GB2526588A

GB2526588A - Cutters for foodstuffs

Info

Publication number: GB2526588A
Application number: GB1409502.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kanwar Vinod Singh Gogna
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-29
Filing date: 2014-05-29
Publication date: 2015-12-02
Anticipated expiration: 2034-05-29
Also published as: GB201409502D0; GB2526588B

Abstract

The device 10 comprises a plurality of rotatable cutting blades 20 and an actuator which moves the rotatable cutting blades outwardly from a contracted position to an extended position. The actuator further comprises a handle 50, extendable body 40, adjustable linkage 70 and a plurality of resilient members 60. In use the actuator urges the cutting blades to rotate in a radial direction across the foodstuff and thereby cuts at least part way through the foodstuff. Furthermore, the depth of cut may be adjusted as to only score the foodstuff and non-circular rotatable cutting blades may be used to only perforate the foodstuff. A further object of the invention is for the device to place a spacer (120, figure 6) onto the cut foodstuff via a dispenser (90, figure 6). The foodstuff may be any food which requires cutting to produce separable portions e.g. pizza, pies, cake, etc.

Description

CUTTERS FOR FOODSTUFFS

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the cutters for foodstuffs.

Background

The invention is discussed below with reference to pizzas, but is applicable to other foodstuffs requiring cutting or scoring to produce separable portions (e.g. flans and pies).

Pizza and other takeaway meals have gained pop&arity over the past decades. In addition.

many supermarket chains now offer their customers readymade chilled and frozen pizzas.

In takeaway establishments pizzas are cooked before they are placed in boxes and cut into smaller portions. A cutter with a single wheel is often employed to divide a pizza into a number ol similar sized slices. Typically three or more diametrical cuts will he made on each pizza to produce six or more individual slices. Such a manual cutting process is laborious and could iorm a bottleneck in production. In addition, by making each cut manually, cutters (hat require multiple cutting actions often produce slices that are different in size.

IN2O1OMUO1674A (Popat) teaches a cutter press comprising a plurality of blades arranged in a circle so that, in use, the plurality of blades cuts a pizza simultaneously. However it occupies a significant amount of footprint as it is not stowahle.

CN103659846 teaches a pizza cutter comprising a plurality of radially disposed rotatable cutting blades in the form of wheels having a cutting edge. When a downward force is applied a mechanism causes the rotatable cutting bladcs to move radially outwardly whilst in contact with the pizza, the rotatable cutting blades rotating as they move radially outwardly and in the process cutting the pizza into smaller portions.

However, cutting all the way through the pizza means that the pizza slices are completed detached from each other. This is not suitable for use in takeaways as the detached pizza slices are likely to move around in their box when they are subject to movement during transportation.

As a result, an apparatus is desirable that allows a user to provide foodstuffs with severable yet connected portions, so retaining the portions together for transport.

Summary

The present applicant has mitigated the above problems by providing an apparatus for separating a foodstuff into portions. comprising: i) a plurality of radially extendable rotatable cutting blades; ii) an actuator configured to move the rotatable cutting hladcs outwardly from a contracted position to an extended position so that, in use, the rotatable cutting blades rotate as they move radially outwardly to cut a foodstuff placed beneath and in contact with the apparatus; characterised in that the apparatus is configured to divide a foodstuff placed beneath and in contact with the apparatus into severaffle yet connected portions of die foodstuui.

Thc plurality of radially extcndahle rotatahlc cutting blades separates the foodstuff simultaneously into equal portions by the actuator, thus eliminates inconsistencies and the need for repeated cuts that is otherwise experienced when using the prior art single wheel cutters. In addition, the individual portions do not separate completely, providing stability during transportation.

Optionally, the actuator is configured to adjust the depth of cut of the rotatable cutting blades. The provision of adjustable depth of cut allows the user to achieve the required degree of separation according to his preference and the properties of foodstuff, e.g. the mechanical strength of pizza dough and its toppings.

Optionally, the depth of cut of the rotatable cutting blades is adjustable through limiting the depth of travel of the rotatable cutting blades. For cxample the clearance of the cutting edge of the rotatable cutting blades may be offset by adjusting the position of actuator relative to the foodstuff or the elbow of the arms connecting each of the rotatable cutting blades to the actuator.

Optionally, the depth of cut of the rotatable cutting blades is adjustable by limiting applicable downward force on the foodstuff. Optionally, the applicable downward force on the foodstuff is variably controlled by a resilient member. h one embodiment, the force exerted on the actuator is evenly distributed to the plurality of rotatable cutting blades via a resilient member, which may be any elastic or compressible member known to the person skilled in the art, for example compression springs, rubber, gas springs and solid foam. By varying the spring constant or limiting the travel of the resilient member, the downward force exerted onto each of the plura'ity of rotatable cutting blades is adjustable. and thus a user can control the depth of cut.

Optionally, the rotatable cutting blades are configured to perforate the foodstuff and provide interrupted lines of cutting and scoring, in addition to continuously cutting along the surface of the foodstuff at a depth of cut. Optionally, each of the rotatable cutting blades has an interrupted cutting edge, which may he any cutting edges known to the person skilled in the art, for example serrated edges and toothed edges. Optionally. each of the rotatable cutting blades has a non-circular shape, for example star shapes and any polygonal shapes. As such the downward force is distributed unevenly around the cutting edge of each of the rotatable cutting blade, so that in use, forms interrupted lines of cutting and scoring on the foodstuff.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of static Nadcs; wherein each of the plurality of radially extcndable rotatable cutting blades arc aligned with a static blade in the radial direction. Since it is not possible for the cutting edges of the plurality of circular blades to adjoin at the center of the foodstuff, in some embodiments a plurality of the static blades are provided in addition to the plurality of the circular blades to score or cut the area in the vicinity of the center. In some other embodiments, the plurality of static blades is detached from the apparatus, such that in use, servable ioodstull portions are connected at the center to minimize movement during transportation.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a dispensing mechanism for dispensing at least one material onto the foodstuff; and wherein the dispensing mechanism is operable by the actuator. In use, the dispensing mechanism may dispense a given amount of material each time a force is applied onto the actuator. Optionally, the dispensing mechanism dispenses spacers, so that in use the said spacers lie above the severable yet connected portions of (he foodstuff to restrict vertical travel of a lid of a box containing the foodstuff. The dispensing mechanism may also adapt to dispense other materials such as condiments.

Optionally, the dispensing mechanism comprises a disengagement mechanism to disengage the dispensing mechanism. For example, when a force is applied on the actuator the dispensing mechanism ceases to operate in order to prevent over-dispensing of the material.

The present applicant has also provided a method to operate the apparatus, comprises: i) placing the apparatus onto the surface of foodstuff; ii) applying a downward force onto the actuator; iii) removing the downward force exerted on the actuator.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Further èatures and apec oF the present invention will he apparent 1mm the following detailed ckscripiion ol an i[Iusrative embodime.n made with reference to he drawings, in which; Figures 1 is a cross section diagram snowing Ihe apparatus in the coflLnhcted position.

according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figures 2 is a cross section diagram showing the apparatus in the extended position.

according to an embodiment of the. present invention.

Figures 3a and 3h arc crocs sccuon cliagra ms Thowing the apparatus, with adjutrncnL made on the adjustment mecliarism to achieve a shaflower depth of cut on the base, in the contracted and extended posilions respectively, according to an embodiment of the preseffi 1 n vention -Figures 4a and 4h are cross seuion diagrarn4 showing the apparatus. with the dispensing meclianisni incorporated to the lower end of thc: exkndahle body, in the contracted and extended nosthons espectively, accordrng Lo an emhodment of the present invention.

Figures Sa to 3d are exemplified cross sectlon diagrams siow1ng the operation of the dispensing mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures Cia to 6h are perspective views showing the disengagement mechanism in the deacnvated and acuvakd positions respectively, according to an enihodinient of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 and Figure 2 show an apparatus 10 having a plurality of radiafly extendable rotatable cutting blades 20 shown in a contracted position and an extended position respectively. hi the example illustrated the apparatus 10 is a pizza cutter used for separating a pizza into portions; however the apparatus is also applicable for separating other foodstuff such as sandwiches. flans and pies.

In this embodiment the pizza cutter 10 comprises an extendable body 40 and a plurality of rotatable cutting blades 20. Each of the rotatable cutting Ilades 20 is connected to the extendahie body 40 via an arm 80. which comprises of an upper arm 84 pivotally connected to a lower arm 82. The plurality of rotatable cutting blades 20 are distributed around the central axis of extendable body 40. so that the blades 20 are deployed in the radial direction.

The number of rotatable cutting blades 20 depends on the size and number of the portions required.

In the example shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 the rotatable cutting blades 20 are circular discs with sharp edges but it can be any rotatable cutting blades known to the person skilled in the art, for example polygonal or star shaped blades with toothed or serrated edges. The choice of cutting blades dictates the cutting pattern, for example whilst a circular disc with sharp edges produces a straight and clean cutting line, a cutting blade with toothed or serrated cutting edge will result in an interrupted cutting line, i.e. a dotted cutting line.

In addition to the circular cutting blades 20, the pizza cutter 10 may further comprise a plurality of static blades 30 attached to the lower end of the extendable body 40. for scoring or cutting the area in the vicinity of the center of pizza. Each of the circular cutting blades and each of the static blades 30 are paired and aligned in the radial direction. Each of the static blades further comprises crescent-shaped stops to accommodate a circular cutting blade in the contracted position. Similar to the circular cutting blades 20. the static blades 30 may have straight cutting edges or any other edges such as toothed edges or serrated edges.

The pizza cutter 10 comprises a handle 50. connected to the extendable body 40 through a platform 52 via adjustable linkage 70; together with a plurality of resilient members 60a,60b. and 60c they formed an actuator. When a downward force is applied on the handle, the actuator converts the pizza cutter from the contracted position in Figure 1 to the extended position in Figure 2 respectively.

The resilient member in this example is a compression coil spring, however it can be any resilient member known to the person skilled in the art, for example gas springs, rubber and solid foam elements. In essence the resilient member may he made of any compressible or elastic material. Refening to Figure 1 and Figure 2. the actuator coniprises three springs; an upper spring ôOa, a main spring bOb, and a lower spring bOc. The upper spring bOa and lower spring 60c are concealed within the handle 50 and the extendable body 40 respectively, and they served to force the handle SO and extendable body 40 away from each other. As a result the pizza cutter 10 is biased to the contracted position (Figure 1) when no external force is applied.

The main spring is bOb is located between the handle 50 and the platform 52, which further comprises a ridge 54. Once a user places the pizza cutter onto a pizza and forces the handle in the downward direction, the main spring bOb exerts a force onto the platform 52 where the ridge 54 subsequently transfer such force downwardly to the arms 80 and rotatable cutting blades 20, thus exerting a pressure to score or cut the pizza. The main spring 60b serves to apply a downward pressure on the pizza throughout the stroke.

The depth of cut depends on the downward force, or pressure, acting on the pizza, and the ability to control and adjust such cutting pressure is preferable. For example, a pizza takeaway might require the pizzas to be lightly scored, as such the resulting portions do not completely detached from each other to ensure stability during transportation; on the other hand it is desirable if the pizza portions are detached when cutting home baked pizzas. In one embodiment, the cutting pressure may be adjusted by replacing the main spring ôOb with one having a different spring constant. According to Hooke's Law. force is a product of spring constant and spring travel, thus by replacing thc niain spring 60b directly with one rated at a higher spring constant, a higher cutting pressure can be achieved given the same spring travel.

Alternatively, the cutting pressure may be made adjustable by allowing the user to vary the spring travel. Again referring to Hooke's Law, by shortening the distance of compression on a main spring 60b. the resulting force is reduced. Figure 3(a) and Figure 3(b). show a pizza cutter with an adjustment linkage to allow for an adjustable spring travel, in a contracted position and extended position respectively. In this case the adjustment linkage 70 is a differential screw. When the pizza cutter is in the contracted position, adjusting a positioning nut 72 causes the adjustment linkage 70 to move axially in relation to the platform 52 and the handle 50. In the example given in Figure 3 (a), the adjustment linkage projects further away from the handle 50 into the extendable body 40, when compared to the setting shown in Figure 1(a). In the contracted position a different setting on the adjustment linkage has no effect on the other components of the pizza cutter. When a downward force is applied and the pizza cutter is put into an extended position, as shown in Figure 3 (b), the projected adjustment linkage allows the upper spring 60a to be further compressed, i.e. a longer travel, thus according to Hooke's Law a larger proportion of applied force is allocated to the upper spring 60a. Consequently, less force is available to compress the main spring oOh. thus less pressure is acting on the rotatable cutting blades 20.

As a result, the pizza is scored with a shallower cut. Conversely, if a home user required his pizza to be cut thoroughly into smaller portions. the positioning nut 72 may be adjusted so that the adjustment linkage are further receded into the handle, causing the main spring ôOb to expose to a greater amount of downward force. In some embodiments the handle 50 is configured to receive the positioning nut 72, as such the depth of cut may be adjusted by rotating the handle 50 in the tangential direction.

In some embodiments, the upper arm 84 and lower arm 82 in each of the arms are form from a single piece of material, as such the two limbs are elbowed at a fixed angle and subsequently the maximum cutting diameter, i.e. the separation between two opposite rotatable cutting blades 20 in the extended position, are fixed. In some embodiments, the upper arm 84 is aligned with lower arm 82 and so there is no elbow formed between them.

Optionafly the upper arm 84 and lower arm 82 in each of the arms are pivotafly connected using an adjustable hinge 86, in order to provide angle adjustment between the two arms.

For example when scoring or cutting a pizza with a larger diameter, the user can adjust the adjustable hinge 86 to attain a wider angle between the upper arm and lower arm.

subsequently achieving a larger cutting diameter. In addition, the angle formed between upper arm 84 and lower aim 82 may be changed to adjust the depth of cut into the foodstuff.

In some embodiments, the platform 52 may be replaced by another platform 52 with a different diameter in order to accommodate pizzas of different sizes. This may he particularly useful for takcaway establishments where a range of pizza sizes arc offered.

In another embodiment the pizza cutter includes a dispenser 90 that is operated by compressing the extendable body 40. The dispenser 90 may dispense spacers 120 at the center of the pizza to prevent the lid of the box from coming into contact with the upper surface of the pizza; however the dispenser 90 may he modified to dispense condiments or other food ingredients such as cheese, salt and pepper.

The example shown in Figure 4a and Figure 4b. in a contracted position and an extended position respectively, is a pizza cutter incorporating a dispenser 90 designed to dispense a spacer 120 each time a downward force is applied. For example, the dispenser 90 consists of an inner tube 110 that travels internally within an outer tube 100, in this case the extendable body 40; when the inner tube 110 is receded to its most inward position relative to the outer tube 100 (Figure 4b) it activates the dispenser 90 to dispense a spacer. The spacers 120 are stackable and may be in shapes or forms other than the one shown in Figure 4a and Figure 4b. The spacers 120 in this example are fitted closely to the inner tube walls, i.e. the external diameter of the spacers 120 is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the inner tube lit), and thus the spacers 120 are held in position by friction between the spacers 120 and the wall of inner tube 110. lii some other embodiments (not shown), the internal diameter of the inner tube 110 is larger than the external diameter of the spacers 120, as such the spacers 120 are held in position by catches installed onto the internal walls of the inner tube.

The catches may be spring loaded ball catches, screws or any other mechanisms known to the person skilled in the art.

In sonic embodiments (not shown), the internal wall of the inner tube comprises at least one loading track running along the axis of the inner tube. The loading track is used for guiding and aligning the spacers as they are inserted into the inner tube, as such the spacers may be loaded into the dispenser in a stacked formation.

An exemplified view of the dispenser 90 is given in Figure 5a -3d. The dispenser 90 comprises of a plurality of dispensing arms 94, wherein each of the dispensing arms 94 are pivotaly connected to a dispensing stage 92 using torsion springs, such that the arms are tensioned to fan outwardly through the space between outer tube 100 and inner tube 110.

Each of the plurality of dispensing arms comprises an outer protrusion 96 and an inner protrusion 98. arranged to engage with the outer tube 100 and spacers 120 respectively.

In the contracted position as shown in Figure 5a. the inner tube 110 is at a position least receded into the outer tube 100, and the plurality ol dispensing arms 94 are allowed to extend outwardly. As a downward force is applied (he dispensing stage 92 and the inner tube 110 starts to migrate into the outer tube 100, as shown in Figure 5h, the edge of the outer tube 100 starts pushing the dispensing arms 94 inwardly towards the inner tube 110 until the inner protrusion 98 comes into contact with the bottommost spacer 120 and catches its edge. Further application of downward force causes the edge of the outer tube 100 to catch the external protrusion 96, as shown in Figure Sc. and subsequently forcing the dispensing arms to dislodge the bottommost spacer 120 away from the bulk of spacers stored in the inner tube 110, and so the spacer is discharged onto the surface of pizza underneath. Due to the downward movement of the dispensing stage 92, a spring loaded piston 93 pushes the stock of spacers towards the lower end of the inner tube 110, and so the bottommost spacer 120 is always in a position to be dispensed by the dispensing arms 98.

Finally as shown in Figure Sd, when the downward force is removed the inner tube returns to the contracted position and thus allowing the dispensing arms to extend outwardly, and subsequently releases its grip on the spacer 120.

The example given above dispenses a spacer each time a downward force is applied.

However occasionally it is required to apply the force onto the actuator repeatedly to achieve satisiaetory result, br example due to blunt edges cii die circu'ar cutting blades 40 or inconsistencies in the pizza. i.e. toughness of the dough and hardness in the crust. In these circumstances the earlier example will undesirably dispense multiple spacers on a single pizza. Therefore in another embodiment, the present applicant has included a disengagement mechanism that is able to disengage the dispensing arms from the actuator, in order to suspend the dispensing of spacers. The said disengagement mechanism is shown inactive in Figure 6(a) whilst Figure 6(b) shows the disengagement mechanism being put into an activated position. Both Figure 6(a) and 6(b) shows the dispenser in a position at the onset of dispensing, i.e. as in Figure 5(h). The disengagement mechanism comprises of vertical slits 102 alTanged in the vicinity of the dispensing arms 94. as such when the outer tube 100 is rotated around the central axis to the activated position in Figure 6(b), the vertical slits allow the dispenser arms 94 to expand outwardly, and so the outer tube 100 no longer catches the outer protrusions 96 on each ob the dispenser arms 94. As a result, the inner protrusion 98 ceases to grab and dispense the bottommost spacer.

it will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to manually operated apparatus for separating foodstuffs and could he mechanized for use in the preparation of factory produced foodstuffs.

It will further be apparent that alternative methods of moving the rotatable blades from a contracted position to an extended position may he used, for example by travel of the Nadcs along radially extended rails.

Further variations and modifications to the invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art, while remaining within the scope of the claims.