GB2286764A - Sandwich cutter - Google Patents

Abstract

The hygienic utensil for cutting sandwiches, has a flat base (2), which rests upon the sandwich (6) in order that the bread is not subjected to bacterial contact with the human hand. It has a raised handle (3), which incorporates a channel (4) for inserting a knife (5), or other sharp implement and is used to guide the knife as it cuts, in order to produce a clean and symmetrically cut sandwich. Also the knife is shielded to reduce the risk of injury. <IMAGE>

Description

A Catering Aid This invention relates to a Utensil for hygienically and safely cutting Sandwiches.

Sandwiches are a well known source of food, comprising two layers of bread with various fillings in between. The bread and the fillings come in many different forms.

All food will contain some bacteria, but cooking normally kills them off. You don't usually cook a sandwich, so it is important that the number of bacteria it contains is kept to a minimum.

There are many shops and catering establishments throughout the country where one can buy sandwiches either ready made or to order. When someone makes a sandwich either at home or on a commercial basis the person making it has to handle the bread. However careful they are not to touch the bread, when they come to cut the sandwich unless they are wearing gloves, which can make the hands perspire, they invariably handle the surface with their bare hands, this is very un-hygienic as bacteria is left on the surface of the bread. The cutting process is also potentially hazardous if it is carried out free hand without a guard.

According to the present invention there is provided a utensil for hygienically and safely cutting sandwiches, comprising a square flat base, used to support the bread, with a raised handle running diagonally through its centre, for hygienically holding the device whilst in use. Inside the handle there is a channel to accommodate the knife in order to produce a clean and symmetrically cut sandwich.

The utensil has no welds or joints, crevice free for easy cleaning.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective the utensil held over the sandwich.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the utensil indicating the position of the handle.

Figure 3 illustrates the form of the handle which accommodates the knife.

Figure 4 shows the utensil placed on the sandwich whilst being cut.

Referring to the drawing the Sandwich cutter comprises a flat base 2 with a formed handle 3 across the centre, which accommodates a knife 5 through the central channel 4.

In order to use, the utensil is gripped in either left or right hand as shown in Fig 1 using the handle 3. The knife 5 is then placed into the channel 4.The utensil ( still with the knife located in the channel ) is placed directly on top of the sandwich as shown in Fig 4. Light pressure is then applied downwards using the hand 1 which secures the Sandwich 6. Whilst maintaining even pressure over the complete surface, the knife 5 is withdrawn whilst applying a downwards force upon it as it cuts through the Sandwich as illustrated in Fig 4. The device is then lifted from the Sandwich to reveal a clean and symmetrically cut sandwich as shown in Fig 1.

The utensil has no welds or joints, and is crevice free for easy cleaning.

Claims (7)

1. A hygienic Sandwich cutting utensil, comprising a single piece of stainless steel plate formed to create a hollow handle that accommodates a knife, the underside of the major surface is used to hygienically hold a sandwich across the total area of the bread whilst cutting, so as to avoid direct hand contact with the sandwich surface, also to help create a clean cut without the bread tearing or the knife slipping and causing injury.

2. A hygienic Sandwich cutting utensil as claimed in Claim 1 made from any other food safe material, such as plastics, ceramics and glass.

3. A hygienic Sandwich cutting utensil as claimed in Claim lor Claim 2 of a different shape, ie, circular, diamond shaped etc, but still retaining the grip/cutting channel and flat base which rests upon the Sandwich.

4. A hygienic Sandwich cutting utensil as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the device is provided with at least one side, with which to retain the filling within the sandwich.

5. A hygienic Sandwich cutting utensil as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the device is made from at least one piece of material.

6. A hygienic Sandwich cutting utensil as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body is provided with at least one channel for guiding the knife through the sandwich.

7. A hygienic Sandwich cutting utensil substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-4 of the accompanying drawings.