GB2506693A

GB2506693A - Fruit cutter with pushing means

Info

Publication number: GB2506693A
Application number: GB201218026A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kieron Grehan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-10-08
Filing date: 2012-10-08
Publication date: 2014-04-09
Also published as: GB201218026D0

Abstract

A device for cutting an object, such as an apple, into multiple segments, comprises a plurality of blades (1a, 1b) held in a housing 2, and wherein the device further comprises a means 5 for pressing against the object so as to force it through the blades in order to complete the cutting of the object into multiple segments, which means comprises one or more protrusions. The blades may comprises a plurality of radially extending blades which extend outwards from a central substantially circular blade. The means 5 for pressing against the object may comprises one or more hinged plates 12 comprising a surface with one or more protrusions 6, the or each plate being hinged such that the surface with one or more protrusion can be moved such that said protrusion extend through a plane defined by the cutting edges of the blades.

Description

DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for use in cutting up an object such as an apple into multiple pieces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

US2S 19500 describes a device for use in cutting up objects such as appics, which features a plurality of radially extending cutting blades having a central aperture therein provided with a substantially circular coring blade, the arrangement being such that a single downward strokc of thc dcvice simultancously corcs and cuts the object. An image of a commercially availabic dcvice which cuts objccts such as apples in a similar fashion is shown in Figure 1 and a plan view of this device is given in Figure 2. It comprises a plurality of blades (la') + (Ib') held in a circular housing (2') which has two handles (on opposing sides) (3').

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Devices such as the one depicted in Figures 1 and 2 provide a quick and easy way to cut an object such as an apple into segmcnts. Howevcr, it can be difficult to ensure that they have been pressed all the way through the object which is being cut. Thus, the usual way to use the device of Figures 1 and 2 to cut an apple is to place the apple on a flat surface and forcc the bladcs in thc ccntrc of the devicc down through thc applc from abovc, aligning thc applc and device such that the circular inner blade serves to core the apple. However, generally the device does not pass entirely through the appic such that it remains wcdgcd in thc appic whilst appic segmcnts remain connected by the skin at the bottom of the apple (particularly for thick skinned apples and!or once the blades have lost sharpness over time). To complete the separation of the segments in this situation, it is thus generally necessary to pick up the device, turn it over and push the bottom of the apple through the cutting blades. This can be fiddly and dangerous.

The present invention aims to provide an improved device which overcomes this drawback. Thus, the present invention provides a device for cutting an object into multiple segments, which device comprises a plurality ofblades (Ia) + (lb) held in a housing (2), wherein the cuffing edges of the blades face in the same direction, and wherein the device further comprises a means (5) for pressing against the object so as to force it through the blades in order to complete the cutting of the object into multiple segments, which means comprises one or more protrusions (6).

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 depicts a three dimensional image of a known device.

Figure 2 depicts plan views of the known device of Figure 1. Figure 2a is a view from above and Figure 2b is a view from the side.

Figure 3 depicts a device of the present invention wherein the means (5) for pressing against the object is detachable from the part of the device which comprises the blades. Figures 3a + 3b provide a plan view of said means (5) -Figure 3a is a view from above and Figure 3b a view from the side (with the dashed lines indicating the intended position of the blades during use); and Figure 3c provides a plan view of the part of the device which comprises the blades (a side view would be the same as that in Figure 2a).

Figure 4 depicts a device of the present invention wherein the means (5) for pressing against the object comprises two half discs (12). Figure 4a depicts a side view of the device (with the dashed lines showing how the two half discs can be moved); and Figure 4b depicts views of the half discs from position (13).

Figure 5 illustrates a possible construction for the blade units making up the plurality of blades in the device of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a device for cutting an object into multiple segments, which device comprises a plurality of blades (lay + (lb) held in a housing (2), wherein the cutting edges of the blades face in the same direction, and wherein the device further comprises a means (5) for pressing against the object so as to force it through the blades in order to complete the cutting of the object into multiple segments, which means comprises one or more protrusions (6).

The blades should be suitable for cutting said object into multiple segments, and typically is suitable for cutting substantially through said object in a single stroke.

Thus, the pattern defined by the cutting edges of the blades, when viewed head-on, will generally remain substantially the same along the depth of the blades (as in Figure 3c).

Preferably the cuffing edges of the blades are in substantially the same plane -in this aspect of the invention the plane containing the cutting edge of the blades is referred to below as the "cutting plane". Once all of the object has passed through the cutting plane, it will have been fully separated into segments.

The blades preferably comprise a plurality of radially extending blades (Ia), for instance four, six or eight radially extending blades, preferably eight. The radially extending cutting blades are typically arranged such that the pattern defined by the blades has rotational symmetry when the cutting edges of the blades are viewed head-on. Thus, if there are eight radially extending cuffing blades then they typically extend outwards with an angle of around 45 degrees between neighbouring blades (although if there is also a central circular blade (ib) of the type discussed below, then the radially extending blades will not actually meet each other to define such an angle -the angle will be defined using extrapolation).

The blades preferably comprise a substantially circular blade (Ib). This blade enables the cutting of a cylindrical shaped segment when the object passes through the blades. Preferably this substantially circular blade defines a central circular aperture in the pattern defined by the blades (when the culling edges of the blades are viewed head-on), such that it is suitable for coring thc object. The circular blade may have a diameter of at least around 10 mm, preferably at least around 15 mm, typically at least 20 mm; the diameter may be 40 mm or less, preferably 30 mm or less, typically 25 mm or less. A diameter of 20 to 25 mm is preferred, particularly if the device is for coring apples.

The blades preferably comprise a plurality of radially extending blades (Ia) which extend outwards from a central substantially circular blade (1 b), and typically in this regard the radially extending blades all extend outwards the same distance. It is preferred in these contexts that the cutting edges of the blades are in substantially the same plane. In these aspects of the invention the device is suitable for simultaneously cutting into segments and coring an object which is roughly spherical shaped, such as an apple (provided that the apple is orientated correctly, i.e. by lining up the core of the apple with the central substantially circular blade).

The blades may for instance be at least around 2 mm in depth, preferably at least around 3 mm, more preferably at least around 5 mm, typically at least around 8 mm.

The blades may for instance be up to around 30 mm in depth, preferably up to around 20mm, more preferably up to around 15 mm, typically up to around 12mm.

Usually the blades are all substantially the same in depth. However, alternative arrangements are possible. For instance, in the preferred aspect of the invention where the blades comprise a plurality of radially extending blades which extend outwards from a central substantially circular blade, the central circular blade may be deeper than the radially extending blades (e.g. around ito 10 mm deeper, typically around 2 to 5 mm deeper) such that once the object has passed fully through the cutting plane, the cored segment of the object may be retained in the device (e.g. for separate subsequent removal by hand) once the other segments have been pressed far enough through the blades to become readily detached.

In terms of thickness, the blades are preferably 0.1 to 1 mm. If the blades are too thick it may become hard to pass the object through the blades.

As noted above, the blades are held in a housing (2). In this regard, it is preferred that the blades are held such that they do not move relative to the housing during use, and typically they are fixed partially within the housing.

Preferably the housing (2) surrounds the blades. In particular it is preferable for the housing to have a hole in it, in which the blades are located, and through which the object will pass when being cut into segments. The size of the hole in the housing will depend on the intended object to be cut. Preferably the hole is large enough to accommodate a spherical object of 5 cm or more in diameter, more preferably 8 cm or more. It is generally unnecessary for the hole to be larger than is necessary to accommodate a spherical object of 15 cm or more (or even 12 cm or more).

Typically the hole is large enough to accommodate a spherical object of up to 10 cm in diameter. The hole is preferably circular, and preferably with a diameter of around 5 cm to around 15 cm, more preferably around 8 to around 12cm, and typically around 10 cm. The housing is preferably ring shaped, and typically holds the blades within the hole in the ring. Having a ring shaped housing is particularly preferred in the case where the blades comprise a plurality of radially extending blades (Ia) which extend outwards from a central substantially circular blade (ib).

Preferably the blades and housing in this arrangement have rotational symmetry (not including any handles (3) attached to the housing, although it is also possible to have rotational symmetry if there arc two identical handles with one on either sidc of the housing).

The blades (la) + (lb) are preferably held in a housing (2) such that the device can be placed on a flat (horizontal) work-top with the cutting edges of the blades facing downwards without the blades coming into contact with the surface. Thus, the housing preferably rests on the work-top and holds the blades above the surface.

Preferably said one or more blades are held only a short way above the (surface of the) work-top, such as around 1 mm or less, or around 2mm or less, or around 3mm or less (typically around 1mm). Thus, in the preferred aspect of the invention where the cutting edges of the blades arc in substantially the same plane, the cutting plane should be substantially parallel with the (surface of the) work-top, and held around 3 mm or less, preferably around 2mm or less, typically around I mm or less above the work-top (with thc blades facing down).

The housing preferably comprises one or more handles (3), and preferably two handles with one on each (opposite) side of the housing. The handles preferably extend outwards from the device. Typically the handles are positioned such that when the device is placed on a flat work-top with the cutting edges of said one or more blades (Ia) + (Ib) facing downwards, the handles are raised above the surface so that they can be grasped and held firmly even when the device is in contact with the work-top.

The said means (5) for pressing against the object so as to force it through said one or more blades (la) + (ib) in order to complete the cutting of the object into multiple segments (hereafter the "means for pressing against the object"), is preferably attached to the device such that it is moveable relative to the blades. If the means for pressing against the object is (permanently) attached to the device, it should be moveable relative to the blades such that the protrusions (6) can extend into the area between one or more of said blades. Preferably the means for pressing against the object comprises a surface (7) comprising said one or more protrusions, which surface is typically substantially flat aside from the protrusions.

As noted above, it is preferred that the cutting edges of the blades (la) -I-(ib) arc in substantially the same plane. In this regard, the above-mentioned protrusions (6) in the means (5) for pressing against the object are preferably arranged in a pattern which corresponds to one or more (preferably all) of the gaps between the blades when the cutting edges of the blades arc viewed head-on (as in Figure 3a). In other words, the protrusions should be positioned such that the means for pressing against the object can be placed next to the blades with the protrusions extending through the cutting plane, without said means coming into contact with the cutting edges of the blades (preferably the means do not come into contact with any part of the blades), and if the protrusions are on a surface (7) which is substantially flat (aside from the protrusions) then said surface is preferably substantiallyparallel with the cutting plane when the protrusions are extending through the cutting plane. With this arrangement, the means can be pressed against the back end (i.e. last remaining uncut part) of the object in order to complete the cut, since the protrusions will ensure that the object passes frilly through the cutting plane.

When the means (5) for pressing against the object comprises a substantially flat surface comprising said one or more protrusions (6), the protrusions generally protrude at least around 1 mm, preferably at least around 2 mm, typically at least around 3mm from the surface. They generally protrude around 15mm or less, preferably around 10 mm or less, more preferably around 8 mm or less, typically around 5 mm or less.

When the means (5) for pressing against the object comprises a substantially flat surface comprising said one or more protrusions (6), the exact position of the protrusions may vary depending on the intended use of the device. Thus, if the device is for cutting apples and has a plurality of radially extending blades (Ia) which extend outwards from a central substantially circular blade (ib), and with the cutting edges of the blades being in substantially the same plane, then during use the blades can be forced substantially through an apple (before said means for pressing against the object are then employed to complete the cut). In this regard, assuming that the apple is lined up so that the central substantially circular blade serves to core it during the initial cut, the final remaining uncut section of the object will be retained in the central part of the blade array, such as wfthin and around the central substantially circular blade. It is therefore not necessary that the protrusions completely "fill" the gaps between the blades. Thus, in one embodiment the protrusions extend through the cutting plane only in the central part of the blade array, such as (i) just within the central substantially circular blade (e.g. with just a single protrusion), or (ii) just within the central substantially circular blade and the inner (narrower) region of the gaps between the radially extending blades (e.g. as in Figure 3a).

As noted above, the blades (Ia) + (ib) in the device are held in a housing (2). In this regard, the means (5) for pressing against the object is typically shaped such that it can be placed (and pressed) against the housing without coming into contact with the blades. For instance, when said means comprises a substantially fiat surface with one or more protrusions and the housing is ring-shaped, said means may be disc-shaped (the disc could be a single unit or it may be comprised of two half-disc shapes), with the disc having a diameter that exceeds the diameter of the hole within the ring-shaped housing. This arrangement enables said means to be pressed against the housing without coming into contact with the blades held within the housing (the protrusions extending into the area in between the blades).

In a preferred aspect of the invention the cutting edges of the blades (Ia) + (Ib) are in substantially thc same plane and the means (5) for pressing against the object comprises one or more hinged plates (12), typically two hinged plates, the or each plate comprising a surface (7) with one or more protrusions (6). The or each plate should be hinged such that the surface with one or more protrusions can be moved (11) so as to be placed next to the blades in the manner described above, i.e. with the said surface substantially parallel with the cutting plane and said protrusions extending through the cutting plane. Preferably in this regard the edge of the or each plate rests against the housing (2) (which stops the means for pressing the object from coming into contact with the blades). Typically in this regard the housing is ring shaped. A preferred example of this preferred aspect of the invention is as follows.

Thus, in the preferred example, the means (5) for pressing against the objcct comprises two plates (12), each having the shape of half a disc, and with each of the two half-discs having protrusions (6) on one surface (7). Each of the half-discs is preferably attached to the housing (2) via a hinge mid-way along the outer circumference of the half disc, with each being attached on opposing sides of the ring shaped housing. In this regard each half disc should be moveable relative to the housing and blades, such that they can adopt (i) a "closed" position (11) with both plates coming together to provide an approximate disc shape with protrusions on one face of the disc, which can be placed in contact with the bottom of the housing such that the protrusions extend through the cutting plane, and also (ii) an "open" position (10) with the plates folded back outside the ring of the housing in a wing type formation. In a preferred aspect of this embodiment of the invention, the housing will also comprise two handles (3) on opposing sides of the housing, with the hinges being located such that the plates fold out underneath the handles when in the "open" position. More preferably in this regard, the plates can fold back through more than degrees and/or can be temporarily attached to the underside of the handles (e.g. by a releasable catch or a magnet). In one alternative embodiment of the invention, one or more handles of the device may serve also as means for pressing against the object. Thus, the handles may be attached to the housing such that they can be temporarily locked into an "open" type position, but can also be released and moved relative to the housing in a hinge type fashion into a "closed" type position, with one or more protrusions on the underside of the handles then serving to push up through the cutting plane to complete the cutting of the object.

In this regard, when the device is used to cut an object such as an apple into segments, two steps may be used. The first step is similar to that described above in connection with the initial cutting step using the known devices depicted in Figures 1 and 2. Thus, if the device is being used to cut up an apple, the apple can be placed on a work-top (or any flat surface) and the blades (Ia) + (Ib) in the centre of the device forced down through the apple from above (during this initial cutting stage, the means for pressing against the object should be in the "open" position (10)).

Once this has been done, the apple will be substantially cut, but it is expected that a last (bottom) section of the apple will remain uncut. In order to complete the cut, the two half discs can then be folded around so as to approach the closed position (11), and then either (i) the device is forced down onto the work-top again, with the work-top serving to push two half-discs upwards, or (ii) the half-discs can simply be pressed against the object by hand. Either way, the action will press the half discs against the bottom of the apple until the outer part of the half discs rest against the housing, with the protrusions (6) pushing the final uncut section of the apple up through the cutting plane. Thus, in this aspect of the invention (and also generally in the context of the invention), the means (5) for pressing against the object will be arranged such that it can most useftilly be pressed against the object so as to complete the cut only after the object has already passed substantially through the blades, i.e. when the remaining uncut section of the object is not deeper than around 10mm or around 5 mm, or possibly even less than that such as around 3 mm, 2mm or 1 mm.

The present invention also provides a device wherein the means (5) for pressing against the object so as to force it through the blades (Ia) + (ib) in order to complete the cutting of the object into multiple segments is detachable from the part of the device which comprises the blades. In this regard, the housing (2) and the means for pressing against the object should be shaped such that when they are brought together (with the intention of pressing against the object so as to force it through the blades in order to complcte the cutting of the object), the two parts interact in a manner whereby the protrusions (6) of said means are guided so as to extend past the cutting edges of the blades (in between the blades) without coming into contact with them. A wide range of possible shaped features are possible here. For instance, the housing can be ring shaped but with one or more recesses on its underside (9), with the means for pressing against the object having corresponding raised shapes (8).

The device of the present invention may be manufactured using known methods and materials. The blades (Ia) -I-(Ib) are preferably metal, such as stainless steel. In this regard, references herein to the blades generally refer to the different individual sections of blade which make up the pattern defined by the blades when the cutting edges are viewed head-on. However, it is not necessary for each of such blades (or blade sections) to be physically separate blade units. For instance, two or more of such blades (or blade sections) could be formed by a single blade unit with one or more angles in it. A typical arrangement is depicted in Figure 5.

The means (5) for pressing against the object is typically made of plastic or metal and preferably made of plastic. The protrusions may be made of an elastomerie plastic, particularly if the device is to be used for cutting segments of soft fruit such as ripe pears, in order to minimise bruising to the cut segments.

The housing (2) which preferably holds the blades is preferably made of plastic. The handles (3) which are preferably present on the housing may comprise a section (4) made from an elastomeric material such as rubber so as to make the device more comfortablc to usc.

It is generally preferred for the device to be made of materials that are dishwasher proof The object (to be cut) is preferably a food stuff such as a fruit or vegetable, more preferably a fruit or vegetable with a core that may be removed with a circular blade, such as an apple or pear. Typically the object is an apple.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device for cutting an object into multiple segments, which device comprises a plurality of blades (Ia) + (ib) held in a housing (2), wherein the cutting edges of the blades face in the same direction, and wherein the device further comprises a means (5) for pressing against the object so as to force it through the blades in order to complete the cutting of the object into multiple segments, which means comprises one or more protrusions (6).
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the cutting edges of the blades (Ia) -I- (ib) are in substantially the same plane.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the housing (2) is ring-shaped and holds the blades (la) + (ib) within the hole in the ring shape.
4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the blades comprise a plurality of radially extending blades (Ia) which extend outwards from a central substantially circular blade (lb).
5. A device according to any one of claims I to 4 wherein said object is an apple.
6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said means for pressing against the object comprises a substantially fiat surface (7) with one or more protrusions (6).
7. A device according to claim 6 wherein the cutting edges of the blades (Ia) -I- (Ib) arc in substantiaHy thc same plane and the means (5) for pressing against the object comprises one or more hinged plates (12), the or each plate comprising a surface (7) with one or more protrusions (6), the or each plate being hinged such that the surface with one or more protrusions can be moved (11) so as to be placed next to the blades with said surface being substantially parallel with the plane defined by the cutting edges of the blades plane and said protrusions extending through the plane defined by the cutting edges of the blades.
8. A device according to claim 7 wherein the edge of the or each plate (12) rests against the housing (2) when said protrusions (6) are extending through the plane defined by the cutting edges of the blades (Ia) + (Ib).
9. A device according to any one of claims I to 6 wherein said means (5) for pressing against the object is detachable from the device and the housing and the means for pressing against the object should be shaped (8) -I-(9) such that when they are brought together, the two parts interact in a maimer whereby the protrusions (6) of said means are guided so as to extend past the cutting edges of the blades (Ia) + (ib) without coming into contact with them.
10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims and substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 3 to 5.Amendments to the claims have been made as foHows:CLAIMS1. A device for cutting an object into multiple segments, which device comprises a plurality of blades (Ia) + (ib) held in a ring-shaped housing (2), wherein the cutting edges of the blades face in the same direction and are in substantially the same plane, and wherein the device further comprises a means (5) for pressing against the object so as to force it through the blades in order to complete the cutting of the object into multiple segments, said means (5) for pressing against the object comprising two plates (12), each having the shape of haifa disc, each of the two half-discs having protrusions (6) on one surface (7) and being attached to the housing (2) via a hinge mid-way along the outer circumference of the half disc, with each being attached on opposing sides of the ring shaped housing, each half disc being movcable relative to the housing and blades, such that they can adopt (i) a closed position (II) with both plates coming together to provide an approximate disc shape with protrusions on one face of the disc, which can be placed in contact with the bottom of the housing such that the disc face with the protrusions is substantial ly parallel with the plane containing the o cutting edge of the blades, with the protrusions extending through the plane LI) containing the cutting edge of the blades, and (ii) an open position (10) with the plates folded back outside the ring of the housing in a wing type formation, wherein the housing comprises two handles (3) on opposing sides of the housing, with the hinges being located such that the plates fold out underneath the handles when in the open position.2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the plates can be temporarily attached to the underside of the handles 3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the plates can be temporarily attached to the underside of the handles by a releasable catch or a magnet.4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the blades comprise a plurality of radially extending blades (Ia) which extend outwards from a central substantially circular blade (lb).5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 whercin said object is an apple.6. A device according to any one of claims Ito 5 wherein the edge of each plate (12) rests against the housing (2) when said protrusions (6) are extending through the plane defined by the cutting edges of the blades (la) -I-(ib).7. A device for cutting an object into multiple segments, which device compriscs a plurality of blades (la) -I-(lb) hcld in a housing (2), whcrcin thc cutting edges of the blades face in the same direction and are in substantially the same plane, and wherein the device further comprises a means (5) for pressing against the object so as to force it through the blades in order to complete the cutting of the object into multiple segments, which means comprises one or more protrusions (6), wherein the blades comprise a plurality of radially extending blades (Ia) which extend outwards from a central substantially circular blade (Ib), the central circular blade being deeper than the radially extending blades.LCD 8. A device according to claim 7 wherein the central circular blade is 1 to 10 mm deeper than the radially extending blades.9. A device according to claim 7 wherein the central circular blade is 2 to 5 mm deeper than the radially extending blades.10. A device according to any one of claims I to 6 wherein the blades are as defined in claim?, 8 or 9.
11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims and substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 4 and 5.