AU2005225052A1

AU2005225052A1 - Food chopper

Info

Publication number: AU2005225052A1
Application number: AU2005225052A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Sascha Kaposi
Original assignee: Progressive International Corp
Current assignee: Progressive International Corp
Priority date: 2004-10-29
Filing date: 2005-10-19
Publication date: 2006-05-18
Anticipated expiration: 2025-10-19
Also published as: EP1833643B1; ATE504403T1; WO2006049639A1; CA2568556C; DE602005027394D1; EP1833643A4; CA2568556A1; DE212005000048U1; AU2005225052B2; EP1833643A1

Abstract

A food chopping or slicing device preferably includes three primary components, including a lid, a blade tray, and a food reservoir. The lid and the food reservoir are pivotally connected to one another, with the blade tray being removably mounted within an upper rim of the reservoir. In some embodiments a reservoir bottom is removable and the device includes orthogonal volumetric markings.

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant(s): PROGRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Invention Title: FOOD CHOPPER The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 0 o FOOD CHOPPER

INVENTOR

Sascha Kaposi PRIORITY CLAIM This application claims the benefit of prior U.S. Provisional application Serial No.

60/623,582, filed October 29, 2004 and U.S Utility application 11/033,944 filed January 11, -q- 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to food preparation devices, including devices for chopping or slicing onions, mushrooms, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [00021 In preparing food, it is often desirable to prepare onions by slicing them in strips or chopping them into small pieces. Most commonly, this is done by using a knife.

There are other specially-designed devices for chopping foods, but none are particularly well suited to chopping onions.

[00031 One exemplary food cutting device is used to cut potatoes for French fries, incorporating a sliding array of rectangular projections that can be pressed downward to push BAKRUD FTEINETO [00]I rprn od ti fe eirbet rpr nosb lcn hmi stisoohpigte nosalpee.Motcmolti sdn yuigakie Thr r te pcal-eine eie o hpigfos btnn r atclrywl sutdt hppn nos [001Oeeepayfo utn eieisue octptte o rnhfis inoprtn ldn ra f etnua rjcin htca epesddwwr ops -2o 0 the potato through a grid of blades. This arrangement is common to all French fry cutters, which can also be used to cut other vegetables such as onions. In such devices, the blades and the projections are parallel to each other at all times. One problem with such devices is ln that there is no integrated reservoir to receive the sliced potatoes as they are pushed through nthe grid of blades.

C 100041 There are also presently existing mushroom cutters, including a blade frame and pusher element that are pivotally connected to each other via an elongated handle.

Unfortunately, the operation of the device pushes the food onto the countertop or work surface, limiting the amount of food that can be chopped and potentially mashing the food or resulting in an uneven slicing operation. Alternatively the user must hold the device above the countertop with one hand, and use the other hand to receive the slices as they emerge from the device.

10005] There is therefore a need for an improved food chopping or slicing device, including devices suitable for cutting mushrooms, onions, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred food chopper.

[0007] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a preferred food chopper.

[0008] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a preferred food chopper.

[0009] Figure 4 is a side view of a preferred food chopper oriented on end.

[00101 Figure 5 is a partial exploded view of a preferred food chopper, oriented upside down.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0011] A preferred food chopper is shown in Figure 1, below. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the food chopper includes three primary components, including a lid 10, a blade tray 20, and a food reservoir 30. The blade tray and the food reservoir are pivotally connected 0 to one another, with the blade tray being removably mounted within an upper rim of the reservoir.

[00121 The lid is generally rectangular in shape, having squared corners at a first end that is pivotally connected to the reservoir and rounded corners at a second end opposite the first end. A downward-extending flange surrounds the peripheral edge of the lid, and is C1 sized and shaped to snugly receive an outer surface of the reservoir within the flange when the lid is rotated downward against the reservoir.

100131 The lid fturther includes a grid of projections 50 on the inner surface, extending downward in the same direction as the flange. The projections may take on any size or shape, as desired, and are ideally shaped to thoroughly push the food through the blades within the blade tray. As discussed further below, the blade tray includes a network of blades 40 configured at right angles and forming generally square openings. The projections on the lid are sized and located within the lid such that when the lid is closed a projection fits within each of the blade openings.

10014] The food reservoir, best seen in the exploded view of Figure 2, is formed in substantially the same shape as the lid when viewed from the top. Thus, in the preferred form, it has a generally rectangular shape with two rounded comners. The reservoir includes a bottom arnd four side walls to form an interior rectangular cubic cavity. The depth of the reservoir may vary, and is preferably sized to hold a typical expected volume of onions, mushrooms, or other food ingredients that may be used in cookdig.

00151 The reservoir includes a boss 64 at opposing sides of the squared ends of the top of the rectangular reservoir. The bosses are configured to be received within a pair of bores 66 at opposite sides of the squared ends of the lid, forming the pivotal connection between the lid and the reservoir. Accordingly, the lid is able to rotate about the pivotal connection from an open position that is preferably at least about 90 degrees with respect to the blade tray to a closed position resting adjacent and substantially flush with the blade tray 0 100161 In alternate embodiments of the invention, the reservoir also includes volumetric measurements on an inner or outer surface, as shown in Figure 4. As discussed furthfer below, the measurements enable the user to determine when he or she has chopped enough of the food ingredient, without the necessity of a further step of transferring the ingredient to an additional measuring cup.

10017] In another alternate embodiment, the bores 66 on the lid are open adjacent the outer edge of the lid, as shown in Figure 2, forming 4 C-shape. The C-shaped openings enable the lid to more readily be removed from the tray for cleaning.

10018] The blade tray 20 is formed in the same shape as the lid and reservoir, such that in the preferred embodiment it comprises a rectangular shape with two rounded corners.

A substantially square blade grid 40 is formed at a central location on the tray. Preferably, the tray is formed from plastic and the blade grid formed from stainless steel. The top edges of the blades within the grid are sharpened in order to slice through the foods that are being pushed through the blade grid from above.

[00191 At one end of the tray, in this case, the rounded end, a bore 62 is included to more easily enable the tray to be lifted fr-om the reservoir and removed for cleaning and removal of the food within the reservoir.

[00201 The tray includes a flat base that transitions to a generally vertical peripheral wall, as best seen in Figure 2. At the top of the wall, the tray includes a substantially horizontal peripheral flange. The wall and flange are sized and configured such that the wall is snugly received within the side walls of the reservoir, and the flange rests against a top rim of the reservoir. In this fashion, the flange enables the tray to rest securely atop the reservoir.

Alternative arrangements are also possible, including for example an internal flange or shoulder within the reservoir. Likewise, the size and shape of the tray and other components may be varied, consistent with the invention.

0 [0021] Each of the lid, tray, and reservoir is preferably formed from plastic, except for the blades as noted above. In a preferred form, at least the reservoir is formed from clear plastic to enable the user to see the volume of food inside.

[00221 The reservoir may optionally include non-sid feet attached to the bottom, tt~ as best seen in Figure 4, formed firom silicone or other suitable materials. In yet other embodiments, as best seen in Figures 2 and 5, the reservoir 30 may include a removable bottom section 70 that is preferably friction-fitted or snap-fitted into the reservoir 30. Thus, with the bottom section in place, food that is chopped with the device will be retained within the reservoir and can be readily carried to a pot or bowl. With the bottom removed, the chopper can be placed directly onto a plate, bowl, or other device to allow food to be chopped and dropped directly into the plate, bowl, or pan.

[00231 In some embodiments, a top surface of the lid includes a generally rounded convex shape adjacent the rounded end, as best seen in Figure 2. This provides a better grip and more ergonomic surface for the user when chopping food within the device.

[0024] In use, the user places an onion (or other food item) atop the grid of blades while the lid is open. By pressing against the lid, causing pivotal and downward rotation of the lid, the grid of projections is pressed against the onion. In turn, the onion is pressed against the grid of blades, urging it through the blade openings and producing chopped onion sections having a cross-sectional shape that is the same as the blade openings. Once the lid approaches the blade grid, the projections press through the grid to clear any remaining food from the grid.

[00251 When the reservoir is full, or the chopping is completed, the tray is removed from the top of the reservoir. The chopped onion or other food may then be readily removed f-rm the reservoir. The entire device can also be easily cleaned by separating the tray from the reservoir and, if desired, also removing the lid.

0 100261 An alternate form of the food chopping device is shown in Figure 3. In this form, the device includes the same primary components of a lid, tray, and reservoir. The primary difference is that the grid of blades comprises a plurality of elongated parallel N blades, rather than two pluralities of blades arranged at right angles. The grid of projections kn extending from the lid is similarly configured as a series of adjacent parallel bars that will fit NI snugly through the grid of blades. In. addition, the reservoir is somewhat deeper and the rectangular shape is somewhat shorter, with the length and width of the rectangle being closer in length to one another.

100271 As shown in Figure 4, the food chopping device may include measurement markings 80. In the preferred form 1 4 the measurement markings 80 are oriented vertically, so that the words are read properly with the device tipped up on end, or rotated 90 degrees. As food is chopped with the device, it will form a mound shape, making it difficult to tell with certainty the amount of food that has been chopped, even if there are measurement markings oriented horizontally. This is especially true for devices that have a base of a width or length that is substantially greater than the height. In order to determine the amount of food that has been chopped, the device is rotated 90 degrees, allowing the food to settle to the hinged end.

The device may be shaken gently to allow the food to settle and form a substantially horizontal top. At that point, the user can determine the amount of chopped onions or other food ingredients by looking at the measurement markings associated with the top of the ingredient level through the clear plastic food reservoir. Ideally, the size of the reservoir is sufficient to accommodate a typically expected volume of food. In the example shown in Figure 4, there are markings in half-cup increments up to the 2-cup level, with the reservoir itself exceeding 2 cups in volume.

[00281 As shown in Figure 4, the volumetric markings 80 are placed on a sidewall of the reservoir. In alternate embodiments, the markings may be placed on the bottom 70, the -1- -q- 0 lid 10., or in other locations that are visible and enable a determination of the volume of articles within the device.

100291 This alternate embodiment is particularly well suited for use in slicing mushrooms or other foods intended to be sliced rather than chopped into smaller bits. The device is used in the same manner, by placing a mushroom or other food item atop the grid of blades and rotating the lid toward the tray, urging the food through the grid of blades.

100301 While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and Cl described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0031] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0032] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Claims

1. A food processing device, comprising: C a reservoir having upwardly extending sidewalls when the reservoir is resting on a tt) horizontal surface, the sidewalls having a top end and a bottom end; O 0 a tray secured to the reservoir relatively closer to the top end of the reservoir than to the bottom end of the reservoir, the tray having a plurality of blades; and a lid pivotally attached to the device for movement between a first position adjacent the tray and a second position relatively distant from the tray, the lid having a plurality of projections sized and configured to be received between the plurality of blades when the lid is adjacent the tray.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the blades within the plurality of blades is parallel to one another.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of blades further comprises a first plurality of parallel blades and a second plurality of parallel blades, the second plurality of parallel blades being generally orthogonal to the first plurality of parallel blades to define a plurality of substantially square openings, and further wherein each of the projections among the plurality of projections is configured to fit within one of the plurality of substantially square openings.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the tray is removably secured to the reservoir, and further wherein the tray comprises a bore to facilitate removal of the tray from the reservoir.

The device of claim 1, wherein the lid is removably attached to the reservoir. -9- O c-I O

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a reservoir bottom removably secured to the bottom end of the reservoir sidewalls. c,

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir bottom further comprises a non-skid surface. C

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the second pivotable position of the lid forms an O angle of at least 90 degrees with respect to the first pivotable position of the lid.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is substantially transparent.

The device of claim 1, wherein at least one the device further comprises one or more volumetric indicators.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the device further comprises a horizontal axis when the device is resting on a horizontal surface, and further the one or more volumetric indicators are arranged to indicate a volume along the horizontal axis.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the device further comprises a horizontal plane when the device is resting on a horizontal surface, and further wherein the one or more volumetric indicators are arranged to indicate a volume of a top surface of items within the device that is non-parallel to the horizontal plane.

13. The device of claim 10, wherein the device further comprises a horizontal axis when the device is resting on a horizontal surface, and further the one or more volumetric indicators are substantially orthogonal to the horizontal axis.

14. A food processing device, comprising: a reservoir having upwardly extending sidewalls when the reservoir is resting on a horizontal surface, the sidewalls having a top end and a bottom end; O Cl o O a tray secured to the reservoir relatively closer to the top end of the reservoir than to the bottom end of the reservoir, the tray having a means for slicing an object; and Sa means for urging the object through the slicing means, the urging means being O pivotally secured to the device. l

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the tray is removably secured to the reservoir. C

16. The device of claim 1, wherein means for urging comprises a lid that is removably attached to the reservoir.

17. The device of claim 1, further comprising a reservoir bottom removably secured to the bottom end of the reservoir sidewalls.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is substantially transparent.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one the device further comprises one or more volumetric indicators. Dated this 19th day of October 2005. PROGRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION By their Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK Fellows Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia