GB2522900A - Sieve - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sieve 1 having a plurality of sub-components 2 which can be transformed from a first assembled position (Fig.1a) to create a plate with a plurality of apertures therein through which material can be forced through. Each aperture is formed from at least two assembled sub-components, and the plate can be transformed to a cleaning position in which the sub-components are separated such that the apertures are split allowing material particles to be removed from split apertures 9. The sieve may be a circular plate when assembled and the subsections may be hinged together by hinges 6-8. In a preferred embodiment, the plate is formed from at least two concentric rings (12-14, Fig.2a). The sieve may be used in a foodstuff mincer.

Description

TiTLE: Sieve The present invention relates to a sieve, especially a mincer sieve.

It is known to provide a mincing machine in which meat is forced through a mincer sieve to provide mincemeat. The sieve is often in the form of a circular plate with an array of apertures therein. The plate is supported about its circumference and meat forced through the apertures, A problem with such sieves is that the apertures, after mincing a quantity of meat, become clogged with meat, and it can be difficult to clean them. Often a mincing appliance is sold with an additional cleaning brush to clean the apertures which adds cost to the appliance.

The invention seeks to provide a solution to this problem.

According to the present invention there is provided a sieve having a plurality of sub-components which can be transformed from a first assembled position to create a plate with a plurality of apertures therein through which material can be forced through, with each aperture being formed from at least two assembled sub-components, and which can be transformed to a cleaning position in which the sub-components can be separated such that the apertures are split allowing material to be removed from split apertures, Preferably the sieve is a circular plate when assembled.

In one embodiment the subsections are hinged together. The subsections may be arranged in layers with one subsection hinged to an adjacent subsection. Alternate ends of layers may be hinged together.

In another embodiment the plate, in a first assemNed position, is circular and is formed of at least two concentric rings of material, the inner circumferential surface of one ring and the outer circumferential surface of an adjacent ring each having recess with the recesses on one ring and recesses on an adjacent ring forming said apertures, and said rings being separable to split said apertures. The concentric rings may be pivoted together on one or more diametrical axis.

The plate may be formed from metal.

The invention also extends to a mincing machine incorporating the sieve of the invention.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures IA and lB show one embodiment with the sub-components in the first and second positions respectively, and Figures 2A and 2B show another embodiment with the sub-components in the first and second positions respectively.

Referring to Figures 1A and lB there is shown a circular mincer sieve 1, Sieve 1 has four sub-components in the fomi of layers 2,3,4,5 with alternate ends of layers 2,3,4,5 being hinged together by hinges 6,7,8. Opposing edges of adjacent layers have semi-circular cut outs 9.

Sieve 1 can be transformed from a first assembled position as shown in Figure 1A to create a plate with seven apertures formed from pairs of semi-circular cut outs 9, Sieve I can be used on a mincing machine and food can be forced through sieve 1 to mince the food.

After use, the sieve 1 can be transformed to a cleaning position as shown in Figure lB in which the layers 2,3,4,5 carl be hinged apart and separated such that the apertures are split allowing food particles to be removed from split apertures.

The sieve may be formed from more or less layers than three and with more or less numbers of semi-circular apertures to create more or less apertures. Cut outs 9 could be other than semi-circular to make other shapes of apertures.

Referring to Figures 2A and 2B there is shown a circular mincer sieve 11. Sieve 11 has three sub-components in the form of concentric rings 12,13,14 The concentric rings 12,13,14 may be pivoted together by a pivot pin IS on a diametrical axis X-X.

The inner circumferential surface of one ring and the outer circumferential surface of an adjacent ring each having recesses in the form of semi-circular cut outs 16 with the recesses on one ring and recesses on an adjacent ring forming apertures when the rings are aligned in the same plane as shown in Figure 2A. Sieve 11 can be used on a mincing machine and food can be forced through sieve 11 to mince the food.

After use, the sieve 11 can be transformed to a cleaning position as shown in Figure 2B in which rings 12,13,14 are separable by rotating them about pin 15 to split the apertures formed by semi-circular cut outs 16 allowing food particles to be removed from split apertures.

The sieve may be formed from more or less rings than three and with more or less numbers semi-circular apertures to create more or less apertures. Cut outs 16 could be other than semi-circular to make other shapes of apertures.

The invention may take a form different to that specifically described above. For example, instead of being used in a mincer where material to be removed from apertures is minced meat, the sieve of the invention may be used in other applications, particularly where sieve apertures needs to be cleaned, Further modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (9)

1. CLAIMS1. A sieve having a plurality of sub-components which can be transformed from a first assembled position to create a plate with a plurality of apertures therein through which material can be forced through, with each aperture being formed from at least two assembled sub-components, and which can be transformed to a cleaning position in which the sub-components can be separated such that the apertures are split allowing material to be removed from split apertures.
2. 2. A sieve according to claim 2, wherein the sieve is a circular plate when assembled.
3. 3. A sieve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the subsections are hinged together.
4. 4. A sieve according to claim 3, wherein the subsections are arranged in layers with one subsection hinged to an adjacent subsection.
5. 5. A sieve according to claim 4, wherein alternate ends of layers are hinged together.
6. 6. A sieve according to claim I or 2, wherein the plate, in a first assembled position, is circular and is formed of at least two concentric rings of material, the inner circumferential surface of one ring and the outer circumferential surface of an adjacent ring each having recess with the recesses on one ring and recesses on an adjacent ring forming said apertures, and said rings being separable to split said apertures.
7. 7. A sieve according to claim 6, wherein the concenthc rings are pivoted together on one or more diametrical axis.
8. 8, A mincing sieve substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
9. 9. A mincing machine incorporating the sieve according to any preceding claim.