CN203138173U - Kitchenware for processing food - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kitchen utensil, which comprises a casing surrounding a motor and a switchgear. A bowl is detachably mounted on the housing. At least one activation member is movable between a first position and a second position. A bowl cover is detachably mounted on the upper edge of the bowl. When the bowl cover is in place on the upper edge of the bowl, the engine is started or allowed to start by pressing the cover down so that at least a portion of one of the bowl's plurality of flanges contacts at least a portion of the starting member , to urge the activation member into the second position.

Description

kitchen utensils for processing food

technical field

The utility model generally relates to a kitchen utensil for processing food, and more particularly relates to a relatively simple food processing machine or a chopper that is easy to assemble and operate.

Background technique

Food choppers typically include a container that is screwed onto the base of the motor and a lid that is screwed or screwed onto the container. One or more buttons in the engine mount allow the user to start the electric motor. When in use, the user needs to twist the assembly to use the shredder. However, it can be difficult to properly align the multiple components during assembly. The parts may be tight, making disassembly for cleaning difficult. Basically, the structures or features used to allow these components to be attached and/or used as a self-contained unit are difficult and/or inconvenient.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a food chopper or processor that is relatively simple and easy to assemble and operate. The device of the present invention achieves at least the above objects and overcomes the above and other disadvantages of conventional kitchen utensils.

Utility model content

Briefly, one aspect of the present invention relates to a kitchen utensil for processing food, comprising a housing enclosing a motor and a switching device for starting the motor or allowing the motor to be started. The bowl is detachably mounted on the housing. The bowl includes an upper edge defining a mouth for receiving a rotatable tool in the bowl. At least one activation member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the activation member is spaced from the switch device to maintain the switch device in the open position and prevent the engine from starting. In the second position, the starting member engages the switch device to start the engine or allow the engine to start. The bowl cover is detachably mounted on the upper edge of the bowl. The bowl lid includes a top wall and a plurality of flanges depending downwardly therefrom. When the bowl cover is properly placed on the upper edge of the bowl, the engine is started or allowed to start by pressing down on the bowl cover such that at least a portion of one of the plurality of flanges contacts at least a portion of the actuation member to urge the actuation member into the second position.

In another aspect, the utility model relates to a kitchen utensil for processing food, comprising a housing enclosing a motor and a switch device for starting or allowing the motor to be started. The housing includes an extension extending upward beyond the top end of the housing. The bowl is detachably mounted on the housing. The bowl includes an upper rim defining a mouth for receiving a rotatable tool in the bowl. At least one activation member is located at least partially within the extension of the housing and is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the activation member is spaced from the switchgear to maintain the switchgear in the open position and prevent the engine from starting. In the second position, the starting member engages the switching device to start the engine or allow the engine to start. The bowl cover is detachably mounted on the upper edge of the bowl. The bowl cover includes a top wall, a first flange depending downwardly from the top wall, a second flange depending downwardly from the top wall, and a third flange depending downwardly from the top wall. The third flange generally surrounds the second flange, and the second flange generally surrounds the first flange. At least a portion of the third flange contacts at least a portion of the activation member to urge the activation member into the second position when the bowl cover is in place on the upper edge of the bowl.

In another aspect, the present disclosure also relates to a method of operating a kitchen appliance comprising mounting a bowl on a housing enclosing a motor and switching means for allowing the motor to start. The method includes placing food in the mouth of the bowl, installing a lid on the upper rim of the bowl defining the mouth of the bowl, and powering the motor. The method also includes pressing down at least a portion of the cover such that at least a portion of a flange depending downwardly from a top wall of the cover contacts at least a portion of the starting member to engage the switch device to start the engine.

Description of drawings

The foregoing summary and subsequent detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For purposes of illustration, the embodiment shown in the figures is a presently preferred embodiment. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the specific arrangements and devices shown. In the picture:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a kitchen utensil according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the kitchen utensil shown is a fully assembled structure;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a kitchen appliance with safety interlock features shown in a closed, engaged or activated position;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a kitchen appliance with safety interlock features shown in an open, disengaged or inactive position;

Figure 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the cooker of Figure 1, wherein at least a portion of the periphery of the bowl of the cooker is shown at least partially transparent for clarity; and

Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the lid of the bowl of the kitchen appliance in Fig. 1 .

Detailed ways

The specific terms used hereinafter are for convenience only and not for limitation. The words "lower," "bottom," "upper," and "top" are used to designate directions in the drawings referenced herein. According to the present invention, the words "inwardly", "outwardly", "upwardly" and "downwardly" refer to directions towards and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the device and designated parts thereof. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "a" and "the" are not limited to one element, but should be read as meaning "at least one". The terminology includes the above words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring in detail to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout, FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrate a kitchen appliance 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The kitchen appliance 10 is used or designed for processing, chopping, mixing or blending food (not shown), such as meat, vegetables, soups, beverages, sauces and the like, or any combination thereof. The kitchen appliance 10 is preferably in the form of a food processor or chopper, but the kitchen appliance 10 may be any device, such as a blender, a combination coffee maker/grinder likewise comprising at least two separate components. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, when the cooker 10 is placed on a support surface, the cooker 10 defines a longitudinal axis A which extends at least substantially, preferably exactly, perpendicular to the support surface (not shown) which For example a tabletop or countertop.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4 , the kitchen appliance 10 includes a housing 12 at least partially enclosing a motor 14 and a switchgear 36 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The engine 14 is preferably a single-speed universal engine, but the invention is not limited thereto, as the user can select the engine 14 with a variety of different speeds. Electrical power is supplied to the engine via a power cord (not shown) through a conventional wall outlet (not shown). Switching device 36 is preferably located adjacent to engine 14, and switching device 36 is preferably operatively connected to engine 14 to start the engine or allow engine 14 to start. The switching device 36 preferably includes a first, open or disengaged position ( FIG. 3 ) and a second, closed or engaged position ( FIG. 2 ).

As shown in FIGS. 2-4 , the housing 12 includes a first top end 18 and an opposing second bottom end 20 . Two or more spaced apart stands 22 can extend downwardly from the second bottom end 20 of the housing 12 to support the cooker 10 on a support surface. However, the kitchen utensil 10 is not limited to including the stand 22 . For example, the bottom surface of the second bottom end 20 of the housing 12 can rest directly on a support surface. As shown in FIGS. 1-4 , the housing 12 can include an extension 25 that extends outwardly (longitudinal and/or radially) beyond the remainder of the housing 12 . Accordingly, at least a portion of the extension 25 can extend upwardly past the first top end 18 of the housing 12 . The extension 25 includes a slot 27 adjacent the top end of the extension 25 . Slot 27 can have a generally curved or arcuate shape.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4 , the housing 12 can have a generally cylindrical shape with a reduced diameter portion 24 near its first top end 18 (as shown in FIG. 4 ). The crosspiece 26 (shown in FIG. 4 ) preferably defines a reduced diameter portion 24 relative to the remainder of the housing 12 . The crosspiece 26 preferably extends generally, if not exactly, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the kitchen appliance 10 . The reduced diameter portion 24 of the housing 12 preferably has a substantially constant or uniform diameter throughout its height such that the outer surface of the reduced diameter portion 24 extends generally, if not exactly, parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the kitchen appliance 10 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , at least one, and preferably a plurality of spaced apart grooves 28 can extend at least partially radially inwardly into the reduced diameter portion 24 of the housing 12 . Each groove 28 preferably has a generally arcuate concave shape and preferably extends the entire height of the reduced diameter portion 24 . In other words, each groove 28 preferably extends from the crosspiece 26 to the first top end 18 of the housing 12 . Each groove 28 preferably extends generally, if not exactly, parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the cooker 10 .

As shown in FIGS. 2-4 , a drive shaft 30 extends upwardly from the first top end 18 of the housing 12 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drive shaft 30 is operably connected to and driven by the engine 12 via a gear reduction system 32 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ). Accordingly, the drive shaft 30 is rotatable with respect to the housing 12 . Drive shaft 30 can include one or more bosses 34 extending at least slightly radially outward therefrom. Housing 12 can include a control panel 16 having one or more buttons or switches 17 (shown in FIG. 1 ) that allow a user to control operation of engine 14 .

Housing 12 can be constructed of a polymeric material, such as injection molded acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) material. ABS material is desirable due to its relatively smooth surface finish, its easy presentation of multiple colors, its high impact resistance and crack resistance, and its ability to be coated with metallic flash paint. However, the housing 12 is not limited to a polymeric or injection molded ABS material, but can be constructed of almost any generally rigid material that can have the general shape of the housing 12 and can have the functionality of the housing 12 described above. For example, the housing 12, as well as any other components of the kitchen appliance 10, can be constructed of metal or similar material or combination of materials. Housing 12 can be substantially or completely opaque, translucent, or transparent.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4 , a bowl or cup 40 is removably mounted to at least a portion of the first top end 18 of the housing 12 . Bowl 40 includes a bottom wall 42 and side walls 44 extending upwardly therefrom. The bottom wall 42 extends generally, if not exactly, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the side wall 44 has an upper edge 45 defining a mouth 46 opposite the bottom wall 42 for receiving a rotatable tool 96 in the bowl 40 . Bowl 40 can include a handle (not shown) extending radially outward from at least a portion of the exterior surface of sidewall 44 of bowl 40 .

Referring again to FIGS. 1-4 , the bowl 40 preferably includes a periphery 50 extending downwardly from the bottom wall 42 opposite the mouth 46 . The periphery 50 preferably extends generally, if not exactly, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. As shown in FIG. Perimeter 50 preferably extends around the entire outer periphery of bowl 40 and is preferably arcuate in shape to match the generally circular or cylindrical shape of bowl 40 (viewed from above or below). The free end of the periphery 50 preferably contacts or engages at least a portion of the crosspiece 26 of the housing 12 when the bowl 40 is properly mounted on the housing 12 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , at least one and preferably a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions 52 can extend radially inwardly from the inner surface of the outer periphery 50 . The raised portion 52 can extend around the entire outer periphery of the inner surface of the outer periphery 50 . Each raised portion 52 preferably has an arcuate, convex shape that preferably extends along the entire height of the periphery 50 (i.e. extending from the bottom wall 42 of the bowl 40 to the free end of the periphery 50) so that when the bowl 40 is properly When installed on the housing 12 , it is complementary to one of the grooves 28 of the housing 12 . Each raised portion 52 preferably extends generally, if not exactly, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. As shown in FIG. The positions of the raised portion 52 of the periphery 50 and the groove 28 of the housing 12 can be reversed such that the raised portion 52 is formed on the housing 12 and the groove 28 is formed on the outer periphery 50 .

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the bowl 40 is removably mounted to the housing 12 by placing at least a portion of the periphery 50 of the bowl 40 around at least a portion of the reduced diameter portion 24 of the housing 12 . More preferably, the periphery 50 surrounds the entire reduced diameter portion 24 when the bowl 40 is properly attached or mounted to the housing 12 . The diameter of the inner surface of the periphery 50 is preferably at least slightly larger than the diameter of the outer surface of the reduced-diameter portion 24 . Thus, the periphery 50 is able to surround the reduced diameter portion 24 in a relatively tight manner so that it is stable when the bowl 40 is properly positioned on the housing 12 .

In particular, each protrusion 52 of the periphery 50 is preferably at least partially received in one of the recesses 28 of the housing 12 when the bowl 40 is properly seated on the housing 12 . Thus, the bowl 40 is preferably properly attached to the housing 12 by moving the bowl 40 in a vertical manner, substantially if not exactly parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the cooker 10 . That is, preferably, the bowl 40 is properly attached to the housing 12 by moving the bowl 40 linearly down onto the housing 12 such that once the bowl 40 contacts the housing 12, there is no need to move the bowl 40 relative to the housing 12 . Body 12 twists. This method of assembling the kitchen appliance 10 is generally more simplified and easier than prior methods.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the cylindrical portion 54 preferably extends upwardly from the bottom wall 42 and into the cavity of the bowl 40 . The cylindrical portion 54 is preferably fixedly and/or integrally attached to the bowl 40 . The cylindrical portion 54 extends from the bottom wall 42 of the bowl 40 generally along the longitudinal axis A to at least slightly above about the midpoint between the upper edge 45 and the bottom wall 42 . The cylindrical portion 54 preferably surrounds at least a portion of the drive shaft 30 of the housing 12 when the bowl 40 is properly mounted on the first free end 18 of the housing 12 . However, at least the upper portion of the drive shaft 30 preferably extends upwardly past the top end of the cylindrical portion 54 when the bowl 40 is properly mounted on the first free end 18 of the housing 12 . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , a gap or space separates the cylindrical portion 54 from the drive shaft 30 to accommodate at least a portion of the rotatable tool 96 .

Bowl 40 can be constructed of a relatively rigid polymeric material, such as molded styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) material. However, the bowl 40 is not limited to construction using molded SAN material, but may be constructed of nearly any polymeric, metallic, glass or similar material capable of being formed into the desired shape and capable of withstanding the normal operating conditions described herein . Any other component or complementary component of bowl 40 may be substantially or completely opaque, translucent or transparent.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4 , the kitchen appliance 10 preferably includes at least one rotatable tool 96 , and possibly two or more separate and distinct rotatable tools or cutting devices (neither shown). The rotatable tool 96 is sized and shaped so that it is integrally positioned within the space enclosed by the bowl cover 68 and the bowl 40 when the bowl cover 68 is properly installed on the bowl 40 . Preferably, the rotatable tool 96 is sized and/or shaped to fit over the cylindrical portion 54 in the bowl 40 and to engage at least a portion of the drive shaft 30 of the housing 12 such that rotation of the drive shaft 30 achieves a rotatable position in the bowl 40. Rotation of the rotatable tool 96 . The inner portion of the rotatable tool 96 can include one or more slots (not shown) that complementarily engage one or more bosses 34 of the drive shaft 30 . Rotatable tool 96 may be a slicer or an S-blade. However, the rotatable tool 96 could have an alternate form or shape, such as a generally flat or planar chopping blade. Preferably, the two rotatable tools are not working or turning in the bowl 40 at the same time. However, at least for storage, two rotatable tools can be placed on or attached to the cylindrical portion 54 and/or the drive shaft 30 if desired.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5 , a bowl cover 68 is removably mounted on the upper edge 45 of the bowl 40 to thereby close the mouth 46 . The bowl lid 68 preferably includes a top wall 70 and a plurality of spaced apart flanges depending downwardly therefrom. When viewed from the side (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ), the top wall 70 can have an at least slightly arcuate cross-sectional shape. The plurality of flanges can include a first flange 72 , a second flange 74 and a third flange 76 . Each of the plurality of flanges 72 , 74 , 76 can depend downwardly from the top wall 70 at an angle, at least generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A. As shown in FIG. At least a portion of one of the plurality of flanges 72 , 74 , 76 is at least partially arcuate to complement the size, shape and/or configuration of the slot 27 of the extension 25 of the housing 12 .

As shown in FIGS. 2 , 3 and 5 , the first flange 72 is preferably spaced radially inwardly from the second flange 74 , and the second flange 74 is preferably spaced radially inwardly from the third flange 76 . separated inside. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 , preferably, the plurality of flanges 72 , 74 , 76 form concentric circles when the bowl 68 is viewed from below. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first flange 72 extends downwardly from the top wall 70 beyond the second flange 74 and the third flange 76 . When the bowl cover 68 is properly attached to the bowl 40 , at least a portion of the first flange 72 is capable of sealingly engaging at least a portion of the inner surface of the sidewall 44 of the bowl 40 . A third flange 76 extends downwardly from the top wall 70 beyond the second flange 74 . Preferably, at least a portion of one of the plurality of flanges 72, 74, 76 is sized, shaped and configured to complement and fit within at least a portion of the slot 27 of the extension 25 of the housing 12, as described below. .

The bowl lid 68 preferably has a generally circular shape to match the generally circular bowl 40 when viewed from above and/or below. As shown in FIG. 2 , when the bowl cover 68 is properly seated on the bowl 40 , at least a portion of the upper edge 45 of the bowl 40 is generally sealingly located between the first and second flanges 72 , 74 . In contrast to conventional bowl covers, once the bowl cover 68 contacts the bowl 40 , the bowl cover 68 can be attached to the bowl 40 without the need to twist the bowl cover 68 relative to the bowl 40 . Alternatively, the bowl cover 68 is preferably vertically movable relative to the bowl 40 along the longitudinal axis A to attach and/or remove the bowl cover 68 from the bowl 40 . This method of assembling the kitchen appliance 10 is substantially more simplified and easier than prior methods.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the generally elongated activation member 38 is preferably at least partially surrounded by the housing 12 . The activation member 38 can be substantially or completely surrounded by the extension 25 of the housing 12 . The activation member 38 is movable relative to the extension 25 and/or the housing 12 between a first position ( FIG. 3 ) and a second position ( FIG. 2 ). The first and second positions are preferably spaced apart along the longitudinal axis A. In the first position ( FIG. 3 ), at least a portion of the activation member 38 is preferably spaced from the switching device 36 to maintain the switching device 36 in the first, open or disengaged position and prevent the engine 14 from starting. In the second position ( FIG. 4 ), at least a portion of the activation member 38 preferably contacts or engages the switch device 36 to activate or allow the engine 14 to start. A biasing member 39, such as a coil spring, preferably biases the activation member 38 vertically upwards to the first position. The biasing member 38 preferably surrounds at least a portion of the activation member 38 .

Preferably, the activation component 38 is a safety interlock part of the cooker 10 such that the motor 14 cannot be started unless the specific components are properly assembled and/or configured. For example, preferably, if the bowl 40 is not properly attached to the housing 12 and the bowl cover 68 is not properly attached to the bowl 40, the engine 14 cannot be started. When the cooker 10 is in a fully assembled configuration (as shown in FIG. 1 ), such that the bowl cover 68, bowl 40 and housing 12 are properly assembled, and when electrical power is supplied to the motor 14, preferably, the 68 (such as one-handed operation), and/or when the bowl cover 68 is pressed down on the bowl 40 by engaging the control panel 16 of the housing 12 (such as one-handed or two-handed operation, such as one hand on the control panel 16 On, the other hand is placed on the bowl cover 68 simultaneously), start engine 14.

For example, when the bowl cover 68 is properly mounted on the upper edge 45 of the bowl 40, the engine 14 can be started or allowed to be started by pressing the bowl cover 68 downward so that at least one of the plurality of flanges 72, 74, 76 A portion contacts at least a portion of the activation member 38 to urge the activation member 38 into the second position (shown in FIG. 2 ). Specifically, it is preferred that at least a portion of the third flange 76 enters or is accommodated in at least a portion of the slot 27 of the extension 25 and contacts the top end of the activation member 38 . When the bowl cover 68 was further pushed downwards, the force exerted by the third flange 76 on the actuating member 38 overcomes the upward biasing force of the biasing member 39, so that the actuating member 38 moves downwards at least slightly and is in contact with the opening of the switch device 36. at least partially engaged. This configuration is advantageous because there is little or no horizontally extending force (eg, parallel to the longitudinal axis A) created by the safety interlock features that would separate the housing from the bowl of a conventional kitchen appliance.

In one embodiment, when electrical power is supplied to the engine 14 , as long as one of the plurality of flanges 72 , 74 , 76 moves the activation member 38 into engagement with the switching device 36 , the engine 14 is started. That is, when the cooker 10 is properly assembled and power is supplied to the motor 14 , pressing down on the bowl cover 68 is sufficient to start the motor 14 . In this embodiment, the user needs to maintain a relatively constant amount of downward force on the bowl cover 68 to maintain operation of the engine 14 . For example, if the user removes the downward force on the bowl cover 68 , the engine 14 will shut down as the biasing member 39 moves the actuating member 38 away from the switching device 36 .

In an alternative embodiment, the engine 14 is only allowed to be started once the activation member 38 and the switch device 36 are engaged. That is, the engine 14 may not be started simply by pushing down on the bowl cover 68 . To accomplish starting of the engine 14 in the configuration described above, the user needs to press or move the button 17 on the control panel 16 during (ie while) or after (ie after) the bowl cover 68 has been pressed down.

A preferred method of assembling cooker 10 to process food therein involves placing housing 12 on a support surface. The bowl 40 is preferably attached or mounted on the first top end 18 of the housing 12 by moving the bowl 40 vertically (ie, along the longitudinal axis A) from above to below. This movement of the bowl 40 relative to the housing 12 allows each raised portion 52 of the bowl 40 to engage one of the grooves 28 of the housing 12 and allows at least a portion of the drive shaft 30 to be seated in the cylindrical portion 54 of the bowl 40 . The rotatable tool 96 is preferably inserted into and/or attached to the bowl 40 either before or after the bowl 40 is mounted on the housing 12 . Food to be processed, mixed and/or blended can be placed in the bowl 40 and electrical power can be supplied to the motor 14 either before or after the bowl 40 is installed on the housing 12 . The bowl cover 68 is preferably attached to the upper edge 45 of the bowl 40 by moving the bowl cover 68 vertically downward from above (ie along the longitudinal axis). The bowl lid 68 can be "slip fit" over the bowl 40 by inserting at least a portion of the upper edge 45 into the space between the first and second flanges 72 , 74 of the bowl lid 68 . The above steps allow the safety interlock features to be activated or engaged, thereby allowing the user to control the operation of the engine 14 by one or both of the relatively simple steps of pressing down on the bowl cover 68 and engaging the button 17 on the control panel 16 . The assembly and processing methods described above are not limited to the precise order of operations described above, and one or more steps can occur before or after other steps.

A preferred method of operating cooker 10 to process food therein includes mounting bowl cover 68 over upper edge 45 of bowl 40 such that at least a portion of third flange 76 is received in slot 27 of housing 12 . A downward force is applied to at least a portion of the bowl 68 such that at least a portion of a flange 76 depending downwardly from the top wall 70 of the bowl 68 contacts at least a portion of the activation member 38 to engage the switch device 36 . At this point, the engine 14 starts to start immediately, or as soon as the control panel 16 is engaged. To shut down the engine 14, the bowl cover 68 can be removed from the upper edge 45 of the bowl 40 to allow the actuating member 38 to move at least slightly upwards and disengage the switchgear to shut down the engine 14. Alternatively, the control panel 16 can be engaged in order to shut down the engine 14 .

Those skilled in the art can understand that the above-mentioned embodiments can be modified without departing from the main inventive concept of the present utility model. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments described, but it covers modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. A kitchen utensil for processing food, comprising: a housing enclosing the engine and switching means for activating said engine or allowing said engine to be started; a bowl removably mounted to the housing, the bowl including an upper rim defining a mouth for receiving a rotatable tool in the bowl; at least one actuation member movable between a first position and a second position in which the actuation member is spaced from the switching device to maintain the switching device in the open position and prevent the engine from activated, in the second position, the activation member engages the switching device to start or allow the engine to start; and a bowl cover removably mounted on the upper edge of said bowl, said bowl cover comprising a top wall and a plurality of flanges depending downwardly therefrom, Wherein, when the bowl cover is in place on the upper edge of the bowl, the engine is started or allowed to be started by pressing the bowl cover down such that at least a portion of one of the plurality of flanges Contacting at least a portion of the activation member urges the activation member into the second position. 2. The kitchen utensil according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of flanges comprise a first flange, a second flange and a third flange, the first flange and the second flange Radially inwardly spaced, the second flange is radially inwardly spaced from the third flange. 3. The kitchen appliance of claim 2, wherein the first flange extends downwardly from the top wall of the bowl beyond the second flange and the third flange. 4. The kitchen appliance of claim 2, wherein the third flange extends downwardly from the top wall of the bowl cover beyond the second flange. 5. The kitchen appliance of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the upper edge of the bowl is located between the first and second flanges when the bowl cover is in place on the bowl . 6. The kitchen utensil according to claim 1, further comprising: control buttons on part of the housing, Wherein the engine is started by engaging the control button when one of the plurality of flanges contacts the starting member to urge the starting member into the second position. 7. The kitchen utensil of claim 1, wherein the plurality of flanges form concentric circles when the bowl lid is viewed from below. 8. The kitchen appliance of claim 1, wherein the top wall has an at least slightly arcuate cross-sectional shape. 9. The cooker of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a reduced diameter portion adjacent a top end thereof, and the bowl includes a periphery extending downwardly from a bottom wall of the bowl opposite its upper edge , the bowl is removably mounted on the housing by placing at least a portion of the periphery of the bowl around at least a portion of the reduced diameter portion of the housing. 10. The kitchen utensil according to claim 9, further comprising: at least one groove extending at least partially inwardly into the reduced diameter portion of the housing, the groove extending at least generally parallel to the drive shaft of the motor; and at least one raised portion extending radially inwardly from the inner surface of the bowl periphery, Wherein, when the bowl is properly seated on the housing, at least a portion of the raised portion is located in at least a portion of the groove of the housing. 11. The kitchen appliance according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes an extension, at least a portion of which extends upwardly beyond the top end of the housing, and the activation member is at least partially located on the top of the housing. in the extension. 12. The utensil of claim 11, wherein the extension of the housing includes a slot adjacent its top end, when the lid is properly mounted on the upper edge of the bowl, the A slot receives at least a portion of one of the plurality of flanges. 13. A kitchen utensil for processing food, comprising: a housing enclosing an engine and switching means for activating or allowing said engine to be actuated, said housing including an extension extending upwardly past a top end of said housing; a bowl removably mounted to the housing, the bowl including an upper rim defining a mouth for receiving a rotatable tool in the bowl; at least one actuation member located at least partially in the extension of the housing and movable between a first position and a second position in which the actuation member is spaced from the switch device on to maintain the switch device in an open position and prevent the engine from starting, in the second position the activation member engages the switch device to start the engine or allow the engine to start; and a bowl cover, which is detachably mounted on the upper edge of the bowl, and the bowl cover includes a top wall, a first flange depending downwardly from the top wall, a second flange depending downwardly from the top wall a flange, and a third flange depending downwardly from said top wall, said third flange generally surrounding said second flange, said second flange generally surrounding said first flange, Wherein, when the bowl cover is properly positioned on the upper edge of the bowl, at least a portion of the third flange contacts at least a portion of the activation member to urge the activation member into the second position. 14. The kitchen utensil of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the third flange contacts the bowl by pressing the lid down when the lid is in place on the upper edge of the bowl. activating at least a portion of the activation member to urge the activation member into the second position to start the engine. 15. The utensil of claim 13, wherein the extension of the housing includes a slot adjacent its top end, the slot opening when the lid is properly mounted on the upper edge of the bowl. A groove receives at least a portion of the third flange. 16. The kitchen appliance according to claim 13, further comprising: control buttons on a part of the housing, Wherein the engine is started by engaging the control button when the third flange contacts the starting member to urge the starting member into the second position.

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