GB2634264A

GB2634264A - Weighing device

Info

Publication number: GB2634264A
Application number: GB2315178.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Vacher Daniel; Page Annika; Fleming Alex
Original assignee: Kenwood Ltd
Current assignee: Kenwood Ltd
Priority date: 2023-10-03
Filing date: 2023-10-03
Publication date: 2025-04-09
Also published as: WO2025074085A1; GB202315178D0

Abstract

A food processing arrangement 100 is disclosed comprising a food processor 200 and a weighing device 300 configured to be removably attachable to the food processor 200. The weighing device 300 is configured so that when attached to the food processor 200, a first aperture 312 of the weighing device 300 is located in fluid communication with a second aperture 212 of the food processor 200. The base section 210 of the food processor 300 has a bowl 500 sitting in a bowl seat 211 with a drainage hole 212 and is fastened to the upper surface 310 of the weighing device with a fastener such that the weighing device is held against the lower portion of the food processor. Fluid may be conveyed from the food processor bowl seat via drainage hole 212. The fastener 400 is of a screw-thread type and sits within a hole/aperture 312 in the processor bowl seat drainage hole 212 and also within a hole 312 in the weighing device. The fastener and screw-thread 404 has a channel 405 cut through it to allow drainage.

Description

Weighing device

Field

The present invention relates to a weighing device, particularly one attachable to a food preparation device in order to enable weighing of food in the device.

Background

Weighing of ingredients, before, during, and after food preparation, is an important part of food preparation. It is therefore desirable to add weighing functionality to food preparation devices such as food processors and stand-mixers.

One such solution is proposed in the applicant's patent publication no. GB2435411A, which proposes a stand mixer with an integral weighing function and display. However, this cannot be retro-fitted to existing machines.

Another solution is proposed in the applicant's patent publication no. GB2436876A. This discloses a food processing device with a vessel-support surface that is configured to receive the feet of kitchen scales. However, this does not result in a secure attachment between the weighing scales and the food processing device, and requires that food be removed from the place where it can be processed to be weighed, which can be messy and time-consuming.

A further proposed solution is to place a weighing device under a food processor device in order to add weighing functionality. However, this suffers from the issue that there is no attachment between the weighing device and the food processor device, meaning the food processor may fall off the weighing device. Additionally, fluid-ports/apertures (e.g., ventilation holes and drainage holes) of the food processing device may be blocked by the weighing device.

The present invention aims to at least partially ameliorate the above-described problems of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

In an aspect of the present invention, a food processing arrangement is disclosed comprising a food processor and a weighing device configured to be removably attachable to the food processor. The weighing device is configured, when attached to the food processor, such that a first aperture of the weighing device is located in fluid communication with a second aperture of the food processor. This arrangement has the advantage that weighing functionality is added to the food processor whilst reducing obstruction of fluid flow through the weighing device.

Optionally the arrangement can further a fastener configured to removably attach the weighing device to the food processor by extending through the first aperture on attachment of the weighing device to the food processor. This makes for a compact construction.

Preferably, the fastener has one or more channels defined therein for conducting fluid flow therethough. Obstruction of fluid flow can thus be further reduced.

The fastener may optionally comprise screw-thread configured to engage with corresponding screw-thread to secure the food processor to the weighing device.

In an optional configuration, the screw-thread extends around only part of the circumference of the fastener such that the fastener can be screwed into place firmly securing the weighing device to the food processing with less than a single rotation of the hand-actuatable fastener. This is done by engaging with thread of the weighing device and/or food processor extending similarly around only part of the circumference of the fastener. This can have the advantage of reducing the number of rotations needed to fix the fastener in place.

In a preferable configuration, the channels are defined along threadless portions of the fastener. This can be a particularly efficient and compact configuration.

The fastener may optionally be a hand-actuatable fastener. The need for tools can thus be avoided.

Preferably, the first and second apertures are one of a drainage hole or a ventilation hole. Drainage and/or ventilation are thus potentially enhanced.

Optionally, the first aperture can be a drainage hole and is configured to direct liquid from the food processor to an exterior of the weighing device.

Preferably, the weighing device comprises an electronics compartment, and a water-proof barrier between the electronics compartment and the first aperture. In this way harm to the electronics can be reduced.

The weighing device optionally comprises one or both of: - an integral display configured to display a weighing result - a wireless communication module configured to transmit a weighing result to an external device.

The user can therefore see the weighing results output by the weighing device in more convenient fashion.

Preferably the weighing device comprises an internal electrical power supply, preferably batteries. The usefulness of the weighing device can therefore be increased and the need for a power-cable and mains-power connection may be avoided.

In an optional configuration the weighing device comprises a food processor seat configured to receive the food processor, the platform being shaped to guide fluid on the platform towards the first aperture. Stray fluid may thus still be drained.

Preferably the arrangement can additional include weighing platform configured to receive ingredients for weighing by the weighing device.

Optionally, the weighing platform is removably attachable to the weighing device. The need for a dedicated part of the weighing device acting as a weighing device can thus be avoided.

The first aperture may optionally be a through-hole defined through the weighing device from a first side of the weighing device located so as to face the food processor when the weighing device is attached to the food processor, to a second side of the weighing device facing a surface that the weighing device is supported on. In this way fluid flow can be enhanced.

In an optional arrangement, the first and second apertures are located and arranged such that they substantially align when the weighing device and the food processor are attached to each other. In this way fluid flow can be enhanced.

Preferably, the second aperture is located in fluid communication with a container attachment point of the food processor. In this way fluid-overflow from the container can be dealt with more expediently and safely.

Preferably the weighing device is configured, when attached to the food processor, to extend substantially across a footprint of the food processor. The footprint of the food processor can thus be covered.

Preferably, one of the food processor and the weighing device comprise protrusions configured to be received in recesses in the other of the food processor and the weighing device, for further securing one to the other. The food processor and the weighing device may thus be more firmly attached.

Optionally, the weighing device is configured, on attachment to the food processor, to support the food processor above a surface.

The weighing device optionally further comprises one or more feet configured, when the food processor is supported on the weighing device, to create a gap between a main portion of the weighing device and the surface for permitting fluid flow beneath the weighing device.

Preferably the feet are connected to load-cells configured to weigh the weighing device and objects supported thereon. Weighing items using the feet on which the weighing device rests can have the advantage of weighing more accurately as all the weight is carried on them.

Optionally the feet comprise gripping elements configured to grip the surface on which the weighing device is supported, preferably wherein the gripping elements are rubber gripping elements. This can enhance the stability of the weighing device.

In another aspect of the invention, a kit of parts for adapting a food processor to be a weighing food processor is disclosed, comprising: a weighing device, and, a removable fastener for attaching the weighing device to a bottom of the food processor, wherein the weighing device has one or more through-holes defined in it configured to convey fluid from the food processor to an exterior of the weighing device.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for enabling a food processor to have weighing functionality is disclosed, the method comprising steps of: a) providing a food processor, a weighing device, and a fastener, b) locating the food processor on the weighing device such that an aperture of the weighing device is in fluid communication with an aperture of the food processor, and, c) attaching the food processor to the weighing device using the fastener.

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.

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; 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; solders; alloys; effluent; and/or other substances, and any reference to "food" herein may be replaced by such working mediums.

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, including both top-driven machines (e.g. stand-mixers) and bottom-driven machines (e.g. blenders). It may be implemented in heated and/or cooled 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 stand-alone device.

"Food processing" as described herein should be taken to encompass chopping, whisking, stirring, kneading, mincing, grinding, shaping, shredding, grating, cooking, freezing, making ice-cream, juicing (centrifugally or with a scroll), or other food-processing activities involving the physical and/or chemical transformation of food and/or beverage material by mechanical, chemical, and/or thermal means. "Food processing attachment" encompasses any attachable component configured, for example on rotation and/or energising, to carry out any of the previously described food processing tasks.

Brief Description of Drawings

One or more aspects will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings having like-reference numerals, in which: Fig. 1 is a side-on, cut-away, highly schematic drawing of a food processing arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2a is a perspective, exploded drawing showing the food processing arrangement of Fig. 1; Fig. 2b is a perspective, partially-assembled drawing of the food processing arrangement of Fig. 1 a; Fig. 2c is a perspective drawing showing the food processing arrangement of Fig. 1 in an assembled state; Fig. 3 is a side-on, cut away drawing of pad of the food processing arrangement of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a perspective drawing showing the underside of the fastener of the food processing arrangement of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a perspective drawing showing the underside of the weighing device of the food processing arrangement shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is an exploded, perspective drawing of a combination load-cell and foot of the weighing device of Fig. 3; and, Fig. 7 is a side-on, cut-away, highly schematic drawing of the weighing device of Fig. 1 in another configuration.

Specific Description

Fig. 1 depicts a food processing arrangement 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The arrangement 100 comprises a food processor 200 (in this case a generally "C"-shaped stand mixer), a weighing device 300 located beneath the food processor 200 so as to support it on an upper face 310 thereof, and a fastener 400 that secures the food processor 200 and weighing device 300 together.

The food processor 200 has a base 210 from one end of which a stand-section 220 rises vertically. A head section 230 of the food processor 200 extends horizontally so as to overhang the base section 210. The base section 210 has an upwardly-facing bowl-seat 211 serving as a container attachment-point in which a bowl 500 (or other suitable container) can be received. The head section 230 has a downward-facing drive-outlet 240 provided on it, opposite and extending towards the bowl-seat 211. A tool attachment point 241 is provided off-centre on the drive-outlet 240 to which a tool 600 (e.g., a whisk, beater, or other rotary tool) can be attached so as to extend into the bowl 500 for performing work on e.g., food/beverage matter contained in the bowl 500.

The bowl-seat 211 may include heating or cooling elements for performing heating or cooling action on the contents of the bowl 500. The food processor 200 can have supports 213 that extend downwards from the base 210 so as to support the food processor 200 when it is used separately from the weighing device 300.

As can also be seen in Fig. 1, the weighing device 300 sits on feet 320 during use. The feet 320 are connected to load-cells 321 recessed within the weighing device 300 such that the load supported by the feet 320 is also applied to the load-cells 321 so as to be sensed thereby for outputting data on the weight supported by the feet 320. In this way a total weight of everything supported by the feet 320, including, when the food processing arrangement 100 is fully assembled, the food processor 200 and the bowl 500 supported by the food processor 200 as well as its contents, can be detected.

Weight data can be displayed to the user by the weighing device 300 through the user interface 330. This can be a touch-screen display or similar. Alternatively or additionally the weight data can be transmitted wirelessly to a mobile electronic device by a wireless module of the weighing device 300 (not shown).

During processing of food in the bowl 500 by the food processor 200, it is possible that food matter may be split into the bowl-seat 211. Particularly when heated, it is undesirable that this spilt matter should be allowed to pool there as it may over-flow into compartments for the food processor 200 containing electrical elements that may be damaged. For this reason the bowl-seat 211 has a bowl seat drainage hole 212 defined through it, allowing matter spilt into the bowl-seat 211 to drain through the hole 212. To maximise the assistance of gravity in allowing the food/beverage matter to drain through the food processor 200 the bowl seat drainage hole 212 is preferably defined substantially vertically through the base 210.

To enable food/beverage matter to drain properly from food processor 200 when the weighing device 300 is attached, the flow path of fluid from the food processor 200 should not be obstructed by the weighing device 300. However, to receive the weight of the food processor 200 to carry out weighing, the weighing device 300 should preferably be located beneath it. Indeed, to fully receive the weight of the food processor 200 it is preferable that the weighing device 300 extends substantially across the base of the food processor 200 when connected to it, and ideally substantially covers its whole foot-print, which enhances weighing accuracy.

To properly enable draining of fluid from the food processor 200, the weighing device 300, on its upper surface 310, has a sloped recess 311 within which an aperture 312 is located in fluid communication with the bowl seat drainage hole 212 when the weighing device 300 is attached to the food processor 200. This means that fluid draining from the food processor 200 can drain through the weighing device 300 via the aperture 312, without the weighing device 300 either blocking the flow of fluid from the food processor 200, or liquid flowing freely over the upper surface 310 of the weighing device 300 and potentially damaging electronics in, for example, the user interface 330. The sloped recess 311 also acts to assist fluid in flowing down through the aperture 312.

To give the shortest and easiest flow-path to fluid draining from the food processor 200, the aperture 312 and the drainage hole 212 are preferably aligned so that fluid can flow directly from one to the other. Preferably they are vertically aligned as shown in the figures, to enhance fluid-flow. Alternatively or additionally, apertures such as the secondary apertures 312a are provided out-of-alignment with the drainage hole 212, but within a recessed portion 310a of the upper surface 310 such that liquid flowing out of the drainage hole 212 can then flow sideways along the recessed portion 310a of the upper surface 310 until it reaches the secondary apertures 312a. The walls of the recess also act to prevent liquid flowing towards the aperture 312 from spilling onto the user-interface 330. The secondary apertures 312a also provide additional apertures in case the flow-rate of fluid from the drainage hole 212 exceeds what can flow through the main aperture 312.

To help prevent excessive heating/cooling of food processor 200, it is preferable that ventilation through the weighing device 300 is possible. The main aperture 312 and the secondary apertures 312a also promote ventilation of the food processor 200 when the weighing device 300 is attached to the food processor 200, allowing, for example, the drawing in of cool air to flow over the food processor 200 and cool it.

The upper surface 310 of the weighing device may have one or more recesses 313 formed in it, dimensioned so as to receive the supports 213 of the food processor 200. This intermeshing of the supports 213 and recesses 313 promotes stability and connection between the food processor 200 and weighing device 300. The supports 213 may optionally be sucker feet and an inner surface of recesses 313 may be flat so as to permit suction when the support 213 is located thereon for an even firmer connection between the two. Alternatively or additionally, the recesses 313 may be through-holes for allowing further fluid flow.

As best seen in Fig. 3, the upper surface 310 of the weighing device 300 can have a rounded and/or sloped upward protrusion 314 formed on it. This protrusion 314 can be received in a matching recess 214 of the food processor 200 when the weighing device 300 and food processor 200 are connected. Similar to the intermeshing of the supports 213 with the recesses 313, this interaction of the protrusion 314 and the recess of the food processor 200 also promotes a firm connection of the two. Particularly when the aperture 312 is provided concentrically through the protrusion 314, and the recess 214 of the food processor 200 is provided concentrically with the drainage hole 212, the sloped interaction helps guide the aperture 312 into alignment with the drainage hole 212 during mounting of the food processor 200 on the weighing device 300.

The weighing device 300 and the food processor 200 are secured together by a fastener 400. As can be seen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the fastener 400 is a screw-type fastener. The fastener 400 secures the weighing device 300 to the food processor 200 by extending through the bowl seat drainage hole 212 and into the weighing device drainage hole 312. The fastener 400 is preferably a screw-type fastener having finger grips 401 protruding upwardly on one side of a flange 402. In use the flange 402 bears against the surface of the bowl-seat 211 to hold the food processor in place. With the finger-grips 401, the fastener 400 can be screwed into place without requiring the use of tools, improving convenience. The flange 402 can include radially-extending strengthening ribs 403 for additional strength.

To simplify construction, and improve convenience of the arrangement 100, the holes through which the fastener 400 extends in use in order to fix the weighing device 300 to the food processor 200, can be the drainage hole 212 and the aperture 312. However, depending on the dimensions of the holes and the fastener 400, this may also impede flow of fluid through the aperture 312 and drainage hole 212 to a degree. To ameliorate potential obstruction of fluid flow, the other side of the flange 402 there is a downwardly-extending cylindrical element having screw-thread 404 formed on part of its circumference, with fluid-channels 405 formed extending axially along the cylindrical element between the portions of screw-thread 404 and radially through the flange 402 along the finger-grips 401. Fluid can therefore flow through the fastener 400 along the channels 405, allowing fluid-flow even if the fastener 400 is dimension so as to span the width of the aperture 312 and drainage hole 212.

Screwing a screw-type fastener into place by hand can be tedious for the user as, due to only part of the axial extent of the screw intermeshing with the corresponding thread of the screw-hole initially, it can require multiple rotations for sufficient thread to become inter-engagement to achieve sufficiently-firm connection of the screw with the screw-thread in which it is retained. To address this issue, the fastener 400 has screw thread 404 provided over only part of its circumference. The aperture 312 has corresponding thread 312a provided along only part of its inner circumference. When connecting the food processor 200 to the weighing device 300, the fastener 400 can be inserted through the drainage hole 212 into the aperture 312 with the screw thread 404 on the threaded portions of the fastener 400 sliding down through the thread-less portions of the inner surface of the aperture 312. With the fastener 400 completely received within the drainage hole 212 and aperture 312, it may then be rotated to bring the screw thread 404 into inter-locking engagement with the corresponding thread 312a along its entire axial extent simultaneously, thus greatly reducing the amount of rotation needed to achieve a firm connection.

The channels 405 can form the threadless portions of the fastener 400. This simplifies construction of the fastener 400 whilst enhancing its utility.

As can be seen in Fig. 2a, the protrusion 314 may have marking formed on it to indicate the amount of rotation required to bring the screw thread 404 into firm inter-meshing engagement with the corresponding thread 312a (in this case, roughly 1/10th to 1/6th of a rotation). Similar markings may be provided in the bowl seat 211.

Figs. 2a-2c portray a method of assembling the food processing arrangement 100 to add weighing functionality to the food processor 200.

In Fig. 2a a weighing device 300 is provided under the food processor 300, so as to receive and substantially cover the foot print of the food processor 200. The supports 213 of the food processor 200 are aligned with the recesses 313 of the weighing device 300, and the protrusion 314 of the weighing device 300 is aligned with the recess 214 in the bottom of the food processor 200. Due to the alignment of these reference points, the drainage hole 212 is aligned with the aperture 312.

In Fig. 2b the food processor 200 is seated vertically on to the weighing device 300. The inter-engagement of the supports 213 and recesses 313, and the protrusion 314 with the recess 214, helps to retain the food processor 200 on the weighing device 300 in the horizontal plane.

In Fig. 2c the fastener 400 is inserted vertically through the drainage hole 212 into the aperture 312 and rotated so as to engage the thread 404 with the corresponding thread 312a, with the flange 402 of the fastener 400 bearing against the bowl seat 211. In this way the food processor 200 is retained on the weighing device 300 in the vertical plane.

The bowl-seat 211 includes fixing elements 211a for engaging with corresponding elements on the bowl 500 for retaining the bowl 500 on the food processor 200. The fixing elements 211a may include interlock switches that prevent or limit operation of the food processor 200 (e.g., by preventing activation of a motor to drive the tool 600, or preventing the activation of a heating element in the bowl-seat 211) unless the bowl 500 is secured properly by the fixing elements 211a so as to actuate the interlock switches.

The fixing elements 211a may be located so that if the fastener 400 is located in the drainage hole 212 but not fully engaged with the thread 312a when the food processor 200 sits on the weighing device 300, then the fastener 400 will protrude out of the drainage hole 212 so as to prevent the bowl 500 being attached to the fixing elements 211a. In this way, the user will have a clear indication that the fastener 400 has not been fully engaged and that the food processor 200 and weighing device 300 are not properly attached to each other. When combined with the above-described interlock switch feature, operation of the food processor 200 is also prevented when the fastener 400 is present in the drainage hole 212 but not fully engaged with the corresponding thread 312a. Additional interlock switches may be provided on the food processor 200 so as to prevent firstly detect the presence of the weighing device 300, and secondly prevent operation of the food processor 200 when the weighing device 300 is present but the fastener 400 is not used to secure the food processor 200 to the weighing device 300. Feedback to the user indicating that the fastener 400 should be used can be shown to the user using a user-interface of the weighing device (not shown) responsive to a electronic processor of the food processor 200 detecting the presence of the weighing device 300 but the absence of the fastener 400.

Fig. 5 shows a bottom surface of the weighing device 300, on which feet 320 are provided. The feet 320 act to create a gap between the surface on which the weighing device 300 rests, and the main housing of the weighing device 300, including the electronics associated with the weighing feet 320 and the user interface 330. In this way the electronics of the weighing device 300 are protected against liquid that leaks through the drainage hole 212 and the aperture 312 onto the surface on which the weighing device 300 is located.

The weighing device 300 includes its own power supply also within its main housing, in this case the battery housing 340 containing batteries 342 and closed by a battery cover 341 (visible in Fig. 3). Alternatively or additionally, the weighing device 300 can receive mains power via a suitable cable.

Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of one of the feet 320. It can be seen that the foot 320 has a foot-element 322 that is connected to the "M"-shaped load-sensitive element 321a of the load cell 321 at the side-most "points" of the "M". The load-sensitive element 321a is a force-sensitive resistor the resistance of which varies as it is bent by load applied to it. Connecting the foot-element 322 to the load sensitive element 321a at its points of maximum extension away from where it is joined to the casing of the weighing device 300 (i.e., at the side-most points of the "M" shape) therefore maximises the length of the load sensitive element 321a used for sensing load, thus improving its load-sensing characteristics. The foot-element 322 is attached to the load sensitive element 321a by fixing element (e.g., screws) 323. Feedback from the load cell 321 is transmitted to a central processor of the weighing device 300 via the electrical connector 324. The foot element 322 is preferably made of a high-friction material, such as natural or artificial rubber, to prevent slipping of the weighing device 300 on the surface it is located on. The foot element 322 can additionally or alternatively be a sucker-foot to enhance fixing of the weighing device 300 on the surface it is located on.

Fig. 7 shows an alternative configuration of the weighing device 300, in which a separate weighing platform 700 is attached to the weighing device 300. Ingredients can be place on the platform 700 for weighing by the load cells 321 in the same way already described above. The platform 700 is similar to the fastener 400, except that instead of a flange 402 it comprises a wider platform element 701, with a raised edge 701a that helps retain material on the platform 701. As the platform 700 also has a cylindrical screw element with screw-thread on it, it can be located into the aperture 312 with its thread meshing with the corresponding thread 312a therein, and thus firmly secured on the weighing device 300. The platform 700 is preferably made of a dish-washer-safe, food-safe material.

Whilst food processor 200 has been portrayed as a stand mixer, it could be replaced with another kitchen appliance without changing the essential principle of the arrangement 100. For example the food processor 200 could be a rotary chopper, a juicer, a toaster, kettle, or another kitchen appliance.

The fastener 400 has been described as a screw-type fastener, but other fasteners could be used, including bayonet-type fasteners, nut-and-bolt arrangements, etc. Preferably the fastener used should be hand-actuatable (e.g., turnable) in order to avoid the need for tools. Preferably the fastener 400 should be provided as a separate part so that it does not need to be included with the weighing device 300 or food processor 200 when they are separate, but it could potentially be provided attached to them if it is desirable to avoid it becoming lost.

As used herein, the tern "removable attachment" (and similar terms such as "removably attachable"), as used in relation to an attachment between a first object and a second object, preferably connotes that the first object is attached to the second object and can be detached (and preferably re-attached, detached again, and so on, repetitively), and/or that the first object may be removed from the second object without damaging the first object or the second object; more preferably the term connotes that the first object may be re-attached to the second object without damaging the first object or the second object, and/or that the first object may be removed from (and optionally also re-attached to) the second object by hand and/or without the use of tools (e.g. screwdrivers, spanners, etc.). Mechanisms such as a snap-fit, a bayonet attachment, and a hand-rotatable locking nut may be used in this regard.

"Food safe" in this context means any substance that does not shed substances harmful to human health in clinically significant quantities if ingested. For example, it should be BPA-free.

"Dishwasher safe" means that it should be physically and chemically stable during prolonged exposure to the conditions prevailing within a dishwasher machine. For example it should be able to withstand exposure to a mixture of water and a typical dishwasher substance (e.g., washing with FairyTM or FinishTM dishwasher tablets and water, at temperatures of 82 degrees centigrade for as long as 8 hours without visibly degrading (e.g., cracking)).

It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way 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

CLAIMS: 1. A food processing arrangement comprising a food processor and a weighing device configured to be removably attachable to the food processor, wherein the weighing device is configured, when attached to the food processor, such that a first aperture of the weighing device is located in fluid communication with a second aperture of the food processor.
2. The food processing arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a fastener configured to removably attach the weighing device to the food processor by extending through the first aperture on attachment of the weighing device to the food processor.
3. The food processing arrangement of claim 2, wherein the fastener has one or more channels defined therein for conducting fluid flow therethough.
4. The food processing arrangement of any one of claims 2-3, wherein the fastener comprises screw-thread configured to engage with corresponding screw-thread to secure the food processor to the weighing device.
5. The food processing arrangement of claim 4, wherein the screw-thread extends around only part of the circumference of the fastener such that the fastener can be screwed into place firmly securing the weighing device to the food processing with less than a single rotation of the hand-actuatable fastener by engaging with thread of the weighing device and/or food processor extending similarly around only part of the circumference of the fastener.
6. The food processing arrangement of claim 5 as dependent from claim 3, wherein the channels are defined along threadless portions of the fastener
7. The food processing arrangement of any one of claims 2-6, wherein the fastener is a hand-actuatable fastener.
8. The food processing arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second apertures are one of a drainage hole or a ventilation hole.
9. The food processing arrangement of claim 7, wherein the first aperture is a drainage hole and is configured to direct liquid from the food processor to an exterior of the weighing device.
10. The food processing arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the weighing device comprises an electronics compartment, and a water-proof barrier between the electronics compartment and the first aperture.
11. The food processing arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weighing device comprises one or both of: - an integral display configured to display a weighing result - a wireless communication module configured to transmit a weighing result to an external device.
12. The food processing arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weighing device comprises an internal electrical power supply, preferably batteries.
13. The food processing arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weighing device comprises a food processor seat configured to receive the food processor, the platform being shaped to guide fluid on the platform towards the first aperture.
14. The food processing arrangement of any one of the preceding claims further comprising the weighing platform configured to receive ingredients for weighing by the weighing device.
15. The food processing arrangement of claim 14, wherein the weighing platform is removably attachable to the weighing device.
16. The food processing arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first aperture is a through-hole defined through the weighing device from a first side of the weighing device located so as to face the food processor when the weighing device is attached to the food processor, to a second side of the weighing device facing a surface that the weighing device is supported on.
17. The food processing arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second apertures are located and arranged such that they substantially align when the weighing device and the food processor are attached to each other.
18. The food processing arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the second aperture is located in fluid communication with a container attachment point of the food processor.
19. The food processing arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the weighing device is configured, when attached to the food processor, to extend substantially across a footprint of the food processor.
20. The food processing arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein one of the food processor and the weighing device comprise protrusions configured to be received in recesses in the other of the food processor and the weighing device, for further securing one to the other.
21. The food processing arrangement of claim 20, wherein the weighing device further comprises one or more feet configured, when the food processor is supported on the weighing device, to create a gap between a main portion of the weighing device and the surface for permitting fluid flow beneath the weighing device.
22. The food processing arrangement of claim 21, wherein the feet are connected to load-cells configured to weigh the weighing device and objects supported thereon.
23. The food processing arrangement of either of claims 21-22 wherein the feet comprise gripping elements configured to grip the surface on which the weighing device is supported, preferably wherein the gripping elements are rubber gripping elements.
24. A kit of parts for adapting a food processor to be a weighing food processor, comprising: a weighing device, and, a removable fastener for attaching the weighing device to a bottom of the food processor, wherein the weighing device has one or more through-holes defined in it configured to convey fluid from the food processor to an exterior of the weighing device.
25. A method for enabling a food processor to have weighing functionality, comprising steps of: d) providing a food processor, a weighing device, and a fastener, e) locating the food processor on the weighing device such that an aperture of the weighing device is in fluid communication with an aperture of the food processor, and, f) attaching the food processor to the weighing device using the fastener.