WO2008095301A1

WO2008095301A1 - Garlic press

Info

Publication number: WO2008095301A1
Application number: PCT/CA2008/000241
Authority: WO
Inventors: Neal Ho
Original assignee: Browne & Co.
Priority date: 2007-02-06
Filing date: 2008-02-06
Publication date: 2008-08-14

Abstract

A hand-operable garlic press is provided that is easy to use with one hand. The press comprises an upper handle portion pivotally attached to a lower handle portion bearing a perforated surface for receiving an object to be pressed therethrough; and a plunger connected to the upper handle portion at a position operable to abut the perforated surface when the upper handle portion is pivoted towards the lower handle portion. The lower handle portion is configured to be positioned upon a work surface during operation of the garlic press. A hopper may be provided for containing the garlic to be pressed. A releasable container for receiving the pressed garlic may be provided within the lower handle. The container and lower handle can provide a non-slip base for the press.

Description

GARLIC PRESS

Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a garlic press and more particularly to hand- operated press that is also configured for use on a work surface.

Background

[0002] Garlic by nature is pungent, possessing a strong and distinctive odour and flavour. These qualities make it a desired addition to many types of cooking. Cloves of garlic are often mashed and/or chopped for use. One tool for this activity is the garlic press.

[0003] To minimize handling of the garlic and the transfer of the pungent odour to one's fingers as well as to create the desired finely cut pieces, garlic can be pressed through a perforated cutting surface of a two-handled garlic press. The perforated surface is carried by one handle and an opposing press surface is carried by the other. The two handles are squeezed together to force the garlic through the perforated surface. The resulting pressed garlic is finely cut in accordance with the configuration and size of the perforations.

[0004] Many people find squeezing the two handles to be difficult or uncomfortable, requiring significant hand strength to force the garlic through the perforations. Once the garlic is pressed, measuring the quantity requires an additional measuring tool such as a spoon providing a further opportunity to contact the garlic with ones fingers. Remnants of the garlic clove often remain, requiring removal from the tool.

Summary

[0005] A hand-operable garlic press is provided that is easy to use with one hand.

The press comprises an upper handle portion pivotally attached to a lower handle portion bearing a perforated surface for receiving an object to be pressed therethrough; and a plunger connected to the upper handle portion at a position operable to abut the perforated surface when the upper handle portion is pivoted towards the lower handle portion. The lower handle portion is configured to be positioned upon a work surface during operation of the garlic press. A hopper may be provided for containing the garlic to be pressed. The hopper may include the perforated surface. A releasable container for receiving the pressed garlic may be provided within the lower handle. The lower handle and container can provide a non-slip base for the press.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0006] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a garlic press in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0007] Figure 2 is an assembled view of the garlic press of Figure 1 in a partially closed position;

[0008] Figures 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the assembled garlic press in a fully closed position; and

[0009] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a garlic press in accordance with an alternative embodiment.

Detailed Description

[0010] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a garlic press 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Garlic press 10 includes a lower handle portion 12 and an upper handle portion 14, a hopper 16 for receiving the garlic to be pressed and a receptacle or container 18 for receiving the pressed garlic within it.

[0011] The lower handle portion 12 is configured to be able to rest upon a weight bearing work surface such as a counter top or table or alternatively may be gripped by a user. It will be understood that the action of a user on the garlic press when resting on the weight bearing work surface may be similar to that of the action of a user on a stapler and allows for a user with, for example, smaller hands or minimal hand strength to be able to crush the garlic using their body weight. [0012] The upper handle portion 14 of the garlic press 10 is connected to the lower handle portion 12 and is pivotable at the connection point, indicated generally at reference 17, in order to allow for the pressing of the garlic as per a traditional garlic press. As can be seen in Figure 1 to 4 the upper handle portion 14 includes a plunger 20 that is configured to be received within the hopper 16 and is operable to squeeze the garlic through the garlic press when a user pushes the upper handle towards the lower handle of the garlic press. The upper handle portion 14 is rotatable to allow for movement of the upper handle portion 14 away from the lower handle portion 12 and removal of the plunger 20 from the hopper 16 and to provide free access by a user for placing the garlic within the garlic hopper. It will be understood that the plunger 20 may be attached to the upper handle portion 14 by any means, including a pivot connection 19, provided that such a connection allows for the plunger 20 to be placed in and out of the hopper when the upper handle portion 14 is rotated towards the lower handle portion 12 during operation of the garlic press 10. Pivot connection 19 between upper handle 14 and plunger 20 permits easier rotation of plunger 20 in and out of hopper 16. The upper handle portion 14, lower handle portion 12 and plunger 20 may be constructed from durable material, such as a suitable metal, capable of withstanding the forces applied to crush garlic as described.

[0013] Once the garlic is placed in the hopper 16 the upper handle portion 14 may be rotated to a position wherein the plunger 20 is received within the hopper 16 adjacent the garlic and the user may press on the upper handle portion 14 towards the lower handle portion 12 to apply pressure onto the plunger 20 to push the garlic through the press. This action may occur in a handheld configuration or while the garlic press 10 is positioned on a work surface.

[0014] As can be seen clearly in Figure 1 the hopper 16 includes a perforated surface

22 that is located at the bottom of the hopper 16 where the hopper rests upon the lower handle portion 12. The hopper 16 and perforated surface 22 may be constructed from the same material (e.g. metal) or from different materials (e.g. plastic hopper 16 over moulded on a metal perforated surface 22). Preferably the hopper 16 and perforated surface 22 are unitarily constructed so that the garlic is not pushed out between the bottom of the hopper and the top of the aperture surface 22.

[0015] The lower handle portion 12 includes an aperture 23 having a peripheral lip portion 25 for receiving the hopper 16. The hopper 16 rests upon the peripheral lip portion 25 and the perforated surface 22 is positioned over the aperture 23. The perforated surface 22 and aperture 23 allow for the garlic to be pressed through the hopper 16 and through the lower handle portion 12.

[0016] As stated above, the lower handle portion 12 is configured so that it may be placed on a work surface and stabilise the garlic press to allow a user to apply pressure upon the upper handle portion 14 in order to crush the garlic. Alternatively the garlic press 10 may be gripped by a user and be used in the handheld configuration. As can be seen from the accompanying figures the lower handle portion 12 is elongate and the underside of the lower handle portion 12 is flat in order to be operable to rest upon a substantially flat work surface (e.g. counter top). The width of the lower handle portion 12 also provides stability to the garlic press when it is placed on a work surface, in particular when a user is applying downward pressure on the upper handle portion 14 the garlic press will not fall over.

[0017] In one embodiment, the hopper 16 may include a tab 24 that is located along a back portion of the hopper 16. The tab 24 corresponds to, and is operable to fit into, an indent 27, located on the upright portion 26 of the lower handle portion 12. The positioning of the tab 24 within the indent 27 may provide a more secure connection of the hopper 16 to the lower handle portion 12 to ensure stability for the holder 16 during use of the garlic press. However, it will however be understood that this feature is not required.

[0018] Located in the lower surface of the lower handle portion 12 is a container 18.

The container 18 is positioned beneath the aperture 23 of the lower handle portion 12 in order to receive the pressed/crushed garlic. In a preferred embodiment the container 18 is configured to be spoon shaped allowing the user to accurately measure a sufficient amount of garlic to be used. The container 18 may also include a scraper end 28, for example as indicated in Figure 15 for the spoon shaped container. However, it will be understood the container 18 may be any shape provided that it is positioned beneath the aperture 23 of the lower handle portion 12 and operable to receive the garlic when pressed therethrough. Container 18 preferably fits snugly to lower handle portion 12 and may comprise one or more gripping elements (e.g. 34) to assist with removal.

[0019] Further the lower surface of the container 18 should correspond to that of the lower handle portion 12, i.e. preferably be flat, so that the shape of the container does not interfere with the garlic press positioned on a work surface. The container 18 is releasably attached to the lower surface of the lower handle portion 12 in order that a user can easily remove the container 18 and thereby use the garlic received therein. As can be clearly seen in Figure 1, both the container 18 and the hopper 16 may be removed from the garlic press for easy cleaning and use thereof. Preferably, the container 18 is constructed from a suitable plastic material or rubber (e.g. silicone) material.

[0020] Container 18 and or at least some of lower handle portion 12 may be may be configured to provide a non-slip base for the garlic press 10. Container 18 may be constructed of a food grade plastic or rubber such as silicone. The handle portions 12 and 14 and plunger 20 may be non-stick surfaces (e.g. coated metal). The press 10, including hopper 16 and container 18, may be dish-washer safe for easy clean-up.

[0021] Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a garlic press 1010 in an exploded view. Garlic press 1010 comprises similar elements to garlic press 10, namely upper handle portion 1014, lower handle portion 1012, plunger 1020 and plunger pivot connection 1019, hopper 1016 and container 1018. Container 1018 comprises a scraper end 1028. A handle pivot connection 1017 couples upper handle portion 1014 to lower handle portion 1012 at its upright portion 1026.

[0022] In contrast to garlic press 10 of Figures 1-4, in garlic press 1010 the lower handle portion 1012 comprises a perforated surface 1022 rather than an aperture 23. Hopper 1016 is configured differently too such that it comprises a wall portion 1030 and a bottom 1032 that alternatively is substantially open (not shown) through which the garlic is pressed to surface 1022 or a comprises corresponding perforations (not shown) to match surface 1022.

[0023] Hopper 1016 may include a tab 1024 for coupling to upper portion 1026 in an indent (not shown). The positioning of the tab 1024 within such an indent may provide a more secure connection of the hopper 1016 to the lower handle portion 1012 to ensure stability for the holder 1016 during use of the garlic press. However, it will however be understood that this feature is not required.

[0024] Surface 1022 may be releasably connected to lower handle portion 1012 or formed integrally therewith. As will be appreciated, during use, lower handle portion 1012 bears the perforated surface 1022 or 22 in the two embodiments, whether such surface is integral with hopper 16 or not.

[0025] It will be understood that variations in the garlic press fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, the hopper may be made from a clear material in order that a user can see the garlic while being pressed or alternatively may be used from any other material suitable for use in food preparation. Likewise, the container may be made from any material suitable for use in food preparation. The connection of the upper handle to the lower handle may be by any means provided that it allows pivotal movement of the upper handle and accurate placement of the plunger within the hopper in order to press the garlic, or other item within it.

Claims

1. A garlic press comprising:

a lower handle configured for placement on a weight bearing work surface when pressing garlic;

an upper handle pivotally coupled to the lower handle and carrying a plunger for pushing garlic through a perforated surface borne by the lower handle, toward the weight bearing work surface.

2. The garlic press of claim 1, further comprising a hopper for receiving garlic to be pressed, the hopper having an aperture surface and configured for placement on the lower handle.

3. The garlic press of claim 1, further comprising a container for collecting garlic through an underside of the lower handle.

4. A press comprising:

an upper handle portion pivotally coupled to a lower handle portion, the lower handle portion comprising an aperture therein;

a hopper releasably attached to the lower handle portion about the aperture of the lower handle and operable to receive an object to be pressed therein, said hopper having a lower surface having a plurality of perforations through which the object is to be pressed; and

a plunger connected to the upper handle portion and configured to be received within the hopper when the upper handle portion is pivoted towards the lower handle portion.

5. The press defined in claim 4, further comprising a container releasably attached to the lower handle portion adjacent the aperture and on an opposing side of the lower handle portion to the hopper, the container being configured to receive the object to be pressed once it has passed through the plurality of perforations.

6. A press comprising:

an upper handle portion pivotally attached to a lower handle portion, the lower handle portion comprising an aperture for allowing passage of a pressed object therethrough;

a hopper releasably attached to the lower handle portion adjacent the aperture and operable to receive an object to be pressed therein and having a lower surface having a plurality of perforations to allow for the passage of the object therethrough; and

a plunger connected to the upper handle portion at a position operable to abut the lower surface having a plurality of perforations when the upper handle portion is pivoted towards the lower handle portion,

wherein the lower handle portion is sized and configured to be used in a handheld configuration or on a weight bearing work surface.

7. The press according to claim 6, wherein the lower handle portion comprises a flat lower surface to allow for placement of the garlic press on the weight bearing work surface when configured to be used on the weight bearing work surface.

8. A garlic press comprising:

an upper handle portion pivotally coupled to a lower handle portion, the lower handle portion comprising a plurality of perforations on a portion thereof;

a hopper releasably attached to the lower handle portion adjacent the plurality of perforations and operable to receive an object to be pressed therein and to allow for the passage of the object therethrough; a container releasably attached to the lower handle portion adjacent the plurality of perforations and on an opposing side of the apertures to the hopper, the container being configured to receive the object to be pressed once it has passed through the perforations; and

9. A garlic press comprising:

an upper handle portion pivotally attached to a lower handle portion, the lower handle portion comprising a perforated surface for receiving an object to be pressed therethrough; and

a plunger connected to the upper handle portion at a position operable to abut the perforated surface when the upper handle portion is pivoted towards the lower handle portion, the lower handle portion configured to be positioned upon a work surface during operation of the garlic press.

10. The garlic press defined in claim 9 further comprising a container releasably attached to the lower handle and operable to receive the pressed object when passed through the perforated surface.

11. The garlic press defined in claim 9, further comprising a hopper releasably attached to the lower handle portion adjacent and surrounding the perforated surface.

12. The garlic press defined in claim 11, wherein the hopper comprises a perforated bottom surface operable to be received adjacent the perforated surface of the lower handle portion and having perforations that correspond to the perforations on the perforated surface when received thereupon.

13. A garlic press comprising: an upper handle portion pivotally attached to a lower handle portion, the lower handle portion comprising a perforated surface for receiving an object to be pressed therethrough; and

a plunger connected to the upper handle portion at a position operable to abut the perforated surface when the upper handle portion is pivoted towards the lower handle portion, the lower handle portion being sized and configured to be operable upon a work surface while in use or to be used in a handheld configuration.

14. The garlic press of any of claims 8 through 13 wherein the container and lower handle portion comprise respective flat lower surfaces to allow for placement of the garlic press on the work surface in an operable configuration.