GB2544966A

GB2544966A - Tool

Info

Publication number: GB2544966A
Application number: GB1520820.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Davies Samuel; Weaden Jamie
Original assignee: Kenwood Ltd
Current assignee: Kenwood Ltd
Priority date: 2015-11-25
Filing date: 2015-11-25
Publication date: 2017-06-07
Also published as: GB201520820D0

Abstract

A tool 1 for a kitchen appliance comprising: a frame 3 having two clamping jaws 7; a tool component 5 arranged between the two sandwiching jaws 7. The jaws maybe separable, and the component 5 interchangeable with components from a kit (37, 43, 47, 51, figure 2). A stand mixer or food processor may rotate the tool by an axle or spindle 11. The jaws may be mirror images or symmetrical, aligning by complimentary depression and protrusion 36, to clamp and seal, such that a portion of the component extends inward 33 or outward 31 from the jaws 7. A fastening 15 on the frame 3 may be a threaded lock ring to couple the jaws 7. The component 5 may be resilient such as silicone, whilst the frame 3 may be rigid such as metal or plastic and textured. The tool 1 may be a wiper paddle, mixing blade or disc cutter.

Description

Tool

The present invention relates to a tool and to a kit of parts.

In order to allow kitchen appliances, such as stand mixers and food processors, effectively to replicate the myriad and nuanced acts involved in cooking, dedicated tools, having particular characteristics for optimum performance of specific functions, are necessary. Specific functions might include, for example, whisking, beating, slicing, and grating.

Providing a range of dedicated tools to allow a user of a stand mixer or food processor to have available to them an array of functions results in an increased storage requirement, as well as an increase in the cost of manufacture, packaging and delivery of the tools, or compromise in quality of the tools.

By compromising the quality of dedicated tools, the longevity and efficacy of tools is diminished. Furthermore, health hazards arise if tools are not suitably adapted for their purpose, for example if food traps develop due to poor design and/or premature wear.

It is an aim of the present invention to alleviate at least some of the aforementioned problems. A tool for a kitchen appliance, comprising: a frame comprising two jaws; and a tool component arranged between the two jaws, wherein the jaws are arranged to clamp the tool component. Preferably, the two jaws are separable from one another.

Preferably, the tool component is removable from between the two jaws, and preferably wherein the tool component is replaceable once it has been removed. Advantageously, by providing a separate and removable tool component, the longevity of the tool is improved and the function of the tool is available to be adapted by replacing the tool component clamped between the two jaws. A user can swap in their preferred tool component to best suit the task or desired result.

Furthermore, the provision of multiple tool components requires far less space than multiple entire tools.

Preferably, the tool is arranged to be rotated by a kitchen appliance, preferably wherein the kitchen appliance is a stand mixer or a food processor. The tool may further comprise an axle or a spindle about which the tool is arranged to be rotated by a kitchen appliance.

For effective clamping, preferably, the contact surfaces of the portions of the two jaws that are arranged to clamp the tool component are mirror images of one another, preferably the contact surfaces are of the same dimensions.

Preferably, the two jaws are arranged to align directly opposite one another, preferably when the tool component is clamped between the two jaws.

Preferably, a portion of the tool component is arranged to extend outwardly and/or inwardly from between the two jaws.

For hygiene, the two jaws may be arranged to form a seal for the tool component. Preferably, the seal is arranged to prevent solid and/or liquid ingress between the two jaws.

Preferably, the two jaws comprise a complementary formation for aligning the jaws.

At least one of the two jaws and the tool component may comprise a complementary formation for aligning the at least one of the two jaws and the tool component.

The complementary formation may comprise a complementary protrusion and depression.

Preferably, the protrusion is larger than the depression.

Preferably, the complementary formation comprises at least one of: a pin and hole; elongate debossed and embossed members; and a protrusion and a notch.

The frame may comprise a fastener for urging the two jaws towards one another. The fastener may couple the two jaws.

Preferably, the fastener comprises any of: a lockring; a threaded fastener; a bayonet mount; a shackle; a clamp; and/or a snap-fit pin and hole.

Preferably, for ease of manufacture, the two jaws are symmetrical or identical to one another.

For an improved and effective seal, the tool component is comprised of a compressible material, preferably wherein the material is resilient. Preferably, the tool component is comprised of an elastomeric material, preferably silicone.

The frame may be comprised of a rigid material (relative to the material of the tool component), preferably metal and/or plastic.

Preferably, at least one of the two jaws and/or the tool component are provided with a textured surface for improving grip.

Preferably, the tool component has non-uniform thickness.

Preferably, the two jaws are hoop-/ring-shaped. Preferably, the two jaws comprise a central aperture. Preferably, a portion of the tool component is arranged to extend into the central aperture.

The tool component may be arranged to perform on foodstuffs at least one of the following functions: whisk; beat; wipe from the sidewalls of a bowl; slice; grate; and mix.

Preferably, the tool component comprises a wiper that is formed from the portion of the tool component that extends outwardly from between the two jaws.

Preferably, the portion of the tool component that extends inwardly from between the two jaws comprises at least one of: a cutting surface, preferably in the form of a blade and/or wire; a perforated surface, preferably arranged for cutting, grating, and/or whisking; an angled baffle for mixing foodstuff, preferably wherein the angled baffle is angled so as to urge foodstuff upwards and/or downwards when the tool is in use; and a rigid structure for beating and/or whisking foodstuff.

Preferably, the tool component is a disc cutter, disc grater or Julienne disc.

Preferably, at least one of the two jaws comprises a coupling for attaching to and/or picking up rotary drive from a food processor and/or stand mixer.

Preferably, the two jaws each comprise: a hub for picking up rotary drive from a kitchen appliance; a ring centred on the hub; and a spoke coupling the ring and the hub.

The tool component may be formed from a single piece of material.

Preferably, the tool component comprises a securing portion, wherein the jaws are arranged to contact the securing portion when the tool component is clamped therebetween.

Preferably, the securing portion is congruent to the void between the two jaws when they are clamped together in the absence of the tool component.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for a tool (preferably, as described above), comprising a plurality of different such tool components.

According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a stand mixer or food processor comprising a tool or a kit of parts as described above.

The invention extends to: a tool substantially as described herein and/or substantially as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings; a stand mixer or a food processor substantially as described herein; and a kit of parts substantially as described herein and/or substantially as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The invention extends to any novel aspects or features described and/or illustrated herein.

The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described and/or as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The invention also provides a computer program and a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein. The invention also provides a signal embodying a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, a method of transmitting such a signal, and a computer product having an operating system which supports a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.

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.

The present invention is now described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:-

Figures 1 show an exploded and an assembled view of an exemplary tool for a stand mixer, the tool comprising a tool component;

Figures 2 show further examples of the tool component; and Figures 3 show an example of a tool for a food processor.

Figure 1a shows - in an exploded view - a tool 1 suitable for use with a stand mixer (in particular a stand mixer having planetary-drive and/or a bowl-heating function). The tool 1 comprises a frame 3 and a tool component 5. The frame 3 comprises two jaws 7 and a coupling 9 for attaching the frame 3 (and thus the tool 1) to a drive outlet of a stand mixer, and wherein the frame is arranged to retain the tool component 5 by means of the two jaws 7.

As part of the frame 3, the two jaws 7 are rigid and separable and comprise a first jaw 7-1 and a second jaw 7-2. The first jaw 7-1 is formed integrally with the coupling 9. The coupling 9 takes the form of a shaft 11 extending upwardly from the first jaws 7-1 towards the drive outlet of a stand mixer. The shaft comprises prongs that form part of a bayonet coupling 13 of the variety commonly accepted by stand mixers.

When the tool is assembled, the jaws 7 are arranged opposite, and aligned with, one another and either side of, and in contact against, the tool component 5; in this way, the tool component is secured by the two jaws 7, and hence to the frame 3. The two jaws 7 act to clamp the tool component 5 by means of a strong compressive force.

In order to permit the jaws 7 to clamp together, and thus to clamp the tool component 5 therebetween, the frame 3 is provided with a means for fastening together the two jaws 7, which comprises a lockring 15 and a hub 17. The lockring 15 is provided with at least one internal protrusion 19, and the hub 17 is provided with a complementary recess 21 for accepting the internal protrusion 19 of the lockring.

To secure the jaws 7 together, the jaws are brought together, and the lockring is slipped onto the shaft 11, past the bayonette couplings 9, and onto the hub 17. To avoid the jaws from separating in use, the lockring is available to be rotated, by a user, around the hub 17, so that the internal protrusion 19 and the complementary recess 21 are aligned and thus slot into one another; this fastening arrangement also applies pressure upon the jaws, and the tool component, to urge and hold them together.

The shaft 11 comprises a shaft portion (not visible) that extends below the hub 17, to a point that lies between the two jaws when the tool is assembled. The shaft portion protrudes towards the second jaw 7-2, which comprises a complementary hub having a recess for the shaft and shaft portion 23.

The jaws 7 also comprise complementary formations (or “mating elements”) in order to ensure alignment of, and a secure fit between, components, in particular a tight grip on the tool component 5. In more detail, the second jaw 7-2 comprises, at its lowermost point, a protrusion 25 - or “pin” - that is arranged to be received by a counterpart recess (not visible) - alternatively a “pocket” or “hole” - in the first jaw 7-1 and aligned with the protrusion 25. Correspondingly, the tool component 5 is provided with a first cut-out 27-1 to allow the protrusion 25 to pass through the first cut-out 27-1, so that it may mate with its counterpart recess in the first jaw 7-1. In this way, the jaws 7 and tool component 5 are able precisely to be aligned. Similarly, the tool component 5 comprises a second cutout 27-2 to conform to the shaft portion and the complementary hub 23, which also assists locating and consistent placement of the tool component.

The frame 3 thereby provides a rigid structure for ensuring that the tool component 5 is held taught once the tool is assembled, and permitting the tool to be rotated by a stand mixer. The tool is therefore arranged to process foodstuffs, primarily in accordance with the specific features of the tool component 5.

In Figures 1, the tool component 5 is provided with a securing portion 29, wings 31, and a structure for processing foodstuffs 33. The tool component is formed from a single-piece of elastomeric and compressible material, such as silicone.

The structure for processing foodstuff 33 takes the form of a rigid arrangement that is suitable for beating foodstuffs (for example, batter); in Figures 1, this is shown as a Kenwood® “K-BeaterThe rigid arrangement is integrally formed from the securing portion 29.

The securing portion 29 is arranged to interface and make contact with the jaws 7 when the tool 1 is assembled. As a result, the securing portion 29 is formed from a resilient material and suitable to accept a compressive force exerted by the jaws 7; in this way, the securing portion permits the entire tool component to be firmly secured between the jaws. The securing portion 29 generally mimics the outline of the jaws 7, such that there is a maximal contact area between the jaws 7 and the securing portion 29.

The securing portion 29 and each jaw 7 are hoop-shaped, and more specifically D-shaped. When the tool is assembled, the structure for processing foodstuffs 33 extends inwardly from the jaws, thereby being enclosed within a central aperture 35 of the D-shaped jaws.

The wings 31 are provided to act as wipers (also referred to as “scrapers”) for wiping foodstuff from the walls of a (stand mixer) bowl within which food may be processed. The wings 31 are integrally formed with the remaining parts of the tool component 5 to ensure a strong bond between the securing portion 29 and the wings 31, given that this is a point of particular strain. The wings 31 are arranged to extend outwardly from the jaws, thereby protruding (or “overhanging”) outside of the frame 3 (when the tool is assembled) and away from the central aperture 35. The wings 31 provide a structure that - because it is formed from an elastomeric material - complies with the walls of the bowl as the tool is operated by a stand mixer. Furthermore, the wings are formed from a material that does not mark or scratch the internal surface of a bowl.

Advantageously, by providing the cut-outs 27 in the tool component 5, the wings 31 are available to flex in different directions at the same time; fatigue in the wings is also reduced in this way. Any number of cut-outs in the wings is available to be provided, and in the limit, the wings are formed as bristles.

By forming the securing portion 29 from an elastomeric material that is arranged to be compressed by the clamping action of the jaws 7, the junction between the jaws 7 and the securing portion 29 is sealed by the tool component 5, thereby preventing liquid and solid ingress into the tool. Furthermore, by composing the entire tool component 5 from as a single piece formed from the same material, food material ingress can be avoided to a greater extent than when using different materials having different flexibilities. In addition, manufacture is made simpler, and hence the cost of manufacture is reduced.

By retaining the tool component 5 by means of compression, rather than, for example, tension, the wings 31 and structure for processing foodstuffs 33 (which experience the most exertion when the tool is in use) are thereby made more resilient to fatigue and have a longer lifespan.

In yet a further measure to prevent food ingress, the tool component 5 is provided with raised or thicker sections (not shown) at the junction of the wings and the frame; this further helps seal the tool by covering the joint between the jaws and the tool component.

In addition, when the securing portion is clamped between the jaws, it is deformed, forcing the material of the tool component away from between the two jaws, towards the seam between the jaws and the tool component. As a result, the uncompressed wings are thicker than the securing portion, and hence cover the meeting-point of the tool component and jaws, further enhancing the sealing effect.

To aid the placement of the tool component between the jaws so that it is easily arranged correctly, and to improve the security with which the tool component 5 is retained between the jaws 7, the jaws 7 further comprise elongate debossed features 36-1 on the faces of the jaws that contact the securing portion 29 and the tool component 5 comprises complementary elongate embossed features 36-2 (or vice versa). The elongate debossed 36-1 and embossed 36-2 features, which are divided by indented sections, prevent slippage of the tool component whilst simultaneously enhancing flexibility of the tool component along the debossed and embossed sections. As a result, the debossed 36-1 and embossed 36-2 features, which follow the perimeter of the jaws, provide a further means of securing the tool component firmly between the jaws so as to prevent movement of the tool component, in particular under the forceful conditions of its use.

The embossed features 36-2 are oversized relative to the space available in the complementary debossed feature 36-1; that is, the embossed features 36-2 of the tool component are arranged to be larger than the complementary debossed feature 36-1 of the jaw so as to provide retention of the tool component by means of compression of the embossed features 36-2.

Conveniently, the complementarity of the debossed and embossed features of the jaws and tool component also permits a user to hold and align the tool component on one of the jaws as the second of the jaws is brought in to fasten the jaws together. Furthermore, the embossed features 36-2 are arranged to be push fit into the complementary debossed features 36-1; this allows a friction fit so that the tool component will not fall out of place, which aids ease of assembly.

In addition, the tool component 5 is provided with protruding surface details/texture (not shown) to improve retention of the tool component by means of friction.

By providing the tool with separable jaws 7 and a removable tool component 5, interchange of the tool component is available, as well as more convenient cleaning of the tool. By providing various types of tool component the specific function of the tool is adaptable, whilst retaining the same frame, thereby making the tool highly multifunctional.

Figures 2 show various examples of tool components adapted for specific functions and/or specific types of foodstuff.

In more detail, Figure 2a shows a tool component that is primarily adapted for mixing foodstuffs 37; this is provided for by the profiled geometry arranged in the central aperture 35 region of the tool. Within the central aperture 35 the profiled geometry comprises horizontally extending rigid strips 41, adapted to act as angled baffles for forcing foodstuffs to move upwards, whilst simultaneously moving foodstuffs horizontally and radially (e.g. towards the centre of the bowl), thus thoroughly cycling and incorporating the foodstuff being worked on.

Figure 2b shows a tool component that is particularly, and solely, adapted for acting as a wiper 43; to affect this, the tool component comprises extended wings 45 that are longer than the wings of the tool component shown in, and described with reference to, Figures 1 and in the remaining tool components shown in, and described with reference to, Figures 2. The extended wings 45 are again formed from a compliant, yet elastomeric, material, for example silicone.

Figure 2c shows a tool component that is primarily adapted for cutting foodstuffs 47; in this case, cutting members in the form of wires 49, formed from food-safe metal or plastic, are provided in the central aperture 35 and extending horizontally. The wires 49 are held by over-moulding the remaining portion of the tool component around the wires. The wires are therefore anchored to the securing portion and hence held taught when the tool component is clamped between the jaws.

Figure 2d shows a multi-purpose tool component for cutting, grating and/or whisking foodstuffs 51. In order to adapt the tool component to cut, grate and/or whisk (in part, depending on the motion of the tool) the tool component is formed from a rigid material, such as plastic and/or metal. In the central aperture 35 of the tool, the tool component is provided with a flat surface comprising a plurality of small apertures 53.

Figure 2e shows the tool component 5 of Figures 1 on its own.

In an alternative example, the features of two or more of the tool components shown in Figures 2 are combined in order to provide a single multifunctional tool component. For example, by incorporating the wire features 49 of the cutting tool component 47 with the extended wings 45 of the wiper tool component 43, a tool is provided that is adapted both to wipe the sides of a bowl and also to cut foodstuffs.

Turning to Figures 3, an alternative example of the tool 1 is shown, in which the tool is adapted primarily for use as part of a food processor. In this example, the tool is a rotary grater for a food processor, and as such comprises an appropriate tool component 55.

With reference to Figures 3, the tool 1 comprises two jaws 7 - a lower jaw 7-3 and an upper jaw 7-4 - and a tool component 55. The jaws 7 and the tool component 55 are all disc-shaped.

The upper jaw 7-4 comprises a central hub 59 that is column-shaped, and acts as a spindle by providing a cavity for coupling to a food processor’s drive shaft and acts as a boss to locate the drive shaft, and a disc-shaped ring 57 centred on the hub 59. The ring 57 approximately corresponds to the circumferential dimensions of the tool component 55 so as to enable the tool component to be clamped against the ring 57. The ring 57 is connected, by means of two spokes 61, to the central hub 59.

The lower jaw 7-3 comprises a central annular hub 63 through which, and through the tool component 55, the drive shaft of a food processor extends to the central hub 59 of the upper jaw 7-4. The lower jaw 7-3 also comprises a ring 65 that defines a rim for supporting the tool component 55 and also clamping it against the upper jaw 7-4, specifically against the ring 57 of the upper jaw. The central annular hub 63 and the ring 65 are also coupled to one another by means of two spokes 67, which also assists in clamping the tool component against the upper jaw, specifically its spokes 61.

The lower jaw 7-3 comprises a protrusion that extends through the tool component 55 - via an aperture in the tool component (not shown) - that mates with a corresponding indentation within the central hub 59, so that the lower jaw 7-3 is attachable to the upper jaw 7-4. The protrusion and indentation thereby act firmly to fix the lower and upper jaws to one another and thus clamp the tool component between them.

The tool component shown in Figure 3 is akin to the tool component described with reference to Figure 2e - it is formed from a rigid material, such as plastic and/or metal. In the central aperture area of the tool, which is enclosed by rings 57, 65, the tool component 55 comprises a surface comprising a plurality of small apertures for grating 71, as is commonly provided in most grating discs.

When the tool 1 is assembled, the upper jaw 7-4, the tool component 55 and the lower jaw 7-3 are coaxial with one another about the axis of rotation of the tool 1, that is about the central hub and the central annular hub 63, and hence also the drive shaft of the food processor.

In order to utilise the tool as part of a bottom-driven kitchen machine, such as a food processor, the tool extends up into a container of the food processor within which foodstuff is to be worked on by the tool.

Alternatives and Modifications

In a first alternative, the jaws are coupled together, for example by a hinge arranged at the lowermost point of the jaws. Alternatively the jaws are coupled, and urged together, by at least one magnet.

With reference to Figure 1, in one alternative, where a heavier duty structure for processing foodstuffs 33 is required (such as for processing dense foodstuffs), the structure 33 is formed from a rigid, heavy-duty and food-grade safe material, such as a suitable plastic and/or metal; in this case, the structure 33 is coupled -rather than formed integrally with - the remaining portions of the tool component 5.

In a further alternative, the wings 31 thin towards their distal ends.

With reference to Figures 3, in an alternative, the upper jaw 7-4 and/or the lower jaw 7-3 are fixed directly to the drive shaft of the food processor in order to clamp the tool component between the jaws 7; for example this is by means of a screw thread on the central hub 59 of the upper jaw 7-4 and/or the central annular hub 63 of the lower jaw 7-3 for coupling to a corresponding screw thread on the drive shaft.

The tools described above are formed from food-grade safe materials in order to comply with materials in contact with food regulations. Beyond the shape of the tool component, the material, or materials, that form the tool component affect the utility of the tool. Composite tool components, comprising sandwiched materials and/or alternative materials are available to be provided. Alternative materials comprise glass, porcelain, ceramic, rubber, silicone, and/or carbon fibre.

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

1. A tool for a kitchen appliance, comprising: a frame comprising two jaws; and a tool component arranged between the two jaws, wherein the jaws are arranged to clamp the tool component.

2. A tool according to Claim 1, wherein the two jaws are separable from one another.

3. A tool according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the tool component is removable from between the two jaws.

4. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the tool is arranged to be rotated by a kitchen appliance, preferably wherein the kitchen appliance is a stand mixer or a food processor.

5. A tool according to Claim 4, further comprising an axle or a spindle about which the tool is arranged to be rotated by a kitchen appliance.

6. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the contact surfaces of the portions of the two jaws that are arranged to clamp the tool component are mirror images of one another.

7. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the two jaws are arranged to align directly opposite one another when the tool component is clamped between the two jaws.

8. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein a portion of the tool component is arranged to extend outwardly and/or inwardly from between the two jaws.

9. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the two jaws are arranged to form a seal for the tool component.

10. A tool according to Claim 9, wherein the seal is arranged to prevent solid and/or liquid ingress between the two jaws.

11. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the two jaws comprise a complementary formation for aligning the jaws.

12. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the two jaws and the tool component comprise a complementary formation for aligning the at least one of the two jaws and the tool component.

13. A tool according to Claim 11 or 12, wherein the complementary formation comprises a complementary protrusion and depression.

14. A tool according to Claim 13, wherein the protrusion is larger than the depression.

15. A tool according to any of Claims 11 to 14, wherein the complementary formation comprises at least one of: a pin and hole; elongate debossed and embossed members; and a protrusion and a notch.

16. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises a fastener for urging the two jaws towards one another.

17. A tool according to Claim 16, wherein the fastener couples the two jaws.

18. A tool according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein the fastener comprises any of: a lockring; a threaded fastener; a bayonet mount; a shackle; a clamp; and/or a snap-fit pin and hole.

19. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the two jaws are symmetrical or identical to one another.

20. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the tool component is comprised of a compressible material, preferably wherein the material is resilient.

21. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the tool component is comprised of an elastomeric material, preferably silicone.

22. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame is comprised of a rigid material, preferably metal and/or plastic.

23. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the two jaws and/or the tool component are provided with a textured surface for improving grip.

24. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the tool component has non-uniform thickness.

25. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the two jaws are hoop-/ring-shaped.

26. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the two jaws comprise a central aperture.

27. A tool according to Claim 26, wherein a portion of the tool component is arranged to extend into the central aperture.

28. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the tool component is arranged to perform on foodstuffs at least one of the following functions: whisk; beat; wipe from the sidewalls of a bowl; slice; grate; and mix.

29. A tool according to any of Claims 8 to 28, wherein the tool component comprises a wiper that is formed from the portion of the tool component that extends outwardly from between the two jaws.

30. A tool according to any of Claims 8 to 29, wherein the portion of the tool component that extends inwardly from between the two jaws comprises at least one of: a cutting surface, preferably in the form of a blade and/or wire; a perforated surface, preferably arranged for cutting, grating, and/or whisking; an angled baffle for mixing foodstuff, preferably wherein the angled baffle is angled so as to urge foodstuff upwards and/or downwards when the tool is in use; and a rigid structure for beating and/or whisking foodstuff.

31. A tool according to any of preceding claim, wherein the tool component is a disc cutter, disc grater or Julienne disc.

32. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the two jaws comprises a coupling for attaching to and/or picking up rotary drive from a food processor and/or stand mixer.

33. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the two jaws each comprise: a hub for picking up rotary drive from a kitchen appliance; a ring centred on the hub; and a spoke coupling the ring and the hub.

34. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the tool component is formed from a single piece of material.

35. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the tool component comprises a securing portion, wherein the jaws are arranged to contact the securing portion when the tool component is clamped therebetween.

36. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the securing portion is congruent to the void between the two jaws when they are clamped together in the absence of the tool component.

37. A kit of parts for a tool according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of different such tool components.

38. A kit of parts according to Claim 37, further comprising a kitchen appliance, preferably wherein the kitchen appliance is a stand mixer or a food processor.

39. A stand mixer or food processor including a tool according to Claims 1 to 36 or kit of parts according to Claim 37 or 38.

40. A tool substantially as herein described and/or as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

41. A stand mixer or a food processor comprising a tool according to any preceding claim.

42. A kit of parts substantially as herein described and/or as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.