Patent Publication Number: US-2013233181-A1

Title: Combination Food Steamer and Food Processor

Description:
SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a kitchen appliance and, more particularly, to a combined food steamer and food processor appliance that provides the functionality of steaming and processing foodstuff in a single, generally compact device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Steaming is considered an excellent way to prepare and serve vegetables. It is thought to maximize their nutritional value as other cooking techniques can remove vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from the food. Steamed vegetables are also thought to be the most flavorful and easiest to digest. As such, there is growing trend of healthcare professionals, dieticians, and chefs that recommend steaming food and convey the advantages of steaming food such as vegetables. Unfortunately, the consumer often finds it too difficult or time consuming to comply with the advice and recommendations. 
     Traditionally, baby food is prepared by boiling or steaming vegetables to retain the maximum amount of nutrients, and subsequently mashing or blending the vegetables and allowing the same to cool before feeding to a child. Baby food is frequently made by steaming the foodstuff in one device and then placing the steamed foodstuff into a separate blender or food processor for mashing/blending. 
     While two separate appliances, namely a steamer and a blender, have long been employed for making puréed food, such as baby food, at least one appliance has been designed to provide both functions in a single device. U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,452 (“Dessuise”) is one such prior art device that is able to both steam and blend foodstuff. While the device disclosed by Dessuise may adequately perform its intended functions, the device of Dessuise has a relatively large footprint, which is not preferred in typical kitchens where countertop space is limited. In addition, the device of Dessuise does not provide or permit entry of foodstuff into a blending or processing chamber without first removing a lid from the device. As such, a user&#39;s options when operating the device are rather limited. 
     There is a continuing need for an appliance that provides multiple functions, including steaming, which are typically found in disparate kitchen appliances. However, a new multi-functional kitchen appliance would ideally be capable of both steaming foodstuff and blending or processing foodstuff in a single, compact unit. In addition, it would be desirable to provide features that maximize usability of the appliance in order to encourage a consumer to continue the use of the appliance. The device of the present disclosure addresses at least these and other shortcomings as present in conventional appliances. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Briefly stated, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a combination food steamer and food processor appliance having a housing with a first end and an opposing second end. The housing surrounds a motor and a heater. A water cavity is positioned within the housing. A drive shaft is rotatably driven by the motor. At least a portion of the drive shaft extends upwardly beyond the first end of the housing. A jar is removably mountable to the first end of the housing. The water cavity is located in the housing beneath the jar. The jar has a bottom wall and a side wall extending upwardly therefrom. Portions of the bottom wall and side wall of the jar define a food processing cavity. At least a portion of the drive shaft extends through a portion of the bottom wall of the jar when the jar is mounted to the housing. A lid is removable mountable to a rim of the side wall of the jar. A basket is removably mountable within the food processing cavity of the jar in a first operating configuration. The basket includes a bottom wall and a side wall extending upwardly therefrom. Portions of the bottom wall and side wall of the basket define a food steaming cavity. At least a portion of the drive shaft extends through a portion of the bottom wall of the basket in a first operating configuration. At least one cutting mechanism is rotatably driven by or on the drive shaft. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a combination food steamer and food processor having a housing with a bottom wall and a side wall extending upwardly therefrom. Portions of the bottom wall and side wall of the housing define a water cavity. A motor is positioned within the housing. The motor is generally laterally surrounded by the water cavity (i.e., the water cavity is located “next to” the motor on all sides but not above or below the below per se). The drive shaft is rotatable by the motor. At least a portion of the drive shaft extends upwardly beyond the side wall of the housing. A heater is positioned within the water cavity for heating water within the water cavity to produce steam. A jar is removably mountable to the upper end of the side wall of the housing. The water cavity in the housing is located beneath the jar. The jar has a bottom wall and a side wall extending upwardly therefrom. Portions of the bottom wall and side wall of the jar define a food processing cavity. At least a portion of the drive shaft extends through a portion of the bottom wall of the jar when the jar is mounted to the housing. A divider wall extends upwardly from the bottom wall of the jar. The divider wall and an interior surface of a portion of the side wall of the jar define a steam cavity (i.e., a separate space apart from the food-containing portion of the appliance). The divider wall separates the food processing cavity from the steam cavity. A lid is removably mountable to the rim of the side wall of the jar. The lid includes a top lid wall and a feed tube extending from the top lid wall along a food axis. The feed tube defines a feed cavity and a mouth for accessing the feed cavity. A food pusher is removably insertable into at least a portion of the feed cavity of the feed tube. The food pusher is movable within at least a portion of feed cavity along a feed axis. A basket is removably mountable within the food processing cavity of the jar in a first operating configuration. The basket includes a bottom wall and a side wall while extending upwardly therefrom. Portions of the bottom wall and side wall of the basket define a food steaming cavity. At least a portion of the drive shaft extends through a portion of the bottom wall of the basket in the first operating configuration. The combination further includes at least one cutting mechanism rotatable by the drive shaft. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the disclose, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a kitchen appliance according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a partially exploded top perspective view of certain portions thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is another partially exploded top perspective view of certain portions thereof; 
         FIG. 4  is a partially exploded top plan view of certain portions thereof; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side elevational view of certain portions thereof, wherein the kitchen appliance is shown in a first operating configuration; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional top perspective view of certain portions thereof, wherein the kitchen appliance is shown in the first operating configuration; and 
         FIG. 7  is another cross-sectional top perspective view of certain portions thereof, wherein the kitchen appliance is shown in a second operating configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the kitchen appliance, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. 
     Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout,  FIGS. 1-7  show a preferred embodiment of a kitchen appliance, generally designated  10 , of the present disclosure. The kitchen appliance  10  is capable of performing the functions of more than one conventional kitchen appliance. The kitchen appliance  10  is preferably a combination food steamer and food processor, but the present disclosure is not so limited. The kitchen appliance  10  preferably allows a user to steam and/or slice foodstuff (not shown) therein in a first operating configuration (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). The kitchen appliance  10  also preferably allows a user to separately process, blend or chop foodstuff therein in a second operating configuration (see  FIG. 7 ). Thus, the kitchen appliance  10  alleviates the need to obtain or buy two or more separate kitchen appliances to perform these functions (i.e., steaming, slicing, grating, chopping, blending, etc.). Further, the kitchen appliance  10  performs the above functionality in a device with a relatively small footprint, which is beneficial in the confines of most kitchens. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , the kitchen appliance  10  preferably includes a housing  12  having a first or upper end  40   a  and an opposing second or lower end  40   b.  An outer side wall  42  of the housing  12  preferably extends from the first end  40   a  to the second end  40   b  around an entire outer periphery of the housing  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , a motor  32  and a heater  34  are preferably positioned within the housing  12  and generally surrounded by the outer side wall  42  thereof. Electrical power is preferably supplied to the kitchen appliance  10  by connecting an electrical power cord (not shown) to a conventional electrical wall outlet (not shown). However, power may be supplied to the kitchen appliance  10  in other forms, such as by one or more batteries. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-7 , a water cavity  44  is preferably positioned within, formed by and/or surrounded by the outer side wall  42  of the housing  12 . The motor  32  is preferably generally laterally surrounded by the water cavity  44 , but the motor  32  is preferably not in fluid contact with the water cavity  44 . In other words, the water cavity  44  is capable of holding water or other liquid (not shown) within the housing  12  separate from the motor  32 . The heater  34  is preferably positioned within the water cavity  44  for heating water within the water cavity  44  to produce steam, as described in detail below. In contrast to the motor  32 , the heater  34  is preferably in fluid contact with the water cavity  44 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the water cavity  44  preferably has a closed first or lower end  46  generally proximate the second end  40   b  of the housing  12 , and an opposing second or open upper end  48  generally proximate the first end  40   a  of the housing  12 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , when the jar  16  of the kitchen appliance  10  is removed from the housing  12 , water or any other suitable liquid may be poured into and/or out of the water cavity  44  through the open upper end  48  thereof. 
     In an embodiment, the upper end  48  of the water cavity  44  is at the same vertical height as the first end  40   a  of the housing  12 , but the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. In other words, the upper end  48  of the water cavity  44  may extend above or be located below the first end  40   a  of the housing  12 . A side wall  50  of the water cavity  44  extends from the closed lower end  46  to the open upper end  48  thereof. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the side wall  50  of the water cavity  44  is preferably laterally spaced-apart from and, more preferably, spaced laterally inwardly from the outer side wall  42  of the housing  12 . However, the side wall  50  of the water cavity  44  may be omitted, as the side wall  42  of the housing  12  may form the outer periphery of the water cavity  44 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  6  and  7 , a separation wall or heater cover  36  is positioned within the water cavity  44 . The separation wall  36  extends from or proximate to the lower end  46  of the water cavity  44  toward or to the upper end  48  thereof. The separation wall  36  can at least partially surrounds and/or encloses the heater  34  with a portion of an interior surface of the side wall  50  of the water cavity  44 . It is preferred that the separation wall  36  is not water tight with respect to the water cavity  44 . For example, it is preferred that one or more openings or passageways (not shown) are formed between a lower end of the separation wall  36  and the lower end  46  of the water cavity  44 , such that water is capable of flowing or passing beneath at least a portion of the separation wall  36  toward or away from the heater  34 . 
     The separation wall  36  can serve several purposes. First, the separation wall  36  may protect the heater  34 . Second, the separation wall  36  may prevent a user from accidentally directly contacting the heater  34 . Third, the separation wall  36  may define a relatively small space with the portion of the interior surface of the side wall  50 , so as to limit the amount of water directly surrounding the heater  34  at any point during operation of the heater  34 . The relatively small space allows or enables the heater  34  to more quickly produce steam. Water in the water cavity  44  is preferably capable of flowing beneath at least a portion of the separation wall  36 , through the one or more openings or passageways, to the heater  34  from the remainder of the water cavity  44 . As the heater  34  heats the water and produces steam, water can flow into the relatively small space defined by the separation wall  36  underneath at least a portion of the separation wall  36  as the top level of water within the water cavity  44  begins to drop and the water seeks equilibrium. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3  and  5 - 7 , the kitchen appliance  10  can include a base  14  fixedly attached to the second end  40   b  of the housing  12 . The base  14  may include one or more spaced-apart feet  52  extending downwardly from a bottom surface thereof. When the kitchen appliance  10  is properly positioned on a tabletop or countertop (none shown), for example, the feet  52  or the bottom surface of the base  14  preferably directly engage the tabletop or countertop to provide a stable foundation for the kitchen appliance  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , the base  14  and housing  12  are preferably connected by a tongue-and-groove connection, but the base  14  and housing  12  may be removably or fixedly connected by any of a variety of means. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  4 ,  6  and  7 , a control knob  54  or other control apparatus is mounted to an exterior surface of the side wall  42  of the housing  12 . The control knob  54  is preferably operatively connected to the motor  32  in a manner known to those of ordinary skilled in the art. The control knob  54  allows a user to selectively control operation of the motor  32  depending upon the degree or amount of rotation of the control knob  54 . For example, the control knob  54  may be rotatable from a “PULSE” position, to an “OFF” position, to a “SLICE/BLEND” position, etc. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  4 ,  6  and  7 , a steam button  56  and an indicator light  118  could be mounted to a portion of the exterior surface of the side wall  42  of the housing  12 . The steam button  56  and the indicator light  118 , as illustrated, are positioned at least slightly above and horizontally spaced-apart from the control knob  54 , but the present disclosure is not so limited. For example, one or more steam button(s)  56 , the indicator light  118  and the control knob  54  may be combined into one structure or control. The steam button  56  is preferably operatively connected to the heater  34  for controlling operation of the heater  34 . The steam button  56  is preferably depressible into and out of the exterior surface of the side wall  42  of the housing  12 . In an embodiment, the heater  34  is activated by depressing the steam button  56 . If and when the heater  34  is operating or is in an “on” condition, the steam button  56  may be depressed to turn the heater  34  “off” In one embodiment, the indicator light  118  is always illuminated anytime the heater is energized. In another embodiment, the indicator light  188  is operatively connected to a sensor (not shown) positioned within or proximate to the water cavity  44 . The indicator light  118  preferably illuminates to notify a user if and when the water cavity  44  requires additional water. For example, the temperature of the heater  34  will increase as steam is produced and leaves the housing  12 . When the heater  34  reaches a predetermined temperature, the indicator light  118  would illuminate to indicate that additional water is needed in the water cavity to continue to produce steam. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-7 , a drive shaft  58  is operatively connected to and rotatable by the motor  32 . At least a portion of the drive shaft  58  extends upwardly beyond the first end  40   a  of the housing  12 . More specifically, a first or upper end  58   a  of the drive shaft  58  extends upwardly beyond the first end  40   a  of the housing  12 . At least a portion of a second or lower end  58   b  of the drive shaft  58  is operatively connected to a planetary or other gear system  60  within the housing  12 , which in turn could be surrounded by the water cavity  44 . The planetary gear system  60  is preferably operatively connected to and more preferably directly connected to the motor  32 , such that actuation of the motor  32  actuates the planetary gear system  60 , which in turn actuates or rotates the drive shaft  58 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-7 , ajar  16  is removably mountable to and/or supported by the first end  40   a  of the housing  12 . The jar  16  includes a bottom wall  62  and a side wall  64  extending upwardly therefrom. The jar  16  and at least certain other components of the kitchen appliance  10  are preferably formed of a generally light weight, high strength material, such as a polymeric material. It is thought that the jar might be glass, plastic, or the like. 
     As illustrated, a handle  120  extends outwardly from at least a portion of the side wall  64  of the jar  16 . It is preferred that portions of the bottom wall  62  and side wall  64  of the jar  16  define a food processing cavity  66  therein. A hollow column  68  is generally centrally located within the jar  16  and extends upwardly from the bottom wall  62  thereof. Thus, the generally hollow column  68  surrounds an opening that extends through a center of the bottom wall  62  of the jar  16 . The column  68  preferably extends from the bottom wall  62  toward an upper open rim  70  of the side wall  64  of the jar  16 . More specifically, as illustrated in the one example of  FIG. 5 , a top end of the column  68  is located at approximately a vertical midpoint of the side wall  64  of the jar  16 . At least a portion of the drive shaft  58  extends through a portion of the bottom wall  62  of the jar  16  when the jar  16  is mounted at the housing  12 . In one embodiment, at least an upper portion of the drive shaft  58  extends completely through the column  68  of the jar  16  when the jar  16  is mounted to the housing  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  6  and  7 , a divider wall  72  can extend upwardly from the bottom wall  62  of the jar  16 . Portions of the divider wall  72  and an interior surface of a portion of the side wall  64  of the jar  16  define a steam cavity  74 . The divider wall  72  of the jar  16  separates the food processing cavity  66  from the steam cavity  74 . Food is not and should not be placed or located in steam cavity  74 . In the preferred embodiment, the food processing cavity  66  and the steam cavity  74  are preferably laterally adjacent, but the present disclosure is not so limited, as at least a portion of the food processing cavity  66  may be vertically above or below a portion of the steam cavity  74 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , at least a portion of a top surface  78  of the divider wall  72  is vertically below the rim  70  of the side wall  64  of the jar  16 . It is envisioned that at least a portion of the top surface  78  of the divider wall  72  would be curved or undulating to permit steam, water and/or foodstuff to pass between the food processing cavity  66  and the steam cavity  74 . 
     In an embodiment of the subject apparatus, the steam produced in the housing  12  is permitted to easily flow upwardly to the jar  16 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 4 , a first opening  76  is formed in the bottom wall  62  of the jar  16  within the steam cavity  74 . When the jar  16  is properly mounted to the housing  12 , the first opening  76  permits steam produced by the heater  34  within the housing  12  to rise from the water cavity  44  of the housing  12  to the steam cavity  74  of the jar  16 . The first opening  76  is illustrated to be generally circular in shape, but the present disclosure is not so limited. As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  6  and  7 , a steam exit port  38  is formed in the housing  12  between the water cavity  44  and the steam cavity  74  of the jar  16 . The steam exit port  38  is a passageway, opening or aperature that allows steam to rise from the water cavity  44  of the housing  12  to the steam cavity  74  of the jar  16 . At least a portion of the steam exit port  38  extends upwardly beyond the first end  40   a  of the housing  12  and the upper end  48  of the water cavity  44 . An outer periphery of the steam exit port  38  is preferably at least slightly smaller than an inner periphery of the first opening  76  of the jar  16 , such that at least a portion of the steam exit port  38  is capable of fitting within the first opening  76  when the jar  16  is properly position or mounted to the housing  12 . In other words, the first opening  76  and the steam exit port  38  can be complementarily sized and shaped. The first opening  76  and the steam exit port  38  are substantially aligned so that the handle  120  of the jar  16  is directly or generally above the control knob  54  of the housing  12  when the jar  16  is properly positioned or mounted to the housing  12 . Such alignment allows for quick and efficient use of the jar  16  and the housing  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , a pour spout  80  preferably generally encloses an upper end of the steam cavity  74  of the jar  16 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , at least a portion of the pour spout  80  has a shape that compliments or conforms to the curved or undulating shape of the top surface  78  of the divider wall  72 . In other words, the pour spout  80  includes a groove or channel  116  in a top surface thereof. When the jar  16  is titled or angled, the channel  116  allows and/or encourages foodstuff and/or liquid within the food processing cavity  66  of the jar  16  to flow over a top surface of the pour spout  80  and out of the jar  16 . It is preferred that the pour spout  80  be removably attachable to a portion of the rim  70  of the jar  16  and the top surface  78  of the divider wall to allow for disassembly and/or cleaning of the kitchen appliance  10 . The pour spout  80  may include a second opening  82  extending therethrough. The second opening  82  permits steam in the steam cavity  74  to enter the food processing cavity  66 . The second opening  82  is illustrated to be generally circular in shape, but the present disclosure is not so limited. The second opening  82  is laterally positioned and/or spaced-apart from the channel  116 . Thus, when the jar  16  is titled, foodstuff and/or liquid generally does not enter the second opening  82  or the steam cavity  74  as the foodstuff and/or liquid flows over the pour spout  80  and through the channel  116 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  5 - 7 , the kitchen appliance  10  may include a lid  20  removably mountable to the rim  70  of the side wall  64  of the jar  16 . The lid  20  includes a top lid wall  84  and a feed tube  22  extending upwardly from the top lid wall  84  along a feed axis A (see  FIG. 2 ). As shown in  FIG. 2 , the feed tube  22  defines a feed cavity  86  and a mouth  88  for accessing the feed cavity  86 . The lid  20  has a generally circular shape when viewed from above or below, and may be constructed of an opaque or transparent molded Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN) material. Alternatively, the lid  20  may be constructed of any metal, glass or suitable material. 
     The top lid wall  84  is preferably generally flat or planer and the feed axis A preferably extends generally perpendicularly therefrom. A skirt or peripheral rim  92  preferably depends or extends downwardly from the top lid wall  84 . The peripheral rim  92  of the lid  20  is releasably engagable with at least a portion of the rim  70  of the jar  16 . The peripheral rim  92  may include at least one securing groove or projection  122  that engages a securing lug or groove  94  of the jar  16 . However, the lid  20  and jar  16  may be releasably or removably secured in any number of ways, such as through snap-fit or one or more fasteners (not shown). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6  and  7 , a food pusher  24  is removably insertable into at least a portion of the feed cavity  86  of the feed tube  22 . The food pusher  24  is movable within at least a portion of the feed cavity  86  along the feed access A. The food pusher  24  could have a generally hollow cylindrical shape with an upper pusher lip  24   a  and a side wall  24   c  extending downwardly therefrom to a lower pusher wall  24   b.  An outer periphery of the side wall  24   c  of the food pusher  24  is at least slightly smaller than an inner periphery of the feed cavity  86 , such that the food pusher  24  is slidable into and out of the feed cavity  86 . However, the upper pusher lip  24   a  of the food pusher  24  preferably has an outer periphery that it is at least slightly larger than the feed cavity  86 , such that the food pusher  24  is able to move within the feed cavity  86  only to a point where the upper pusher lip  24   a  engages a top surface of the feed tube  22 . The food pusher  24  is slidable in the feed cavity  86  to urge foodstuff toward the jar  16  when the lid  20  is mounted to the jar  16 . A height of the food pusher  24  is preferably at least slightly less than a height of the feed tube  22 , such that the food pusher  24  does not and cannot extend into the food processing cavity  66  of the jar  16  when the lid  20  is mounted to the jar  16  and the food pusher  24  is positioned within the feed cavity  86  of the feed tube  22 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a plurality of spaced apart food spikes  90  may extend outwardly or downwardly from the lower pusher wall  24   b.  The food spikes  90  could engage and/or grip any foodstuff lodged or jammed within the feed cavity  86 . The food pusher  24  is not limited to the inclusion of food spikes  90 , as the pusher wall  24   b  may be generally smooth. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the kitchen appliance  10  preferably includes a safety interlock  96  operatively connected to at least the motor  32  and the lid  20  to prevent operation of the motor  32  when the lid  20  is removed from the jar  16  or when the lid  20  is not properly positioned on the rim  70  of the jar  16 . A sensor (not shown) is preferably positioned within the housing  12  and is operatively connected to both the motor  32  and a second or lower end  96   b  of the safety interlock  96 . The sensor permits or prevents operation of the motor  32  depending upon the position or movement of the safety interlock  96 . The safety interlock  96  is preferably generally elongated and includes a biasing member  98 , such as a coil spring, that urges or biases the safety interlock  96  in a disengaged or upwardly position with respect to the motor  32 . A length or height of the safety interlock  96  is preferably at least slightly greater than a height of the jar  16 , as measured along the side wall  64  of the jar  16  from the bottom wall  62  to the rim  70 . 
     When the kitchen appliance  10  is properly assembled, a lower portion of the biasing member  98  may be located in a seat  132  (see  FIG. 4 ) in an upper surface of the bottom wall  62  of the jar  16 . Further, when the kitchen appliance  10  is properly assembled, at least a portion of the second or lower end  96   b  of the safety interlock  96  extends through a hole  128  (see  FIG. 4 ) in the bottom wall  62  of the jar  16  and at least a portion of a first or upper end  96   a  of the safety interlock extends through a slot  130  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) of the pour spout  80 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the slot  130  is preferably laterally spaced-apart from the second opening  82  of the pour spout  80 , and the hole  128  is preferably laterally spaced-apart from the first opening  76  in the bottom wall  62  of the jar  16 . The safety interlock  96  is preferably separable from each of the housing  12 , the jar  16  and the lid  20  for disassembly and/or cleaning purposes. However, the safety interlock  96  may be fixed to and/or integrally formed with one or more of the housing  12 , the jar  16  and the lid  20 . 
     In operation, when the lid  20  is properly positioned on the jar  16 , at least a portion of the lid  20  engages the first or upper end  96   a  of the safety interlock  96 , which in turn urges the entire safety lock  96  downwardly against the bias of the biasing member  98  toward the housing  12 . The downward force of the lid  20  on the first end  96   a  of the safety interlock  96  preferably overcomes the opposing upward force of the biasing member  98  to push the entire safety interlock  96  at least slightly downwardly with respect to and/or into the housing  12 , which is sensed or recognized by the sensor (not shown). At this point, the sensor places the motor  32  in an “active” or operating state, such that rotation of the control knob  54  can effectuate operation of the motor  32 . 
     Referring to FIGS.  2  and  4 - 6 , a basket  18  is preferably removably mountable within the food processing cavity  66  of the jar  16 . The basket  18  is placed within the jar  16  in the first operating configuration ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) and removed from the jar  16  in the second operating configuration. However, the basket  18  may be placed in the jar  16  in a storage configuration or for other purposes. Furthermore, the kitchen appliance  10  may steam foodstuff within the jar  16  in the first operating condition even if the basket  18  is not placed within the jar  16 . The basket  18  includes a bottom wall  100  and a side wall  102  extending upwardly therefrom. Interior portions of the bottom wall  100  and side wall  102  of the basket  18  define a food steaming cavity  104 . A generally hollow column  106  preferably extends upwardly from the bottom wall  100  of the basket  18  and is generally centrally positioned within the basket  18 . Thus, the generally hollow column  106  surrounds an opening that extends through a center of the bottom wall  100  of the basket  18 . The column  106  preferably extends from the bottom wall  100  proximate to, but preferably at least slightly short of, an upper open rim of the side wall  102  of the basket  18 . When the basket  18  is properly positioned within the jar  16  (i.e., first operating configuration), and the jar  16  is properly mounted to the housing  12 , at least a portion of the column  68  of the jar  16  extends into an interior of the column  106  of the basket  18 . Further, at least a portion of the drive shaft  58  preferably extends through a portion of the bottom wall  100  of the basket  18  when the jar  16  is mounted at the housing  12  and the basket  18  is placed within the jar  16 . More preferably, at least an upper portion of the drive shaft  58  extends completely through the column  106  of the basket  18  when the jar  16  is mounted at the housing  12  and the basket  18  is placed within the jar  16 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 ,  6  and  7 , at least one or two spaced-apart handles  26  can extend outwardly from an exterior surface of the side wall  102  of the basket  18  proximate an upper end thereof. When the basket  18  is properly positioned within the jar  16 , at least a portion of each handle  26  extends through a cut-out  114  in the jar  16 . Each cut-out  114  extends at least slightly downwardly from the rim  70  of the jar  16 . The handles  26  of the basket  18  facilitate placing the basket  18  into the jar  16  and removing the basket  18  from the jar  16 . The handles  26  are shown in the figures to be generally “U” or “C” shaped. However, the handles  26  may generally be any shape that allows for the above-described functionality. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the bottom wall  100  of the basket  18  includes a plurality of spaced-apart holes  108  extending therethrough. The holes  108  preferably allow water and/or relatively small portions or particles of the foodstuff to flow from the food steaming cavity  104  of the basket  18  to the food processing cavity  66  and/or the bottom wall  62  of the jar  16 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-7 , the kitchen appliance  10  preferably includes at least one, and more preferably at least two, separate cutting mechanisms. Each cutting mechanism is preferably sized and shaped so as to be positioned entirely within the space surrounded by the lid  20  and the jar  16  when the lid  20  is properly mounted to the jar  16 . Each cutting mechanism is directly attachable to separate portions of the drive shaft  58 . It is preferred that, in the case of two separate cutting mechanisms, the cutting mechanism are not simultaneously operated or rotated within the jar  16 . However, if desired, the two separate cutting mechanisms may be placed on or attached to the drive shaft  58  at least for storage purposes. 
     More specifically, a first cutting mechanism  110  may be directly connected to and rotatable by at least a first portion of the drive shaft  58 , such as the upper end  58   a  thereof, in the first operating configuration. A separate second cutting mechanism  112  is preferably directly connected to and rotatable by at least a second portion of the drive shaft  58  in the second operating configuration when the basket  18  and the first cutting mechanism  110  are not positioned within the jar  16 . The second portion of the drive shaft  58 , which connects to or contacts at least a portion of the second cutting mechanism  112 , is preferably positioned between the upper end  58   a  and the lower end  58   b  of the drive shaft  58 . 
     The first cutting mechanism  110  is preferably positioned entirely above the column  68  of the jar  16  and the column  106  of the basket  18  in the first operating configuration. The second cutting mechanism  112  preferably surrounds at least a portion of the column  68  of the jar  16  in the second operating configuration. The second cutting mechanism  112  is preferably removed and/or separated from the jar  16  in the first operating configuration. In contrast, the first cutting mechanism  110  and the basket  18  are preferably removed or separated from the jar  16  in the second operating configuration. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the entire first cutting mechanism  110  is positioned above the rim  70  of the jar  16  in the first operating configuration, and the entire second cutting mechanism  112  is positioned below the rim  70  of the jar  16  in the second operating configuration. First cutting mechanism  110 , which is a disc shape, can also be below the rim and still be fully functional. In a preferred embodiment, the first cutting mechanism  110  is a generally flat or planar slicing blade, and the second cutting mechanism  112  is an “S”-blade. However, each cutting mechanism  110 ,  112  may have an alternative form or shape. 
     If a user intends to employ the kitchen appliance  10  in the first operating configuration to at least steam foodstuff within the kitchen appliance  10 , the user may insert or pour water or another liquid into the water cavity  44  of the housing  12 . The user preferably then places the jar  16  on top of the housing  12  and inserts the basket  18  into the jar  16 . The user may place foodstuff into the food steaming cavity  104  of the basket  18  prior to attaching the lid  20  to the rim  70  of the jar  16 . The kitchen appliance  10  may be operated in the first operating configuration with or without the first cutting mechanism  110 . For example, the user may attach the first cutting mechanism  110  to the upper end  58   a  of the drive shaft  58  after the basket  18  is placed in the jar  16 . 
     If a user intends to employ the kitchen appliance  10  in the second operating configuration to process or blend foodstuff within the kitchen appliance  10 , the user preferably places the jar  16  on top of the housing  12  and inserts the second cutting mechanism  112  into the jar  16  and onto the drive shaft  58 . The user may place foodstuff into the food processing cavity  66  of the jar  16  prior to attaching the lid  20  to the rim  70  of the jar  16 , or the user may insert foodstuff through the feed tube  22  and into the jar  16  after the lid  20  is attached to the rim  70  of the jar. 
     Once electrical power is supplied to the kitchen appliance  10 , a user may rotate or the control knob  54  and/or depress the steam button  56  to actuate the motor  32  or the heater  34 , respectively. Rotation of the control knob  54  preferably actuates the motor  32 , which through the planetary gear system  60  preferably rotates the drive shaft  58  to rotate the first or second cutting mechanisms  110 ,  112 . Rotation of the first cutting mechanism  110  preferably slices foodstuff inserted through the feed tube  22  or positioned within the food processing cavity  66  of the jar  16  or the food steaming cavity  104  of the basket  18 . Similarly, rotation of the second cutting mechanism  112  processes, chops and/or blends foodstuff within the food processing cavity  66  of the jar  16 . Once the foodstuff has been sufficiently processed, sliced and/or blended, the lid  20  may be removed from the rim  70  of the jar  16  and the jar  16  may be removed from the housing  12  and titled or angled such that the sliced or processed foodstuff can be poured out of the food processing cavity  66  through the pour spout  80 . 
     When the kitchen appliance  10  is in the first operating configuration, depression of the steam button  56  preferably actuates the heater  34 . When the heater  34  reaches a sufficiently high temperature, any water within the water cavity  44  preferably at least partially forms steam that rises through the steam exit port  38  and into the steam cavity  74  of the jar  16  through the first opening  76 . At least some of the steam preferably rises to the top of the steam cavity  74  of the jar  16  and through the second opening  82  of the pour spout  80 . At least some of the steam then preferably enters the food steaming cavity  104  of the basket  18  at least in part because an inner surface of the top lid wall  84  of the lid  20  directs steam downwardly into the basket  18 . Any steam that enters the steaming cavity  104  of the basket  18  preferably steams or saturates any foodstuff within the basket  18 . Any condensation or water droplets produced from the steam may exit the steaming cavity  104  of the basket  18  through any one of the plurality of holes  108  in the bottom wall  100  of the basket  18 . 
     If the first cutting mechanism  110  is attached to the drive shaft  58  in the first operating configuration, foodstuff may be inserted into and through the feed tube  22  and sliced by the rotating first cutting mechanism  110  as the foodstuff enters the jar  16 . The sliced foodstuff may then fall into the food steaming cavity  104  of the basket  18  during or before steam is produced and enters the food steaming cavity  104 . Employing the first cutting mechanism  110  prior to or during steaming allows the foodstuff to be more fully saturated to produce softer or mushier foodstuff to be fed to a baby or small child. It should also be noted that employing the first cutting mechanism removes the burden of processing any of the food prior to the steaming operation as the appliance is employed to reduce the food item to a processed form. Further, the processing achieved by employing the first cutting mechanism, places the food in a condition where it will be steamed more quickly. The surface area of the food is greatly increased during the processing achieved by the first cutting mechanism. 
     Once steaming and/or slicing of the foodstuff is complete, the lid  20  may be removed from the rim  70  of the jar  16  to access the foodstuff within the basket  18 . The basket  18  may be removed from the jar  16 , and the jar  16  may be removed from the housing  12  and titled or angled such that any water and/or foodstuff particles within the food processing cavity  66  can be poured out of the jar  16  through the pour spout  80 . 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.