Patent Application
20090067279
None.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a kitchen device for mixing ingredients. More particularly, the present invention relates to a stand mixer having electronic control functions set in an efficient configuration.
2. Description of Related Art
It is known to provide kitchen devices that can be used to mix a variety of ingredients. A kitchen device, such as a stand mixer, can include a housing that contains a motor, which rotates one or more output shafts to spin various attachments such as mixing whisks and dough hooks for kneading dough. A bowl can be utilized to hold the various ingredients as they are being mixed. A control panel having a multitude of buttons can be used to control the device.
Inherent shortcomings associated with these known devices include the inefficiency with which the control buttons are placed to accomplish a variety of tasks. There is a need for a device that can fit many control functions into a limited amount of surface area for efficient use of available space and ease of consumer use.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art mentioned above. These and other objects are achieved by the present invention described herein.
The present invention achieves these and other objectives by providing a stand mixer comprising a housing with a top portion, a base and a mixing bowl. The front portion of the base can be shaped to securely hold the mixing bowl in place. A motor within the housing rotates one or more output shafts to spin various attachments such as mixing whisks and dough hooks.
The preferred embodiment features a control panel located on the housing. The control panel comprises a power/speed control section and a time control section. The power/speed control section is preferably in the form of a dial and can be rotated to be set to one of a multitude of speed settings. The power/speed control section contains an “ON/OFF” button to control the main power to the stand mixer. The power/speed control section also comprises a “Pulse/Fold” button, which when pressed, causes the attachments to rotate approximately 1.5 to 2.5 revolutions and then come to a complete stop.
The control panel also comprises a time control section that controls the amount of time the stand mixer will operate for. The amount of mixing time can be entered into the display be depressing the minute and second buttons to the desired time. The stand mixer will operate for the set amount of time and then automatically shut off.
The present invention is more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment with the drawings identified below.
The front portion 20 of the base 16 can be shaped to securely hold the mixing bowl 18 in place. In one embodiment of the present invention, the mixing bowl 18 may be selectively locked into place. In a preferred embodiment, the mixing bowl 18 can contain a handle 22, as shown in
Included on the housing 12 is a control panel 30, as shown in
The power/speed control section 32 contains an “ON/OFF” button 40, preferably near the center of the dial 36. The “ON/OFF” button 40 controls the main power to the stand mixer 10. In order to turn the stand mixer off, the “ON/OFF” button 40 is pressed until the mixing process stops and the unit shuts off.
The power/speed control section 32 also contains a “Pulse/Fold” button 42. When this button is pressed, it causes the mixing beaters, such as a flat mixing paddle, chef's whisk or dough hook (not shown) to rotate approximately 1.5 to 2.5 revolutions and then come to a complete stop. This is also known as a “Pulse/Fold” function. The speed of revolution is always at the slowest speed regardless of the speed setting 38. Multiple rotations, or a continuous fold, are possible by the user constantly holding the “Pulse/Fold” button 42 in a depressed position. The “Pulse/Fold” button 42 is released to stop the mixing.
The time control section 34 controls the amount of time that the stand mixer 10 will operate for. This function may or may not be used without affecting the operation of the appliance 10. The amount of mixing time can be entered into the display 44 by depressing the minute button 46 and second button 48 to the desired time. Either button 46, 48 can be held down to scroll through the digits, or the buttons 46, 48 can be pressed and released to advance one digit at a time until the desired time is displayed. However, any other method of input may also be utilized.
The display 44 is preferably in the form of an LCD display. However, in an alternate embodiment, an LED display can be used. The stand mixer 10 will then operate for that amount of time and then automatically stop at the end of the programmed time. Preferably, a tone signals the shutoff of the unit.
In a preferred embodiment, it is also possible to modify the amount of time on the display 44 by pausing the rotation and adjusting the time. The “ON/OFF” button 40 is pressed once to stop the stand mixer and interrupt the countdown. Preferably, a number will flash to signify pause mode. Once the contents of the mixing bowl 18 are checked, the “ON/OFF” button 40 is pressed again. The mixing process begins and the timer continues counting down the remaining time. In a preferred embodiment, there is a safety feature, whereby if there is no action on the unit after 5 minutes, the timer resets itself to “00:00”, a double tone sounds, and the unit shuts off.
The time control section 34 is preferably located on the control panel 30 above the power/speed control section 32. However, in an alternate embodiment, the position of these sections 32, 34 can be reversed. The control panel preferably includes a control panel housing 50, upon which the power/speed control section 32 and the time control section 34 are secured. The control panel housing 50 is preferably secured to the main stand mixer housing 12 by a multitude of flat head screws 52. However, other types of screws, as well as a number of other fastening methods can also be used.
The operation of the stand mixer 10 is controlled by a controller PCB board 54.
While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been herein disclosed and described, it is understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
