Patent Publication Number: US-11638500-B2

Title: Food processing apparatus and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/903,803 filed Feb. 23, 2018, which is a Continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/324,014 filed Jul. 3, 2014 (now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 9,924,838), both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Aspects herein generally relate to a food processing apparatus and to a method of processing food using a food processing apparatus. More specifically, aspects disclosed herein relate to a drive unit that can be used to drive different processing tools in more than one mode of operation, with different food processing containers, and/or in more than one orientation. 
     DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART 
     Food processors such as blenders use a drive unit to spin one or more blades to process food. Many food processors have a drive unit that supports a food processing container. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one illustrative embodiment, a food processing apparatus includes a drive unit configured to drive a processing tool, a first container, a second container, a first activation site to permit actuation of the drive unit and a second activation site to permit actuation of the drive unit. The first activation site is positioned at a different location than the second activation site. The drive unit is useable in a first mode of operation with the first container and is useable in a second mode of operation with the second container. In the first mode of operation, the first container supports the drive unit, and user interaction with the first activation site actuates the drive unit. In the second mode of operation, the drive unit supports the second container, and user interaction with the second activation site actuates the drive unit. 
     According to another illustrative embodiment, a food processing apparatus includes a drive unit configured to drive a processing tool, a first activation site to permit actuation of the drive unit, a first container, and a second container. The drive unit is useable in a first mode of operation with the first container and is useable in a second mode of operation with the second container. In the first mode of operation, the first activation site is accessible by a user. In the second mode of operation, a user is prevented from activating the first activation site when the drive unit is placed in an upright position on a flat support surface. 
     According to yet another illustrative embodiment, a food processing apparatus includes a drive unit configured to drive a processing tool and a first container including a lid, a bottom surface, and a sidewall. A food-containing volume is defined between the lid, the bottom surface, and the sidewall, and the lid interfaces with the drive unit. The drive unit includes a first alignment feature and the lid includes a second alignment feature that cooperates with the first alignment feature such that, upon placing the drive unit onto the lid, contact between the first and second alignment features and a weight of the drive unit causes the drive unit to move toward an aligned orientation relative to the lid. 
     According to yet another illustrative embodiment, drive unit configured to drive a processing tool includes first and second activators, the drive unit being useable in a first mode of operation with a first container and being useable in a second mode of operation with a second container. In the first mode of operation, the first container supports the drive unit, and triggering of the first activator actuates the drive unit. In the second mode of operation, the drive unit supports the second container, and triggering of the second activator actuates the drive unit. 
     According to one another illustrative embodiment, a method includes arranging a drive unit in a first mode of operation with a first container where the first container supports the drive unit on a support surface. The method also includes interacting with a first activation site to actuate the drive unit in the first mode of operation, removing the drive unit from the first container, vertically flipping the drive unit upside-down, placing the drive unit on the support surface, arranging the drive unit in a second mode of operation with a second container where the drive unit supports the second container, and interacting with a second activation site to actuate the drive unit in the second mode of operation, the second activation site being positioned at a different location than the first activation site. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a food processing apparatus having a drive unit in a first mode of operation in accordance with one aspect; 
         FIG.  2    depicts the drive unit of  FIG.  1    in a second mode of operation; 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  depict a food processing apparatus, where the drive unit is depicted in first and second modes of operation, respectively; 
         FIG.  4 A  is a perspective view of the second end of the drive unit shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4 B  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the drive unit shown in  FIG.  4 A ; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a first container and container lid in accordance with one aspect 
         FIG.  6    is an enlarged perspective view of the container lid shown in 
         FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    is another perspective view of the second end of the drive unit shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  8 A  is a perspective view of an outside of a second container in accordance with one aspect; 
         FIG.  8 B  is a bottom plan view of the second container shown in  FIG.  8 B ; 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of the food processing apparatus depicted in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  10 A  is an enlarged view of the first end of the drive unit having a first activation site in accordance with one aspect; 
         FIG.  10 B  is a side view of the drive unit depicting a recessed first activation site; 
         FIG.  11    an enlarged view of the first end of the drive unit with the outer button surface and gasket seal removed; 
         FIG.  12 A  is a perspective view of the drive unit with portions of the outer housing removed or in phantom to reveal a plurality of plungers and switches in accordance with one aspect; 
         FIG.  12 B  is a perspective view of the opposite side of the drive unit shown in  FIG.  12 B ; 
         FIG.  13    is an enlarged view of the drive unit depicting an interaction between a plunger and a switch; 
         FIG.  14 A  depicts a container with a container lid having protrusions in accordance with one aspect; 
         FIG.  14 B  is a top plan view of the container and container lid depicted in  FIG.  14 A ; 
         FIG.  14 C  depicts the lid of  FIG.  14 A  in phantom to reveal two interlocks; 
         FIG.  15 A  is a schematic representation of the switches of the drive unit in accordance with an aspect; 
         FIG.  15 B  is a schematic representation of the actuation arrangement of the drive unit in accordance with an aspect; 
         FIG.  16 A  is a perspective view of a drive unit arranged in the second orientation for use in the second mode of operation with portions of the outer housing hidden or shown in in phantom; 
         FIG.  16 B  is a perspective view of the opposite side of the drive unit shown in  FIG.  16 A ; 
         FIG.  17 A  depicts a method of actuating a different embodiment of a drive unit in a first mode of operation in accordance with one aspect; 
         FIG.  17 B  depicts a method of actuating the drive unit of  FIG.  17 A  in a second mode of operation; 
         FIGS.  18 A,  18 B and  18 C  are schematic representations of the method of actuating the drive unit in a first mode of operation as depicted in  FIG.  17 A ; 
         FIGS.  19 A,  19 B and  19 C  are schematic representations of another method of actuating the drive unit of  FIG.  17 A  in a first mode of operation; 
         FIG.  20    is a perspective view of a container lid in accordance with one aspect; 
         FIG.  21    is a perspective view of a top portion of a container in accordance with one aspect; 
         FIG.  22 A  is a perspective view of a container and a container lid, the container lid having a tab that overlies a handle of the container in accordance with one aspect; 
         FIG.  22 B  is a perspective view of the container depicted in  FIG.  22 A  with the container lid removed; 
         FIG.  23    is an exploded view of a container lid that houses a transmission system accordance with one aspect; 
         FIG.  24 A  depicts an underside of a container lid in accordance with one aspect; 
         FIG.  24 B  depicts the container lid of  FIG.  24 A  with the bottom surface of the lid removed; 
         FIG.  25    is a perspective view of a second end of a drive unit having a drain hole in accordance with one aspect; 
         FIG.  26 A  is a perspective view of the underside of a segment of the drive unit having the drain hole depicted in  FIG.  25   ; 
         FIG.  26 B  is a perspective view of the segment depicted in  FIG.  26 A  being coupled to a ring; 
         FIG.  27 A  is a perspective view of the ring depicted in  FIG.  26 B ; 
         FIG.  27 B  is a perspective view of the opposite side of the ring as shown in  FIG.  27 A ; 
         FIG.  27 C  is an enlarged view of the ring depicted in  FIG.  27 A , the ring having a drain collector and drain outlet; 
         FIG.  28 A  is a perspective view of the ring depicted in  FIG.  27 A  integrated into a drive unit; 
         FIG.  28 B  is an enlarged view of the drain outlet of the ring depicted in  FIG.  28 A ; 
         FIG.  29 A  is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a drive unit in a first mode of operation in accordance with one aspect; 
         FIG.  29 B  is a schematic representation of the drive unit of  FIG.  29 A  in a second mode of operation; 
         FIG.  30    is a perspective view of a bowl nested within a container according to one embodiment; 
         FIG.  31    is a perspective view of a bowl including a lifting tab according to one embodiment; 
         FIG.  32 A  is a front view of the tab of  FIG.  31   ; 
         FIG.  32 B  is a side view of the tab of  FIG.  31   ; 
         FIG.  33    is a top perspective view of a dough hook having a grasping disc according to one embodiment; 
         FIG.  34    is a bottom perspective view of the dough hook of  FIG.  33   ; 
         FIG.  35 A  is a top view of the dough hook of  FIG.  33   ; 
         FIG.  35 B  is a side view of the grasping disc of  FIG.  33   ; and 
         FIG.  35 C  is a side view of the grasping disc of  FIG.  33   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Food processors typically include a drive unit that is configured to drive one or more processing tools such as blades, dough hooks, whisks, etc. The inventors have appreciated that users employ many different kitchen tools and appliances to prepare a variety of foods and drinks. The inventors also have appreciated that a reduction in the number and the size of such appliances can help address issues of limited countertop and storage space, as well as a desire to decrease clutter. The inventors have recognized that one way to address these issues is to provide a drive unit that can be used to drive different processing tools that traditionally each required their own, separate drive unit. Provided herein are embodiments where a drive unit has more than one mode of operation, works with different food processing containers, and/or may be used in more than one orientation. 
     As used herein, the term “processing tool” refers to any tool used to process foods and other materials. A processing tool may include, but are not limited to, one or more blades, one or more whisks, one or more ice crushers, one or more dicers, one or more graters, one or more shredders, one or more combined shredder/slicers, one or more cubers, one or more dough hooks, one or more whippers, one or more slicers, and one or more french fry cutters. In some cases, a processing tool may be one or more tools that are used to clean the food processor container. As used herein, the term “food” includes any solid or liquid comestible, and any mixture of a solid food and a liquid food. 
     As used herein, the terms “connected,” “attached,” or “coupled” are not limited to a direct connection, attachment, or coupling, as two components may be connected, attached, or coupled to one another via intermediate components. 
     According to one aspect, a drive unit has more than one mode of operation, with each mode of operation having a different manner of actuation. The drive unit may include a motor that can be actuated by a user interacting with one or more activation sites. According to one embodiment, shown in  FIG.  1   , a food processing apparatus  1  is operated in a first mode of operation where the drive unit  100  is supported by a first container  10 . The drive unit  100  includes a first end  120  and a second end  121 . In the first mode of operation, the second end  121  engages with a lid  200 , and a drive coupling of the drive unit drives one or more a food processing tools, such as one or more blades, in the first container. A user can interact with a first activation site  110  located at the first end  120  to actuate the drive unit. As used herein, an “activation site” refers to any portion of the food processing apparatus a user interacts with to actuate a drive unit. In some cases, as will be described below, interaction with an activation may actuate the drive unit via intermediate components. For example, in some embodiments, interaction with the activation site triggers an activator (for example, a switch), which in turn actuates the drive unit. In some embodiments, the first activation site is a button that can be pressed and/or pulled by the user. However, it should be appreciated that other arrangements for the first activation site are possible, such as a switch, a knob, a slider, a motion sensor, a touch screen, a contact surface arranged such that, when a user pushes down on the surface, the entire drive unit moves downwardly and activates a switch, or any other suitable arrangement. 
     The second mode of operation of the food processing apparatus  1  is shown in  FIG.  2   , where the drive unit  100  supports a second container  20 . In the second mode of operation, the second end  121  of the drive unit  100  engages with the second container  20 . The drive unit has a drive coupling that drives a processing tool  25 , such as one or more blades, in the second container. In the second mode of operation, a user interacts with a second activation site  140  located at the top end of the second container  20  to actuate the drive unit. In some embodiments, the second activation site is a surface on the second container that can be contacted by a user. When the user presses down on the second activation site  140 , the entire container  20  moves downwardly, triggering one or more activators within the drive unit  100 , which in turn actuates the drive unit, as will be discussed in more detail below. However, it should be appreciated that other arrangements for the second activation site are possible, such as a button that is depressed and/or pulled, a switch, a knob, a slider, a motion sensor, a touch screen, or any other suitable arrangement, as this aspect is not necessarily so limited. 
     The drive unit may be used with a container having any suitable volume and design. In some cases, the container is a large pitcher (e.g., the first container  10 ) that can hold multiple servings. In such an embodiment, the container may include a handle and a spout to facilitate pouring contents and/or the lifting and moving of the container. A lid may be provided and may include a hole through which food can pass such that food can be added to or removed from the food-containing volume of the container without removing the lid. The container also may be a smaller single-serve jar (e.g., the second container  20 ) out of which a user can consume the food or drink that was processed within the second container. In some cases, the processing tool is removed from the jar before a user consumes the food or drink from the jar. 
     As seen in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B , in some embodiments, the same drive unit  100  can be used in two different modes of operation.  FIG.  3 A  depicts the first mode of operation where a user interacts with the first activation site  110  to actuate the drive unit  100 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  3 A , the first activation site  110  comprises a button that a user pushes to actuate the drive unit  100 .  FIG.  3 B  depicts the second mode of operation where a user interacts with the second activation site  140  by pushing down on the container  20  at second actuation site  140  to actuate the drive unit. As such, the activation site for the first mode of operation is at a different location than the activation site for the second mode of operation, and thus actuation of the drive unit is performed in a different manner in the second mode of operation as compared to the first mode of operation. 
     According to one aspect, the drive unit has a different orientation relative to a support surface in the second mode of operation as compared to the first mode of operation. As seen in  FIG.  3 A , the drive unit  100  has a first orientation relative to a support surface  5  when being used in the first mode of operation, where the first end  120  is located above the second end  121  and the drive unit  100  is being supported by the container  10 . As seen in  FIG.  3 B , the drive unit  100  has a second orientation relative to the support surface  5  when being used in the second mode of operation, where the second end  121  is now above the first end  120  and the drive unit  100  supports a container  20 , rather than being supported by a container. The first orientation of drive unit  100  relative to the support surface  5  is vertically flipped upside-down as compared to the second orientation of the drive unit. In this manner, a user can use the same drive unit  100  in two different arrangements, with different containers and/or processing tools. 
     Each container  10 ,  20  includes a processing tool. The user can first use the drive unit  100  to drive a first processing tool within the first container  10 , then decouple the drive unit from the first container, flip the drive unit  100  upside-down, place the first end  120  of the drive unit  100  onto the support surface  5 , couple the second container  20  to the second end  121  of the drive unit, and drive a second processing tool. 
     The manner in which the drive unit interfaces with the containers and processing tools will now be discussed. In some embodiments, as seen in  FIG.  4 A , the second end  121  of drive unit  100 , which interfaces with the lid  200  of the first container  10  in the first mode of operation (see  FIG.  1   ), includes a drive coupling  124 . As seen in  FIG.  4 B , which is a cross-sectional view of the drive unit  100 , the drive coupling  124  is coupled to a motor  126  via a drive shaft  125 . 
     As seen in  FIG.  5   , the first container  10  includes a lid  200  that can be removed from the container  10 . A food-containing volume is defined between the lid  200 , the interior bottom surface of the container, and the interior sidewall of the container. The lid has a coupling region  210  that interfaces with the second end  121  of the drive unit  100  in the first mode of operation. As seen in  FIG.  1   , the drive unit may fit over the coupling region  210  (see  FIG.  5   ) of the lid  200  such that the coupling region  210  is not visible when the drive unit  100  is coupled to the lid  200 . Turning back to  FIG.  5   , the coupling region  210  includes a driven coupling  220  which receives the drive coupling  124  of the drive unit.  FIG.  6    depicts an enlarged view of the coupling region  210  of the lid  200 . 
     According to one aspect, the drive unit and container lid include alignment features that help to facilitate proper alignment between the drive unit and the container lid. In one embodiment, as seen in  FIG.  4 A , the second end  121  also includes one or more alignment features such as curved, angled surfaces  112  which cooperate with alignment features on the container lid. In some embodiments, for example, as shown in  FIG.  4 A , the alignment feature(s) on the second end of the drive unit include a surface that is angled relative to a direction in which the drive unit and the lid are brought into physical contact with one another. Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, for example, as shown in  FIG.  4 A , the alignment feature(s) on the second end of the drive unit are curved about an axis that is parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive coupling  124 . As seen in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , the coupling region  210  includes alignment features such as curved, angled surfaces  212  that cooperate with the curved, angled surfaces  112  on the drive unit  100 . In some embodiments, for example, as shown in  FIG.  5   , the alignment feature(s) on the container lid include a surface that is angled relative to the direction in which the drive unit and the lid are brought into contact with one another. Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, for example, as shown in  FIG.  5   , the alignment feature(s) on the container lid are curved about an axis that is parallel to the axis of rotation of the driven coupling  220 . 
     In some embodiments, the alignment features on the drive unit and on the container lid are constructed and arranged to facilitate proper alignment between the drive unit and the container lid when the two components are brought together for operation in the first mode of operation. In some embodiments, the alignment features on the drive unit and the container lid permit the drive unit to self-seek the proper alignment orientation relative to the container lid. To couple the drive unit  100  to the container lid  200 , a user picks up the drive unit  100  and places the second end  121  of the drive unit  100  onto/over the coupling region  210  of the lid  200 . Once the second end  121  of the drive unit  100  has been placed onto/over the coupling region  210  of the lid  200 , the user can let go of the drive unit  100 , and the drive unit  100  will begin to self-seek the proper alignment orientation relative to the container lid  200 . The curved, angled surfaces  112  of the drive unit  100  contact and slide down the curved, angled surfaces  212  of the container lid  200  due to the weight of the drive unit  100 , causing the drive unit  100  to automatically rotate relative to the lid  200  toward an aligned orientation until the drive unit  100  reaches the lowest point of the angled surfaces  212  of the container lid and cannot move downward any farther. In some cases, this lowest point is the aligned orientation. 
     In other embodiments, the drive unit does not automatically move relative to the lid toward an aligned orientation once the user places the drive unit onto the coupling region of the lid and lets go of the drive unit. In some embodiments, the user continues to apply a force on the drive unit to move the drive unit toward the aligned orientation relative to the lid. In some cases, alignment features on the drive unit and the container lid may facilitate movement of the drive unit toward the aligned orientation. For example, in some embodiments, a user may rotate the drive unit relative to the lid to place the drive unit in the aligned orientation, and, in some cases, alignment features on the drive unit and the lid facilitate rotation of the drive unit relative to the lid toward the aligned orientation. 
     In some embodiments, as seen in  FIGS.  4 A and  6   , the second end  121  of the drive unit  100  and the container lid  200  have additional alignment features such as protrusions  116  on the drive unit  100  that cooperate with depressions  216  on the container lid  200 . When the user places the drive unit  100  onto/over the coupling region  210  of the lid  200  and lets go of the drive unit, the curved, angled surfaces  112  of the drive unit slide down the curved, angled surfaces  212  of the container  10  due to the weight of the drive unit  100 , causing the drive unit  100  to rotate relative to the lid  200  until the protrusions  116  enter the depressions  216 . 
     Although the drive unit rotates relative to the lid to reach the aligned orientation, it should be appreciated that other arrangements are possible, as this aspect is not so limited. For example, instead of, or in addition to rotation, the drive unit may slide laterally relative to the lid. In some embodiments, the angled surfaces on the container lid and the drive unit may be substantially straight instead of curved. In some embodiments, the lid moves relative to the drive unit to place the lid and drive unit in the aligned orientation relative to one another. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6   , the drive unit  100  has two aligned orientations relative to the lid  200 , where the aligned orientations are rotated 180 degrees from one another. In other embodiments, there may be a single aligned orientation between the lid and the drive unit. In yet other embodiments, there may be 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or any other suitable number of aligned orientations, as this aspect is not so limited. In addition, the aligned orientations may be rotated any suitable number of degrees relative to one another. 
     In the second mode of operation, as seen in  FIG.  2   , the second container  20  is supported by the drive unit  100 . The bottom end of the second container  20  interfaces with the second end  121  of the drive unit. As seen in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B , the bottom end of the second container  20  includes a plurality of tabs  22 . As seen in  FIG.  7   , the second end  121  of the drive unit includes a plurality of plungers  130 ,  132 ,  134  and  136  that cooperate with the tabs  22  of the second container. When the container  20  is supported by the drive unit  100 , the tabs  22  of the container  20  rest upon the plungers  130 ,  132 ,  134  and  136  of the drive unit  100 . As will be discussed in more detail below, downward movement of the container  20  causes the tabs  22  of the container  20  to push down upon the plungers  130 ,  132 ,  134  and  136  of the drive unit  100 , which actuates the drive unit. 
     Aspects related to actuation of the drive unit will now be discussed. According to one aspect, an activation site is recessed into a first end of the drive unit such that the drive unit can be placed on a support surface with the first end contacting the support surface without activating the activation site. 
     As discussed previously, in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  3 A , in the first mode of operation, a user turns on the drive unit by pressing down on button  110 . In some embodiments, the button  110  is recessed into the first end  120  of the drive unit  100 . As seen in  FIG.  9   , which is a side view of the drive unit and first container, the button is not visible because the button is recessed into the first end  120 .  FIGS.  10 A- 10 B  further illustrate that button  110  is recessed into the first end  120  of the drive unit. As a result, when the drive unit  100  is flipped upside down relative to the orientation shown in  FIG.  9    such that the first end  120  rests upon a support surface, the button  110  remains unactuated. In addition, with the button recessed inside the first end  120  and with the first end  120  resting upon a support surface in an upright position, as seen in  FIG.  3 B , a user is prevented from actuating the button because the user is unable to access the button. 
     According to another aspect, the interface between the first activation site and the drive unit is sealed to prevent ingress of fluids and debris into the drive unit. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  10 A , a gasket seal  133  is provided to prevent ingress of liquids into the drive unit from the first end  120 . In some embodiments, the gasket seal is overmolded onto both the button  110  and the first end  120  of the drive unit. The gasket seal may be made of rubber, an elastomer, a polymer, or any other suitable material. 
     In some embodiments, interaction with the first activation site triggers an activator, which in turn actuates the drive unit. As used herein, an “activator” is a component that, when triggered, actuates the drive unit. Possible activators may include, but are not limited to, mechanical switches, electromechanical switches, piezoelectric switches, solid state relays, switches with no moving parts, any other type of switch, valves, buttons, sliders, knobs, or any other suitable arrangement, as this aspect is not so limited. 
       FIG.  11    shows one embodiment including an activator that comprises a switch  143 . Closure of switch  143  actuates the drive unit.  FIG.  11    depicts the first end  120  of the drive unit with the outer button surface and gasket seal removed, revealing the switch  143 , an activation lever  144  and springs  145  beneath. The springs  145  support and bias the button  110  toward a raised position. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  11   , the switch  143  and activation lever  144  comprise a rocker switch that is constructed and positioned such that the user may press down upon any portion of the button  110  to actuate the switch  143 , not just a localized region near/at switch  143 . In some embodiments, the switch  143  includes a plate to prevent contact with high voltage if the gasket seal  133  breaks. 
     The inventors have recognized that unintentional, premature, or improper actuation of the drive unit may lead to unintended release of food contents, particularly when the drive unit is coupled to a processing tool. In some cases, a user may assemble the food processor in an improper manner, and attempt to actuate the drive unit. For example, if a container lid is not properly secured to the container, or the drive unit is not properly coupled to a container and/or container lid, actuating the drive unit may lead to release of contents or injury. According to one aspect, the actuation arrangement of the drive unit includes one or more safety features that prevent actuation of the drive unit unless one or more safety conditions are met. 
     Actuation of the drive unit in the first mode of operation will now be described. In some embodiments, triggering the activator, switch  143 , alone is not sufficient to actuate the drive unit. Some embodiments may include safety features that also must be triggered before the drive unit can be actuated. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  12 A- 12 B , portions of the housing of the drive unit  100  are removed or shown in phantom to reveal the components beneath. As seen in  FIGS.  12 A- 12 B , the drive unit includes a plurality of safety features comprising switches  174 ,  176  and  170 . Each switch is associated with a plunger. As best seen in  FIG.  13   , when plunger  134  is pushed toward switch  174 , a plunger end  135  abuts against and closes the switch  174 . Each plunger interacts with a spring that biases the plunger away from its associated switch. Movement of the plunger  134  towards the switch  174  compresses the spring  137 . In some embodiments, plungers  130  and  134  are associated with safety switches  170  and  174 , respectively. In this embodiment, plungers  132  and  136  are not used in the first mode of operation. 
     As seen in  FIGS.  14 A- 14 B , the lid  200  includes two protrusions  234  that interact with plungers  130 ,  134 . When the drive unit  100  is coupled to the lid  200  in an aligned orientation, the plungers  130 ,  134  of the drive unit  100  abut against the protrusions  234  of the lid  200 , causing the plungers  130 ,  134  to move toward safety switches  170 ,  174 , respectively. As a result, safety switches  170 ,  174  close when the drive unit  100  is coupled to the lid  200  in an aligned orientation. In some embodiments, at least two safety switches are included, and all safety switches must be closed before the drive unit can be actuated. The safety switches may be arranged to be spaced 180 degrees apart from one another to verify proper alignment and complete coupling of the drive unit to the container lid. For example, if the drive unit were improperly coupled to the container lid such that one side of the drive unit abutted against the lid but the other side were raised such that the drive unit is tilted relative to the drive unit, one of the safety switches may be closed while the other is not. The safety switches may be arranged such that the drive unit cannot be actuated unless all safety switches are closed. 
     As seen in  FIG.  14 C , each protrusion  234  is located at the top end of an interlock  230 . The interlock  230  is biased by a spring  231  toward a downward position where the top end  234  of the interlock  230  is in a lowered, non-protruding or semi-protruding position, and the bottom end  235  of the interlock  230  protrudes below a bottom surface of the lid  200 . When the lid  200  is coupled to the container  10 , the bottom end  235  of the interlock  230  abuts against a rim of the container  10  and causes the interlock  230  to be pushed upwardly, thereby causing the top end  234  of the interlock  230  to protrude. In some embodiments, the interlock  230  may serve as an additional safety feature. That is, unless the lid  200  is properly secured to the container  10 , the interlock remains in a downward position where the top end  234  of the interlock does not protrude sufficiently to trigger the safety switches  170 ,  174  of the drive unit to close. If the safety switches  170 ,  174  are not closed, the drive unit cannot be actuated in this embodiment. As seen in  FIG.  14 C , the lid  200  may have two interlocks  230 . In other embodiments, the lid may have only one interlock, or may have three or more interlocks. 
     Of course, it should be appreciated that other arrangements for disabling the drive unit before the lid is attached to the container can be used. For example, the lid and container may use one or more sensors, other interlock arrangements, or any other suitable arrangement, as this aspect is not necessarily so limited. 
       FIG.  15 A  depicts a schematic representation of the switches  170 ,  174  and  176  of the drive unit  100 .  FIG.  15 B  depicts a schematic circuit diagram of the drive unit, where  170  and  174  are the safety switches. Switch  143  that is the activator that is triggered by depression of the button  110  located at the first end  120  of the drive unit (see  FIG.  3 A ). Switch  176  is a second activator associated with the second mode of operation, as will be discussed. The circuit diagram of  FIG.  15 B  illustrates that both safety switches  170  and  174  must be closed to complete the circuit, but only one of the switches  143  or  176  needs to be closed to complete the circuit and actuate the drive unit. Switch  143  closes when the drive unit is operated in the first mode of operation and switch  176  closes when the drive unit is operated in the second mode of operation. 
     Actuation of the drive unit in the second mode of operation will now be described. As discussed above, in the second mode of operation, the second container  20  is supported by the drive unit  100 , as seen in  FIG.  3 B . As such, the drive unit  100  is oriented with the second end  121  facing upward and the first end  120  facing downward, as shown in  FIGS.  16 A- 16 B . The tabs  22  of the second container  20  (see  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B ) are aligned with and rest upon the plungers  130 ,  132 ,  134  and  136  of the drive unit  100 . The weight of the container  20  alone is insufficient to cause the plungers  130 ,  132 ,  134  and  136  to move toward their associated switches, and thus when the tabs  22  of container  20  are resting upon the plungers  130 ,  132 ,  134  and  136 , none of the switches  170 ,  174  and  176  are closed. However, when a user presses down on the container  20  as seen in  FIG.  3 B , the tabs  22  abut against and move the plungers  130 ,  132 ,  134  and  136  towards the first end  120  of the drive unit. The ends of the plungers  130 ,  134  and  136  abut against and close switches  170 ,  174  and  176 , respectively. 
     Turning back to circuit diagram  FIG.  15 B , with safety switches  170  and  174  closed and with switch  176  closed, the drive unit is actuated. Thus, in the second mode of operation, when the container  20  is properly aligned with the drive unit  100 , and a user pushes the container  20  down toward the drive unit  100 , the drive unit is actuated. The user can repeatedly press down on the container, release, then press down again to create a pulsing action. The user can also maintain pressure onto the container  20  to create a continuous processing action. In some embodiments, the drive unit may have features that permit the container to be releasably locked in an actuated position. For example, the user may press down on the container  20 , and, while still applying downward pressure, rotate the container  20  relative to the drive unit  100  such that the tabs  22  of the container  20  slide under a locking surface in the drive unit  100  that hold the tabs  22 , and thus the container  20 , in a releasably locked position such that the switches associated with drive unit actuation remain closed. In this manner, a user need not maintain pressure on the container. Instead, the locking feature of the drive unit  100  may hold the container in the actuating position. The user may then release the container from the locked, actuating position by rotating the container  20  back relative to the drive unit into an unlocked orientation. 
     In some embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  12 B , one of the plungers is a plunger that is not associated with any switch. As seen in  FIGS.  12 A- 12 B , while plungers  134 ,  136  and  130  are each associated with a switch, plunger  132  is not associated with a switch. Movement of plunger  132  towards the first end  120  of the drive unit does not close a switch. The plunger may be included for symmetry and to provide stability to the assembly. For example, inclusion of a fourth plunger may help to keep the container from tilting to one side as the container is pushed downward toward the first end of the drive unit. In other embodiments, however, an additional safety switch that is associated with plunger  132  may be included in the drive unit. 
     It should be appreciated that the drive unit may be actuated in other arrangements in the second mode of operation. For example, instead of having a user press down on the container, the drive unit itself may include an activation site with which a user interacts. For example, the drive unit may include a control panel, button, or other suitable activation site that a user interacts with to actuate the drive unit in the second mode of operation. 
     While the embodiment above uses a first activator, switch  143 , in the first mode of operation, and a second, different activator, switch  176 , in the second mode of operation, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the first and second modes of operation may use the same activator to actuate the drive unit. For example, as seen in  FIGS.  17 A- 17 B , an activator, switch  176 ′, is used to actuate the drive unit in both the first and second modes of operation. As seen in  FIG.  17 A , when the drive unit is coupled to and aligned with container lid  200 , the protrusion  234  on the lid  200  abuts against the plunger  136 ′ and raises the plunger  136 ′ a first distance toward the switch  176 ′. Next, a user pushes down on button  110 . As seen in  FIG.  17 A , the button  110  is coupled to the switch  176 ′ such that translation of the button  110  causes the switch  176 ′ itself to translate with the button. Thus, as a user pushes button  110  down toward the plunger  136 ′, switch  176 ′ moves down towards the plunger  136 ′ as well. Movement of the switch  176 ′ toward the plunger  136 ′ causes the switch  176 ′ to abut against the plunger  136 ′, which causes the switch  176 ′ to close. Closure of switch  176 ′ actuates the drive unit. In some embodiments, one or more safety switches also must be closed before the drive unit can be actuated, as discussed in previous embodiments. 
       FIGS.  18 A- 18 C  schematically illustrate actuation of the drive unit in the first mode of operation. As seen in  FIGS.  18 A- 18 B , when the drive unit is coupled to and aligned with the container lid  200 , the protrusion  234  on the lid  200  abuts against the plunger  136 ′ and raises the plunger  136 ′ a first distance D 1  toward the activator, switch  176 ′. Next, as seen in  FIGS.  18 B- 18 C , a user pushes down on button  110 , which causes switch  176 ′ to move downward toward the plunger  136 ′ by a distance D 2  until the switch  176 ′ abuts against the plunger  136 ′, thus closing the switch  176 ′. 
     As seen in  FIG.  17 B , downward movement of the container  20  causes tabs  22  to abut against and move plunger  136 ′ downward toward the switch  176 ′, which causes the plunger  136 ′ to abut against and close the switch  176 ′. 
     Although the switches are shown as horizontal switches, it should be appreciated that vertical switches may be used as well, such as switch  176 ″ depicted in  FIGS.  19 A- 19 C . With a vertical switch, the switch  176 ″ may continue to move past plunger  136 ′ after the switch  176 ″ has been closed, as seen in  FIG.  19 C . 
     The inventors have recognized that when a user pours contents out of a container or otherwise tilts the container, the lid of the container can become detached from the container. According to one aspect, the lid and/or container may include one or more engagement features that help to facilitate engagement of the lid with the container. 
     As discussed above, the first container includes a lid that can be attached and removed from the container. In one embodiment, shown in  FIGS.  20 - 21   , the lid  200  includes an indexing feature  262  and an indentation  264 . An identical or similar second indexing feature and indentation may be included on the opposite side of the lid. The indexing feature  262  may cooperate with a corresponding alignment feature  12  on the container  10 , as seen in  FIG.  21   . When a user places the lid  200  onto the opening of container  10 , the indexing feature  262  is received by the alignment feature  12 . As the user pushes the lid  200  down into the opening of the container  10 , the indexing feature  262  may slide against the sloped edges  16  of the alignment feature on the container  10 , which helps guide indexing feature  262  toward the aligned orientation. When the indexing feature  262  settles into the aligned orientation, a protrusion  14  on the container  10  is received by the indentation  264  of the lid  200 , and engagement of the protrusion with the indentation may help to keep the lid  200  engaged with the container  10 . The lid  200  also may include a gasket  250  that forms a seal against the inner sidewall of the container  10  when the lid  200  is engaged with the container  10 . 
     It should be appreciated that other arrangements may be used to help keep the lid engaged with the container. The lid and container may use a physical interlock, one or more detents, one or more magnets, an interference-type fit, one or more latches, a screw-top arrangement, or any other suitable arrangement, as this aspect is not so limited. 
     In some embodiments, as seen in  FIG.  22 A , the lid  200  may include a tab  260  that extends from the lid and overlies a portion of the handle  19  of the container  10 . Additional views of the tab  260  can be seen in  FIGS.  1 ,  5 ,  6 ,  9  and  14 B . In some embodiments, when the user wishes to pour contents from inside the container  10  out of a spout  15 , the user may grasp the handle  19 , with the thumb pressing the tab  260  downward towards the handle  19 . In this manner, the user compresses the tab  260  against a top surface  261  of the handle  19  (see  FIG.  22 B ), which may allow the user to help maintain engagement of the container lid  200  to the container  10  when the container  10  is tipped forward to pour contents out of the spout  15 . In some embodiments, the tab may be flexible to facilitate compression of the tab toward the handle. 
     In an illustrative embodiment, a food processing apparatus is provided. The food processing apparatus includes a first container having an opening and a drive unit configured to drive a first processing tool in the first container. The food processing apparatus also includes a lid configured to couple with the first container. The lid includes an indexing feature that cooperates with an alignment feature on the first container to facilitate alignment between the lid and the first container. In some embodiments, the indexing feature may comprise a protrusion and the alignment feature comprises at least one sloped edge that guides the protrusion toward the aligned orientation. In some embodiments, the lid may include an indentation that receives a protrusion of the container such that interaction with the indentation and the protrusion resists detachment of the lid from the container. In some embodiments, the food processing apparatus may be provided as part of a food processing apparatus, the food processing apparatus further comprising a second container, where the drive unit is configured to drive a second processing tool in the second container. 
     In another illustrative embodiment, a food processing apparatus is provided. The food processing apparatus includes a first container having a handle, an opening and a drive unit configured to drive a first processing tool in the first container. The food processing apparatus also includes a lid configured to couple with the first container. The lid includes a tab that overlies the handle of the first container when the lid is coupled to the first container. The tab is configured to be compressed against the handle by a user to resist separation of the container lid from the container. In some embodiments, the tab may be compressed against the handle by a thumb of the user. 
     Aspects associated with the container lid will now be discussed. According to one aspect, the container lid may house a transmission system that drives a processing tool at a different speed and/or rotational direction than the output from the drive unit. 
     The transmission system receives power from the drive coupling of the drive unit and drives an output that couples to a processing tool. The transmission system receives power from the drive coupling of the drive unit at a first speed and direction, and drives the output at a different speed and/or direction. In some embodiments, the transmission system may be a reduction type transmission where the transmission system drives the output shaft at a speed that is lower than that of the drive unit, but at a higher torque than the drive unit. In other embodiments, the transmission system may be an overdrive type transmission where the transmission system drives the output shaft at a speed that is higher than that of the drive coupling, but at a lower torque than the drive coupling. 
     As seen in  FIG.  23   , the transmission system  301  drives the output coupling  320  at a different speed and/or direction than that of the driven coupling  220 , which is driven by a drive coupling  124  of the drive unit. The transmission system  301  may serve as a reduction type transmission or an overdrive type transmission. 
     Where the transmission system  301  is a reduction type transmission, the transmission system  301  may have any suitable gear reduction, as this aspect is not limited in this regard, For example, the transmission system  301  may have a gear reduction ratio of 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, or 10:1. Where the transmission system  301  is an overdrive type transmission, the transmission system  301  may have any suitable overdrive ratio, as this aspect is not limited in this regard, For example, the transmission system  301  may have an overdrive ratio of 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, or 1:10. The transmission system  301  may be any suitable transmission system, such as, but not limited to, a planetary gear system, a step gear system, worm gears, beveled gears, and/or spur gears. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  23   , the transmission system  301  includes a planetary gear system with a sun gear  354  and a plurality of planet gears  350  surrounding the sun gear  354 . The planetary gear system may have any number of planet gears, including 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more planet gears, as this aspect is not limited in this regard. Rotation of the sun gear  354  about its axis causes the planet gears  350  to both rotate about their own individual planet axes and to revolve around the sun gear  354  within a ring gear inside a transmission housing  303 . 
     The planet carrier includes two plates: an upper plate  361  and a lower plate  362 . Each planet gear rotates about an axle that passes through the planet gear along the planet gear&#39;s longitudinal axis. The upper end of each axle is attached to the upper plate  361 , and the lower end of each axle is attached to the lower plate  362 . Revolution of the planet gears  350  around the sun gear  354  causes the upper and lower plates  361 ,  362  to rotate about the sun axis. The lower plate  362  is rotationally fixed to a coupling plate  321  of the output coupling  320 . Thus, rotation of the lower plate  362  about the sun axis causes the output coupling  320  to rotate about the sun axis as well. The output coupling  320  engages with a coupling on a processing tool to drive the processing tool. A bearing  332  may permit rotation of the output coupling  320  relative to the transmission housing  303 . 
     According to one aspect, the transmission system is sealed to prevent ingress of liquid and debris into the transmission housing. As seen in  FIG.  23   , the transmission system  301  includes a lip seal  330  that is mounted onto the output coupling  320  of the transmission system. When the transmission system  301  is assembled, the lip seal  330  is compressed between the outer surface of the output coupling  320  and the inner surface of the transmission housing  303 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  23   , the output coupling  320  is directly coupled to the lower plate  362  of the planet carrier without an intervening output shaft. Without an intervening output shaft, the vertical length of the transmission system  301  may be shortened, which may permit a lower profile lid housing to contain the transmission system. In some cases, where the vertical height of the lid housing is limited to a maximum height, a lower profile transmission system may permit the underside of the lid to sit flat against a support surface. Transmission systems with longer vertical heights may protrude out from the lowermost surface of the lid housing. Such a protrusion may prevent the underside of the lid from sitting flat against a support surface. 
     Of course, it should be appreciated that the transmission system is not limited to the embodiment shown in  FIG.  23   . In other embodiments, the transmission system may include an output shaft that connects the plate carrier to the output coupling. In such embodiments, the lip seal may seal against the outer surface of the output shaft rather than the output coupling. 
     In some embodiments, the underside of the lid includes a bottom surface that serves to house the transmission system. As seen in  FIG.  24 A , the lid  200  includes a bottom surface  290  such that the transmission system is housed inside the lid  200 . The bottom surface  290  protects the transmission from liquids and debris and makes the underside of the lid  200  easier to clean. For example, by including a bottom surface  290 , the number of crevices and edges, which can be difficult to clean, are reduced.  FIG.  24 B  depicts the container lid of  FIG.  24 A  with the bottom surface of the lid removed, revealing numerous crevices and edges that may be difficult to clean if exposed to liquid and/or debris. 
     In another illustrative embodiment, a food processing apparatus is provided. The food processing apparatus includes a first container having an opening and a drive unit configured to drive a first processing tool in the first container. The food processing apparatus also includes a lid configured to couple with the first container. The lid includes a transmission system configured to couple an output of the drive unit to an input of the first processing tool. The transmission system includes an output coupling and a seal mounted on the output coupling. In some embodiments, the transmission system may include a planetary gear system having a plate carrier, where the output coupling is directly coupled to the plate carrier. 
     In another illustrative embodiment, a food processing apparatus is provided. The food processing apparatus includes a first container having an opening and a drive unit configured to drive a first processing tool in the first container. The food processing apparatus also includes a lid configured to couple with the first container. The lid includes a transmission system configured to couple an output of the drive unit to an input of the first processing tool. An underside of the lid includes a bottom surface that reduces exposure of the transmission system to debris and liquids. 
     Aspects related to venting and draining of the drive unit will now be discussed. The inventors have recognized that, when the drive unit is used to support the processing container in the second mode of operation, liquids from the container may leak onto the drive unit. A drain system through the drive unit is provided to allow such liquids to drain out of the drive unit. 
     In some embodiments, as seen in  FIG.  25   , the drive unit is oriented for use in the second mode of operation. The first end  120  of the drive unit is set upon the support surface  5  and the second end  121  faces upwardly to receive a container. The second end  121  includes a drain hole  182  that permits liquids that drip into the second end  121  to escape out of the drive unit. The drain hole  182  is formed through the segment  123  of the drive unit.  FIGS.  26 A- 26 B  depict the underside of the segment  123 . The underside of the drain hole  182  is seen in  FIG.  26 A , which illustrates that drain hole  182  allows liquids to pass through the segment  123  of the drive unit.  FIG.  26 B  shows the segment  123  of the drive unit coupled to a ring  190 . The ring  190  includes a drain collector  192  that fits over the underside of the drain hole  182  and prevents liquids from passing further into the drive unit.  FIGS.  27 A- 27 C  depict the ring  190  in isolation.  FIG.  27 A  depicts the ring  190  in the orientation seen in  FIG.  26 B .  FIG.  27 B  depicts the other side of the ring  190 , illustrating that drain collector  192  includes a drain outlet  194 .  FIG.  27 C  is an enlargement of the drain collector  192  and drain outlet  194 . 
     As seen in  FIGS.  28 A- 28 B , which show the ring  190  integrated with the rest of the drive unit  100 , the drain outlet  194  communicates with the outside of the drive unit. Liquid exiting the drain outlet  194  leaks down the side of the drive unit. In some cases, the drain outlet  194  is positioned away from the exhaust vent  197  such that liquid exiting the drain outlet  194  does not enter the drive unit through the exhaust vent  197 . In some cases, allowing liquid to drain out the side of the drive unit rather than through the center of the drive unit may allow the drive unit to retain a smaller size. In some cases, arranging a liquid drain through the center of the drive unit may require the drive unit to be increased in diameter in order to accommodate the drain. However, it should be appreciated that the drain may be positioned at other locations in the drive unit. The drain may be positioned through the center of the drive unit, through more than one side of the drain unit, or any other suitable location, as this aspect is not so limited. It should be appreciated that more than one drain hole and/or drain outlet may be used, as this aspect is not so limited. 
     In other embodiments, the liquid exiting the drain outlet may be rerouted, or a channel may direct the drained liquid from the drain outlet to the first end  120  of the drive unit such that a user may grasp the sides of the drive unit without coming into contact with the drained liquid. 
     According to one aspect, in addition to an exhaust vent, in some embodiments, the drive unit may include exhaust holes to facilitate cooling of the motor housed in the drive unit. As seen in  FIGS.  26 B,  27 A -C, and  FIG.  28 A , ring  190  includes a series of holes  196  arranged around the perimeter of the ring. The holes  196  communicate with the inside of the drive unit such that, in some embodiments, air entering the holes  196  flows through the inside of the drive unit and out of the exhaust vent  197  to cool the drive unit motor and the inside of the drive unit. As such, the ring may have one or more holes for air intake, as well as one or more holes for draining liquid from the drive unit. In some embodiments, the holes  196  are positioned such that liquid draining out of the drain outlet  194  is not drawn into the holes  196 . As best seen in  FIG.  28 B , the holes  196  may be positioned at an upper surface  199  of the ring. Without wishing to be bound by theory, in some cases, positioning the holes at the upper surface of the ring may decrease the likelihood that liquid draining downward out from the drain outlet will be drawn into the holes. Alternatively or in addition, the ring  190  may include barriers  195  on either side of the drain outlet  194  that may help to prevent liquid draining out of the drain outlet  194  from being drawn into the holes  196 . 
     In an illustrative embodiment, a drive unit is provided. The drive unit includes a drain hole at a first end portion of the drive unit that communicates with a drain outlet to guide liquid out of a side wall of the drive unit. In some embodiments, the drain outlet may be positioned above a bottom surface of the drive unit. In some embodiments, the drive unit may further include a ring comprising a plurality of air intake holes. In some cases, the drain outlet may be located on the ring. 
     It should be appreciated that although many of the embodiments included herein disclose a drive unit that is flipped upside-down between two different modes of operation, other arrangements are possible, as this aspect is not so limited. For example, in some embodiments, the drive unit may be arranged such that the first end of the drive unit drives a first processing tool in a first mode of operation, while the second end of the drive unit drives a second processing tool in a second mode of operation. Thus, instead of having the same end of the drive unit interact with the containers and processing tools therein, the drive unit may have a first end that interacts with a first container and a second end that interacts with a second container. In some embodiments, each end of the drive unit includes a drive coupling. 
     For example, one embodiment is shown in  FIGS.  29 A and  29 B , which depict first and second modes of operation, respectively, of a drive unit  100 ′. Drive unit  100 ′ includes a first drive coupling  127  at a first end  120 ′ of the drive unit and a second drive coupling  129  at a second end  121 ′ of the drive unit. Both drive couplings  127 ,  129  are coupled to and driven by a motor  126 . In some embodiments, the first drive coupling  129  is coupled to motor  126  via a transmission  301  that drives the coupling  127  at a different speed and/or direction than the output of motor  126 . As seen in  FIG.  29 A , which depicts a first mode of operation, the first drive coupling  127  couples to a lid  200  of a container  10 . In some embodiments, the drive coupling  127  may couple directly to a processing tool located within container  10 . As seen in  FIG.  29 B , which depicts a second mode of operation, the second drive coupling  129  couples to a processing tool located within a second container  20 . In this embodiment, the drive unit  100 ′ remains in the same orientation relative to a support surface  5  when switched between the first and second modes of operation, rather than being flipped upside-down. In some embodiments, the drive unit  100 ′ may include a first lid  101  to cover the first end  120 ′ when the first drive coupling  127  is not in use. The drive unit  100 ′ may also include a second lid  105  to cover the second end  121 ′ when the second drive coupling  129  is not in use. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  30   , the food processing apparatus may include a bowl  500  that can be nested within the container  10  (e.g., the first container  10 ). In such an embodiment, the bowl may be used by a user to keep the container clean and/or to store or serve a food item prepared by the food processing apparatus. When the bowl and container are nested together it may be difficult to remove the bowl from the container because of the size of the bowl and the position of the bowl within the container. To address this issue, the bowl may include a tab  508  to facilitate removal of the bowl from the container. In some embodiments, the tab  508  includes surface features, for example, a frictional tab surface, to facilitate gripping of the tab. 
     The bowl  500  may be removably engaged with the container  10  via engagement portions  502  (see  FIG.  31   ). The bowl  500  has a volume V and, in some embodiments, the volume V of the bowl  500  is different than the volume of the container  10 . In some embodiments, a user may select to use a bowl having a volume sized to accommodate the food he will be preparing (e.g., a bowl  500  that is smaller than the container). In another embodiment, the volume of the bowl  500  may be substantially the same as the volume of the container  10  and used to keep the container clean. The bowl  500  also may be configured such that the bowl  500  may be used for serving or storing a food item prepared by the food processing apparatus. 
     As shown in  FIG.  31   , the bowl  500  includes a ledge  504 , which extends outwardly from an exterior surface  506  of the bowl  500 . As shown, the ledge  504  may extend horizontally from the exterior surface  506  of the bowl  500 , although the ledge  504  also may extend in other directions. In some embodiments, the ledge  504  of the bowl  500  may be configured to rest on a corresponding ledge (not shown) of the container  10  to allow the bowl  500  to be nested within the container  10 . The corresponding ledge of the container  10  may extend inwardly from an interior surface  17  of the container  10 . In other embodiments, the ledge  504  of the bowl is configured to position the bowl  500  inside the container (e.g., with respect to the interior surface of the container) when the bowl  500  is nested within the container. 
     In some embodiments, the bowl  500  includes the tab  508  to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the bowl  500  from the container  10 . In some embodiments, the tab  508  extends vertically from a rim  510  of the bowl  500 . As shown in  FIG.  31   , the rim  510  of the bowl  500  may be located above the ledge  504 . 
     The tab  508  may have any shape and size suitable for inserting and/or removing the bowl  500  from the container  10 . As shown, in one embodiment, the tab  508  has a substantially rectangular shape. The tab  508  may instead have a circular, semicircular, oval, triangular, square, other polygonal shape, or other suitable. The tab  508  may be curved to match the contour of the exterior surface  506  of the bowl  500 . In some embodiments (see, e.g.,  FIG.  32 A ), the tab  508  has a length L T  of between about 0.5 inches and 3 inches, although other suitable lengths may be used. In some embodiments, the tab  508  has a height H T  of between about 0.1 inches and 2 inches. 
     In some embodiments, the tab  508  includes surface features  513  to facilitate gripping of the tab  508 . As is shown in  FIGS.  32 A and  32 B , in one embodiment, the surface features  513  are raised ridges  513 , though other suitable surface features  513  may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the surface features  513  may include surface roughness or surface textures that facilitate gripping of the tab  508  by creating a frictional tab surface. Although the surface features  513  are included on only one side of the tab  508  in these embodiments, in other embodiments, the surface features  513  may be included on one or both sides of the tab  508 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  30   , in some embodiments, the tab  508  is configured to extend above the top of the container  10 , such that the tab is easily accessible when the bowl  500  and container  10  are nested. In such an embodiment, as will be appreciated, the lid  200  of the container also is configured to extend above the top of the container  10 , thus allowing the tab  508  to be covered while the food processing apparatus is in use. In other embodiments, the tab  508  is configured such that the top  516  of the tab  508  is aligned with the top of the container  10 . In such an embodiment, the tab  508  is positioned inwardly from the interior surface of the container  10  such that a user can access the tab  508  once the bowl  500  and container  10  are nested. 
     A user may grasp the tab  508  with his/her fingers and insert the bowl  500  into the container  10  until the bowl  500  and container  10  are nested, for example, until the ledge  504  of the bowl  500  is resting against a ledge (not shown) of the container  10 . In another example, the user may grasp the tab  508  with his/her fingers and insert the bowl  500  into the container until the bottom of the bowl is in contact with the bottom of the container and the ledge is in contact with the interior surface  17  of the container  10 . Once the bowl  500  and container  10  are nested, the user may place the lid  200  and drive unit  100  on the container and may use the food processing apparatus to prepare the desired food. Once finished, the user can remove the lid (and drive unit  100 ) to reveal the nested bowl  500  and container  10 . To remove the bowl  500 , the user grasps the tab  508  with his/her fingers and pulls upwardly on the tab  508  to remove the bowl  500  from the container  10 . 
     According to one embodiment, a food processor, such as a blender, includes a first container and a second container. The second container is insertable within the first container. The container has a side wall having an upper rim and a protrusion extending upwardly from the upper second rim. The protrusion is large enough to be pinched between two adult fingers. In some embodiments, the protrusion includes a grip feature on one or both sides. 
     In some embodiments, the food processing apparatus also includes a processing tool. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  33   , the processing tool is a dough hook  600  which can be removably coupled to a container of the apparatus. In some embodiments, it can difficult to remove the dough hook  600  from the container  10  (e.g., the first container  10 ) because a vacuum suction is formed by the dough within the container. That is, in some circumstances, it is difficult to pull the dough hook  600  from the container  10  because the dough hook is embedded in the dough, and the dough seals against the inner wall of the container. To address this issue, the dough hook  600  is provided with a grasping portion, such as a grasping disc  608 , to facilitate removal of the dough hook  600  from the container  10 . 
     As shown, the dough hook includes a blade assembly  602 , coupling portions  604 ,  606 , and the grasping disc  608 . A first coupling portion  604  (see  FIG.  34   ), located at a bottom  610  of the dough hook  600 , allows the dough hook  600  to be coupled to the bottom of the container  10 . In some embodiments, as shown, the dough hook  600  also has a second coupling portion  606  for coupling the dough hook  600  to the lid  200  of the apparatus, or, in some embodiments, to an output coupling  320  of the lid  200 , or to a drive coupling  124  of the drive unit  100 . As with previous embodiments, the lid  200  may be coupled to the drive unit  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  33  and  34   , the blade assembly  602  includes a shaft  612  with at least one blade  614  extending outwardly from the shaft  612 . In one embodiment, as shown, the blade assembly  602  includes four blades  614 , though the blade assembly  602  also may include more or fewer blades. In some embodiments, the first coupling portion  604  is coupled to the shaft  612  of the blade assembly  602  (e.g., to a bottom of the shaft  612 ). The first coupling portion  604  may be integral with the shaft  612  in some embodiments, though the first coupling portion  604  may be a separate piece that is connected thereto. Similarly, in embodiments having the second coupling portion  606 , the second coupling portion  606  may be coupled to the shaft  612  of the blade assembly  602  or may be integral with the shaft  612 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  33  and  34   , the grasping disc  608  may be connected to the blade assembly  602 , and, in some embodiments, the grasping disc  608  may be coupled to the shaft  612  of the blade assembly  602 . The grasping disc  608  and blade assembly  602  may be formed integrally with one another, although the grasping disc  608  also may be a separate part attached thereto. As shown, in embodiments having the second coupling portion  606 , the grasping disc  608  may be located between the blade assembly  602  and the second coupling portion  606 . In some embodiments, the grasping disc  608  is positioned a distance from and, in some embodiments, a substantial distance from, the blades  614  of the blade assembly  602 . In such an embodiment, the grasping disc  608  is positioned such that the user will not place his/her fingers near the blades  614  when using the grasping disc  608  to remove the dough hook  600  from the container  10 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  35 A  by way of example, the grasping disc  608  has a substantially oval shape, though the grasping disc  608  can have other suitable shapes. For example, in some embodiments, the grasping disc  608  may have a square, rectangular, circular, triangular, other polygonal shape, or other suitable shape. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  35 A- 35 C , the grasping disc  608  has a length L, a width W, and a height H. As is shown in  FIGS.  35 A and  35 B , the grasping disc  608  may have any suitable length L. For example, in some embodiments, the length L of the grasping disc  608  may be between about 0.75 inches and 3 inches. In some embodiments, the grasping disc  608  is centered on the shaft  612  of the blade assembly  612  such that the length L of the grasping disc  608  is evenly distributed across the shaft  612 . Stated differently, as shown, the grasping disc  608  may be coupled to the shaft  612  such that a first length L 1  of the grasping disc  608  extending beyond one side of the shaft  612  is substantially the same as a second length L 2  of the grasping disc  608  extending beyond the other side of the shaft  612 . In other embodiments, the first length L 1  and the second length L 2  may differ. 
     The grasping disc  608  also may have any suitable width W, for example, in some embodiments, the width W of the grasping disc  608  may be between about 0.25 inches and 2 inches. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  35 C , the width W of the grasping disc  608  may be the same as a width of the shaft  612 , while in other embodiments, the grasping disc  608  also may differ from the width of the shaft  612 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  35 B , the grasping disc  608  may have any suitable height H, for example, in some embodiments, the height H of the grasping disc  608  is between about 0.05 inches and about 1 inch. The height H of the grasping disc  608  may be constant across the length L of the grasping disc  608  (e.g., the grasping disc  608  may have a substantially rectangular cross section), while in other embodiments, the height H of the grasping disc  608  also may vary across the length L of the grasping disc  608 . For example, as is shown in  FIG.  35 B , in some embodiments the width W of the grasping disc  608  is largest in a middle of the grasping disc  608  and is smallest at ends of the grasping disc  608 . That is, the height H of the grasping disc  608  may taper from the middle of the grasping disc  608  to the ends of the grasping disc  608 . 
     To use the grasping disc  608  to remove the dough hook  600  from the container, a user may place his/her fingers under the grasping disc  608 . In one embodiment, the user places at least one finger under the first length L 1  of the grasping disc  608  and at least one finger under the second length L 2  of the grasping disc  608 . Next, the user lifts his/her hand to remove the dough hook  600  from the container  10 . In another embodiment, the user grasps the grasping disc  608  from above and pulls the grasping disc  608  to pull the dough hook  600  from the container. 
     Although the grasping disc  608  has been shown and described on the dough hook  600 , the grasping disc  608  also may be used with other processing tools to facilitate removal of the processing tool from the container  10 . For example, in another embodiment, the grasping disc may be used with a dicing assembly. 
     According to one embodiment, a processing tool assembly for a food processor, such as a blender, includes a shaft and a processing tool mounted thereto. The processing tool assembly includes a grasping portion positioned higher on the shaft than the processing tool when the assembly is in a use position in the food processor. The grasping portion protrudes outwardly from the shaft. The outward protrusion may be substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the shaft. In some embodiments, the grasping portion may protrude outwardly at an angle other than ninety degrees relative to the lengthwise direction of the shaft. The grasping portion may provide a first surface area on a first side of the shaft, and a second surface area on a second side of the shaft, wherein each of the first and second surface areas is sized to accommodate an adult&#39;s finger, and faces at least partially downwardly. The first and second surface areas may be curved or flat. 
     The above described components may be made with various materials, as the invention is not necessarily so limited. 
     The above aspects may be employed in any suitable combination, as the present invention is not limited in this respect. Additionally, any or all of the above aspects may be employed in a food processing apparatus; however, the present invention is not limited in this respect, as the above aspects may be employed to process materials other than food. 
     Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.