that a width of the bowl decreases towards its bottom.

-10The platform 108 is generally circular in plan view, while the support 106 is generally rectangular in plan (having a longer side extending away from the platform). The support is cuboid in shape so as to define a pedestal shape for mounting the head unit, but it will be appreciated that it could also be generally shaped as a trapezoidal prism or a frustum, for example.

The head unit 102 defines a crooked or kinked shape, such that the head unit 102 is formed from two distinct portions: a portion 114 that is proximal to the support (adjacent the pivot point) and a portion 116 that is distal to the support 106, which extends from the proximal portion 110 at an angle, when viewed in plan.

The proximal portion 114 and the distal portion 116 are attached at a kink defined by outer and inner corner 118, 120. Both portions are generally the same width and height.

The proximal portion 114 includes the second end 102b, and extends towards the platform in the same direction as the support 106, which the proximal portion 114 overlies. The proximal portion is a major portion of the head unit, and takes up approximately two thirds of the volume of the head unit. A majority of the proximal portion is mounted on the support, although a part of the proximal portion is not mounted on the support and so extends over the platform. Providing a straight proximal portion 114 ofthe head unit allow a larger angle to be formed by the distal portion 116.

The distal portion 116 includes the first end 102a, and extends away from the proximal portion 114 at an angle θ relative to the proximal portion. The distal portion 116 is angled horizontally (relative to the working orientation ofthe kitchen appliance 100 in which the kitchen appliance 100 is supported on the platform 108 and support 106), such that the distal portion 116 is angled in towards a side ofthe support 106. The side towards which the distal portion 116 is angled may be referred to as the front face 122 of the kitchen appliance, as in a ‘side-on’ configuration this face may be presented towards a user. The front face 122 is generally planar.

When viewed facing a side of the support away from the platform, the distal portion 116 is angled to the left of the support. The angle θ is less than 90 degrees, which may allow

-11 for a compact head unit while improving a user’s access to a bowl. The angle Θ is approximately 45 degrees, although it will be appreciated that a range of acute angles could alternatively be used.

The head unit 102 further comprises a drive outlet 124 provided on an underside of the distal portion, such that a central axis 126 (not shown in Figure 1) of the drive outlet 124 is generally parallel to the upward extension of the support 106. The drive outlet 124 is provided towards the first end 102a of the head unit 102. The drive outlet 124 is arranged to drive one or more rotatable food processing tools, which may be engaged with the drive outlet so as to depend downwardly into the bowl. The drive outlet is configured as a planetary drive outlet, which may allow for an improved mixing action. Optionally, the drive outlet is reversibly configured as a planetary drive outlet.

The head unit is arranged such that, in a working position, the distal portion 116 overlies the platform 108 so that the drive outlet is arranged over the centre of a bowl 110 supported on the platform (i.e. such that the drive outlet is coaxial with a centre of a circular bowl).

As mentioned, the head unit is pivotably coupled to the support, such that the head unit may pivot about its second end 102b to move the drive coupling away from the working position in which the drive outlet is arranged over the centre of the bowl. The head unit is arranged to hinge such that the drive outlet moves upwardly relative to the bowl. This may allow tools attached to the drive outlet to be exchanged and also allow the bowl to be easily removed.

The kitchen appliance 100 further comprises user controls for controlling the operation of the kitchen appliance. The user controls are mounted on one or more control panels which are generally on the side of the kitchen appliance 100 (optionally, on the front face 122), such that the distal portion is angled towards the one or more control panels.

The one or more control panels are generally flat, such that one or more planes defined by the one or more control panels intersect the distal portion 116 of the head unit. This may allow a user easy access to both the bowl and the user controls, which may improve

-12 ease of operation in a ‘side-on’ configuration.

The user controls comprise a display 126 and a control knob 128, although it will be appreciated that other controls (such as buttons or a locking lever) may be also or alternatively be provided. The display 126 is provided on a first control panel 130 on the side of the head unit 102, which may be towards a user’s eye-line during operation, while the control knob 128 is provided on a second control panel 132 on the front face 118 of the support, which may be close to a user’s hand during operation.

Referring to Figure 2, the proximal portion of the head unit overlies the support, so the support has the same dimensions in plan as the part of the proximal portion that does not extend over the platform. The central axis 126 of the drive outlet 124 is indicated on the Figure. As mentioned, the axis 126 is also a central axis of the platform 108 and (when provided) the bowl 110.

In plan view, the support is provided asymmetrically relative to the platform, where the support is narrower than the platform such that the platform and support together define an approximate ‘b’ shape. A straight outer edge 134 of the support 106 extends generally tangentially away from the corresponding edge 122 of the platform 108, such that a flush edge is formed. The edges 134, 122 are bottom edges of the support and platform respectively. As such, no part of the platform 108 extends beyond the outer edge of the support. This may allow the kitchen appliance to be located flush against a flat surface, such as a wall.

The support is wider than a radius of the platform, such that a further bottom side edge 136 of the support extends secantially away from the platform. This may improve the stability of the kitchen appliance.

The platform 108 comprises a central circular recess 138 for receiving the bottom of a bowl. Optionally, the platform may be provided with interlock features to hold the bowl in place during operation of the kitchen appliance.

Referring to Figure 3, when supported on the platform, the bowl 110 is arranged so as to

-13substantially align with the outer edge 134 of the support 106. This may allow for the outer edge and the bowl to be substantially flush to a wall, when the kitchen appliance is placed against the wall. This may allow for a more compact kitchen appliance through a reduction in the amount of unusable space around the kitchen appliance. The storage of the kitchen appliance may also be improved. As will be appreciated, conventional symmetrical kitchen appliances have a platform and/or bowl which protrudes significantly to the ‘rear’ of the kitchen appliance (i.e. beyond the outer edge 134 of the support 106) when used in a ‘side-on’ configuration.

Referring to Figure 4, an area 140 of the bowl 110 is indicated by cross-hatching. In a ‘side-on’ configuration, the area 140 would be blocked by a conventional straight head unit extending from a conventional, symmetrically located support. By providing an angled distal portion 116 and an asymmetric support 106, the present kitchen appliance may render the area 140 accessible for a user the when kitchen appliance is in a ‘sideon’ configuration, which may provide increased visibility of food processing operations and improved ease of adding ingredients.

Referring to Figure 5, a motor 142 is provided internally to the proximal portion of the head unit. The motor is provided towards the second end 102b of the head unit, so as to avoid its weight making it difficult for a user to pivot the head unit. An axis 144 of the motor is indicated in the figure. As will be appreciated, the axis 144 of the motor is offset from the axis 126 of the drive outlet 124 within a housing of the head unit such that both axes are in a plane that is not parallel to a plane defined by the front face 122. The axis 144 of the motor is also offset at a greater distance from the front face 122 than the axis 126 of the drive outlet. This arrangement may serve to bring the drive outlet closer to the user when the kitchen appliance is used in a ‘side-on’ configuration.

The distance between the axis 144 of the motor and the front face 122 is around 30%40% of the distance between the axis 126 of a drive outlet and the axis 144 of the motor, in order to form a shallow angle for drive transmission from the motor to the drive outlet. As the drive outlet 124 is in the distal portion 112, it is much offset from the front face at around 20%-30% of the offset of the axis of the motor from the front face.

-14In order to transfer drive from the motor to the drive outlet, the head unit further comprises a transmission 146, which defines a cranked shape in order to transmit drive around the angle Θ. The transmission comprises a pulley 148 mounted in the proximal portion of the head unit at the same offset distance from the front face 122 as the motor, and being arranged to receive drive from the motor via a belt drive 150. A further part of the transmission 130 is arranged at an angle so as to transmit drive into the distal portion of the head unit and to the drive outlet, for example via a belt drive.

The provision of the angle θ at around 45 degrees may allow for improved drive, as a relatively large motor 142 and transmission 146 can be used. If a larger angle θ were to be provided, a smaller transmission and/or motor might be required in order to transmit drive around the angle Θ. In order to provide a transmission and/or motor of around the same size as when the angle θ is around 45 degrees, it might be necessary to provide a motor away from the second end 102b of the head unit, which might make it difficult for a user to move the head unit, or provide a larger head unit, which might make the kitchen appliance less compact.

Alternatives and Modifications

Optionally, the motor 142 may be provided towards an interior side wall of the head unit, so as to increase the space available for the transmission 146 to extend from the proximal portion 114 into the distal portion 116. This may allow for a larger transmission to be used.

Alternatively, the motor 142 may be located within the support 106, which may further improve a user’s ability to pivot the head unit 102. In this case, a transmission including a clutch is provided to transmit drive into the distal portion 116 when the head unit is pivoted into a working position (i.e. such that the drive outlet 124 is aligned with the centre of the support 106). As previously described, a cranked transmission may be provided to transmit drive from the second end 102b of the head unit to the drive outlet 124.

Optionally, the kitchen appliance 100 may further comprise one or more additional drive

-15outlets, which may be provided on the first or second end 102a, 102b of the head unit

102.

Optionally, the kitchen appliance 100 is mainly formed from a metal material for its mechanical properties. Certain components may be formed from a plastics material, which may allow wireless communication signals to be communicated through the plastics material (whereas the signals would be blocked or otherwise attenuated by the metal material). Optionally, at least portions of the sides of the head unit 102 may be formed from a plastic material.

Alternatively, different asymmetric arrangements of the support 106 relative to the platform 108 may be provided. For example, the outer edge 134 ofthe support 106 may extend generally secantially away from the corresponding edge 112 ofthe platform 108, while the further bottom side edge 136 of the support 106 may extend generally secantially or radially away from the edge 112 of the platform 108. The support may also have a non-rectangular shape.

It will be appreciated that the invention extends to a variety of differently shaped kitchen appliances, an example of which is shown in Figure 6.

Referring to Figure 6, there is provided a kitchen appliance 200 having proximal and distal portions 214, 216 of a head unit 202. In Figure 6, like reference numerals indicate features of the kitchen appliance 200 corresponding to those previously described with reference to the kitchen appliance 100 depicted in Figures 1 to 5.

The distal portion 216 of the head unit 202 is provided at the same angle Θ as in the previously described kitchen appliance 100, but the rounded corners 218, 220 make the head unit 202 curved rather than kinked. It will be appreciated that in alternative constructions of the kitchen appliance, the shape of other components may be varied. In particular, the first end 202a of the head unit 202 may be curved, such that the corners on the first end 202a are rounded. This may allow the size of the head unit to be reduced, thereby further improving user accessibility into the bowl.

-16Optionally, the described aspects may be implemented as a bottom driven kitchen appliance, where a drive unit is mounted on, or in association with, a platform.

It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way 5 of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

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

Claims

1. A kitchen appliance, comprising:

a base unit including a platform for supporting a bowl; and a head unit mounted upon the base unit and arranged to pivot relative to the base unit about a pivot point;

wherein said head unit comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion arranged in use to extend over the platform, the proximal portion being adjacent the pivot point and the distal portion including a drive outlet and extending from the proximal portion generally at an angle to the proximal portion in plan view, such that the drive outlet overlies the platform.

2. A kitchen appliance according to Claim 1, wherein the angle is less than 90 degrees, preferably between 15 and 80 degrees, more preferably between 30 and 70 degrees, still more preferably between 40 and 50 degrees, for example between 42 and 47 degrees.

3. A kitchen appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the distal portion has a length that is at least one quarter ofthe length ofthe proximal portion.

4. A kitchen appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the distal and proximal portions are joined at a kink and/or a curved section.

5. A kitchen appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the distal portion and the proximal portion have generally the same width when viewed in plan.

6. A kitchen appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a part of the proximal portion overlies the platform.

7. A kitchen appliance according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a control panel and wherein a plane generally defined by the control panel intersects the distal portion.

-188. A kitchen appliance according to Claim 7, wherein, in plan view, the plane interposes between an axis of the drive outlet and an edge of the distal portion.

9. A kitchen appliance according to Claim 8, wherein an offset between the plane and the edge of the distal portion is substantially the same as an offset between the plane and the drive outlet.

10. A kitchen appliance according to any of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the control panel is provided on the base unit.

11. A kitchen appliance according to any of Claims 7 to 10, wherein the control panel is provided on the head unit.

12. A kitchen appliance according to any of Claims 7 to 11, wherein the control panel has at least one of: a controller such as a control knob, one or more buttons and/or a locking level; and a screen.

13. A kitchen appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the proximal portion includes a motor.

14. A kitchen appliance according to any of Claims 1 to 12, further comprising a motor; the drive outlet being driven by said motor; and a housing for the motor and drive outlet; the housing having a front face, the front face optionally including a control panel; wherein optionally a portion of the front face is generally planar and, when viewed in plan view, an axis of the drive outlet and an axis of the motor are in a plane that is not parallel to the plane of the generally planar portion of the front face; wherein the axis of the motor is offset further from the front face than the axis of the drive outlet.

15. A kitchen appliance, comprising: a motor;

a drive outlet driven by said motor; and a housing for the motor and drive outlet; the housing having a front face,

-19the front face optionally including a control panel;

wherein optionally a portion of the front face is generally planar and, when viewed in plan view, an axis of the drive outlet and an axis of the motor are in a plane that is not parallel to the plane of the generally planar portion of the front face;

wherein the axis of the motor is offset further from the front face than the axis of the drive outlet.

16. A kitchen appliance according to Claim 14 or 15, wherein a distance between the axis of the drive outlet and the axis of the motor is greater than a distance between the axis of the motor and the front face.

17. A kitchen appliance according to Claim 16, wherein the distance between the axis of the motor and the front face is between 25% and 50% of the distance between the axis of the drive outlet and the axis of the motor in the plane.

18. A kitchen appliance according to any of Claims 14 to 17, wherein an offset distance of the axis of the drive outlet from the front face is between 5% and 50% of an offset distance of the axis of the motor from the front face, preferably between 10% and 40% of the offset distance of the axis of the motor from the front face.

19. A kitchen appliance according to any of Claims 14 to 18, further comprising a cranked transmission for transmitting drive from the motor to the drive outlet.

20. A kitchen appliance according to Claim 19, wherein the transmission comprises a pulley driven by the motor and having an axis offset at the same distance from the front face as the axis of the motor.

21. A kitchen appliance according to Claim 19 or 20, wherein the motor is offset towards an interior side wall of the head unit.

22. A kitchen appliance according to any of Claims 14 to 21, wherein the housing is a

-20head unit of the kitchen appliance, and preferably wherein the appliance further comprises a base unit..

23. A kitchen appliance according to any of Claims 14 to 22, wherein the kitchen appliance further comprises a platform for supporting a bowl, the drive outlet being locatable coaxially with a centre of the bowl when the bowl is mounted on the platform.

24. A kitchen appliance according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the base unit has a generally straight outer edge and includes a platform for mounting the bowl; and the kitchen appliance optionally comprises a drive unit mounted in association with the base unit.

25. A kitchen appliance according to Claim 24, wherein the generally straight outer edge and the platform are disposed such that, when the kitchen appliance is placed against a wall, the outer edge, and optionally the bowl, are substantially flush with the wall.

26. A kitchen appliance, comprising:

a bowl;

a base unit, said base unit having a generally straight outer edge and including a platform for mounting the bowl; and a drive unit mounted in association with the base unit;

wherein the generally straight outer edge and the platform are disposed such that, when the kitchen appliance is placed against a wall, the outer edge and the bowl are substantially flush with the wall.

27. A kitchen appliance according to any of Claims 24 to 26, wherein the generally straight outer edge and the platform are disposed such that, when the kitchen appliance is placed against a wall, the outer edge and the platform are substantially flush with the wall.

28. A kitchen appliance according to any of Claims 24 to 27, wherein, in plan view,

-21 the drive unit is narrower than the platform.

29. A kitchen appliance according to any of Claims 24 to 28, wherein, in plan view, the base unit has an asymmetric shape.

30. A kitchen appliance according to any of Claims 24 to 29, wherein the platform is generally circular, and optionally wherein the outer edge is generally tangential to the platform.

31. A kitchen appliance according to Claim 30, wherein the base unit has a further edge which is generally radial or secantial to the platform, optionally wherein the outer edge is a bottom edge.

32. A kitchen appliance according to any of Claims 26 to 31, wherein the drive unit further comprises a drive outlet; the drive outlet being locatable coaxially with a centre of the bowl when the bowl is mounted on the platform.

33. A kitchen appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the kitchen appliance is a stand mixer.

34. A kitchen appliance comprising a base unit including a platform for mounting a bowl; a head unit having a drive outlet for a tool; and a support arranged to support the head unit with the drive outlet above the platform, the support including a motor for driving the drive outlet; in which the support is mounted to the base unit asymmetrically of the pedestal, and in which the head unit including at least a portion extending substantially radially of the pedestal such that in use the drive outlet is located coaxially of the pedestal.

35. A kitchen appliance as claimed in claim 34, in which the support is narrower than the platform such that the platform and the support together define a ‘b’ shape.

36. A kitchen appliance as claimed in claim 34 or 35, in which the platform is generally circular, and the support has a straight outer edge which extends

-22 substantially tangentally from an edge of the platform and forms at least part of a straight edge of the base unit.

Intellectual

Property

Office

GB 1802592.4

1-14, 16-25,28-33