US20180213978A1 - Container and system for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device - Google Patents
Container and system for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180213978A1 US20180213978A1 US15/935,683 US201815935683A US2018213978A1 US 20180213978 A1 US20180213978 A1 US 20180213978A1 US 201815935683 A US201815935683 A US 201815935683A US 2018213978 A1 US2018213978 A1 US 2018213978A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cutting tool
- base
- container
- hub
- chamber
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
- A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
- A47J43/0716—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools for machines with tools driven from the lower side
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/02—Internal fittings
- B65D25/10—Devices to locate articles in containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D55/00—Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D55/02—Locking devices; Means for discouraging or indicating unauthorised opening or removal of closure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
- A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
- A47J2043/0738—Means for storing accessories
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to a domestic food processing device and, more particularly, to a container for carrying or holding a cutting tool of a domestic food processing device.
- a food processing device is a motorized domestic appliance for manipulating (e.g., chopping, slicing, dicing, shredding, grating, or blending) food items.
- Such an appliance includes a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are inserted into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by motor-driven cutting tool and collected in the bottom of the bowl.
- Some food processors also include an outlet on the bowl that guides the processed food items into an outside bin, container, or other bowl.
- Food processors typically come equipped with a number of interchangeable cutting tools for slicing, shredding, or other food processing operations. Between each use, the cutting tools may be cleaned by hand or in a dishwashing machine before being placed in a cabinet for storage.
- a container for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device includes a shell defining a chamber sized to receive one of at least a first cutting tool and a second cutting tool.
- the shell has a first outer surface, a second outer surface positioned opposite the first outer surface, and a side wall extending between the first outer surface and the second outer surface.
- the shell has a first slot defined in the first outer surface, and a second slot defined in the second outer surface that is aligned with the first slot.
- the first slot receives a stem of the first cutting tool when the first cutting tool is positioned in the chamber, and the second slot receives a stem of the second cutting tool when the second cutting tool is positioned in the chamber.
- a plurality of openings are defined in the first outer surface. Each opening is arranged circumferentially around the first slot and is sized to permit fluid to pass into the chamber.
- the shell may have an access opening defined in a side thereof to permit one of at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool to be positioned in the chamber.
- the shell may include a first inner wall that extends inwardly from the access opening to define the first slot and a second inner wall that extends inwardly from the access opening to define the second slot.
- the container may further include a retaining door pivotally coupled to the shell.
- the retaining door may be moveable between a closed position in which the access opening is covered such that the one of at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool is retained in the chamber when positioned therein and an open position in which the access opening is uncovered to permit the one of at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool to be positioned in the chamber.
- the retaining door may have a plurality of slots defined therein that permit fluid to pass into the chamber.
- the shell may include a mounting flange that extends outwardly from the first outer surface.
- the retaining door may include a first arm pivotally coupled to the mounting flange, a second arm spaced apart from the first arm such that the shell is positioned between the first arm and the second arm, and a connecting wall extending between the first arm and the second arm. The connecting wall may be positioned over the access opening when the retaining door is in the closed position.
- the container may further include a locking mechanism to secure the retaining door in the closed position.
- the locking mechanism may include a tab extending outwardly from the first outer surface and a groove defined in an inner surface of the first arm.
- the retaining door may include a first slot defined in the first arm that receives the stem of the first cutting tool when the first cutting tool is positioned in the chamber and the retaining door is in the closed position.
- the door may also include a second slot defined in the second arm that receives the stem of the second cutting tool when the second cutting tool is positioned in the chamber and the retaining door is in the closed position.
- each of the first inner wall of the shell and the first inner wall of the retaining door may include a first concave inner surface that is defined by a first radius
- each of the second inner wall of the shell and the second inner wall of the retaining door may include a second concave inner surface that is defined by a second radius.
- the second radius may have a magnitude that is less than the magnitude of the first radius.
- the radii of the concave inner surfaces defining the first slot and the second slot of the shell may have origins that lie along a first longitudinal axis.
- the radii of the concave inner surfaces defining the first slot and the second slot of the retaining door may have origins that lie along the first longitudinal axis when the retaining door is in the closed position and a second longitudinal axis when the retaining door is in the open position.
- the second longitudinal axis may extend parallel to the first longitudinal axis.
- the side wall of the shell may have an inner surface that extends inwardly from the access opening and defines a width of the chamber.
- the shell may have a substantially planar inner surface that extends inwardly from the access opening.
- the substantially planar inner surface may extend orthogonal to the inner surface of the side wall and define a length of the chamber that is greater than the width of the chamber.
- the shell may include a first piece including the first slot and a second piece removably coupled to the first piece.
- the second piece may include the second slot.
- the container includes a shell defining a chamber sized to receive one of at least a first cutting tool and a second cutting tool and a retaining door pivotally coupled to the shell.
- the shell has an access opening defined in a side thereof to permit one of at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool to be positioned in the chamber.
- the retaining door is moveable between a closed position in which the access opening is covered such that the one of at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool is retained in the chamber when positioned therein, and an open position in which the access opening is uncovered to permit the one of at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool to be positioned in the chamber.
- the shell and the retaining door cooperate to define an enclosure that receives a stem of the first cutting tool to locate the first cutting tool in the chamber when the first cutting tool is positioned therein.
- a plurality of openings are defined in the shell and the retaining door. Each opening is sized to permit fluid to pass into the chamber.
- the retaining door may include a first arm pivotally coupled to the shell, a second arm spaced apart from the first arm such that the shell is positioned between the first arm and the second arm, and a connecting wall extending between the first arm and the second arm.
- the connecting wall may be positioned over the access opening when the retaining door is in the closed position.
- the shell may include an outer surface having an opening defined therein and an inner wall extending inwardly from the opening to define a slot in the shell.
- the first arm of the retaining door may have an inner surface that faces the outer surface of the shell.
- the inner surface may have an opening defined therein and an inner wall extending from the opening to define a slot in the first arm.
- the slots of the shell and the first arm may cooperate to define the enclosure.
- the inner walls of the shell and the first arm may engage the stem of the first cutting tool when the first cutting tool is positioned in the chamber and the retaining door is in the closed position.
- the enclosure may be a first enclosure, and the shell and the retaining door may cooperate to define a second enclosure positioned opposite the first enclosure.
- the second enclosure may receive a stem of the second cutting tool to locate the second cutting tool in the chamber when the second cutting tool is positioned therein.
- a cutting tool system for a food processing device includes a plurality of cutting tools including a first cutting tool having a cutting edge and a stem, and a second cutting tool having a cutting edge, an upper stem, and a lower stem.
- the system also includes a perforated shell defining a chamber sized to receive one of the plurality of cutting tools.
- the shell has a first outer surface having a first slot defined therein, a second outer surface positioned opposite the first outer surface that has a second slot defined therein, and a side wall extending between the first outer surface and the second outer surface.
- the system may include a retaining door pivotally coupled to the shell.
- the retaining door may be moveable between a closed position in which the access opening is covered such that the one of at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool is retained in the chamber when positioned therein and an open position in which the access opening is uncovered to permit the one of at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool to be positioned in the chamber.
- the system may include a third cutting tool including a cutting blade and a rotating disk configured to move relative to the cutting blade to define a gap therebetween.
- the system may also include an adjustment device configured to position the rotating disk relative to the cutting blade such that the gap defined between the cutting blade and the rotating disk has a maximum thickness.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view a cutting tool system including one embodiment of a cutting tool container and a plurality of cutting tools of a domestic food processing device;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 showing the opposite side of the container;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with one of the cutting tools positioned therein;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the container of FIG. 1 with one of the cutting tools positioned therein;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the container of FIG. 1 with another of the cutting tools positioned therein;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective of the container of FIG. 1 and an adjustment device
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the container of FIG. 1 including the device of FIG. 6 and another of the cutting tools positioned in the chamber of the container;
- FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a container.
- FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional side elevation view of the container of FIG. 8 .
- the cutting tool system 10 for a domestic food processing device is shown.
- a food processor is the KitchenAid® 9-Cup Food Processor, Base Model No. KFP0922, which is commercially available from Whirlpool Corporation of Benton Harbor, Mich., U.S.A.
- the cutting tool system 10 includes a plurality of cutting tools 12 and a cutting tool container 14 configured to selectively carry or hold one of the cutting tools 12 .
- the cutting tools 12 include an adjustable slicing assembly 16 and a pair of cutting blade units 18 , 20 . It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the cutting tools 12 may include other fixed or adjustable cutting attachments, such as, for example, a shedding disk, grate/shaving disk, julienne disk, and the like.
- the adjustable slicing assembly 16 of the cutting tools 12 includes a rotating disk 22 and a blade assembly 24 .
- the rotating disk 22 has a central hub 26 , a planar body 28 extending radially outward from the central hub 26 , and a rim 30 extending vertically from the outer perimeter of the planar body 28 .
- the blade assembly 24 includes a stem 32 that is positioned in an aperture 34 defined in the central hub 26 of the rotating disk 22 and a mounting arm 36 that is secured to the stem 32 .
- the mounting arm 36 extends radially outward from the stem 32 and has a cutting blade 38 secured thereto.
- the cutting blade 38 of the slicing assembly 16 has a cutting edge 40 , and a gap 42 is defined between the cutting edge 40 of the blade assembly 24 and the planar body 28 of the rotating disk 22 .
- the size of the gap 42 corresponds to the cutting thickness of the slicing assembly 16 .
- the stem 32 of the blade assembly 24 and the central hub 26 of the rotating disk 22 are configured to slide relative to one another to increase or decrease the size of the gap 42 , thereby changing the cutting thickness of slicing assembly 16 .
- the cutting blade unit 18 of the system 10 includes a stem 46 and a pair of cutting blades 48 that extend outwardly from the stem 46 .
- the stem 46 has a body 50 that extends from an end 52 to an end 54 .
- the blades 48 of the cutting blade unit 18 are secured to the body 50 at the end 52 .
- the body 50 has a cylindrical outer surface 56 between the ends 52 , 54 , and the cylindrical outer surface 56 has an outer diameter 58 .
- the other cutting blade unit 20 of the system 10 includes a stem 60 , a stem 62 secured to the stem 60 , and a pair of cutting blades 64 that extend outwardly from the stem 60 .
- the stem 60 has a body 66 that extends from an end 68 to an end 70 .
- the blades 64 of the cutting blade unit 20 are secured to the body 66 at the end 68 .
- the body 66 of the stem 60 has a cylindrical outer surface 72 between the ends 68 , 70 , and the cylindrical outer surface 72 has an outer diameter 74 .
- the other stem 62 has a cylindrical body 76 that extends from the end 68 of the stem 60 .
- the body 76 has an outer diameter 78 , and, in the illustrative embodiment, the outer diameter 78 of the stem 62 is less than the outer diameter 74 of the stem 60 .
- the system 10 also includes a cutting tool container 14 configured to selectively carry or hold one of the cutting tools 12 .
- the cutting tool container 14 includes a shell 80 that defines a chamber 82 sized to receive one of the cutting tools 12 .
- an access opening 84 is defined in a side 86 of the shell 80 .
- the term “access opening” is intended to mean the opening formed in the side of the shell through which a user may gain access to the chamber to, for example, insert and remove cutting tools from the same.
- the access opening 84 is rectangular-shaped and is sized such that a user may insert or remove one of the cutting tools 12 from the chamber 82 . It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the access opening 84 may be, for example, oblong-shaped or another geometric form sized to receive any of the cutting tools 12 .
- the shell 80 includes a side plate 88 , a side plate 90 that is spaced apart from the side plate 90 , and a side wall 92 that connects the side plates 88 , 90 .
- the side plate 88 has an external surface 94 and an internal surface 96 positioned opposite the external surface 94 .
- the other side plate 90 has an internal surface 98 that faces the internal surface 96 of the side plate 88 and an external surface 100 that is positioned opposite the internal surface 98 .
- the surfaces 94 , 96 , 98 , 100 of the side plates 88 , 90 are substantially planar and extend parallel to each other. In other embodiments, one or more of the surfaces 94 , 96 , 98 , 100 may be convex or concave.
- the side wall 92 of the shell 80 has an internal surface 102 that extends between the internal surfaces 96 , 98 of the side plates 88 , 90 .
- the internal surfaces 96 , 98 , 102 extend inwardly from the access opening 84 defined in the side 86 of the shell 80 .
- the surfaces 96 , 98 , 102 cooperate to define the chamber 82 in the shell 80 .
- the surfaces 96 , 98 extend orthogonal to the surface 102 . Additionally, as shown in FIG.
- the internal surface 102 of the side wall 92 defined a width 284 of the chamber 82 and the surfaces 96 , 98 defined a length 286 of the chamber 82 .
- the length 286 is greater than the width 284 of the chamber.
- the shell 80 has a pair of slots 104 , 106 defined therein that are connected to the access opening 84 .
- each of the slots 104 , 106 is sized to receive a stem of a cutting tool 12 when the cutting tool 12 is positioned in the chamber 82 .
- the slot 104 is defined in the side plate 88 .
- the external surface 94 of the side plate 88 has an opening 108 defined therein that extends from the middle of the shell 80 toward the side 86 of the shell 80 , thereby connecting the opening 108 with the access opening 84 .
- An inner wall 110 extends inwardly from the opening 108 and through the side plate 88 to define the slot 104 in the shell 80 .
- the inner wall 110 of the side plate 88 includes a planar surface 112 and a planar surface 114 that extends parallel to the planar surface 112 .
- a width 116 of the slot 104 is defined between the surfaces 112 , 114 .
- the magnitude of the width 116 is greater than the outer diameter 58 of the stem 46 of the cutting blade unit 18 such that the stem 46 may be received in the slot 104 .
- the magnitude of the width 116 is greater than the outer diameter 74 of the stem 60 of the cutting blade unit 20 such that the stem 60 may be received in the slot 104 .
- the inner wall 110 of the side plate 88 also includes a concave surface 120 that connects the planar surface 112 to the planar surface 114 .
- the concave surface 120 is defined by a radius 122 such that the slot 104 has a curved end, and the radius 122 has an origin 124 positioned in the middle of the slot 104 .
- the concave surface 120 is semi-circular such that the radius 122 has a magnitude that is equal to approximately half of the magnitude of the width 116 of the slot 104 . It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the surface 120 may be substantially planar.
- the other slot 106 of the shell 80 is defined in the side plate 90 .
- the external surface 100 of the side plate 90 has an opening 130 defined therein that extends from the middle of the shell 80 to the side 86 of the shell 80 , thereby connecting the opening 130 to the access opening 84 .
- An inner wall 132 extends inwardly from the opening 130 and through the side plate 90 to define the slot 106 in the shell 80 .
- the inner wall 132 of the side plate 90 includes a planar surface 134 and a planar surface 136 that define the sides of the slot 106 .
- the inner wall 132 of the side plate 90 also includes a concave surface 138 that connects an edge 140 of the planar surface 134 with an edge 142 of the planar surface 136 .
- a width 144 of the slot 106 is defined between the edges 140 , 142 of the surfaces 134 , 138 .
- the magnitude of the width 144 is greater than the outer diameter 78 of the stem 62 of the cutting blade unit 20 such that the stem 62 of the cutting blade unit 20 may be received in the slot 106 .
- the concave surface 138 of the inner wall 132 is defined by a radius 146 such that the slot 106 has a curved end. As shown in FIG. 2 , the radius 146 has an origin 148 that is positioned in the middle of the slot 106 . In the illustrative embodiment, the concave surface 138 is semi-circular such that the radius 146 has a magnitude that is equal to half of the magnitude of the width 144 of the slot 106 . It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the surface 138 may be substantially planar. As shown in FIG. 2 , the origin 148 of the radius 146 of the slot 106 and the origin 124 of the radius 122 of the slot 104 define an axis 150 that extends through the centers of the slots 104 , 106 .
- the shell 80 includes a plurality of openings 162 that extend through the side plates 88 , 90 and the side wall 92 .
- the openings 162 include a plurality of oblong openings 164 that extend between the external surface 94 and the internal surface 96 of the side plate 88 .
- Each of the oblong openings 164 defines an arc and extends circumferentially around the slot 104 .
- Each opening 164 is sized to permit the passage of fluid into the chamber 82 of the shell 80 and has a width 168 that is less than the width 116 of the slot 104 . It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the width of each opening may vary such that no opening has the same width.
- the openings 162 defined in the shell 80 also include a plurality of oblong openings 170 that extend between the external surface 100 and the internal surface 98 of the side plate 90 . As shown in FIG. 2 , each of the oblong openings 170 defines an arc and extends circumferentially around the slot 106 . Each opening 170 is sized to permit the passage of fluid into the chamber 82 of the shell 80 and has a width 174 that is less than the width 144 of the slot 106 .
- the shell 80 is formed as a single monolithic component from a molded polymeric material, such as, for example, nylon. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the shell 80 may be from a metallic material such as, for example, steel. It should also be appreciated that in other embodiments the shell may be formed from multiple pieces that are later assembled.
- the tool container 14 also includes a retention device 180 configured to prevent the insertion or removal of a cutting tool 12 from the shell 80 .
- the retention device 180 is a retaining door 182 configured to be selectively positioned over the access opening 84 to prevent or permit a user from accessing the chamber 82 to insert or remove a cutting tool 12 .
- the retention device 180 may take other forms, such as, for example, plugs, pins, latches, tabs, covers, and so forth that prevent the insertion or removal of a cutting tool 12 .
- the retaining door 182 of the container 14 includes a pair of arms 184 , 186 that are pivotally coupled to the shell 80 and a connecting wall 188 that extends between the arms 184 , 186 .
- the arm 184 is coupled to the side plate 88 via a pivot joint 190 .
- the pivot joint 190 includes a pair of curved flanges 192 that extend outwardly from the external surface 94 of the plate 88 .
- the flanges 192 are received in a through-hole 194 defined in the arm 184 .
- Each flange 192 has a lip 196 configured to extend over the rim 198 of the through-hole 194 , thereby securing the arm 184 to the plate 88 .
- the shell 80 is positioned between the arms 184 , 186 of the retaining door 182 .
- the arm 186 is coupled to the side plate 90 via a pivot joint 200 .
- the pivot joint 200 like the pivot joint 190 , includes a pair of curved flanges 202 that extend outwardly from the external surface 100 of the plate 90 .
- the flanges 202 are received in a through-hole 204 defined in the arm 186 .
- Each flange 202 has a lip 206 configured to extend over the rim 208 of the through-hole 204 , thereby securing the arm 186 to the plate 90 .
- retaining door 182 pivots about an axis 210 (see FIG.
- FIG. 3 defined by the pivot joints 190 , 200 to move between an open position (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ) in which user-access to the chamber 82 through the access opening 84 is permitted and a closed position (see FIG. 3 ) in which user-access to the chamber 82 through the access opening 84 is prevented.
- the arm 184 has an outer surface 212 and an inner surface 214 positioned opposite the outer surface 212 .
- the inner surface 214 of the arm 184 faces the external surface 94 of the side plate 88 .
- the other arm 186 has an outer surface 216 and an inner surface 218 positioned opposite the outer surface 216 .
- the inner surface 218 of the arm 186 faces the external surface 100 of the side plate 90 .
- the surfaces 212 , 214 , 216 , 218 of the arms 184 , 186 are substantially planar and extend parallel to each other. In other embodiments, one or more of the surfaces 212 , 214 , 216 , 218 may be convex or concave.
- the retaining door 182 of the container 14 has a pair of slots 220 , 222 defined therein that extend from a side 226 of the retaining door 182 and correspond to the slots 104 , 106 defined in the shell 80 .
- each of the slots 220 , 222 is sized to receive a stem of a cutting tool 12 when the cutting tool 12 is positioned in the chamber 82 and the retaining door 182 is in the closed position.
- the slot 220 is defined in the arm 184 .
- the arm 184 has an opening 228 that is defined in the outer surface 212 of the arm 184 .
- the opening 228 extends from the side 226 of the door 182 toward the middle of the arm 184 .
- An inner wall 230 extends inwardly from the opening 228 through the arm 184 to define the slot 220 in the retaining door 182 .
- the inner wall 230 of the arm 184 includes a concave surface 232 that is defined by a radius 234 .
- the radius 234 has an origin 236 that is positioned in the middle of the slot 220 .
- the origin 236 is located on the axis 150 extending through the slots 104 , 106 of the shell 80 . In that way, the slot 220 is aligned with the slot 104 of the shell 80 when the retaining door 182 is in the closed position.
- the magnitude of the radius 234 of the arm 184 is equal to the magnitude of the radius 122 of the side plate 88 such that the slot 220 has a width that is approximately equal to the width 116 of the slot 104 .
- the width of the slot 220 is greater than the outer diameter 58 of the stem 46 of the cutting blade unit 18 such that the stem 46 of the cutting blade unit 18 may be received in the slot 220 .
- the magnitude of the width is greater than the outer diameter 74 of the stem 60 of the cutting blade unit 20 such that the stem 46 of the cutting blade unit 20 may be received in the slot 220 .
- the retaining door 182 also has a slot 222 defined in the other arm 186 .
- the arm 186 of the retaining door 182 has an opening 240 that is defined in the outer surface 216 of the arm 186 .
- the opening 240 extends from the side 226 of the door 182 toward the middle of the arm 186 .
- An inner wall 242 extends inwardly from the opening 240 through the arm 186 to define the slot 222 in the retaining door 182 .
- the inner wall 242 of the arm 184 includes a concave surface 244 that is defined by a radius 246 such that the slot 222 has a curved end.
- the radius 246 has an origin 248 that is positioned in the middle of the slot 222 .
- the origins 236 , 248 define an axis 250 that extends parallel to the axis 150 extending through the slots 104 , 106 of the shell 80 .
- the origin 248 is located on the axis 150 . In that way, the slot 222 is aligned with the slot 106 of the shell 80 when the retaining door 182 is in the closed position.
- the magnitude of the radius 246 of the arm 186 is equal to the magnitude of the radius 146 of the side plate 90
- the slot 222 has a width that is approximately equal to the width 144 of the slot 106 .
- the width of the slot 222 is greater than the outer diameter 78 of the stem 62 of the cutting blade unit 20 such that the stem 62 of the cutting blade unit 20 may be received in the slot 222 .
- the retaining door 182 includes a plurality of openings 260 that extend through the arms 184 , 186 and the connecting wall 188 .
- the openings 260 include a plurality of oblong openings 262 that extend between the outer surfaces 212 , 216 and the internal surfaces 214 , 218 of the arms 184 , 186 .
- Each of the oblong openings 260 defines an arc 264 and is sized to permit the passage of fluid.
- the container 14 of the system 10 also includes a locking mechanism 270 operable to secure the retaining door 182 in the closed position.
- the locking mechanism 270 includes a tab 272 extending outwardly from the external surface 94 of the side plate 80 , and a groove 274 defined in the inner surface 214 of the arm 184 .
- the tab 272 is advanced into the groove 274 via a snapping movement and is retained therein.
- a user may apply force to the arm 184 to remove the tab 272 from the groove 274 .
- the locking mechanism may include any combination of latches, retainers, keys, and so forth.
- the tab may extend from the side plate 90 .
- any of the cutting tools 12 may be positioned in the container 14 for cleaning or storage.
- a user may move the retaining door 182 into the open position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and advance the cutting blade unit 18 into the chamber 82 through the access opening 84 .
- the stem 46 of the unit 18 is received in the slot 104 defined in the shell 80 .
- the user may then close the retaining door 182 by pivoting the door 182 about the axis 210 .
- the stem 46 of the unit 18 is advanced into slot 220 of arm 184 of the retaining door 182 , and the connecting wall 188 of the door 182 is positioned over the access opening 84 of the shell 80 .
- the door 182 may be secured in the closed position by advancing the tab 272 of the locking mechanism 270 into the groove 274 .
- the stem 46 of the cutting blade unit 18 is positioned in an enclosure 280 defined by the slot 104 of the shell 80 and the slot 220 of the retaining door 182 .
- the inner walls 110 , 230 that define the slots 104 , 220 engage the cylindrical outer surface 56 of the stem 46 to locate and position the cutting blades 48 of the unit 18 within the chamber 82 .
- the cutting blades 48 of the unit 18 are located within the chamber 82 such that the blades 48 are spaced from the openings 162 defined in the shell 80 .
- the container 14 With the cutting blade unit 18 secured in the container 14 , the container 14 may be placed in a dishwashing machine such that the cutting blade unit 18 may be cleaned after use. Additionally, the container 14 with the cutting blade unit 18 may be placed into a cabinet or drawer for storage between uses.
- the container 14 may also be used with the other cutting blade unit 20 .
- the cutting blade unit 20 may be advanced into the chamber 82 through the access opening 84 when the retaining door 182 is open.
- the stem 60 of the unit 20 is received in the slot 104 defined in the shell 80 and the stem 62 is received in the slot 106 .
- the user may then close the retaining door 182 .
- the stem 60 of the unit 18 is advanced into the slot 220 of arm 184 of the retaining door 182
- the stem 62 of the unit 20 is advanced into the slot 222 of the arm 186 .
- the connecting wall 188 of the door 182 is positioned over the access opening 84 of the shell 80 , the door 182 is in the closed position and the tab 272 of the locking mechanism 270 is positioned in the groove 274 .
- the stem 60 of the cutting blade unit 20 is positioned in the enclosure 280
- the stem 62 of the unit 20 is positioned in an enclosure 282 defined by the slots 106 , 222 .
- the inner walls 110 , 230 that define the slots 104 , 220 engage the cylindrical outer surface 72 of the stem 60 and the inner walls 132 , 230 that define the slots 106 , 222 engage the cylindrical body 76 to locate and position the cutting blades 64 of the unit 20 within the chamber 82 .
- the cutting blades 64 of the unit 20 are located within the chamber 82 such that the blades 64 are spaced from the openings 162 defined in the shell 80 .
- the container 14 With the cutting blade unit 20 secured in the container 14 , the container 14 may be placed in a dishwashing machine such that the cutting blade unit 20 may be cleaned after use. Additionally, the container 14 with the cutting blade unit 20 may be placed into a cabinet or drawer for storage between uses.
- the container 14 of the system 10 is shown with an adjustment device 290 configured to engage the adjustable slicing assembly 16 to position the slicing assembly 16 in the chamber 82 and position the cutting blade 38 relative to the rotating disk 22 to provide maximum clearance therebetween.
- the adjustment device 290 includes a pair of collars 292 , 294 configured to engage the side plates 88 , 90 , respectively, of the shell 80 .
- the collar 292 includes a body 296 having a cylindrical outer surface 298 and a cylindrical passageway 300 defined therein.
- a channel 302 is defined in the outer surface 298 of the collar 292 , and the channel 302 is sized to receive the inner wall 110 defining the slot 104 of the shell 80 .
- the collar 294 of the adjustment device 290 includes a body 304 having a cylindrical passageway 308 defined therein.
- the body 304 includes a cylindrical outer surface 306 , and a channel 310 is defined in the outer surface 306 of the collar 294 .
- the channel 310 is sized to receive the inner wall 132 defining the slot 106 of the shell 80 .
- the adjustment device 290 engages the rotating disk 22 and the blade assembly 24 of the adjustable slicing assembly 16 to position the slicing assembly 16 in the chamber 82 .
- the collar 292 of the adjustment device 290 is positioned over a lower end 312 of the central hub 26 of the rotating disk 22
- the other collar 294 is positioned over the tip 314 of the stem 32 of the blade assembly 24 , as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the adjustable slicing assembly 16 may be advanced through the access opening 84 into the chamber 82 .
- the collars 292 , 294 may be advanced into the slots 104 , 106 of the shell 80 .
- the user may move the collar 292 along the central hub 26 to engage a lower surface 316 of the collar 292 with the mounting arm 36 of the blade assembly 24 .
- the collar 294 may be moved along the stem 32 of the blade assembly 24 to engage an upper surface 318 of the collar 294 with the upper end 320 of the central hub 26 and align the channel 310 with the slot 106 .
- the collars 292 , 294 may be advanced into the slots 104 , 106 such that the inner walls 110 , 132 are received in the channels 302 , 310 .
- the engagement between the collar 292 and the mounting arm 36 and the engagement between the collar 294 and the central hub 26 adjusts the gap 42 defined between the cutting edge 40 of the blade assembly 24 and the planar body 28 of the rotating disk 22 .
- the gap 42 is adjusted to a maximum thickness, thereby providing the greatest amount of clearance between the cutting edge 40 and the planar body 28 when the adjustable slicing assembly 16 is positioned in the container 14 .
- the retaining door 182 may be closed as described above to secure the slicing assembly 16 in the container 14 .
- the container 14 With the slicing assembly 16 secured in the container 14 , the container 14 may be placed in a dishwashing machine such that the slicing assembly 16 may be cleaned after use. Additionally, the container 14 with the slicing assembly 16 may be placed into a cabinet or drawer for storage between uses.
- the adjustment device 290 may take other forms.
- the adjustment device might include only a single collar.
- the adjustment device may include a number of wedges, ramps, projections, or other structures that are integrated into the shell and engage the slicing assembly to position the cutting blade relative to the rotating disk.
- the container 414 includes a shell 416 that defines a chamber 418 sized to receive one of the cutting tools 12 .
- the shell 416 has a base 420 and a top 422 that are configured to be coupled together via a locking mechanism 424 .
- the base 420 of the shell 416 has a hub 426 , a body 428 extending radially outward from the hub 426 , and a rim 430 that extends vertically from the outer perimeter of the body 428 .
- the hub 426 has a cylindrical slot 432 defined therein that is sized to receive, for example, the stem 62 of the cutting blade unit 20 .
- a plurality of alignment tabs 434 extend upwardly from the hub 426 . The tabs 434 are configured to engage, for example, the stem 60 of the cutting blade unit 20 to locate and position the cutting blade unit 20 within the chamber 418 .
- the body 428 of the base 420 has a plurality of openings 436 defined therein.
- Each opening 436 extends radially outward from the hub 426 to the rim 430 .
- the openings 436 are sized to permit the passage of fluid into the chamber 418 of the shell 416 .
- each opening 436 has a trapezoidal shape.
- the openings 436 may be circular, triangular, or other geometric shape. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the openings 436 may vary in size.
- the rim 430 like the body 428 , has a plurality of openings 438 defined therein that are sized to permit the passage of fluid into the chamber 418 of the shell 416 .
- the top 422 of the shell 416 has a hub 440 , a body 442 extending radially outward from the hub 440 , and a rim 444 that extends vertically from the outer perimeter of the body 442 .
- the hub 440 has a cylindrical slot 446 defined therein that is sized to separately receive, for example, the stem 46 of the cutting blade unit 18 and the stem 60 of the cutting blade unit 20 .
- the body 442 of the top 422 has a plurality of openings 448 defined therein. Each opening 448 extends radially outward from the hub 440 to the rim 444 .
- the openings 448 are sized to permit the passage of fluid into the chamber 418 of the shell 416 .
- each opening 448 has a trapezoidal shape.
- the openings 448 may be circular, triangular, or other geometric shape. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the openings 448 may vary in size.
- the container 414 includes a locking mechanism 424 configured to secure the base 420 to the top 422 .
- the locking mechanism 424 includes a flange 450 that extends downwardly from the rim 444 .
- the flange 450 has a tab 452 extending inwardly from an inner surface 454 thereof.
- the tab 452 is configured to be received in a groove 456 defined in an outer surface 458 of the rim 430 of the base 420 , thereby securing the base 420 to the top 422 .
- the base 420 may include a tab that is received in a groove. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the locking mechanism may include any combination of latches, retainers, keys, and so forth necessary to secure the base 420 to the top 422 . In still other embodiments, the top of the shell may be formed from two parts that are hinged to the base of the shell.
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Abstract
A container and system for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device is disclosed. The container includes a shell defining a chamber sized to receive one of at least a first cutting tool and a second cutting tool. The shell has a slot that receives a stem of the first cutting tool when the first cutting tool is positioned in the chamber and another slot that receives a stem of the second cutting tool when the second cutting tool is positioned in the chamber. The shell also has a plurality of openings that are sized to permit fluid to pass into the chamber.
Description
- This application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/382,770, filed on Sep. 4, 2014, entitled “CONTAINER AND SYSTEM FOR HOLDING A CUTTING TOOL OF A FOOD PROCESSING DEVICE,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure relates generally to a domestic food processing device and, more particularly, to a container for carrying or holding a cutting tool of a domestic food processing device.
- A food processing device is a motorized domestic appliance for manipulating (e.g., chopping, slicing, dicing, shredding, grating, or blending) food items. Such an appliance includes a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are inserted into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by motor-driven cutting tool and collected in the bottom of the bowl. Some food processors also include an outlet on the bowl that guides the processed food items into an outside bin, container, or other bowl.
- Food processors typically come equipped with a number of interchangeable cutting tools for slicing, shredding, or other food processing operations. Between each use, the cutting tools may be cleaned by hand or in a dishwashing machine before being placed in a cabinet for storage.
- According to one aspect of the disclosure, a container for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device is disclosed. The container includes a shell defining a chamber sized to receive one of at least a first cutting tool and a second cutting tool. The shell has a first outer surface, a second outer surface positioned opposite the first outer surface, and a side wall extending between the first outer surface and the second outer surface. The shell has a first slot defined in the first outer surface, and a second slot defined in the second outer surface that is aligned with the first slot. The first slot receives a stem of the first cutting tool when the first cutting tool is positioned in the chamber, and the second slot receives a stem of the second cutting tool when the second cutting tool is positioned in the chamber. A plurality of openings are defined in the first outer surface. Each opening is arranged circumferentially around the first slot and is sized to permit fluid to pass into the chamber.
- In some embodiments, the shell may have an access opening defined in a side thereof to permit one of at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool to be positioned in the chamber. In some embodiments, the shell may include a first inner wall that extends inwardly from the access opening to define the first slot and a second inner wall that extends inwardly from the access opening to define the second slot.
- Additionally, in some embodiments, the container may further include a retaining door pivotally coupled to the shell. The retaining door may be moveable between a closed position in which the access opening is covered such that the one of at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool is retained in the chamber when positioned therein and an open position in which the access opening is uncovered to permit the one of at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool to be positioned in the chamber. In some embodiments, the retaining door may have a plurality of slots defined therein that permit fluid to pass into the chamber.
- In some embodiments, the shell may include a mounting flange that extends outwardly from the first outer surface. The retaining door may include a first arm pivotally coupled to the mounting flange, a second arm spaced apart from the first arm such that the shell is positioned between the first arm and the second arm, and a connecting wall extending between the first arm and the second arm. The connecting wall may be positioned over the access opening when the retaining door is in the closed position.
- In some embodiments, the container may further include a locking mechanism to secure the retaining door in the closed position. Additionally, in some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a tab extending outwardly from the first outer surface and a groove defined in an inner surface of the first arm.
- In some embodiments, the retaining door may include a first slot defined in the first arm that receives the stem of the first cutting tool when the first cutting tool is positioned in the chamber and the retaining door is in the closed position. The door may also include a second slot defined in the second arm that receives the stem of the second cutting tool when the second cutting tool is positioned in the chamber and the retaining door is in the closed position.
- In some embodiments, each of the first inner wall of the shell and the first inner wall of the retaining door may include a first concave inner surface that is defined by a first radius, and each of the second inner wall of the shell and the second inner wall of the retaining door may include a second concave inner surface that is defined by a second radius. The second radius may have a magnitude that is less than the magnitude of the first radius.
- In some embodiments, the radii of the concave inner surfaces defining the first slot and the second slot of the shell may have origins that lie along a first longitudinal axis. The radii of the concave inner surfaces defining the first slot and the second slot of the retaining door may have origins that lie along the first longitudinal axis when the retaining door is in the closed position and a second longitudinal axis when the retaining door is in the open position. The second longitudinal axis may extend parallel to the first longitudinal axis.
- In some embodiments, the side wall of the shell may have an inner surface that extends inwardly from the access opening and defines a width of the chamber. The shell may have a substantially planar inner surface that extends inwardly from the access opening. The substantially planar inner surface may extend orthogonal to the inner surface of the side wall and define a length of the chamber that is greater than the width of the chamber.
- In some embodiments, the shell may include a first piece including the first slot and a second piece removably coupled to the first piece. The second piece may include the second slot.
- According to another aspect, the container includes a shell defining a chamber sized to receive one of at least a first cutting tool and a second cutting tool and a retaining door pivotally coupled to the shell. The shell has an access opening defined in a side thereof to permit one of at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool to be positioned in the chamber. The retaining door is moveable between a closed position in which the access opening is covered such that the one of at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool is retained in the chamber when positioned therein, and an open position in which the access opening is uncovered to permit the one of at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool to be positioned in the chamber. The shell and the retaining door cooperate to define an enclosure that receives a stem of the first cutting tool to locate the first cutting tool in the chamber when the first cutting tool is positioned therein. A plurality of openings are defined in the shell and the retaining door. Each opening is sized to permit fluid to pass into the chamber.
- In some embodiments, the retaining door may include a first arm pivotally coupled to the shell, a second arm spaced apart from the first arm such that the shell is positioned between the first arm and the second arm, and a connecting wall extending between the first arm and the second arm. The connecting wall may be positioned over the access opening when the retaining door is in the closed position.
- In some embodiments, the shell may include an outer surface having an opening defined therein and an inner wall extending inwardly from the opening to define a slot in the shell. The first arm of the retaining door may have an inner surface that faces the outer surface of the shell. The inner surface may have an opening defined therein and an inner wall extending from the opening to define a slot in the first arm. The slots of the shell and the first arm may cooperate to define the enclosure. The inner walls of the shell and the first arm may engage the stem of the first cutting tool when the first cutting tool is positioned in the chamber and the retaining door is in the closed position.
- In some embodiments, the enclosure may be a first enclosure, and the shell and the retaining door may cooperate to define a second enclosure positioned opposite the first enclosure. The second enclosure may receive a stem of the second cutting tool to locate the second cutting tool in the chamber when the second cutting tool is positioned therein.
- According to another aspect, a cutting tool system for a food processing device is disclosed. The tool system includes a plurality of cutting tools including a first cutting tool having a cutting edge and a stem, and a second cutting tool having a cutting edge, an upper stem, and a lower stem. The system also includes a perforated shell defining a chamber sized to receive one of the plurality of cutting tools. The shell has a first outer surface having a first slot defined therein, a second outer surface positioned opposite the first outer surface that has a second slot defined therein, and a side wall extending between the first outer surface and the second outer surface. When the first cutting tool is positioned in the chamber, the stem of the first cutting tool is positioned in the first slot to locate the cutting edge within the chamber. When the second cutting tool is positioned in the chamber, the upper stem of the second cutting tool is positioned in the first slot and the lower stem of the second cutting tool is positioned in the second slot to locate the cutting edge within the chamber.
- In some embodiments, the system may include a retaining door pivotally coupled to the shell. The retaining door may be moveable between a closed position in which the access opening is covered such that the one of at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool is retained in the chamber when positioned therein and an open position in which the access opening is uncovered to permit the one of at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool to be positioned in the chamber.
- In some embodiments, the system may include a third cutting tool including a cutting blade and a rotating disk configured to move relative to the cutting blade to define a gap therebetween. The system may also include an adjustment device configured to position the rotating disk relative to the cutting blade such that the gap defined between the cutting blade and the rotating disk has a maximum thickness.
- The detailed description particularly refers to the following figures, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view a cutting tool system including one embodiment of a cutting tool container and a plurality of cutting tools of a domestic food processing device; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container ofFIG. 1 showing the opposite side of the container; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container ofFIG. 1 with one of the cutting tools positioned therein; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the container ofFIG. 1 with one of the cutting tools positioned therein; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the container ofFIG. 1 with another of the cutting tools positioned therein; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective of the container ofFIG. 1 and an adjustment device; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the container ofFIG. 1 including the device ofFIG. 6 and another of the cutting tools positioned in the chamber of the container; -
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a container; and -
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional side elevation view of the container ofFIG. 8 . - While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , acutting tool system 10 for a domestic food processing device is shown. One example of a food processor is the KitchenAid® 9-Cup Food Processor, Base Model No. KFP0922, which is commercially available from Whirlpool Corporation of Benton Harbor, Mich., U.S.A. Thecutting tool system 10 includes a plurality of cuttingtools 12 and acutting tool container 14 configured to selectively carry or hold one of thecutting tools 12. Thecutting tools 12 include anadjustable slicing assembly 16 and a pair of cuttingblade units cutting tools 12 may include other fixed or adjustable cutting attachments, such as, for example, a shedding disk, grate/shaving disk, julienne disk, and the like. - The
adjustable slicing assembly 16 of thecutting tools 12 includes arotating disk 22 and ablade assembly 24. Therotating disk 22 has acentral hub 26, aplanar body 28 extending radially outward from thecentral hub 26, and arim 30 extending vertically from the outer perimeter of theplanar body 28. Theblade assembly 24 includes astem 32 that is positioned in anaperture 34 defined in thecentral hub 26 of therotating disk 22 and a mountingarm 36 that is secured to thestem 32. The mountingarm 36 extends radially outward from thestem 32 and has acutting blade 38 secured thereto. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , thecutting blade 38 of the slicingassembly 16 has acutting edge 40, and agap 42 is defined between the cuttingedge 40 of theblade assembly 24 and theplanar body 28 of therotating disk 22. The size of thegap 42 corresponds to the cutting thickness of the slicingassembly 16. Thestem 32 of theblade assembly 24 and thecentral hub 26 of therotating disk 22 are configured to slide relative to one another to increase or decrease the size of thegap 42, thereby changing the cutting thickness of slicingassembly 16. - The
cutting blade unit 18 of thesystem 10 includes astem 46 and a pair of cuttingblades 48 that extend outwardly from thestem 46. Thestem 46 has abody 50 that extends from anend 52 to anend 54. As shown inFIG. 1 , theblades 48 of thecutting blade unit 18 are secured to thebody 50 at theend 52. Thebody 50 has a cylindricalouter surface 56 between theends outer surface 56 has anouter diameter 58. - The other
cutting blade unit 20 of thesystem 10 includes astem 60, astem 62 secured to thestem 60, and a pair of cuttingblades 64 that extend outwardly from thestem 60. Thestem 60 has abody 66 that extends from anend 68 to anend 70. As shown inFIG. 1 , theblades 64 of thecutting blade unit 20 are secured to thebody 66 at theend 68. Thebody 66 of thestem 60 has a cylindricalouter surface 72 between theends outer surface 72 has anouter diameter 74. Theother stem 62 has acylindrical body 76 that extends from theend 68 of thestem 60. Thebody 76 has anouter diameter 78, and, in the illustrative embodiment, theouter diameter 78 of thestem 62 is less than theouter diameter 74 of thestem 60. - As described above, the
system 10 also includes acutting tool container 14 configured to selectively carry or hold one of thecutting tools 12. The cuttingtool container 14 includes ashell 80 that defines achamber 82 sized to receive one of thecutting tools 12. As shown inFIG. 1 , anaccess opening 84 is defined in aside 86 of theshell 80. As used herein, the term “access opening” is intended to mean the opening formed in the side of the shell through which a user may gain access to the chamber to, for example, insert and remove cutting tools from the same. In the illustrative embodiment, the access opening 84 is rectangular-shaped and is sized such that a user may insert or remove one of thecutting tools 12 from thechamber 82. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the access opening 84 may be, for example, oblong-shaped or another geometric form sized to receive any of thecutting tools 12. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theshell 80 includes aside plate 88, aside plate 90 that is spaced apart from theside plate 90, and aside wall 92 that connects theside plates side plate 88 has anexternal surface 94 and aninternal surface 96 positioned opposite theexternal surface 94. Theother side plate 90 has aninternal surface 98 that faces theinternal surface 96 of theside plate 88 and anexternal surface 100 that is positioned opposite theinternal surface 98. In the illustrative embodiment, thesurfaces side plates surfaces - The
side wall 92 of theshell 80 has aninternal surface 102 that extends between theinternal surfaces side plates FIG. 1 , theinternal surfaces side 86 of theshell 80. In the illustrative embodiment, thesurfaces chamber 82 in theshell 80. As shown inFIG. 4 , thesurfaces surface 102. Additionally, as shown inFIG. 4 , theinternal surface 102 of theside wall 92 defined awidth 284 of thechamber 82 and thesurfaces length 286 of thechamber 82. In the illustrative embodiment, thelength 286 is greater than thewidth 284 of the chamber. - Returning to
FIG. 1 , theshell 80 has a pair ofslots access opening 84. As described in greater detail below, each of theslots cutting tool 12 when thecutting tool 12 is positioned in thechamber 82. As shown inFIG. 1 , theslot 104 is defined in theside plate 88. Theexternal surface 94 of theside plate 88 has anopening 108 defined therein that extends from the middle of theshell 80 toward theside 86 of theshell 80, thereby connecting theopening 108 with theaccess opening 84. Aninner wall 110 extends inwardly from theopening 108 and through theside plate 88 to define theslot 104 in theshell 80. - The
inner wall 110 of theside plate 88 includes aplanar surface 112 and aplanar surface 114 that extends parallel to theplanar surface 112. Awidth 116 of theslot 104 is defined between thesurfaces width 116 is greater than theouter diameter 58 of thestem 46 of thecutting blade unit 18 such that thestem 46 may be received in theslot 104. Similarly, the magnitude of thewidth 116 is greater than theouter diameter 74 of thestem 60 of thecutting blade unit 20 such that thestem 60 may be received in theslot 104. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theinner wall 110 of theside plate 88 also includes aconcave surface 120 that connects theplanar surface 112 to theplanar surface 114. Theconcave surface 120 is defined by aradius 122 such that theslot 104 has a curved end, and theradius 122 has anorigin 124 positioned in the middle of theslot 104. In the illustrative embodiment, theconcave surface 120 is semi-circular such that theradius 122 has a magnitude that is equal to approximately half of the magnitude of thewidth 116 of theslot 104. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments thesurface 120 may be substantially planar. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , theother slot 106 of theshell 80 is defined in theside plate 90. Theexternal surface 100 of theside plate 90 has anopening 130 defined therein that extends from the middle of theshell 80 to theside 86 of theshell 80, thereby connecting theopening 130 to theaccess opening 84. Aninner wall 132 extends inwardly from theopening 130 and through theside plate 90 to define theslot 106 in theshell 80. - The
inner wall 132 of theside plate 90 includes a planar surface 134 and aplanar surface 136 that define the sides of theslot 106. Theinner wall 132 of theside plate 90 also includes a concave surface 138 that connects an edge 140 of the planar surface 134 with anedge 142 of theplanar surface 136. As shown inFIG. 2 , awidth 144 of theslot 106 is defined between theedges 140, 142 of the surfaces 134, 138. In the illustrative embodiment, the magnitude of thewidth 144 is greater than theouter diameter 78 of thestem 62 of thecutting blade unit 20 such that thestem 62 of thecutting blade unit 20 may be received in theslot 106. - The concave surface 138 of the
inner wall 132 is defined by aradius 146 such that theslot 106 has a curved end. As shown inFIG. 2 , theradius 146 has anorigin 148 that is positioned in the middle of theslot 106. In the illustrative embodiment, the concave surface 138 is semi-circular such that theradius 146 has a magnitude that is equal to half of the magnitude of thewidth 144 of theslot 106. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the surface 138 may be substantially planar. As shown inFIG. 2 , theorigin 148 of theradius 146 of theslot 106 and theorigin 124 of theradius 122 of theslot 104 define anaxis 150 that extends through the centers of theslots - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theshell 80 includes a plurality ofopenings 162 that extend through theside plates side wall 92. Theopenings 162 include a plurality ofoblong openings 164 that extend between theexternal surface 94 and theinternal surface 96 of theside plate 88. Each of theoblong openings 164 defines an arc and extends circumferentially around theslot 104. Eachopening 164 is sized to permit the passage of fluid into thechamber 82 of theshell 80 and has awidth 168 that is less than thewidth 116 of theslot 104. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the width of each opening may vary such that no opening has the same width. - The
openings 162 defined in theshell 80 also include a plurality ofoblong openings 170 that extend between theexternal surface 100 and theinternal surface 98 of theside plate 90. As shown inFIG. 2 , each of theoblong openings 170 defines an arc and extends circumferentially around theslot 106. Eachopening 170 is sized to permit the passage of fluid into thechamber 82 of theshell 80 and has a width 174 that is less than thewidth 144 of theslot 106. - In the illustrative embodiment, the
shell 80 is formed as a single monolithic component from a molded polymeric material, such as, for example, nylon. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments theshell 80 may be from a metallic material such as, for example, steel. It should also be appreciated that in other embodiments the shell may be formed from multiple pieces that are later assembled. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , thetool container 14 also includes aretention device 180 configured to prevent the insertion or removal of acutting tool 12 from theshell 80. In the illustrative embodiment, theretention device 180 is a retainingdoor 182 configured to be selectively positioned over the access opening 84 to prevent or permit a user from accessing thechamber 82 to insert or remove acutting tool 12. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments theretention device 180 may take other forms, such as, for example, plugs, pins, latches, tabs, covers, and so forth that prevent the insertion or removal of acutting tool 12. - The retaining
door 182 of thecontainer 14 includes a pair ofarms shell 80 and a connectingwall 188 that extends between thearms FIG. 1 , thearm 184 is coupled to theside plate 88 via apivot joint 190. The pivot joint 190 includes a pair ofcurved flanges 192 that extend outwardly from theexternal surface 94 of theplate 88. Theflanges 192 are received in a through-hole 194 defined in thearm 184. Eachflange 192 has alip 196 configured to extend over therim 198 of the through-hole 194, thereby securing thearm 184 to theplate 88. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , theshell 80 is positioned between thearms door 182. Thearm 186 is coupled to theside plate 90 via apivot joint 200. The pivot joint 200, like the pivot joint 190, includes a pair ofcurved flanges 202 that extend outwardly from theexternal surface 100 of theplate 90. Theflanges 202 are received in a through-hole 204 defined in thearm 186. Eachflange 202 has alip 206 configured to extend over therim 208 of the through-hole 204, thereby securing thearm 186 to theplate 90. As described in greater detail below, retainingdoor 182 pivots about an axis 210 (seeFIG. 3 ) defined by the pivot joints 190, 200 to move between an open position (seeFIGS. 1 and 2 ) in which user-access to thechamber 82 through the access opening 84 is permitted and a closed position (seeFIG. 3 ) in which user-access to thechamber 82 through the access opening 84 is prevented. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thearm 184 has anouter surface 212 and aninner surface 214 positioned opposite theouter surface 212. Theinner surface 214 of thearm 184 faces theexternal surface 94 of theside plate 88. Theother arm 186 has anouter surface 216 and aninner surface 218 positioned opposite theouter surface 216. Theinner surface 218 of thearm 186 faces theexternal surface 100 of theside plate 90. In the illustrative embodiment, thesurfaces arms surfaces - The retaining
door 182 of thecontainer 14 has a pair ofslots side 226 of the retainingdoor 182 and correspond to theslots shell 80. Like theslots slots cutting tool 12 when thecutting tool 12 is positioned in thechamber 82 and the retainingdoor 182 is in the closed position. As shown inFIG. 1 , theslot 220 is defined in thearm 184. Thearm 184 has anopening 228 that is defined in theouter surface 212 of thearm 184. Theopening 228 extends from theside 226 of thedoor 182 toward the middle of thearm 184. Aninner wall 230 extends inwardly from theopening 228 through thearm 184 to define theslot 220 in the retainingdoor 182. - The
inner wall 230 of thearm 184 includes aconcave surface 232 that is defined by aradius 234. Theradius 234 has anorigin 236 that is positioned in the middle of theslot 220. When the retainingdoor 182 is in the closed position shown inFIG. 3 , theorigin 236 is located on theaxis 150 extending through theslots shell 80. In that way, theslot 220 is aligned with theslot 104 of theshell 80 when the retainingdoor 182 is in the closed position. In the illustrative embodiment, the magnitude of theradius 234 of thearm 184 is equal to the magnitude of theradius 122 of theside plate 88 such that theslot 220 has a width that is approximately equal to thewidth 116 of theslot 104. As such, the width of theslot 220 is greater than theouter diameter 58 of thestem 46 of thecutting blade unit 18 such that thestem 46 of thecutting blade unit 18 may be received in theslot 220. Similarly, the magnitude of the width is greater than theouter diameter 74 of thestem 60 of thecutting blade unit 20 such that thestem 46 of thecutting blade unit 20 may be received in theslot 220. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , the retainingdoor 182 also has aslot 222 defined in theother arm 186. Thearm 186 of the retainingdoor 182 has anopening 240 that is defined in theouter surface 216 of thearm 186. Theopening 240 extends from theside 226 of thedoor 182 toward the middle of thearm 186. Aninner wall 242 extends inwardly from theopening 240 through thearm 186 to define theslot 222 in the retainingdoor 182. - The
inner wall 242 of thearm 184 includes aconcave surface 244 that is defined by aradius 246 such that theslot 222 has a curved end. As shown inFIG. 2 , theradius 246 has anorigin 248 that is positioned in the middle of theslot 222. When thedoor 182 is in the open position, theorigins axis 250 that extends parallel to theaxis 150 extending through theslots shell 80. When the retainingdoor 182 is in the closed position shown inFIG. 3 , theorigin 248 is located on theaxis 150. In that way, theslot 222 is aligned with theslot 106 of theshell 80 when the retainingdoor 182 is in the closed position. - In the illustrative embodiment, the magnitude of the
radius 246 of thearm 186 is equal to the magnitude of theradius 146 of theside plate 90, and theslot 222 has a width that is approximately equal to thewidth 144 of theslot 106. As such, the width of theslot 222 is greater than theouter diameter 78 of thestem 62 of thecutting blade unit 20 such that thestem 62 of thecutting blade unit 20 may be received in theslot 222. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the retainingdoor 182 includes a plurality ofopenings 260 that extend through thearms wall 188. Theopenings 260 include a plurality of oblong openings 262 that extend between theouter surfaces internal surfaces arms oblong openings 260 defines an arc 264 and is sized to permit the passage of fluid. - The
container 14 of thesystem 10 also includes alocking mechanism 270 operable to secure the retainingdoor 182 in the closed position. As shown inFIG. 2 , thelocking mechanism 270 includes atab 272 extending outwardly from theexternal surface 94 of theside plate 80, and agroove 274 defined in theinner surface 214 of thearm 184. When the retainingdoor 182 is moved from the open position to the closed position, thetab 272 is advanced into thegroove 274 via a snapping movement and is retained therein. To open the retainingdoor 182, a user may apply force to thearm 184 to remove thetab 272 from thegroove 274. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the locking mechanism may include any combination of latches, retainers, keys, and so forth. It should also be appreciated that the tab may extend from theside plate 90. - In use, any of the
cutting tools 12 may be positioned in thecontainer 14 for cleaning or storage. For example, a user may move the retainingdoor 182 into the open position shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 and advance thecutting blade unit 18 into thechamber 82 through theaccess opening 84. As thecutting blade unit 18 is advanced into thechamber 82, thestem 46 of theunit 18 is received in theslot 104 defined in theshell 80. The user may then close the retainingdoor 182 by pivoting thedoor 182 about the axis 210. As thedoor 182 closes, thestem 46 of theunit 18 is advanced intoslot 220 ofarm 184 of the retainingdoor 182, and the connectingwall 188 of thedoor 182 is positioned over the access opening 84 of theshell 80. As described above, thedoor 182 may be secured in the closed position by advancing thetab 272 of thelocking mechanism 270 into thegroove 274. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , thestem 46 of thecutting blade unit 18 is positioned in anenclosure 280 defined by theslot 104 of theshell 80 and theslot 220 of the retainingdoor 182. Theinner walls slots outer surface 56 of thestem 46 to locate and position thecutting blades 48 of theunit 18 within thechamber 82. As shown inFIG. 4 , thecutting blades 48 of theunit 18 are located within thechamber 82 such that theblades 48 are spaced from theopenings 162 defined in theshell 80. With thecutting blade unit 18 secured in thecontainer 14, thecontainer 14 may be placed in a dishwashing machine such that thecutting blade unit 18 may be cleaned after use. Additionally, thecontainer 14 with thecutting blade unit 18 may be placed into a cabinet or drawer for storage between uses. - As described above, the
container 14 may also be used with the othercutting blade unit 20. To do so, thecutting blade unit 20 may be advanced into thechamber 82 through the access opening 84 when the retainingdoor 182 is open. As thecutting blade unit 20 is advanced into thechamber 82, thestem 60 of theunit 20 is received in theslot 104 defined in theshell 80 and thestem 62 is received in theslot 106. The user may then close the retainingdoor 182. As thedoor 182 closes, thestem 60 of theunit 18 is advanced into theslot 220 ofarm 184 of the retainingdoor 182, and thestem 62 of theunit 20 is advanced into theslot 222 of thearm 186. When the connectingwall 188 of thedoor 182 is positioned over the access opening 84 of theshell 80, thedoor 182 is in the closed position and thetab 272 of thelocking mechanism 270 is positioned in thegroove 274. - The
stem 60 of thecutting blade unit 20 is positioned in theenclosure 280, and thestem 62 of theunit 20 is positioned in anenclosure 282 defined by theslots inner walls slots outer surface 72 of thestem 60 and theinner walls slots cylindrical body 76 to locate and position thecutting blades 64 of theunit 20 within thechamber 82. As shown inFIG. 5 , thecutting blades 64 of theunit 20 are located within thechamber 82 such that theblades 64 are spaced from theopenings 162 defined in theshell 80. With thecutting blade unit 20 secured in thecontainer 14, thecontainer 14 may be placed in a dishwashing machine such that thecutting blade unit 20 may be cleaned after use. Additionally, thecontainer 14 with thecutting blade unit 20 may be placed into a cabinet or drawer for storage between uses. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , thecontainer 14 of thesystem 10 is shown with anadjustment device 290 configured to engage theadjustable slicing assembly 16 to position the slicingassembly 16 in thechamber 82 and position thecutting blade 38 relative to therotating disk 22 to provide maximum clearance therebetween. In the illustrative embodiment, theadjustment device 290 includes a pair ofcollars side plates shell 80. Thecollar 292 includes abody 296 having a cylindricalouter surface 298 and acylindrical passageway 300 defined therein. Achannel 302 is defined in theouter surface 298 of thecollar 292, and thechannel 302 is sized to receive theinner wall 110 defining theslot 104 of theshell 80. - The
collar 294 of theadjustment device 290 includes abody 304 having acylindrical passageway 308 defined therein. Thebody 304 includes a cylindricalouter surface 306, and achannel 310 is defined in theouter surface 306 of thecollar 294. Thechannel 310 is sized to receive theinner wall 132 defining theslot 106 of theshell 80. - As described above, the
adjustment device 290 engages therotating disk 22 and theblade assembly 24 of theadjustable slicing assembly 16 to position the slicingassembly 16 in thechamber 82. To do so, thecollar 292 of theadjustment device 290 is positioned over alower end 312 of thecentral hub 26 of therotating disk 22, and theother collar 294 is positioned over thetip 314 of thestem 32 of theblade assembly 24, as shown inFIG. 7 . Theadjustable slicing assembly 16 may be advanced through the access opening 84 into thechamber 82. As theassembly 16 enters thechamber 82, thecollars slots shell 80. - To align the
channel 302 of thecollar 292 with theslot 104, the user may move thecollar 292 along thecentral hub 26 to engage alower surface 316 of thecollar 292 with the mountingarm 36 of theblade assembly 24. Similarly, thecollar 294 may be moved along thestem 32 of theblade assembly 24 to engage anupper surface 318 of thecollar 294 with theupper end 320 of thecentral hub 26 and align thechannel 310 with theslot 106. After thecollars slots collars slots inner walls channels - As shown in
FIG. 7 , the engagement between thecollar 292 and the mountingarm 36 and the engagement between thecollar 294 and thecentral hub 26 adjusts thegap 42 defined between the cuttingedge 40 of theblade assembly 24 and theplanar body 28 of therotating disk 22. In the illustrative embodiment, thegap 42 is adjusted to a maximum thickness, thereby providing the greatest amount of clearance between the cuttingedge 40 and theplanar body 28 when theadjustable slicing assembly 16 is positioned in thecontainer 14. After the slicingassembly 16 is positioned in thechamber 82, the retainingdoor 182 may be closed as described above to secure the slicingassembly 16 in thecontainer 14. With the slicingassembly 16 secured in thecontainer 14, thecontainer 14 may be placed in a dishwashing machine such that the slicingassembly 16 may be cleaned after use. Additionally, thecontainer 14 with the slicingassembly 16 may be placed into a cabinet or drawer for storage between uses. - It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the
adjustment device 290 may take other forms. For example, the adjustment device might include only a single collar. In other embodiments, the adjustment device may include a number of wedges, ramps, projections, or other structures that are integrated into the shell and engage the slicing assembly to position the cutting blade relative to the rotating disk. - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , another embodiment of a tool container (hereinafter container 414) is shown. Thecontainer 414 includes ashell 416 that defines achamber 418 sized to receive one of thecutting tools 12. Theshell 416 has abase 420 and a top 422 that are configured to be coupled together via alocking mechanism 424. - The
base 420 of theshell 416 has ahub 426, abody 428 extending radially outward from thehub 426, and arim 430 that extends vertically from the outer perimeter of thebody 428. Thehub 426 has acylindrical slot 432 defined therein that is sized to receive, for example, thestem 62 of thecutting blade unit 20. A plurality ofalignment tabs 434 extend upwardly from thehub 426. Thetabs 434 are configured to engage, for example, thestem 60 of thecutting blade unit 20 to locate and position thecutting blade unit 20 within thechamber 418. - The
body 428 of thebase 420 has a plurality ofopenings 436 defined therein. Eachopening 436 extends radially outward from thehub 426 to therim 430. Theopenings 436 are sized to permit the passage of fluid into thechamber 418 of theshell 416. In the illustrative embodiment, eachopening 436 has a trapezoidal shape. In other embodiments, theopenings 436 may be circular, triangular, or other geometric shape. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments theopenings 436 may vary in size. Therim 430, like thebody 428, has a plurality ofopenings 438 defined therein that are sized to permit the passage of fluid into thechamber 418 of theshell 416. - The top 422 of the
shell 416 has ahub 440, abody 442 extending radially outward from thehub 440, and arim 444 that extends vertically from the outer perimeter of thebody 442. Thehub 440 has acylindrical slot 446 defined therein that is sized to separately receive, for example, thestem 46 of thecutting blade unit 18 and thestem 60 of thecutting blade unit 20. As shown inFIG. 8 , thebody 442 of the top 422 has a plurality ofopenings 448 defined therein. Eachopening 448 extends radially outward from thehub 440 to therim 444. Theopenings 448 are sized to permit the passage of fluid into thechamber 418 of theshell 416. In the illustrative embodiment, eachopening 448 has a trapezoidal shape. In other embodiments, theopenings 448 may be circular, triangular, or other geometric shape. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments theopenings 448 may vary in size. - As described above, the
container 414 includes alocking mechanism 424 configured to secure the base 420 to the top 422. As shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 , thelocking mechanism 424 includes aflange 450 that extends downwardly from therim 444. Theflange 450 has atab 452 extending inwardly from aninner surface 454 thereof. Thetab 452 is configured to be received in agroove 456 defined in anouter surface 458 of therim 430 of thebase 420, thereby securing the base 420 to the top 422. - In other embodiments, the
base 420 may include a tab that is received in a groove. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the locking mechanism may include any combination of latches, retainers, keys, and so forth necessary to secure the base 420 to the top 422. In still other embodiments, the top of the shell may be formed from two parts that are hinged to the base of the shell. - There are a plurality of advantages of the present disclosure arising from the various features of the method, apparatus, and system described herein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the method, apparatus, and system of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations of the method, apparatus, and system that incorporate one or more of the features of the present invention and fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
Claims (20)
1. A container to hold a cutting tool comprising:
a base and a top that form a chamber configured to receive a cutting tool, the base and the top having a coupled position wherein the base is coupled to the top and an uncoupled position wherein the base is not coupled to the top;
the base comprising upwardly extending tabs configured to engage with the cutting tool to position the cutting tool within the chamber; and
both the base and the top comprising a plurality of openings sized to permit passage of fluid into the chamber.
2. The container of claim 1 ,
the base further comprising a hub, a body extending radially outward from the hub, and a rim extending vertically from an outer perimeter of the body;
wherein, the upwardly extending tabs extend upwardly from the hub.
3. The container of claim 2 ,
the hub of the base including a slot defined therein.
4. The container of claim 2 ,
wherein, the plurality of openings of the base are defined in the body of the base and each opening of the plurality of openings extends radially outward from the hub toward the rim of the base.
5. The container of claim 4 ,
the rim of the base further including a plurality of openings also configured to permit the passage of fluid into the chamber.
6. The container of claim 1 ,
the top further comprising a cylindrical slot.
7. The container of claim 6 ,
the top further comprising a hub with the cylindrical slot defined therein, a body extending radially outward from the hub, and a rim extending vertically from an outer perimeter of the body.
8. The container of claim 7 ,
wherein, the plurality of openings are defined in the body of the top, and each opening of the plurality of openings extend outward from the hub toward the rim.
9. The container of claim 1 ,
either the top or the base includes a tab and the other of the top or the base that does not include the tab includes a groove;
wherein, in the coupled position, the groove receives the tab to secure the base to the top.
10. The container of claim 9 ,
the base further comprising a hub with a cylindrical slot defined therein, a body extending radially outward from the hub, and a rim extending vertically from an outer perimeter of the body, the rim having an outer surface with the groove defined therein; and
the top further comprising a hub with the cylindrical slot defined therein, a body extending radially outward from the hub, a rim extending vertically from an outer perimeter of the body, and a flange extending downwardly from the rim, the tab inwardly extending from the flange;
wherein, the upwardly extending tabs extend upwardly from the hub of the base.
11. A container for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device, the container comprising:
a shell defining a chamber sized to receive one of at least a first cutting tool and a second cutting tool, the shell comprising:
a first outer surface,
a second outer surface positioned opposite the first outer surface, and
a side wall extending between the first outer surface and the second outer surface,
wherein the shell has (i) a first slot defined in the first outer surface, the first slot receiving a stem of the first cutting tool when the first cutting tool is positioned in the chamber, (ii) a second slot defined in the second outer surface that is aligned with the first slot, the second slot receiving a stem of the second cutting tool when the second cutting tool is positioned in the chamber, and (iii) a plurality of openings defined in the first outer surface, each opening being arranged circumferentially around the first slot and being sized to permit fluid to pass into the chamber; and
wherein the shell includes a first piece including the first slot, and a second piece removably coupled to the first piece, the second piece including the second slot.
12. A cutting tool system for a food processing device comprising:
a cutting tool container comprising a base and a top defining a chamber;
the top having a hub with a cylindrical slot defined therein, a body extending radially outward from the hub, and a rim extending vertically from an outer perimeter of the body of the top;
the base having a hub, a body extending radially outward from the hub, a rim extending vertically from an outer perimeter of the body of the base, and a plurality of alignment tabs extending upwardly from the hub;
a cutting blade unit disposed in the chamber of the cutting tool container, the cutting blade unit including:
a stem disposed within the cylindrical slot of the hub of the top of the cutting tool container and engaged with the plurality of alignment tabs of the base to position the cutting blade unit within the chamber; and
at least one cutting blade extending outwardly from the stem; and
both the body of the top and the body of the base further including a plurality of openings defined therein configured to permit passage of fluid into the chamber.
13. The cutting tool system of claim 12 ,
the hub of the base of the cutting tool container further including a cylindrical slot defined therein; and
the cutting blade unit further including a second stem secured to the stem, and the second stem is disposed within the cylindrical slot of the hub of the base.
14. The cutting tool system of claim 13 ,
the stem and the second stem of the cutting blade unit each having an outer diameter, and the outer diameter of the second stem is less than the outer diameter of the stem.
15. The cutting tool system of claim 12 ,
each opening of the plurality of openings of the top extend radially outward from the hub of the top toward the rim of the top; and
each opening of the plurality of openings of the base extend radially outward from the hub of the base toward the rim of the base.
16. The cutting tool system of claim 12 ,
the rim of the base having a plurality of openings defined therein that are configured to permit the passage of fluid into the chamber of the cutting tool container.
17. The cutting tool system of claim 12 ,
the cutting tool container having a locked state, and in the locked state the base and the top are releasably coupled to each other;
the base further including a groove defined in an outer surface of the rim of the base;
the top further including a flange extending downwardly from the rim, the flange including a tab extending inwardly from the flange; and
wherein, the groove of the base receives the tab of the top to releasably couple the top and the base.
18. The cutting tool system of claim 17 ,
the cutting tool container further having an unlocked state, wherein the top and the base are not coupled together, and the tab of the top is not disposed within the groove of the base.
19. The cutting tool system of claim 12 ,
wherein, the top of the cutting tool container is formed of more than one part, each of which are hinged to the base.
20. The cutting tool system of claim 12 ,
the hub of the top of the cutting tool container extends upward from the body of the top.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/935,683 US20180213978A1 (en) | 2012-03-09 | 2018-03-26 | Container and system for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/CN2012/000300 WO2013131210A1 (en) | 2012-03-09 | 2012-03-09 | Container and system for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device |
US201414382770A | 2014-09-04 | 2014-09-04 | |
US15/935,683 US20180213978A1 (en) | 2012-03-09 | 2018-03-26 | Container and system for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/CN2012/000300 Division WO2013131210A1 (en) | 2012-03-09 | 2012-03-09 | Container and system for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device |
US14/382,770 Division US10039419B2 (en) | 2012-03-09 | 2012-03-09 | Container and system for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20180213978A1 true US20180213978A1 (en) | 2018-08-02 |
Family
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Family Applications (2)
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US14/382,770 Active 2034-03-08 US10039419B2 (en) | 2012-03-09 | 2012-03-09 | Container and system for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device |
US15/935,683 Abandoned US20180213978A1 (en) | 2012-03-09 | 2018-03-26 | Container and system for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device |
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US14/382,770 Active 2034-03-08 US10039419B2 (en) | 2012-03-09 | 2012-03-09 | Container and system for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device |
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US (2) | US10039419B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2822432B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013131210A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
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US20210186267A1 (en) * | 2019-12-19 | 2021-06-24 | Vita-Mix Management Corporation | Food processor |
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PL3319495T3 (en) * | 2015-07-10 | 2021-11-22 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | An insert for a kitchen device |
USD797647S1 (en) * | 2016-09-16 | 2017-09-19 | Tailbrella, LLC | Table for vehicle umbrella receptacle |
WO2021259251A1 (en) * | 2020-06-23 | 2021-12-30 | Whirlpool Corporation | Storage caddy for a food processor assembly |
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- 2012-03-09 EP EP12870454.1A patent/EP2822432B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2012-03-09 US US14/382,770 patent/US10039419B2/en active Active
- 2012-03-09 WO PCT/CN2012/000300 patent/WO2013131210A1/en active Application Filing
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US20210186267A1 (en) * | 2019-12-19 | 2021-06-24 | Vita-Mix Management Corporation | Food processor |
US11877696B2 (en) * | 2019-12-19 | 2024-01-23 | Vita-Mix Management Corporation | Food processor |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP2822432A4 (en) | 2015-11-25 |
EP2822432B1 (en) | 2017-03-01 |
EP2822432A1 (en) | 2015-01-14 |
US20150164280A1 (en) | 2015-06-18 |
WO2013131210A1 (en) | 2013-09-12 |
US10039419B2 (en) | 2018-08-07 |
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