GB2331916A - Nut cracker - Google Patents

Abstract

A nut cracker comprises epicyclic gearing for transmitting an amplified force from pivotally-interconnected hand levers 1, 2 to a nut-contacting pivotally-mounted tongue 3 and nut-breaking blade 4. Tongue 3 has teeth which can mesh with teeth on a carrier 7' of planet gears 6 so as to lock the carrier. Hand lever 2 is connected to sun gear 5' and the ring gear 9 is connected to the breaking blade 4.

Description

2331916 1 DEVICE, PROVIDED WITH EPICYCLICAL GEARING, FOR PROGRESSIVELY

BREAKING THE WOODY EPICARP, PARTICULARLY OF THE DRUPE TYPE FRUITS.

The present invention relates to a device, provided with epicyclical gearing, for progressively breaking the woody epicarp (shell), particularly of the drupe type fruits. The invention finds particular even if not exclusive application in the field of kitchen utensils and anyway in that category of domestic tools, of everyday use, not excluding table furnishings.

A known nut in the form of a tasty fruit, especially in winter times and in the European Countries, is mainly eaten when seasoned, or anyway when it has been subjected to drying processes, such to be classified among the dry fruits. Also hazelnuts and peanuts, almonds, as well as dates (not from palm tree) and also the macadamia nut mainly belong to this category. A characteristic common to the said fruits is that they are sold on the market in the particular condition, where, once the epicarp is eliminated, the hull, in the case of the nut, a strong woody epicarp (shell) remains which contains an edible pseudo-pulpy mesocarp, substantially dry, in this case, the kernel.

The particular shape and fibrous structure of the shell, gives the nut a substantial mechanical resistance, such to force the customer, who wants to reach the kernel, to use a suitable tool, well known as the nutcracker. Sometimes, for some categories of fruits, such as almonds, the epicarp, due to particular fibres, has such an exceptional mechanical strength that the traditional nut-cracker becomes useless. This forces the customer to resort to techniques which are empirical and sometimes even dangerous because of the inappropriateness and inexperience in using Q 2 tools not intended for a domestic use, as is the case of vices and hammers.

Widely spread and used on the tables all over the world and practically always known, in different shapes, the nut-cracker belongs to that group of kitchen utensils which have substantially maintained their structure unchanged. At the most there have been some variations, limited to the design. Alternatively some plastic materials have been used, in place of the most common metallic ones. Neither the use of noble raw materials is excluded, whose utilization, as already seen, can be found in the field of furnishing.

A traditional type of nut-cracker, is essentially made up of two levers, specular, obtaining a sort of jaw, pivoted beyond the barycenter at a common end. Each lever, provides such a shape to be subdivided into two parts, respectively, a first one close to the pivot, intended for clamping part of the fruit, and a second one which is part of the handle. Even more in detail, each lever may have in the fruit clamping area, a slightly arched shape, so that along the upper edge defining the second part a comfortable, often knurled and rather wide gripping surface, is offered. This, may generally be obtained also by adding some wrapping anti-skid plastics', material. Along the internal side, with respect to the two levers thus coupled, and in proximity of the pivot, each lever has an hemispheric shape, again one similar to the other, sometimes with a certain thickening, so that, when approaching each other, they may define the outline of a small size nut. Some variations may provide the presence of a second hemisphere, obtained adjacent to the first one, generally of a smaller size, for allowing the breaking of the dry fruit shell having a smaller size than the previous ones. Finally, a rather raised toothing, c, 3 may be obtained along the edge of the both the clamping hemispheres, for obtaining a better clamping capacity, and thus improved shell breaking.

In this case the user shall:

a) at first, open the two levers, carrying out the operation by using two hands; b) insert the nut in the suitable seat, while the nut-cracker is kept open with the other hand; and c) then urge the two levers together to hold the fruit steadily.

At this point by progressively increasing the force, the shell or epicarp can be broken, up to the extent to which the two opposite hemispheres can approach each other.

Drawbacks of this solution are known. In first place, having to press the nut strongly, often makes the intensity of the force exerted difficult to control with the result that the shell may break suddenly, and rapid movement of the levers towards each other may occur.

This condition, in the best hypothesis, causes also a cracking of the kernel, which, being dry, tends to break in small pieces of pulp mixed with the shell fragments. At the end, the customer can do nothing else than select the edible parts one by one, throwing all the rest away, which represents a considerable waste and is aggravating and time consuming.

rli\ 4 Presently available domestic tools, do not allow the kernel to be preserved unbroken, for example, as when it is necessary to garnish a cake. This is a disadvantage when an aesthetic result is considered.

A second drawback is that the shells are sometimes really so resistant that they may cause a certain bending of the respective levers during the pressing phase, without obtaining any shell breakage. In such case, the customer often resorts to the use of two hands, with the fingers open and opposite to one another, so to exert a greater force, for example in the case of weaker subjects, such as old people and women. In the end, an even more uncontrolled cracking of the shell which results. This may break the kernel in many small pieces, with the possibility of accidentally wounding the unaware user.

A third but not least drawback consists of the excessive opening forced by the nutcracker, once the respective jaws have clamped the fruit.

The difficulty of exerting the necessary force for breaking the shell appears therefore as a consequence, because it must be limited to the sole action of the fingers of one hand, substantially thumb -forefinger, without fully exploiting the palm. In case of people having small limbs such as children, nut-cracking becomes a difficult operation, because the use of two hands, as above explained, otherwise, tends to bring the gripping close to the pivot resulting in a very dangerous condition in which subsequent risk of accidents to the fingers may occur.

Recently, with the Italian application for an utility model n. TV95UO00039 (Rossi), a device for progressively breaking the woody epicarp, particularly of the drupe type fruits, was proposed, aiming at solving the above mentioned problems. It comprises a double handle, comprising a static one and at least a dynamic one, the first one L 1 p comprising on one side an essentially spoon shaped seat, for containing the fruit, longitudinally crossed by an opening, and the second one being fulcrumed to said first one by the interposition of a movable breaking blade, in which the blade provided with rack-like means is progressively inclinable by passing said spoon shaped seat, by a return, alternate to the release, of the dynamic handle which acts on an harpoon device resting on the blade engagement, said blade, also resiliently biased to an original position, adapted eventually to be disengaged by a second locking device provided along the static handle.

The thus proposed solution, represents with no doubt a fair progress when compared to the pre-existing solutions, solving many of the problems. However, it has still some deficiencies from the functionality point of view, mainly related to the progression in which the breaking blade or beak, falls on the nut supported underneath by the spoon shaped seat. The descent of the same, in face, is not at all constant but it is characterized by small leaps, determined by the presence of a toothing in the progression mechanism on which a double harpoon device rests. As a consequence, the action of the blade, in the shell breaking phase, is again comprised between a stopping point and the following one, with a non predeterminable intermediate stroke, which, in case of a release of the handles forces the blade to return to the previous position, It is therefore understandable that the cause of the nut shell breaking is not at all a specifically micrometrical progression, but an element which can cause some difficulties in the breaking of particularly resistant shells.

This occurs because the customer cannot release the handles at any moment, or the action will be ineffective, but viceversa he acts on them until he feels, by sound, the release action of the harpoon device, which advises him that the static position has been reached.

0 6 Secondly, the fact that the shell breaking may coincide with a (determined) position of the lowered blade is not a certain result. Thus during the handles compression phase, a certain modulation, in the blade time of action is required, which elapses between a tooth and a following step, in order to avoid the excessive shell breaking with a subsequent excessive or insufficient breaking of the fruit. This intermediate result, on one side may cause the customer's dissatisfaction, because he was expecting a better result; on the other it may require the user, not having 10 completed the breaking, a further, modulated, operation on the handle.

The aim of this invention is to obviate the above mentioned drawbacks.

is This and other purposes are achieved by solving the mentioned problems by using a device, with epicyclical gearing, for progressively breaking the woody epicarp (shell), particularly of drupe type fruits, comprising two levers, elastically returning and hinged one to the other beyond the barycenter, so the provide a front part for a fruit shell breaking, and a back part which must be manually operated, consisting of corresponding gripping handles, in which, the front part comprises:

a spoon shaped seat, integral with the lower handle, and an intermediate oscillating tongue, on which the nut rests, determining the locking of a means supporting the crown wheels which are perimetral to the hinging between said two levers; a breaking blade, above said spoon shaped seat, for acting in opposition being inclinable on the same and interacting with said two 1 - Ck' k 7 levers, being hinged to the same ones in intermediate position, comprising a crown, moved by said crown wheels; an upper handle, hinged to the lower handle, providing a pinion in a logic correspondence, keyed on the same, and able to allow the rotation of the crown wheels depending on the lower handle structure which in their turn move the racked crown integral with said breaking blade provided with elastic return means.

Thus, through the considerable creative contribution whose effect determines an important technical progress, different advantages are obtained. At first, the customer is allowed to optimize the correct shell breaking, for example, of the nut, by simply acting on the levers, without having to modulate his force exerted on the handle and without feeling, generally by sound, the action of the breaking blade movement mechanism. In this case, in fact, the micrometric descent progression of the blade or beak resting on the shell, is particularly slight, being noticed only at sight, and allows to carry out the breaking action with the utmost precision without interfering, minimally, with the kernel, a fact that mainly preserves the structural integrity and therefore the original look.

Furthermore, by effect of the particular interaction of the levers with the epicyclical gearing, it is not necessary to exert any excessive force, resulting on one side usable also by the weakest subjects, on the other, particularly handy as well as easy to be gripped, even with a particularly resistant drupe structure.

These, and other advantages will appear from the following detailed description of a preferential embodiment solution with help of the

Q 8 enclosed schematic drawings whose execution details are not to be considered as limitative but only as examples. In the drawings:- Figure 1 shows a view of a nutcracker open on one side, with the 5 portion relative to the hinging, particularly enhanced; Figure 2 shows a top view of the nutcracker as in Figure 1 according to a section on horizontal plane, within the limits of the hinging and of the front part of the same; and Figure 3 shows a further view of the nutcracker front portion, and in particular, of a section on vertical plane, according to the axis A-A of Figure 1.

Referring also to the accompanying drawings, it can at first be noticed that a device (A) for breaking, progressively, the woody epicarp or the shell, particularly of drupe type fruits (B) essentially consists of two interacting levers (1, 2), fulcrumed one on the other in a rather advanced position, behind the barycenter, and comprising an elastic means (11) resting close by the hinge whose ends act on the intrados of said two levers (1, 2).

Each of said two levers, in correspondence of a common side, and on the extrados of each, provides a large size gripping surface (11, 21), which is the eventually anatomically shaped handle. On the other side, the lower lever (1), essentially static, provides a spoon shaped end (12), partially released at the centre, so to obtain a partial housing for the end of an oscillating tongue (3) fulcrumed on said lever (1).

A- - 9 The spoon shaped end (12), by the practical side, offer a convenient seat for partially housing the fruit (B) to be broken, which thus rests also on the oscillating tongue (3). With regard to this latter, it is subdivided in a front portion provided with a series of ribs for easing its clamping, and a back portion, non visible, (31) which interferes with the hinging of said two levers (1, 2).

The second lever (2), above the first one (1) is of the dynamic type, aiming at determining the movement of the breaking blade or beak (4) from a raised position (al.) to a lowered position (a2) and viceversa. More in detail, it, being fulcrumed to said first lever (1) beyond the barycenter, provides a small shaft (5) which in intermediate position (51), makes up a pinion. The purpose of said pinion (51), is substantially that of determining the rotation of a crown wheel group, in this case three of them (6), which being made up of gearwheels are engaged to a disk (7), in its turn engaged on the axis (5). The disk (7), on the lower part or along the perimetral edge, provides, developed along an arch portion, a series of teeth (71), on which the harpoon shaped part (31) is hooked to the oscillating tongue (3). This latter, comprises a return spring (8) housed inside of the projecting portion (12) of the lever (1), which, acting on the front and underlying part of the oscillating tongue (3) in correspondence of the portion pushed by the nut (B), allows to determine, when a contrasting force lacks, the disengagement of the harpoon (31) from the disk (7).

For what concerns the crown wheels (6), it is noticed that if on one side they are engaged by the pinion (51), on the other, they exert the corresponding rotation movement on a perimetral crown (9), which, for the outside part, comprises an end-piece, consisting of a breaking 30 blade (4) integral with the perimetral crown (9). More in detail, it is Adrnoticed that said breaking blade (4), consists of a sort of an inclinable bent beak, for compressing the nut (B) supported by the spoon shaped seat (12) and provided along the intrados with a knurling suitable to ease the gripping. In order to allow the return of the breaking blade (4) from an inclined position (a2) to an original position, corresponding to a raised position (al), sideways to said device (A) an elastic return helicoidal spring (10) is provided. More in particular, said spring (10), provides on end (101) fixed on the intrados of the lever structure (2), while the opposite end (102) is fixed into a recess (91) obtained perimetrally to the gearwheel (9). By the structural view point, it is noticed that the epicycle gearing group, in this case, remains substantially contained inside of two lateral shells which make up the hinging, as monolithic parts of the lower lever (1), and through which being the small shaft (5) passing the upper lever (2) and the breaking blade (4) are fulcrumed.

is The device (A) functions, occurs in the following way. The customer, by gripping the device (A) with one hand provides, with the other hand, to place the nut (B) on the spoon shaped scat (12), which in this case is not yet concerned by the breaking blade (4), being in a raised condition (al). Thus, by using only the one hand which grips the device (A), he starts making a movement which approaches the two levers (1, 2) opposing the force determined by a spring (3), consisting of an harmonic steel foil which rests on the specular intrados of said two levers (1, 2). Such a action, forces the rotation of the pinion (51), integral with the lever (2) and contestually, the rotation of the crown wheels (6) depending on the lever (1), which transmit the relative movement, in such case, in counter clockwise direction, to the crown (9) integral with the breaking blade (4).

1Q At first, it may occur that the nut (B) weight is not enough to determine the raising of the harpoon (31) up to engage the disk (7) which supports the crown wheels (6), without causing the progressive inclination of the breaking blade (4).

In this case, it will be sufficient to accompany said breaking blade (4) with the other hand up to a position (a2) allowing to this same to slightly rest on the nut (B) shell. This condition causes the stress of the oscillating tongue (3) and therefore the locking by the harpoon (31) of the disk-like support (7) and of the relative crown wheels (6). Once the nut (B) breaking is carried out, the lack of forces opposing the release effect of the spring (8) determines the disengagement of the harpoon (31) and consequently, the release of the crown wheels (6) which allow the return, by rotating in clockwise direction, of the crown (7) and of the respective breaking blade (4) to an original condition (al).

4) 12

Claims (13)

1. Device, with epicyclical gearing, for progressively breaking the woody epicarp, particularly of the drupe type fruits, comprising two levers elastically returning and hinged one on the other beyond the barycenter, so to provide a front part aiming at breaking the shell of a fruit, and a back part which must be manually operated, consisting of corresponding gripping handles, characterized in that, the front part comprises:

a seat integral with a lever, and an intermediate feeling means, on which the fruit rests, determining the locking of a supporting means of means perimetral to the hinging between said two levers, the which means, set a breaking blade in a motion perpendicular to said seat; a breaking blade above said seat, aiming at acting in opposition being inclinable on the same and interacting with said two levers, hinged in intermediate position, integrally comprising, an engagement means, concerned by said means of a supporting means; an upper lever, hinged to the lower, providing a pinion in a logic correspondence, keyed on the same, and able to allow the rotation of the means depending on the lower lever structure which in their turn move the engagement means integral with said breaking blade.

2. Device, according to claim 1, in which, the front part comprises; a spoon shaped seat integral with the lower lever, and an intermediate oscillating tongue, on which the nut rests, determining the locking of a i 1 0 13 means supporting crown wheels which are perimetral to the hinging between said two levers; a breaking blade, above said spoon shaped seat, for acting in opposition being inclinable on the same and interacting with said two levers, being hinged in intermediate position, comprising a crown, moved by said crown wheels.

an upper lever, hinged to the lower lever, providing a pinion in a logic correspondence, keyed on the same, and able to allow the rotation of the crown wheels depending on the lower lever structure which in their turn move the gear wheel integral with said breaking blade provided with elastic return means.

3. Device, according to claims 1 and 2, in which the second lever, above said first one is of the dynamic type, aiming at determining the movement of the breaking blade or beak from a raised position to a lowered position and viceversa.

4. Device, according to previous claims, in which that end of the lower lever, opposite to the handle, provides a spoon shape, released at the centre, so to obtain a partial housing for the end of an oscillating tongue fulcrumed on said lever.

5. Device, according to previous claims, in which the oscillating tongue is made up of a front portion provided with a series of ribs for easing its clamping, and of a back portion, non visible, which interferes with the hinging of said two levers'.

14

6. Device, according to previous claims, in which the lever being fulcrumed on the first lever beyond the barycenter, provides a small shaft which in intermediate position makes up a pinion.

7. Device, according to previous claims, in which the pinion engages three gear wheels in function of crown wheels, which are engaged on a disk, in its turn engaged on the axis.

8. Device, according to previous claims, in which said disk provides lowerly, along the perimetral edge, for an arch portion a series of teeth, on which the harpoon-like part of the oscillating tongue is hooked.

9. Device, according to claims 4 and 5, in which the oscillating tongue comprises a return spring housed inside of the projecting portion of the lever, which, acting on the front and underlying part of the oscillating tongue in correspondence of the portion pushed by the nut, determines, when a contrasting force lacks, the disengagement of the harpoon from the disk.

10. Device, according to previous claims, in which the crown wheels, on one side are engaged by the pinion, on the other, engage a perimetral crown, which, for the outside part, comprises an end-piece, consisting of the breaking blade integral with the perimetral crown.

11. Device, according to previous claims, in which the return of the braking blade from an inclined position to an original position, corresponding to a raised position, is obtained by an elastic return helicodial spring, which provides one end fixed on the intrados of the lever structure, while the opposite end is fixed into a recess obtained 30 perimetrally to the gear wheel.

1 1 t

12. Device, according to previous claims, in which epicyclical gearing group, remains substantially contained inside of two lateral shells which make up the hinging, as monolithic parts of the lower lever, and through which being the small shaft passing the upper lever and the braking blade are fulcrumed.

13. A nut cracker substantially as claimed herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.