GB2499954A

GB2499954A - Grinding assembly for grinding e.g. pepper

Info

Publication number: GB2499954A
Application number: GB1310887.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nathan Christopher Bestwick
Original assignee: YORMII KITCHENWARE Ltd
Current assignee: YORMII KITCHENWARE Ltd
Priority date: 2011-06-14
Filing date: 2012-06-07
Publication date: 2013-09-04
Anticipated expiration: 2032-06-07
Also published as: GB2499954B; GB201310887D0

Abstract

A grinding assembly comprises a holder arrangement 12A, 12B for material to be ground and a grinder 14A, 14B comprising first and second grinding portions for grinding the material. The first grinding portion is movable relative to the second grinding portion. The grinding assembly further includes an operative arrangement 16 on the holder arrangement to operate the grinder. The operative arrangement comprises an outwardly extending member 52 extending from the central portion of the grinding assembly and operatively connected to the first grinding portion, for example via planetary gears (figure 4, not shown). In use, the user places his palms against the outwardly extending member 52 and moves his palms in opposite directions to rotate the holder arrangement 12A, 12B relative to the operative arrangement. This in turn rotates the grinding portions. Rollers 54 are provided on the outwardly extending members 52 to assist in this.

Description

Grinding Assembly

This invention relates to grinding assemblies. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to grinding assemblies for grinding material.

5

Known grinders, for example peppermills, are well known, but can be difficult to use for people who have problems in using their hands to grip, twist their wrists, or bend their fingers.

10 According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a grinding assembly comprising a holder arrangement for a material to be ground, a grinder in communication with the holder arrangement for grinding the material, and an operative arrangement on the holder arrangement to operate the grinder, wherein the grinder is removably mounted on the holder arrangement, so that the grinder can 15 be removed from the holder arrangement to allow the holder arrangement to be filled with the material.

The grinder may include first and second grinding portions for grinding the material, the first grinding portion being moveable relative to the second grinding portion. The 20 first grinding portion may be operatively connected to the operative arrangement.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a grinding assembly comprising a holder arrangement for a material to be ground, a grinder in communication with the holder arrangement, the grinder comprising first and second 25 grinding portions for grinding the material, the first grinding portion being movable relative to the second grinding portion, and the grinding assembly further including an operative arrangement on the holder arrangement to operate the grinder, wherein the operative arrangement comprises an outwardly extending member operatively connected to the first grinding portion.

30

The holder arrangement may be operatively connected to the second grinding portion. The holder arrangement may be fixedly connected to the second grinding portion. The aforesaid fixed connection may be configured so that the holder

1

arrangement and the second grinding portion are connected to each other such that rotation relative to each other is substantially prevented. The operative connection between the outwardly extending member and the first grinding portion may be a fixed connection, whereby the outwardly extending member and the first grinding 5 portion are connected to each other such that rotation relative to each other is substantially prevented.

The operative arrangement may be arranged such that a user can place their palms against the operative arrangement and, by sliding their hands in opposite directions 10 in engagement with the operative arrangement, cause the holder arrangement to rotate relative to the outwardly extending member, thereby effecting relative rotation of the grinding portions.

The operative arrangement may include means extending centrally across the holder 15 arrangement. The centrally extending means may be arranged adjacent a central region of the holding arrangement, and spaced radially therefrom.

In a first embodiment, the centrally extending means may comprise the outwardly extending member, which may extend radially outwardly from a central region of the 20 holding arrangement. The outwardly extending member may comprise an arm.

In a second embodiment, the operative arrangement may include first and second outwardly extending members. The centrally extending means may comprise a cross member extending between the first and second outwardly extending 25 members. In the second embodiment, the cross member may be the centrally extending means. The first and second outwardly extending members may comprise respective first and second arms.

The grinding assembly may include a fastening arrangement for fastening the 30 grinder to the holder arrangement. The fastening arrangement may include a first cooperating formation on the grinder and a second cooperating formation on the holder arrangement, wherein the first and second cooperating formations can cooperate with each other to fasten the grinder to the holder arrangement.

2

The first and second cooperating formations may comprise respective first and second detent formations, wherein the first and second detent formations are a snap-fit on each other when the grinder is mounted on the holder arrangement, 5 thereby fastening the grinder to the holder arrangement.

The fastening arrangement may include release means to release the fastening arrangement and allow the grinder to be removed from the holder arrangement. The release means may be configured to detach first and second cooperating formations 10 from each other to allow the grinder to be removed.

The release means may be provided on the one of the first and second cooperating formations to release the first and second cooperating formations from each other.

15 The release means may comprise a resiliently deformable member which is movable to move one of the first and second cooperating formations away from the other of the first and second cooperating formations. In one embodiment, the first cooperating formation may be provided on the release means and the release means may be movable to move the first cooperating formation away from the 20 second cooperating formation, thereby releasing the fastening arrangement.

The fastening arrangement may comprise a plurality of first or second cooperating formations which may be spaced around the grinder or the holder arrangement respectively. The release means may comprise a plurality of resiliently movable 25 members, upon each of which may be mounted a respective one of the plurality of first or second cooperating formations.

In one embodiment, the fastening formation may comprise a plurality of first cooperating formations, each of which being provided on a respective resiliently 30 deformable member. Each resiliently deformable member may be provided on the grinder.

3

The grinding assembly may include a locating arrangement to locate the grinder on the holder arrangement. The locating arrangement may comprise a projection in one of the grinder and the holder arrangement, and a recess on the other of the grinder and the holder arrangement, the recess being configured to receive the projection.

5

In one embodiment, the recess may be provided on the holder arrangement and the projection may be provided on the grinder. The holder arrangement may have an end wall region, and the recess may be defined in the end wall region, desirably on an inner surface of the end wall region.

10

The recess may have a guide region and a locating region. The guide region may be arranged to guide the projection into the locating region. The guide region may have an opening, which may be wider than the locating region. The guide region may taper inwardly from the opening to the locating region.

15

The grinding assembly may comprise a plurality of recesses arranged around the inner surface of the end wall region of the holder arrangement.

The grinder may comprise a body portion which may be fixedly connected relative to 20 the holder arrangement when the grinder is mounted on the holder arrangement. The projection may extend outwardly from the body portion. The first cooperating formation may be provided on the body portion. The aforesaid fixed connection may be configured so that the holder arrangement and the body portion are connected to each other such that rotation relative to each other is substantially prevented.

25

The second grinding portion may be operatively connected to the holder arrangement. Desirably, the second grinding portion is operatively connected to the holder arrangement through the fixed connection of the holder arrangement to the body portion. Thus, in the embodiment described herein, movement of the operative 30 arrangement and the holder arrangement relative to each other may cause relative movement of the first and second grinding portions to grind the material.

4

The first and second grinding portions may be rotatable relative to the body. The grinder may include a first part on which the first grinding portion may be substantially fixedly mounted. The aforesaid fixed connection may be configured so that the first part and the first grinding portion are connected to each other such that 5 rotation relative to each other is substantially prevented.

The grinder may include a second part on which the second grinding portion is substantially fixedly mounted. The aforesaid fixed connection may be configured so that the second part and the second grinding portion are connected to each other 10 such that rotation relative to each other is substantially prevented.

The first and second parts may be rotatable relative to each other to effect relative rotation of the first and second grinding portions. The first and second parts may include respective first and second bearing elements, which may be arranged in 15 sliding engagement with each other. The first part may include an outwardly extending member upon which the first bearing element may be provided.

The body may include a generally cylindrical wall member upon which the second bearing element may be provided.

20

The operative arrangement may include an outwardly extending member connected to the first grinding portion. The outwardly extending member may extend radially outwardly relative to the holder arrangement. The outwardly extending member may extend substantially transverse to the axis of rotation of the first grinding portion.

25

In the embodiments described herein, the outwardly extending member provides the advantage that the grinder can be operated by a user placing his or her palms in engagement with the holder arrangement and the outwardly extending member. By sliding his or her hands in opposite directions in engagement with the holder 30 arrangement and the outwardly extending member, the user can effect relative rotation of the holder arrangement and the outwardly extending member, thereby effecting relative rotation of the first and second grinding portions to grind the material in the holder arrangement.

5

The grinding assembly may comprise first and second outwardly extending members, each extending in an opposite direction relative to the holder arrangement. The first and second outwardly extending members may extend 5 outwardly from opposite regions of the holding arrangement. The first and second outwardly extending members may comprise respective first and second arms extending in opposite directions from the holding arrangement.

The operative arrangement may include a roller means on the, or each, outwardly 10 extending member, the axis of rotation of the roller means being substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the first grinding portion. This has the advantage in at least one embodiment described herein that it facilitates sliding of the hands of the user across the holder arrangement to operate the grinder.

15 The operative arrangement may include an operative member, which may include an alignment portion aligned with the holder arrangement. The, or each, outwardly extending member may extend from the alignment portion.

The operative arrangement may include a drive transmission member extending 20 from the operative member, or one of the operative members, to the first grinding portion. The first grinding portion may be fixedly mounted on the drive transmission member. The drive transmission arrangement may comprise an elongate member, such as a shaft. The elongate member may be arranged centrally of the holding arrangement. The aforesaid fixed connection may be configured so that the first 25 grinding portion and the drive transmission member are connected to each other such that rotation relative to each other is substantially prevented.

In one embodiment, the drive transmission member may be elongate and may extend centrally within the holder arrangement. In another embodiment, the drive 30 transmission member may be substantially cylindrical. In this other embodiment, the drive transmission member may constitute the holder arrangement.

6

The holder arrangement may comprise a holder for holding the material. The holder may be rotatable relative to the operative arrangement. In a third embodiment, the drive transmission member may extend around the grinder. In the third embodiment, the drive transmission arrangement may constitute the holder. In the third 5 embodiment, the drive transmission arrangement may be substantially cylindrical.

The operative arrangement may include a gear assembly, to control the rotation of the grinder. The drive transmission member may extend from the operative arrangement to the first portion. The drive transmission member may be mounted 10 on the gear assembly. The alignment portion may house the gear assembly. The alignment portion may define a recess to house the gear assembly. The gear assembly may comprise a planetary gear arrangement, and may include an inner toothed wall. The inner toothed wall may a wall of the recess.

15 The gear assembly may include at least one planetary gear arranged in meshing engagement with the inner toothed wall. The gear arrangement may include a central gear fixedly mounted on the shaft member. The inner gear may be arranged in meshing engagement with the, or each, planetary gear. The gearing assembly may include a plurality of, desirably three, planetary gears.

20

The grinding assembly may have first and second opposed holder arrangements and first and second grinders each being as described above.

In a second embodiment, the operative arrangement may comprise first and second 25 operative members, which may be connected to one another.

The first and second operative members may be fixedly connected to each other. The aforesaid fixed connection may be configured so that the first and second operative members are connected to each other such that rotation relative to each 30 other is substantially prevented. Each operative member may include the outwardly extending member. Each operative member may comprise the alignment portion aligned with the holder arrangement.

7

The first and second operative members may be arranged at the respective opposite end regions of the holder arrangement, and may extend in the same direction as each other from the holder arrangement.

5 The holder arrangement may further include a ratchet assembly which may be rotatably mounted relative to the operative arrangement. The ratchet assembly may be rotatably mounted on the shaft.

The ratchet assembly may comprise a ratchet member mounted on one of the shaft 10 and the holder arrangement, and a pawl arrangement mounted on the other of the shaft and the holder arrangement. Desirably, the ratchet member is rotatably mounted on the shaft, and the pawl arrangement is mounted on the holder arrangement. The ratchet member may have a plurality of teeth with which the pawl arrangement can co-operate to drive the ratchet member. The teeth may be 15 provided on an outer surface of the ratchet member.

The ratchet member may have a substantially circular profile, and may be substantially cylindrical. The ratchet member and the second grinding portion may comprise mounting formations to mount the second grinding portion on the ratchet 20 member. The mounting formations may comprise a recess and a projection receivable in the recess. The recess may be defined in the second grinding portion. The ratchet member may have a main part on which the teeth are provided. The projection may be provided on the main part.

25 The main part may define an aperture to receive the second grinding portion. The projection may extend from the main part into the aperture.

The co-operating formation may comprise a plurality of recesses and a corresponding plurality of projections.

30

The holder arrangement may further include a mounting member rotatably attached to the shaft. The ratchet member may be fixedly mounted on the mounting member. The mounting member may be substantially cylindrical in configuration. The ratchet

8

member and the mounting member may comprise fixing means to fixedly mount the ratchet member on the mounting member. Fixing means may comprise a pin formation and a bore. The fixing means may comprise a plurality of pin formations and bores.

5

The cross member may comprise a roller member, capable of rotation relative to the operative members. The operative arrangement may comprise a connecting member to connect the first and second operative members to one another. The operative arrangement may comprise a plurality of connecting members to connect 10 the first and second operative members to one another. The, or each, connecting member may be elongate.

Securing means, such as screws, may be provided to secure the, or each, connecting member to the first and second operative members.

15

The, or one of the, connecting members may extend through the cross member. The connecting member extending through the cross member may constitute an axle for the roller member. The roller member is desirably rotatable relative to the, or each, operative member.

20

The operative arrangement may comprise a flexible band, which may be an endless flexible band and may extend around the cross member and the holder arrangement. The flexible band may be arranged in driving association with the holder arrangement, whereby movement of the band relative to the operative arrangement 25 results in movement of the holder arrangement relative to the operative arrangement.

The flexible band may have opposite edge regions, each of which may cooperate with a respective one of the first and second operative members.

30

Each of the opposite edge regions of the band may have an inwardly directed shoulder portion to engage a respective one of the first and second operative members.

9

The flexible band may be formed of a flexible plastics material, such as a thermoplastics elastomer. The flexible plastics material may comprise silicone.

5 The holder arrangement may comprise a cartridge assembly removably mountable on the operative arrangement. The cartridge assembly may comprise the holder.

The grinding assembly may comprise a plurality of selectable cartridge assemblies, each being capable of holding a respective material to be ground. Where the 10 grinding assembly comprises one or more cartridge assemblies, the grinding assembly may comprise a receiving arrangement to receive the cartridge assembly.

The, or each, holder arrangement may comprise a holder.

15 An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a grinding assembly;

20 Figure 2 is a sectional side view of the grinding assembly;

Figure 3 is a sectional side view of the grinding assembly at right angles to the view shown in Figure 2;

25 Figure 4 is a view along the lines IV - IV in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the grinder shown in Figure 1, with one of the grinders omitted;

30 Figure 6 is a top perspective view of a grinder;

Figure 7 is a bottom view of the grinder shown in Figure 6;

10

Figure 8 is a sectional side view of the grinder shown in Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a sectional side view of the grinder shown in Figure 8 at right angles to the view shown in Figure 8;

5

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a grinding assembly; Figure 11 is an exploded view of the grinding assembly shown in Figure 10; 10 Figure 11A is a close up view of the region marked XI in Figure 11;

Figure 12 is a sectional side view of the grinding assembly shown in Figure 10;

Figure 13 is a view along the lines XII l-XI 11 in Figure 12;

15

Figure 14 is a view along the lines XIV-XIV in Figure 12;

Figure 15 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of a grinding assembly; and

20 Figure 16 is an exploded view of the third embodiment of the grinding assembly.

Referring to the Figures 1 to 9 of the drawings, there is shown a grinding assembly 10 comprising two holder arrangements in the form of respective holders 12A, 12B for a particulate material to be ground, for example pepper or salt, two grinders 14A, 25 14B for grinding the particulate material, and an operative arrangement 16 for operating the grinders 14A, 14B. Each holder 12A, 12B has an open end 17, into which the grinders 14A, 14B can be inserted for fastening thereto, as explained below.

30 Each grinder 14A, 14B is removably mounted on a respective one of the holders 12A, 12B. The grinders 14A, 14B are configured so that they can be removed from the holder 12A or 12B to allow the holder 12A, or 12B to be filled or refilled with the particulate material, as desired.

11

Referring to Figures 6 to 9, one of the grinders 14A is shown. The other grinder 14B is identical to the grinder 14A. The grinder 14A comprises first and second grinding portions 18, 20 rotatable relative to each other to grind a particulate material. The 5 grinder 14A further includes a first part 22 upon which the first grinding portion 18 is mounted, and a second part 24 upon which the second grinding portion 20 is mounted. The first part 22 comprises a shaft receiving portion 26 for receiving an end region of a drive transmission member in the form of an elongate central shaft 55, as explained below. The second part 24 comprises a body portion 28. The first

10 part 22 extends through the second part 24.

The first part 22 further includes a plurality of radial connecting members 30, which extend from the shaft receiving portion 26 to the body portion 28. In the embodiment shown, the first part 22 has three radial connecting members 30.

15

The body portion 28 includes a downwardly extending cylindrical wall 32 having a bearing element 34 thereon. The radial connecting members 30 on the first part include a bearing member 36, engaged with the bearing element 34 for sliding movement relative thereto during relative rotation of the first and second parts 22,

20 24.

The grinding assembly 10 includes a fastening arrangement which comprises two first cooperating formations 40 on the body portion 28 of each grinder 14A, 14B and a second cooperating formation 42 on each holder 12A, 12B, as shown in Figure 5.

25 Only one second cooperating formation 42 is shown in Figure 5, namely the second cooperating formation 42 on the holder 12A. The second cooperating formation 42 on the holder 12B is the same as the second cooperating formation on the holder 12A.

30 The first cooperating formations 40 can cooperate with the second cooperating formation 42 to fasten the grinder to the holder.

12

The first cooperating formations 40 are in the form of two projecting detent formations. The second cooperating formation is in the form of an annular recess defined in, and extending around, an inner end wall 43 of the holders. 12A, 12B

5 The body portion 28 of each grinder 14A, 14B includes two resiliently deformable members 44, upon which the first cooperating formations 40 are mounted. The resiliently deformable members 44 can be deformed inwardly by squeezing them from a non-deformed condition shown in Figure 6.

10 With the first cooperating formations 40 squeezed towards each other, the grinder 14A, 14B can be inserted in to the open end 17 of the holder 14A, 14B. During such insertion, the first cooperating formations 40 slide over the inner wall of the holders 12A, 12B. When the first cooperating formations 40 reach the second cooperating formation 42, the deformable members 44 to snap back to the non-deformed 15 condition so that the first cooperating formations 40 are received by the second cooperating formation 42, thereby fastening the grinder 14A, 14B on the respective holder 12A,.

The grinder 14A, 14B can be removed from the respective holder 12A, 12B. Such 20 removal is carried out by squeezing the resiliently deformable members 44 towards each other, until the first cooperating formations 40 thereon are removed from the second cooperating formation 44. The grinder 14A, 14B can then be pulled out of the holder 12A, 12B.

25 Each holder 12A, 12B comprises a grinder receiving portion 46, for receiving the grinder 14A, 14B, and a material holding portion 48, for holding the particulate material. The grinder receiving portion 46 and the material holding portion 48 are in communication with each other to allow the material holding portion 48 to be filled with the particulate material when the grinder 14A, 14B is removed from the holder 30 12A, 12B

Each holder 12A, 12B has an end wall 50 opposite the open end 17. The holders 12A, 12B are arranged in alignment with each other, with the end walls 50 facing

13

each other. The operative arrangement 16 is provided between the end walls 50, and comprises first and second outwardly extending members 52 which extend radially outwardly opposite each other, relative to the holder 12A, 12B. The first and second outwardly extending members 52 are in the form of respective first and 5 second arms. Roller means 54 are rotatably mounted on each of the first and second outwardly extending members 52 to facilitate use of the grinding assembly 10, as explained below.

The shaft 55 extends from the operative arrangement 16 in opposite directions to 10 each of the grinders 14A, 14B, and is keyed into a shaft receiving recess 56 defined in the shaft receiving portion 26 of the first part 22. The shaft receiving recess 56 has a keying formation 58, and the shaft has a corresponding keying member 60, which can be received in the keying formation 58. Thus, rotation of the operative arrangement 16 relative to the holders 12A, 12B causes rotation of the second 15 grinding portion 20 relative to the first grinding portion 18, thereby grinding the material in the holder 12A, 12B.

The operative arrangement 16 is in the form of an operative member, and includes an alignment portion 62 (see Figure 4) aligned with the holders 12A, 12B. The first 20 and second outwardly extending members 52 extend outwardly from the alignment portion 62. The alignment portion 62 has an outer wall 64 defining a recess 66 in which a gear assembly 68 is housed. The gear assembly 68 is provided between the outer wall 64 of the alignment portion 62 and the shaft 55, and comprises teeth 70 on the inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the alignment portion 62.

25

The gear assembly 68 further includes a plurality of cogs 72 within the recess 66. The arrangement of the cogs 72 shown in Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the cogs 72. The person skilled in the art will be able to determine the precise form of a suitable gear assembly to provide the desired gearing for the shaft 55.

30

The grinding assembly 10 includes a locating arrangement to locate the grinders 14A, 14B on the respective holders 12A and 12B. The locating arrangement may comprise opposed projections 74 on the cylindrical wall 32 of the grinders 14A, 14B.

14

The locating arrangement further includes a recess formation 76 on the inner surface of the end walls 43 of the holders 12A, 12B, proximate the openings 17. The recess formation 76 comprises a plurality of recesses 78, each configured to receive the projections 74.

5

Each recess 78 includes a guide region 80 and a locating region 82. Each guide region 80 is arranged to guide the projection 74 into the respective locating region 82. Each guide region 80 tapers inwardly from an opening 86 to the locating region 82.

10

In use, the user places his or her palms on the holders 12A, 12B in engagement with the roller means 54 on the outwardly extending members 52, and then by moving his or her hands in opposite directions in engagement with the holders 12A, 12B and the roller means 54, relative rotation of the holders 12A, 12B and the operative 15 arrangement 16 is effected.

The rotation of the operative arrangement 16 relative to the holders 12A, 12B is transmitted via the gear assembly 68 to the shaft 55, thereby rotating the shaft 55 relative to the holders 12A, 12B. This rotates the first grinding portion 18 relative to 20 the second grinding portion 20, to grind the material.

In the embodiment shown, the grinding assembly 10 has first and second holders mounted on opposite sides of the operative arrangement 16, and first and second grinders 14A, 14B mounted on a respective one of the first and second holders 12A, 25 12B. The shaft 55 extends from the grinder 14A through the operative arrangement 16 to the grinder 14B. Thus, the grinder 14A can be used to grind particulate material when the grinder 14A is facing downwardly, and by simply turning the grinding assembly 10 upside down so that the grinder 14B faces downwardly, the grinder 14B can be used to grind the particulate material.

30

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the gear assembly can be omitted, and the operative arrangement can be directly attached to the grinder or, where present, to the first

15

and second grinders. In this modification, the shaft can extend from the operative means to the second grinding portion of the, or each, grinder.

Figures 10 to 14 show a second embodiment in the form of a grinding assembly 110 5 which comprises a holder arrangement 112 and an operative arrangement 114.

The operative arrangement 114 comprises first and second operative members 116, 118. A drive transmission member in the form of a shaft 120 is fixedly mounted on the first operative member 116 by connecting struts 122. Each of the first and 10 second operative members 116, 118 comprises an alignment portion 117 aligned with the holder arrangement 112, and an outwardly extending member 119, in the form of an arm.

The first operative member 116 defines a fill aperture 124 in the alignment portion 15 117 through which a material to be ground can be disposed in the holder arrangement 112. A cap 125 can be received in the aperture 123 to close the aperture 124.

The first operative member 116 is connected to the second operative member 118 20 by three elongate connecting members 126, which extend between the respective outwardly extending members 119. Screws 128 are received in threaded holes 130 in opposite ends of the connecting members 126. The screws 128 extend through screw receiving apertures 131 in the first and second operative members 116, 118 to attach the connecting members 126 to the first and second operative members 116, 25 118 respectively.

The grinding assembly 110 further includes a grinder 132 which comprises a first grinding portion 134 and a second grinding portion 136. The first grinding portion 134 comprises a ceramic grinding member 134A and a plastic insert member 134B 30 received by the grinding member 134A. The second grinding portion 136 is formed of a ceramic material. The first grinding portion 134 is fixedly connected to the shaft 120 by a nut arrangement 138 which threadably engages a threaded end 140 of the

16

shaft 120. The second operative member 118 has a recessed portion 141 defining an aperture 142 in which the grinder 132 can be received.

The holder arrangement 112 comprises a cylindrical holder 144 and a ratchet 5 assembly 146.

A close up view of the ratchet assembly 146 and its association with the grinder 132 and the shaft 120 is shown in Figure 11 A. The ratchet assembly 146 comprises a cylindrical ratchet member 148 which comprises a main portion 149 and a plurality of 10 external teeth 150 on the main portion 149. The main portion 149 defines a circular aperture 154 in which the second grinding portion 136 is received. Three projections 152 extend inwardly from the main portion 149 into the aperture 154. The second grinding portion 136 defines three recesses 155 to receive the projections 152. When the projections 152 are received in the recesses 155, rotation between the 15 second grinding portion 136 and the ratchet member 148 is prevented.

A circular mounting member 157 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 120. The circular mounting member 157 includes a radially outwardly extending circular rib 159 which is received in a corresponding circular recess 161 on the inner wall of the ratchet 20 member 148. Three pins 163 extend axially from the circular mounting member 157 and are received in holes 165 in each of the three projections 152. The circular mounting member 157 includes a bearing portion 167 journalled around the shaft 120. Three radial connecting members 169 connect the bearing portion 167 to the circular mounting member 157.

25

As shown in Figure 12, a pair of opposed pawls 160 extend inwardly from the inner surface of the holder 144. The pawls 160 engage the teeth 150 of the ratchet member 148, so that when the holder 144 is rotated in a direction indicated by the arrow A, the ratchet member 148 and, hence, the second grinding portion 136 is 30 rotated in the same direction.

17

However, when the holder 144 is rotated in the opposite direction, the pawls 160 slide over the teeth 150 so that there is substantially no rotation between the first and second grinding portions 134, 136.

5 The operative arrangement 114 further includes a cross member in the form of a roller member 162 which extends between the first and second operative members 116, 118. The roller member 162 has opposite end portions 162A, 162B, which define respective apertures 167, thereby allowing one of the connecting members, designated 126A to extend through the roller member 162. Each of the first and 10 second operative members 116, 118 also include respective cylindrical step members 166, 168 which are received in the bore 164 and engage the side thereof.

A drive member, in the form of an elastomeric endless band 170 is mounted around the roller member 162 and the holder 144, in frictional engagement therewith. The 15 endless band 162 is formed of a flexible thermostatic silicone elastomer. By moving the elastomeric band in the direction indicated by the arrow C in Figure 14, the holder 144 is driven in the direction indicated by the arrow A.

The pawls 160 drive the ratchet member 148 and the second grinding portion 136 in 20 the same direction as the holder 144. Movement of the elastomeric band 170 also drives the roller member 162 in the same direction.

The second grinding portion 136 rotates around the shaft 120, to which the first grinding portion 134 is non-rotatably mounted. Thus, when the elastomeric band 25 170 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow C, the first and second grinding portions 134, 136 rotate relative to each other to effect the aforesaid grinding.

This means that a user can place his or her hands in engagement with the elastomeric band 170 on opposite sides of the grinding assembly 100. By moving 30 his or her hands in opposite directions, the user can cause the elastomeric band 170 to be moved backwards and forwards. With each stroke of the elastomeric band in the direction indicated by the arrow C, the second grinding portion 136 is rotated relative to the first grinding portion 134 thereby grinding the material.

18

Conversely, moving the elastomeric band 170 in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow C causes the pawls 160 to slide over the teeth 150. As a result, no relative rotation of the first and second grinding portions 134, 136 5 occurs. Relative rotation of the first and second grinding portions 134, 136 occurs again when the elastomeric band 170 is again moved in the direction indicated by the arrow C. Thus, there is effected a grinding of the material in the holder 144 by continual movement of the elastomeric band 170 backwards and forwards.

10 If desired, the holder arrangement 112 could be comprise a cartridge which is insertable into the space between the first and second operative members, thereby allowing a plurality of different materials to be ground to be held in separate cartridges.

15 Figures 15 and 16 show a third embodiment of a grinding assembly, generally designated 210. The grinding assembly 210 is similar to the grinding assembly 110, and includes many of the same features as the grinding assembly 110. These features have been designated with the same reference numerals as in Figures 10 to 14 and function in the same way.

20

The grinding assembly 210 differs from the grinding assembly 110 in that the drive transmission member is in the form of a cylindrical member 212, which transmits drive from the elastomeric band 170. The cylindrical member 212 is in frictional engagement with the elastomeric band 170.

25

The cylindrical member 212 defines a first central outer annular recess 214 extending around the cylindrical member 212. The elastomeric band 170 has an inner central projection 216, which extends around the inside of the elastomeric band 170, and is received in the annular recess 214.

30

The elastomeric band 170 is mounted in frictional engagement with the outer wall of the roller member 162. A second central outer annular recess 218 is defined in the

19

outer cylindrical wall of the roller member 162 to receive the inner central projection 216.

A further difference is that the grinding assembly 210 does not possess a ratchet 5 assembly. Instead, the drive is transmitted by friction from the endless band 170 to the cylindrical member 212 which, in turn, transmits the drive by friction to a circular transmission disc member 220. If desired, co-operating formations can be provided on the torque transmission member and the cylindrical member 212 to enhance the frictional engagement therebetween.

10

The transmission disc member 220 includes a bearing portion 222 which engages the recessed portion 141, thereby allowing relative rotation between the torque transmission member 220 and the recessed portion 141.

15 The transmission disc member 220 includes a spindle engaging portion 224 to which a spindle 226 is fixedly engaged. The spindle 226 includes a keying portion 228 to fixedly connect it to the first grinding portion 134, so that the spindle 226 and the first grinding portion 134 do not rotate relative to each other in use.

20 The second grinding portion 136 is fixedly attached to the recessed portion 141 of the second operative member 118 by co-operating formations 230, which may be similar to the projections 152 and the recesses 155 described above.

Thus, in use, the movement of the elastomeric band 170 causes the cylindrical 25 member 212 to rotate which, in turn rotates the transmission disc member 220. The rotation of the transmission disc member 220 rotates the spindle 226 which rotates the first grinding portion 134 relative to the second grinding portion 136.

The transmission disc member 220 defines apertures 232 through the particulate 30 material can pass to be ground by the grinder 132.

The grinding assembly 210 further includes a circular bearing member 234 having a cylindrical mounting portion 236, to which the cap 125 can be mounted. The outer

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rim 238 of the circular bearing member 234 frictionally engages the cylindrical member 212 and is driven thereby.

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Claims

1. A grinding assembly comprising a holder arrangement for a material to be ground, a grinder in communication with the holder arrangement, the grinder comprising first and second grinding portions for grinding the material, the first grinding portion being movable relative to the second grinding portion, and the grinding assembly further including an operative arrangement on the holder arrangement to operate the grinder, wherein the operative arrangement comprises an outwardly extending member operatively connected to the first grinding portion and extending outwardly from a central region of the holding arrangement.

2. A grinding assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the operative arrangement is arranged such that a user can place their palms against the operative arrangement and, by sliding their hands in opposite directions in engagement with the operative arrangement, cause the holder arrangement to rotate relative to the outwardly extending member, thereby effecting relative rotation of the grinding portions.

3. A grinding assembly according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the outwardly extending member extends radially outwardly relative to the holder arrangement, the outwardly extending member extending substantially transverse to the axis of rotation of the first grinding portion.

4. A grinding assembly according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the operative arrangement includes a drive transmission member extending from the operative member to the first grinding portion, the first grinding portion being fixedly mounted on the drive transmission member.

5. A grinding assembly according to Claim 4, wherein the drive transmission arrangement comprises an elongate member arranged centrally of the holding arrangement.

6. A grinding assembly according to Claim 4, wherein the drive transmission member is elongate and extends centrally within the holder arrangement.

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7. A grinding assembly according to any preceding Claim, wherein the operative arrangement includes an alignment portion aligned with the holder arrangement, and the, or each, outwardly extending member extends from the alignment portion.

8. A grinding assembly according to Claim 7, when dependent upon any of Claims 4, 5 or 6, wherein the operative arrangement includes a gear assembly, to control the rotation of the grinder, the drive transmission member being mounted on the gear assembly and extending from the operative arrangement to the first alignment portion.

9. A grinding assembly according to Claim 8, wherein the alignment portion defines a recess to house the gear assembly.

10. A grinding assembly according to Claim 8, wherein the gear assembly comprises a planetary gear arrangement, and includes an inner toothed wall, the inner toothed wall being a wall of the recess.

11. A grinding assembly according to Claim 10, wherein the gear assembly includes at least one planetary gear arranged in meshing engagement with the inner toothed wall, and a central gear fixedly mounted on the drive transmission member, the central gear being arranged in meshing engagement with the, or each, planetary gear.

12. A grinding assembly according to any of Claims 8 to 11, wherein the gearing assembly includes a plurality of planetary gears.

13. A grinding assembly according to any preceding Claim, having first and second opposed holder arrangements and first and second grinders.

14. A grinding assembly according to any preceding Claim, wherein the holder arrangement comprises a holder for holding the material, the holder being rotatable relative to the operative arrangement.

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15. A grinding assembly according to any preceding Claim wherein the operative arrangement comprises first and second outwardly extending members, each extending from the holder arrangement in an opposite direction relative to the other outwardly extending member.

16. A grinding assembly according to Claim 15, wherein the first and second outwardly extending members are fixedly connected to each other, the aforesaid fixed connection being such that the first and second outwardly members are connected non-rotatably to each other.

17. A grinding assembly according to any preceding Claim, wherein the grinding assembly includes a fastening arrangement for fastening the grinder to the holder arrangement, the fastening arrangement including a first cooperating formation on the grinder and a second cooperating formation on the holder arrangement, wherein the first and second cooperating formations can co-operate with each other to fasten the grinder to the holder arrangement.

18. A grinding assembly according to Claim 17, wherein the first and second cooperating formations comprise respective first and second detent formations, wherein the first and second detent formations are a snap-fit on each other when the grinder is mounted on the holder arrangement, thereby fastening the grinder to the holder arrangement.

19. A grinding assembly according to Claim 17 or 18, wherein the fastening arrangement includes release means to release the fastening arrangement and allow the grinder to be removed from the holder arrangement, the release means being configured to detach first and second cooperating formations from each other to allow the grinder to be removed.

20. A grinding assembly according to Claim 19, wherein the release means is provided on the one of the first and second cooperating formations to release the first and second cooperating formations from each other.

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21. A grinding assembly according to Claim 20, wherein the release means comprises a resiliently deformable member which is movable to move one of the first and second cooperating formations away from the other of the first and second cooperating formations.

22. A grinding assembly according to Claim 20 or 21, wherein the first cooperating formation is provided on the release means and the release means is movable to move the first cooperating formation away from the second cooperating formation, thereby releasing the fastening arrangement.

23. A grinding assembly according to any of Claims 17 to 22, wherein the grinding assembly includes a locating arrangement to locate the grinder on the holder arrangement, The locating arrangement comprising a projection in one of the grinder and the holder arrangement, and a recess on the other of the grinder and the holder arrangement, the recess being configured to receive the projection.

24. A grinding assembly according to Claim 23, wherein the recess is provided on the holder arrangement and the projection is provided on the grinder, the holder arrangement having an end wall region, and the recess being defined in the end wall region, desirably on an inner surface of the end wall region.

25. A grinding assembly according to Claim 23 or 24, wherein the recess has a guide region having an opening and a locating region, the guide region being arranged, the guide region tapering inwardly from the opening to the locating region to guide the projection into the locating region.

26. A grinding assembly according to Claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein the grinding assembly comprises a plurality of recesses arranged around the inner surface of the end wall region of the holder arrangement.

27. A grinding assembly according to any of Claims 23 to 26, wherein the grinder comprises a body portion fixedly connected relative to the holder arrangement when the grinder is mounted on the holder arrangement, the projection extending

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outwardly from the body portion, and wherein the first cooperating formation is provided on the body portion.

28. A grinding assembly according to Claim 27, wherein the second grinding portion is operatively connected to the holder arrangement, the second grinding portion being operatively connected to the holder arrangement through the fixed connection of the holder arrangement to the body portion.

29. A grinding assembly according to Claim 27 or 28, wherein the first and second grinding portions are rotatable relative to the body portion, the grinder including a first part on which the first grinding portion is substantially fixedly mounted.

30. A grinding assembly according to Claim 29, wherein the grinder includes a second part on which the second grinding portion is substantially fixedly mounted, the first and second parts may be rotatable relative to each other to effect relative rotation of the first and second grinding portions.

31. A grinding assembly according to Claim 30, wherein the first and second parts include respective first and second bearing elements, which are arranged in sliding engagement with each other, the first part including an outwardly extending member upon which the first bearing element is provided.

32. A grinding assembly according to Claim 31, wherein the body portion includes a generally cylindrical wall member upon which the second bearing element is provided.

33. A grinding assembly substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.

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