EP3681681A1

EP3681681A1 - Device for preparing sandwiches

Info

Publication number: EP3681681A1
Application number: EP18762881.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alexis BAIN
Original assignee: Nalex
Current assignee: Nalex
Priority date: 2017-09-11
Filing date: 2018-09-11
Publication date: 2020-07-22
Also published as: WO2019048687A1; FR3070893A1; FR3070893B1

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for preparing a sandwich, comprising - a) a movable element (1) comprising a support (8) constituted by two symmetrical parts (4) and (4') that are curved at the distal portion and positioned on a plate (5); a means (9) suitable for allowing the two symmetrical parts (4) and (4') to be attached to the plate (5) and to each move apart by 90 degrees to hold the bread; a means (7) suitable for gripping the plate (5) at the two ends of same; a rail for allowing the plate (5) and the support (8) to move in axial translation; - b) a fixed element (2) comprising two tube-shaped fins (3) meeting to hold a means (12) for cutting the bread; two panels (10) parallel to the plate (5) comprising a means (13) for attaching the two fins (3) to the two panels (10); a large panel (14) comprising a means (15) for attaching same to the two panels (10). The invention also concerns the use of said device for preparing sandwiches.

Description

DEVICE FOR PREPARING SANDWICHES

The invention relates to a device and its use for the preparation of sandwiches with various food compositions.

The preparation of sandwiches is usually done manually by slicing bread, holding the bread with one hand and the knife with the other, and then placing different ingredients such as ham, cheese and salad. However, the manual technique has the following main disadvantages:

- safety measures for cutting bread require wearing a chainmail glove, to maintain the bread, which is provided in one size. This glove, very large and heavy, is very often removed by the sandwich maker. As a result, the preparation of sandwiches can cause cuts in the hands of the preparer,

the packing of the rod often requires holding the rod with one hand and packing with the other hand, which increases the packing time.

Various devices are known for bag filling and, in particular, document FR2955016, which discloses a method and device for the preparation of sandwiches with various food compositions. The method is characterized in that it comprises: a) using a tube previously filled with a food composition selected from different types of possible preparations; b) inserting the tube, containing the selected food composition, in an axial cavity previously arranged in the bread constituting the sandwich; c) removing said tube from said cavity and transferring thereto, through the distal end of said tube, the food composition) while maintaining motionless, in axial translation, said bread. This device does not allow the cutting of bread.

Another document FR2891721 for the packing of baguette discloses a device for instant preparation of hot or cold sandwiches after separate management of the filling and the bakery product. The device is composed of two elements equipped with compatible anchoring systems to be associated with each other, a tool or "tractor" for pulling the package containing the ingredients inside the pre-honeycombed bread or not. During the reverse movement, the tool gradually opens the package inside the bread, to then allow the removal of ingredients. The tool is equipped with a handle or a support. It can be fixed on a work surface or equip a device or a machine intended to partially or completely reproduce the actions of the operator. This device does not allow the cutting of bread.

Finally, there is known a device for cutting the sticks before cooking (FR2607051) and a device for cutting the sliced bread (FR2645064), but these devices do not allow the filling of the bread for the preparation of the sandwich.

It therefore seemed important to develop a device that allows both to cut the bread and to fill the bread.

Thus, the inventors have developed a device for preparing a sandwich, more particularly to cut and maintain open bread for a secure and fast packing.

A first object according to the invention relates to a device for preparing a sandwich, said device comprising a movable element and a fixed element, said movable element holding the bread is displaced in axial translation in the fixed element thus making it possible to cut the bread and its maintenance for packing by the preparer with different ingredients.

A second object according to the invention relates to the use of said device for the preparation of sandwich.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to safety to its user and is suitable for preparing sandwich from bread of different types.

The use of the device according to the invention allows rapid preparation of sandwiches in particular because the preparer can use both hands to perform the filling of the bread.

The features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of at least one preferred embodiment thereof given by way of non-limiting example and shown in the accompanying drawings.

On these drawings:

- Figure 1 is a side view of the device in its entirety according to one embodiment of the invention, having the movable element 1 recessed from the fixed element 2.

In this position, the user can move parts 4 and 4 'away from the support and position the bread in abutment with the curved ends.

- Figure 2 is a rear view of this device, having the movable element 1 in the middle of the fixed element 2.

In this position, the bread positioned in the support 8 is sliced by the means 12 when the preparer pushes the movable element 1 inside the fixed element 2.

- Figure 3 is a bottom view of this device, the movable element 1 in the middle of the element 2 fixed.

In this position, the lower part of the rail 6 is visible. The storage of the device is optimized in this position.

- Figure 4 is a top view of said truncated device at the rear, having the movable element 1 in front of the fixed element 2.

In this position, the parts 4 and 4 'are kept open by the two fins 3 in the form of a tube. Thus, the bread cut upstream by the means 12, is also maintained by the two wings in the open position, leaving both free preparer's hands for packing.

- Figure 5 is a perspective view of the device according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the movable member is disposed in a first position of withdrawal relative to the fixed element.

- Figure 6 is another perspective view of this device, wherein the movable member is disposed in a second position of withdrawal relative to the fixed member.

- Figure 7 is a perspective view of said device, wherein the cover is shown open.

- Figure 8 is a perspective view of the movable part of the device according to the invention.

In the present invention, the following terms mean:

- "bread" means baked or half-cooked bakery products having a round to elongated shape, eg panini, Viennese bread, baguette. When it comes to a baguette, it can be between 12 and 32 cm long. The only constraints of bread size being that the diameter of the bread, or its height and width when its cut is not round, must allow to pass through the preparer in the element 2 fixed to be cut by the average 12.

- "preparer" the person using the device according to the invention and preparing or manufacturing sandwiches.

As shown in the figures of the drawings, the invention relates to a device for preparing a sandwich and comprising:

a) a mobile element 1 comprising:

a support 8 consisting of two symmetrical parts 4 and 4 'curved at the distal portion, positioned on a board 5;

a means 9 adapted to allow the two symmetrical parts 4 and 4 'to be fixed on the board 5 and to deviate up to 90 degrees each to hold the bread; a means 7 adapted to grip the board 5 at its two ends;

a rail 6 to allow axial translation of the board 5 and the support 8;

b) a fixed element 2 comprising:

- two fins 3 in the form of tube joining for the maintenance of a removable means 12 for cutting the bread;

two boards 10 parallel to the board 5 comprising a means 13 for fixing the two fins 3 on the two boards 10;

a large board 14 comprising a means 15 for fixing it to the two boards 10.

This device is useful for cutting and holding open bread to perform preparation of a sandwich with two hands. It prevents accidental cutting, fast preparation of sandwiches, easy cleaning and optimum storage.

In the context of the invention, it is understood that a rail is a profiled element which serves to guide the translational movement of a part. The profiled element is adapted to interact with said part via sliding means or a sliding profile. According to the invention, the profiled element intended to allow the guidance of a part may be formed of a notch defined, for example, by the boards 14 and 10.

In one embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the rail 6 comprises two sliding parts one on the other, the upper part 6-1 which is fixed on the underside of the board 5 of the movable member 1, and the lower part 6-2 fixed on the top of the board 14. In this way, the movable member 1 can slide inside the fixed member 2.

In another embodiment shown in particular in FIGS. 5 to 8, the rail comprises slides 6-3 extending on the lateral sides of the board 5. For example, the rails 6-3 extend over the entire length of the rails. sides 5. Preferably, they extend over at least a portion of the length of each lateral side of the board 5. The rails 6-3, that they extend over the entire length or a part of the length of the lateral sides of the board 5, interact with at least one longitudinal slider 6-4 disposed at each inner lateral side of the boards 10. Preferably, if the slider 6-3 extends over the entire length of each lateral side of the board the board 5 then the longitudinal slider 6-4 extends along the entire length of each inner lateral side of the boards 10. More preferably, if the slider 6-3 extends over at least a part of the length of each lateral side of the board 5 then the longitudinal slider 6-4 extends over at least a part of the length of each inner side of the boards 10.

The support 8, consisting of two symmetrical parts 4 and 4 'curved at the distal portion, may advantageously comprise, on its surface, small pins to maintain even better bread. The two symmetrical parts 4 and 4 'in the vertical position can, thanks to the means 9, deviate up to 90 ° to allow the maintenance of the bread.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 8, the means 9 'adapted to allow the two symmetrical parts 4 and 4' to be fixed on the board 5 and to deviate by 90 degrees each to maintain the bread comprises by two symmetrical fixed spring hinges, on the one hand, to the two parts 4 and 4 'and, on the other hand, to the board 5 of the movable element (2).

In another embodiment, the means 9 adapted to allow the two symmetrical parts 4 and 4 'to be fixed on the board 5 and to deviate by 90 degrees each to maintain the bread is for example constituted by two hinges to spring attached to each other.

The fins 3 are symmetrical and their dimensions are suitable for: - let the bread pass,

- allow the maintenance of the removable means 12 and

- Keep the symmetrical parts 4 and 4 'of the support 8 open, now by the same open cut bread for the preparation of the sandwich.

In one embodiment, the two tube-shaped fins 3 meet and are fastened together by at least two rivets 12 '(Figure 2).

In another embodiment, the two fins 3 fixed together and forming a tube, are fixed to each of the boards 10 by at least one pivoting screw 18. As shown in FIG. 7, the two fins 3 in the form of a tube are then mobile about an axis of rotation. More particularly, the pivot screws allow the opening of the device to be cleaned after use.

The dimensions of the fins are calculated so as to adapt to the type of bread that should be prepared, taking into account the constraints indicated above.

The means 15 may be any means adapted to fix the board 14 on the two boards 10, for example glue, nails, screws.

The device can be cleaned with a brush or a large food brush to eliminate the crumbs of bread fallen in particular on the board 5.

In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention furthermore has at the center of the board 14 an opening 17 illustrated in FIG. 3. This opening makes it possible to eliminate the crumbs on the work plan and this as soon as possible. cut bread.

In a more preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention is provided with a space 16 between the two boards 10 and the board 14. In this embodiment, the means 15 is constituted for example by at least four calluses. spacing allowing on the one hand to fix the board 14 on the two boards 10 and on the other hand to create a space between the board 14 and the two boards 10. This space makes it possible to perform the cleaning of the device by simply shaking the device positioned on its side so that the crumbs fall by gravity.

The bread positioned in the support 8 is cut by the means 12 when the user pushes in axial translation the movable member 1 inside the fixed element 2. The removable means 12 may be of any type, such as for example a bread blade, a ceramic blade or a circular blade with an electric motor positioned on it. The removable means 12 can be cleaned after use.

The means 12 is removable by the presence of notches made on itself. It is held in the device by sliding at least two notches at the two rivets 12 'which allow the attachment of the two fins 3 together. Notches forming a stall 90 °, forming an "L", are preferably added in order to obtain a secure hold of the means 12. Preferably, a pull is also positioned on top of the removable means 12 for placing and removing said means 12, thus avoiding injuries to the preparer at the time of handling said means.

In another very preferential embodiment according to the invention, the removable means 12 for cutting the bread is a bread blade about 19.5 cm long and 2.5 cm high comprising at least two shaped notches. of the ".

The removable means 12 for cutting the bread is held on the curved portion of the fins 3 by the rivets 12 'and is positioned at approximately 30 ° with respect to the axis of the board 5. In a preferred embodiment, a space at The level of the board 5 and the means 12 is provided to avoid cutting the bread in its entirety and thus create a hinge for the sandwich. The cutting angle of the means 12 will preferably be between 15 ° and 45 ° relative to the axis of the board.

The means 13 for fixing the two fins 3 on the two boards 10 and the means 15 for fixing the large board 14 on the two boards 10 may be a nail, a screw, a nut, preferably stainless steel.

The means 7 adapted to grip the board 5 at both ends may be of various shape, such as a hole, a button, a ring.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the means 7 consists of two notches in the board 5 to position one or two fingers of the user.

The device according to the invention allows the preparation of sandwich of various size and length with the only constraint that the diameter of the bread must not exceed the height or the width of the fins in the form of a tube and at the highest level of the medium 12 .

In a very preferred embodiment according to the invention, and for baguette type bread cutting, in particular for a rod of 22 cm in length, 7 cm in width and 5 cm in height, the dimensions of the various parts of the device are about:

- for the support 8, 15 cm for the length, 6.5 cm for the height and 2.5 cm for the width between the two symmetrical parts 4 and 4 'in the closed position;

for each of the two wings 3: 45 cm for the length, 12 cm for the height at the highest level of the means 12 for cutting the bread, 1.6 cm for the height at the lowest level of the means 12 for cutting the bread , 17 cm distance between the curved parts, 3.5 cm for the height of the lowest end, 3 cm for the width of the lowest end about 12 cm in length and 11.5 cm for the width of the highest end;

- for the big board 14: 45 cm long and 19 cm wide,

- for the board 5: 45 cm long and 5.5 cm wide. The means 12 for cutting the bread will be 19.5 cm in length and 2.5 cm in height for a bread knife.

Of course the dimensions may vary depending on the type of bread used. In the embodiment specified above, the bread used to prepare the sandwich is a rod of 25 cm in length, 7 cm in width and 5 cm in height.

The device according to the invention will be manufactured in one or more materials compatible with food. One material may constitute the support 8 and the fins 3 and another material the board 5 and the boards 10 and 14. As an example of material may be cited stainless steel or food plastic.

A second object according to the invention is the use of the device according to the invention for the preparation of a sandwich with varied food compositions consisting of:

a) positioning uncut bread on a mobile element 1 in the open position,

b) sliding the movable member 1 in axial translation in a fixed element 2 comprising a means 12 for cutting bread,

c) to obtain the cut bread and kept open at the level of the fins 3,

d) to garnish the bread, and finally

e) sliding the movable element 1 beyond the fins 3 towards the outlet of the fixed element 2 to recover it and close it, thus obtaining the sandwich.

It is of course possible to position the device in an automatic sandwich preparation system. Those skilled in the art will be able to adapt said device as required, in a single automatic system or in an automatic chain system.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the use of the device will be performed with an appropriate automated system. Comparative example of the preparation time between conventional manual use and the use of the device according to the invention

Three types of sandwiches were made from a loaf:

- The Speck sandwich includes mustard sauce, salad, tomato, brie and speck. The bread is a baguette

22 cm long, 7 cm wide and 5 cm high.

The Calabrais sandwich includes pesto sauce, salad, tomato, chicken and Parmesan cheese. The bread is a rod 22 cm long, 7 cm wide and 5 cm high.

- The Coleslaw sandwich includes coleslaw, salad, chicken, raisins and curry. The bread is a rod 22 cm long, 7 cm wide and 5 cm high.

The "classic" use consists in using a bread knife and the "invention" use consists of using the device according to the invention.

percent

Time Time Mode Manufacturing Time Manufacturing Manufacturing Gain and Numbers Minutes Second Time

Inventio n /

Classi Classical Inventi Classiq Classical Inventio

Sandwi

ch 5min 4min

Speck 4 4 7sec 4sec 307 244 + 21%

Sandwi

ch

Calabr 4min 58 3min

ais 4 4 sec 59sec 298 239 + 20% Sandwi

ch

Colesl 2min 4 lmin

aw 2 2 sec 30sec 124 90 + 27%

As appears from the results presented above, the use of the device according to the invention makes it possible to save at least 20% of time on the preparation of different types of sandwich compared with conventional use.

In addition to saving considerable time, the use of the device according to the invention avoids any injury to the preparer.

Claims

1. Device for preparing a sandwich, characterized in that it comprises:

a) a mobile element (1) comprising:

- a support (8) consisting of two symmetrical parts (4) and (4 ') curved at the distal portion and positioned on a board (5);

- means (9) adapted to allow the two symmetrical parts (4) and (4 ') to be fixed on the board (5) and to deviate up to 90 degrees each to hold the bread;

- means (7) adapted to grip the board (5) at both ends;

- A rail (6) to allow axial translation of the board (5) and the support (8);

b) a fixed element (2) comprising:

- two fins (3) in the form of tube joining for the maintenance of a means (12) removable to cut the bread;

two boards (10) parallel to the board (5) comprising means (13) for fixing the two fins (3) on the two boards (10);

- A large board (14) comprising means (15) for attachment to the two boards (10).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second board (14) further comprises a rail (6).

3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the rail (6) comprises two sliding parts one on the other, the upper part (6-1) which is fixed on the underside of the board (5) of the element (1) movable, and the lower part (6-2) fixed on the top of the board (14).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rail (6) comprises a longitudinal slide (6-3) extending on each lateral side of the board (5).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the boards (10) comprise on each lateral side a longitudinal slider (6-4) adapted to interact with the slide (6-3) extending on each lateral side of the board (5).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the board (14) further has in its center an opening (17).

7. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that a space (16) is provided between the two boards (10) and the board (14) by the addition of means (15) consisting for example by at least four calles.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (12) removable for cutting the bread is a breadboard about 19.5 cm in length and 2.5 cm in height comprising at least minus two "L" shaped notches.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the means (7) consists of two notches in the board (5) for positioning one or two fingers of the user.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dimensions of the various parts of the device are approximately: - for the support (8), 15 cm for the length, 6.5 cm for the height and 2.5 cm for the width at the base of the two symmetrical parts (4) and (4 ');

- for each of the two wings (3): 45 cm for the length, 12 cm for the height at the highest level of the medium

(12) for cutting the bread, 1.6 cm for the height at the lowest level of the means (12) for cutting the bread, 17 cm distance between the curved parts, 3.5 cm for the height of the end the lowest, 3 cm for the width of the lowest end about 12 cm in length and 11.5 cm for the width of the highest end;

- for the large board (14): 45 cm long and 19 cm wide,

- for the board (5): 45 cm long and 5.5 cm wide.

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the element (1) movable and the element (2) fixed is made of a material compatible with food, for example stainless steel or plastic food.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two fins (3) in the form of tube are movable about an axis of rotation.

13. Use of the device according to claim 1 for the preparation of a sandwich with varied food compositions consisting of:

a) positioning uncut bread on a movable element (1) in the open position,

b) sliding the member (1) movable in axial translation in a fixed element (2) comprising means (12) for cutting bread,

c) to obtain the cut bread and kept open at the level of the fins (3), d) to garnish the bread, and finally

e) sliding the movable element (1) beyond the fins (3) towards the outlet of the fixed element (2) to recover it and close it, thus obtaining the sandwich.

14. Use according to claim 13 characterized in that the preparation of sandwiches is performed with a suitable automated system.