WO2009044274A2

WO2009044274A2 - Cutting device

Info

Publication number: WO2009044274A2
Application number: PCT/IB2008/002705
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juan Jose Campdera Lozano
Original assignee: Actervis Gmbh
Priority date: 2007-09-29
Filing date: 2008-09-29
Publication date: 2009-04-09
Also published as: WO2009044274A3

Abstract

A cutting device includes a base member having a top face. The top face has a plurality of spaced apertures defining a grid. A pushing disk is removably securable to the base. The pushing disk has a plurality of spaced vertically disposed pegs sized to be matingly received within the spaced apertures defining the grid. When the disk is secured to the base, the pegs extend a distance above the top face of the base thus creating a supporting surface on the top end of the pegs. A top section with an opening is pivotally secured to the base and is movable between an open position and a closed position. When the top section is in the closed position, the opening is disposed over the disk. A blade assembly is also pivotally secured to the base and disposed in alignment with the pushing disk and the opening. The blades have a height less than the distance the pegs extend above said top face of the base. The blades are oriented with respect to the spaced pegs such that when the top section is in the closed position, the pegs extend above the blades into the opening. A container is removable securable to the top section over the opening to collect the cut food.

Description

CUTTING DEVICE

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/976,426 entitled "CUTTING DEVICE," filed on September 29, 2007.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to cutting devices. More specifically, the present invention provides a cutting device which is capable of slicing, dicing or julienne cutting all types of fruits, vegetables, cheeses and other food items.

Kitchen tools and related food preparation devices take on many different forms and are each applied to various specific tasks. As such, several variations exist to address certain tasks while also being as multifunctional as possible.

One common task typically undertaken during cooking activities is the julienne cutting or dicing of food items. When carried out with a typical knife, several cutting actions are required which can be relatively time-consuming and repetitive. After actual cutting operations are completed, transferring food items to other containers or cooking pans is necessary.

Certain devices presently exist to accomplish these particular tasks in a more efficient manner. However, as with any kitchen device, ease of use, efficiency, effectiveness and the ability to clean are all continuous considerations.

Prior art chopping devices typically have multiple parts which are closely coupled and connected to one another. While this close connection is often effective, it does create cleaning complications. More specifically, food items can become easily lodged or jammed into the open spaces or closely coupled components, thus creating cleaning issues. As suggested, the handling of food after slicing or cutting is typically necessary during cooking. To make this more efficient, prior art chopping devices do exist which also include a holding container capable of easily retaining the cut food items immediately after cutting operations. Naturally this provides convenience, however the connection mechanism and related cooperation of elements remains a concern.

The prior art is replete with various types of cutting devices. While each of the prior art devices may serve their intended purpose, a need remains for a cutting device that can quickly and easily julienne or dice all kinds of vegetables, fruit, cheese, and other food items and to collect the cut food items in a practical container in one simple step. Further, a need exists to provide such a device that is easy to clean and has interchangeable cutting blades.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to provide a chopping/cutting device that is extremely efficient while also easy to clean and maintain, the present invention provides for one-stroke cutting of food items with component parts that are easily removed and disassembled. The cutting device is made up of a base unit and a coupled pushing disk which is specifically configured to interact with opposing cutting blades. The base unit includes a connection post or connection axis which is designed to receive the coupling mechanisms of various related components, More specifically, those coupling components will exist on a top section and a related blade assembly. Once attached, the blade assembly and top section cooperate with one another to allow appropriate force to be applied by the user. More specifically, the user is allowed to push down on the top assembly, causing the blade assembly to interact with any food item that is placed on top of the pushing disk.

As mentioned above, the blade assembly and top section are attached to the base via a hinged coupling scheme. While the two components are designed to interact with one another and appropriately receive related forces, the two components are likewise independent, thus being capable of independent removal when necessary. It is contemplated that the device will include at least two different blade assemblies, each configured for different cutting actions or sizes. As such, the ability to independently remove and replace the blade assembly provides significant utility for the user. As one example, the blades may be configured as a grid with a first blade assembly providing cutting squares of approximately 15 mm, whereas a second blade assembly provides cutting squares of approximately 7.5 mm. As can be anticipated, this will result in chopping and cutting actions to produce differently sized food items. Naturally, alternative blade configurations are possible. For example, the blades may be an arrangement of parallel linear blade members thereby producing slicing of planar strips as opposed to the square cut discussed above. Further, the blade members may be curved or wavy to create varying types of cuts.

To more efficiently handle cut food items, a container is attachable to the top section. The container is attachable directly over the cutting blades, thus allowing any cut food items to be dispensed directly into the container itself. Utilizing this scheme, food items can be sliced and moved directly into the container without having to be excessively handled.

All of the above components are easily disassembled to provide ease in cleaning. Further, the components are made of materials that are easily washable and resistant to corrosion.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages of the present invention can be seen by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the following drawing figures:

FIG. 1 shows the disassembled components of a preferred embodiment of the cutting device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cutting device as assembled and in an open position.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting device in an open position, having the holding container removed. FIG. 4 shows a back side of the base member of the cutting device of FIG. 1 and illustrates how, in the preferred embodiment, the clips are moved outwardly to lock the disk to the base.

FIG. 5 illustrates the top section of the cutting device of FIG. 1 assembled with the base member.

FIG. 6 illustrates the blade attachment of the cutting device of FIG. 1 attached to the base member.

FIG. 7 illustrates how the disk is removed from the base member of the cutting device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows a food item disposed on the disk prior to cutting and illustrates the preferred positioning of the users hands.

FIG. 9 shows that the food item is cut and collected in the container after the top section is forced downwardly over the food item disposed on the disk.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the cutting device of the present invention is illustrated in an unassembled format. As shown, the cutting device preferably includes a base (2), a pushing disk (1 ), a plurality of interchangeable blade assemblies (3), (4), a top section (5), and a plurality of different sized containers (6), (7) having interchangeable lids (8). As more fully described below, the foregoing components are preferably easily assembled to provide a cutting tool, and disassembled for ease of cleaning and storage between uses.

Referring to FIGs. 1 and 3, pushing base (2) includes a plurality of apertures (9) arranged in a grid pattern. In addition, pushing base (2) has a pair of extensions (24) extending upwardly at one end thereof, with ears or tabs (11) extending outwardly therefrom. As will be more fully appreciated, ears (1 1) provide a rotational axis for related components. As such, the ears could easily be configured as separate outwardly extending components as shown, or alternatively a single rod may be utilized extending transversely across the entire back portion. As will be more fully discussed below, base (2) is configured to sit on a countertop or work surface of some type, thus will include support feet (not shown) to accommodate this working placement and to avoid sliding across the countertop.

Pushing disk (1) is configured to have a number of upwardly extending pegs (21). As better shown on FIGs. 2 and 3, upwardly extending pegs (21) are specifically arranged and sized to be inserted through respective apertures (9) in base unit (2). In this manner, the end portion of upwardly extending pegs (21) creates a supporting surface which will accommodate food items being cut or sliced. In this particular embodiment, it is preferred that the end sections of these pegs (21) create a substantially planar supporting surface. That said, alternative embodiments may be utilized which create a concaved supporting surface, thus better containing the food products during the desired cutting operations. Naturally several different embodiments are possible depending upon the actual application and the food product involved.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a perspective view of the cutting device when assembled. Similarly, FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the cutting device as assembled. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 is intended to be along a central longitudinally extending axis of the cutting devices. Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, the interrelationship of the various components is better seen. This generally illustrates how pegs (21) are inserted into and through apertures (9) in base portion (2). In order to retain pushing disk (1) in an appropriate position, a pair of clips (10) are slidably attached to a bottom portion of pushing disk (1). Clips (10) have an end portion (30) which is designed and configured to extend outwardly. More specifically, the extending portion (30) is designed to extend through an aperture (28) existing in the sidewall of pushing disk (1) and also extend through an aperture (32) in the base portion (2). In this manner, pushing disk (1) is appropriately positioned and held in place. As seen, clips (10) are slidably attached to pushing disk (1) via an appropriate pin and slot arrangement. This clip/holding mechanism is also illustrated in FIG. 4 which illustrates a bottom view of the base (2). Also illustrated in FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of first blade assembly (3). More specifically, this first blade assembly (3) is illustrated to show the interrelationship with various subcomponents. As also shown in FIG. 6, first blade assembly (3) includes a holding ring (40) which is circular in nature. Contained within the center portion of holding ring (40) is a blade element (42) which includes a grid-like pattern of steel cutting members. As can be anticipated, the edges of blade element (42) are configured to be sharp and of sufficient strength to provide the cutting and slicing functions of the present invention. As also mentioned above, blade element (3) also includes a first arm bracket (13) and a second arm bracket (14). These two arm brackets (first arm bracket 13 and second arm bracket 14) provide for a rotational coupling between blade element (3) and base (2). Further, blade element (42) is specifically configured to cooperate with pushing base (1) such that the blade elements will align with the spaces between pegs (21). Consequently, when rotated completely downward, blade elements (42) are recessed beneath the upper surface of pegs (21). This cooperative arrangement of elements allows food items to be pushed entirely through blade element (42) without being caught or retained in the spaces within blade element (42).

Also illustrated in FIG. 3 is top section (5). Top section (5) includes a central aperture or opening (16) which is specifically designed and configured to align with blade assembly (3). Opening (16) has circular sidewalls or cylindrical sidewalls (50) and a lip (52) which is designed to interact with holding ring (40) of blade assembly (3). In operation, blade assembly (3) is allowed to swing into opening (16) and interact with lip (52). This interaction allows force, when applied to an upper side of top section (5) and be applied to a food element that is placed upon the upper sides of pegs (21 ). In one alternative embodiment, a snap fit catch is incorporated into recess (16) to temporarily capture or hold blade element (3). In a preferred embodiment, however, this holding or capturing clip is not utilized.

An upper side of lip (52) is utilized to capture and hold container (6) or (7) when the cutting device is in use. In this manner, food products that are cut or sliced are automatically captured within container (6) or (7) for further handling. Upper sidewall (54) creates a partial cylindrical housing configured container (6). A recess (56) is utilized to capture and hold container utilizing a cooperating tab (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 7, as generally discussed above, pushing base (1) is removable from base (2). This is illustrated in this figure wherein the two products have been separated. As can be anticipated, removal can be achieved by pushing on pegs (21), or by pulling from the reverse side.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the cutting device of the present invention is shown in operation. As shown, the food product has been placed upon the upper edges of pegs (21). As force is applied to the upper surface of top section (5), the blades will move through the food product consequently causing appropriate cutting. As shown in FIG. 9, the food product will then be moved into the interior of container (7) and can subsequently be handled appropriately.

As can be contemplated, the various elements and components of the cutting device are easily removable for cleaning purposes. Further, their reassembly and use is very easily achieved in utilizing the preferred embodiment outlined above, and process for use is generally described as follows.

1. Attach Disk to Base: Turn the base (2) over and insert the disc (1 ) into the grid (9) in the base (2). Push the disc (1) completely through the grid (9) until it seats in the base (2).

2. Lock Disk: From the back side of the base (2), push the clips (10) outwards to lock the disc (1) firmly to the base (2).

3. Attach Top Section to Base: Place the base (2) flat onto the table surface. As shown in FIG. 5 hold the top section (5) over the base (2) at a 90° angle and align the end slots (12) on each side of the top section (5) with the ears (1 1) projecting outwardly from each side of the base (2) and push down until the ears (1 1) are seated within the end slots (12). 4. Attach Blades to Base: Choose one of the blade attachments (3) or (4), depending on the kind of cut you want. Note, each of the blade attachments (3), (4) has two arm brackets (13), (14), respectively. At the end of the arm brackets (13), (14) is an end slot (15) to receive the ears (1 1) of the base (2), similar to the manner in which the top section (5) was previously attached to the base. Referring to FIG. 6, with the top section (5) in the raised or open position align the end slots (15) of the arm brackets (13), (14) of the blade attachment (3) or (4) with the ears (1 1) on the base (2). The end slots ( 15) of the arm brackets ( 13), ( 14) should seat over the ears (1 1) within the remaining space on the ears not covered by the top section (15).

5. Attach Container to Top Section: Place one of the transparent containers (6) or (7) over the opening (16) in the top section (5) and twist the container approximately a quarter turn to lock it into place by ensuring that the lip (17) on the container is received within the groove (18) in the top section (5).

Disassembly Instructions:

1. Remove Container from Top Section: Remove the transparent container (6) or (7) from the base (2) by twisting the container approximately a quarter turn so the lip (17) is no longer within the groove (18).

2. Remove Blade: Remove the blade assembly (3) or (4) from the top section (5) by pushing down on the top side of the blade attachment to move the rim (19) of the blade attachment (3) or (4) away from the top section (5). The blade assembly can then be removed by pulling upwardly from the attachment post (11).

3. Remove Top Section from Base: Separate the top section (5) from the base (2) by lifting the top section (5) up at a 90° angle from the base (2) and pulling upwardly.

4. Unlock Disk: Referring to FIG. 4, from the back side of the base (2), push the clips (10) inwards to unlock the disc (1) from the base (2). 5. Remove Disk: From the top side of the base (2) press the round disc through the grid until the disk (1) separates from the base (2).

Use Instructions

1. As shown in FIG. 8, lift the top section (5) from the base (2). Place the food item to be cut onto the disc (1).

2. Place one hand on the top of the transparent container (6) or (7) and the other hand on the flat surface of the top section (5). Press down on the top section (5) to force the blades through the food item. As shown in FIG. 13, the cut food is collected in the container (6) or (7) and is prevented from falling back out of the container by the blades as the top section (5) is raised. The process may be repeated, until the container is full.

3. When cutting is completed or the container (6) or (7) is full, turn the entire cutting device over and twist the container approximately one quarter turn to remove it from the top section (5).

4. The lid (8) may be placed over the container (6) or (7) to store the food.

5. When cutting is complete, the device may be disassembled as described above and all the components of the device may be washed in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher.

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, it is understood that variations and modification can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. As such, applicant intends the application to cover all modifications coming within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A cutting device comprising: a base member having a top face with a plurality of spaced apertures defining a grid; a pushing disk removably secured to the base, the pushing disk having a plurality of spaced vertically disposed pegs sized to be matingly received within the spaced apertures defining the grid, wherein when the pushing disk is secured to the base using at least one clip in a position such that the pegs extend a distance above the top face; a top section pivotally secured to the base and movable with respect to the base between an open position and a closed position, the top section having an opening therein such that in the closed position, the opening is disposed over the disk; a blade assembly pivotally secured to the base and movable with respect to the base between a first position adjacent the top section and a second position interleaved with the pushing disk, the blade assembly having a plurality of blades which are centrally disposed within a blade assembly framework, the blades being disposed below the opening in the top section, the blades having a height less than the distance the pegs extend above the top face of the base, the blades oriented to be received between the spaced pegs such that when the top section is in the closed position, the pegs extend above the blades into the opening; a container removable securable to the top section over the opening such that food cut by the blades is collected within the container.

2. The cutting device of claim 1 wherein the blade assembly framework is circular with the plurality of blades situation there within, the framework further having a first leg and a second leg extending there from to provide coupling to the base, the first leg and second leg substantially parallel with one another and each having a recess at an end thereof to rotatably mate with a mounting post integral with the base member.

3. The cutting device of claim 2 wherein the circular framework is detachably coupled to the top section.

4. The cutting device of claim 2 wherein the circular framework interacts with a rim in the top section to transfer force from the top section to the blade assembly.

5. The cutting device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of pegs have the same height thus forming a planar supporting surface to support a food product being sliced.

6. The cutting device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of pegs have varying heights which form a concave supporting surface for supporting a food product being sliced.

7. The cutting device of claim 2 wherein the plurality of blade are configured in a grid formation.

8. The cutting device of claim 2 wherein the plurality of blades are configured as a number of linear blades parallel to one another.

9. The cutting device of claim 2 wherein the cutting assembly is independently removable from the base regardless of the presence of the top member.

10. A cutting device for the cutting of a food product, comprising: a base having a support structure for placement on a supporting surface, an upper surface and a coupling structure, the upper surface having a plurality of apertures therein and the coupling structure having a coupling post extending along an axis which is oriented substantially parallel to the supporting structure; a pushing disk having a plurality of pegs extending upwardly there from with each peg having a predetermined height, the plurality of pegs arranged to be inserted into the plurality of apertures in the base, the pushing disk removably coupled to the base via at least one coupling clip; a blade assembly including a blade framework, a blade structure supported by the blade framework and a coupling mechanism for rotatably coupling the blade assembly to the coupling structure of the base thereby providing rotation about an axis formed by the coupling posts, the coupling mechanism comprising a connection arm attached to the blade framework and extending outwardly there from, the connection arm mechanism having a slot at an end away from the blade framework configured to receive the connection post of the base thereby achieving a rotatable coupling, the blade assembly further configured to align the blade structure above the plurality of posts and to cause the blade structure to move into the spaces between the pegs when rotated to a position adjacent the top surface of the base; a top section removably coupled to the base at the coupling post to thereby allow rotational movement of the top section with respect to the base, the top section having an opening aligned with the blade structure and the pushing disk when the top section is rotated to a closed position, the top section further rotatable to an open position thereby providing open space above the top surface of the pegs, the top section and the blade mechanism selectively coupled to one another to provide movement in unison when coupled while also providing the ability to move independently when not coupled; and a container for containing the food item when cut attachable to the top section at a position directly over the opening.

1 1. The cutting device of claim 10 wherein the attachment post extends outwardly on two sides of the base, and wherein the connection arm mechanism includes a pair of arms extending away from the framework with each arm coupleable to the attachment post on both sides of the base.

12. The cutting device of claim 10 wherein the container is attached via a bayonet mounting.

13. The cutting device of claim 10 wherein the container is attached via a screw on mounting.

14. The cutting device of claim 10 wherein the blade structure comprises a plurality of blade elements arranged in a grid formation.

15. The cutting device of claim 10 wherein the blade structure comprises a plurality of blade elements configured as a number of linear blades parallel to one another.

16. The cutting device of claim 10 wherein the blade framework is circular and includes the blade structure positioned within the central portion of the circular member.