Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02384272 2002-04-29
Kitchen appliance for cutting cuttable material
The present invention relates to a kitchen appliance for cut-
ting cuttable material such as vegetables, fruit, etc., with a
main body, a guide surface on which the cuttable material can
be moved to and fro, a blade which, for cutting, is arranged
offset in relation to the guide surface so that a piece is cut
off from a cuttable material moved on the guide surface in the
guide direction toward the blade, the offset between the blade
and the guide surface determining the cutting thickness, and
with an exchangeable insert for modifying the cutting thick-
ness.
A kitchen appliance of this type is known, for example, from
the printed documents DE 298 21 132 U1, EP 306 017 and DE 89 09
068 U1.
Such kitchen appliances are generally also referred to as
kitchen slicers. To cut cucumbers, for example, the slicer is
generally held over a bowl and, by moving the cucumber to and
fro, slices thereof are cut off one after another. The slices
fall through a slit between the blade and the guide surface and
down into the bowl.
The guide surface is often also referred to as the approach
surface. Adjacent to the blade, in the guide direction, there
is generally a further guide surface, also called the run-out
surface.
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The blade is generally arranged transversely with respect to
the guide direction. It can, for example, be arranged perpen-
dicular to the guide direction or slightly obliquely thereto. A
particularly advantageous configuration is a V-shaped blade in
which two obliquely arranged blades run together approximately
at the center.
The kitchen appliance can be made of metal, but the main body
is often made of plastic.
Above-mentioned DE 298 21 132 U1 discloses a kitchen appliance
in which two lateral frame parts are connected integrally to an
upper guide plate. The frame parts also have grooves for in-
serting a lower guide plate at different heights.
DE 198 27 077 Al discloses a device for comminuting food prod-
ucts, with a base plate and an exchangeable grating insert
which is pushed from the side into an opening. The grating in-
sert is made of plastic and has a transversely extending blade
on its top. Before the blade, in the cutting direction, a guide
path is mounted pivotably by means of an integral hinge and is
supported in one of several pivot positions by a movable ad-
justment lever.
For adjustment of the cutting height, it is further possible,
in the known V-shaped slicer from the Applicant, to modify the
cutting thickness by exchanging or turning around an insert
piece which forms the lower guide surface and which can be
pushed in the guide direction into the slicer.
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3
WO 95/24995 discloses a vegetable slicer for cutting cubes,
having an approach surface and a run-out surface which is par-
allel to the latter and on the front edge of which a V-shaped
blade is arranged. Before the blade and after the blade, in the
cutting direction, there is in each case a row of perpendicular
blades which are spaced apart in the transverse direction. If
the cuttable material is turned through 900 between successive
cutting maneuvers (cuts), it is possible to cut cubes with the
vegetable slicer. The size of the cubes cannot be varied.
DE 89 09 068 U1, mentioned at the outset, discloses a waffle
cutter with a main body and an insert in the form of a slide
plate. The receiving seat of the main body for the slide plate
has a supporting plate designed as a closed surface. The sup-
porting plate has a large number of recesses. On the underside
of the slide plate there are a correspondingly large number of
downwardly projecting lugs. The slide plate can be locked in
two different positions on the receiving seat in the guide di-
rection. In one position, the lugs engage in the recesses. In
the other position, the lugs rest on the supporting plate. By
pressing the slide plate out of the recesses and subsequently
moving the slide plate in the guide direction, it is thus pos-
sible to reduce the cutting thickness.
Finally, EP 0 306 017 A2, mentioned at the outset, relates to a
kitchen slicer which has a main body and an insert. The insert
can be pushed into the main body in the guide direction. The
insert has two plate parts, the distance between which is ad-
justable. In one configuration, the plate parts can be screwed
to each other. In a further configuration, a wedge is arranged
between the plates. In both configurations, the plate parts are
CA 02384272 2002-04-29
4
mutually adjusted in a direction perpendicular to the guide di-
rection.
The object of the invention is to make available an improved
kitchen appliance with which it is possible to modify the cut-
ting thickness in a simple way.
In the kitchen appliance mentioned at the outset, and in accor-
dance with a first aspect of the invention, this object is
achieved by virtue of the fact that the insert, in the inserted
state, is mounted so as to be movable on the main body as a
whole, and can be fixed in different positions on the main body
in order to modify the cutting thickness.
The kitchen appliance according to the invention consequently
consists of a small number of individual parts. Moreover, the
cutting thickness can be modified in a simple way. In particu-
lar, to modify the cutting thickness, it is not necessary to
replace an insert or to remove it and then insert it again in
another position.
It is particularly preferable if the insert, in the inserted
state, is mounted so as to be displaceable substantially paral-
lel to the guide direction and can be fixed in different paral-
lel displacement positions on the main body in order to modify
the cutting thickness.
By means of the parallel displacement of the insert, it is pos-
sible, on the one hand, to achieve a constantly good cutting
quality at all cutting thicknesses, because the angle of attack
CA 02384272 2002-04-29
between guide surface and blade remains substantially constant,
in particular 0 .
On the other hand, it is comparatively simple in design terms,
in this embodiment, to mount the insert so that it is fully
movable in the inserted state and can be fixed in different po-
sitions.
The parallel displaceability can be obtained by a wide variety
of measures, for example by parallelogram links.
However, it is particularly preferable if a parallel guide be-
tween the main body and the insert has at least two ramp guides
which are arranged in such a way that a displacement of the in-
sert in a first direction necessarily causes a movement in a
direction perpendicular thereto.
The first direction here preferably lies in a main plane of the
main body and, for example in the case of a V-shaped slicer, is
preferably the guide direction. In kitchen appliances in which
the blade is oriented straight, the first direction can also
lie parallel to the cutting edge of the blade.
In the kitchen appliance mentioned at the outset, and in accor-
dance with a second aspect of the invention, the above object
is achieved by virtue of the fact that the insert is designed
to be movable in relation to a receiving seat of the main body
in the guide direction, and ramp guides are provided on the re-
ceiving seat and/or on the insert so that a movement of the in-
sert in the guide direction causes a movement transverse to the
guide direction in order to modify the cutting thickness.
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The kitchen appliance according to the second aspect of the in-
vention is robust and can be made with a small number of parts.
The cutting thickness is adjusted by means of the insert which
is moved in the guide direction with respect to the receiving
seat, and by means of the ramp guides which ensure that a lon-
gitudinal movement is necessarily converted into aõlifting"
movement, that is to say the space between the guide surface
and the blade is modified.
The change which this causes in the longitudinal spacing of the
guide surface from the blade in the guide direction is here
taken into account. It has been found that the change in this
longitudinal spacing is in practice largely negligible.
By means of the ramp guides, however, it is comparatively easy
to ensure that the guide surface extends approximately parallel
to the plane of the blade upon each adjustment of the cutting
thickness. In this way, it is possible to avoid the cuttable
material being displaced during the cutting operation, and the
cut passes smoothly and without obstruction through the cutta-
ble material irrespective of the particular cutting thickness
that has been set.
In the prior art, by contrast, it has generally been attempted,
also on adjustment of the cutting thickness by parallel dis-
placement, to keep the longitudinal spacing between the end
edge of the guide surface and the opposite cutting edge as con-
stant as possible. For example, in above-mentioned EP 0 306 017
A2, the insert is chosen to be configured in three parts in or-
der to be able to adjust two opposite plate parts exactly per-
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pendicular to the guide direction by means of a wedge which is
arranged between them.
DE 89 09 068 U1, also mentioned above, admittedly discloses how
a slide plate can be locked in two different axial positions on
a main body in order to effect an adjustment of the cutting
thickness. However, in this known kitchen appliance, the ad-
justment is effected by a pattern of movement which is rather
impractical. This is because, in order to reduce the cutting
thickness, the slide plate first has to be lifted out of the
recesses perpendicular to the guide direction. For this pur-
pose, a corresponding opening is provided in the main body.
This is followed by axial displacement in the guide direction
until a second locking position is reached. This arrangement
also suffers from the disadvantage that it is generally possi-
ble to select only two cutting thicknesses, not a large number
of cutting thicknesses.
The solutions according to the first aspect and second aspect
of the present invention, however, permit adjustment of the
cutting thickness in more than two steps, for example in three
or four or even more steps. In some cases the adjustment is
even stepless.
Consequently, the object is also completely achieved according
to the second aspect of the invention.
It is particularly advantageous if the receiving seat is made
in one piece with the main body.
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8
In this configuration, it is possible to make the kitchen ap-
pliance basically in two parts, namely the main body and the
insert (or a large number of different inserts).
In an alternative configuration, the receiving seat is formed
on an adapter which can be fixed on the main body in an operat-
ing position.
This embodiment is particularly advantageous for the retrofit-
ting of existing kitchen appliances, in particular the known V-
shaped slicer from the Applicant.
As has been mentioned above, the V-shaped slicer of the prior
art permits adjustment of cutting thickness by means of inserts
being exchanged or turned around. By provision of the adapter,
said adapter can in the first instance be inserted instead of
an insert into the main body of the V-shaped slicer of the
prior art. The combination of main body and adapter then has
the same or substantially the same function as a main body on
which the receiving seat is formed in one piece.
It is particularly preferable, in this connection, if the
adapter can be pushed into the main body in the guide direction
and locks in the operating position.
The adapter itself is consequently fixed on the main body in a
single position, the operating position. By being able to be
pushed in the guide direction, the adapter can be combined in
particular with the known above-mentioned V-shaped slicers of
the prior art.
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According to a preferred embodiment, the insert is designed to
be movable in relation to the receiving seat in the guide di-
rection when the adapter is fixed in the operating position.
The first and second aspects of the present invention are real-
ized in this embodiment. In the inserted state, the insert is
displaceable in the guide direction so as to adjust the cutting
thickness.
According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the insert is
movable in relation to the receiving seat when the adapter is
removed from the operating position, and the insert is not mov-
able in relation to the receiving seat when the adapter is
fixed in the operating position.
In the alternative embodiment, a relative axial displacement
between insert and adapter takes place, to modify the cutting
thickness, when the adapter is removed from the main body. As
soon as the adapter is fixed in the operating position, with
the insert fixed in a defined position, the adjustment function
in the guide direction is locked.
While the first alternative embodiment permits a change of cut-
ting thickness quickly and without effort, an on the whole
greater degree of stability can be achieved in the second al-
ternative embodiment.
It is further preferred if the angle of the ramp guides with
respect to the guide surface is in the range of between 5 and
50 , preferably in the range of between 5 and 30 .
CA 02384272 2002-04-29
It is thereby possible, for a reasonably small amount of dis-
placement in the first direction (or guide direction), to real-
ize a reasonably large range of movement for adjusting the cut-
ting thickness.
According to an advantageous embodiment, the ramp guides have
ramps on the main body on which mating pieces of the insert
lie.
It is generally also conceivable to provide ramps on the insert
and slide pieces on the main body. However, providing ramps on
the main body has the advantage of permitting a structurally
simpler configuration of the insert. Since there are often a
number of inserts for one main body, the kitchen appliance as a
whole can be realized in a structurally simpler manner.
In this connection, it is particularly preferable if at least
two ramp guides are formed on opposite sides of the main body,
and if the slide pieces are formed by pins which protrude from
sides of the insert.
This results in a compact configuration of the parallel guide.
It is further preferred if at least one central ramp portion is
arranged underneath the insert in order to support the insert.
In this way it is possible to ensure that the insert does not
sag even in the event of strong pressure from above.
In this connection, it is particularly preferable if the cen-
tral ramp portion is arranged adjacent to the blade.
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This ensures that the offset between blade and guide surface
(the cutting thickness) remains constant irrespective of the
pressure exerted on the guide surface.
According to an alternative embodiment, the insert, in the in-
serted state, is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot
axis arranged offset in relation to the blade, and can be fixed
in different pivot positions on the main body in order to mod-
ify the cutting thickness.
In this embodiment, the means for fixing the insert on the main
body can be realized particularly simply in terms of construc-
tion.
On the whole, it is preferable if the cutting thickness can be
adjusted steplessly.
For this purpose, it is advantageous if a clamping device is
provided in order to fix the insert in a desired position on
the main body.
With stepless adjustability, the kitchen appliance can be
adapted to a wide variety of cutting tasks.
According to an alternative embodiment, the cutting thickness
can be adjusted in steps.
In this connection, it is advantageous if a locking device is
provided for fixing the insert in one of several positions on
the main body.
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Especially when the main body and/or the insert is made of
plastic, it is comparatively easy to realize a locking device.
It is also generally advantageous if the insert can be set into
a position in which the edge of the guide surface lying oppo-
site the blade lies level with or above the cutting edge of the
blade.
In this (rest) position, which is provided in particular as a
child safety feature, it is impossible to inadvertently grip
the cutting edge of the blade. This cutting edge is covered by
the edge of the guide surface.
It is also advantageous if a row of perpendicular blades ori-
ented transversely with respect to the guide direction is pro-
vided on the guide surface of an insert.
In this way, it is readily possible for the cuttable material
to be cut not in slices, but in strips.
In this connection, it is particularly preferable if the insert
can be set into a position in which the top of the row of
blades protrudes relative to the top of the blade by an extent
which is at least as great as the cutting thickness.
In this way it is possible for the blades to form longitudinal
scores in the cuttable material, on the underside that has not
yet been cut off.
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If, before a subsequent cutting maneuver, the cuttable material
is turned through 90 or by a similar amount, the scores are
cut through transversely by the blades to form a criss-cross
pattern and are then cut off by the (normal) blade, so that
blocks are obtained.
Consequently, the kitchen appliance can be used with a normal
insert to cut slices, and, with the insert having the row of
blades, to cut either strips of large thickness or cubes of
smaller thickness.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a kitchen appliance for cutting cuttable material such
as vegetables and fruit comprising
a main body
a guide surface on which the cuttable material can be moved to
and from,
a blade which, for cutting, is arranged offset in relation to
the guide surface so that a piece is cut off from a cuttable
material moved on the guide surface in a guide direction toward
the blade, the offset between the blade and the guide surface
determining the cutting thickness, and
an exchangeable insert which can be inserted in the main body
and, in the inserted state, is mounted so as to be movable as a
whole on the main body and be fixed in the different positions
on the main body in order to modify the cutting thickness, and
wherein the insert can be set into a position in which the edge
of the guide surface lying opposite the blade lies level with
or above the cutting edge of the blade.
CA 02384272 2006-09-07
13a
In a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a kitchen appliance for cutting cuttable
material such as vegetables and fruit comprising
a main body
a guide surface on which the cuttable material can be
moved to and from,
a blade which, for cutting is arranged offset in relation
to the guide surface so that a piece is cut off from a
cuttable material moved on the guide surface in a guide
direction toward the blade, the offset between the blade
and the guide surface determining the cutting thickness,
and
an exchangeable insert which can be inserted in the main
body and which is desiged to be movable in relation to a
receiving seat of the main body in the guide direction,
and wherein ramps are provided on the receiving seat
and/or on the insert so that a movement of the insert in
the guide direction causes a movement transverse to the
guide direction so as to adjust the cutting thickness,
and wherein the insert can be set into a position in
which the edge of the guide surface lying opposite the
blade lies level with or above the cutting edge of the
blade.
It will be appreciated that the features mentioned above
and those still to be explained below can be used not
only in the respectively stated combination, but also in
other combinations or in isolation, without thereby
departing from the scope of the present invention.
Illustrative embodiments of the invention are explained
in greater detail below in the following description in
which reference is made to the drawing, in which:
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13b
Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a kitchen appliance in
schematic representation, according to the first as-
pect of the invention;
Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a kitchen appliance in
schematic representation, according to the first as-
pect of the invention;
Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a kitchen appliance in
schematic representation, according to the first as-
pect of the invention;
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14
Fig. 4 shows a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a kitchen
appliance in schematic representation, according to
the first and second aspects of the invention;
Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view along the line V-V in
Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 shows a schematic detail to explain a child safety
feature;
Fig. 7 shows a schematic view to explain the use of the
kitchen appliance for cutting cubes;
Fig. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of a ramp guide;
Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a main body in a fifth em-
bodiment of a kitchen appliance according to the first
and second aspects of the invention;
Fig. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view along the line
X-X in Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 shows a plan view of a locking device of the main body
in Fig. 9, shown in an enlarged representation;
Fig. 12 shows a bottom view of an insert for the main body
shown in Fig. 9;
Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional view along the line XIII-XIII
in Fig. 12;
CA 02384272 2002-04-29
Fig. 14 shows a cross-sectional view along the line XIV-XIV in
Fig. 12;
Fig. 15 shows a schematic perspective view of an adapter in a
sixth embodiment of a kitchen appliance according to
the first and second aspects of the invention;
Fig. 16 shows a cross-sectional view along the line XVI-XVI in
Fig. 15;
Fig. 17 shows a cross-sectional view along the line XVII-XVII
in Fig. 15, in an enlarged representation; and
Fig. 18 shows a perspective view of a main body of the kitchen
appliance in the sixth embodiment.
In Fig. 1, a first embodiment of the kitchen appliance accord-
ing to the invention is designated in general by reference num-
ber 10.
The kitchen appliance 10 has a main body 12 which is in general
approximately rectangular and on which a blade 14 with a cut-
ting edge 16 is fixed.
The blade 14 is shaped as an approximately rectangular metal
blade and extends perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 18 of
the main body 12.
It will be appreciated that the blade 14 can also be arranged
obliquely in relation to the longitudinal axis 18. Moreover,
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16
the blade can also be configured as a V-shaped blade which is
made up of two individual blades.
The blade 14 is assigned a guide surface 20 which is arranged
offset in relation to the blade 14. Provided on the other side
of the blade 14 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 18,
there is a run-out surface 22 which is aligned flush with the
top of the blade 14.
The run-out surface 22 is configured as the top of a transverse
support 23 of the main body 12.
The guide surface 20 is configured as the top of an exchange-
able insert 24. In the inserted state, the insert 24 is re-
ceived between two longitudinal webs 28 of the main body 12
which extend from the transverse support 23 parallel to the
longitudinal axis 18.
The insert 24 is here situated between two opposite inner sides
29 of the longitudinal webs 28.
In the inserted state, the insert 24 is mounted so as to be
movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
18 by means of a parallel guide, as is indicated schematically
at 32.
By means of the parallel offset of the insert 24 relative to
the main body 12, and consequently relative to the blade 14,
the cutting thickness of the kitchen appliance 10 can be ad-
justed.
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The insert 24 can be fixed in any desired parallel displacement
position by means of schematically indicated clamping means 34,
so that a stepless adjustability of the cutting thickness is
achieved.
It will be appreciated that the view of the kitchen appliance
in Fig. 1 is schematic. The surfaces 22, 20 can be both
smooth and structured. It is further possible for the longitu-
dinal webs 28 to be connected to one another at their freely
protruding ends for strengthening purposes. The longitudinal
webs 28 can also be raised in relation to the run-out surface
22 so as to allow a fruit holder or the like to slide over them
without damaging the blade 14.
When using the kitchen appliance 10, a cuttable material such
as fruit, vegetables, e.g. a cucumber, is moved to and fro in a
guide direction 36 approximately parallel to the longitudinal
axis 18. As the cuttable material is moved from the guide sur-
face 20 past the blade 14 in the direction toward the run-out
surface 22, a slice of the cuttable material is cut off. The
slice which has been cut off falls down through the slit be-
tween blade 14 and insert 24, usually into a container located
underneath.
Upon a subsequent return movement, the remainder of the cutta-
ble material is moved across the blade 14 without cutting tak-
ing place. In the next movement in the guide direction, a slice
is once again cut off.
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It will be appreciated that the blade 14 does not necessarily
have to be straight. For example, the blade 14 can also be
fluted or corrugated.
To modify the cutting thickness, the clamping means 34 are re-
leased and the insert 24, without being removed from the main
body 12, is displaced parallel to the plane of the blade with
the parallel guide 32. As soon as the correct cutting thickness
has been set, the clamping means 34 are again actuated in order
to fix the insert 24 on the main body 12.
In Fig. 2, a second embodiment of a kitchen appliance is desig-
nated in general by reference number 40.
The kitchen appliance 40 is generally of a construction similar
to that of the kitchen appliance 10 in Fig. 1. Identical parts
are therefore provided with the same reference numbers. Only
the differences are explained below.
The kitchen appliance 40 has a main body 42. The main body 42
has a transverse support 46, on top of which the guide surface
20 is formed, and two longitudinal webs 44 extending rearward
from the transverse support 46.
A schematically indicated grip 47 is also formed integrally on
the transverse support 46.
Mounted between the transverse supports 46, there is an insert
48 which on its top forms the run-out surface 22. The blade 14
is also provided on a forwardly directed edge of the insert 48.
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The insert 48, with the blade 14 located thereon, is designed
to be displaced, by a schematically indicated parallel guide
50, relative to the main body 12 and approximately parallel to
the guide surface 20.
Clamping means 34 are again used for fixing the insert 48 on
the main body 42.
The handling and the function of the kitchen appliance 40 are
identical to the kitchen appliance 10. To modify the cutting
thickness, only the position of the insert 48 is changed in-
stead of that of the insert 24.
In Fig. 3, a third embodiment of a kitchen appliance according
to the invention is designated in general by reference number
60.
The structure of the kitchen appliance 60 is generally similar
to that of the kitchen appliance 10. Identical parts are pro-
vided with the same reference numbers. Only the differences are
explained below.
Instead of the insert 24, the kitchen appliance 60 is provided
with an insert 62 which, by means of a schematically indicated
pivot guide 66, is designed to be pivotable about a pivot axis
64.
The pivot axis 64 extends approximately parallel to the blade
14 and is provided in the end area of the ends of the longitu-
dinal webs 28.
CA 02384272 2002-04-29
For stabilizing purposes, the ends of the longitudinal webs 28
are connected to one another via an element 68 which can serve
at the same time as a grip.
To adjust the cutting height, the schematically indicated
clamping means 34 are released. The insert 62 mounted on the
main body 12 is then pivoted about the pivot axis 64 until a
suitable offset is reached between the blade 14 and the associ-
ated section of the insert 62.
The clamping means 34 are then once again actuated in order to
fix the insert 62 in the pivot position thus set.
For cutting cuttable material, the kitchen appliance 60 is used
exactly like the kitchen appliance 10. The only difference is
that the cuttable material for the most part does not abut the
blade 14 in parallel, but in general at a small angle thereto,
typically in the range of between 1 and 10 .
In Figures 4 and 5, a preferred embodiment of a kitchen appli-
ance according to the invention is designated in general by
reference number 80.
The kitchen appliance 80 corresponds in terms of its basic de-
sign to the kitchen appliance 10 in Fig. 1. Identical parts are
consequently identified by the same reference numbers. Only the
differences from kitchen appliance 10 are explained.
The kitchen appliance 80 has a main body 81 which has two lon-
gitudinal webs 82 and a transverse support 84 connecting the
two longitudinal webs 82.
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The top of the transverse support 84 forms the run-out surface
22. On an edge directed toward the guide surface 20, a V-shaped
blade 86 is integrally formed on the transverse support 84.
The V-shaped blade has two blade halves which in each case ex-
tend from one of the transverse supports 84 at an angle of ap-
prox. 10 to 70 , in particular approximately 15 to 30 , in
relation to the longitudinal axis 18. The blade halves thus en-
close an angle in the range of between 30 and 100 , preferably
between 30 and 60 .
The longitudinal webs 82 protrude above the run-out surface 22
by a certain height, as can be seen in particular in Fig. 5. By
this means, it is possible for a fruit holder (known per se) to
be guided across the top of the longitudinal webs 82 without
damaging the V-shaped blade 86.
The longitudinal webs 82 extend forward starting from the
transverse support 84 (that is to say counter to the guide di-
rection) and are connected to one another, in the area of their
ends, by a further transverse support 87.
An.insert 88 whose top serves as guide surface 20 can be in-
serted into the opening thus formed.
The insert 88 is in general of plate-shaped design and is like-
wise approximately V-shaped at its front, that is to say toward
the V-shaped blade 86. The tip of the insert 88 can be flat-
tened.
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22
In the inserted state, the insert 88 is mounted displaceably,
approximately parallel to the run-out surface 22 (or to the V-
shaped blade 86), by means of two parallel guides 90 which are
provided on the opposite longitudinal webs 82.
The parallel offset obtained by this means is identified in
Fig. 5 by a schematically indicated arrow 91.
The parallel guides 90 each have two guide grooves 100 spaced
apart from one another in the longitudinal direction. Each of
the guide grooves 100 has an approximately perpendicular
groove inlet section 93 and a groove ramp section 92. The
groove ramp section 92 adjoins a lower end of the groove inlet
section 93 and forms, with the guide surface 20, an angle 94
in the range of 100 to 50 , preferably in the range of between
15 and 30 .
On its side edges, the insert 88 is provided in each case with
two guide pins 96 which are spaced apart from one another in
the longitudinal direction and whose external diameter is
adapted to the width of the guide grooves 100.
To fit the insert 88 into the main body 81, the guide pins 96
are introduced from above into the upwardly open guide grooves
100 and are lowered to the bottom of the groove inlet section
93.
In this state, the insert 88 has the greatest offset in
relation to the blade 86.
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23
Starting from this state, the insert 88 can be moved in paral-
lel by means of the guide pins 96 being displaced along the re-
spective groove ramp sections 92.
On account of the groove ramp sections 92, a displacement of
the insert in the direction of the longitudinal axis 18, or in
the guide direction 36, results necessarily in a movement in
the direction perpendicular thereto, namely upward in Fig. 5.
By this means, the offset between insert 88 and blade 86, and
consequently the cutting thickness, is reduced.
During use of the kitchen appliance, a considerable force is
exerted on the insert 88 from above.
To prevent the insert 88 from bending in the transverse direc-
tion, the main body 81 is provided with a further transverse
support 102 which is arranged under the V-shaped surface of the
V-shaped blade 86 and connects the longitudinal webs 82. The
transverse support 102 is provided with a ramp-like surface, at
least in a central section, and consequently serves as a cen-
tral ramp 102.
A corresponding bearing wedge 104 is provided on the underside
of the insert 88 and slides on the central ramp 102.
It will be appreciated that the central ramp 102 is provided as
an option in order to prevent bending in the transverse direc-
tion in the case of relatively thin inserts 88. In order to
achieve a stable parallel displaceability, it would alterna-
tively also suffice to provide the central ramp 102 and only
CA 02384272 2002-04-29
24
two opposite guide grooves 100 (instead of four as in the em-
bodiment shown). In this alternative case (not shown), a 3-
point bearing would thus be obtained which is known to be suf-
ficient for stable support.
In Fig. 4, reference number 106 indicates a row of perpendicu-
lar blades provided on the insert 88 and offset in the trans-
verse direction. It will be appreciated that such a row of
blades 106 is optional and can be present on some inserts 88
and not on others.
In Fig. 4, reference number 108 indicates fixing means.
Although the insert 88 can be fixed releasably in a defined po-
sition relative to the blade 86 by clamping means, as are indi-
cated schematically in Fig. 1 for example, in the present case
locking means 108 are provided.
The fixing means 108 comprise, on a rear lateral section of the
insert 88, a large number of grooves 110 spaced apart from one
another in the longitudinal direction, and an elastically de-
flecting catch 112 provided on one of the longitudinal webs 82.
In the unstressed state, the catch 112 engages in one of the
grooves 110 and consequently fixes the longitudinal position of
the insert 88 in relation to the main body 81 and consequently
the cutting thickness which is shown schematically at 98 in
Fig. 5.
To adjust the cutting height, the catch 112 is deflected later-
ally outward, as is shown schematically at 114 in Fig. 4. The
CA 02384272 2002-04-29
catch consequently frees the insert 88 so that the latter can
move freely in the longitudinal direction. As soon as the suit-
able cutting thickness is set, the catch 112 is once again re-
leased so that it snaps into one of the grooves 110 and the in-
sert 88 is fixed on the main body 81.
Locked fixing is possible only when the guide pins 96 are lo-
cated in the groove ramp sections 92.
On account of the fact that the groove ramp sections 92 delimit
the guide pins 96 at the top and bottom, even these simple fix-
ing means 108 always provide a defined position of the insert
88 in relation to the main body 81.
It will be appreciated that the angle 94 of the groove ramp
sections 92 and that of the central ramp 102 are preferably the
same.
It is also preferable if, as is shown, the insert 88 is moved
parallel to the blade 86 and to the run-out surface 22. How-
ever, it is also in general conceivable for the insert 88 to be
arranged slightly inclined in relation to the blade 86 and to
the run-out surface 22 and to be moved in parallel starting
from such an inclined position.
The view of the kitchen appliance 80 in Figures 4 and 5 is a
generally schematic one. It will be appreciated that appropri-
ately shaped grips can be provided for ergonomic handling. It
will also be appreciated that edges shown as angular in the
figures can in practice be rounded, in order to allow the
CA 02384272 2002-04-29
26
kitchen appliance 80 to be produced largely by plastic injec-
tion-molding.
Thus, the main body 81 and/or the insert 88 are preferably made
of plastic, and the V-shaped blade 86 of suitable and prefera-
bly stainless steel.
If clamping means are provided instead of the locking means
108, it is possible to obtain a stepless adjustment of the cut-
ting thickness 98.
Moreover, it will be appreciated that, instead of the ramps 92
and 102, it is also possible to provide other parallel guides,
for example parallelogram linkage guides.
In an alternative embodiment which is not shown, it is also
possible for the guide grooves 100 to be U-shaped, for example,
in plan view, so that a parallel displacement is generally ef-
fected which is not inclined but instead perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis 18. In such a case, other fixing means are of
course to be provided, preferably clamping means.
In-a preferred configuration, as is shown in Fig. 6, the insert
88 can be displaced upward until its top, that is to say the
guide surface 20, lies above the cutting edge of the blade 86.
Such a setting, which is shown by solid lines in Fig. 6, is one
in which the kitchen appliance 80 can be put aside or stored.
The sharp cutting edge of the blade 86 is protected here. This
embodiment thus serves as a child safety feature.
CA 02384272 2005-12-20
27
An operating position for cutting cuttable material with a
defined cutting thickness 98' is shown by broken lines in Fig.
6.
Instead of the insert 88 which is shown in Figures 4 and 5 and
which has a smooth or plane guide surface 22 (which can also
be structured), an alternative exchangeable insert 88A
according to Fig. 7 has a large number of perpendicular
individual blades 120 spaced apart from one another in the
transverse direction. The perpendicular individual blades 120
are arranged, for example, in the way shown at 106 in Fig. 4.
The perpendicular individual blades 120 project from the guide
surface 20 by a value which permits two alternative operating
modes.
In the position of the insert 88A shown by solid lines in Fig.
7, the top of the perpendicular individual blades 120 projects
relative to the blade 86 by a value which is shown generally
at 124 in Fig. 7.
The value 124 is greater than the cutting thickness 98
obtained in this position.
When using the kitchen appliance 80 with the insert 88A in
this position, a row of strips is generated in a first cutting
maneuver by means of the cutting edges 122 of the blades 120
and then cut off with the cutting thickness 98. Because of the
projection 124, that part of the cuttable material not cut off
is likewise cut into in the longitudinal direction. If the
cuttable material is turned through 90 before the next
cutting maneuver, the strips of the cuttable mate:rial which
have as it were been cut in are then cut through by the
perpendicular individual blades 120 and finally cut off as
cubes by means of the blade 86. The cut-
CA 02384272 2005-12-20
28
table material is again turned through 900 prior to the next
cutting maneuver, and so on.
Consequently, cubes or blocks can be produced in the position
shown (cubes only if the distance between the perpendicular
individual blades 120 corresponds to the cutting thickness
98).
In a second position of the insert 88A, shown by broken lines
in Fig. 7, the top of the perpendicular individual blades 120
is approximately level with the cutting edge of the :blade 86.
Consequently, on each cutting maneuver, strips of the cuttable
material are cut off. The underside of the cuttable material
is not cut into.
It will be appreciated that further inserts 88B, etc., can be
combined with the main body 81, which inserts for example have
perpendicular individual blades 120 of smaller height and/or
different spacing in order to be able to produce strips and/or
cubes of different dimensions.
However, the concept of being able to bring the exchangeable
insert 88A into a position in which perpendicular blades
arranged on the insert 88A project relative to the "main
blade" 86 in order consequently to be able to cut cu:bes or
blocks is regarded as inventive in itself, irrespective of the
mobility of the insert as a whole in the inserted state.
A further alternative embodiment is shown schematically in
Fig. 8.
In the alternative embodiment, instead of the parallel guides
90, a parallel guide 130 is in each case provided which, in-
CA 02384272 2002-04-29
29
stead of guide grooves 100 of approximately constant width, has
the following shape.
The surface of the parallel guides 130 is structured in such a
way as to provide two bearing ramps 132 spaced apart from each
other in the axial direction, and two axially offset holding
ramps 134 interlacing with the bearing ramps 132.
Instead of two axially offset guide pins 96, four axially off-
set guide pins 136 are provided on the insert 88 (not shown) in
this embodiment.
Two of the guide pins lie on the bearing ramps 132, and two
other guide pins 136 lie on the underside of the holding ramps
134.
In this embodiment too, it is guaranteed that such an insert
with guide pins 136 is forced upward or downward during an ax-
ial movement, that is to say a defined position between main
body and insert is obtained at all times.
In contrast to the parallel guide 90 with the relatively narrow
guide grooves 100, the parallel guide 130 is designed with re-
cesses 138 of large surface area which are considerably easier
to clean. Moreover, dirt cannot gather so easily in the re-
cesses 138 of large surface area.
In Figures 9 to 14, a fifth embodiment of a kitchen appliance
is indicated generally by reference number 150.
CA 02384272 2005-12-20
In terms of its general function, the kitchen appliance 150
corresponds to the kitchen appliances already discussed.
The kitchen appliance 150 has a main body 152 which is shown
in Figures 9 to 11.
The main body 152 comprises two longitudinal webs 15=4, 156
which extend approximately in parallel and between which a
run-out surface 158 is formed.
The run-out surface 158 is provided at its front edge with a
V-shaped blade 160. To this extent, this structure corresponds
to the structure of the known V-shaped slicer from the present
Applicant.
The main body 152 also has a receiving seat 162 for an
exchangeable insert.
The receiving seat 162 has a supporting plate 164 extending
between the two longitudinal webs 154, 156.
The supporting plate 164 is substantially parallel to the run-
out surface 158. The supporting plate 164 has two ramps 166,
168 which are oriented to each other in a V arrangement in
accordance with the V-shaped blade 160. The ramps 166 each
rise from the supporting plate 164 at an angle 169 (Fig. 13)
of approximately 8 .
At its front end, the supporting plate 164 has a transverse
edge 170 which is adjoined by a downwardly extending grip
section.
CA 02384272 2002-04-29
31
The receiving seat 162 is laterally delimited by the longitudi-
nal webs 154, 156. A side wall 172 of the longitudinal web 154
faces toward the receiving seat 162.
Provided in the area of the side wall 172 there is a locking
device 173 for fixing an insert. The locking device 173 has a
locking lug 174 extending perpendicular to the guide direction
36. The locking lug 174 is formed on an elastic web 176 of the
side wall 172. By this means it is possible for the locking lug
174 to yield laterally when the insert is pushed in.
As an alternative to a lateral locking device 173, it is also
conceivable to integrate the locking device in the supporting
plate 164.
The elastic web 176 is formed by an oblong hole 178 in an upper
area of the longitudina:L web 154 and by an oblong hole 180 ex-
tending parallel thereto in the side wall 172. The elastic web
176 is formed between these two oblong holes 178, 180.
As is shown schematically in Fig. 10, at least one transverse
web 184 is provided under the supporting plate 164 and between
the longitudinal webs 154, 156. The supporting plate 164 tapers
in a V-shape in accordance with the V-shaped blade 160. The
jib-like section formed in this way and pointing toward the V-
shaped blade 160 is supported from underneath by the at least
one transverse web 184.
This ensures that the section of the supporting plate 164 ta-
pering in a V-shape is not deflected downward when pressure is
exerted from above by the cuttable material.
CA 02384272 2002-04-29
32
As can be seen from Figures 9 and 11, a run-out lip 186 adjoins
the ramps 166, 168. 'I'he run-out lip 186 is oriented substan-
tially parallel to the supporting plate 164 and to the V-shaped
blade 160. In the lowest position of the insert (which will be
discussed below), the run-out lip 186 serves as part of the
guide surface for the cuttable material.
In Figures 12 to 14, an insert to be inserted into the receiv-
ing seat 162 of the main body 152 is indicated in general at
190.
The insert 190 is shown in a view from underneath in Fig. 12.
The insert 190 has a base plate 192 which has a substantially
rectangular section and a section tapering in a V shape.
The top of the insert 190 is designed substantially plane as a
guide surface 194. The insert 190 is in this case generally ar-
ranged in the receiving seat 162 in such a way that the guide
surface 194 extends parallel to the plane of the V-shaped
blade, and does so for all cutting thicknesses 98.
The underside 195 of the base plate 192 is adapted to the shape
of the receiving seat 162.
In the rear section tapering in a V shape, the base plate 192
has two wedge surfaces 196, 198 on its underside 195. The wedge
surfaces 196, 198 are adapted in terms of arrangement, size and
angle to the ramps 166, 168 of the receiving seat 162.
CA 02384272 2002-04-29
33
At the front end (the left end in Fig. 12), the base plate 192
has a wedge section 200 becoming thicker toward the front. The
slope of the wedge section corresponds to the angle 169.
As can be seen in Fig. 13, the underside 195 of the base plate
192 is parallel to the guide surface 194 along a length L. The
length L is correspondingly shown in Fig. 9.
It will be seen that the receiving seat 162 and the underside
195 of the base plate 192 are adapted to one another in such a
way that in a first position (with the greatest cutting thick-
ness) the insert 190 lies flat on the supporting plate 164. The
guide surface 194 in this case lies approximately level with
the run-out lip 186. The wedge section 200 protrudes forward
relative to the transverse edge 170 of the supporting plate
164.
Two opposite longitudinal edges 202 of the insert 190 lie par-
allel to the side walls 172 of the receiving seat 162.
A large number of locking recesses 204 arranged in succession
in the longitudinal direction are provided on one longitudinal
edge 202.
The locking recesses 204 are adapted to the locking lug 174 of
the locking device 173.
Fig. 10 also shows two retaining lugs 182 which project inward
from the side walls 172. The retaining lugs 182 serve to longi-
tudinally guide the insert which is to be introduced into the
CA 02384272 2002-04-29
34
receiving seat 162. They ensure that the insert 190 cannot be
pushed upward out of the receiving seat 162.
The insert 190 is pushed into the receiving seat 162 from the
front toward the rear (from right to left in Fig. 9). In so do-
ing, the side edge 202 pushes the locking lug 174 elastically
aside until the locking lug 174 snaps into the first of the
locking recesses 204. In this state, as has been mentioned
above, the guide surface 194 lies approximately level with the
run-out lip 186. The greatest cutting thickness is set. By
pushing the insert 190 further toward the rear, a parallel dis-
placement of the insert 190 in relation to the supporting plate
164 is obtained (and consequently parallel to the plane of the
blade).
This is because, as the insert 190 is pushed further toward the
rear inside the receiving seat 162, the wedge surfaces 196, 198
on the one hand slide upward on the ramps 166, 168. On the
other hand, the front part of the insert 190 is lifted to the
same extent by the wedge section 200 being guided over the
transverse edge 170.
As _is shown in Fig. 12, the insert 190 has, for example, five
locking recesses 204. Four of these recesses are used for dif-
ferent height adjustments of the guide surface 194 and conse-
quently for different cutting thicknesses.
As soon as the locking lug 174 has snapped into the last of the
locking recesses 204, the guide surface 194 lies approximately
level with the V-shaped blade 160 or slightly above it, so that
it is largely impossible to accidentally cut oneself on the V-
CA 02384272 2002-04-29
shaped blade. This last position consequently corresponds to a
storage or safety position, in accordance with Fig. 6.
It will be seen that in this embodiment the ramps or wedge sur-
faces are designed as flat ramps which directly adjoin other
surfaces of the bodies in question (main body 152 or insert
190). Overall, a kitchen appliance 150 is thus obtained in
which the height can be adjusted in a large number of steps
(more than two) in a simple manner. Handling is also very
straightforward even for the unpracticed user.
Moreover, the overall smooth design of the surfaces of both the
main body 152 and the insert 190 ensures that the kitchen ap-
pliance as a whole is easy to clean. Remains of cut material
cannot collect in small grooves or other recesses.
In the kitchen appliance 150, the receiving seat 162 is formed
in one piece with the main body 152. Thus, in the simplest
case, the kitchen appliance 150 consists of only two parts.
However, it will be appreciated that, instead of the insert
190, it is also possible, for example to use inserts with
transverse blades, as are indicated schematically in Fig. 7.
In Figures 15 to 18, a sixth embodiment of a kitchen appliance
according to the invention is indicated in general by reference
number 150'.
In almost every aspect, the kitchen appliance 150' corresponds
to the kitchen appliance 150 in Figures 9 to 14.
CA 02384272 2005-12-20
36
In the kitchen appliance 150', the same inserts 190 are used
as in the kitchen appliance 150. The kitchen appliance 150'
differs from the kitchen appliance 150 in that the main body
152' is not designed directly to receive the insert :190, but
instead the main body 152' is designed to receive an adapter,
which is indicated by reference number 210 in Figures 15 to
17.
The main body 152' can be a conventional main body of a V-
shaped slicer from the prior art. In this type of main body,
it is possible to insert an insert in each case from front to
rear into a defined operating position. To adjust the cutting
thickness, different inserts can be pushed in, or an insert
can be pushed in after it has been turned round.
In the kitchen appliance 150', the adapter 210 is inserted
into the defined operating position instead of such a known
insert. The combination of main body 152' and adapter 210 can
then be handled exactly like the main body 152' which was
described above.
In order to differentiate them, the corresponding elements of
the adapter 210 and of the main body 152' are each provided
with an apostrophe mark.
In Fig. 18, a receiving seat for the adapter is also indicated
by reference number 212. The receiving seat 212 has guide
rails 214 on each side in the area of the side surfaces 172.
Also provided on the side surfaces 218 of the receiving seat
212 are locking recesses 216 which allow the adapter 210 to be
fixed in the one operating position.
CA 02384272 2006-09-07
37
In one side surface 218 there is also an elastic web 220 formed
by two parallel oblong holes, similar to the oblong holes 178,
180 in Fig. 9. However, there is no inwardly projecting lug
provided on the elastic web 220.
As is shown in Fig. 15, the adapter 210 has a supporting
plate 164' which is substantially rectangular with an end
tapering in a V-shape. On the end tapering in a V-shape,
there are two ramps 166', 168' which are contiguous with a
run-out lip 186'.
Two side walls 172' are each provided in the rectangular area.
On one side wall 172' there is an elastic web 176' on whose
inside a locking lug 174' protrudes inward. The elastic web
176' is formed by an oblong hole 180' in the transition area
between the supporting plate 164' and one side wall 172'.
Retaining lugs 182' are formed on the top of each of the two
side walls 172'.
The arrangement of the locking device 173' is adapted to the
arrangement of the elastic web 220. Consequently, it is
possible also to move the insert 190 in the longitudinal
direction, for height adjustment, when the adapter 210 is
fitted in the operating position. The locking lug 174' on the
elastic web 176' is deflected to the side, which is made
possible by the elastic design of the web 220.
If the main body 152' is designed without the oblong holes,
that is to say without elastic web 220, as is the case with
conventional V-shaped slicers, a relative axial displacement
CA 02384272 2005-12-20
38
between adapter 210 and insert 190 is only possible when the
adapter 210 is removed from the operating position.
A lateral deflection of the lug 174' is, in this case, not
possible in the operating position.
In this way, the arrangement of adapter 210 and insert 190 can
be held in an inherently stable manner in the receiving seat
212. Adjustment of the cutting thickness is nevertheless com-
paratively easy. To do this, the whole arrangement of adapter
210 and insert 190 is simply removed briefly from the
receiving seat 212. The insert 190 and the adapter 210 are
then displaced axially in relation to one another. The whole
arrangement is then inserted back into the operating position
in the receiving seat 212.
In the kitchen appliance 150' too, adjustment of the cutting
thickness is realized by solid parts with smooth surfaces, so
that the kitchen appliance 150' as a whole is easy to clean
and robust in handling.
It will be appreciated that an arrangement of adapter 210 and
insert 190 is an independently marketable product which can be
purchased as an "add-on" for existing V-shaped slicers of
conventional type.
It will be appreciated that the preferred configurations ac-
cording to Figures 6 to 8 can alternatively be applied to the
kitchen appliances 10, 40, 150, 150'. The embodiments in
Figures 6 and 7 can also be applied to the kitchen appliance
60.
