WO2016120586A1

WO2016120586A1 - An automatic stirring device

Info

Publication number: WO2016120586A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/000018
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Ferguson
Original assignee: Mark Ferguson
Priority date: 2015-01-30
Filing date: 2016-01-25
Publication date: 2016-08-04
Also published as: GB201501539D0; GB2534852A

Abstract

An automatic stirring device (1) for stirring foodstuffs during cooking in an oven comprises an upper section (3) configured so that a foodstuff container (11) can rest on an upwardly facing part of the upper section (3); a tilting section (4) configured so that in use at least the upwardly facing part of the upper section (3) can be tilted so that a foodstuff container (11) on the upwardly facing part is aligned at an angle away from the horizontal, and; a movement mechanism (6) configured to in use cause the upper section to rotate, and the tilting section (4) and movement mechanism (6) are configured so that in use the upper section (3) will rotate while remaining facing in the direction of tilt.

Description

An automatic stirring device

FIELD

The present invention relates to an automatic stirring device for stirring foodstuffs during cooking. More particularly, the present invention relates to an automatic stirring device for stirring foodstuffs during cooking in an oven that contains a rotating turntable. The present invention also relates to an oven that contains an automatic stirring device for stirring foodstuffs during cooking.

BACKGROUND

Typically when liquids are placed in an oven for heating, localised heating occurs within the foodstuff container during the cooking process. This requires the cook to intermittently intervene during the cooking process to manually stir the foodstuff in order to ensure even cooking throughout the foodstuff.

This problem can be particularly pronounced when using a microwave oven.

Localised boiling can occur around the edges of a liquid or semi-liquid foodstuff, requiring intermittent manual stirring intervention during the cooking cycle.

Sometimes, this localised boiling can lead to spillage or the 'boiling over" of the foodstuff being heated or cooked. Furthermore, a post-cook waiting period is often required while temperature hot spots normalise.

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

GB2488335 describes and shows a microwave oven food mixer that comprises a body, and a plurality of arms that extend outwardly from the body, the length of each arm being adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position. The body includes a drive mechanism comprising an orbital gear and a planetary gear. The body and arms are configured so that the body may be engaged to the lip of a culinary vessel disposed on a turntable of a microwave oven, with the arms extended to engage walls of the oven. A mixing arrangement extends downwardly from the body and is arranged to be located in said vessel in use. The mixing arrangement includes a fixed stirrer and a rotatable stirrer, the fixed stirrer being secured to the body and arranged to pass adjacent an inner wall of the vessel, the rotatable stirrer being connected to the drive mechanism and arranged so that rotation of the vessel on a turntable in use with the arms engaging walls of the oven causes rotation of the rotatable stirrer. GB2370240 describes and shows a food stirring device that comprises a roof attachment mechanism, with a shaft and a blade that extend downwards from the roof attachment mechanism when it is attached to the roof of a microwave oven. The device makes use of relative motion of a rotary plate within the oven on which a foodstuff container rests and rotates for stirring food within the container so that an even heat distribution throughout the food is facilitated.

CN101210697 describes and shows a mixer for stirring the contents of a container within a microwave oven. The microwave mixer comprises a first fan leaf and a second fan leaf, articulated with a supporting shaft.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic foodstuff stirring device for use with ovens that contain a rotating turntable that goes some way to overcoming the disadvantages associated with the prior art, or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and indicative independent claims means "consisting at least in part of. When interpreting each statement in this specification and indicative independent claims that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention may broadly be said to consist in an automatic stirring device for stirring foodstuffs during cooking in an oven, comprising: an upper section configured so that a foodstuff container can rest on an upwardly facing part of the upper section; a tilting section configured so that in use at least the upwardly facing part of the upper section can be tilted so that a foodstuff container on the upwardly facing part is aligned at an angle away from the horizontal; a movement mechanism configured to in use cause the upper section to rotate; the tilting section and movement mechanism configured so that in use the upper section will rotate while remaining facing in the direction of tilt.

In an embodiment, the tilting section comprises a central boss, configured for rotation independently of the upper section.

In an embodiment, the tilting section is configured such that the angle of tilt can be altered.

In an embodiment, the angle can be adjusted from a minimum of zero to a maximum of substantially 6-12 degrees.

In an embodiment, the automatic stirring device further comprises a constraint configured to extend from the tilting section and engage with the oven to hold the tilting section stationary in use.

In an embodiment, the constraint comprises at least one arm that extends from the tilting section.

In an embodiment, the at least one arm is detachable from the tilting section.

In an embodiment, the at least one arm is integral with the tilting section.

In an embodiment, the movement mechanism comprises a base configured to locate onto an oven turntable and rotate with the turntable in use.

In an embodiment, the movement mechanism further comprises a connection mechanism configured to connect between the base and upper section so that rotation of either of the base or upper section causes rotation of the other.

In an embodiment, the movement mechanism comprises a flexible member configured to connect between the base and the upper section.

In an embodiment, each of the base and the upper section further comprise a substantially centrally located spigot configured for connection to an end of the flexible member.

In an embodiment, the movement mechanism comprises bevel gears on each of the base and the upper section that intermesh so that rotation of either of the base or upper section causes rotation of the other. In an embodiment, the bevel gears are substantially centrally located.

In an embodiment, the movement mechanism comprises a universal joint, one portion of the joint located on each of the base and the upper section so that rotation of either of the base or upper section causes rotation of the other.

In an embodiment, the movement mechanism comprises teeth located substantially around the circumference of each of the base and the upper section, the teeth interlocking in use so that rotation of either of the base or upper section causes rotation of the other.

In an embodiment, the boss is substantially ring-shaped and has a central aperture. In an embodiment, at least one side of the boss is configured as a plain bearing.

In an embodiment, at least one side of the boss is configured to comprise a ball bearing race.

In an embodiment, the boss further comprises an adaptor/connector configured to connect with the oven drive mechanism to cause rotation of the upper section in use. In an embodiment, the boss is adapted to remain in position without rotating in use.

In an embodiment, the upper section comprises an upper plate with a substantially flat upper surface.

In an embodiment, the upper surface of the upper section further comprises a non- slip material.

In a second aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in an oven comprising an integral automatic stirring device as outlined in any one of the statements above.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings Which show an embodiment of the device by way of example, and in which:

Figure 1 shows a cutaway side view of a first embodiment of the automatic stirring device of the present invention, showing detail of a base that rests on an oven turntable in use, an upper plate configured so that a foodstuff container can rest on the plate in use, a central boss connecting between the base and upper section so that the upper plate is held at an angle to the base, and a flexible elongate rubber or plastic tube that connects between the base and upper section so that rotation of either of the base or upper section causes rotation of the other, the central boss configured for rotation independently of the base and upper section.

Figure 2 shows a perspective side view of the automatic stirring device of figure 1 , with an elongate constraining arm extending from the central boss, the outer end of the arm contacting and securing against an interior surface of the oven to prevent rotation of the boss in use, and a food bowl shown resting on the upper surface of the upper plate.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view from above of the automatic stirring device of figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view from the side and slightly above of the device of figures 1 to 3 in use in a domestic microwave oven.

Figure 5a shows a perspective view from the side and above of a first embodiment of an element that can be used for either the base or the upper plate of an automatic stirring device such as the one shown in figures .1 to 4, and which in use is paired with a second substantially identical element to form the base and upper plate combination, the element in this embodiment having a central spigot to which the flexible elongate rubber or plastic tube that connects between the base and upper section can attach/connect so that in use, rotation of one element causes rotation of the other.

Figure 5b shows a perspective view from the side and above of a second embodiment of an element that can be used for either the base or the upper plate of an automatic stirring device such as the one shown in figures 1 to 4, and which in use is paired with a second substantially identical element to form the base and upper plate combination, the element in this embodiment having an integral central bevel gear ring, the teeth of which interlock with a substantially identical bevel gear ring on the second element to form a connection- between the upper plate and the base so that in use, rotation of one element causes rotation of the other.

Figure 5c shows a perspective view from the side and above of a third embodiment of an element that can be used for either the base or the upper plate of an automatic stirring device such as the one shown in figures 1 to 4, and which in use is paired with a second substantially identical element to form the base and upper plate combination, the element in this embodiment having a centrally located part or half of a universal joint that in use connects with the other part or half on the second element to form a connection between the upper plate and the base so that in use, rotation of one element causes rotation of the other.

Figure 5d shows a perspective view from the side and above of a fourth embodiment of an element that can be used for either the base or the upper plate of an automatic stirring device such as the one shown in figures 1 to 4, and which in use is paired with a second substantially identical element to form the base and upper plate combination, the element in this embodiment having teeth located around the perimeter or circumference of the element, the teeth in use interlocking with similarly positioned and sized teeth on a similarly-configured and sized second element that forms the other one of the base or upper plate, so that in use, rotation of one element causes rotation of the other.

Figure 6 shows a detail perspective side view from slightly above of a central boss suitable for use with the elements of the preceding figures, locating between the base and the upper plate so as to form with these elements an automatic stirring device such as the one shown in figures 1 to 4, this figure showing detail of a ball race, and a central aperture or opening that allows for connection elements such as bevel gears or a universal joint to pass through the central boss for connection between the base and the upper element.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view from the front and to one side of an oven cavity, the oven of the type that has an integral turntable rotating mechanism, an automatic stirring device according to an embodiment of the invention connected to the integral turntable rotating mechanism, the automatic stirring device comprising a boss that connects with the turntable rotating mechanism, and an upper plate on top of the boss and held at an angle away from the horizontal by the boss, activation of the turntable rotating mechanism causing rotation of the upper plate while the boss remains stationary.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention relates to a device that induces and promotes self-stirring/mixing of liquid or semi-liquid substances in an oven where a turntable is present, such as for example a domestic microwave oven. Examples of suitable foodstuffs would be the cooking of porridge or the heating of baked beans.

Embodiments and variations thereof will now be described with reference to the figures.

The automatic stirring device 1 has four main parts: a base 2, an upper section 3, a central boss 4, and a constraining arm 9. The base 2 and upper section 3 are connected via a connection mechanism so that rotation of one also causes rotation of the other.

In the overall form shown and described in figures 1 to 4, the element that forms the base 2 is a plate, substantially flat and with a generally planar lower surface that in use sits on the oven turntable to securely support the automatic stirring device 1.

The element that forms the upper section 3 is also a plate, similar or substantially the same as the plate used for the base 2, the upper section or element 3 having an upper surface configured so that a foodstuff container such as a bowl can rest securely on the upper surface of the upper section 3. In normal use, the upper section 3 is aligned at an angle away from the horizontal, so if required, a non-slip material can be connected to the upper surface to assist with securely holding a container on the upper section 3.

Each of the plates in the pair has a central connector portion 6, that is located substantially at the centre of the plate, and which allows connection to the other plate of the pair (or more specifically, to the connector portion 6 on the other plate of the pair).

Specific embodiments of the plates that can be paired to form a base and upper section pairing will be described in detail below.

The central boss 4 is a generally ring-shaped item that locates between the base 2 and the upper section 3, and which has a central aperture through which connection elements can pass. The boss 4 is formed so that when the boss 4 is in position, the plate of the upper section 3 is held at an angle to the plate that forms the base 2 (i.e. if the base 2 is horizontally aligned, the upper section will be aligned at an angle away from the horizontal). When in position between the base 2 and upper section 3, the central boss 4 can rotate independently of the base 2 and upper section 3. In one variation, as shown in figure 6, the boss 4 has ball bearing races 8a, 8b, which allow the central boss 4 to rotate independently of the base 2 and upper section. In another variation, plain bearings are used instead of the ball bearing races 8a, 8b, the plain bearings formed from a low friction material which allows the central boss 4 to rotate independently of the base 2 and upper section 3. Using plain bearings can assist with reducing the complexity, total number of parts, and the assembly cost of the automatic stirring device 1.

As outlined above, the central boss 4 is formed so that the plate 3 of the upper section is tilted or held at an angle to the plate 2 of the base. So for example when using ball bearing races 8a, 8b, the plane of the upper ball bearing race 8a is aligned in parallel to the plane of the upper surface of the upper portion 3, and aligned at an angle to the lower ball bearing race 8b, which is aligned in parallel to the lower surface of the base 2.

The constraining arm 9 connects with the central boss 4 to extend substantially radially and generally horizontally from the central boss 4 (i.e. if the boss 4 is connected to the base 2, and the base 2 is resting on a horizontally aligned surface, then the arm 9 extends substantially horizontally). The arm 9 can be length- adjustable - e.g. a telescopic arm or similar, and can be formed separately to the boss 4, with one end of the arm inserted into an aperture in the boss 4 to connect the two together, or formed integrally with the central boss 4.

In use, a user places the automatic stirring device 1 on the oven turntable, for example a microwave oven turntable. The user locates the stirring device 1 so that the outer end of the constraining arm 9 is located in a comer, so that the central boss 4 cannot rotate. That is, the outer end of the constraining arm 9 locates into a corner (e.g. a vertically aligned edge corner) of the oven cabinet in which the automatic stirring device 1 is located, to prevent rotational movement of the central boss 4 in use.

The user then places a bowl 1 1 containing a foodstuff which they wish to cook onto the upper surface of the plate of the upper section 3. Once the oven is operating, and the oven turntable is rotating, friction between the base 2 and the turntable will cause the base 2 to rotate along with the turntable. In the embodiment shown in figure 1 , the base 2 and upper section 3 are connected via a flexible elongate member 5 that extends and connects between the connector portions 6, so the upper section 3 rotates as the base 2 rotates. However, the constraining arm 9 prevents rotation of the central boss 4. As the upper portion 3 is at an angle to the base 2, the movement of the upper section 3 relative to the stationary central boss 4 causes the bowl or other dish on the upper section to rotate while tilted at a fixed angle, which causes mixing of the contents of the bowl in a similar fashion to the operation of a cement mixer. That is, the upper section 3 rotates while remaining facing in the direction of tilt.

Specific embodiments of the elements or plates that can be used to form the base 2 or the upper section 3 will now be described with reference to figures 5a - 5d. Each of the elements shown and described could be used either as the base 2 or the upper section 3. However, those shown in the figures and described below will be referred to as the base 2 for the purposes of simplifying the description.

A first embodiment or variation is shown in figure 5a. In this embodiment, the plate (base 2a) is substantially circular, and has a central circular open area bounded by a circumferential wall into which the central boss 4 locates in use. A spigot 6a that forms part of the connector portion 6 extends upwards from the centre of the base 2a. In use, a second plate is placed over the top of the base 2a to form the upper section, held at an angle to the base 2a by the central boss 6. A flexible elongate member (such as hose 5 shown in figure 1 ) extends through the centre of the boss 4 to connect between the base 2a and the upper section, each end of the hose 5 connecting to the spigot 6a. The hose 5 can be for example a rubber or plastic tube. The flexible elongate member ensures that the base 2 and upper section will rotate together - that is, rotational force applied to one will be transmitted to the other, so that the application of rotational force causes rotation of both the base 2a and the upper section.

A second embodiment or variation is shown in figure 5b. The overall shape of the plate that forms the base 2b is the same as for the first embodiment of figure 5a: the plate (base 2b) is substantially circular, and has a central circular open area bounded by a circumferential wall into which the central boss 4 locates in use. In this embodiment, the connection between the base 2 and the upper portion 3 is made via bevel gears 6b, which are formed integrally with the plate at the centre of the plate. The teeth of the bevel gear 6b mesh with the teeth of the equivalent gear on the paired upper element 3. The interlocking or meshing gears ensure that rotation of one plate element (e.g. the base 2b) causes rotation of the other element.

A third embodiment or variation is shown in figure 5c. The overall shape of the plate that forms the base 2c is the same as for the embodiments described above: the plate (base 2c) is substantially circular, and has a central circular open area bounded by a circumferential wall into which the central boss 4 locates in use. In this embodiment, the connection between the base 2 and the upper portion 3 is made via a universal joint, the base portion 6c of the universal joint shown in figure 5c. The base portion 6c of the universal joint is formed integrally with the base plate 2 at the centre of the plate. The inter-connected portions or halves of the universal joint ensure that rotation of one plate element (e.g. the base 2b) causes rotation of the other element.

A fourth embodiment is shown in figure 5d. The overall shape of the plate that forms the base 2d is the same as for the embodiments described above: the plate (base 2d) is substantially circular, and has a central circular open area bounded by a circumferential wall into which the central boss 4 locates in use. In this embodiment, the base 2d has teeth 6d formed around the circumference, aligned generally perpendicular to the plane of the base 2d, and facing upwards. The teeth 6d intermesh or interlock with equivalent teeth on an upper element so that rotation of the base also causes rotation of the upper element. In other variations, a plurality of legs or arms could be used instead of a single restraining arm 9. The legs or arms would extend outwards from the central boss 4 or other connector 4, with the outer ends contacting the floor or walls (or a mixture of both) of the oven. It is preferred that each of the legs/arms would project radially as this simplifies construction and helps to strengthen the structure.

The constraining arm or legs could also be removable or adjustable in length and/or orientation. For example the arm 9 could be removably mounted to the boss 4 via a mounting aperture such as aperture 13 shown in figure 6.

It would also be possible to have a connector (e.g. boss 4) where the angle of tilt can be varied, rather than fixed. For example, if the connector is a central boss formed from two halves that can be rotated relative to one another to adjust or change the angle of tilt from flat to a maximum angle such as for example 8-10 degrees.

It can be seen that due to the angled rotation of the bowl 1 1 on the upper section, mixing is achieved without requiring direct contact with the contents of the bowl or vessel - e.g. with a spoon or other stirring device. This device therefore helps to overcome this disadvantage and helps to prevent any dirtying of extra crockery or cutlery thus maintaining the simplicity of the oven whilst increasing its efficiency or effectiveness.

In a further embodiment, as shown in figure 7, an automatic stirring device 100 is formed to operate in a similar manner to that outlined above, but the lower plate or base is not present, while the unique (cement mixer style) stirring method is preserved.

In this embodiment the modified device retains an upper plate 103 and central boss 104, but the lower plate or base is not present. The central boss 104 comprises a universal adapter/connector (not shown) that is used in place of the base. In use, the oven turntable (e.g. the microwave turntable) is removed, and the universal adaptor/connector is connected to the existing oven drive mechanism (i.e. the drive mechanism to which the oven turntable is normally connected in use). The universal adaptor transfers the movement of the existing oven drive mechanism to the upper plate 103 via a universal joint, bevel gear or flexible elongate member in a similar manner to that described for the embodiments above. In this embodiment, the boss 104 is formed so that it sits on the oven floor or base around the existing drive mechanism, and remains in position without rotating as the drive mechanism and upper plate 103 rotate. This is achieved by way of its shape, which at least partly interlocks with any upstanding or corner elements on the base of the oven to prevent movement. In this embodiment, a single bearing race or plain bearing can be used if required between the upper plate 103 and the central boss 104. There is no requirement for a second, lower set of bearings.

All of the mechanisms described above could be incorporated as built-in elements in ovens (either microwave ovens or conventional ovens containing a turntable). The oven turntable could be modified to act as the base, having a way to receive or connect with a central boss (and upper plate). Alternatively, the upper plate can be formed for use as both the angled upper plate and the normal oven turntable, the boss incorporating a mechanism by which the angle of the plate can be adjusted between horizontal and angled. Again, a constraint mechanism such as legs is not required due to the integral boss.

Claims

1. An automatic stirring device for stirring foodstuffs during cooking in an oven, comprising:

an upper section configured so that a foodstuff container can rest on an upwardly facing part of the upper section;

a tilting section configured so that in use at least the upwardly facing part of the upper section can be tilted so that a foodstuff container on the upwardly facing part is aligned at an angle away from the horizontal;

a movement mechanism configured to in use cause the upper section to rotate; the tilting section and movement mechanism configured so that in use the upper section will rotate while remaining facing in the direction of tilt.

2. An automatic stirring device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tilting section comprises a central boss, configured for rotation independently of the upper section.

3. An automatic stirring device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the tilting section is configured such that the angle of tilt can be altered.

4. An automatic stirring device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the angle can be adjusted from a minimum of zero to a maximum of substantially 6-12 degrees.

5. An automatic stirring device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 further comprising a constraint configured to extend from the central boss and engage with the oven to hold the central boss stationary in use.

6. An automatic stirring device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the constraint comprises at least one arm that extends from the central boss.

7. An automatic stirring device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the at least one arm is detachable from the tilting section.

8. An automatic stirring device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the at least one arm is integral with the tilting section.

9. An automatic stirring device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the movement mechanism comprises a base configured to locate onto an oven turntable and rotate with the turntable in use.

13

Confirmation coi

10. An automatic stirring device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the movement mechanism further comprises a connection mechanism configured to connect between the base and upper section so that rotation of either of the base or upper section causes rotation of the other.

1 1 . An automatic stirring device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the movement mechanism comprises a flexible member configured to connect between the base and the upper section.

1 2. An automatic stirring device as claimed in claim 1 1 wherein each of the base and the upper section further comprise a substantially centrally located spigot configured for connection to an end of the flexible member.

13. An automatic stirring device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the movement mechanism comprises bevel gears on each of the base and the upper section that intermesh so that rotation of either of the base or upper section causes rotation of the other.

14. An automatic stirring device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the bevel gears are substantially centrally located.

15. An automatic stirring device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the movement mechanism comprises a universal joint, one portion of the joint located on each of the base and the upper section so that rotation of either of the base or upper section causes rotation of the other.

16. An automatic stirring device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the movement mechanism comprises teeth located substantially around the circumference of each of the base and the upper section, the teeth interlocking in use so that rotation of either of the base or upper section causes rotation of the other.

17. An automatic stirring device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 16 wherein the boss is substantially ring-shaped and has a central aperture.

18. An automatic stirring device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 17 wherein at least one side of the boss is configured as a plain bearing.

19. An automatic stirring device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 17 wherein at least one side of the boss is configured to comprise a ball bearing race.

20. An automatic stirring device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein the boss further comprises an adaptor/connector configured to connect with the oven drive mechanism to cause rotation of the upper section in use.

21. An automatic stirring device as claimed in claim 20 wherein the boss is adapted to remain in position without rotating in use.

22. An automatic stirring device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein the upper section comprises an upper plate with a substantially flat upper surface.

23. An automatic stirring device as claimed in claim 22 wherein the upper surface of the upper section further comprises a non-slip material.

24. An oven comprising an integral automatic stirring device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.

25. An automatic stirring device substantially as herein described with reference to figures 1 to 4.

26. A base or upper section for an automatic stirring device substantially as herein described with reference to figure 5a.

27. A base or upper section for an automatic stirring device substantially as herein described with reference to figure 5b.

28. A base or upper section for an automatic stirring device substantially as herein described with reference to figure 5c.

29. A base or upper section for an automatic stirring device substantially as herein described with reference to figure 5d.

30. A boss for an automatic stirring device substantially as herein described with reference to figure 6.