U.S. patent application number 12/384140 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-07 for food grater with pour control.
Invention is credited to Alistair Bramley, Anthony DiBitonto, Tara Marchionna, Nicholas Oxley, Gina Reimann.
Application Number | 20100252665 12/384140 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42797668 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100252665 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reimann; Gina ; et
al. |
October 7, 2010 |
FOOD GRATER WITH POUR CONTROL
Abstract
A food grater having a housing, a food hopper, a reversible
grating barrel removably carried by the housing and disposed at an
open end of the hopper for grating food, such as cheese, contained
therein, and a detachable end cap covering an open end of the
grating barrel for allowing controlled dispensing of the grated
food, is disclosed. A press plate configured to fit within the
hopper at an open end opposite the grating barrel engages food
disposed therein and moves the same into contact with the grating
barrel. The detachable end cap includes concentric first and second
parts, the first part including a passage defined thereon through
which grated food may pass and the second part including at least
two distinct areas each having an opening defined thereon, at least
one of the first and second parts being movable relative to the
other such that the two distinct areas of the second part may be
aligned with the passage on the first part.
Inventors: |
Reimann; Gina; (Brooklyn,
NY) ; Bramley; Alistair; (Brooklyn, NY) ;
DiBitonto; Anthony; (Brooklyn, NY) ; Marchionna;
Tara; (New York, NY) ; Oxley; Nicholas; (New
York, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SEYFARTH SHAW LLP
131 S. DEARBORN ST., SUITE 2400
CHICAGO
IL
60603-5803
US
|
Family ID: |
42797668 |
Appl. No.: |
12/384140 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
241/83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 43/255
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
241/83 |
International
Class: |
B07B 13/00 20060101
B07B013/00 |
Claims
1. A food grater comprising: a housing comprising a food hopper
having a peripheral wall structure; a grating barrel carried by the
housing and disposed for grating food contained in the hopper, the
barrel being opened on one end; a press plate configured to fit
within the hopper for engagement with food disposed therein, and an
end cap covering the open end of the grating barrel, the end cap
having a first part including a passage defined thereon through
which grated food may pass and a second part including at least two
distinct areas each having an opening defined thereon, at least one
of the first and second parts being movable relative to the other
such that the two distinct areas of the second part may be aligned
with the passage on the first part.
2. The food grater of claim 1, wherein the second part of the end
cap further comprises an area which completely blocks the opening
of the first part when aligned.
3. The food grater of claim 1, wherein the opening of one of the at
least two distinct areas comprise a plurality of holes defined
thereon.
4. The food grater of claim 1, wherein the openings of each of the
at least two distinct areas comprise a plurality of holes defined
thereon, the number of holes being different for each area.
5. The food grater of claim 4, wherein the diameter of the holes is
different for each area.
6. The food grater of claim 1, wherein the openings of each of the
at least two distinct areas comprise a plurality of holes defined
thereon, the diameter of the holes being different for each
area.
7. The food grater of claim 1, further comprising a rotary crank
attached to an end of the grating barrel opposite the end cap.
8. The food grater of claim 1, wherein the first and second parts
are concentric.
9. The food grater of claim 1, wherein the end cap is detachable
from the end of the grating barrel.
10. The food grater of claim 1, wherein the housing further
comprises an upper barrel casing, a lower barrel casing and a
handle attached to either one of the two barrel casings.
11. The food grater of claim 10, wherein the upper and lower barrel
casings are hinged together to close about the grating barrel.
12. The food grater of claim 11, wherein the grating barrel is
removable from the barrel casing.
13. The food grater of claim 12, wherein the grating barrel is
operatively reversible within the barrel casing.
14. The food grater of claim 10, wherein the handle and the food
hopper are separately attached to the barrel casing.
15. The food grater of claim 10, wherein the handle is comprised of
two portions connected by hinge to one another at adjacent ends,
the adjacent ends being opposite an end of the handle connected to
the barrel casing.
16. The food grater of claim 13, wherein the press plate is
attached to one of the two handle portions at an end opposite the
adjacent ends.
17. A food grater comprising: a housing comprising a food hopper
having a peripheral wall structure; a reversible grating barrel
removably carried by the housing and disposed at an open end of the
hopper for grating food contained therein, the barrel being opened
on one end; a press plate configured to fit within the hopper at an
open end opposite the grating barrel, the plate being for
engagement of food disposed therein, and a detachable end cap
covering the open end of the grating barrel, the end cap having
concentric first and second parts, the first part including a
passage defined thereon through which grated food may pass and the
second part including at least two distinct areas each having an
opening defined thereon, at least one of the first and second parts
being movable relative to the other such that the two distinct
areas of the second part may be aligned with the passage on the
first part.
18. The food grater of claim 17, wherein the second part of the end
cap further comprises an area which completely blocks the opening
of the first part when aligned.
19. The food grater of claim 17, wherein the opening of one of the
at least two distinct areas comprise a plurality of holes defined
thereon.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present device relates to a food grater. Particularly,
the present device relates to a food grater which provides means
for controlling the dispense of grated food.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Graters for grating food items such as cheese and chocolate
are well-known and are a commonly used item in kitchens everywhere.
Such devices typically have a removable grater blade attached to a
housing, such that a food item in the housing is pressed to and
grated by the rotatable grater blade. The resulting grated food is
then usually captured in either a housing cylinder open at one or
both ends or in a separate detached container.
[0003] Where one end of the cylinder is open, the grater can be
positioned over a container to allow the flow of grated food to
tumble into the container. Where the housing cylinder itself is
used, a hand crank typically covers one end of the cylinder, while
a detachable end cap covers the other open end. Eventually, the
grated food is usually then transferred en masse to a container. In
either case, the process can be quite messy and grated food product
can be lost in the process.
[0004] Some food graters, the housing cylinder can be used as a
temporary collection and storage receptacle for grated food. In
such cases, the graters may include housings that enable
measurement of the grated product. The grinding and storage
cylinder may even be removable from the rest of the housing.
However, dispensing of the grated food has been largely
ignored.
[0005] Other food grating devices are known to include additional
components attached to the housing that form a handle or other
means of grasping the grater. The addition of multiple components,
such as a separate handle, adds to the cost and assembly time of
such devices. Graters are also known to have gripping pads attached
in order to aid in gripping the grating device. However, there is
desired a grater which includes a housing that provides for easy
gripping, grating, storing and pouring of the grated material.
[0006] The invention of this application solves these and other
problems associated with prior art food graters. A food grater
which is a two-in-one grater and shaker and which can be readily
assembled, cleaned, and alternated between uses, is disclosed
herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] There is disclosed herein an improved food grater which
avoids the disadvantages of prior devices while affording
additional structural and operating advantages.
[0008] Generally speaking, a food grater is disclosed which
comprises a housing, a grating barrel, a press plate, and an
material dispensing end cap for the grating barrel. The housing
includes a food hopper having a peripheral wall structure, while
the grating barrel is carried by the housing and disposed for
grating food placed in the hopper. Preferably, the barrel is closed
on both ends, but at least one end is to be selectively open-able
for discharge of the grated food material. The press plate is
preferably configured to fit within the hopper for engagement with
the food disposed therein. Finally, the end cap detachably covers
an open end of the grating barrel.
[0009] In an embodiment of the claimed food grater, the detachable
end cap has a first inner disc including a passage defined thereon
through which grated food may pass and a second outer disc,
concentric with the first disc, including at least two distinct
areas each having an opening defined thereon. At least one of the
first and second discs is preferably movable relative to the other
such that the two distinct areas of the second disc may be aligned
with the passage on the first disc.
[0010] In an embodiment of the grater, the second disc of the end
cap further comprises an area which completely blocks the opening
of the first disc when the two are aligned. Preferably, the opening
of one of the at least two distinct areas comprise a plurality of
holes defined thereon to allow discharge of the grated food
material.
[0011] These and other aspects of the invention may be understood
more readily from the following description and the appended
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the
subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of
which, when considered in connection with the following
description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its
construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be
readily understood and appreciated.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present food grater;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of the food grater shown in FIG.
1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is another side view of the food grater of FIG. 2,
illustrating the open arm and press plate;
[0016] FIG. 4 is still another side view of the food grater of FIG.
3, illustrating the opening of the housing;
[0017] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the food grater shown in FIG.
1; and
[0018] FIG. 6 is a top view of an embodiment of the food grater
illustrating the reversibility of the grating barrel within the
housing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with
the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered
as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to embodiments
illustrated.
[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, there is illustrated a food grater,
generally designated by the numeral 10. Generally speaking, the
food grater 10 includes a housing 12 with a food hopper 14, a
grating barrel 16 carried by the housing 12, a press plate 18 which
fits within the hopper 14, and an end cap 20 for detachably
covering an open end of the grating barrel 16.
[0021] The housing 12 is preferably formed of two parts--i.e., an
upper barrel casing 22 and a lower barrel casing 24--hinged to one
another, as shown. The upper barrel casing 22 includes the food
hopper 14 which is defined by a peripheral wall structure 15. The
hopper 14 is open at both ends, a first input end 17 and a second
grating end 19. The open first input end 17 is preferably wide
enough to fit food items into for grating. The second grating end
19 is contoured to encase about half of the grating barrel 16, as
shown.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the lower barrel
casing 24 of the housing 12 is similarly contoured to encase the
remaining portion of the grating barrel 16. As mentioned, the two
parts are hinged together, such that the grating barrel 16 can be
easily removed from the housing 12 for purposes described
below.
[0023] A two-part handle 30 is preferably attached to the lower
barrel casing 24. A joining wall 32 connects the handle 30 to the
lower barrel casing 24 as shown in FIG. 5. The joining wall 32 fits
within a formed channel 33 within the hopper 14 when the two barrel
casing parts are brought together, as shown in FIG. 4. The joining
wall 32 of the housing 12 abuts a sidewall of the hopper 14 as the
two barrel casing parts 22, 24 are locked together.
[0024] The grater handle 30 is also comprised of two pivoting
handle segments: a first fixed segment 34 and a second free segment
36. The fixed segment 34 attaches to the joining wall 32 of the
lower barrel casing 24 and extends in a direction opposite the
hopper 14. To secure and hold the two barrel casing parts together
in a closed position for use, a latching plate 35 may be
provided--or any other suitable latching mechanism--extending from
the first input end 17 of the hopper 14. As shown, clip tabs 38 are
positioned on the latching plate 35 and snap about small, rounded
pins 39 positioned within the body of the fixed segment 34 of the
handle 30. The clip tabs 38 engage the pins 39 to lock the latching
plate 35 to the fixed handle segment 34.
[0025] The press plate 18 is attached to the second free segment 36
of the handle 30, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The two handle segments
34, 36 are pinned together at one end to allow pivoting of the
segments relative to one another. The pivoting movement allows the
press plate 18 to be placed within the hopper 14 when the two
barrel casing parts 22, 24 are closed, and further allows a
continuous and uniform application of pressure by the user against
food stuff within the hopper 14.
[0026] The preferred press plate 18, as shown in FIG. 3, is curved
to follow the contour of the grating barrel 16. A flexible silicone
(or other suitable material) gasket 40 is sonic welded between two
parts of the press plate 18 to scrape against the interior of the
hopper sidewalls 15. This keeps food from inadvertently exiting the
hopper 14 by way of the first input end 17.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 5, the grating barrel 16 can be more
readily explained and understood. The grating barrel 16 is carried
by the housing 12, specifically by being encased within the two
hinged parts barrel casings 22, 24, as described above. The grating
barrel 16 itself is provided with a grater blade 50 having multiple
grating teeth formed thereon. In an embodiment the grater blade 50
is stainless steel and the grating teeth are stamped therein and
chemically etched. Except for the following feature descriptions,
the present grating barrel 16 is substantially identical to that
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,766,972 to Prommel et al. and assigned
to the Assignee of this application. Accordingly, the entirety of
the '972 patent consistent with the present invention is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0028] The grating barrel 16 has two end rings 52A-B which engage
the housing 12 in a manner which allows the grater blade 50 to be
turned within the housing 12. To facilitate turning of the grating
barrel 16 within the housing 12, a crank 54 is provided at one open
end of the barrel 16. The crank 54 includes an end cap 53, an arm
55 integral to the end cap 53, and a small rotating knob 57
extending perpendicular to the arm 55. The end cap 53 of the crank
54 is preferably permanently affixed to the barrel end 56 as shown.
Of course, the crank 54 may be made to be removable to facilitate
cleaning or other operations, if desired. To be removable, the end
cap 53 of the crank 54 may be, for example, reverse threaded to
attach to one of the fixed end rings 52A-B or use some other means
known to those of skill in the art.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, an end of the
grating barrel 16 opposite the crank 54 is covered by a removable
end cap 20. The removable end cap 20 preferably snap-fits into an
end ring 52A-B, but may be alternatively threaded, keyed, or the
like to attach, if desired. A silicone gasket (not shown) may be
used at the attachment point of the end cap 20 to form a better
seal.
[0030] The preferred removable end cap 20 is comprised of a first
inner disc 62 and a second outer disc 64. The inner disc 62
includes a passage 66 defined thereon through which grated food may
pass. The passage 66 is preferably less than the full area of the
first inner disc 62, but sufficient to, for example, pour grated
food material there through.
[0031] Rotatably attached and concentric to the first disc 62, as
illustrated, is the second outer disc 64. The outer disc 64 is
intended to be rotatable to allow control of the passing of grated
food material through the passage 66 of the inner disc 62 by
restricting the opening. To accomplish this in the present
embodiment, the outer disc 64 includes at least two distinct open
areas 68, each open area having a specifically sized opening (or
openings) defined thereon. For example, one of the open areas may
include a single large opening which approximately matches the area
of the passage 66--sufficient for pouring grated food from the
grating barrel 16--while another area on the outer disc 64 may
include a plurality of smaller, circular openings--sufficient for
sprinkling grated food from the grating barrel 16. The plurality of
openings may be shaped, spaced and sized evenly or varying such
parameters may be considered useful in some cases. Certainly,
additional areas with varied openings sizes, shapes and numbers may
also be provided.
[0032] It is also preferred that at least one closed area 69 on the
outer disc 64 should be of sufficient size to completely cover the
passage 66 of the first disc 62, so as to entirely prevent the
discharge of grated material from the grating barrel 16. This
closed area 69 setting would be useful during the grating of food
material.
[0033] As noted, the outer disc 64 is preferably movable relative
to the first disc 62 such that the distinct areas 68 of the outer
disc 64 may be aligned with the passage 66 on the first disc 62. A
perceptible finger grip 70 may also be molded into the outer disc
64 to facilitate rotation of the disc by the user. The finger grip
70, while shown to be a slight depression in the surface, may be
raised such as a rib, a textured area, or some combination of such
elements.
Materials
[0034] The majority of the present food grater 10 is molded from a
strong, rigid material such as an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
(ABS) material. Parts such as the fixed handle segment 34, free
handle segment 36, and crank knob 57 are preferably molded ABS
plastic with a covering of thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or elastomer
(TPE) material, such as SANTOPRENE.RTM., for a softer feel. Both
inner and outer discs 62, 64 of the removable end cap 20 are
preferably molded of a more flexible polypropylene material. Other
suitable materials known to those skilled in the art may be
substituted, if desired.
Operation
[0035] The described food grater 10 is simple to use. As will be
described, the grater 10 can be adapted for operation by both left-
and right-handed users (see FIG. 6), and the grating barrel 16 can
be used as a container to retain grated food material for later
distribution.
[0036] As shown, the grating barrel 16 is placed within the housing
12 with the crank 54 positioned to one of either the left or right
side of the grater 10. The latching plate 35 locks the hinged
barrel casing 22, 24 closed about the grating barrel 16 by engaging
the pins 39 within the fixed handle segment 34 with the clip tabs
38. The removable end cap 20 is then attached, if not already
attached, to the open end of the grating barrel 16 with the closed
area 69 of the outer disc 64 covering the passage 66 of the inner
disc 62.
[0037] To begin food grating, a food material such as a block of
cheese is placed into the hopper 14. The free handle segment 36 is
then pivoted until the press plate 18 enters the hopper and engages
the cheese. With the appropriate user's hand (not shown) placed on
the knob 57 of the crank 54 and the other of the user's hands
gripped about the two hinged handle segments 34, 36, the crank 54
is turned in a grinding direction. A modicum of force by the user
to squeeze the two handle segments 34, 36 together forces the press
plate 18 further into the hopper 14 resulting in the cheese
aggressively contacting the grating blade 50. As the blade 50
grates, the cheese is captured and retained within the currently
sealed barrel 16. When a sufficient amount of cheese is retained,
the grating may be stopped.
[0038] To discharge the grated cheese, the user may turn the outer
disc 64 of the end cap 20 using the finger grip 70 until a desired
opening 68 is aligned with the passage 66 of the inner disc 62. At
this point, by tilting the grater 10, the grated cheese may be
appropriately dispensed. Alternatively, the grating barrel 16 may
be removed from the housing 12 before opening the barrel 16 and
dispensing the grated cheese.
[0039] Where the grating barrel 16 is utilized for storage of the
grated food, additional grating barrels 16 may be provided and used
for subsequent grating. Additionally, the grating blade 50 and the
dispensing end cap 20 of each barrel 16 may be specialized for
specific foods. Accordingly, as the specific food is to be grated,
the particular grating barrel may be switched into use.
[0040] The matter set forth in the foregoing description and
accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and
not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown
and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
changes and modifications may be made without departing from the
broader aspects of applicants' contribution. The actual scope of
the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following
claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior
art.
* * * * *