AU2016202409A1 - A food processer - Google Patents

Abstract

A FOOD PROCESSER Abstract A food processor (1) including a receptacle (3) to receive food to be processed. The receptacle having a (4) base and a wall extending away from said base to a rim (6) forming an opening through which the food can be placed. The base, wall and rim forming a food processing chamber (10). A lid (12) is removably attachable in use to said receptacle and adapted in use to enclose said food within said chamber. An elongate shaft (15) is adapted in use to be placed in said chamber and extend between said base and lid. The shaft defining an axis (XX) about which the shaft rotates in use within said chamber. Mounting means (20) to mount said shaft to said base and said lid is included and at least two elongate processing means (25). Each processing means having an end fixed to said shaft and a free end extending away from said shaft. Motor means (13, 30) is integral with said lid and adapted to be manually operated by a user to rotate said shaft about the axis and thereby said processing means. Two way transmission means (40) is housed within said lid and adapted to translate a torque generated by the manually operated motor means into movement of said shaft in both a clockwise and anti clockwise direction about said axis, to provide processing of said food in two directions.

Description

1 2016202409 15 Apr 2016

A FOOD PROCESSOR

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to food processors and in particular to food processors which are operated manually.

Background of the Invention [0002] Food processors are used throughout the world to process food, food stuffs and other materials from a raw, harvested or cooked state into a generally smaller shredded processed state which makes it easier for a user to utilise in cooking or consuming. Each type of food processor typically includes a container to hold the food, some form of shaft which rotates a number of blades to process, shred or reduce in size the food, a lid to ensure the food does not spill out of the container during processing and motor means to drive the shaft. In most cases, the motor means includes some electronic control, battery power or mains power to rotate the shaft. These types of electrical processors are expensive, require additional certification for the electronics and electrical circuitry and need larger sized machines to accommodate the motors and batteries or power supplies. Further, electrical food processors are too fast and over chop the food which changes the food, makes it too fine and provides little control over food size. Accordingly, there was a need for a quick and easy manual means of processing foods.

[0003] In existing manual machines, significant work is required by a user to generate sufficient force to cut the food to be processed. For example, the use of a single blade has been found not to be sufficient to cut a large number of types of food within the container. Further, having blades that pivot or move relative to each other on the shaft has also been found to create stress weaknesses in the structure, provide clogging points for the food, and are less efficient in their cutting abilities. Further, one way drive transmissions have been found to not generate sufficient torque (force) to sufficiently cut food in the container and also have been found not to release the cut food which gets stuck to the blades and shaft, inhibiting the next rotation of the shaft and creating inconsistent food cutting size. 11217812 1 :hxa 2 2016202409 15 Apr 2016 [0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a more efficient manual food processor that is easier for the user to use whilst providing more torque (force), a better cut and that releases the food from the blade.

Object [0005] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary of Invention [0006] There is disclosed herein a food processor including: a receptacle to receive food to be processed; the receptacle having a base and a wall extending away from said base to a rim forming an opening through which the food can be placed; said base, wall and rim forming a food processing chamber; a lid removably attachable in use to said receptacle and adapted in use to enclose said food within said chamber; an elongate shaft adapted in use to be placed in said chamber and extend between said base and lid, said shaft defining an axis about which the shaft rotates in use within said chamber; mounting means to mount said shaft to said base and said lid; at least two elongate processing means, each processing means having an end fixed to said shaft and a free end extending away from said shaft; motor means integral with said lid and adapted to be manually operated by a user to rotate said shaft about the axis and thereby said processing means; and two way transmission means housed within said lid and adapted to translate a torque generated by the manually operated motor means into movement of said shaft in both a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction about said axis, to provide processing of said food in two directions.

[0007] Preferably, said motor means includes a handle to be pulled in use by a user and a cord connecting the handle to said two way transmission means.

[0008] Preferably, the receptacle is circular and includes one or more stiffening members extending upwardly from the base towards the rim. 11217812 1 :hxa 3 2016202409 15 Apr 2016 [0009] Preferably, the handle is integrally formed into a side of the lid.

[0010] Preferably, the handle is semi-circular.

[0011] Preferably, the lid includes a step, the step being receivable by the rim and side walls of the receptacle to seal the lid to the receptacle.

[0012] Preferably, the base includes a protrusion upon which an end of the shaft can be located to lock said shaft in said location about said protrusion.

[0013] Preferably, said protrusion includes a locking means.

[0014] Preferably, said lid includes an extension adapted in use to engage said shaft to lock said shaft in a position within said chamber.

[0015] Preferably, said extension is operatively associated with said transmission means.

[0016] Preferably, said transmission means includes a transmission member having at least two transmission surfaces adapted to rotate in different directions.

[0017] Preferably, the transmission member is elongate defining an axis and includes a flange radiating outwardly from said axis, said flange having an end remote including a series of teeth to be engaged in use by corresponding teeth on a pivot member.

[0018] Preferably, the transmission member at an end includes teeth extending along said axis and adapted in use to engage corresponding teeth connected to said cord.

Brief Description of Drawings [0019] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0020] Figure 1 shows a parts unassembled view of the container and lid of an embodiment of the present invention; 11217812 1 :hxa 4 2016202409 15 Apr 2016 [0021] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 assembled; [0022] Figures 3a and 3b show side views of Figure 2 with the shaft and blades installed; [0023] Figure 4 shows a top view of the embodiment of Figure 2; [0024] Figure 5 shows a further side view of the embodiments of Figure 2; [0025] Figure 6 shows a bottom view; [0026] Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the lid of an embodiment of the present invention; [0027] Figure 8 shows a top view of the lid of Figure 7; [0028] Figures 9a to 9c show side views of the lid of Figure 7; [0029] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the two way drive transmission of an embodiment of the present invention; [0030] Figures 11a, 1 lb and 11c show a first ring member of the drive transmission of Figure 10; [0031] Figures 12a to 12d show the transmission member of the transmission means of Figure 10; [0032] Figures 13a to 13e show the pivot member of the transmission means of Figure 10; [0033] Figures 14a and 14b show a second ring member of the transmission means of Figure 10; [0034] Figure 15 shows a side view unassembled of Figures 11a to 11c; 12a to 12d; 13a to 13e; and 14a and 14b; [0035] Figure 16 shows the members of Figure 15 in a top view; 11217812 1 :hxa 5 2016202409 15 Apr 2016 [0036] Figure 17 is a photographic representation of a sample of an embodiment of the present invention; [0037] Figure 18 is a further parts exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention; [0038] Figure 19 is a further parts exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention; [0039] Figure 20 is a further parts exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention; [0040] Figure 21 is a cut-away side view of an embodiment of the present invention; and [0041] Figure 22 is a further parts unassembled view of an embodiment of the present invention. Description of Embodiments [0042] There is disclosed herein a food processor 1 having a receptacle 3 to receive food (not shown) to be processed by the processor 1. The receptacle 3 having a base 4 and a wall 5 extending away from the base 4 to a rim 6 as best seen in Figure 1. The rim 6 forms an opening 7 through which food can be placed. The base 4, wall 5 and rim 6 forming a food processing chamber 10. The wall 5 can be of any shape or size and can be opaque or transparent. A lid 12 is removably attachable in use to the receptacle 3 and adapted in use to enclose the food within the chamber 10. The receptacle 3 and lid 12 can be connectable together in various forms such as by threads, snap locking engagement, sealingly engage or the like. An elongate shaft 15 as best seen in Figures 3a, 3b is adapted in use when located to be placed in the chamber 10 and extend between the base 4 and the lid 12. The shaft 15 defines an axis XX about which the shaft 15 rotates in use when located within the chamber 10 as best seen in Figures 3a, 3b. Mounting means 20 is adapted to mount the shaft 15 to the base 4 and lid 12. In a preferred form, the shaft 15 is secured at both ends in use. At least two elongate processing means 25 have an end fixed to the shaft 15 and a free end extending away from the shaft 15 within the chamber 10 as best seen in Figures 3a, 3b. The means 25 are of a length that they can rotate within the chamber 10 without contacting the wall 5. Motor means 13 is integral within the lid 12 and is adapted to be manually operated by a user to rotate the shaft 15 about the axis XX and thereby the processing means 25 within the chamber 10. A two way transmission means 40 (as best seen in Figures 10 and 18 to 22) is operatively associated with the lid 12 and adapted to translate a torque generated 11217812 1:hxa 6 2016202409 15 Apr 2016 by the manually operated motor means 13, 30 best seen in Figure 19 into movement of the shaft 15 in both a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction about the axis XX to provide processing of food manually in two directions.

[0043] In a preferred form, the motor means 30 includes a handle 13 to be pulled, in use, by a user and a cord 41 connecting the handle 13 to the two way transmission means 40 by way of a spindle 42. The spindle 42 pulls the cord 41 back into the lid 12 after being pulled by the user.

[0044] Referring back to Figures 1 to 8, the overall shape of the food processor 1 is shown and in particular the receptacle 3 and lid 12. As can be noted in this embodiment, the receptacle 3 includes a number of strengthening ribs 50 extending along the wall 5. The lid 12 can include the handle 13 integrally within the design and include a space 18 for fingers to access the handle 13. The later figures then show the shaft 15 and two processing means 25 located within the chamber 10 in various configurations. As seen in Figures 3a, 3b, the base 4 can include steps 19 or the like to aid stability when the processor 1 is placed on a surface. The base 4 can also include suction means (not shown), an anti-slip material (not shown) or the like.

[0045] Figures 9a to 9c show the lid 12 with the mounting means 20 extending from the bottom surface 21 of the lid 12. The mounting means 20 connects to the top end of the shaft 15 and is connected to the transmission means 40 at the other end. The mounting means 20 can include a shaped recess (not shown) that corresponds with a shaped protrusion on the shaft 15 or vice versa such as male/female connections.

[0046] The transmission means 40 is best shown in the remaining figures and in particular includes an arrangement of members, for example, first ring member 70 (Figures 1 la to 1 lc) a transmission member 60 (Figures 12a to 12d), a pivot member 80 (Figures 13a to 13e) and a second ring member 90 (Figures 14a, 14b).

[0047] The transmission member 60 as best seen in Figures 12a-12d includes an elongated shaft 61 defining an axis YY. The shaft 61 having a connecting means 62 at one end in this case in the form of a hexagonal recess. A circular channel 63 is located along the shaft 61 and a flange 64 extends away from the axis YY and includes teeth 91 at an end remote said axis. The teeth 91 radiating away from the axis YY. Adjacent the flange 64 is a transmission plate 65. The transmission plate 65 having teeth 92 radiating along the axis YY. The teeth 91, 92 being 11217812 1 :hxa 7 2016202409 15 Apr 2016 operatively associated with like teeth in use to provide two way gearing to the transmission means 40.

[0048] In use, the members above are connected together as shown in Figures 10, 15 and 16 in a preferred embodiment. As best seen in Figure 16, first ring member 70 has mounting parts 100 to mount the member 70 to the lid 12 by way of typical fastening means 101. For example, the parts 101 can include a housing 104 having a hole 105 therethrough to receive a fastening means 101. The first ring member 70 further includes a recessed step 101 to receive parts of the transmission means 40. The second ring member 90 is located within the first ring member 70 and can also include a step 107 to receive parts of the transmission means 40. The transmission member 60 is then located within the second ring member 90. The pivot member 80 is attached to the lid 12 as best seen in Figure 17 by typical fastening means 102 and moves about a hinge point defining an axis ZZ. The pivot member 80 has a planar fan shape radiating away from the axis ZZ and at a remote end teeth 93. A spring 75 returns the pivot member 80 to an original position as it rotates about its pivot axis ZZ.

[0049] Figure 22 shows a further parts unassembled view of an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, pivot member 80 is operatively connected with transmission member 60. Transmission member 60 is operatively connected with mounting means 20 which connects to lid 12 and also shaft 15. The first ring member 70 includes a transition piece 200 which connects with the transmission plate 65. The spindle 42 connecting with the first ring member 70.

[0050] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. 11217812 1:hxa

Claims (13)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A food processor including: a receptacle to receive food to be processed; the receptacle having a base and a wall extending away from said base to a rim forming an opening through which the food can be placed; said base, wall and rim forming a food processing chamber; a lid removably attachable in use to said receptacle and adapted in use to enclose said food within said chamber; an elongate shaft adapted in use to be placed in said chamber and extend between said base and lid, said shaft defining an axis about which the shaft rotates in use within said chamber; mounting means to mount said shaft to said base and said lid; at least two elongate processing means, each processing means having an end fixed to said shaft and a free end extending away from said shaft; motor means integral with said lid and adapted to be manually operated by a user to rotate said shaft about the axis and thereby said processing means; and two way transmission means housed within said lid and adapted to translate a torque generated by the manually operated motor means into movement of said shaft in both a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction about said axis, to provide processing of said food in two directions.
2. 2. The food processor of claim 1, wherein said motor means includes a handle to be pulled in use by a user and a cord connecting the handle to said two way transmission means.
3. 3. The food processor of claim 1 or 2, wherein the receptacle is circular and includes one or more stiffening members extending upwardly from the base towards the rim.
4. 4. The food processor of claim 2, wherein the handle is integrally formed into a side of the lid.
5. 5. The food processor of claim 2, wherein the handle is semi-circular.
6. 6. The food processor of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a step, the step being receivable by the rim and side walls of the receptacle to seal the lid to the receptacle.
7. 7. The food processor of claim 1, wherein the base includes a protrusion upon which an end of the shaft can be located to lock said shaft in said location about said protrusion.
8. 8. The food processor of claim 7, wherein said protrusion includes a locking means.
9. 9. The food processor of claim 7, wherein said lid includes an extension adapted in use to engage said shaft to lock said shaft in a position within said chamber.
10. 10. The food processor of claim 9, wherein said extension is operatively associated with said transmission means.
11. 11. The food processor of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said transmission means includes a transmission member having at least two transmission surfaces adapted to rotate in different directions.
12. 12. The food processor of claim 11, wherein the transmission member is elongate defining an axis and includes a flange radiating outwardly from said axis, said flange having an end remote including a series of teeth to be engaged in use by corresponding teeth on a pivot member.
13. 13. The food processor of claim 11, wherein the transmission member at an end includes teeth extending along said axis and adapted in use to engage corresponding teeth connected to said cord.