CA2237082A1 - "the deboner" a device to hold a headless, previously eviscerated fish in position while its back and rib bones are safely cut free and removed - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable, lightweight, easily cleaned fish holder for conveniently positioning a fish whiles safely removing the back and rib bones in preparation for specialty curing, cooking or smoking processes. This device importantly does not puncture the skin when the fish is held. The device's nonskid base sits on a horizontal surface and the base's "M" shaped top surface forms knife and sharpener storage pockets and the tapered "V" into which the fish's back is placed. Near the base's tail end an arch type frame, sliding arm and cross bar swivel/slide assembly straddle the base's "V" and fish's tail portion. When moved in line with fish's back bone and pressed downward the sliding arm and cross bar spread the rib section open and hold the fish tight to the base and ready to be boned out. All cutting is done below the cross bar leaving the hand that holds the sliding cross bar arm in a safe position so as not to be jabbed or sliced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The DEBONER'-°' a device to hold a headless, previously eviscerated fish in position while its back and rib bones are safely cut free and removed; unlike prior art (U.S. Patent 4,977,644);(U.S. Patent 5,0998,338);(U.S. Patent 3,715,229); and (U.S. Patent 4,704,769) which use a fish tail securing clamp and or spikes extending from the devices surface and in some cases have features that are an actual safety hazard as the operator removes his hand from the fish after placing the tail in the clamp he could become iimpaled on the fish's spiny fins. These prior art devices are mainly used for cleaning., head removal, disemboweling and producing boneless, skinless fillets and do not spread the belly flaps and hold them in position or are not safe enough or suitable for the speedy removal of the back and rib bones of a fish carcass that is being readied for specialty curing, cooking or smoking processes. These processes require the skin remain intact and not punctured so as to provide protection and ease of handling during the I S processes various stages as well as retaining moisture and preventing flavor loss to the meat andL in the case of curing processes punctured skin would allow an over abundance of salt to penetrate and accumulate in the meat or let the juices seep out quickly as heat is applied.
T'he DEBONER'~~ does not puncture any part of the fish carcass in that it uses a pinching and pressing principle applied by a sliding rod type arm and cross bar to hold the fish steady and belly flaps spread (fig.l). These prior art inventions show the addition of knives and housings for the knife but none show provision for a readily available, newer st'~le ceramic rod type sharpener which needs to be used on today's modern stainless steel knives to maintain a razor sharp edge and The DEBONER'M
addresses this problem by incorporating a ceramic sharpener (fig.3)(1 ) and protective pockets (fig.3)(3;1(4) for both the sharpener (fig.3)(1) and a modern stainless steel knife (fig.3)(2).
The above mentioned prior art does not teach the use of guards, deflectors or hand position limitation devices of any kind for the prevention of puncture wounds or cuts in their design features where as The DEBONER ~M has a sliding rod type arm and cross = 1 of6=

30 bar (fig.2 )(5) between the cutting area of the fish carcass (fig.2)(6) and the operators holding hand. The DEBONER T" is also designed so all the cutting is done below the fish bonf;s adding extra distance and protection between the knife and the operators hold down hand.
T'he DEBONER '~~ is best illustrated by (fig.l );(fig.2) whereas these two figures 35 illustrate the device as it would be seen by the operator just previous to knife insertion and additional features will be brought to the forefront as this description proceeds.
The DEBONER T~' has a dual purpose primary flat bottomed base (fig.3)(7;);(fig.l0) which is the stabilizing factor for all other working parts and is of thin, rigid sheet material such as non toxic plastic that is not affected by ultra violet light or 40 cleaning chemicals or processes and is shaped into a dome ended trapezoid (fig.l0) with tapered sides and these tapered sides are of equal length and the distance between the end points of these sides that are furthest apart form the top edge of the trapezoid and this top edge is curved outwardly so as to provide a full width tab that protrudes the length of the tapered sides. This full width tab houses a double slotted " key hole "
(fig.9)(8)(9)(10) 45 with one slot on center and above the hole (fig.9)(8) and one slot on center and below the hole (fig.9)(9) using the hole as a common entrance point (f ig.9)(10) for both slots which are used to store the device vertically from a peg or hook (fig.7)(11) protruding from a vertical, stationary surface (fig.7)(12) and to maintain the sliding rod type hold down arm (fig.7)(1:3) in its storage position. The span between the end points of these tapered sides 50 that are closest together form the bottom edge of the trapezoid and this bottom edge is straight and blunt in nature (fig.l 0)(14) between the two tapered side end points. Having produced the left and right tapered sides, top edge and bottom edge, two flat surfaces are established which become the top surface and bottom surface or back of the primary base (fig.l 0). This primary base's bottom surface has nonskid hollow feet (fig.l 0)(15) =2of6=

55 strategically attached or formed into or on its bottom surface and this bottom surface becomes the back member of a complete bone removal device. The top surface (fig.3)(7) of this primary base is the foundation for the secondary base and where the secondary base's tapered sides and bottom edge meet the primary base's top surface (fig.3)(16)(17), contact areas to affix the two bases are established and a section of the primary base's top 60 surface along its center line is the contact area for the bottom of the " V
" (fig.3)(18) of the secondary base. These two bases can be affixed by gluing or welding but could be screwed, bolted or riveted together if flanges were formed on the secondary base's sides and closf:d end to mate with the top surface of the primary base. Another aspect would be to integr;~te and mold the primary and secondary bases and produce them as a single 65 seamless base.
fhe secondary base of rigid, thin sheet material such as non toxic plastic that is not affected by ultra violet light or cleaning chemicals or processes is cut and formed to produce an " M " shaped or corrugated cross section (fig.3)(19) that is tapered top to bottom and side to side over its entire length and this length being the same as the tapered 70 sides of t:he primary base with tapers to match the tapers of the tapered sides of the primary base and the result of this forming is a central " V '' shaped section on top to insert and support the supine fish (fig.l); (fig.2) and a left and right inverted " V " on the underside and when joined with the top surface of the primary flat bottomed, nonskid base forms two hollow triangle shaped tapered tunnels with the smallest bottom ends of 75 these tunnels blocked off or closed so as to become storage pockets (fig.3)(3)(4). The closed ends of the tapered triangle shaped pockets (fig.5)(20);(fig.6)(20) are flat, triangle shaped and perpendicular to the top surface of the primary base and have an aperture in each (fig.5)(21)(22); (fig.6)(21)(22) to accommodate the legs (fig.5)(23)(24) of the arch type hold down frame during storage. These storage pockets become the housings for a 80 readily available, modern stainless steel knife (fig.2)(2); (fig.3)(2) and a newer style ceramic rod type knife sharpener (fig.2)(1); (fig.3)(1) which is needed for today's modern stainless steel knives.
Once the fish carcass is placed supine into the " V " with the tail towards the narrow, closed end of the primary and secondary base (fig.l );(fig.2) a hold down =3 of6=

85 mechanism is put into place with the two legs of its arch type frame straddling the fish carcass a.nd inserted through the apertures of the secondary (fig.3)(25)(26) and primary (fig.3)(27)(28) bases proceeding further into the hollow nonskid feet (fig.3)(15) of the primary base. These two legs (fig.4)(23)(24) of the hold down mechanism are of hollow pipe or solid rod type construction and both have identical features and dimensions in that 90 they both have short sections of one end of the rod or pipe leg smoothly bent to 90 degrees to form the shoulders of the arch type frame. The longer section becomes the vertical upright of the arch and the shorter section is now placed into two opposing sockets (fig.4)(29)(30) of the swivel device (fig.3)(31 ) which resembles a standard threadless cross pipefitting. This swivel type device (fig.3)(31) fits the arch legs 95 (fig.3)(2:3)(24) snugly but must allow free movement and frill rotation about the swivel's suspension points axis. This swivel device now has two open opposing ports (flg.4)(3'?)(33) that are 90 degrees to and on center with the two ports (fig.4)(29)(30) that were used for the arch legs (fig.4)(23)(24) and these ports (fig.4)(32)(33) make up a hollow center section in line with the back bone of the fish. It is this center section I 00 (fig.4)(3:?)(33) that acts as the slide and rotation point for the rod shaped sliding hold down arrn (fig.4)(13) so it is important that the inside diameter be large enough to not let pinching or binding occur as the sliding rod shaped hold down arm (fig.4)(13) travels along the length of the fish or is rotated 180 degrees for storage.
A, rod shaped hold down arm (fig.4)(13) is fashioned from hollow pipe or solid 105 rod that has a diameter that will allow for it to slide and rotate freely within the swivel hollow center section (fig.4)(32)(33) and is of a length that is 1/3 longer than the length of the primary base. A short section of one end of the rod or pipe arm is bent downwards 45 degrees to allow clearance between the operators fingers and the fish carcass (fig.2).
Near the end of the longer section of arm (fig.4)( 13) there is a groove (fig.4)(34) cut fully =4of6=

110 around the circumference of the arm to accept a keeper ring (fig.4)(35) such as an " O "
ring that can be stretched over the arm (fig.4)(13) and into the groove (fig.4)(34) but once in place it has one half the thickness of the " O " ring material left standing proud of the circumference of the rod arm (fig.5)(35 ) to keep the arm from dropping out of the hollow center section of the swivel device (fig.4)(32)(33) but can be taken off to remove the arm 115 for cleaning. This " O " ring must not be affected by chemicals or steam and must be of a diameter great enough so as not to let it slide through the hollow center section of the swivel. 'The end of the short section of arm is the joining point (fig.4)(36) for the arm and a rod shaped cross bar. The cross bar (fig.4)(5) is a rod shaped device with both its ends rounded to a dome shape and it is attached at its mid point and 90 degrees to the hold 120 down arm. This rod shaped hold down arm (fig.4)(13) and cross bar (fig.4)(5) may be manufactured all in one piece; such would be the case of a molded plastic item. The cross bar's function is to spread and hold the fish's belly flaps (fig.l);(fig.2)(5) and is of a length that extends horizontally and sideways protruding the widest and top most points of the support " V " so that when the fish's rib and belly flap areas are placed between the 125 top edges of the support " V " and the cross bar (fig.l );(fig.2) a pinching and holding effect occurs when pressure is applied to the rod shaped arm (fig.2). The cross bar further protects the operators hand that is grasping the hold down arm from being jabbed or sliced because the operators left (frg.2)(37) or right (fig.2)(38) hand is in the free travel area between the button head peg (fig.2)(39) and the face of the swivel device (fig.2)(32) I 30 when he grasps and applies downward pressure to the arm and cross bar and all cutting operations (flg.2)(6) are done in front of and below the cross bar. In the storage position the rod shaped cross bar (fig.8)(5) acts as a carrying handle (fig.8)(37) when the legs of the arch type hold down frame are in their storage position and the hold down arm and cross bar are rotated 180 degrees through the hold down arms axis and the arm's pan or 135 button head peg (fig.8)(39) is securely in place in the upper slot of the primary base's " key hole " using (fig.8)(10) as a common entrance point that is situated at the top of and is a part of the lower slot (frg.8)(9) .
The sliding rod shaped hold down arm has a fixed pan or button head peg (fig.4)(39) made up of a screw type fastener or rivet (fig.4)(40), a flat washer (fig.4)(41 ) =5of6=

140 and a cylindrical tube spacer (f g.4)(42) attached to and protruding from the start or shoulder of the extreme radius of the 45 degree bend (fig.4)(39) that is applied to the arm (fig.4)( 13) and when mated with either " key hole " slot of the primary base (fig.9)(8)(9)(10) its intended use is to hold the arm and base assembly in a fixed position while the unit is stored (fig.7)(39) or being carried (fig.8)(39). This peg (fig.2)(39);
145 (fig.4)(39); (fig.7)(39); (fig.8)(39) could also be molded as a one piece integral unit with the sliding rod arm (fig.4)(13) and cross bar (fig.4)(5).
T'he above description comprises a table or counter top fish carcass holder that will safely aid a person in the removal of back and rib bones as he prepares the meat and this description is meant to follow the invention written about and illustrated in figures 150 1 to 10 but in no way should it limit it from variations such as materials used in its construction or the process or processes of constructing a device to carry out the invention stated in the abstract, claims or description. The DEBONER TM (fig.
l ) is a device that can be used easily by almost anyone, anywhere there is a relatively flat surface, indoors or out, by sports fisherman or commercial venture, even those without 155 previous training or experience can successfully obtain the results needed to safely produce a quality fish product that is ready for specialty curing, cooking or smoking processes, that require the fish carcass's skin to remain intact and not punctured.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure I is, a top and front angled view of The DEBONER '~ showing a fish carcass in place with the sliding arm and cross bar holding belly flaps spread and ready to have bones removed and showing boning knife and rod type knife sharpener in their respective triangle pockets.
Figure 2 is, a top and front angled view of The DEBONEK ~"' including a fish carcass in place with the sliding arm and cross bar holding belly flaps spread and ready to have bones removed and showing both left and right hand positions of the operator as the sliding arm and cross bar is grasped and pressed downward onto the fish belly flaps.
Figure 3 is, a top and front angled view of The DEBONER T~' hold down mechanism positioned directly above and ready to be inserted into the base unit apertures.
Figure 4 is, an exploded view of The DEBONER TM hold down mechanism components structure.
Figure ~ is, a front view of The DEBONER T"' and hold down mechanism in its vertical storage position showing the two legs of the arch type frame inserted in the apertures of the pocket's triangle shaped closed ends and the sliding rod shaped hold down arm turned 180 degrees and in its storage position.
Figure 6 is, a bottom end view of the complete base unit showing positioning of the apertures of the pocket's triangle shaped closed ends.
Figure 7 is, a side view of the top section of The DEBONER T" with the sliding hold down arm and cross bar with the sliding arm's pan or button head peg securely in place in the lower slot of the primary base's " key hole " and the section of the complete unit is hanging vertically from a vertical, stationary surface.
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Figure 8 is, a side view of the top section of The DEBONH:R T~~ with the sliding hold down arm and cross bar with the sliding arm's pan or button head peg securely in place in the upper slot of the primary base's " key hole " and the cross bar being used as a carrying handle.
Figure 9 is, a front view of the top section of The DEBONER T"' showing the position of the base's double slotted " key hole " used for carrying and sliding arm storage.
Figure 10 is, the bottom view of The DEBONER TM primary flat bottomed base showing the hollow, nonskid foot placement.
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Claims (19)

1. Claim 1. a dual purpose primary flat bottomed base which is the stabilizing factor for all other working parts and is a sheet material object cut or formed into a trapezoid with tapered sides and the wider end curved outwardly so as to provide a full width tab that protrudes the length of the tapered sides and this base has nonskid hollow feet strategically attached, formed or molded into its bottom surface and this bottom surface becomes the back member of a complete unit when hung vertically for storage.
2. Claim 2. a primary base unit with a curved tab like section protruding from one end to house a double slotted " key hole " with one slot on center and above the hole and one slot on center and below the hole using the hole as a common entrance point for both slots which are used to store the device vertically from a peg or hook protruding from a vertical, stationary surface and to maintain the sliding hold down arm in its storage position.
3. Claim 3. a secondary base of sheet material cut or formed to produce a tapered "M"
   shaped or corrugated cross section that when joined with the top surface of the primary flat bottomed nonskid base forms two hollow triangle shaped tapered tunnels that are tapered from top to bottom and from side to side with the smallest ends closed so as to become storage pockets for a readily available modern stainless steel knife and a newer style ceramic or steel rod type sharpener which needs to be used on today's modern stainless steel knives.
   
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4. Claim 4. a secondary base that when joined with a primary base makes up two tapered triangle shaped storage pockets that are joined where the pocket's adjacent sides and backs meet to form a support "V" into which a supine, headless, previously eviscerated fish may be placed, spread and held in a readied state for bone removal.
5. Claim 5. a secondary base with apertures in the top surface of this base aligned parallel to and near its narrow end that are vertically aligned with apertures in the primary base to act as anchor devices for the legs of the arch type hold down frame to enter and protrude the primary base's bottom continuing into the hollow nonskid feet thus adding to the arch type hold down frame's stability.
6. Claim 6. a base unit with two tapered, triangle shaped pockets that have an aperture in each pocket's flat, triangle shaped closed end to accommodate the legs of the arch type hold down frame during storage.
7. Claim 7. a hold down mechanism that has a fixed point removable arch type frame that supports a swivel device for positioning a sliding hold down arm and cross bar while the complete unit is in use or storage.
8. Claim 8. a hold down mechanism that has a swivel device that when suspended between the two legs of the arch type frame does allow free movement and rotation about the suspension points axis thus allowing the sliding hold down arm to raise, lower and have limited sideways movement.
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9. Claim 9. a hold down mechanism that has a swivel device with a hollow center section to house a loosely fit sliding rod type arm so that the sliding arm may travel freely through the swivel and along its length between the sliding arm's pan or button head peg and the sliding arm's keeper ring while being able to rotate 360 degrees about its axis and it is in this free travel area between the button head peg and the face of the swivel device that the operator positions his left or right hand to safely grasp and apply downward pressure to hold the fish in place with the cross bar.
10. Claim 10. a hold down mechanism that has a sliding rod shaped arm protruding from both sides and through the center of a swivel device and this sliding arm has a short section near one end bent downward approximately 45 degrees and the end of this short, bent section is the anchor point to which a rod shaped cross bar is attached or molded and the longer opposite end of the sliding rod shaped arm has a groove around its circumference to position an "O" ring keeper to retain the sliding arm in the swivel device and this "O" ring keeper is easily removed or replaced to allow the sliding arm and swivel to be cleaned.
11. Claim 11. a hold down mechanism that has a sliding rod shaped arm with a fixed pan or button head peg attached or molded to and protruding from the arm's upper external surface at the start of the extreme radius of the 45 degree bend that is applied to the sliding arm and when mated with either " key hole " slot of the primary base its intended use is to hold the sliding arm and base assembly in a fixed position while the unit is stored or being carried.
    
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12. Claim 12. a hold down mechanism that has a rod shaped cross bar attached at its center point to the short, bent section of the sliding rod shaped arm and this cross bar's length is made to extend horizontally and sideways protruding the widest and top most points of the support "V" so that when the fish's rib and belly flap areas are placed between the top edges of the support "V" and the rod shaped cross bar a pinching and holding effect occurs when pressure is applied to the sliding rod shaped hold down arm.
13. Claim 13. a hold down mechanism that has a rod shaped cross bar that acts as a limiting device for the use of a boning knife in respect that the boning knife is always used in the area in front of and below this cross bar and that the knife once inserted under the rib or back bones can not be raised above this cross bar therefore guarding the left or right hand that is holding the fish in position from being jabbed or sliced.
14. Claim 14. a hold down mechanism that has a rod shaped cross bar that acts as a carrying handle when the legs of the arch type hold down frame are in their storage position and the hold down arm and cross bar are rotated 180 degrees through the hold down arm's axis and the arm's pan or button head peg is securely in place in the upper slot of the primary base's "key hole".
15. Claim 15. a lightweight, compact, extremely portable device that has all its necessary components and utensils readily available for use while being stored or in the process of being used.
    
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16. Claim 16. components that can be disassembled and are all manufactured from resilient, non corrosive, food safe materials that are also easily and effectively cleaned by either hand or mechanical washer methods that may include the use of strong detergents, disinfectants and/or bleach.
17. Claim 17. components that can be used easily by almost anyone, anywhere there is a relatively flat surface indoors or out, even those without previous training or experience can successfully obtain the results needed to safely produce a quality fish product that is ready for specialty curing, cooking or smoking processes that require the fish carcass's skin to remain intact, not punctured and the back and rib bones removed.
18. Claim 18. a tapered "V" trough and sliding rod shaped hold down arm and cross bar which allows the accommodation of various sizes and species of fish without the addition of attachments or interchangeable parts.
19. Claim 19. a stand alone unit and does not need to be used in conjunction with but may be used in conjunction with other fish processing devices.
    
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