NZ254098A

NZ254098A - Domestic food processor; has attachments for kneading dough, extruding pasta and mincing meat

Info

Publication number: NZ254098A
Application number: NZ254098A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Pietro Marcato
Original assignee: Omc Marcato Srl
Priority date: 1993-01-07
Filing date: 1993-07-01
Publication date: 1996-08-27
Also published as: CN1100293A; BR9306027A; CZ214794A3; PL305028A1; AU4563593A; AU667560B2; SK106794A3; KR950700021A; HU9402318D0; NO942847L; HUT72178A; NO942847D0; EP0629120A1; JPH07504600A; FI943990A; ITPD930001A0; CA2131560A1; WO1994015511A1; EG20152A; IT1263305B

Description

<div class="application article clearfix" id="description"> 254098 New Zealand No. 2540 98 International No. PCT/EP 93/01713 TO BE ENTERED AFTER ACCEPTANCE AND PUBLICATION Priority dates: ~71 I \ R 3 International fiiing date: Classification: \PCfc."- (^avcv/oo1, A-a.\c.\i/iio Publication date: ^ g ^yg ^ggg Journal No.: \4.o"1. NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Title of invention: A machine and fittings thereof which in separate operations allow both for kneading home-made dough or pasta, and for extruding said edible dough or pasta, as well as for mincing meat and the like Name, address and nationality of applicants) as in international application form: O.M.C. MARCATO s.r.l. Via Rossignolo 12, 1-35011 Campodarsego (Padova), Italy, a 25 4 098 It is of general knowledge the large number of household appliances for foodstuff processing, both manual and electrically-powered, presently on the market. Some of these machines are simple machines, other less simple, some can accomplish a single operation whereas other can be adapted to carry out more than one operation after a proper intervention. In the field of the production of edible pasta there are known machines comprising smooth rolls or cylinders and machines comprising grooved rolls with the former being adapted to complete the mixture and the latter for producing the real pasta (noodles, strips of fettuccine etc.). There are also known machines that are capable of kneading by mixing, as well as accessory-fitted machines that thanks to small intermediate interventions by the user can knead the ingredients and prepare the pasta ready to use by extruding it through proper dies. Another domestic known machine is the meat mincer (or mincer) comprising a substantially cylindrical case or chamber with a first section shaped like a hopper, a screw provided with a bladed knife at the ends thereof, a plate with holes, an end threaded ring, and of course a crank mechanism for rotating the screw. The machine and the fittings of the present invention have been deviled for obtaining, with a single base construction fitted each time with the proper fittings: a) the kneading of the raw materials (e.g. flour and eggs); b) the extruded pasta ready to use in different shapes and configurations, c) the minced meat or other shredded foodstuff. This brings about a cost saving since a single base machine with a few fittings is to be purchased instead of three different 254098 machines; a reduction o£ size since only a single machine and a few fittings have to be stored in the constrained domestic spaces instead of three separate machines. The base machine has a substantially parallelepipedal shape with a wide hollow space shaped like a bathtub. A compartment is provided for at one of the short sides having two outwardly facing holes for inserting a driving crank, the compartment being further provided with an inwardly facing hole at a substantially central location for the drive of the active rotatable components. In the compartment there are located gears allowing for two rotation speeds of the drive, respectively by inserting the crank into one or the other hole in the outer wall of the compartment. On the other short side of the base construction, i.e. that opposed to the gears compartment, a large opening is provided for having two diametrally opposed wide cuts for inserting and bayonet -coupling the components associated with the fittings. Above the hollow space of the base structure there can be applied either a full cover when the hollow space is completely used for the dough, or a cover provided with a funnel-shaped hopper connecting the mouth of the case with the outside, with a screw rotating within the case for extruding or mincing. The machine fittings required for kneading the raw materials are: a) a suitably shaped mixing blade carrying at the opposed ends of its rotation axis a cylindrical tip and a prismatic cross-section tip for the drive, respectively; b) a cylindrical plug having two aligned and diametrally opposed projections, and provided with a cylindrical central seat; c) a cover for completely closing the upper portion of the hollow space. The mixing blade is fitted into the machine by inserting the prismatic tip into the drive outlet and the cylindrical tip into the central seat of the plug; this latter being inserted and fixed through a rotation into the corresponding circular opening in the machine front wall. 2 - r 254098 The assembly of the fittings for equipping the base machine in order to carry out the extrusion of the just kneaded dough to obtain the pasta ready to use in the different shapes and configurations comprises- t a) a case having a central mouth and end openings, the front portion of the case being provided with a strong outer thread and with suitably located tips for being inserted into and bajonet-coupled with the circular opening of the front wall of,.the base machine; b) a screw (having a cylindrical axial seat formed in the front end and a male cross-shaped member at the reat end) to be housed within the front portion of the case; c) a connecting shaft (with a female cross-shaped at the front end and a prismatic tip at the rear end) to be housed in the rear portion of the case; d) a die (one of an available plurality) having a central cylindrical pin acting as a support and centering means of the screw; e) a threaded locking ring for fixing the die to the front portion of the case; f) a securing fork member to be inserted in dedicated guides located in the front wall of the base construction and adjacent to flat surfaces in the case for preventing the disengagement of the bayonet-locking from this latter; g) a cover provided with a funnel-shaped hopper which is connected at its lower portion with the mouth of the case. The assembly of the fittings for equipping the base machine construction in order to mince meat and the like comprises: a) a case which is the same as the one used for the extrusion; b) a screw (having a coaxial shaft protruding from the front end, with an initial portion having a cylindrical cross-section and a subsequent portion having a prismatic cross-section, and carrying a cross-shaped male member at the rear end) to be housed in the front portion of the case; * c) a connecting shaft which is the same as the one used for the extrusion; N.Z. PA76HT office 2 6 MAR 1996 RECEIVED 254098 d) a bladed knife to be fitted on the prismatic cross-section portion of the screw front shaft; e) a plate with holes (one for an available series) that is scraped by the cutting edges of the bladed knife, with a central cylindrical seat for supporting and centering the screw; f) a threaded locking ring (for fixing the plate with holes) which is the same as the one used for the extrusion; g) a securing fork member which is the same as the one used for the extrusion; h) a cover provided with a funnel-shaped hopper which is the same as the one used for the extrusion. , The above will become evident from the perusal of the attached sheets of drawings. Pig. 1 is a top view of the components of the frame 1 of the base machine where numeral reference 10 indicates a hole for the drive, 15 two vertical guides and 8 a front opening to be fitted with a plug 5 (see Pig. 5) which is provided with an outwardly extending portion 7 for fixing to the housing through a bajonet-locking. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show a side view and a plan view of a kneading or mixing blade wherein 3 and 4 indicate two axial hubs or integral with the mixing blade. The hub 3 has a prismatic cross-section which is adapted to engage the drive through the hole 10, whereas the hub 4 has a cylindrical cross-section and is fitted into a seat 6 in the plug 5 for centering and supporting the mixing blade within the frame. Fig. 4 is a longitudinal vertical cross-section view of the base machine wherein 1 indicates the housing of the hollow space, 10 the hole through which drive motion is applied, 11 a support for the gears which allow: for a second speed of rotation of the active portion, in the present case the mixing blade 2, and 8 the front opening for receiving the plug 5. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal vertical cross-section view of the cover 9. * Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show the mixing blade 2 with the hubs 3 and 4, already illustrated by Fig.s 2 and 3. ! 2 6 MAR 1996 fT ' A6CEIVED 25 4 09 8 Fig. 9 shows the inside of the plug 5; Fig. 10 shows the outside of the plug 5; Fig. 11 is a cross-section view of the plug 5. References 7 and 7' indicate the outwardly protruding expansions for the bayonet-locking, and 6 is the cylindrical seat receiving the pin or hub of the mixing blade 2. Fig. 12 is a longitudinal vertical cross-section of the completely assembled machine showing the housing 1 and the plug 5, the upper cover 9, the mixing blade 2 (this latter being not cross-sectioned), the compartment 12 housing the gears for changing the speed of rotation, and the base 13. Fig. 13 is a transverse vertical cross-section of the machine and the cover 9 showing the housing 1, the profile of the base 13, the widenings 14 of the hole 8 for receiving the expansions 7 of the plug 5, two grooves 15 for inserting the fork member 32. References 9' and 9" indicate grooves on the cover 9 and ribs on the machine housing 1, respectively, adapted to be engaged with each other. Fig. 14 is longitudinal cross-section of the machine 1 and of the case 18 assembled thereto wherein 10 indicates the drive hole, 19 the inlet opening of the case 18, 20 a threading on its surface outside of the housing 1, 22 indicates four protruding fins for supporting a magazine 24 with four pockets for receiving either the dies 29 or the plates with holes 40 provided with the machine. Fig. 15 is a longitudinal cross-section of the cover 16 provided with a funnel-shaped hopper 17. Fig. 16 is a transverse cross-section of the basic machine 1 with the case 18 and the cover 16 already illustrated in the preceding Figure. Fig. 17 is an outside view of the case 18 wherein 19 indicates the inlet opening, 20 the thread on the portion that remains outside the machine housing, 22 the fins supporting the magazine 24 storing the dies. - 5 NZ. PATIENT OFFICE 2 6 MAR 1996 RECEIVED 25 4 098 Fig. 18 is a cross-section of the case 18 along line A-A, whereas Fig. 20 is a cross-section of said case 18 along line B-B. The tips 21 and 23 cooperate with the bajonet-locking of the case 18 with the front opening 8 of the housinp 1. The parallel flat surfaces marked by 45 together with the guides 15 of the housing 1 cooperate with the rods 44 of the fork member 32 to block the bayonet-locking of the case 18 in respect of the housing 1. Fig. 21 is a longitudinal cross-section of the case 18; whereas Fig. 22 and Fig. 23 are cross-section view along line D-D and C-C, respectively. » Fig. 24 is a front cross-section view of the case 18. Fig.s 25, 26 and 27 are a plan, side and cross-section view, respectively, of the magazine 24 with four pockets 25 for storing the dies 29. There are to be noted the cuts 27 in the outer walls for receiving the pins 28 of the dies 29. Fig. 28 is a cross-section view of a die 29 with the associated flanged container. Fig. 29, corresponding to Fig. 1, is a top view of the frame 1 of the base machine where numeral reference 10 indicates a hole for the drive, 15 two vertical guides and 8 the front opening from which the case 18 is inserted, such case being provided with the fins 21 and 23, and being fastened to the housing through a bayonet-locking. Fig. 30 shows the case 18 together with the associated component parts for the extrusion, ready to be mounted within the housing 1 of the base machine. 18 indicates the case body, 19 the opening for feeding the producus to be extruded through the die 29, 22 the projections for supporting the magazine,* 46 a washer preventing the shaft 33 from sliding off the case 18, 34 indicates the prismatic tip of the shaft 33 to be inserted into the drive hole 10, 31 a threaded locking ring for fastening the die 29 and the flanged container 30 to the front opening of *the case body 18, 35 a screw located therewithin. N.Z. P/V. EHT OffjCE 2 6 MAR 1396 254098 Fig. 31 shows a cross-section of the case 18 with all the components assembled together. Reference 18 indicates the case body, 19 the feeding opening for the products to be extruded through the die 29, 46 a washer preventing the extraction of the shaft 33 from the case 18, 34 indicates the prismatic tip of the shaft 33 to be inserted into the drive hole 10, 31 a threaded locking ring for fastening the die 29 to the flanged container 30 at the front opening of the case body 18, 35 a screw frontally supported by pin 28 integral with the die 29, and rearwardly connected through the cross-clutch 36 to the shaft 33 for the transmission of the motion. Fig. 32 is a top view of the fork member in which the rods 44 (see Fig. 48) are inserted between the guides 15 of the housing 1 and the flat surfaces 45 (see Fig. 20) formed in the front portion of -the case body 18. Fig. 33 is a top view of the magazine 24 with the pockets and the notchings 27 for storing the dies to be used. Fig. 34 is a side view (half of which cross-sectioned) of the flanged cylindrical container 30 into which a die 29 (see Fig. 36) provided with a pin 28 is inserted. Fig. 35 is a plan view of the flanged container shown in Fig. 34, and Fig. 37 is a plan view of the die shown in Fig. 36. Fig. 38 is a top view of the assembly of the base machine 1 with the case 18, completed with its functional members for carrying out an extrusion. There are to be noted the fork member 32 inserted into and the magazine 32 located in the respective locations. Fig. 39 is a plan view of the base machine 1 with the (cross-sectioned) case 18 located therein, together with all the members required for carrying out a dough extrusion, as already shown alone in Fig. 29 and in Fig. 31. Fig. 40 is an exploded view showing the members required for carrying out the extrusion through a die, which members are to be inserted into or connected with the case 18. Reference 33 indicates the drive shaft provided with a prismatic end 34 and the female member 36 for the cross-shaped N.Z. Pi-.7i-.KT OFFICE " 7 " 2 6 MAR 1936 RECEIVED 254098 clutch, 35 indicates the screw provided with a cylindrical seat 28' in the front end and the male member of the cross-shaped clutch in the rear end. Reference 31 indicates the threaded locking ring for fixing the flanged container 30 and the die 29 to the front opening of the case 18. Fig. 41 is a top view of the assembly formed by the base machine 1 with the case 18 complete with all the members required for mincing meat (or similar foodstuff). There are to be noted the fork member 32 inserted into and the magazine 32 located in the respective locations. Reference 1 indicates the housing of the base machine; 18 the case; 19 the inlet opening for the products to be minced; 38 the screw located within the case 18; 32 the fork member inserted into the guides 15 for preventing the disengagement of the bajonet-locked case 18 from the housing 1; 31 the threaded locking ring for fastening the plate with holes to the front opening of the case 18. Fig. 42 is a plan view of the base machine 1 with the case 18 located therein and shown in cross-section with all the members required for mincing. Reference 1 indicates the housing of the base machine; 18 the case; 19 the inlet opening for feeding the products to be minced; 10 the hole for transmiting the motion; 33 the transmission shaft with the the prismatic tip 34 for the drive at the rear end, and the cross-shaped female clutch member 36 at the front end; 46 the washer that prevents the slipping of the shaft 33 off the case 18; 38 the extrusion screw provided at the rear end with the cross-shaped male clutch member 36' and at the front end with a shaft 41-42 for mounting the bladed knife 39 and for centering and coupling the plate with holes 40 within the guiding hole 42'; 31 the threaded locking ring for fastening the plate with holes to the front opening of the case 18. Fig. 43 is an exploded view of the members require for mincing meat (or similar foodstuff) that are to be inserted into or connected to the case 18. 8 254098 Reference 33 is the transmission or drive shaft with a prismatic tip 34 and a cross-shaped female clutch member. Reference 38 indicates the extrusion screw carrying a shaft 41-42 at the front end and a cross-shaped male clutch member 36' of the joint at the rear end. . 31 indicates the threaded locking ring for fastening the plate with holes 40 to the front opening of the case 18; 39 indicates a bladed knife to be mounted on the prismatic cross-section portion 41 of the front shaft of the extrusion screw 38. 42 indicates the terminal portion with a cylindrical cross-section of the front shaft of the screw 38 acting as a pivot that is received into the cylindrical seat 42' at the center of the plate with holes. Fig.s 44, 45 and 46 are a side view, a plan view and cross-section view, respectively, of the threaded locking ring 31. Fig. 47 is a plan view of the tool for tightening and unscrewing the threaded locking ring 31. Fig.s 48, 49 and 50 are a side view, a top view and cross-section view, respectively, of the fork member 32. Reference 44 indicates the rods to be inserted between the guides 15 of the housing 1 of the base machine and the flat surfaces 45 (see Fig. 20) formed in the front portion of the case 18, for blocking the bajonet-locking of the case 18 with respect to the housing 1 of the base machine. Fig.s 51 and 52 are a cross-section view and a plan view, respectively, of the plate with holes. Reference 42' indicates the cylindrical seat to which one end 42 of the knife-carrying shaft of the screw 38 is coupled, :£or centering and supporting the screw. Fig.s 53 and 54 show the bladed knife 39 in a side view and a plan view, respectively. Fig.s 55, 56, 57 and 58 a plan view and three cross-section views, respectively, of the cover 16 with the funnel-shaped hopper 17. Such cover is applied to the housing 1 of the base machine when the case 18 is mounted in this latter for the operation of extruding the pasta through the dies, or that of mincing meat (or similar foodstuff). NJL PATENT OFFICE - 9 - 2 6 MAR 1996 RECEIVED 254098 Fig. 59 show3 the base machine fitted with the fittings for carrying out a kneading operation, with the cover partially slid open. Fig. 60 shows the machine of Fig. 59 with the cover in the closed position. Fig. 61 shows the base machine fitted with the fittings for extruding the pasta (or for mincing meat), with the cover removed. Fig. 62 shows the machine illustrated in Fig. 61 with the cover carrying the hopper. In view of the above it is clear the great inventive step of the proposed invention that allows for carrying out three different operations by usning a same base machine, each time fitted with the proper fittings, namely: a) kneading of the raw materials, b) obtaining the pasta ready to use in the different desired shapes, c) mincing meat or similar foodstuff, used in preparing the final pasta or dough. Thus each of the fittings has a high degree of inventiveness, both due its shape and the constructive details that allow for specific and smart mountings, assemblings and fixings. It derives from a real inventiveness the fact that some of said fittings, such as the case 18, the drive shaft 33, the threaded locking ring 31, the fork member 32, the magazine 24 are capable of being used with two different functions, namely: b_ ch for obtainin the pasta (by extrusion through the die) and for obtaining minced meat. Thus machines deriving from or exploiting the inventive principle of the present invention come within the scope of this patent. It will be appreciated that Aesthetical or shape modifications of one or more of the components, as well as the introduction of details that do not alter the inventive concept of both the machine and the fittings thereof will not lie outside the scope of the patent as defined by |he following claims. </div>

Claims

<div class="application article clearfix printTableText" id="claims"> 254098 WHAT WE CLAIM IS>

1. A machine and fittings thereof, said machine including a substantially bath tub shaped hollow space, wherein said machine is adapted to be fitted in and about said space with different combinations of said fittings, such that the following operations may be performed: the kneading of dough or pasta by mixing thereof; the extrusion through dies of pasta with different shapes; the mincing of meat and similar foodstuffs; and wherein said fittings used for said mincing include: a hopper; a mincing screw; a bladed knife and a plate with holes.

2. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claim 1, wherein said machine includes: a front opening in the wall at the front of said space; a drive hole at the rear of said space; and wherein for said kneading said fittings include: a mixing blade with a horizontal axis, said axis having at one end a prismatic pin, and at the other end a cylindrical pin; a cylindrical plug with two diametrically opposed extensions and a supporting seat, wherein said plug is bayonet locked into said front opening; and wherein said blade is inserted into said space such that said prismatic pin is fitted into said drive hole and said cylindrical pin is inserted into said seat.

3. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claim 2, wherein said fittings include a cover which is adapted to close the top of said space by snap-fitting onto said machine.

4. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claim 1, wherein for said extrusion or said mincing said fittings include a kinematic device which includes: a case with a 254098 feed opening at an intermediate position; a drive shaft located in said case and secured therein by a washer; a threaded locking ring; and a threaded portion at the front of said case.

5. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claim 4, wherein said fittings include a cover with a funnel-shaped hopper which is adapted to close the top of said space by snap fitting onto said machine, such that the lower portion of said hopper is connected to said feed opening.

6. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claims 4 and 5, wherein said machine includes a front opening in the wall at the front of said space; and wherein said drive shaft includes a prismatic tip, and said kinematic device is inserted into said space, such that said threaded portion protrudes through said front opening.

7. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claim 6, wherein said machine includes a drive hole at the rear of said space and said case includes diametrical engagement fins which engage with said circular opening such that said case is bayonet locked at that location with said machine at said front opening; and wherein said prismatic tip is fitted into said drive hole. v

8. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claim 7, wherein said kinematic device is prevented from disengaging from said bayonet locking by a fork member, said member including two rods which are inserted into corresponding recesses formed by guides in said space and flat surfaces on said case. 12 N.2. 5 ■ 2 6 HAR 1396 2D4U98

9. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein for said extrusion an extrusion screw is fitted into said case, said screw including: a male clutch portion at its back end; a cylindrical seat at its front end; and wherein said clutch portion is complimentary to a female clutch portion in the adjacent end of said drive shaft.

10. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claim 9, wherein one of said dies and a die container are fitted at a front opening of said case by a locking ring screwed onto said threaded portion.

11. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claim 10, wherein said dies include a cylindrical inwardly protruding pin which engages with said cylindrical seat, such that said screw is centred and supported.

12. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein for said mincing said mincing screw is fitted into said case, said screw including: a male clutch portion at its back end; a shaft at its front end, said shaft including a cylindrical cross-sectioned portion which is forward of a prismatic cross-sectioned portion; and wherein said male clutch portion is complementary to a female clutch portion in the adjacent end of said drive shaft.

13. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claim 12, wherein said bladed knife is fitted onto said prismatic_ cross-sectioned portion and said plate with holes is fitted at a front opening of said case by a locking ring screwed onto said threaded portion; and 254098 wherein said plate includes a cylindrical seat which engages with said circular cross-sectioned portion.

14. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein said case includes fixing tips to which a magazine is fitted within said space said magazine comprising four pockets with central notchings in the walls thereof, such that said dies and die container may be stored therein.

15. A machine and fittings thereof substantially as herein before described and with reference to the accompanying drawings. O.M.C. MARCATO s.r.l. by their authorised agents P L. BERRY & ASSOCIATES </div>