U.S. patent application number 12/977898 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-17 for foodstuff crafting apparatus, components, assembly, and method for utilizing the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Provo Craft and Novelty, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeremy B. Crystal, James T. Davis, II, Jeffery V. Gubler, Rebecca Sego.
Application Number | 20110280999 12/977898 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44912007 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110280999 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crystal; Jeremy B. ; et
al. |
November 17, 2011 |
Foodstuff Crafting Apparatus, Components, Assembly, and Method for
Utilizing the Same
Abstract
A crafting apparatus that performs work on a workpiece is
disclosed. The workpiece includes, for example, an edible foodstuff
material. In an embodiment, the edible foodstuff material includes
nutritional value and is consumable by, for example, human beings,
animals or the like.
Inventors: |
Crystal; Jeremy B.;
(Springville, UT) ; Sego; Rebecca; (Spanish Fork,
UT) ; Gubler; Jeffery V.; (Springville, UT) ;
Davis, II; James T.; (Springville, UT) |
Assignee: |
Provo Craft and Novelty,
Inc.
South Jordan
UT
|
Family ID: |
44912007 |
Appl. No.: |
12/977898 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61289920 |
Dec 23, 2009 |
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61297230 |
Jan 21, 2010 |
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61327246 |
Apr 23, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
426/231 ;
426/302; 426/383; 99/450.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23G 3/28 20130101; A21C
15/002 20130101; A23P 20/20 20160801; B26D 2007/2678 20130101; B26D
5/005 20130101; A23P 30/00 20160801; B26D 7/10 20130101; A23P 30/10
20160801; A23P 2020/253 20160801; B26D 1/045 20130101; B26D 2210/02
20130101; B26F 2001/4418 20130101; B26D 2001/006 20130101; B26F
1/3806 20130101; B26D 1/0006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/231 ;
426/383; 426/302; 99/450.1 |
International
Class: |
A23P 1/10 20060101
A23P001/10; A23P 1/00 20060101 A23P001/00; A23P 1/08 20060101
A23P001/08 |
Claims
1. A crafting apparatus (10) that performs work on a workpiece (W),
comprising: a body (14) forming an interior compartment (16) that
houses one or more assemblies (18, 18') including one or more
working components (20, 20'), wherein the one or more working
components (20, 20') include a shaping head (20c) including a blunt
distal end (44c), a stamping head (20d) including a distal stamping
end (44d), a punching head (20e) including a substantially flat
distal end (44e), and an icing head (20f) including an icing
evacuation orifice formed in a distal end (44f) of the icing head
(20f).
2. The crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein the
shaping head (20c) provides means for debossing the workpiece
(W).
3. The crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein the
stamping head (20d) provides means for stamping the workpiece
(W).
4. The crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein the
punching head (20e) provides means for punching out a thickness of
the workpiece (W).
5. The crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein the
icing head (20f) provides means for depositing a bead of icing onto
the workpiece (W).
6. A crafting apparatus (10) that performs work on a workpiece (W),
comprising: a body (14) forming an interior compartment (16) that
houses one or more assemblies (18, 18') including one or more
working components (20, 20'), and a tray (425, 450).
7. The crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 6, wherein the
tray (425) provides means for retaining workpiece waste, (W.sub.W)
that is separated from the workpiece (W).
8. The crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 7, wherein the
workpiece (W) is disposed upon a support assembly (40) that is
located above the tray (425).
9. The crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 7, wherein the
workpiece (W) is disposed within a recess (452) formed by the tray
(450).
10. The crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 9, wherein one
or more mat-engaging rollers (56a) contact and engage an upper rim
(456) of the tray (450), wherein the contact of the one or more
mat-engaging rollers (56a) with the upper rim (456) of the tray
(450) provides means for moving the tray (450) within the crafting
apparatus (10).
11. A crafting apparatus (10) that performs work on a workpiece
(W), comprising: a body (14) forming an interior compartment (16)
that houses one or more assemblies (18, 18') including one or more
working components (20, 20'), a cache (402) of working heads (20a,
20c-20f) retained by a depot (406), and a retriever (404) that
provides means for moving a working head from the cache (402) in
order to subsequently attach the working head from the cache (402)
to the working component (20, 20').
12. A crafting apparatus (10) that performs work on a workpiece
(W), wherein the workpiece (W) is at least partially supported by a
support assembly (40) including one or more passages (62) formed by
the support assembly 40, comprising: a bottom panel (475) having an
exterior side surface (486) that forms one or more bottom panel
passages; at least one access door (476) attached to the bottom
panel (475), wherein the at least one access door (476) close-out
the one or more bottom panel passages formed by the exterior side
surface (486); and a workpiece waste cavity (480) formed, at least
in part, by one or more flange surfaces (482', 482'', 482''')
extending from the bottom panel (475) and a back surface (484) of
the at least one access door (476).
13. The crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 12, wherein the
workpiece waste cavity (480) provides means for receiving workpiece
waste (W.sub.W) that passes through the one or more passages (62)
formed in the support assembly (40).
14. The crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 12, wherein the
at least one access door (476) includes a latch (478) that provides
means for selectively un/latching and de/coupling the at least one
access door (476) with the bottom panel (475) such that the at
least one access door (476) provides access to the one or more
bottom panel passages formed by exterior side surface (486) of the
bottom panel (475) for performing maintenance on the crafting
apparatus (10), wherein the maintenance includes the removal of the
workpiece waste (W.sub.W) from the cavity (480).
15. The crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 12, wherein at
least one flange surface (482''') of the one or more flange
surfaces (482', 482'', 482''') is arranged at an angle
(.theta..sub.482) that is normal (N) to the bottom panel (475),
wherein the at least one flange surface (482''') of the one or more
flange surfaces (482', 482'', 482''') provides means for
slidingly-evacuating (E) the workpiece waste (W.sub.W) upon tilting
(T) the foodstuff crafting apparatus (10) from a use orientation to
a maintenance orientation such that the exterior side surface (486)
of the bottom panel (475) is not arranged in a substantially
opposing relationship relative to a support surface (SS), for
subsequently: with the assistance of gravity, shifting the
workpiece waste (W.sub.W) from a first arrangement substantially
adjacent a back surface (484) of the at least one access door (476)
to a second arrangement substantially adjacent the at least one
flange surface (482''') of the one or more flange surfaces (482',
482'', 482''') that is arranged at the angle (.theta..sub.482), and
selectively unlatching the at least one access door (476) with
respect to the bottom panel (475)
16. A device for a crafting apparatus (10) that performs work on a
workpiece (W), comprising: a crafting apparatus sub-assembly
attached to the crafting apparatus (10), wherein the sub-assembly
includes a blade carrier housing (900) including a central bore
(916); and a blade (12a-12a'''') disposed within the central bore
(916), wherein the blade (12a-12a'''') includes a distal end (544,
644, 744, 844) having a blade portion (502, 602, 702, 802), a
proximal end (546, 646, 746, 846) having a conical bearing portion
(504, 604, 704, 804), and a stem portion (506, 606, 706, 806)
extending between the blade portion (502, 602, 702, 802) and the
conical bearing portion (504, 604, 704, 804), wherein the conical
bearing portion (504, 604, 704, 804) includes a cone-shaped body
defined by a bearing surface (508, 608, 708, 808) that terminates
at a tip (510, 610, 710, 810), wherein the blade portion (502, 602,
702, 802) includes a collar portion (512, 612, 712, 812) connected
to the stem portion (506, 606, 706, 806), wherein the blade portion
(502, 602, 702, 802) includes a ricasso (514, 614, 714, 814) that
extends from the collar portion (512, 612, 712, 812), wherein the
blade portion (502, 602, 702, 802) includes at least one grind
(516, 616, 717, 818), wherein the blade portion (502, 602, 702,
802) includes a back (518, 618, 718, 818), wherein the blade
portion (502, 602, 702, 802) includes a cutting edge (520, 620,
720, 820) that extends between a choil (522, 622, 722, 822) of the
blade portion (502, 602, 702, 802) and a point (524, 624, 724, 824)
of the blade portion (502, 602, 702, 802).
17. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 16,
wherein the blade portion (502, 602, 702, 802) is offset at a
distance (d) from a pivot axis (A-A) that extends through an axial
center (C), of the blade (12a-12a'''')
18. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 16,
wherein the offset distance (d) provides means for permitting the
blade (12a-12a'''') to pivot upon the point (524, 624, 724, 824)
such that the blade (12a-12a'''') behaves as a caster to permit the
blade (12a-12a'''') to self-align in a cutting direction as a
result of at least one directional force imparted to the blade
(12a-12a'''').
19. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 16,
wherein the at least one grind (516, 616, 717, 818) includes two
grinds that are symmetrically arranged relative to the cutting edge
(520, 620, 720, 820).
20. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 16,
wherein the at least one grind (516, 616, 717, 818) is selected
from the group consisting of: a flat grind, a tapered grind, a
hollow grind, a sabre grind, a chisel grind, a double grind, a
compound bevel grind, and a convex grind.
21. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 16,
wherein the at least one grind (516, 616, 716) is/are formed
relative to the cutting edge (520, 620, 720) at an edge angle
(.theta..sub.EA).
22. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 21,
wherein the edge angle (.theta..sub.EA) is approximately about
7.degree..
23. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 16,
wherein the blade (12a'', 12a''') includes a top grind (628, 728)
formed on the back (618, 718), wherein the top grind (628, 728) is
proximate the point (624, 724).
24. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 23,
wherein the top grind (628, 728) provides a relief in the blade
portion (602, 702) that forms a relief angle (.theta..sub.RA).
25. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 24,
wherein the relief angle (.theta..sub.RA) ranges between
approximately about 5.degree. to 20.degree..
26. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 16,
wherein the blade (12a''') further includes at least one second
grind (730) located between the cutting edge (720) and the at least
one grind (716), wherein the at least one second grind (730)
extends from the choil (722) and toward the top grind (728).
27. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 26,
wherein the at least one second grind (730) forms a second grind
line (732) including a grind lead-off (732a) and a grind
termination (732b), wherein the grind lead-off (732a) of the second
grind line (732) originates proximate the back (718) near the top
grind (728), wherein the grind termination (732b) of the second
grind line (732) originates proximate the choil (722) and meets
with the grind lead-off (732a) of the second grind line (732) and
the grind termination (726c) of the first grind line (726).
28. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 26,
wherein the at least one second grind (730) includes two grinds
that are symmetrically arranged relative to the cutting edge
(720).
29. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 26,
wherein the at least one second grind (730) is selected from the
group consisting of: a flat grind, a tapered grind, a hollow grind,
a sabre grind, a chisel grind, a double grind, a compound bevel
grind, and a convex grind.
30. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 16,
wherein the ricasso (514, 614, 714, 814) and the at least one grind
(516, 616, 716, 816) cooperate to form a grind line (526, 626, 726,
826), wherein the grind line (526, 626, 726, 826) includes a grind
lead-off (526a, 626a, 726a, 826a), a grind termination radius
(526b, 626b, 726b, 826b) and a grind termination (526c, 626c, 726c,
826c), wherein the grind lead-off (526a, 626a, 726a, 826a)
originates proximate the back (518, 618, 718, 818), wherein the
grind termination radius (526b, 626b, 726b, 826b) is located
proximate the ricasso (514, 614, 714, 814) and trails toward the
collar (512, 612, 712, 812), wherein the grind termination (526c,
626c, 726c, 826c) originates proximate the choil (522, 622, 722,
822).
31. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 16,
wherein the ricasso (714) extends along the blade portion (702) and
forms a non-sharpened belly (734) located between the two grinds of
the at least one grind (716).
32. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 16,
wherein the cutting edge (820) includes an S-shaped profile having
a first, curved, concave-up trailing portion (820a) extending from
the point (824), a second, curved, concave-down trailing portion
(820b) extending from the choil (822), and a substantially straight
edge (820c) extending between and connecting the first, curved,
concave-up trailing portion (820a) and the second, curved,
concave-down trailing portion (820b).
33. A device for a crafting apparatus (10) that performs work on a
workpiece (W), comprising: a crafting apparatus sub-assembly
attached to the crafting apparatus (10), wherein the sub-assembly
includes a blade carrier housing (900) having a body portion (902)
formed by an outer surface (904), wherein the outer surface (904)
forms a recessed portion (906), wherein the body portion (902)
includes an end surface (912) that forms a blade portion opening
(910), wherein the body portion (902) includes a central bore (916)
formed by an inner surface (918) of the body portion (902); an
inner housing (922) disposed within the central bore (902) of the
body portion (902) of the blade carrier housing (900), wherein the
inner housing (922) includes an outer bearing (924) that contacts
the inner surface (918) of the body portion (902) that forms the
central bore (916), wherein the inner housing includes an inner
bearing (926) disposed within a bore (920) formed by the inner
housing (922); a blade (12a-12a'''') disposed within the central
bore (916) of the body portion (902) of the blade carrier housing
(900) and within the bore (920) of the inner housing, wherein a
stem portion (506, 606, 706, 806) of the blade (12a-12a'''')
contacts the inner bearing (926) of the inner housing (922); a cap
portion (914) rotatably-connected to the body portion (902) that
prevents ejection of the blade (12a-12a'''') from the central bore
(916) of the body portion (902), wherein the blade (12a-12a'''') is
movably-arranged within the central bore (916) of the blade carrier
housing (900) to permit a distal end (44, 544, 644, 744, 844) of
the blade (12a-12a'''') to selectively project out of the blade
portion opening (910) formed in the end surface (912) of the body
portion (902).
34. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 33,
wherein the crafting apparatus sub-assembly further includes a
plunger (928) that extends at least partially into each of the
central bore (916) of the body portion (902) and the bore (920) of
the inner housing (922), wherein an actuator end (930) of the
plunger (928) extends beyond the body portion (902) and into a
passage (932a) formed by the cap portion (914), wherein the
actuator end (930) of the plunger (928) further extends out of the
passage (932a) and through an opening (932b) formed in an outer end
surface (934) of the cap (914) for permitting at least a portion of
the actuator end (930) of the plunger (928) to be in communication
with an actuator.
35. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 34,
wherein a conical bearing portion (504, 604, 704, 804) of the blade
(12a-12a'''') is arranged within a conically-shaped receiving end
(948) of the plunger (928), wherein the conical bearing portion
(504, 604, 704, 804) is magnetically connected to the receiving end
(948) of the plunger (928).
36. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 33,
wherein the crafting apparatus sub-assembly further includes a
spring (936) disposed within the central bore (916) and may at
least partially circumscribe a portion of an outer surface (938) of
the inner housing (922), wherein a first end (940) of the spring
(936) engages a flange (942) of the plunger (928), wherein a second
end (944) of the spring (936) engages an upper surface (946) of the
outer bearing (924).
37. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 33,
wherein, upon moving the distal end (44, 544, 644, 744, 844) of the
blade (12a-12a'''') from expanded orientation that extended beyond
the end surface (912) of the body portion (902) to a retracted
orientation within the bore (920) of the inner housing (922), the
inner bearing (926) provides means for wiping foodstuff particles
off of one of more of the stem portion (506, 606, 706, 806) and the
blade portion (502, 602, 702, 802) of the blade (12a-12a'''').
38. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 37,
wherein the crafting apparatus sub-assembly further includes an
outer seal (950, 975) arranged upon one or more of the outer
surface (904) and the end surface (912) of the body portion (902)
that provides means for mitigating foodstuff particles from being
drawn into one or more of the bore (920) formed by the inner
housing (922) and the central bore (916) of the body portion
(902).
39. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 38,
wherein the outer seal (950, 975) includes a soft, silicon membrane
material.
40. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 38,
wherein the outer seal (950) includes a substantially flat,
disk-shape that substantially covers the end surface (912).
41. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 40,
wherein the outer seal (950) includes a passage (954) aligned with
the blade portion opening (910) of the body portion (902), wherein
the passage (954) of the outer seal (950) is substantially the same
as, but slightly less than a dimension of the blade portion opening
(910) to provide means for permitting the passage (954) of the
outer seal (950) to tightly contact one of more of the stem portion
(506, 606, 706, 806) and blade portion (502, 602, 702, 802) of the
blade (12a-12a'''') for the purpose of wiping the foodstuff
particles off of the blade (12a-12a'''') as the blade (12a-12a'''')
is moved from the expanded orientation to the retracted
orientation.
42. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 38,
wherein the outer seal (975) includes a cap that substantially
covers all of the end surface (912) and extends axially toward the
cap (914) in order to at least partially cover a portion of the
outer surface (904) proximate and just beyond the end surface
(912).
43. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 42,
wherein the outer seal (975) includes a flange side portion (976)
connected to a base portion (978), wherein the flange side portion
(976) is arranged substantially adjacent at least a portion of the
outer surface (904) proximate the end surface (912) of the body
portion (902) whereas the base portion (978) substantially covers
all of the end surface (912) of the body portion (902), wherein the
outer seal (975) includes a passage (980) aligned with the blade
portion opening (910) of the body portion (902), wherein the
passage (980) of the outer seal (975) is substantially the same as,
but slightly less than a dimension of the blade portion opening
(910) to provide means for permitting the passage (980) of the
outer seal (975) to tightly contact one of more of the stem portion
(506, 606, 706, 806) and blade portion (502, 602, 702, 802) of the
blade (12a-12a'''') for the purpose of wiping the foodstuff
particles off of the blade (12a-12a'''') as the blade (12a-12a'''')
is moved from the expanded orientation to the retracted
orientation.
44. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 38,
wherein the outer surface (904) forms an attachment rib (908),
wherein the outer seal (975) includes a recess (982) formed on an
inner surface (984) of the flange portion (976) of the outer seal
(975), wherein the recess (982) receives the attachment rib (908)
to structurally attach the outer seal (975) to the body portion
(902)
45. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 44,
wherein the outer seal (975) includes a flexibly material that
provides means for permitting selective removal and attachment of
the outer seal (975) to the outer surface (904) by permitting the
flange portion (976) to flex over the attachment rib (908) upon
selective attachment or removal to/from the outer surface
(904).
46. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 33,
wherein the crafting apparatus sub-assembly further includes a
removable safety covering (1000) attached to the outer surface
(904) of the blade carrier housing (900), wherein the removable
safety covering (1000) obscures the end surface (912) of the body
portion (902) of the blade carrier housing (900) to provide means
for obscuring the distal end (44, 544, 644, 744, 844) of the blade
(12a-12a'''') upon moving the blade (12a-12a'''') from a retracted
orientation to an expanded orientation.
47. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 46,
wherein the removable safety covering (1000) includes a
substantially cylindrical body (1002) having a first end (1004) and
a second end (1006), wherein the first end (1004) is enclosed by an
end portion (1008), wherein the substantially cylindrical body
(1002) includes an uninterrupted circumferential portion (1010)
connected to the end portion (1008), wherein the uninterrupted
circumferential portion (1010) extends toward the second end
(1006), wherein the substantially cylindrical body (1002) further
includes an interrupted circumferential portion (1012) connected to
the uninterrupted circumferential portion (1010), wherein the
interrupted circumferential portion (1012) is located proximate the
second end (1006).
48. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 47,
wherein the interrupted circumferential portion (1012) includes a
plurality of slots (1014), wherein the plurality of slots (1014)
define the interrupted circumferential portion (1012) to include a
plurality of flexible fingers (1016), wherein each finger of the
plurality of flexible fingers (1016) define the second end (1006)
to include an opening (1018), wherein the opening (1018) permits
communication with a cavity (1020) extending into both of the
interrupted and uninterrupted circumferential portions (1010,
1012), wherein the cavity (1020) is formed by an inner surface
(1022) of the cylindrical body (1002).
49. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 48,
wherein the inner surface (1022) proximate the second end (1006)
includes at least one inwardly-projecting rib (1024) that is formed
proximate a tip (1026) of each finger of the plurality of flexible
fingers (1016), wherein the at least one inwardly-projecting rib
(1024) extends toward and contacts the outer surface (904) of the
body portion (902) to permit the removable safety covering (1000)
to be removably-attached to the blade carrier housing (900),
wherein the at least one inwardly-projecting rib (1024) is
permitted to flex over and cling to a shoulder (906') that at least
partially forms the recessed portion (906) of the body portion
(902).
50. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 47,
wherein the removable safety covering (1000) further includes a
safety flange (1028) proximate the first end (1004) that extends
across the cavity (1020) such that the safety flange (1028) creates
a bridge that connects opposing portions of the inner surface
(1022), wherein the safety flange (1028) includes a channel (1030)
that receives the blade (12a-12a'''') upon movement of the blade
(12-12a'''') from the retracted orientation to the expanded
orientation.
51. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 50,
wherein the removable safety covering (1000) includes more than one
material, wherein the substantially cylindrical body (1002)
includes a rigid material, wherein the safety flange (1028)
includes a soft, silicon membrane material.
52. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 47,
wherein the removable safety covering (1000) includes a soft,
silicon membrane material.
53. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 33,
wherein the recessed portion (906) provides means for permitting
attachment of the blade carrier housing (900) to a carrier (350) of
a working assembly (18a).
54. A device for a crafting apparatus (10) that performs work on a
workpiece (W), wherein the crafting apparatus (10) includes a data
port (1052) having a dimension, wherein a memory device (1056) is
interfacable with the data port (1052), comprising: a removable
covering (1050, 1075), wherein the removable covering (1050, 1075)
includes a body (1062) having an upper surface (1064, 1078) and a
lower surface (1066, 1082), wherein the upper surface (1064, 1078)
includes a dimension that is greater than a dimension of the data
port (1052), wherein the lower surface (1066, 1082) of the
removable covering (1050, 1075) includes a lower sealing bead
(1072, 1080).
55. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 54,
wherein the lower sealing bead (1072) provides means for
sealingly-engaging the dimension of the data port (1052).
56. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 55,
wherein the memory device (1056) is not interfaced with the data
port (1052), wherein the removable covering (1075) is connected to
the crafting apparatus (10) at the data port (1052) to provide
means for closing-out access to the data port (1052).
57. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 54,
wherein a pull tab (1076) is connected to and extends from the
upper surface (1078) of the removable covering (1075).
58. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 54,
wherein the removable covering (1050, 1075) includes a passage
(1068) that extends through the body (1062) from the upper surface
(1064) to the lower surface (1066), wherein the upper surface
(1064) of the removable covering (1050) includes an upper sealing
bead (1070) that at least partially forms the passage (1068),
wherein the lower sealing bead (1072) further at least partially
forms the passage (1068).
59. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 58,
wherein the removable covering (1050) is connected to an outer
surface (1058) of the memory cartridge (1056) in order to form a
sub-assembly (1060), wherein the passage (1068) permits the memory
cartridge (1056) to be inserted through the removable covering
(1050) to permit connection of the removable covering (1050) to the
memory cartridge (1056) for forming the sub-assembly (1060),
wherein the sub-assembly (1060) provides means for mitigating entry
of foodstuff particles into the data port (1052).
60. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 59,
wherein the upper sealing bead (1070) provides means for
sealingly-engaging the outer surface (1058) of the memory cartridge
(1056).
61. A device for a crafting apparatus (10) that performs work on a
workpiece (W), comprising: a foodstuff workpiece support mat (1136)
having a front receiving surface (1102) and a rear support surface
(1104), wherein the rear support surface (1104) includes indicia
(1108), wherein the indicia (1108) is inverted, wherein the
foodstuff workpiece support mat (1136) includes a transparent
material, wherein the transparent material provides means for
permitting the indicia (1108) to be viewable by a user that looks
directly at the front receiving surface (1102) such that the
indicia appears non-inverted (1108') for insinuating to a user that
the rear support surface (1104) is not intended to provide direct
support for or directly contact the foodstuff workpiece (W).
62. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 61,
wherein the indicia (1108) includes letters or numbers.
63. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 61,
wherein the foodstuff workpiece support mat (1136) includes
polyvinyl chloride.
64. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 61,
further comprising a foodstuff coating (W.sub.C) disposed upon the
front receiving surface (1102), wherein the foodstuff workpiece (W)
is disposed upon the foodstuff coating (W.sub.C), wherein the
foodstuff coating (W.sub.C) provides means for adhering the
foodstuff workpiece (W) to the front receiving surface (1102) of
the foodstuff workpiece support mat (1136).
65. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 61,
wherein the foodstuff coating (W.sub.C) includes shortening.
66. A device for a crafting apparatus (10) that performs work on a
workpiece (W), comprising: a shuttle system (1200) including a rail
(1202) a taxi (1204) supported by the rail (1202), a vertically
adjustable plunging bracket (304) connected to the taxi (1204), and
the blade carrier housing (900) according to claim 33.
67. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 66,
wherein the rail (1202) is movable in an X direction/-X direction,
wherein the taxi (1204) is movably-arranged upon the rail (1202)
for movement in a Y direction/-Y direction, wherein the blade
carrier housing (900) is movably-arranged relative to the taxi
(1204) in a Z direction/-Z direction.
68. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 66,
wherein the shuttle system (1200) provides means for moving the
blade carrier housing (900) within a body (14) of the crafting
apparatus (10).
69. A device for a crafting apparatus (10) that performs work on a
workpiece (W), comprising: a preliminary treatment system (1300,
1400, 1500) including: the shuttle system (1200) of claim 66, a
controller (1306, 1406, 1506) in communication with the shuttle
system (1200), and a reservoir (1302, 1402, 1502) containing fluid
(1304, 1404, 1504).
70. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 69,
wherein the fluid (1304, 1404, 1504) provides means for lubricating
the distal end (44, 544, 644, 744, 844) of the blade (12a-12a'''')
disposed within the blade carrier housing (900) of the shuttle
system (1200).
71. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 70,
wherein the preliminary treatment system (1300, 1400, 1500) further
includes: a fluid heating device (1410) positioned proximate the
reservoir (1402) that provides means for increasing the temperature
of the fluid (1404) such that submersion of the distal end (44,
544, 644, 744, 844) of the blade (12a-12a'''') into the fluid
(1404) results in an increase of temperature of the distal end (44,
544, 644, 744, 844) of the blade (12a-12a'''').
72. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 70,
further comprising a temperature sensor (1416) in communication
with both of the distal end (44, 544, 644, 744, 844) of the blade
(12a-12a'''') and the controller (1406).
73. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 72,
further comprising a look-up table provided by the controller
(1306) that provides means for controlling the shuttle system
(1200) in a manner that maintains the distal end (44, 544, 644,
744, 844) of the blade (12a-12a'''') submerged in the fluid (1304)
until the temperature sensor (1416) detects that the distal end
(44, 544, 644, 744, 844) of the blade (12a-12a'''') is raised to at
least a predetermined temperature, wherein the predetermined
temperature is selected from the look-up table in response to an
indication from a user of a type of foodstuff material (W) to be
worked-upon by the crafting apparatus (10).
74. A device for a crafting apparatus (10) that performs work on a
workpiece (W), comprising: a preliminary treatment system (1500)
including: the shuttle system (1200) of claim 66, a controller
(1506) in communication with the shuttle system (1200), and an
electrical circuit (1518) having two, opposing, spaced-apart
electrical contacts (1520, 1522).
75. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 74,
wherein the electrical circuit (1518) provides means for heating
the distal end (44, 544, 644, 744, 844) of the blade (12a-12a'''')
disposed within the blade carrier housing (900) of the shuttle
system (1200) in response to the distal end (44, 544, 644, 744,
844) of the blade (12a-12a'''') engaging both of the two, opposing,
spaced-apart electrical contacts (1520, 1522) and flowing current
through the electrical circuit (1518).
76. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 75,
further comprising a temperature sensor (1516) in communication
with both of the distal end (44, 544, 644, 744, 844) of the blade
(12a-12a'''') and the controller (1506).
77. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 76,
further comprising a look-up table provided by the controller
(1506) that provides means for controlling the shuttle system
(1200) in a manner that maintains the distal end (44, 544, 644,
744, 844) of the blade (12a-12a'''') in an engaged orientation with
the two, opposing, spaced-apart electrical contacts (1520, 1522)
until the temperature sensor (1516) detects that the distal end
(44, 544, 644, 744, 844) of the blade (12a-12a'''') is raised to at
least a predetermined temperature, wherein the predetermined
temperature is selected from the look-up table in response to an
indication from a user of a type of foodstuff material (W) to be
worked-upon by the crafting apparatus (10).
78. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 74,
further comprising: a reservoir (1502) containing fluid (1504).
79. The device for a crafting apparatus (10) according to claim 78,
wherein the fluid (1504) provides means for lubricating the distal
end (44, 544, 644, 744, 844) of the blade (12a-12a'''') disposed
within the blade carrier housing (900) of the shuttle system
(1200).
80. A method (S.1600) for utilizing a foodstuff crafting apparatus
(10) that performs work on a workpiece (W), comprising the steps
of: selecting/providing (S.1601), to a controller (1306, 1406,
1506), an image to the foodstuff crafting apparatus (10);
communicating (S.1602), to the controller (1306, 1406, 1506), at
least one dimension of a foodstuff workpiece (W.sub.1-W.sub.n) that
the foodstuff crafting apparatus (10) will conduct work upon;
communicating (S.1603), to the controller (1306, 1406, 1506), at
least one dimension of a receiving surface (SC.sub.U); utilizing
the controller (1306, 1406, 1506) to calculate (S.1604) a surface
area of each of the receiving surface (SC.sub.U) and the foodstuff
workpiece (W.sub.1-W.sub.n) responsive to the communicating steps;
utilizing the controller (1306, 1406, 1506) to determine (S.1605)
if a surface area of the receiving surface (SC.sub.U) is greater
than a surface area of the foodstuff workpiece (W.sub.1-W.sub.n);
and if the surface area of the receiving surface (SC.sub.U) is less
than the surface area of the foodstuff workpiece (W.sub.1-W.sub.n),
utilizing (S.1606a) the foodstuff crafting apparatus (10) to
conduct work upon the foodstuff workpiece (W.sub.1-W.sub.n) such
that the selected/provided image is derived from the foodstuff
workpiece (W.sub.1-W.sub.n), or if the surface area of the
receiving surface (SC.sub.U) is greater than the surface area of
the foodstuff workpiece (W.sub.1-W.sub.n) utilizing (S.1606b) the
foodstuff crafting apparatus (10) to determine a quantity of
foodstuff workpieces (W.sub.1-W.sub.n) to cover the surface area of
the receiving surface (SC.sub.U).
81. The method (S.1600) according to claim 80, further comprising
the step of: utilizing (S.1607) the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10
to conduct work upon the determined quantity of foodstuff
workpieces (W.sub.1-W.sub.n) such that unique portions of the
selected/provided image is represented upon each foodstuff
workpiece (W.sub.1-W.sub.n) of the determined quantity of foodstuff
workpieces (W.sub.1-W.sub.n).
82. The method (S.1600) according to claim 80, further comprising
the step of: arranging (S.1608) the determined quantity of
worked-upon foodstuff workpieces (W.sub.1-W.sub.n) substantially
adjacent one another upon the receiving surface (SC.sub.U) to
collectively form the selected/provided image.
83. A method (S.1700) for utilizing a foodstuff crafting apparatus
(10) that performs work on at least one workpiece (W), comprising
the steps of: selecting/providing (S.1701), to a controller (1306,
1406, 1506), at least one dimension of a receiving surface;
selecting/providing (S.1702), to a controller (1306, 1406, 1506),
at least one foodstuff unit (W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu) to be placed upon
the receiving surface; utilizing the controller (1306, 1406, 1506)
to calculate a quantity of foodstuff units (W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu) that
may be placed upon the receiving surface;
84. The method (S.1700) according to claim 83, further comprising
the step of: utilizing (S.1704) the foodstuff crafting apparatus
(10) to conduct work on the at least one foodstuff workpiece (W)
for preparing the calculated quantity of foodstuff units
(W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu) from the at least one foodstuff workpiece
(W);
85. The method (S.1700) according to claim 84, further comprising
the step of: arranging (S.1705) the determined quantity of
worked-upon foodstuff units (W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu) upon the receiving
surface.
86. The method (S.1700) according to claim 85, wherein the
receiving surface is a side surface of a cylindrically-shaped,
round unit of food, wherein the determined quantity of worked-upon
foodstuff units (W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu) are connected to one another to
form a daisy-chained foodstuff loop.
87. A method (S.1800) for utilizing a foodstuff crafting apparatus
(10) that performs work on at least one workpiece (W), comprising
the steps of: selecting/providing (S.1801), to a controller (1306,
1406, 1506), at least one three-dimensional image; utilizing
(S.1802) the foodstuff crafting apparatus (10) to conduct work upon
the at least one workpiece (W) to prepare a plurality of individual
foodstuff units (W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu); and connecting (S.1803) the
plurality of individual foodstuff units (W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu) in a
spatially-arranged configuration to form a three-dimensional
foodstuff structure (W.sub.3D).
88. The method (S.1800) according to claim 87, wherein each of the
individual foodstuff units (W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu) include at least one
of a male portion (M) and a female portion (F) mechanically
connecting the plurality of individual foodstuff units
(W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu) to one another for forming the
three-dimensional foodstuff structure (W.sub.3D).
89. A device for a crafting apparatus (10) that performs work on a
workpiece (W), comprising: a blade carrier housing (1900) including
a body portion (1902) having an outer surface (1904); and one or
more key portions (1910) extending from the outer surface (1904) of
the blade carrier housing (1900), wherein the one or more key
portions provide means for limiting attachment of the blade carrier
housing (1900) to a carrier (1350) of the crafting apparatus (10)
such that the one or more key portions (1910) exclusively
correspond to one or more receiving apertures (1375a, 1376b) formed
by the carrier (1350).
90. A device for a crafting apparatus (10) that performs work on a
workpiece (W), comprising: a blade carrier housing (1900) including
a body portion (1902) having an outer surface (1904), wherein the
outer surface (1904) forms one or more key recesses; and one or
more key portions extending from a carrier of the crafting
apparatus (10), wherein the one or more key portions provide means
for limiting attachment of the blade carrier housing (1900) to the
carrier (1350) of the crafting apparatus (10) such that the one or
more key portions exclusively correspond to the one or more key
recesses formed by the outer surface of the blade carrier housing
(1900).
91. A method, comprising the steps of: arranging a foodstuff
workpiece including a cake within a foodstuff crafting apparatus
including an icing head; utilizing the icing head to deposit a bead
of icing directly upon an upper surface of the foodstuff workpiece
including a cake.
92. A method, comprising the steps of: arranging a foodstuff
workpiece within a foodstuff crafting apparatus including an inking
blade connected to a blade housing having an ink reservoir that
retains foodstuff ink; utilizing the inking blade to move ink from
the ink reservoir to a surface of a foodstuff workpiece.
93. A device for a crafting apparatus (10) that performs work on a
workpiece (W), comprising: a crafting apparatus sub-assembly
attached to the crafting apparatus (10), wherein the sub-assembly
includes a blade carrier housing (900) including a central bore
(916); and a blade (12a'''''', 12a''''''') disposed within the
central bore (916), wherein the blade (12a'''''', 12a''''''')
includes a distal end (2144, 2244) having a blade portion (2102,
2202), wherein the blade portion includes a circularly-shaped,
rotatable blade defined by a circular cutting edge 2224.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This U.S. patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Applications: 61/289,920, filed on
Dec. 23, 2009, 61/297,230 filed on Jan. 21, 2010 and 61/327,246
filed on Apr. 23, 2010. The disclosures of these prior applications
are considered part of the disclosure of this application and are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The disclosure relates to a foodstuff crafting apparatus,
components, assembly, and method for utilizing the same.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0003] Throughout history, it has been known that individuals have
found a sense of personal
fulfillment/achievement/satisfaction/expression by creating art. In
recent times, during the late 19.sup.th century, an art reform
& social movement led by skilled tradesmen was slowly starting
to be recognized by many people across America, Canada, Great
Britain and Australia. This movement has often been referred to as
the "Arts-and-Crafts Movement."
[0004] The so-called "Arts-and-Crafts Movement" that began many
years ago has continued to evolve today by many persons that may
not necessarily be skilled in a particular trade. As such, it may
be said that non-skilled persons may be involved in the
"arts-and-crafts" as a social activity or hobby. In some
circumstances, the activity or hobby may be practiced for any
number of reasons ranging from, for example: economic gain,
gifting, or simply to pass time while finding a sense of personal
fulfillment/achievement/satisfaction/expression.
[0005] With advances in modern technology, the "Arts-and-Crafts
Movement" that began many years ago is nevertheless susceptible to
further advancements that may enhance or improve, for example, the
way a skilled or non-skilled person may contribute to the
arts-and-crafts. Therefore, a need exists for the development of
improved components, devices and the like that advance the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The disclosure will now be described, by way of example,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a crafting apparatus in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a partial, cut-away, cross-sectional view of the
crafting apparatus according to line 2-2 of FIG. 1 in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0009] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a partial, cross-sectional view of a
crafting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention;
[0010] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a partial, cross-sectional view of a
crafting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention;
[0011] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a partial, cross-sectional view of a
crafting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention;
[0012] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a partial, cross-sectional view of a
crafting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention;
[0013] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a partial, cross-sectional view of a
crafting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention;
[0014] FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate a partial, cross-sectional view of a
crafting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention;
[0015] FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate a partial, cross-sectional view of a
crafting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention;
[0016] FIG. 10A is an enlarged view of the crafting apparatus of
FIGS. 3A-9B according to line 10A in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of the crafting apparatus of
FIGS. 3A-9B according to line 10B in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the crafting apparatus of
FIGS. 3A-9B in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention;
[0019] FIG. 12A illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the
crafting apparatus of FIGS. 3A-9B without a workpiece and a mat in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 12B illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the
crafting apparatus of FIGS. 3A-9B with a workpiece and a mat having
a first overall thickness in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 12C illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the
crafting apparatus of FIGS. 3A-9B with a workpiece and a mat having
a second overall thickness that is greater than the first overall
thickness in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention;
[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a sub-structure of
a crafting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention;
[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates a view of the sub-structure according to
line 14 of FIG. 13 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention;
[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates a view of the sub-structure according to
line 15 of FIG. 13 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention;
[0025] FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the
sub-structure according to line 16-16 or FIG. 13 in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a sub-structure of
a crafting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention;
[0027] FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate a view of the sub-structure
according to line 18 of FIG. 17 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 19 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a
sub-structure of a crafting apparatus in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIGS. 20A-21B illustrate assembled side views of the
sub-substructure of FIG. 19 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIGS. 22A-22E illustrate workpieces that are modified by the
crafting apparatus of FIGS. 1-21B in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 23 is a view of a working head of a crafting apparatus
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a workpiece in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the workpiece according
to line 25-25 of FIG. 24 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 26 is a view of a working head of a crafting apparatus
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 27 is a view of the working head of according to line
27 of FIG. 26 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention;
[0036] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a workpiece in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the workpiece according
to line 29-29 of FIG. 28 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 30 is a view of a working head of a crafting apparatus
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0039] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a workpiece in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the workpiece according
to line 32-32 of FIG. 31 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the invention;
[0041] FIG. 33 is a view of a working head of a crafting apparatus
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a workpiece in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0043] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the workpiece according
to line 35-35 of FIG. 34 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the invention;
[0044] FIG. 36A is a view of a system associated with a crafting
apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention;
[0045] FIG. 36B is another view of the system associated with a
crafting apparatus of FIG. 36A in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0046] FIG. 37 is a view of a crafting apparatus in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and
[0047] FIG. 38 is a view of a crafting apparatus in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0048] FIG. 38A is a bottom partial perspective view of a crafting
apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0049] FIG. 38B is a cross-sectional, side perspective view of the
crafting apparatus according to line 38B-38B of FIG. 38A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0050] FIG. 38C' is a cross-section view according to arrow 38C of
FIG. 38B showing the crafting apparatus in a first orientation in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0051] FIG. 38C'' is a cross-section view according to arrow 38C of
FIG. 38B showing the crafting apparatus in a second orientation
with an access door in a closed position in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0052] FIG. 38C''' is a cross-section view according to arrow 38C
of FIG. 38B showing the crafting apparatus in the second
orientation with the access door in an open position in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0053] FIG. 39A is a perspective view of a blade in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0054] FIG. 39B is a bottom view of the blade of FIG. 39A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0055] FIG. 39C is a top view of the blade of FIG. 39A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0056] FIG. 39D is a right side view of the blade of FIG. 39A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0057] FIG. 39E is a left side view of the blade of FIG. 39A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0058] FIG. 39F is a proximal end view of the blade of FIG. 39A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0059] FIG. 39G is a distal end view of the blade of FIG. 39A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0060] FIG. 40A is a perspective view of a blade in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0061] FIG. 40B is a bottom view of the blade of FIG. 40A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0062] FIG. 40C is a top view of the blade of FIG. 40A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0063] FIG. 40D is a right side view of the blade of FIG. 40A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0064] FIG. 40E is a left side view of the blade of FIG. 40A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0065] FIG. 40F is a proximal end view of the blade of FIG. 40A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0066] FIG. 40G is a distal end view of the blade of FIG. 40A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0067] FIG. 41A is a perspective view of a blade in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0068] FIG. 41B is a bottom view of the blade of FIG. 41A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0069] FIG. 41C is a top view of the blade of FIG. 41A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0070] FIG. 41D is a right side view of the blade of FIG. 41A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0071] FIG. 41E is a left side view of the blade of FIG. 41A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0072] FIG. 41F is a proximal end view of the blade of FIG. 41A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0073] FIG. 41G is a distal end view of the blade of FIG. 41A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0074] FIG. 42A is a perspective view of a blade in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0075] FIG. 42B is a bottom view of the blade of FIG. 42A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0076] FIG. 42C is a top view of the blade of FIG. 42A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0077] FIG. 42D is a right side view of the blade of FIG. 42A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0078] FIG. 42E is a left side view of the blade of FIG. 42A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0079] FIG. 42F is a proximal end view of the blade of FIG. 42A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0080] FIG. 42G is a distal end view of the blade of FIG. 42A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0081] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a blade carrier housing in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0082] FIG. 44A is a cross-sectional view of the blade carrier
housing according to line 44-44 of FIGS. 43 and 46 in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0083] FIG. 44B is another cross-sectional view of the blade
carrier housing according to line 44-44 of FIGS. 43 and 46 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0084] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a blade carrier housing and
an outer seal in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0085] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a blade carrier housing and
an outer seal in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0086] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a removable covering for a
blade carrier housing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention.
[0087] FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of the removable covering
for a blade carrier housing according to line 48-48 of FIG. 47 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0088] FIG. 49A is a top perspective view of a removable covering
for a memory cartridge in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the invention.
[0089] FIG. 49B is a bottom perspective view of the removable
covering for a memory cartridge of FIG. 49A in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0090] FIG. 50 is a view of a crafting apparatus, memory cartridge
and the removable covering of FIGS. 49A-49B in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0091] FIG. 51A is a top perspective view of a removable covering
for a data port of a crafting apparatus in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0092] FIG. 51B is a bottom perspective view of the removable
covering for a data port of a crafting apparatus of FIG. 51A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0093] FIG. 52 is a view of a crafting apparatus having a data port
and the removable covering of FIGS. 51A-51B in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0094] FIG. 53A is a top view of a foodstuff workpiece support mat
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0095] FIG. 53B is a bottom view of a foodstuff workpiece support
mat in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0096] FIG. 53C is a side view of a foodstuff workpiece support mat
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0097] FIGS. 54A-54D are side views of the foodstuff workpiece
support mat in various states of use includes one or more of a
foodstuff workpiece coating and a foodstuff workpiece disposed
thereupon in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0098] FIG. 55 is a side view of a shuttle system of a crafting
apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0099] FIGS. 56A-56C illustrate side views of a preliminary
treatment system of the crafting apparatus in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0100] FIG. 56D illustrates a method for utilizing the preliminary
treatment system of FIGS. 56A-56C in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
[0101] FIGS. 57A-57C illustrate side views of a preliminary
treatment system of the crafting apparatus in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0102] FIG. 57D illustrates a method for utilizing the preliminary
treatment system of FIGS. 57A-57C in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
[0103] FIG. 57E illustrates a look-up table provided by a
controller of a foodstuff crafting apparatus in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0104] FIGS. 58A-58F illustrate side views of a preliminary
treatment system of the crafting apparatus in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0105] FIG. 58G illustrates a method for utilizing the preliminary
treatment system of FIGS. 58A-58F in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
[0106] FIG. 59A illustrates a crafting apparatus and a plurality of
individual foodstuff workpieces that, when arranged in a particular
configuration, collectively forms a large image in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0107] FIGS. 59B-59C illustrates a sheet cake and the plurality of
individual foodstuff workpieces collectively forming the large
image of FIG. 59A in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0108] FIG. 59D illustrates a methodology associated with FIGS.
59A-59C.
[0109] FIG. 60A illustrates a foodstuff crafting apparatus and a
plurality of individual foodstuff units derived from the foodstuff
workpiece in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0110] FIG. 60B illustrates a cake and the plurality of individual
foodstuff units derived from the foodstuff workpiece of FIG. 60A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0111] FIG. 60C illustrates a cake and the plurality of individual
foodstuff units derived from the foodstuff workpiece of FIG. 60A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0112] FIG. 60D illustrates a methodology associated with FIGS.
60A-60C.
[0113] FIG. 61A illustrates a foodstuff crafting apparatus and a
plurality of individual foodstuff units derived from the foodstuff
workpiece in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0114] FIG. 61B illustrates the plurality of individual foodstuff
units derived from the foodstuff workpiece of FIG. 61A spatially
arranged relative to one another in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
[0115] FIG. 61C illustrates the plurality of individual foodstuff
units derived from the foodstuff workpiece of FIG. 61A spatially
connected to one another in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the invention.
[0116] FIG. 61D illustrates a methodology associated with FIGS.
61A-61C.
[0117] FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a blade carrier housing in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0118] FIG. 63A is a perspective view of the blade carrier housing
of FIG. 62 arranged proximate but not connected to a sub-structure
of a crafting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the invention.
[0119] FIG. 63B is a perspective view of the blade carrier housing
of FIG. 62 connected to the sub-structure of a crafting apparatus
of FIG. 63A in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0120] FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view according to line 64-64 of
FIG. 63B in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0121] FIG. 65A is a perspective view of the blade carrier housing
of FIG. 62 arranged proximate but not connected to a sub-structure
of a crafting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the invention.
[0122] FIG. 65B is a perspective view of the blade carrier housing
of FIG. 62 that is unable to be connected to the sub-structure of a
crafting apparatus of FIG. 63A' in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
[0123] FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view according to line 66-66 of
FIG. 65B in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0124] FIGS. 67A-67B illustrate an icing head conducting work
directly upon a workpiece including a cake in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0125] FIGS. 68A-68B illustrate a blade housing including an inking
blade in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0126] FIG. 69 illustrates a side view of a blade in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0127] FIG. 70 illustrates a side view of a blade and a system for
rotating one or more portions of the blade in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0128] FIG. 71 is a perspective view of a sub-structure of a
crafting apparatus including the blade of FIG. 69 in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0129] FIG. 72 is a perspective view of a sub-structure of a
crafting apparatus including the blade of FIG. 70 in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0130] The Figures illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a
foodstuff crafting apparatus, components, assembly, and method for
utilizing the same. Based on the foregoing, it is to be generally
understood that the nomenclature used herein is simply for
convenience and the terms used to describe the invention should be
given the broadest meaning by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0131] Referring to FIG. 1, a crafting apparatus 10 is shown
according to an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, the
crafting apparatus 10 may conduct "work" upon a workpiece, W (see
also, e.g., FIGS. 22A-22E).
[0132] In an embodiment, the term "work" that is conducted upon the
workpiece, W, may include, but is not limited to, any number of
tasks/functions. In an embodiment, the "work" may include, for
example, a "cutting operation" that functionally includes contact
of a blade 12a (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A-9B) of the crafting apparatus
10 with the workpiece, W. In an embodiment, the blade 12a may
partially or fully penetrate a thickness, W.sub.T (see, e.g., FIGS.
22A-22E), of the workpiece, W. In an embodiment, the thickness,
W.sub.T, of the workpiece, W, may be said to be bound by the first,
front surface, W.sub.F, and the second, rear surface, W.sub.R.
[0133] Further, in an embodiment, the "work" may include, for
example, a "printing operation." The printing operation
functionally includes the use of a nozzle 12b (see, e.g., FIGS.
3A-9B) of the crafting apparatus 10 that deposits ink, I (see,
e.g., FIG. 22A), upon one or more of a first, front surface,
W.sub.F, of the workpiece, W, and a second, rear surface, W.sub.R,
of the workpiece, W. Ink, I, can be any liquid marking medium
including foodstuff inks, foodstuff dyes, foodstuff coloring or the
like; accordingly, in an embodiment, the ink, I, may alternatively
be referred to as a "foodstuff ink."
[0134] In an embodiment, if the "work" is to include the "cutting
operation," which includes contact of the blade 12a with the
workpiece, W, the contact of the blade 12a with the workpiece, W,
may result in the workpiece, W, being scored, S1 (see, e.g., FIG.
22B), such that the blade 12a does not entirely penetrate through
the thickness, W.sub.T, of the workpiece, W. In another embodiment,
the contact of the blade 12a with the workpiece, W, may result in
the workpiece, W, be formed to include one or more slits, S2 (see,
e.g., FIG. 22C), such that the blade 12a may be permitted to
penetrate through the thickness, W.sub.T, of the workpiece, W; in
an embodiment, the one or more slits, S2, may form the workpiece,
W, to include one or more openings or passages. In another
embodiment, the contact of the blade 12a with the workpiece, W, may
result in the workpiece, W, being cut (see, e.g., FIG. 22D), such
that the workpiece, W, may be separated into two or more parts, P1,
P2, in order to alter the workpiece, W, to include one or more
designs, shapes, geometries or configurations. In another
embodiment, the contact of the blade 12a with the workpiece, W, may
result in the workpiece, W, including a plurality of small slits,
S3 (see, e.g., FIG. 22E), to form the workpiece, W, to include a
line, predetermined pattern or the like such that the workpiece, W,
may be said to include one or more perforations or perforated
designs, shapes, geometries or configurations.
[0135] In an embodiment, the workpiece, W, may include any
desirable shape, size, geometry or material composition. In an
embodiment, the shape/geometry may include, for example, a square
or rectangular shape. Alternatively, in an embodiment, shape may
include non-square or non-rectangular shapes, such as, for example,
circular shapes, triangular shapes or the like.
[0136] In an embodiment, the workpiece, W, may include any
desirable material composition. In an embodiment, the material
composition may include, for example, a sheet of paper. In an
embodiment, the material composition may include, for example,
paperboard, such as, for example, cardboard. In an embodiment, the
material composition may include, for example, a non-paper-based
product, such as, for example, cushioning foam, plywood, veneer,
metal, cork or the like.
[0137] It will be appreciated, however, that although the
above-described material compositions are directed to paper- or
foam-based products, the material composition of the workpiece, W,
is not limited to a particular embodiment. For example, in an
embodiment, the workpiece, W, may alternatively include, for
example, an edible foodstuff material. In an embodiment, the edible
foodstuff material, W, may include, for example, any type of
material that is consumable by animalia (e.g., human beings,
animals or the like) that provides nutritional value to the
animalia. Exemplary foodstuff workpieces may include, but are not
limited to, for example: fondant, gum paste, sheet icing,
liquorices, dried fruit, fruit leather (FRUIT ROLL-UPS.RTM., FRUIT
WINDERS.RTM., FRUIT BY THE FOOT.RTM.), tortillas, cheese or the
like. Fondant may alternatively be referred to as "rolled fondant,"
"fondant icing" or "poured fondant." Accordingly, in an embodiment,
a user may utilize the crafting apparatus 10 in order to conduct
work upon (e.g., print editable ink [e.g., food coloring] upon
and/or cut), for example, "rolled fondant," W. Thus, the worked-on
"rolled fondant," W, may then be discharged/removed from the
crafting apparatus 10 and applied to, for example, a baked good,
such as, for example, a confectionary, cake, pastry, candy or the
like.
[0138] Referring to FIG. 1, the workpiece, W, is shown to be at
least partially disposed within the crafting apparatus 10 in order
to permit the crafting apparatus 10 to conduct work on the
workpiece, W. In an embodiment, the crafting apparatus 10 may be
utilized in a variety of environments when conducting work on the
workpiece, W. In an embodiment, for example, the crafting apparatus
10 may be located within one's home and may be connected to an
external computer system (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop
computer, or the like) such that a user may utilize software that
may be run by the external computer system in order for the
crafting apparatus 10 to conduct work on the workpiece, W.
[0139] Alternatively, in an embodiment, the crafting apparatus 10
may be referred to as a "stand alone system" that integrally
includes, for example, one or more of an on-board monitor, an
on-board keyboard, an on-board processor and the like (not shown).
Because the crafting apparatus 10 may integrally include one or
more of an on-board monitor, on-board keyboard and on-board
processor, the crafting apparatus 10 may operate independently of
and does not need to be connected to an external computer system
(not shown) in order to permit the crafting apparatus 10 to conduct
work on the workpiece, W.
[0140] Further, in an embodiment, it will be appreciated that the
crafting apparatus 10 may include any desirable size, shape or
configuration. In an embodiment, the crafting apparatus 10 may be
sized to work on a relatively large workpiece, W (e.g., a large
workpiece, W, may include, for example, plotting paper).
Alternatively, in an embodiment, the crafting apparatus 10 may work
on a relatively small workpiece, W; accordingly, in an embodiment,
because the crafting apparatus 10 may operate independently of an
external computer system, and may be sized to work on relatively
small workpieces, the crafting apparatus 10 may be said to be a
"portable" crafting apparatus 10. Thus, because the crafting
apparatus 10 may be said to be "portable," it will be appreciated
that the crafting apparatus 10 may be sized to form a relatively
compact shape/size/geometry that permits a user to easily
carry/move the crafting apparatus 10 from, for example, one's home
to, for example, a friend's home where the friend may be hosting,
for example, a "scrap-booking party."
[0141] In an embodiment, as seen in FIG. 1, the crafting apparatus
10 includes a body 14. In an embodiment, the body 14 may form an
interior compartment 16 that houses one or more assemblies 18
including one or more working components 20 that perform work
(e.g., printing and/or cutting) upon/into the workpiece, W.
Further, in an embodiment, the interior compartment 16 may form a
passage 22 that may extend through a width, 10.sub.W, of the
crafting apparatus 10 from a front side 24 to a rear side 26 of the
crafting apparatus 10. Functionally, the passage 22 permits the
workpiece, W, to be at least partially disposed within the crafting
apparatus 10; when at least partially disposed within the crafting
apparatus 10, the workpiece, W, may be arranged in a substantially
opposing relationship with respect to the one or more working
components 20.
[0142] With further reference to FIG. 1, the crafting apparatus 10
is further described to include a first opening 28. In an
embodiment, the first opening 28 is formed in the front side 24 of
the crafting apparatus 10. In an embodiment, the first opening 28
permits access to one or more of the interior compartment 16 and
passage 22.
[0143] In an embodiment, the crafting apparatus 10 may also include
a second opening 30 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A-9B) formed in the rear
side 26 of the crafting apparatus 10. The second opening 30 may be
substantially similar in shape/size as the first opening 28. The
second opening 30 may similarly permit access to one or more of the
interior compartment 16 and passage 22.
[0144] In an embodiment, the first opening 28 may be referred to as
an "insertion opening," and, the second opening 30 may be referred
to as a "discharge opening." Accordingly, it will be appreciated
that the workpiece, W, may be inserted into the crafting apparatus
10 by way of the insertion opening 28 and be discharged from the
crafting apparatus 10 by way of the discharge opening 30 once, for
example, the crafting apparatus 10 has worked on the workpiece, W.
Although the openings 28, 30 may be described to be
insertion/discharge openings, it will be appreciated that the
crafting apparatus 10 may be designed to operate in any desirable
manner such that a workpiece, W, may be inserted into the opening
30 and discharged from the opening 28.
[0145] In an embodiment, the crafting apparatus 10 may further
comprise a first door 32 and a second door (not shown). The first
door 32 may be pivotably-connected to the crafting apparatus 10 by
a hinged connection 34 in order to permit or deny access to one or
more of the interior compartment 16 and passage 22 by way of the
insertion opening 28. Similarly, the second door may be
pivotably-connected to the crafting apparatus 10 by a hinged
connection (not shown) in order to permit or deny access to one or
more of the interior compartment 16 and passage 22 by way of the
discharge opening 30.
[0146] In an embodiment, the crafting apparatus 10 may or may not
operate in conjunction with a mat, 36. In an embodiment, the
crafting apparatus 10 and the mat 36 may be referred to as a
scrapbooking kit. As will be described in the foregoing disclosure,
the mat 36 supports the workpiece, W, as the workpiece, W, is
advanced through the crafting apparatus 10. However, it will be
appreciated that the workpiece, W, may be advanced through the
crafting apparatus 10 without the utilization of the mat 36.
[0147] In an embodiment, one of the first, front surface, W.sub.F,
and the second, rear surface, W.sub.R, of the workpiece, W, may be
disposed substantially adjacent an upper support surface 38 of the
mat 36. In an embodiment, the mat 36 may functionally support the
workpiece, W, before/during/after the period of time that the
crafting apparatus 10 works on the workpiece, W. Further, in an
embodiment, the mat 36 may be formed from a material, such as, for
example, a plastic material, that resists deformation by the blade
12a when the blade 12a, penetrates through the thickness, W.sub.T,
of the workpiece, W; further, it will be appreciated that the upper
support surface 38 of mat 36 may include, for example, a tacky
surface that permits the workpiece, W, to be removably-coupled to
the mat 36.
[0148] Referring to FIG. 2, a partial, cut-away view of the body 14
of the crafting apparatus 10 is shown in order to provide a view of
an embodiment of the one or more assemblies 18 including one or
more working components 20 housed within interior compartment 16.
Further, in an embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2, the crafting
apparatus 10 further comprises a support assembly 40.
[0149] In an embodiment, the support assembly 40 may include a
first support portion 40a, a second support portion 40b and a third
support portion 40c. Although the cross-sectional hatching of the
support assembly 40 indicates that the first, second and third
support portions 40a-40c are unique segments, which may be formed
from different materials, it will be appreciated that the first,
second and third support portions 40a-40c may include the same
material and may be formed from a single body that may be
demarcated to form the support assembly 40 into three unique
segments.
[0150] In an embodiment, the support assembly 40 may include a
first, upper support surface 40.sub.U and a second, lower surface
40.sub.L. In an embodiment, it will be appreciated that each of the
first, second and third support portions 40a-40c form a segment of
the first, upper support surface 40.sub.U and the second, lower
surface 40.sub.L. Further, in an embodiment, it will be appreciated
that each segment of the first, upper support surface 40.sub.U and
the second, lower surface 40.sub.L formed by each of the first,
second and third support portions 40a-40c may not be co-planar with
one another.
[0151] In an embodiment, the first, upper support surface 40.sub.U
supports one or more of the mat 36 and workpiece, W. In an
embodiment, one or more of a lower support surface 42 of the mat 36
and the second, rear surface, W.sub.R, of the workpiece, W, may be
disposed substantially adjacent the first, upper support surface
40.sub.U of the support assembly 40.
[0152] In an embodiment, the one or more working assemblies 18
include a first working assembly 18a and a second working assembly
18b. In an embodiment, the first working assembly 18a may include a
first working component 20a. In an embodiment, the second working
assembly 18b may include a second working component 20b.
[0153] Referring to FIGS. 3A-6B, in an embodiment, the first
working component 20a includes the blade 12a. Accordingly, in an
embodiment, the first working assembly 18a may be referred to as a
"cutting head."
[0154] With continued reference to FIGS. 3A-6B, in an embodiment,
the second working component 20b includes the nozzle 12b.
Accordingly, in an embodiment, the second working assembly 18b may
be referred to as a "printing head." In an embodiment, as seen in
FIG. 2, the printing head 18b may further comprise one or more
cartridges 12c-12f that contain one or more colors of ink, I, that
are in fluid communication with the nozzle 12b.
[0155] Although it has been described above that the crafting
apparatus 10 may include one or more working assemblies 18
including a first working assembly 18a and a second working
assembly 18b each respectively including a first working component
20a and a second working component 20b, it will be appreciated that
the crafting apparatus 10 is not limited to such an embodiment. For
example, as seen in FIGS. 7A-9B, in an embodiment, the crafting
apparatus 10 may include one working assembly 18' that includes one
working component 20'. In an embodiment, the one working component
20' may be referred to as a hybrid working component 20' that
includes both of the blade 12a and the nozzle 12b.
[0156] As described above, the workpiece, W, is not limited to a
particular size, shape, geometry or configuration. Accordingly, it
will be appreciated that the crafting apparatus 10 may work on a
variety of different workpieces, W, that may each include a
different thickness, W.sub.T. For example, as seen in FIGS. 3A, 4A,
5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, a workpiece, W, includes a thickness, W.sub.T,
that may be comparatively less than a thickness, W.sub.T, of a
workpiece, W, that is shown in FIGS. 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, 9B.
Accordingly, in an embodiment, for example, a thickness, W.sub.T,
of a workpiece, W, may depend upon, for example, the type of
material composition/use of the workpiece, W (i.e., the thickness,
W.sub.T, of a sheet of paper, W, may be substantially less than
that of the thickness, W.sub.T, of a sheet of cardboard, W). Thus,
it will be appreciated that because the thickness, W.sub.T, of a
workpiece, W, is typically not the same for all workpieces, W, the
crafting apparatus 10 may include an adjustment assembly 50'-50''''
(see, e.g., FIGS. 3A-9B) that may permit one of workpiece, W, and
the one or more components (e.g., the blade 12a/the nozzle 12b) of
the assemblies 18, 18' to be spaced away from the other of the
workpiece, W, and the one or more components of the assemblies 18,
18'.
[0157] In an embodiment, the spaced distance between workpiece, W,
and the one or more components of the assemblies 18, 18' is shown
generally at D1 and D2 in FIGS. 3A-9B. In an embodiment, the spaced
distance, D1, may be generally referenced from a distal end 44 of
the blade 12a of the cutting head 18a and the first, upper surface,
W.sub.F, of the workpiece, W. In an embodiment, the spaced
distance, D2, may be generally referenced from a distal end 46 of
the nozzle 12b of the printing head 18b and the first, upper
surface, W.sub.F, of the workpiece, W.
[0158] Although it has been described above that the workpiece, W,
is not limited to a particular size, shape, geometry or
configuration, it will be appreciated that, in some circumstances,
the thickness, W.sub.T, of the workpiece, W, may be limited
according to a length, 12a.sub.L, of the blade 12a (i.e., in some
circumstances, if it is desired to cut the workpiece, W, into two
parts, P1, P2, the length, 12a.sub.L, of the blade 12a may have to
be sized to include a length that may be approximately equal to
that of the thickness, W.sub.T, of the workpiece, W). However, it
will be appreciated that this perceived limitation may be overcome
by permitting the blade 12a to be selectively extended away from a
blade-retaining body 48 of the first working component 20a in order
to selectively increase the length, 12a.sub.L, of the blade 12a;
accordingly, if the length, 12a.sub.L, of the blade 12a may be
permitted to be lengthened, the crafting apparatus 10 may be
generally permitted to work on a workpiece, W, having any
particular thickness, W.sub.T.
[0159] With continued reference to FIGS. 3A-9B, prior to operating
the adjustment assembly 50'-50'''', one or more of the workpiece,
W, and the mat 36 may be inserted into the crafting apparatus 10 by
way of one of the first opening 28 and the second opening 30. Once
inserted through one of the first and second openings 28, 30, one
or more of the workpiece, W, and mat 36 may be retained to the
crafting apparatus 10 by one or more tensioning devices 52.
[0160] In an embodiment, the one or more tensioning devices 52 may
include, for example, one or more workpiece-engaging rollers 54,
one or more mat-engaging rollers 56 and one or more spring members
58. In an embodiment, the one or more workpiece-engaging rollers 54
may be arranged proximate the first, upper support surface 40.sub.U
of the support assembly 40 whereas the one or more mat-engaging
rollers 56 may include a first, upper mat-engaging roller 56a and a
second, lower mat-engaging roller 56b that are respectively
arranged in an opposing relationship proximate each of the first,
upper support surface 40.sub.U and the second, lower surface
40.sub.L of the support assembly 40.
[0161] In an embodiment, the spring 58 couples the first, upper
mat-engaging roller 56a to the second, lower mat-engaging roller
56b of the one or more mat-engaging rollers 56. In an embodiment,
the spring member 58 may be orientated in one of an expanded state
(see, e.g., FIGS. 3A-9B) and a non-expanded state (see, e.g., FIGS.
10A-10B). In an embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 10A-10B, when the
spring member 58 is arranged in the non-expanded state, the first
and second mat-engaging rollers 56a, 56b may contact and directly
engage one another. However, as seen in FIGS. 3A-9B, when at least
the mat 36 is interveningly-disposed between the first upper
mat-engaging roller 56a and the second lower mat-engaging roller
56b, the spring member 58 may be said to be arranged in an expanded
state.
[0162] Accordingly, in an embodiment, it will be appreciated that
in addition to coupling the first upper mat-engaging roller 56a and
the second lower mat-engaging roller 56b, the spring member 58 may
also provide the function of biasing the first upper mat-engaging
roller 56a and the second lower mat-engaging roller 56b to be
located in an orientation such that the first upper mat-engaging
roller 56a may be substantially directly engaged with the second
lower mat-engaging roller 56b, as seen in FIGS. 10A-10B. As such,
it will be appreciated that the bias imparted by the spring member
58 may cause the first upper mat-engaging roller 56a and the second
lower mat-engaging roller 56b to retain/"pinch" at least the mat 36
when one or more of the workpiece, W, and the mat 36 is/are
inserted through the passage 22.
[0163] Referring to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, the one or more
workpiece-engaging rollers 54 may be arranged about a tube, rod or
substantially cylindrical shaft 55. In an embodiment, at least one
first upper mat-engaging roller 56a may be secured proximate a
terminal end 57 of the substantially cylindrical shaft 55.
Functionally, in an embodiment, the one or more workpiece-engaging
rollers 54 engage the first, upper surface, W.sub.F, of the
workpiece, W, in order to further secure the workpiece, W, to the
mat 36. Functionally, in an embodiment, the first upper
mat-engaging roller 56a engages the upper support surface 38
proximate a lateral edge 39 of the mat 36 whereas the second lower
mat-engaging roller 56b engages the lower surface 42 of the mat 36;
in an embodiment, as will be explained in the forgoing disclosure,
rotation of the second lower mat-engaging roller 56b may result in
the advancement of the mat 36 through the passage 22. Accordingly,
because the workpiece, W, may be removably-secured to the mat 36,
the workpiece, W, may be moved through the passage 22 upon movement
of the mat 36 in response to rotation of the rollers 56a, 56b.
[0164] Referring to FIGS. 3A-9B, in an embodiment, the one or more
tensioning devices 52 may further comprise a driving member 60 and
a pulley 61. In an embodiment, the pulley 61 couples the driving
member 60 to the second lower mat-engaging roller 56b. In an
embodiment, when the driving member 60 is rotated, movement is
imparted to the pulley 61 in order to cause the pulley 61 to cause
rotation of the second lower mat-engaging roller 56b.
[0165] In an embodiment, the driving member 60 may be grounded to
structure 64 of the body 14 within the interior compartment 16. In
an embodiment, the driving member 60 may include a prime mover,
such as, for example, a motor.
[0166] Referring to FIG. 1, the substantially cylindrical shaft 55
may extend through a trough 66 formed by the body 14 for
substantially retaining an axis of rotation of the substantially
cylindrical shaft 55 in a laterally-fixed orientation relative the
width, 10.sub.W, of the crafting apparatus 10. Similarly, in an
embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 3A-9B, the second lower mat-engaging
roller 56b of at least a first tensioning device 52a of the one or
more tensioning devices 52 may extend through a trough 68, which
may be formed by, for example, the first support portion 40a for
substantially retaining the axis of rotation of the second lower
mat-engaging roller 56b in a laterally-fixed orientation relative
the width, 10.sub.W, of the crafting apparatus 10.
[0167] As seen in FIGS. 3A-9B, the support assembly 40 may form one
or more passages 62. In an embodiment, the one or more passages 62
may permit the first upper mat-engaging roller 56a to be in
direct/indirect communication with the second lower mat-engaging
roller 56b as described above.
[0168] In an embodiment, a first passage 62a of the one or more
passages 62 may be formed by the first support portion 40a of the
support assembly 40. In an embodiment, a first tensioning device
52a of the one or more tensioning devices 52 may be arranged
relative the first passage 62a.
[0169] In an embodiment, the first support portion 40a may include
a pair of inwardly-projecting flanges 70 located proximate the
trough 68 that further define a cross-sectional geometry of first
passage 62a. In an embodiment, the pair of inwardly-projecting
flanges 70 form the first passage 62a to include a dimension that
is less than a dimension (i.e., a diameter) of the second lower
mat-engaging roller 56b of the first tensioning device 52a;
accordingly, when no workpiece, W, and/or mat 36 is disposed
between the first upper mat-engaging roller 56a and the second
lower mat-engaging roller 56b of the first tensioning device 52a,
the pair of inwardly-projecting flanges 70 may prevent the second
lower mat-engaging roller 56b from being moved past the second,
lower surface 40.sub.L and through the first passage 62a.
[0170] In an embodiment, a second passage 62b of the one or more
passages 62 may be formed by a spaced-apart relationship of the
second support portion 40b and the third support portion 40c. In an
embodiment, a second tensioning device 52b of the one or more
tensioning devices 52 may be arranged relative the second passage
62b.
[0171] In an embodiment, one or more of the second and third
support portions 40b, 40c may include an inwardly-projecting flange
72 that further define a cross-sectional geometry of the second
passage 62b. In an embodiment, the inwardly-projecting flange 72
forms the second passage 62b to include a dimension that is less
than a dimension (i.e., a diameter) of the second lower
mat-engaging roller 56b of the second tensioning device 52b;
accordingly, when no workpiece, W, and/or mat 36 is disposed
between the first upper mat-engaging roller 56a and the second
lower mat-engaging roller 56b of the second tensioning device 52b,
the inwardly-projecting flange 72 may prevent the second lower
mat-engaging roller 56b from being moved past the second, lower
surface 40.sub.L and through the second passage 62b.
[0172] Referring to FIG. 11, an operation of the adjustment
assembly 50'-50'''' is described in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention. In an embodiment, the actuation of the adjustment
assembly 50'-50'''' may include the utilization of one or more of a
sensing device 74 and a processor 76. For example, in an
embodiment, one or more of the sensing device 74 and the processor
76 may sense and/or be initially provided with an initial
distance/spacing, X, of the distal end 44/46 of the blade
12a/nozzle 12b relative the upper support surface 38 of the mat 36.
Then, as the mat 36 (which, in the illustrated embodiment, includes
the workpiece, W, attached thereto) is initially inserted into the
passage 22 according to the direction of the arrow, Z, the sensing
device 74 may sense/determine the thickness, W.sub.T, of the
workpiece, W; accordingly, the processor 76 may subsequently
receive the information pertaining to the sensed/determined
thickness, W.sub.T, from the sensing device 74 in order to compare
the thickness, W.sub.T, of the workpiece, W, with that of the
initial distance/spacing, X, of the distal end 44/46 of the blade
12a/nozzle 12b relative the upper support surface 38 of the mat
36.
[0173] In an embodiment, if the processor 76 determines that the
thickness, W.sub.T, of the workpiece, W, is greater than the
initial distance/spacing, X, the processor 76 may actuate the
adjustment assembly 50'-50'''' to move one or both of the blade
12a/nozzle 12b and the workpiece, W, away from one another
according to the direction of the arrows, Y, Y'. In an embodiment,
the movement according to the directions of the arrows, Y, Y', is
described in the foregoing disclosure at FIGS. 3A-9B. Accordingly,
upon moving one or both of the blade 12a/nozzle 12b and the
workpiece, W, away from one another, Y, Y', a clearance or spacing
between the distal end 44/46 of the blade 12a/nozzle 12b and the
first, front surface, W.sub.F, of the workpiece, W, may be
realized; in an embodiment, the clearance or spacing is shown
generally at D1, D2 in FIGS. 3A-9B in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention.
[0174] Although FIG. 11 discusses an embodiment of the invention
that considers a situation where the thickness, W.sub.T, is greater
than the distance/spacing, X, it will be appreciated that the
invention may also operate under a different circumstance where the
spaced distance, D1, D2, may be determined by one or more of the
sensing device 74 and the processor 76 to be too great/large. In an
embodiment, it will be appreciated that if, for example, the spaced
distance, D1, is too large, the blade 12a may not be able to
penetrate the entire thickness, W.sub.T, of the workpiece, W.
Further, in an embodiment, it will be appreciated that if, for
example, the spaced distance, D2, is too large, the ink, I,
dispensed from the nozzle 12b onto the workpiece, W, may produce an
inferior image (e.g., the resolution of the image may be of poor
quality). Accordingly, in some circumstances as described above, it
will be appreciated that one or more of the sensing device 74 and
the processor 76 may move at least a portion of one or both of the
one or more working assemblies 18 and the workpiece, W, toward/from
one another in order to, for example, permit the blade 12a to
penetrate the entire thickness, W.sub.T, of the workpiece, W,
and/or, to permit the nozzle 12b to deposit ink, I, onto the
workpiece, W, in manner that produces an image having an acceptable
resolution.
[0175] In an embodiment, the adjustment assembly 50'-50'''' may
include, but is not limited to any particular component(s) that may
cause a movement according to the direction of arrows, Y, Y', as
described above. For example, in an embodiment, the adjustment
assembly 50'-50'''' may include, for example, a hydraulic arm, a
solenoid, a motor, or the like. Further, in an embodiment, it will
be appreciated that although the schematic diagram of FIG. 11 is
directed to the adjustment assembly 50'-50'''' being coupled to one
or more of the blade 12a and the nozzle 12b, it will be appreciated
that the adjustment assembly 50'-50'''' may be coupled to one or
more of the working assembly 18 and working component 20 in order
to cause movement according to the direction of the arrows, Y, Y',
of one or more of the blade 12a and the nozzle 12b.
[0176] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-9B, the actuation of the operation
of each adjustment assembly 50'-50'''' is described in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention. Although four unique
adjustment assemblies 50'-50'''' are shown, it will be appreciated
that the invention is not limited to the four designs and that
other equivalents may be utilized.
[0177] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, an adjustment assembly 50' is
shown according to an embodiment of the invention. In an
embodiment, it will be appreciated that each of the first working
assembly 18a and the second working assembly 18b of the one or more
working assemblies 18 are arranged within the body 14 of the
crafting apparatus 10 in a fixed (e.g., mechanically grounded)
orientation while the support assembly 40 may be arranged within
the body 14 of the crafting apparatus 10 in a non-fixed
orientation. In an embodiment, the adjustment assembly 50' may be
connected to the support assembly 40 in order to move the non-fixed
support assembly 40 relative the fixed one or more working
assemblies 18 in one of the directions Y, Y' in order to provide a
desired spaced distance, D1, D2.
[0178] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, an adjustment assembly 50'' is
shown according to an embodiment of the invention. In an
embodiment, it will be appreciated that each of the first working
assembly 18a and the second working assembly 18b of the one or more
working assemblies 18 are arranged within the body 14 of the
crafting apparatus 10 in a non-fixed orientation while the support
assembly 40 may be arranged within the body 14 of the crafting
apparatus 10 in a fixed orientation. In an embodiment, the
adjustment assembly 50'' may be commonly connected to both of the
first and second working assemblies 18a, 18b in order to
simultaneously move the non-fixed first and second working
assemblies 18a, 18b relative the fixed support assembly 40 in one
of the directions Y, Y' in order to provide a desired spaced
distance, D1, D2.
[0179] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, an adjustment assembly 50''' is
shown according to an embodiment of the invention. In an
embodiment, it will be appreciated that each of the first working
assembly 18a and the second working assembly 18b of the one or more
working assemblies 18 are arranged within the body 14 of the
crafting apparatus 10 in a non-fixed orientation while the support
assembly 40 may be arranged within the body 14 of the crafting
apparatus 10 in a fixed orientation. In an embodiment, the
adjustment assembly 50''' may be substantially similar to the
adjustment assembly 50'' in that the adjustment assembly 50''' may
be connected to the first and second working assemblies 18a, 18b;
however, the first working assembly 18a may be independently
connected to an adjustment sub-assembly 50''' a of the adjustment
assembly 50''' as the second working assembly 18b may be
independently connected to an adjustment sub-assembly 50''b of the
adjustment assembly 50'''. Because the first and second working
assemblies 18a, 18b are independently connected to the adjustment
sub-assemblies 50'''a, 50'''b, it will be appreciated that each of
the first and second working assemblies 18a, 18b may be
independently moved relative the fixed support assembly 40 in one
of the directions Y, Y' in order to provide a desired spaced
distance, D1, D2.
[0180] Referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, an adjustment assembly 50''' is
shown according to an embodiment of the invention. In an
embodiment, it will be appreciated that the first working component
20a and the second working component 20b are arranged within the
body 14 of the crafting apparatus 10 in a non-fixed orientation
while the first working assembly 18a, the second working assembly
18b and the support assembly 40 may be arranged within the body 14
of the crafting apparatus 10 in a fixed orientation. In an
embodiment, the first working component 20a may be movably-coupled
relative the fixed, first working assembly 18a by way of, for
example, an adjustment sub-assembly 50''''a of the adjustment
assembly 50'''', and, in an embodiment, the second working
component 20b may be movably-coupled relative the fixed, second
working assembly 18b by way of, for example an adjustment
sub-assembly 50''''b of the adjustment assembly 50''''. Because the
first and second working components 20a, 20b are independently
movable, it will be appreciated that each of the first and second
working components 20a, 20b may be independently moved relative the
fixed first working assembly 18a, the fixed second working assembly
18b and the fixed support assembly 40 in one of the directions Y,
Y' in order to provide a desired spaced distance, D1, D2.
[0181] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-9B, the crafting apparatus 10 is
shown to include the one working assembly 18' having the hybrid
working component 20' that includes both of the blade 12a and the
nozzle 12b. Because a first working assembly 18a and a second
working assembly 18b are not included in the design of the crafting
apparatus 10 shown at FIGS. 7A-9B, it will be appreciated that some
of the adjustment assemblies 50'-50'''' may be modified from what
is shown and described above at FIGS. 3A-6B.
[0182] Referring to FIGS. 7A-7B, the crafting apparatus 10 is shown
to include the one working assembly 18' having the hybrid working
component 20' and the adjustment assembly 50'. In an embodiment,
the one working assembly 18' may be arranged within the body 14 of
the crafting apparatus 10 in a fixed (e.g., mechanically grounded)
orientation while the support assembly 40 may be arranged within
the body 14 of the crafting apparatus 10 in a non-fixed
orientation. In an embodiment, the adjustment assembly 50' operates
substantially similarly as described above in FIGS. 3A-3B; as such,
in an embodiment, the working assembly 50' may be said to be
connected to the support assembly 40 in order to move the non-fixed
support assembly 40 relative the fixed one working assembly 18' in
one of the directions Y, Y' in order to provide a desired spaced
distance, D1, D2.
[0183] Referring to FIGS. 8A-8B, the crafting apparatus 10 is shown
to include the one working assembly 18' having the hybrid working
component 20' and the adjustment sub-assembly 50'''a, which may be
substantially similar to that of the adjustment assembly 50''' of
FIGS. 5A-5B, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In
an embodiment, it will be appreciated that the one working assembly
18' may be arranged within the body 14 of the crafting apparatus 10
in a non-fixed orientation while the support assembly 40 may be
arranged within the body 14 of the crafting apparatus 10 in a fixed
orientation. In an embodiment, the one working assembly 18' may be
connected to the adjustment sub-assembly 50'''a in order to permit
the one working assembly 18' to move relative the fixed support
assembly 40 in one of the directions Y, Y' in order to provide a
desired spaced distance, D1, D2.
[0184] Referring to FIGS. 9A-9B, the crafting apparatus 10 is shown
to include the one working assembly 18' having the hybrid working
component 20' and the adjustment sub-assembly 50''''a, which may be
substantially similar to that of the adjustment assembly 50'''' of
FIGS. 6A-6B, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In
an embodiment, it will be appreciated that the hybrid working
component 20' may be arranged within the body 14 of the crafting
apparatus 10 in a non-fixed orientation while the one working
assembly 18' and the support assembly 40 are arranged within the
body 14 of the crafting apparatus 10 in a fixed orientation. In an
embodiment, the hybrid working component 20' may be movably-coupled
relative the one working assembly 18' by way of, for example, the
adjustment sub-assembly 50''''a. In an embodiment, the hybrid
working component 20' may be movable relative the one working
assembly 18' and the fixed support assembly 40 in one of the
directions Y, Y' in order to provide a desired spaced distance, D1,
D2.
[0185] Referring to FIGS. 13-16, an embodiment of a sub-structure
100 of a crafting apparatus 10 is shown according to an embodiment
of the invention. The sub-structure 100 includes a substantially
cylindrical shaft 155, a first upper mat-engaging roller 156a (see,
e.g., FIGS. 14-16) and a second lower mat-engaging roller 156b
(see, e.g., FIG. 16). In an embodiment, the first upper
mat-engaging roller 156a and the second lower mat-engaging roller
156b of the sub-structure 100 may be substantially similar to that
as the first upper mat-engaging roller 56a and the second lower
mat-engaging roller 56b as shown and described in FIGS. 3A-9B in
order to retain/"pinch" at least the mat 36 when one or more of the
workpiece, W, and the mat 36 is/are inserted through the passage
22. However, it will be appreciated that the sub-structure 100 is
different in that the first upper mat-engaging roller 156a may not
be secured to the substantially cylindrical shaft 155, proximate a
terminal end 157 (see, e.g., FIG. 14) of the substantially
cylindrical shaft 155; rather, the first upper mat-engaging roller
156a may be formed separate from the substantially cylindrical
shaft 155 such that the first upper mat-engaging roller 156a may be
moved independently of the substantially cylindrical shaft 155.
[0186] In an embodiment, it will be appreciated in the foregoing
disclosure that the structural configuration of the sub-structure
100 may provide several advantages over the embodiment shown and
described in FIGS. 3A-9B. For example, referring to FIG. 12A, each
of the one or more workpiece-engaging rollers 54 may include a
diameter, D.sub.1, that may be less than a diameter, D.sub.2, of
the first upper mat-engaging roller 56a, which results in a
difference in diameter, D.sub..DELTA., due to the fact that the
rollers 54, 56a are co-axially secured to the substantially
cylindrical shaft 55. Because a contact surface of the first upper
mat-engaging roller 56a may be substantially tangential to a plane,
P, that may be aligned with the upper surface 40.sub.U of the
support assembly 40, the difference in diameter, D.sub..DELTA.,
forms a clearance, C, between a contact surface of the one or more
workpiece-engaging rollers 54 and the plane, P, that may be aligned
with the upper surface 40.sub.U of the support assembly 40.
[0187] Accordingly, referring to FIG. 12B (and also to FIGS. 3A,
4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A), if an overall thickness, T.sub.O', of one
or more of mat 36 and a workpiece, W, may be less than or
approximately equal to the difference in diameter, D.sub..DELTA.,
the contact surface of the first upper mat-engaging roller 56a may
be permitted to engage the upper surface 38 of the mat 36. However,
referring FIG. 12C (and also to FIGS. 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, 9B),
if an overall thickness, T.sub.O'', of one or more of mat 36 and a
workpiece, W, may be greater than the difference in diameter,
D.sub..DELTA., the first, front surface, W.sub.F, of the workpiece,
W, engages the contact surface of the one or more
workpiece-engaging rollers 54 and moves the substantially
cylindrical shaft 55 away from the upper surface 38 of the mat 36
such that the contact surface of the first upper mat-engaging
roller 56a may not be permitted to engage the upper surface 38 of
the mat 36.
[0188] In view of what is shown and described in FIG. 12C, it will
be appreciated that, in some circumstances, if the overall
thickness, T.sub.O'', of one or more of mat 36 and a workpiece, W,
may be greater than the difference in diameter, D.sub..DELTA., the
second lower mat-engaging roller 56b advances the mat 36 through
the passage 22 without the assistance of the first upper
mat-engaging roller 56a. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that
because the first upper mat-engaging roller 156a of the
sub-structure 100 may be formed separate from the substantially
cylindrical shaft 155, the contact surface of first upper
mat-engaging roller 156a always remains in contact with the upper
surface 38 of the mat 36, irrespective of the overall thickness,
T.sub.O'/T.sub.O'', of one or more of mat 36 and a workpiece,
W.
[0189] Referring to FIGS. 13-16, in an embodiment, it will be
appreciated that the sub-structure 100 does not include a spring
that is comparable to the spring 58, which is shown and described
above; in an embodiment, as described above, the spring 58 couples
the first upper mat-engaging roller 56a and the second lower
mat-engaging roller 56b. In regards to the sub-structure 100,
rather than utilizing a spring to couple the rollers 156a, 156b,
each of the first upper mat-engaging roller 156a and the second
lower mat-engaging roller 156b are coupled to an end bracket
102.
[0190] Referring to FIG. 14, in an embodiment, the first upper
mat-engaging roller 156a includes an outwardly-projecting flange
104 that extends through a passage 106 formed by the bracket 102.
The passage 106 extends through the bracket 102 from an inner side
surface 108 of the bracket 102 to an outer side surface 110 of the
bracket 102.
[0191] Referring to FIG. 16, in an embodiment, a distal end 112 of
the outwardly-projecting flange 104 may extend past the outer side
surface 110 of the bracket 102 and beyond a first retaining bracket
114a and a second retaining bracket 114b that are also secured to
the outer side surface 110 of the bracket 102.
[0192] Referring to FIG. 13, in an embodiment, the second retaining
bracket 114b may form a U-shaped body 116, forming a passage 118.
Referring to FIG. 16, in an embodiment, the distal end 112 of the
outwardly-projecting flange 104 may also extend through passage 118
and beyond the U-shaped body 116.
[0193] In an embodiment, referring to FIGS. 13-16, a spring 158 and
the first and second retaining brackets 114a, 114b may form a
tensioning device 152 of the sub-structure 100. Further, in an
embodiment, the tensioning device 152 may include a contact washer
120 that may be arranged about the second lower mat-engaging roller
156b. In an embodiment, the contact washer 120 may be arranged
between the second retaining bracket 114b and a pulley 161 that may
also be arranged about the second lower mat-engaging roller 156b.
In an embodiment, the pulley 161 may be coupled to a driving member
160 that, when rotated, imparts movement to the pulley 161 in order
to cause the pulley 161 to cause rotation of the second lower
mat-engaging roller 156b.
[0194] Referring to FIG. 16, in an embodiment, the contact washer
120 includes an outer, circumferential contact surface 122;
similarly, the outwardly-projecting flange 104 includes an outer,
circumferential contact surface 124. In an embodiment, the distal
end 112 of the outwardly-projecting flange 104 extends beyond the
U-shaped body 116 such that the outer, circumferential contact
surface 124 of the outwardly-projecting flange 102 may be located
in a substantially opposing relationship with the outer,
circumferential contact surface 122 of the contact washer 120.
[0195] Referring to FIG. 13, in an embodiment, a first end 158a of
the spring 158 may be coupled to a support flange 126 of the first
retaining bracket 114a. In an embodiment, the support flange 126
extends from a first end 114a' of the first retaining bracket 114a.
In an embodiment, the support flange 126 projects from the first
end 114a' of the first retaining bracket 114a in a direction away
from the outer side surface 110 of the bracket 102. In an
embodiment, a second end 114a'' of the first retaining bracket 114a
may be pivotably-coupled to the outer side surface 110 of the
bracket 102.
[0196] In an embodiment, a second end 158b of the spring 158 may be
coupled to a support flange 128 of the bracket 102. In an
embodiment, the support flange 128 extends away from the outer side
surface 110 of the bracket 102.
[0197] Referring to FIG. 16, in an embodiment, the spring 158
biases the first retaining bracket 114a in a "down" position
(according to the direction of the arrow, Y') such that the outer,
circumferential contact surface 124 of the outwardly-projecting
flange 104 may contact the outer, circumferential contact surface
122 of the contact washer 120. In an embodiment, when one or more
of the workpiece, W, and the mat 36 is/are inserted through the
passage 22, the first upper mat-engaging roller 156a maintains
contact with the upper surface 38 of the mat 36. Further, it will
be appreciated that an increase in thickness of the mat 36 may
cause the first upper mat-engaging roller 156a and
outwardly-projecting flange 104 to rise (according to the direction
of the arrow, Y), thereby causing the outer, circumferential
contact surface 124 of the outwardly-projecting flange 104 to no
longer be in contact with the outer, circumferential contact
surface 122 of the contact washer 120 as a result of a
corresponding expansion of the spring 158; however, it will be
appreciated that upon removal of the mat 36 from the passage 22,
the first end 158a of the spring 158 will pull the first retaining
bracket 114a downwardly according to the direction of the arrow Y'
such that the first retaining bracket 114a may cause the outer,
circumferential contact surface 124 of the outwardly-projecting
flange 104 to be in contact with the outer, circumferential contact
surface 122 of the contact washer 120.
[0198] Although the above-described movement according to the
direction of the arrow, Y, is associated with an increased
thickness of the mat 36, it will be appreciated that, if, for
example, the workpiece, W, includes a greater width such that the
workpiece, W, contacts the upper mat engaging roller 156a, the
workpiece, W, may cause the above-described movement according to
the direction of the arrow, Y. Further, it will be appreciated that
the workpiece, W, may be inserted through the passage without the
mat 36; as such, the workpiece, W, may cause the above-described
movements independently and without cooperation of the mat 36.
[0199] As the outwardly-projecting flange 104 rises, Y, /lowers,
Y', as described above, the outer, circumferential contact surface
124 of the outwardly-projecting flange 104 remains engaged with the
first retaining bracket 114a. Further, as the outwardly-projecting
flange 104 rises, Y, the outer, circumferential contact surface 124
of the outwardly-projecting flange 104 exerts a force to the first
retaining bracket 114a that may cause the bias of the spring 158 to
be overcome such that the first retaining bracket 114a may be
permitted to pivot (about the second end 114a'' of the first
retaining bracket 114a) away from the biased "down" position to an
"up" position.
[0200] Accordingly, in an embodiment, it will be appreciated that
although the spring member 158 permits the outwardly-projecting
flange 104 and the first upper mat-engaging roller 156a to be
pivoted to an "up" position, according to the direction of the
arrow, Y, the spring 158 also provides a continuous bias that
results in the first upper mat-engaging roller 156a to be located
in an orientation such that the first upper mat-engaging roller
156a continuously remains engaged with the upper surface 38 of the
mat 36. As such, it will be appreciated that the bias imparted by
the spring member 158 may cause the first upper mat-engaging roller
156a to constantly retain/"pinch" at least the mat 36 when one or
more of the workpiece, W, and the mat 36 is/are inserted through
the passage 22.
[0201] Referring to FIGS. 17-18C, an embodiment of a sub-structure
200 of a crafting apparatus 10 is shown according to an embodiment
of the invention. The sub-structure 200 may be similar to the
sub-structure 100 in that the sub-structure includes a tensioning
device 252 having a substantially cylindrical shaft 255, a first
upper mat-engaging roller 256a, a second lower mat-engaging roller
256b and a spring member 258 (which are substantially similar to
the substantially cylindrical shaft 155, a first upper mat-engaging
roller 156a, a second lower mat-engaging roller 156b and a spring
member 158). However, the movement of the first upper mat-engaging
roller 256a to one of an up position, Y, and a down position, Y',
is not governed by insertion of one or more of a mat 36 and a
workpiece, W, into the passage 22; rather, the movement of the
first upper mat-engaging roller 256a, which may be formed
with/located upon the substantially cylindrical shaft 255 (and not
formed separate therefrom), may be manually controlled by way of a
movement of a user-actuated lever 214b, as will be described in the
foregoing disclosure.
[0202] In an embodiment, the sub-structure 200 includes a first
retaining bracket 214a that may be substantially similar to the
first retaining bracket 114a. The spring 258 includes a first end
258a that may be connected to a first support flange 226a that
extends from a first end 214a' of the first retaining bracket 214a.
A second end 258b of the spring 258 may be directly or indirectly
coupled to one or more of the user-actuated lever 214b and an
intermediate bracket 214c.
[0203] In an embodiment, the second end 258b of the spring 258 may
be connected to a pin 260 that couples the user-actuated lever 214b
to the intermediate bracket 214c such that the spring 258 may be
indirectly coupled to the user-actuated lever 214b and intermediate
bracket 214c. In an embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 18A-18C, the pin
260 couples a first end 214c' of the intermediate bracket 214c to
an intermediate portion 214b''' of the user-actuated lever
214b.
[0204] In an embodiment, the sub-structure 200 also includes an end
bracket 202, which may be substantially similar to the end bracket
102 of the sub-structure 100. In an embodiment, a second end 214a''
of the first retaining bracket 214a may be pivotably coupled to the
end bracket 202. In an embodiment, a second end 214b'' of the
user-actuated lever 214b may be pivotably coupled to the end
bracket 202.
[0205] In an embodiment, a first end 214d' of a stop bracket 214d
may be pivotably coupled to the end bracket 202. As will be
described in the foregoing disclosure, a second end 214d'' of the
stop bracket 214d may be interfaced with a second support flange
226b that extends from a first end 214a' of the first retaining
bracket 214a.
[0206] Referring to FIGS. 18A-18C, in an embodiment, a second end
214c'' of the intermediate bracket 214c may be coupled to an
intermediate portion 214d''' of the stop bracket 214d. In an
embodiment, when a user pivotably changes the orientation of the
user-actuated lever 214b, the connection of the intermediate
bracket 214c to the user-actuated lever 214b by the pin 260 results
in the intermediate bracket 214c causing a corresponding pivotal
movement of the stop bracket 214d.
[0207] Referring to FIGS. 18A-18C, in an embodiment, the
user-actuated lever 214b may be located in one of a down position
(see, e.g., FIG. 18A), an intermediate position (see, e.g., FIG.
18B) and an up position (see, e.g., FIG. 18C). When a user
selectively changes the orientation of the user-actuated lever 214b
to be located in one of the positions described above, the brackets
214a, 214c, 214d are moved in order to cause the upper first upper
mat-engaging roller 256a to be correspondingly moved to one of a
down, intermediate or up position for accommodating different
thicknesses of one or more of the mat 36 and workpiece, W, that are
inserted into the passage 22.
[0208] In an embodiment, the positioning of the upper first upper
mat-engaging roller 256a in one of the down, intermediate or up
positions may be retained by way of the interfacing of the second
end 214d'' of the stop bracket 214d with the second support flange
226b that extends from a first end 214a' of the first retaining
bracket 214a. In an embodiment, the second end 214d'' of the stop
bracket 214d includes several stop surfaces 214d.sub.1, 214d.sub.2
and 214d.sub.3. When then user-actuated lever 214b may be moved as
described above, one of the stop surfaces 214d.sub.1-214d.sub.3
engages the second support flange 226b in order to maintain the
first upper mat-engaging roller 256a in a selectively-fixed
orientation.
[0209] In an embodiment, as seen in FIG. 18A, contact of the stop
surface 214d.sub.1 with the second support flange 226b corresponds
to the user-actuated lever 214b and first upper mat-engaging roller
256a being located in the down position. In an embodiment, as seen
in FIG. 18B, contact of the stop surface 214d.sub.2 with the second
support flange 226b corresponds to the user-actuated lever 214b and
first upper mat-engaging roller 256a being located in the
intermediate position. In an embodiment, as seen in FIG. 18C,
contact of the stop surface 214d.sub.3 with the second support
flange 226b corresponds to the user-actuated lever 214b and first
upper mat-engaging roller 256a being located in the up position.
Although the second end 214d'' is shown to include three stop
surfaces 214d.sub.1-214d.sub.3 that corresponds to three positions
(i.e., down, intermediate and up) of the user-actuated lever 214b
and first upper mat-engaging roller 256a, it will be appreciated
that the second end 214d'' may include more than three stop
surfaces 214d.sub.1-214d.sub.3 in order to further refine the
positioning of the user-actuated lever 214b and first upper
mat-engaging roller 256a.
[0210] Referring to FIGS. 19-21B, an embodiment of a sub-structure
300 of a crafting apparatus 10 is shown according to an embodiment
of the invention. The sub-structure 300 may be directed to a manual
adjustment device that may contribute to the adjustment of the
spaced distance, D1, D2, between workpiece, W, and the one or more
components of the assemblies 18/18a/18b/18'. As will be explained
in the foregoing disclosure, the sub-structure 300 may also include
an adjustment assembly 50'-50'''' that includes, for example, a
hydraulic arm, a solenoid, a motor, in order to further contribute
to the adjustment of the spaced distance, D1, D2.
[0211] In an embodiment, the sub-structure 300 includes a fixed
base bracket 302, a vertically adjustable plunging bracket 304 and
an adjuster 306 that may be coupled to one or more of the fixed
base bracket 302 and the vertically adjustable plunging bracket
304. In an embodiment, the vertically adjustable plunging bracket
304 may be coupled to one or more of an assembly 18/18a/18b/18' and
an adjustment assembly 50'-50''''. In an embodiment, the
sub-structure 300 is shown to include a first working assembly 18a
and an adjustment sub-assembly 50'''a, which may be components of
an assembly 18 and an adjustment assembly 50'', that corresponds
generally to that as shown and described above in FIGS. 5A-5B.
[0212] In an embodiment, the fixed base bracket 302 may be disposed
within the interior compartment 16 and grounded to the body 14 of
the crafting apparatus 10 by one or more fasteners 308. In an
embodiment, the one or more fasteners 308 are inserted through
passages 310, 312 formed in each of the vertically adjustable
plunging bracket 304 and the fixed base bracket 302 in order to
affix the sub-substructure 300 to the body 14 of the crafting
apparatus 14. In an embodiment, the passages 312 of the fixed base
bracket 302 include a geometry that corresponds to the geometry of
the one or more fasteners 308 whereas the passages 310 formed by
the vertically adjustable plunging bracket 304 includes a geometry
that may be greater than the geometry of the one or more fasteners
308 in order to define vertical adjustment slots. In an embodiment,
the vertical adjustment slots 310 permit the vertically adjustable
plunging bracket 304 to move relative a fixed orientation of the
one or more fasteners 308, which are fixedly-secured to the fixed
base bracket 302.
[0213] In an embodiment, each of the fixed base bracket 302 and the
vertically adjustable plunging bracket 304 includes a support ledge
314, 316. In an embodiment, each support ledge 314, 316 forms a
passage 318, 320 that are aligned with one another when the fixed
base bracket 302 and the vertically adjustable plunging bracket 304
are connected by the one or more fasteners 308.
[0214] In an embodiment, the adjuster 306 includes a threaded stem
322, a collar 324 and a head portion 326. In an embodiment, the
head portion 326 may be fixed to a first distal end 328 of the
threaded stem 322. In an embodiment, the threaded stem 322 extends
through and may be threadedly-coupled to a threaded passage 330
formed by the collar 324. In an embodiment, the collar 324 may be
secured to the support ledge 314 of the fixed base bracket 302.
[0215] In an embodiment, the threaded stem 322 extends through each
of the following: the support ledge 314 of the fixed base bracket
302, a first threaded nut 332, the support ledge 316 of the
vertically adjustable plunging bracket 304 and a second threaded
nut 334. In an embodiment, the first threaded nut 332 includes an
upper surface 332a and a lower surface 332b. In an embodiment, the
lower surface 332b of the first threaded nut 332 may be disposed
adjacent an upper surface 316a of the support ledge 316. Similarly,
in an embodiment, the second threaded nut 334 includes an upper
surface 334a and a lower surface 334b. In an embodiment, the upper
surface 334a of the second threaded nut 334 may be disposed
adjacent a lower surface 316b of the support ledge 316.
[0216] Referring to FIGS. 20A-20B, the vertically-adjustable
plunging bracket 304 may be arranged in an "up orientation"
relative the fixed base bracket 302 whereas, in FIGS. 21A-21B, the
vertically-adjustable plunging bracket 304 may be arranged in a
"down orientation" relative the fixed base bracket 302. In an
embodiment, in order to change the orientation of the
vertically-adjustable plunging bracket 304 relative the fixed base
bracket 302, a user rotates the head portion 326 in one of a
clockwise and counter-clockwise direction such that the threaded
stem 322 may cause the first threaded nut 332 to push the
vertically-adjustable plunging bracket 304 toward the "down
orientation," or, alternatively, to cause the second threaded nut
334 to pull the vertically-adjustable plunging bracket 304 toward
the "up orientation."
[0217] In an embodiment, the travel of the vertically-adjustable
plunging bracket 304 may be limited according to the length of the
vertical adjustment slots 310. Referring to FIGS. 20A-20B, when the
vertically-adjustable plunging bracket 304 may be arranged in an
"up orientation," the one or more fasteners 308 are located at an
upper end 310a of the vertical adjustment slots 310; conversely, as
seen in FIGS. 21A-21B, when the vertically-adjustable plunging
bracket 304 may be arranged in an "down orientation," the one or
more fasteners 308 are located at a lower end 310b of the vertical
adjustment slots 310.
[0218] Referring to FIG. 19, in an embodiment, the
vertically-adjustable plunging bracket 304 includes several flanges
336a-336c that forms a cradle 336 that defines a cavity 338. In an
embodiment, the flange 336a forms a passage 340. In an embodiment,
the flange 336b includes a pair of support arms 342. In an
embodiment, each arm 342a, 342b of the pair of support arms 342
includes a passage 344.
[0219] In an embodiment, the adjustment assembly 50''a may be
disposed within cavity 338. In an embodiment, a distal end 346 of
the adjustment assembly 50'' may be supported by the flange 336c.
In an embodiment, an actuator 348 of the adjustment assembly 50''
may extend through the passage 340 formed by the flange 336a.
[0220] In an embodiment, the first working assembly 18a includes a
carrier 350 and a pair of pivot brackets 352. In an embodiment, the
pair of pivot brackets 352 includes a first pivot bracket 352a and
a second pivot bracket 352b. In an embodiment, each of the first
and second pivot brackets 352a, 352b includes a first distal end
352a', 352b' and a second distal end 352a'', 352b''. In an
embodiment, the first distal end 352a', 352b' are
pivotably-connected to the carrier 350 whereas the second distal
end 352a'', 352b'' are pivotably-connected to the pair of support
arms 342. In an embodiment, a pin (not shown) may be extended from
the second distal end 352a'', 352b'' and through the passage 344
for pivotably connecting the pair of pivot brackets 352 to the pair
of support arms 342.
[0221] In an embodiment, a shaft 354 couples the actuator 348 of
the adjustment assembly 50''a to the carrier 350. Referring to
FIGS. 20A and 21A, when the actuator 348 of the adjustment assembly
50''a may be arranged in an "up orientation," the shaft 354
maintains the carrier 350 in an up or neutral orientation such that
the first working component 20a including the blade 12a that may be
connected to the first working assembly 18a may also be arranged in
an up or neutral orientation. However, referring to FIGS. 20B and
21B, when the actuator 348 of the adjustment assembly 50''a may be
arranged in a "down orientation," the shaft 354 moves the carrier
350 downwardly to a down or actuated orientation such that the
first working component 20a including the blade 12a that may be
connected to the first working assembly 18a may also be arranged in
a down or actuated orientation; movement to the down or actuated
orientation may be permitted due to the pivotable connection of the
pair of pivot brackets 352 to the pair of support arms 342.
[0222] As described above, an implementation of the crafting
apparatus 10 may conduct work upon (e.g., perform a
cutting/printing operation to) a workpiece, W, including, for
example, an edible foodstuff material, an editable foodstuff ink,
or the like. Foodstuff material, W, may be defined as any type of
material that may be consumable by animalia (e.g., human beings,
animals or the like) in order to provide nutritional value to the
animalia. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that although some
types of workpiece materials, W (e.g., paper, cork or the like),
could be (but should not be) consumed by animalia, and, as such,
could be broadly construed as "foodstuff" workpiece material, the
limitation "foodstuff," in some circumstances, may not be
applicable to certain types of workpiece materials, W (e.g., paper,
cork or the like). Accordingly, when the limitation, "foodstuff,"
precedes the limitation, "workpiece," in the following disclosure,
the limitation "foodstuff" may be construed by one skilled in the
art to specifically exclude certain types of workpieces, W (e.g.,
paper, cork or the like), due to the fact that such types of
workpieces, W (e.g., paper, cork or the like), do not have the
quality of providing nutritional value when consumed and
subsequently digested by animalia (e.g., human beings, animals or
the like).
[0223] Exemplary foodstuff workpieces, W, may include, but are not
limited to, for example: fondant, gum paste, sheet icing,
liquorices, tortillas, cheeses or the like. Further, the crafting
apparatus 10 may conduct work (e.g., perform a printing operation)
by depositing foodstuff dye/foodstuff coloring/foodstuff ink, I
(see, e.g., FIG. 22A), upon one or more of a first, front surface,
W.sub.F, and a second, rear surface, W.sub.R, of the edible
foodstuff material, W. An exemplary crafting apparatus 10 that
performs/conducts work as described above may be sold under the
trade name, CRICUT CAKE.RTM. and may be commercially available from
PROVO CRAFT.RTM.. Accordingly, in the following description, the
crafting apparatus 10 may hereinafter be referred to as a
"foodstuff crafting apparatus." Although the term "foodstuff" may
precede the term "crafting apparatus," the following description is
directed to an implementation of the crafting apparatus 10, and, as
such, the use of a particular workpiece, W (i.e., a non-foodstuff
workpiece), and/or an ink, I (i.e., a non-foodstuff ink), should
not otherwise limit the scope of the described
structure/methodologies associated with the apparatus 10.
[0224] Because an implementation of the crafting apparatus 10 may
conduct work upon a foodstuff workpiece, W, and/or foodstuff ink,
I, it will be appreciated that the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10
is not limited to including one or more working assemblies 18
having one or more working components 20 including one or more of a
cutting head 20a and a printing head 20b. For example, as will be
explained in the following disclosure, the foodstuff crafting
apparatus 10 is not limited to including one or more of a cutting
and/or printing head 20a, 20b and may include, for example, one or
more other working heads 20c-20f, which are shown and described in
the following disclosure at FIGS. 23, 26, 30 and 33.
[0225] Referring to FIG. 23, the one or more other working heads
20c-20f may include a shaping head 20c. In an embodiment, the
shaping head 20c may be substantially similar to the function of
that of the cutting head 20a (i.e., the cutting head 20a and the
shaping head 20c may aesthetically change the shape of a foodstuff
workpiece, W); however, it will be appreciated that a distal end
44c of the shaping head 20c is different from that of the distal
end 44 of the cutting head 20a in that the distal end 44c of the
shaping head 20c does not include a sharp edge or surface but,
rather, a blunt surface. In an embodiment, the "bluntness" of the
distal end 44c of the shaping head 20c may arise from a
substantially rounded or dome-shaped surface contour such that a
plunging or dragging motion of the shaping head 20c relative a
foodstuff workpiece, W, does not shear or cut the foodstuff
workpiece, W.
[0226] In an embodiment, the shaping head 20c may be coupled to any
desirable structure of the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 (e.g.,
the sub-structure 300) for the purpose of causing the distal end
44c of the shaping head 20c to engage foodstuff workpiece, W (see,
e.g., FIGS. 24-25). For example, in an embodiment, the
sub-structure 300 may manipulate the orientation of the shaping
head 20c relative the surface, W.sub.F, of the foodstuff workpiece,
W, in order to permit the distal end 44c of the shaping head 20c to
conduct "work" upon the foodstuff workpiece, W. In an embodiment,
the "work" conducted upon the foodstuff workpiece, W, may include,
for example, a "shaping operation." In an embodiment, the "shaping
operation" may include a "debossing operation." In an embodiment,
"debossing" may include deforming the foodstuff workpiece, W, such
that the shaping head 20c is permitted to press down on upon,
indent, or be dragged upon the surface, W.sub.F, of the foodstuff
workpiece, W.
[0227] In an embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 24-25, the shaping head
20c may deboss the foodstuff workpiece, W, in a manner such that
the surface, W.sub.F, of the foodstuff workpiece, W, is shaped to
include a pair of concentric rings encompassing a central
depression. In an embodiment, the material forming the foodstuff
workpiece, W, may be compressed such that the material forming the
foodstuff workpiece, W, is displaced, or, alternatively, is
compacted such that the material forming the foodstuff workpiece
includes a greater density. Alternatively, as will be described in
the following disclosure, if material forming the foodstuff
workpiece is removed, the material may fall into or otherwise be
deposited into a tray (see, e.g., FIGS. 37-38).
[0228] In an embodiment, contact of the shaping head 20c with the
foodstuff workpiece, W, during the shaping operation permits the
shaping head 20c to aesthetically deform a foodstuff workpiece, W,
into an aesthetically-desired shape. In an embodiment, the
foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 may include a processor (e.g., such
as the processor 76) that causes movement of the shaping head 20c
relative the foodstuff workpiece, W, and/or movement of the
foodstuff workpiece, W, relative the shaping head 20c in order to
permit the shaping head 20c to execute the shaping operation for
shaping the foodstuff workpiece, W, into the aesthetically-desired
shape. In an embodiment, a user may select/create an
aesthetically-desired shape and inform the processor to execute a
program for causing the shaping operation to be carried out for
forming the foodstuff workpiece, W, into the selected/created
aesthetically-desired shape.
[0229] In an embodiment, the shaping head 20c may engage a "virgin
foodstuff workpiece" in order to shape the virgin foodstuff
workpiece into an aesthetically-desired shape. In an embodiment, a
virgin foodstuff workpiece may include, for example, a
substantially flat sheet of material having a substantially uniform
geometry (see, e.g., W.sub.V, of FIG. 25). In an embodiment, the
"uniform geometry," W.sub.V, may include a uniform thickness such
that the aesthetically-desired shape is formed to include a
"non-uniform geometry"/"non-uniform thickness."
[0230] It will be appreciated, however, that an embodiment of a
"uniform geometry" associated with a virgin foodstuff workpiece as
described above may not necessarily be limited to foodstuff
workpieces having a substantially uniform thickness, W.sub.V. For
example, a virgin foodstuff workpiece may be defined as a
pre-manufactured piece of material already including a non-uniform
thickness, and, as such, a "virgin foodstuff workpiece" may
alternatively mean that the foodstuff workpiece may include a
non-uniform thickness that has not been upset or worked on by a
person, machine or device.
[0231] In an embodiment, the foodstuff workpiece, W, associated
with FIGS. 23-38 may include any desirable material; however, in an
embodiment, it will be appreciated that the foodstuff workpiece, W,
may include a relatively soft or low density material, such as, for
example, a foamed material or an edible material. If, for example,
the foodstuff workpiece, W, includes an edible material, the
foodstuff workpiece, W, may include, for example, fondant that may
be subsequently attached to, for example, a baked good, such as,
for example, a cake, cup-cake or the like.
[0232] Referring to FIG. 26, the one or more other working heads
20c-20f may include another shaping head 20d. In an embodiment, the
shaping head 20d may be substantially similar to the function of
that of the cutting head 20a (i.e., the cutting head 20a and the
shaping head 20d may aesthetically change the shape of a foodstuff
workpiece, W); however, it will be appreciated that a distal end
44d of the shaping head 20d is different from that of the distal
end 44 of the cutting head 20a in that the distal end 44d of the
shaping head 20d does not include a sharp edge or surface but,
rather, a blunt surface. In an embodiment, the distal end 44d of
the shaping head 20d may be further characterized to include a
design or pattern (e.g. as seen in FIG. 27, that includes a
configuration of a star) such that the shaping head 20d may be used
as a stamp and therefore be referred to as a "stamping head."
[0233] In an embodiment, the shaping head 20d may be coupled to any
desirable structure of the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 (e.g.,
the sub-structure 300) for the purpose of causing the distal end
44d of the shaping head 20d to engage a foodstuff workpiece, W
(see, e.g., FIGS. 28-29). For example, in an embodiment, the
sub-structure 300 may manipulate the orientation of the shaping
head 20d relative the surface, W.sub.F, of the foodstuff workpiece,
W, in order to permit the distal end 44d of the shaping head 20d to
conduct "work" upon the foodstuff workpiece, W. In an embodiment,
the "work" conducted upon the foodstuff workpiece, W, may include,
for example, a "shaping operation." In an embodiment, the "shaping
operation" may include a "debossing operation." In an embodiment,
"debossing" may include deforming the foodstuff workpiece, W, such
that the shaping head 20d is permitted to press down on upon,
indent, or stamp the surface, W.sub.F, of the foodstuff workpiece,
W, so as to transpose the design or pattern of the distal end 44d
into the surface, W.sub.F, of the foodstuff workpiece, W (e.g., as
seen in FIGS. 28-29, the foodstuff workpiece, W, is deformed to
include one or more star-shaped debossings from the distal end
44d).
[0234] In an embodiment, contact of the shaping head 20d with the
foodstuff workpiece, W, during the shaping operation permits the
shaping head 20d to aesthetically deform a foodstuff workpiece, W,
into an aesthetically-desired shape. In an embodiment, the
foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 may include a processor (e.g., such
as the processor 76) that causes movement of the shaping head 20d
relative the foodstuff workpiece, W, in order to permit the shaping
head 20d to execute the shaping operation for shaping the foodstuff
workpiece, W, into the aesthetically-desired shape. In an
embodiment, a user may select/create an aesthetically-desired shape
and inform the processor to execute a program for causing the
shaping operation to be carried out for forming the foodstuff
workpiece, W, into the selected/created aesthetically-desired
shape.
[0235] Referring to FIG. 30, the one or more other working heads
20c-20f may include another shaping head 20e. In an embodiment, the
shaping head 20e may be substantially similar to the function of
that of the cutting head 20a (i.e., the cutting head 20a and the
shaping head 20e may aesthetically change the shape of a foodstuff
workpiece, W); however, it will be appreciated that a distal end
44e of the shaping head 20e is different from that of the distal
end 44 of the cutting head 20a in that the distal end 44e of the
shaping head 20d does not include a sharp edge or surface but,
rather, a blunt surface. In an embodiment, however, unlike the
distal end 44c of the shaping head 20c, the distal end 44e of the
shaping head 20e does not include a rounded or dome-shaped surface
contour, but, rather, a substantially flat/planar surface
contour.
[0236] In an embodiment, the shaping head 20e may be coupled to any
desirable structure of the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 (e.g.,
the sub-structure 300) for the purpose of causing the distal end
44e of the shaping head 20e to engage a foodstuff workpiece, W
(see, e.g., FIGS. 31-32). For example, in an embodiment, the
sub-structure 300 may manipulate the orientation of the shaping
head 20e relative the surface, W.sub.F, of the foodstuff workpiece,
W, in order to permit the distal end 44e of the shaping head 20e to
conduct "work" upon the foodstuff workpiece, W. In an embodiment,
the "work" conducted upon the foodstuff workpiece, W, may include,
for example, a "shaping operation." In an embodiment, the "shaping
operation" may include a "debossing operation." In an embodiment,
"debossing" may include deforming the foodstuff workpiece, W, such
that the shaping head 20e is permitted to press down on upon,
indent, or be dragged upon the surface, W.sub.F, of the foodstuff
workpiece, W.
[0237] In an embodiment, contact of the shaping head 20e with the
foodstuff workpiece, W, during the shaping operation permits the
shaping head 20e to aesthetically deform a foodstuff workpiece, W,
into an aesthetically-desired shape. In an embodiment, the
foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 may include a processor (e.g., such
as the processor 76) that causes movement of the shaping head 20e
relative the foodstuff workpiece, W, and/or movement of the
foodstuff workpiece, W, relative the shaping head 20e in order to
permit the shaping head 20e to execute the shaping operation for
shaping the foodstuff workpiece, W, into the aesthetically-desired
shape. In an embodiment, a user may select/create an
aesthetically-desired shape and inform the processor to execute a
program for causing the shaping operation to be carried out for
forming the foodstuff workpiece, W, into the selected/created
aesthetically-desired shape.
[0238] In an embodiment, it will be appreciated that the shaping
heads 20c, 20e are substantially similar with the exception of the
geometry/design of the distal end 44c, 44e. Further, it will be
appreciated that processor may cause a different plunging stroke of
each of the shaping head 20c, 20e relative the surface, W.sub.F, of
the foodstuff workpiece, W, such that the shaping head 20c may
penetrate a partial thickness of a foodstuff workpiece, W, whereas
the shaping head 20e may be permitted to penetrate an entire
thickness of a foodstuff workpiece, W; accordingly, as a result of
one or more of the geometry of the distal end 20e and the plunging
stroke of the shaping head 20e, in an embodiment, the shaping head
20e may be referred to as a "punching head" that punches out one or
portions of a thickness of a foodstuff workpiece, W, as seen in
FIGS. 31-32.
[0239] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the distal end 44,
44c, 44d, 44e of each of the shaping heads 20a, 20c, 20d, 20e may
form a food-contacting surface; as such, at least the distal end
44, 44c, 44d, 44e may be formed to include a food-grade material
such as, for example, stainless steel. In an implementation, the
stainless steel may include Type 420 as characterized by the 400
Series of stainless steel grade designations by the Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE).
[0240] In an embodiment, at least a portion of one or more of the
workpiece-engaging rollers 54 and the substantially cylindrical
shaft 55, 155, 255 may form a food-contacting surface; as such, at
least a portion of one or more of the workpiece-engaging rollers 54
and the substantially cylindrical shaft 55, 155, 255 may be formed
to include a food-grade material such as, for example, stainless
steel. In an implementation, the stainless steel may include Type
420 as characterized by the 400 Series of stainless steel grade
designations by the SAE.
[0241] Although at least a portion of one or more of the
workpiece-engaging rollers 54 and the substantially cylindrical
shaft 55, 155, 255 may be formed to include a food-grade material,
in some instances, it may not be desirable to have any portion of
one or more of the workpiece-engaging rollers 54 and the
substantially cylindrical shaft 55, 155, 255 contacting the
foodstuff workpiece, W (e.g., the workpiece-engaging rollers 54 may
undesirably streak/deform/depress the foodstuff workpiece, W).
Accordingly, in an implementation, the substantially cylindrical
shaft 55, 155, 255 may be formed to not include one or more of the
workpiece-engaging rollers 54.
[0242] In some implementations, the substantially cylindrical shaft
55, 155, 255 may obstruct a foodstuff workpiece, W, having a
relatively large thickness, W.sub.T; as such, some implementations
of the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 may not include the
substantially cylindrical shaft 55, 155, 255. When the foodstuff
crafting apparatus 10 does not include the substantially
cylindrical shaft 55, 155, 255, the foodstuff workpiece, W, may be
disposed upon a mat 36 that is moved by a first upper mat-engaging
roller and a second lower mat-engaging roller that are shown
similarly at 156a, 156b in FIG. 16 (i.e., without the presence of
the substantially cylindrical shaft 155 shown in FIG. 16);
accordingly, in such an implementation, the rollers 156a, 156b may
engage only the mat 36 and not the foodstuff workpiece, W.
[0243] Because the substantially cylindrical shaft 55, 155, 255 may
or may not be included in a particular implementation of the
foodstuff crafting apparatus 10, the foodstuff crafting apparatus
10 may be designed to be selectively-configurable at a user's
discretion. For example, the substantially cylindrical shaft 55,
155, 255 may be selectively attached to the body 14 of the
foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 as desired by the user. In addition
to providing the user with the ability to selectively attach the
substantially cylindrical shaft 55, 155, 255 to the body 14,
selective removal of the substantially cylindrical shaft 55, 155,
255 permits the user to easily wash the substantially cylindrical
shaft 55, 155, 255 if foodstuff particles become attached to the
substantially cylindrical shaft 55, 155, 255.
[0244] Referring to FIG. 33, the one or more other working heads
20c-20f may include another shaping head 20f. In an embodiment, the
shaping head 20f may not share the same function as that of the
earlier-described shaping heads 20a and 20c-20e; rather, the
shaping head 20f may be substantially similar to that of the
function of the printing head 20b in that the shaping head 20f
deposits material onto the foodstuff workpiece, W (see, e.g., FIGS.
34-35). In an embodiment, however, unlike the distal end 46 of the
printing head 20b, a distal end 44f of the shaping head 20f does
not deposit foodstuff ink onto the foodstuff workpiece, W, but,
rather, the distal end 44f of the shaping head 20f deposits a
three-dimensional bead of material, W.sub.B onto the surface,
W.sub.F, of the foodstuff workpiece, W. In an embodiment, the
three-dimensional bead of material, W.sub.B, may include, for
example, confectionary icing or frosting that is deposited onto a
foodstuff workpiece, W, that may include, for example, fondant; as
such, the shaping head 20f may be alternatively referred to as an
"icing head." Alternatively, the three-dimensional bead of
material, W.sub.B, may include, for example foodstuff dye/foodstuff
coloring (i.e., foodstuff ink, I). Although the bead of material,
W.sub.B, is illustrated to include a substantially solid body that
curls, if, for example, the bead of material, W.sub.B, is foodstuff
ink, I, the bead of material, W.sub.B, may not necessarily be
discharged as a substantially solid body that curls, but, rather,
may be spritzed/sprayed in a substantially liquid form.
[0245] In an embodiment, a body 20f' of the shaping head 20f may
include a reservoir that houses a supply of depositing material
that forms the bead of material, W.sub.B, that is
selectively-evacuated through an orifice 44f' of the distal end 44f
of the shaping head 20f. In an embodiment, a valve (not shown) may
be located proximate the orifice 44f' of the distal end 44f in
order to permit or deny evacuation of the bead of material,
W.sub.B, onto the surface, W.sub.F, of the foodstuff workpiece, W.
In an embodiment, the valve may be de/actuated by the processor in
response to an aesthetically-desired shape selected/created by a
user. In an embodiment, because the valve is a movable component,
the shaping head 20f may be characterized as a non-passive head
whereas the other working heads 20a, 20c-20e may be characterized
as passive heads.
[0246] Referring to FIGS. 36A-36B, the foodstuff crafting apparatus
10 may further comprise a system 400 including a cache 402 of
working heads 20a, 20c-20f. In an embodiment, the system 400 may
further include a retriever 404 that selects a working head from
the cache 402 of working heads 20a, 20c-20f and then transports the
selected working head from the cache 402 toward from the
sub-structure 300 for subsequent coupling of the selected working
head with the sub-structure 300. In an embodiment, the cache 402
and retriever 404 may be disposed within the interior compartment
16 of the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 and proximate the one or
more assemblies 18, 18' in order to permit the working heads 20a,
20c-20f to be interchangeably-coupled with the sub-structure
300.
[0247] In an embodiment, the working heads 20a, 20c-20f of the
cache 402 may be retained within a depot 406. In an embodiment, the
depot 406 may include a plurality of storage wells 406a-406d that
each stores a working head of the cache 402 of working heads 20a,
20c-20f.
[0248] In an embodiment, the depot 406 may be rotatably adjustable
such that a storage well of the plurality of storage wells
406a-406d may be arranged proximate the sub-structure 300 such that
the retriever 404 may select a working head from the depot 404 for
subsequent attachment to the sub-structure 300. In an embodiment,
the depot 406 may alternatively be referred to as a turret or a
carousel.
[0249] In an embodiment, the system 400 may be utilized to shape a
foodstuff workpiece, W, such that the foodstuff crafting apparatus
10 does not have to be formed with a plurality of sub-structures
300 each including a dedicated working head 20a, 20c-20f. For
example, in an embodiment, retriever 404 may firstly select, from
the depot 406, then attach the shaping head 20c to the
sub-structure 300 for shaping the foodstuff workpiece, W, as shown
in FIG. 24. Then, the retriever 404 may disconnect the shaping head
20c from the sub-structure 300 and return the shaping head 20c back
to the depot 406. Afterward, the retriever 404 may select, from the
depot 406, then attach the shaping head 20d to the sub-structure
300 for shaping the foodstuff workpiece, W, as shown in FIG. 28.
Then, the retriever 404 may disconnect the shaping head 20d from
the sub-structure 300 and return the shaping head 20d back to the
depot 406. Afterward, the retriever 404 may select, from the depot
406, then attach the shaping head 20e to the sub-structure 300 for
shaping the foodstuff workpiece, W, as shown in FIG. 31. Then, the
retriever 404 may disconnect the shaping head 20e from the
sub-structure 300 and return the shaping head 20e back to the depot
406. Afterward, the retriever 404 may select, from the depot 406,
then attach the shaping head 20f to the sub-structure 300 for
shaping the foodstuff workpiece, W, as shown in FIG. 34.
[0250] Referring now to FIG. 37, a body 14 forming a crafting
apparatus 10 is shown in phantom in order to illustrate contents of
an interior compartment 16 of the crafting apparatus 10 according
to an embodiment. In an embodiment, a substantially cylindrical
shaft 55 is shown including one or more foodstuff
workpiece-engaging rollers 54 and one or more mat-engaging rollers
56a that may contact one or more of the mat 36 and foodstuff
workpiece, W.
[0251] As described above, the crafting apparatus 10 may include
one or more working heads 20a, 20c-20f that shape the foodstuff
workpiece, W; accordingly, in an embodiment, it will be appreciated
that foodstuff workpiece waste, W.sub.W, may be created as the one
or more working heads 20a, 20c-20f conduct work on the foodstuff
workpiece, W. As such, in an embodiment, the crafting apparatus 10
may further include one or more trays 425 arranged below one or
more of the may 36 and foodstuff workpiece, W, for collecting the
foodstuff workpiece waste, W.sub.W, that falls away from one or
more of the mat 36 and foodstuff workpiece, W. In an embodiment, a
user may remove the one or more trays 425 from the interior
compartment 16 for disposing or recycling of the foodstuff
workpiece waste, W.sub.W.
[0252] Referring now to FIG. 38, a body 14 forming a crafting
apparatus 10 is shown in phantom in order to illustrate contents of
an interior compartment 16 of the crafting apparatus 10 according
to an embodiment. In an embodiment, a substantially cylindrical
shaft 55 is shown including one or more foodstuff
workpiece-engaging rollers 54 and one or more mat-engaging rollers
56a. In an embodiment, the crafting apparatus 10 may further
include a tray 450.
[0253] In an embodiment, the foodstuff workpiece, W, is arranged
relative the tray 450 in a different fashion as compared to that of
the tray 425 of FIG. 37. In an embodiment, one or more of the mat
36 and foodstuff workpiece, W, of FIG. 37 may be disposed upon a
support assembly (not shown) that may be similar to that of the
support assembly 40. However, as seen in FIG. 38, the foodstuff
workpiece, W, may be disposed within a recess 452 formed by the
tray 450; accordingly, in an embodiment, the foodstuff workpiece,
W, may be said to be disposed upon a bottom surface 454 of the tray
450. In an embodiment, the bottom surface 454 of the tray 450 may
or may not include a mat for supporting the foodstuff workpiece,
W.
[0254] In an embodiment, because the foodstuff workpiece, W, is
disposed within the recess 452 of the tray 450, the one or more
workpiece-engaging rollers 54 and one or more mat-engaging rollers
56a may not contact one or more of the mat and foodstuff workpiece,
W. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the one or more
workpiece-engaging rollers 54 and one or more mat-engaging rollers
56a may contact and engage an upper rim or lip 456 of the tray 450;
by contacting the upper rim 456 of the tray 450, one or more of the
rollers 54, 56a may advance the tray 450 and foodstuff workpiece,
W, within the interior compartment 10 as the one or more working
heads 20a, 20c-20f conduct work on the foodstuff workpiece, W.
Further, it will be appreciated that as the work is conducted on
the foodstuff workpiece, W, the recessed orientation of the
foodstuff workpiece, W, within the recess 452 further assists in
the retaining of foodstuff workpiece waste, W.sub.W, such that the
foodstuff workpiece waste, W.sub.W, is not permitted to be
evacuated from the tray 450 during the working operation.
[0255] Referring to FIG. 38A, a bottom partial perspective view of
a foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 is shown according to an
embodiment. As seen in FIG. 38A, the foodstuff crafting apparatus
10 may include a bottom panel 475 including one or more access
doors 476 having a tab latch 478 in order to permit the access door
476 to be selectively un/latched and de/coupled with the bottom
panel 475 such that the access door 476 may be arranged in one of a
closed orientation (see, e.g., FIGS. 38A-38C'') and an opened
orientation (see, e.g., FIG. 38C''') relative to the bottom panel
475.
[0256] As described above in FIGS. 37 and 38, when work is
conducted upon a foodstuff workpiece, W, the work may result in the
creation of foodstuff workpiece waste, W.sub.W (see, e.g., FIGS.
38C'-38C'''). In some circumstances, the foodstuff workpiece waste,
W.sub.W, may pass through one or more passages 62 (see FIGS. 38B,
38C'-38C''') formed in the support assembly 40. As described above,
the one or more passages 62 may permit the first upper mat-engaging
roller 56a to be in direct/indirect communication with the second
lower mat-engaging roller 56b as described above.
[0257] Referring to FIG. 38C', the foodstuff workpiece waste,
W.sub.W, is shown having previously passed-through the one or more
passages 62. As a result of the foodstuff workpiece waste, W.sub.W,
having previously passed through the one or more passages 62, the
foodstuff workpiece waste, W.sub.W, is permitted to be deposited
into a cavity 480 (see, e.g., FIGS. 38B-38C''') that is formed, at
least in part, by one or more flange surfaces 482', 482'', 482'''
extending from the bottom panel 475 and a back surface 484 of the
access door 476.
[0258] As seen in FIG. 38C', the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 is
shown in an "upright, use orientation." The upright use orientation
is such that an exterior side surface 486 of the bottom panel 475
is arranged in an opposing relationship relative to a support
surface, SS, that the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 rests
upon.
[0259] Referring to FIG. 38C'', the user may elect to perform
maintenance on the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10. In an example,
a maintenance task may include the removal of foodstuff workpiece
waste, W.sub.W, from the cavity 480. In order to remove the
foodstuff workpiece waste, W.sub.W, from the cavity 480, the user
may tilt, T (see, e.g., FIG. 38C'), or rotate the foodstuff
crafting apparatus 10 such that the exterior side surface 486 of
the bottom panel 475 is no longer arranged in an opposing
relationship relative to the support surface, SS. As seen in FIG.
38C'', upon tilting or rotating the foodstuff crafting apparatus
10, the foodstuff workpiece waste, W.sub.W, may shift/move, with
the assistance of gravity (see arrow, G). The movement with the
assistance of gravity, G, results in the foodstuff workpiece waste,
W.sub.W, no longer being collected/arranged substantially adjacent
the back surface 484 of the access door 476 (as seen in FIG. 38C')
such that the foodstuff workpiece waste, W.sub.W, subsequently
becomes collected/arranged substantially adjacent the flange
surface 482''' extending from the bottom panel 475 (as seen in FIG.
38C'').
[0260] As seen in FIG. 38C'', the flange surface 482''' extending
from the bottom panel 475 is arranged at an angle, .theta..sub.482,
which is referenced from a reference line, N, that is normal to the
surfaces 484, 486 of the bottom panel 475 and the access door 476.
The pitch of the angle, .theta..sub.482, may result in the flange
surface 482''' extending from the bottom pane 475 in a manner to
functionally behave as a ramp or slide such that the foodstuff
workpiece waste, W.sub.W, may be easily evacuated (see, e.g., arrow
E in FIG. 38C''') from the cavity 480 upon unlatching the access
door 476 from the bottom panel 475 and pivoting or removing the
access door 476 relative to the bottom panel 475.
[0261] Referring to FIGS. 39A-42G, alternative embodiments of the
blade 12a are shown generally at 12a' (see, e.g., FIG. 39A), 12a''
(see, e.g., FIG. 40A), 12a''' (see, e.g., FIG. 41A) and 12a''''
(see, e.g., FIG. 42A). Each of the blades 12a'-12a'''' include a
different geometry that results different degrees of
sharpness/flexibility/cutting capability. Each of the blades
12a'-12a'''' may include any desirable food-grade material such as,
for example, a food grade plastic (e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC)),
a food grade metal (e.g., stainless steel) or the like.
[0262] Referring to FIGS. 39A-39G, the blade 12a' is shown
according to an embodiment. As seen in FIG. 39A, the blade 12a'
includes a distal end 544 and a proximal end 546. The distal end
544 includes a blade portion 502 and the proximal end 546 includes
a conical bearing portion 504.
[0263] A stem portion 506 extends between the blade portion 502 and
the conical bearing portion 504. The stem portion 506 includes a
substantially cylindrical body having a diameter, D1. At least a
portion of each of the blade portion 502 and the conical bearing
portion 504 may include a geometry that is less than the diameter,
D1.
[0264] The conical bearing portion 504 generally includes a
cone-shaped body defined by a bearing surface 508 that terminates
at a tip 510. The conical bearing portion 504 may be
integrally-formed with and extend from the stem portion 506;
alternatively, the conical bearing portion 504 may be formed
separate from and attached to the stem portion 506.
[0265] The blade portion 502 includes a collar portion 512
connected to the stem portion 506. The blade portion 502 further
includes a ricasso 514 that extends from the collar portion 512.
The blade portion 502 further includes symmetrically-arranged
grinds 516. In an implementation, the grinds 516 may be shaped to
form "flat grinds." However, the grinds 516 are not limited to
"flat grinds" and may alternatively include other geometries such
as, for example, "tapered grinds," "hollow grinds," "sabre grinds,"
"chisel grinds," "double/compound bevel grinds" or "convex
grinds."
[0266] The blade portion 502 further includes a back 518 and a
cutting edge 520. The back 518 may be, for example, rounded, and,
therefore, is not sharp whereas the cutting edge 520 is arranged to
function as a sharp, cutting profile. The cutting edge 520 extends
between a choil 522 and a point 524.
[0267] The ricasso 514 and flat grinds 516 cooperate to form a
grind line 526. The grind line 526 is further characterized by: a
grind lead-off 526a, a grind termination radius 526b and a grind
termination 526c. The grind lead-off 526a originates proximate the
back 518. The grind termination radius 526b is located proximate
the ricasso 514 and trails/leads/bends toward the collar 512. The
grind termination 526c originates proximate the choil 522.
[0268] Referring to FIG. 39B, the flat grinds 516 are formed
relative to the cutting edge 520 at an edge angle, .theta..sub.EA.
In an embodiment, the edge angle, .theta..sub.EA. may be
approximately about 7.degree..
[0269] Referring to FIGS. 39D and 39E, the point 524 of the blade
portion 502 is offset at a distance, d, from a pivot axis, A-A,
that extends through an axial center, C (see, e.g., FIGS. 39F,
39G), of the blade 12a'. The offset distance, d, permits the blade
12a' to pivot upon the point 524 in a manner such that the blade
12a' behaves substantially similarly to that of a caster wheel; as
such, the blade 12a' may alternatively be referred to as a "caster
blade." Functionally, the caster blade 12a'
self-aligns/automatically aligns the cutting edge 520 in a cutting
direction as a result of (a) force(s) imparted to the blade 12a'
resulting from: (1) lateral travel of the working component 20a
relative to the body 14 and (2) fore/aft travel of the mat 36
relative to the body 14.
[0270] With continued reference to FIG. 39D, an embodiment of the
blade 12a' may include the following dimensions. It will be
appreciated, however, that the blade 12a' is not limited to the
following dimensions, but, rather, may include any desirable
dimension, geometry or configuration.
[0271] In an embodiment, the blade 12a' may include a length
dimension, d.sub.L1, approximately equal to about 27.45 mm that is
measured from the tip 510 to the point 524. In an embodiment, the
diameter, D1, of the stem portion 506 may be approximately equal to
about 2.0 mm. In an embodiment, the blade portion 502 may include a
length dimension, d.sub.L2, approximately equal to about 5.00 mm
that is measured from the point 524 to the meeting of the collar
portion 512 and the stem portion 506.
[0272] In an embodiment, a portion of the ricasso 514 proximate the
collar portion 512 may define a diameter, D2, or width
approximately equal to about 1.50 mm. In an embodiment, a vertical
length dimension, d.sub.L3, measured from the choil 522 to the
point 524 may be approximately about 3.00 mm. A length dimension,
d.sub.L4, of the cutting edge 520 measured from the choil 522 to
the point 524 may be approximately about 3.35 mm.
[0273] Referring to FIGS. 40A-40G, the blade 12a'' is shown
according to an embodiment. As seen in FIG. 40A, the blade 12a''
includes a distal end 644 and a proximal end 646. The distal end
644 includes a blade portion 602 and the proximal end 646 includes
a conical bearing portion 604.
[0274] A stem portion 606 extends between the blade portion 602 and
the conical bearing portion 604. The stem portion 606 includes a
substantially cylindrical body having a diameter, D1. At least a
portion of each of the blade portion 602 and the conical bearing
portion 604 may include a geometry that is less than the diameter,
D1.
[0275] The conical bearing portion 604 generally includes a
cone-shaped body defined by a bearing surface 608 that terminates
at a tip 610. The conical bearing portion 604 may be
integrally-formed with and extend from the stem portion 606;
alternatively, the conical bearing portion 604 may be formed
separate from and attached to the stem portion 606.
[0276] The blade portion 602 includes a collar portion 612
connected to the stem portion 606. The blade portion 602 further
includes a ricasso 614 that extends from the collar portion 612.
The blade portion 602 further includes symmetrically-arranged
grinds 616. In an implementation, the grinds 616 may be shaped to
form "flat grinds." However, the grinds 616 are not limited to
"flat grinds" and may alternatively include other geometries such
as, for example, "tapered grinds," "hollow grinds," "sabre grinds,"
"chisel grinds," "double/compound bevel grinds" or "convex
grinds."
[0277] The blade portion 602 further includes a back 618 and a
cutting edge 620. The back 618 may be rounded, and, therefore, is
not sharp whereas the cutting edge 620 is arranged to function as a
sharp, cutting profile. The cutting edge 620 extends between a
choil 622 and a point 624.
[0278] The ricasso 614 and flat grinds 616 cooperate to form a
grind line 626. The grind line 626 is further characterized by: a
grind lead-off 626a, a grind termination radius 626b and a grind
termination 626c. The grind lead-off 626a originates proximate the
back 618. The grind termination radius 626b is located proximate
the ricasso 614 and trails/leads/bends toward the collar 612. The
grind termination 626c originates proximate the choil 622.
[0279] Comparatively, the blade 12a'' is similar to the blade 12a'
with the exception of a swage or top grind 628 formed on the back
618 that is proximate the point 624. Further, referring to FIG.
40B, in addition to the flat grinds 616 and the cutting edge 620
forming an edge angle, .theta..sub.EA, the top grind 628 forms the
blade portion 602 to include an absence of blade material resulting
in what is referred to as a "relief;" as a result of the relief,
the blade portion 602 further includes a relief angle,
.theta..sub.RA.
[0280] In an embodiment, the edge angle, .theta..sub.EA, may be
between approximately about 7.degree.. In an embodiment, the relief
angle, .theta..sub.RA, may be between approximately about 5.degree.
to 20.degree..
[0281] Referring to FIGS. 40D and 40E, the point 624 of the blade
portion 602 is offset at a distance, d, from a pivot axis, A-A,
that extends through an axial center, C (see, e.g., FIGS. 40F,
40G), of the blade 12a''. The offset distance, d, permits the blade
12a'' to pivot upon the point 624 in a manner such that the blade
12a'' behaves substantially similarly to that of a caster wheel; as
such, the blade 12a'' may alternatively be referred to as a "caster
blade." Functionally, the caster blade 12a''
self-aligns/automatically aligns the cutting edge 620 in a cutting
direction as a result of (a) force(s) imparted to the blade 12a''
resulting from: (1) lateral travel of the working component 20a
relative to the body 14 and (2) fore/aft travel of the mat 36
relative to the body 14.
[0282] With continued reference to FIG. 40D, an embodiment of the
blade 12a'' may include the following dimensions. It will be
appreciated, however, that the blade 12a'' is not limited to the
following dimensions, but, rather, may include any desirable
dimension, geometry or configuration.
[0283] In an embodiment, the blade 12a'' may include a length
dimension, d.sub.L1, approximately equal to about 27.45 mm that is
measured from the tip 610 to the point 624. In an embodiment, the
diameter, D1, of the stem portion 606 may be approximately equal to
about 2.0 mm. In an embodiment, the blade portion 602 may include a
length dimension, d.sub.L2, approximately equal to about 2.50 mm
that is measured from the point 624 to the meeting of the collar
portion 612 and the stem portion 606.
[0284] In an embodiment, a portion of the ricasso 614 proximate the
collar portion 612 may define a diameter, D2, or width
approximately equal to about 1.00 mm. In an embodiment, a vertical
length dimension, d.sub.L3, measured from the choil 622 to the
point 624 may be approximately about 1.20 mm. A length dimension,
d.sub.L4, of the cutting edge 620 measured from the choil 622 to
the point 624 may be approximately about 1.56 mm.
[0285] Referring to FIGS. 41A-41G, the blade 12a''' is shown
according to an embodiment. As seen in FIG. 41A, the blade 12a'''
includes a distal end 744 and a proximal end 746. The distal end
744 includes a blade portion 702 and the proximal end 746 includes
a conical bearing portion 704.
[0286] A stem portion 706 extends between the blade portion 702 and
the conical bearing portion 704. The stem portion 706 includes a
substantially cylindrical body having a diameter, D1. At least a
portion of each of the blade portion 702 and the conical bearing
portion 704 may include a geometry that is less than the diameter,
D1.
[0287] The conical bearing portion 704 generally includes a
cone-shaped body defined by a bearing surface 708 that terminates
at a tip 710. The conical bearing portion 704 may be
integrally-formed with and extend from the stem portion 706;
alternatively, the conical bearing portion 704 may be formed
separate from and attached to the stem portion 706.
[0288] The blade portion 702 includes a collar portion 712
connected to the stem portion 706. The blade portion 702 further
includes a ricasso 714 that extends from the collar portion 712.
The blade portion 702 further includes symmetrically-arranged
grinds 716. In an implementation, the grinds 716 may be shaped to
form "flat grinds." However, the grinds 716 are not limited to
"flat grinds" and may alternatively include other geometries such
as, for example, "tapered grinds," "hollow grinds," "sabre grinds,"
"chisel grinds," "double/compound bevel grinds" or "convex
grinds."
[0289] The blade portion 702 further includes a back 718 and a
cutting edge 720. The back 718 may be rounded, and, therefore, is
not sharp whereas the cutting edge 720 is arranged to function as a
sharp, cutting profile. The cutting edge 720 extends between a
choil 722 and a point 724.
[0290] The ricasso 714 and flat grinds 716 cooperate to form a
grind line 726. The grind line 726 is further characterized by: a
grind lead-off 726a, a grind termination radius 726b and a grind
termination 726c. The grind lead-off 726a originates proximate the
back 718. The grind termination radius 726b is located proximate
the ricasso 714 and trails/leads/bends toward the collar 712. The
grind termination 726c originates proximate the choil 722.
[0291] Comparatively, the blade 12a''' is similar to the blade
12a'' and includes a swage or top grind 728. However, the blade
12a''' is further distinguished from the 12a'' in that the blade
12a''' further includes second flat grinds 730 located between the
cutting edge 720 and the flat grinds 716. Further, the second flat
grinds 730 extend from the choil 722 and toward the top grind
728.
[0292] As a result of the inclusion of the second flat grinds 730,
a second grind line 732 is formed. The second grind line 732 is
further characterized by: a grind lead-off 732a and a grind
termination 732b. The grind lead-off 732a originates proximate the
back 718 proximate the top grind 728. The grind termination 732b
originates proximate the choil 722 and meets with the grind
lead-off 732a and the grind termination 726c of the first grind
line 726.
[0293] As a result of the inclusion of the second flat grinds 730,
the second flat grinds 730 and the cutting edge 720 cooperate to
form the edge angle, .theta..sub.EA (see FIG. 41B). As similarly
described above, the top grind 728 forms the blade portion 702 to
include an absence of blade material resulting in what is referred
to as a "relief;" as a result of the relief, the blade portion 702
further includes a relief angle, .theta..sub.RA.
[0294] In an embodiment, the edge angle, .theta..sub.EA, may be
between approximately about 7.degree.. In an embodiment, the relief
angle, .theta..sub.RA, may be between approximately about 5.degree.
to 20.degree..
[0295] Referring to FIGS. 41D and 41E, the point 724 of the blade
portion 702 is offset at a distance, d, from a pivot axis, A-A,
that extends through an axial center, C (see, e.g., FIGS. 41F,
41G), of the blade 12a'''. The offset distance, d, permits the
blade 12a''' to pivot upon the point 724 in a manner such that the
blade 12a''' behaves substantially similarly to that of a caster
wheel; as such, the blade 12a''' may alternatively be referred to
as a "caster blade." Functionally, the caster blade 12a'''
self-aligns/automatically aligns the cutting edge 720 in a cutting
direction as a result of (a) force(s) imparted to the blade 12a'''
resulting from: (1) lateral travel of the working component 20a
relative to the body 14 and (2) fore/aft travel of the mat 36
relative to the body 14.
[0296] With continued reference to FIG. 41D, an embodiment of the
blade 12a''' may include the following dimensions. It will be
appreciated, however, that the blade 12a''' is not limited to the
following dimensions, but, rather, may include any desirable
dimension, geometry or configuration.
[0297] In an embodiment, the blade 12a''' may include a length
dimension, d.sub.L1, approximately equal to about 27.45 mm that is
measured from the tip 710 to the point 724. In an embodiment, the
diameter, D1, of the stem portion 706 may be approximately equal to
about 2.0 mm. In an embodiment, the blade portion 702 may include a
length dimension, d.sub.L2, approximately equal to about 2.50 mm
that is measured from the point 724 to the meeting of the collar
portion 712 and the stem portion 706.
[0298] In an embodiment, a portion of the ricasso 714 proximate the
collar portion 712 may define a diameter, D2, or width
approximately equal to about 1.00 mm. In an embodiment, a vertical
length dimension, d.sub.L3, measured from the choil 722 to the
point 724 may be approximately about 1.20 mm. A length dimension,
d.sub.L4, of the cutting edge 720 measured from the choil 722 to
the point 724 may be approximately about 1.56 mm.
[0299] Referring to FIG. 41B, the ricasso 714 may extend along the
blade portion 702 and form a non-sharpened belly 734 located
between the flat grinds 716. In an embodiment, the belly 734 may
include a width dimension, d.sub.W1, that may be approximately
between about 0.2 mm-0.4 mm. Referring to FIG. 41C, the back 718 of
the blade portion 702 may include a width dimension, d.sub.W2,
located between the flat grinds 716. The width dimension, d.sub.W2,
of the back 718 may be approximately between about 0.6 mm-0.8
mm.
[0300] Referring to FIGS. 42A-42G, the blade 12a'''' is shown
according to an embodiment. As seen in FIG. 42A, the blade 12a''''
includes a distal end 844 and a proximal end 846. The distal end
844 includes a blade portion 802 and the proximal end 846 includes
a conical bearing portion 804.
[0301] A stem portion 806 extends between the blade portion 802 and
the conical bearing portion 804. The stem portion 806 includes a
substantially cylindrical body having a diameter, D1. At least a
portion of each of the blade portion 802 and the conical bearing
portion 804 may include a geometry that is less than the diameter,
D1.
[0302] The conical bearing portion 804 generally includes a
cone-shaped body defined by a bearing surface 808 that terminates
at a tip 810. The conical bearing portion 804 may be
integrally-formed with and extend from the stem portion 806;
alternatively, the conical bearing portion 804 may be formed
separate from and attached to the stem portion 806.
[0303] The blade portion 802 includes a collar portion 812
connected to the stem portion 806. The blade portion 802 further
includes a ricasso 814 that extends from the collar portion 812.
The blade portion 802 further includes symmetrically-arranged
grinds 816. In an implementation, the grinds 816 may be shaped to
form "hollow grinds." However, the grinds 816 are not limited to
"hollow grinds" and may alternatively include other geometries such
as, for example, "tapered grinds," "flat grinds," "sabre grinds,"
"chisel grinds," "double/compound bevel grinds" or "convex
grinds."
[0304] The blade portion 802 further includes a back 818 and a
cutting edge 820. The back 818 may be rounded, and, therefore, is
not sharp whereas the cutting edge 820 is arranged to function as a
sharp, cutting profile. The cutting edge 820 extends between a
choil 822 and a point 824.
[0305] The cutting edge 820 is further characterized to include an
S-shaped profile. The S-shaped profile of the cutting edge 820
includes, for example, a first, curved trailing portion 820a
extending from the point 824 and a second, curved trailing portion
820b extending from the choil 822. The first, curved trailing
portion 820a is arranged to be substantially concave-up whereas the
second, curved trailing portion 820b is arranged to be
substantially concave-down. The S-shaped profile of the cutting
edge 820 further includes a substantially straight edge 820c
extending between and connecting the first and second curved
trailing portions 820a, 820b.
[0306] The ricasso 814 and flat grinds 816 cooperate to form a
grind line 826. The grind line 826 is further characterized by: a
grind lead-off 826a, a grind extension 826b and a grind termination
826c. The grind lead-off 826a originates proximate the tip 824. The
grind extension 826b is located proximate the back 818 and extends
from the grind lead-off 826a. The grind termination 826c extends
from the grind extension 826b and terminates proximate the choil
822.
[0307] Referring to FIG. 42B, the flat grinds 816 are formed
relative to the cutting edge 820 at an edge angle, .theta..sub.EA.
In an embodiment, the edge angle, .theta..sub.EA. may be
approximately about 7.degree..
[0308] Referring to FIGS. 42D and 42E, the point 824 of the blade
portion 802 is offset at a distance, d, from a pivot axis, A-A,
that extends through an axial center, C (see, e.g., FIGS. 42F,
42G), of the blade 12a''''. The offset distance, d, permits the
blade 12a'''' to pivot upon the point 824 in a manner such that the
blade 12a'''' behaves substantially similarly to that of a caster
wheel; as such, the blade 12a'''' may alternatively be referred to
as a "caster blade." Functionally, the caster blade 12a''''
self-aligns/automatically aligns the cutting edge 820 in a cutting
direction as a result of (a) force(s) imparted to the blade 12a''''
resulting from: (1) lateral travel of the working component 20a
relative to the body 14 and (2) fore/aft travel of the mat 36
relative to the body 14.
[0309] With continued reference to FIG. 42D, an embodiment of the
blade 12a'''' may include the following dimensions. It will be
appreciated, however, that the blade 12a'''' is not limited to the
following dimensions, but, rather, may include any desirable
dimension, geometry or configuration.
[0310] In an embodiment, the blade 12a'''' may include a length
dimension, d.sub.L1, approximately equal to about 27.45 mm that is
measured from the tip 810 to the point 824. In an embodiment, the
diameter, D1, of the stem portion 806 may be approximately equal to
about 2.0 mm. In an embodiment, the blade portion 802 may include a
length dimension, d.sub.L2, approximately equal to about 2.50 mm
that is measured from the point 824 to the meeting of the collar
portion 812 and the stem portion 806.
[0311] In an embodiment, a portion of the ricasso 814 proximate the
collar portion 812 may define a diameter, D2, or width
approximately equal to about 1.00 mm. In an embodiment, a vertical
length dimension, d.sub.L3, measured from the choil 822 to the
point 824 may be approximately about 1.20 mm. A length dimension,
d.sub.L4, of the cutting edge 820 measured from the choil 822 to
the point 824 may be approximately about 1.56 mm.
[0312] Referring to FIG. 43, a blade carrier housing is shown
generally at 900 according to an embodiment. The blade carrier
housing 900 includes a body portion 902 having an outer surface
904. The outer surface 904 forms a recessed portion 906 and a
circumferential rib 908. The recessed portion 906 provides an
attachment surface that permits the blade carrier housing 900 to be
attached to the carrier 350 (see, e.g., FIGS. 19-21B) of the first
working assembly 18a. The functionality of the circumferential rib
908 is described later in the following disclosure.
[0313] The blade carrier housing 900 functionally
retains/houses/carries one of the blades 12a-12a''''. The distal
end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 is permitted to project out of an
opening 910 formed in an end surface 912 of the body portion
902.
[0314] The blade carrier housing 900 further includes a cap portion
914 that is rotatably-connected to the body portion 902. The cap
portion 914 prevents the blade 12a-12a'''' from being ejected out
of and being disconnected from the blade carrier housing 900.
Further, upon rotation of the cap portion 914 relative to the body
portion 902, the distance that the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744,
844 may project out of the opening 910 may be selectively
controlled by the user.
[0315] Referring to FIGS. 44A, 44B, components disposed within the
blade carrier housing 900 are shown according to an embodiment. The
body portion 902 includes a central bore 916 formed by an inner
surface 918 of the body portion 902 that permits disposal of
components within the blade carrier housing 900.
[0316] The blade 12a-12a'''' is disposed within a bore 920 formed
by an inner housing 922. The inner housing 922 is disposed within
the central bore 916 of the body portion 902.
[0317] The inner housing 922 includes an outer bearing 924 that
contacts the inner surface 918 of the body portion 902 that defines
the central bore 916. An inner bearing 926 is disposed within the
bore 920 of the inner housing 922 and contacts the stem portion
506, 606, 706, 806 of the blade 12a-12a''''.
[0318] A plunger 928 extends at least partially into each of the
central bore 916 of the body portion 902 and the bore 920 of the
inner housing 922. An actuator end 930 of the plunger 928 may
extend beyond the body portion 902 and into a passage 932a formed
by the cap portion 914. The actuator end 930 of the plunger 928 may
further extend out of the passage 932a and through an opening 932b
formed in an outer end surface 934 of the cap 914 in order to
permit at least a portion of the actuator end 930 of the plunger
928 to be in communication with an actuator (not shown).
[0319] A spring 936 is disposed within the central bore 916 and may
at least partially circumscribe a portion of an outer surface 938
of the inner housing 922. A first end 940 of the spring 936 engages
a flange 942 of the plunger 928. A second end 944 of the spring 936
engages an upper surface 946 of the outer bearing 924.
[0320] The conical bearing portion 504, 604, 704, 804 of the blade
12a-12a'''' is arranged within a corresponding receiving end 948 of
the plunger 928. In an embodiment, the conical bearing portion 504,
604, 704, 804 and the receiving end 948 may be magnetically
connected.
[0321] When an actuator (not shown) exerts a force, F (see, e.g.,
FIG. 44A), upon the actuator end 930 of the plunger 928, the blade
12a-12a'''' is moved in a corresponding direction with the plunger
928 such that the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 of the blade
12a-12a'''' is moved from a retracted, biased orientation (see,
e.g., FIG. 44A) within the body portion 902 to an extended
orientation (see, e.g., FIG. 44B) beyond the end surface 912 of the
body portion 902 in order to permit the blade 12a-12a'''' to cut a
foodstuff workpiece, W. As described above, the blade 12a-12a''''
may be a "caster blade;" as such, when the blade 12a-12a'''' is
located in the extended orientation and is cutting the foodstuff
workpiece, W, the blade 12a-12a'''' is free to rotate clockwise, CW
(see, e.g., FIG. 44B), or counter-clockwise, CC (see, e.g., FIG.
44B). Free rotation in the clockwise, CW, or count-clockwise, CC,
directions is assisted by contacting the stem portion 506, 606,
706, 806 of the blade 12a-12a'''' with the inner bearing 926.
[0322] Referring to FIG. 44B, when arranged in the extended
orientation, the spring 936 is compressed and stores energy;
accordingly, referring to FIG. 44A, when the actuator (not shown)
no longer/does not exert a force, F, upon the actuator end 930, the
spring 936 expands and releases the energy such that the first end
940 of the spring 936 pushed the flange 942 of the plunger 928 in
order to correspondingly move the blade 12a-12a'''' with the
plunger 928 (as a result of, for example, the magnetic coupling
described above) for retracting the distal end 544, 644, 744, 844
of the blade 12a-12a'''' into the body portion 902.
[0323] When the blade 12a-12a'''' is retracted into the body
portion 902 as seen in FIG. 44A, the inner bearing 926 may further
function by wiping foodstuff particles off of one of more of the
stem portion 506, 606, 706, 806 and blade portion 502, 602, 702,
802 of the blade 12a-12a''''. However, when the blade 12a-12a''''
is wiped multiple times, the foodstuff particles may undesirably be
drawn into one or more of the bore 920 formed by an inner housing
922 and the central bore 916 of the body portion 902; accordingly,
in such a circumstance, the foodstuff particles may impede axial
movement along the axis, A-A, and/or clockwise, CW, or
count-clockwise, CC, rotation of one or more of the plunger 928 and
blade 12a-12a'''' within the body portion 902.
[0324] In order to mitigate foodstuff particles from being drawn
into one or more of the bore 920 formed by an inner housing 922 and
the central bore 916 of the body portion 902, an outer seal 950
(see, e.g., FIG. 45), 975 (see, e.g., FIG. 46) may be arranged upon
one or more of the outer surface 904 and the end surface 912 of the
body portion 902. As seen in FIG. 45, the outer seal 950 may
include a substantially flat, disk-shape that substantially covers
the end surface 912, whereas, as seen in FIG. 46, the outer seal
975 may formed to include a cap that substantially covers all of
the end surface 912 and extends axially toward the cap 914 in order
to at least partially cover a portion of the outer surface 904
proximate and just beyond the end surface 912.
[0325] Referring to FIG. 45, the outer seal 950 includes an
attachment surface 952 that is disposed substantially adjacent the
end surface 912 of the body portion 902. The outer surface 950
further includes a passage 954 that is aligned with the opening 910
(that is shown in FIG. 43) formed in the end surface 912 of the
body portion 902. In an implementation, the passage 954 may be
substantially the same as, but slightly less than the dimension of
the opening 910 in order to permit the outer seal 950 to tightly
contact one of more of the stem portion 506, 606, 706, 806 and
blade portion 502, 602, 702, 802 of the blade 12a-12a'''' for the
purpose of wiping the foodstuff particles off of the blade
12a-12a'''' when the blade 12a-12a'''' is moved to/from the
extended or retracted orientations.
[0326] The attachment surface 952 may be attached to the end
surface 912 of the body portion 902 with any desirable methodology.
For example, an adhesive may be deposited upon the attachment
surface 952 to adhesively fix the outer seal 950 to the body
portion 902.
[0327] Referring to FIG. 46, the outer seal 975 includes a
circumferential flange side portion 976 connected to a disk-shaped
base portion 978. The circumferential flange side portion 976 is
arranged at least a portion of the outer surface 904 proximate the
end surface 912 of the body portion 902 whereas the disk-shaped
base portion 978 covers all of the end surface 912 of the body
portion 902. The disk-shape base portion 978 includes a passage 980
that is aligned with the opening 910 formed in the end surface 912
of the body portion 902. In an implementation, the passage 980 may
be substantially the same as, but slightly less than the dimension
of the opening 910 in order to permit the outer seal 975 to tightly
contact one of more of the stem portion 506, 606, 706, 806 and
blade portion 502, 602, 702, 802 of the blade 12a-12a'''' for the
purpose of wiping the foodstuff particles off of the blade
12a-12a''''.
[0328] Referring to FIGS. 44A, 44B, in an implementation, the outer
seal 975 may include a circumferential recess 982 formed on an
inner surface 984 of the circumferential flange portion 976 of the
outer seal 975. Upon arranging the outer seal 975 upon the body
portion 902, the circumferential recess 982 may receive the
circumferential rib 908 formed on the outer surface 904 of the body
portion 902 for removably-attaching the outer seal 975 to the body
portion 902. Accordingly, if a user wishes to clean foodstuff
particles from the outer seal 975, the user may simply pull the
outer seal 975 off of the body portion 902 such that the flange
portion 976 may flex away from the rib 908 in order to de-couple
the outer seal 975 from the body portion 902.
[0329] Although the outer seal 975 may include structure to permit
removable-attachment to the body portion 902, the outer seal 975
may be adhesively-attached to the body portion in a substantially
similar manner as described with respect to the outer seal 950.
Accordingly, the structure of the outer seal 975 may provide a
structural, mechanical attachment that may be further complemented
by an adhesive attachment should an adhesive be utilized.
[0330] Although the outer seals 950, 975 have been described to be
(1) adhesively, (2) mechanically or (3) adhesively &
mechanically attached to the body portion 902, the outer seals 950,
975 may be (A) formed with or (B) formed over the body portion 902.
For example, in an implementation, the body portion 902 may be
formed in a first forming procedure, and, subsequently, the outer
seal 950, 975 may be formed (e.g., molded, extruded or sprayed)
over the material comprising the body portion 902 in order to
chemically bond the outer seal 950, 975 to the body portion 902. In
another example, the body portion 902 and the outer seal 950, 975
may be formed concurrently (e.g., within a mold tool during a "two
shot" molding procedure) in order to chemically bond a material
comprising the body portion 902 with a material comprising the
outer seal 950, 975.
[0331] The outer seals 950, 975 may be made from any desirable
material. In an embodiment, the outer seals 950, 975 may be made
from, for example, a soft material (e.g., a silicon membrane).
Although the outer seals 950, 975 may include a soft material, the
outer seals 950, 975 may include harder/rigid materials including
but not limited to any desirable hard/rigid plastic material.
[0332] Referring to FIGS. 47 and 48, a removable covering 1000 is
shown according to an embodiment. The removable covering 1000 may
be attached to the blade carrier housing 900. Functionally, the
removable covering 1000 obscures the end surface 912 of the body
portion 902 of the blade carrier housing 900. Accordingly, in the
event that a user depresses the actuator end 930 of the plunger 928
and the blade 12a-12a'''' is moved from a retracted, biased
orientation within the body portion 902 to an extended orientation,
the removable covering 1000 prevents the blade 12a-12a'''' to come
into contact with objects proximate the blade 12a-12a''''.
[0333] Referring to FIG. 47, the removable covering 1000 includes a
substantially cylindrical body 1002 having a first end 1004 and a
second end 1006. The first end 1004 is enclosed by an end portion
1008.
[0334] The substantially cylindrical body 1002 includes an
uninterrupted circumferential portion 1010 connected to the end
portion 1008. The uninterrupted circumferential portion 1010
extends toward the second end 1006.
[0335] The substantially cylindrical body 1002 further includes an
interrupted circumferential portion 1012 connected to the
uninterrupted circumferential portion 1010. The interrupted
circumferential portion 1012 is located proximate the second end
1006.
[0336] The interrupted circumferential portion 1012 is
differentiated from the uninterrupted circumferential portion 1010
by the inclusion of a plurality of slots 1014. The plurality of
slots 1014 define the interrupted circumferential portion 1012 to
include a plurality of flexible fingers 1016. Further, each finger
of the plurality of flexible fingers 1016 define the second end
1006 to include an opening 1018. The opening 1018 permits
communication with a cavity 1020 extending into both of the
interrupted and uninterrupted circumferential portions 1010, 1012.
The cavity 1020 is formed by an inner surface 1022 of the
cylindrical body 1002.
[0337] At the second end 1006, the inner surface 1022 includes an
inwardly-projecting rib 1024 that is formed proximate a tip 1026 of
each finger of the plurality of flexible fingers 1016.
Functionally, each inwardly-projecting rib 1024 extends toward and
contacts the outer surface 904 of the body portion 902 to permit
the removable covering 1000 to be removably-attached to the blade
carrier housing 900; further, in an implementation, each
inwardly-projecting rib 1024 is permitted to flex over and cling to
a shoulder 906' that at least partially forms the recessed portion
906 of the body portion 902.
[0338] Referring to FIG. 48, near the first end 1004, a safety
flange 1028 extends across the cavity 1020 such that the safety
flange 1028 creates a bridge that connects opposing portions of the
inner surface 1022. The safety flange 1028 includes a channel 1030
that receives the blade 12a-12a'''' should the actuator end 930 of
the plunger 928 be depressed.
[0339] The removable covering 1000 may be made from any desirable
material. In an embodiment, the removable covering 1000 may include
a soft material (e.g., a silicon material). In an embodiment, the
removable covering 1000 may include a hard/rigid material (e.g., a
plastic material). In an embodiment, the removable covering 1000
may include more than one material, and, as such, the removable
covering 1000 may be made, for example, in a two-shot or multi-shot
molding procedure. In an embodiment, the substantially cylindrical
body 1002 may be made in a first step and may include a rigid
material whereas the safety flange 1028 may be made in a second
step and may include a soft material such that if, for example, the
blade 12a-12a'''' impinges into the soft material comprising the
safety flange 1028, the blade 12a-12a'''' may not be damaged as a
result of impinging into what could otherwise be a substantially
rigid material that could otherwise compromise the safety flange
1028.
[0340] Referring to FIGS. 49A-50, a removable covering 1050 is
shown according to an embodiment. Functionally, the removable
covering 1050 mitigates entry of foodstuff particles into a data
port 1052 (see, e.g., FIG. 50) formed in a floor surface 1054 of
the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10.
[0341] The data port 1052 receives a memory cartridge 1056 (see,
e.g., FIGS. 49A, 50) that may be programmed to include "work
instructions" (e.g., cutting instructions/embossing
instructions/ink spraying instructions, or the like) to be
conducted by one or more of the first and second working assemblies
18a, 18b. Although the memory cartridge 1056 may be selectively
interfaced with and at least partially cover the data port 1052,
some foodstuff particles may find entry into the data port
1052.
[0342] In view of the drawback of foodstuff particles potentially
finding entry into the data port 1052, the removable covering 1050
may be connected to and sealingly-circumscribe/-engage an outer
surface 1058 of the memory cartridge 1056 in order to form a
sub-assembly 1060 (see, e.g., 49A). The sub-assembly 1060 may then
be interfaced with the data port 1052 in order to permit the memory
cartridge 1056 to be in communication with the foodstuff crafting
apparatus 10 at the data port 1052 while also mitigating entry of
foodstuff particles into the data port 1052.
[0343] As seen in FIG. 49A, the removable covering 1050 includes a
body 1062 having an upper surface 1064 and a lower surface 1066.
The upper surface 1064 functions as a skirt that includes a length
dimension, L.sub.1050, and a width dimension, W.sub.1050, that is
greater than a length dimension, L.sub.1052 (see, e.g., FIG. 50),
and a width dimension, W.sub.1052 (see, e.g., FIG. 50), of the data
port 1052. Because the length dimension, L.sub.1050, and the width
dimension, W.sub.1050, of the upper surface 1064 of the body 1062
are greater than the length dimension, L.sub.1052, and the width
dimension, W.sub.1052, of the data port 1052, foodstuff particles
are less likely/not able to find entry into the data port 1052.
[0344] The removable covering 1050 also includes a passage 1068
that extends through the body 1062 from the upper surface 1064 to
the lower surface 1066. The passage 1068 permits the memory
cartridge 1056 to be inserted through the removable covering 1050
for forming the sub-assembly 1060.
[0345] Each of the upper and lower surfaces 1064, 1066 of the
removable covering 1050 may further include a sealing bead 1070,
1072. In an embodiment, the sealing bead 1070 may be referred to as
an upper sealing bead that sealingly-circumscribes/-engages the
outer surface 1058 of the memory cartridge 1056. The sealing bead
1072 may be referred to as a lower sealing bead that
sealingly-circumscribes/-engages the length dimension, L.sub.1052,
and the width dimension, W.sub.1052, of the data port 1052.
Accordingly, although the upper surface 1064 of the body 1062
provides a surface area that covers/closes out a peripheral
opening/passage that may at least partially provide access of the
foodstuff particles to the data port 1052, the sealing beads 1070,
1072 may sealingly-engage a periphery of one or more of the memory
cartridge 1056 and data port 1052 in order to further seal and
close-out passages or crevasses that may be formed upon attachment
of the removable covering 1050 to one or more of the memory
cartridge 1056 and data port 1052.
[0346] Referring to FIGS. 51A-52, a removable covering 1075 is
shown according to an embodiment. Functionally, the removable
covering 1075 is substantially similar to that of the removable
covering 1050 in that the removable covering 1075 mitigates entry
of foodstuff particles into a data port 1052 (see, e.g., FIG. 52)
formed in a floor surface 1054 of the foodstuff crafting apparatus
10.
[0347] As explained above, the data port 1052 may receive a memory
cartridge 1056 that may be programmed to include "work
instructions" (e.g., cutting instructions/embossing
instructions/ink spraying instruction or the like) to be conducted
by one or more of the first and second working assemblies 18a, 18b.
However, in some circumstances, the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10
may be pre-programmed with or receive the work instructions (e.g.,
by communicating with a computer or via a wireless connection);
accordingly, in such circumstances, the memory cartridge 1056 may
not be interfaced with and at least partially cover the data port
1052.
[0348] Further, because the removable covering 1050 includes the
passage 1068, the removable covering 1050, when used alone without
the memory cartridge 1056, may not be sufficient in
covering/closing-out access to the data port 1052 in order to
prevent foodstuff particles from finding entry into the data port
1052. Accordingly, as seen in FIGS. 51A-51B, the removable covering
1075 may be provided to cover and close-out access to the data port
1052 when a memory cartridge 1056 is not interfaced with the data
port 1052. In an implementation, the removable covering 1075 does
not include the passage 1068, and, therefore, the removable
covering 1075 may prevent foodstuff particles from finding entry
into the data port 1052 due to the absence of the 1068.
[0349] To assist a user in grasping the removable covering 1075,
the removable covering 1075 may include a tab 1076 that extends
away from the upper surface 1078 of the removable covering 1075.
Further, once the removable covering 1075 is disposed upon/within
the data port 1052, a lower bead 1080 (see, e.g., FIG. 51B)
extending from a lower surface 1082 of the removable covering 1075
may be sealingly-disposed adjacent and/or be interfaced with the
data port 1052.
[0350] Referring to FIGS. 50 and 52, although a mitigation of entry
of foodstuff particles into the data port 1052 has been described,
foodstuff particles may also find entry into a user-interface
region 1084 of the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10. The
user-interface region 1084 may include, for example, a display
monitor 1086 that may display text and/or graphics, a keyboard
1088, dials/buttons 1090 and the like. Accordingly, in an
embodiment, a user-interface covering 1092 may be provided in order
to sealingly-engage the user-interface region 1084 in order to
mitigate the contact of foodstuff particles with one or more of the
components of the user-interface region 1084.
[0351] The removable coverings 1050, 1075 and user-interface
covering 1092 may be made from any desirable material. In an
embodiment, the removable coverings 1050, 1075 and user-interface
covering 1092 may be made from, for example, a soft material (e.g.,
a silicon membrane). Although the removable coverings 1050, 1075
and user-interface covering 1092 may include a soft material, the
removable coverings 1050, 1075 and user-interface covering 1092 may
include harder/rigid materials including but not limited to any
desirable hard/rigid plastic material.
[0352] Referring to FIGS. 53A-53C, a foodstuff workpiece support
mat 1136 is shown according to an embodiment. Functionally, the
foodstuff workpiece support 1136 is similar to that of the mat 36
in that the foodstuff workpiece mat 1136 supportably-carries the
foodstuff workpiece, W, as the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10
conducts work upon the foodstuff workpiece, W.
[0353] The foodstuff workpiece mat 1136 includes a body 1100 having
a front surface 1102 (see, e.g., FIG. 53A) and a rear surface 1104
(see, e.g., FIG. 53B). The front surface 1102 is substantially
flat/planar and includes no printed ink (that may otherwise form,
for example, indicia (e.g., alignment patterns/grids/lines or the
like). The rear surface 1104, however, may include printed ink 1106
that forms the indicia. Alternatively, rather than using printed
ink 1106, either of the front or rear surfaces 1102, 1104 may
include an embossed (i.e. raised out) or imbossed (i.e., pushed in)
pattern in order to visually provide the indicia. In an
implementation, the embossed or imbossed pattern may be created
during a molding procedure of the foodstuff workpiece mat 1136.
Accordingly, costs may be reduced by obviating the use of the ink
1106 and the time needed to dispose the ink 1106 upon the rear
surface 1104 as a result of a single molding procedure.
[0354] The foodstuff workpiece mat 1136 includes a food-grade
plastic (e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC)). The material comprising
the foodstuff workpiece mat 1136 may not include a coloring or dye.
Further, in an embodiment, the material comprising the foodstuff
workpiece mat 1136 may be substantially transparent in order to
permit the ink 1106 disposed on the rear surface 1104 to be visible
(i.e., as represented by phantom lines in FIG. 53A) to a user that
is looking directly at the front surface 1102.
[0355] In an embodiment, the printed ink 1106 may include a
food-grade ink, and, as such, although the rear surface 1104 is not
intended to come into contact with a foodstuff workpiece, W, such
contact may nevertheless be permitted due to the food-grade quality
of the printed ink 1106. To further insinuate to a user that the
rear surface 1104 is not intended to provide a support surface for
directly contacting the foodstuff workpiece, W, any indicia that
includes, for example, letters, numbers or the like that is formed
by the ink 1106 may be printed in an inverted fashion 1108 (see,
e.g., FIG. 53B) upon the rear surface 1104 such that a user looking
directly at the rear surface 1104 will easily notice the inverted
nature of the letters, numbers or the like; accordingly, due to the
transparent quality of the material comprising the foodstuff
workpiece mat 1136, when a user is looking directly at the front
surface 1102 and sees the ink 1106 printed on the rear surface
1104, the letters, numbers or the like does not appear to be
inverted 1108' (see, e.g., FIG. 53A). Because the letters, numbers
or the like does not appear to be inverted 1108' when a user is
directly viewing the front surface 1102, the user would be more
likely to intuitively utilize the front surface 1102 (see, e.g.,
FIGS. 54C, 54D) as a contacting surface for directly engaging and
supporting the foodstuff workpiece, W, when the foodstuff crafting
apparatus 10 conducts work upon the foodstuff workpiece, W.
[0356] Referring to FIG. 53C, a side view of the foodstuff
workpiece mat 1136 is shown. Referring to FIG. 54A-54B, when it is
desired to apply the foodstuff workpiece, W, to the front surface
1102 of the foodstuff workpiece mat 1136, the front surface 1102
may be treated/coated with a workpiece foodstuff coating, W.sub.C
(see, e.g., FIG. 54A), prior to placement of the foodstuff
workpiece, W, upon the front surface 1102.
[0357] As seen in FIG. 54A, in an embodiment, the foodstuff
workpiece coating, W.sub.C, may be sprayed upon the front surface
1102 from a spray can 1110. Although the foodstuff workpiece
coating, W.sub.C, is shown being applied to the front surface 1102
from a spray can 1110, the foodstuff workpiece coating, W.sub.C,
may be deposited upon the front surface 1102 in liquid form and
spread about the front surface 1102 by a roller/a rolling
applicator or the like. In another implementation, the foodstuff
workpiece coating, W.sub.C, may be provided in a solid, preformed
sheet of material that is deposited upon the front surface
1102.
[0358] The foodstuff workpiece coating, W.sub.C, may include any
desirable foodstuff material such as, for example, shortening, oil,
honey or the like. If the foodstuff workpiece coating, W.sub.C,
includes, for example shortening, honey or the like, the
shortening, honey or like may act as an adhesive for retaining the
foodstuff workpiece, W, to the front surface 1102 of the foodstuff
workpiece mat 1136.
[0359] Referring to FIGS. 54C-54D, once the foodstuff workpiece
coating, W.sub.C, is applied to the front surface 1102 of the
foodstuff workpiece mat 1136, the user may deposit the foodstuff
workpiece, W, upon the foodstuff workpiece coating, W.sub.C, such
that the front surface 1102 of the foodstuff workpiece mat 1136
supports both of the foodstuff workpiece, W, and the foodstuff
workpiece coating, W.sub.C. As mentioned above, the foodstuff
workpiece, W, may include any desirable foodstuff material such as,
for example, fondant, gum paste, sheet icing, liquorices, dried
fruit, fruit leather (FRUIT ROLL-UPS.RTM., FRUIT WINDERS.RTM.,
FRUIT BY THE FOOT.RTM.), tortillas, cheese or the like.
[0360] Once the foodstuff workpiece, W, has been disposed upon the
front surface 1102 of the mat 1136, the user places the foodstuff
workpiece mat 1136 within the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 so
that the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 can conduct the work upon
the foodstuff workpiece, W. However, prior to conducting the work
upon the foodstuff workpiece, W, a preliminary treatment of the
distal end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 of the blade 12a-12a'''' may be
conducted. Treatment of the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 of
the blade 12a-12a'''' may result in the distal end 44, 544, 644,
744, 844 of the blade 12a-12a'''' being moved to a location within
the body 14 by way of, for example, a shuttle system 1200 (see,
e.g., FIG. 55).
[0361] The shuttle system 1200 may include a rail 1202 that
supports a taxi 1204. The rail 1202 may be arranged in the body 14
in a fixed orientation, or, alternatively, the rail 1202 may be
movably-disposed within the body 14 for movement in an X
direction/-X direction. The taxi 1204 may be arranged upon the rail
1202 for movement in a Y direction/-Y direction.
[0362] The shuttle system 1200 may further include, for example, a
plunging bracket; in an implementation, the plunging bracket may
include, for example, the vertically adjustable plunging bracket
304 that is shown, for example, in FIGS. 19-21B). The vertically
adjustable plunging bracket 304 may be connected to the taxi 1204
by a linkage 1206.
[0363] The vertically-adjustable plunging bracket 304 is connected
to blade carrier housing 900. In an implementation, the carrier 350
(see, e.g., FIGS. 19-21B) may couple the blade carrier housing 900
to the vertically-adjustable plunging bracket 304. One or more of
the vertically-adjustable plunging bracket 304 and carrier 350 may
permit movement of the blade carrier housing 900 in a Z
direction/-Z direction relative to the taxi 1204. Accordingly, the
shutting system 1200 may ultimately result in one or more of an
"X/Y/Z" movement of the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 of the
blade 12a-12a'''' in order to, for example, perform the preliminary
treatment of the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 of the blade
12a-12a''''.
[0364] Although a preliminary treatment of the distal end 44, 544,
644, 744, 844 of the blade 12a-12a'''' is discussed above, the
preliminary treatment is not limited to the distal end 44, 544,
644, 744, 844 of the blade 12a-12a''''. For example, the shuttle
system 1200 may be operated so as to conduct a preliminary
treatment on any one of the distal ends 44c, 44d, 44e, 44f of the
shaping heads 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f.
[0365] Referring to FIGS. 56A-56C, a preliminary treatment system
1300 of the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 of the blade
12a-12a'''' is shown according to an embodiment. The preliminary
treatment system 1300 includes a reservoir 1302 (see, e.g., step
S.1301 in FIG. 56D of method 5.1300) and fluid 1304 in the
reservoir 1302 (see, e.g., step S.1302 in FIG. 56D).
[0366] As seen in FIG. 56A, the shuttle system 1200 is utilized to
move (see, e.g., step S.1303 in FIG. 56D) the blade carrier housing
900 proximate the reservoir 1302 that retains the fluid 1304. As
seen in FIG. 56B, the shuttle system 1200 submerges/plunges (see,
e.g., step S.1304 in FIG. 56D) the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744,
844 of the blade 12a-12a'''' into the fluid 1304.
[0367] The preliminary treatment system 1300 may further include a
controller 1306 having, for example, timer circuitry 1308 for
controlling (see, e.g., step S.1305 in FIG. 56D) an amount of time
that the blade 12a-12a'''' is to be submerged in the fluid 1304.
The controlling step, S.1305, may include, for example, setting
(see, e.g., steps S.1305a in FIG. 56D) an end time, n, for a timer
such that the blade 12a-12a'''' may be submerged for an amount of
time, T=n. The setting step S.1305a may occur prior to the plunging
step S.1304.
[0368] The controlling step, S.1305, may further include the step
of determining (see, e.g., steps S.1305b in FIG. 56D) if the set
amount of time, T, has elapsed (e.g., T=0?). If it is determined
that the set amount of time has not elapsed (i.e., T.noteq.0), the
method S.1300 is advanced to step S.1305c of the controlling step
S.1305 where the set amount of time is decremented by an amount of
time, x (e.g., T=n-x). After the decrementing step, S.1305c, the
controlling steps, S.1305 may be looped back to step S.1305b.
[0369] Upon determining (see, e.g., step S.1305b in FIG. 56D) that
the set amount of time, T, has elapsed, the method S.1300 exits the
controlling step loop (i.e., steps S.1305b, S.1305c) and is
advanced to step, S.1306. As seen in FIG. 56C, step S.1306 includes
the step of utilizing the shuttle system 1200 to retract the distal
end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 of the blade 12a-12a'''' from being
submerged in the fluid 1304, which concludes the methodology 1300
in order to subsequently conduct the work upon the foodstuff
workpiece, W.
[0370] Functionally, the fluid 1304 acts as a wetting or
lubricating agent and may include, for example, water, oil or the
like. Once the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 of the blade
12a-12a'''' is plunged into the fluid 1304, the fluid 1304 may wet
and/or lubricate the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 of the blade
12a-12a'''' such that the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 of the
blade 12a-12a'''' may cut into the foodstuff workpiece, W, with,
for example, less resistance and/or impart an improved cut line
into the foodstuff workpiece, W, without shearing and/or tearing
the foodstuff workpiece, W, apart.
[0371] Although the methodology S.1300 has been described to
include one cycle of wetting/lubricating the blade 12a-12a'''', the
methodology S.1300 may be conducted more than one time if, for
example, the foodstuff workpiece, W, is worked upon for a period of
time that may result in the loss of the wetting/lubricating agent
that coated the blade 12a-12a''''. For example, the controller 1306
may cause the blade 12a-12a'''' to be wetted/lubricated
periodically (e.g., every "x" seconds), or, after the blade
12a-12a'''' contacts the foodstuff workpiece, W, for a period of
time (e.g., the blade 12a-12a'''' contacts the foodstuff workpiece,
W, for "x" seconds).
[0372] Referring to FIGS. 57A-57D, a methodology S.1400 and
preliminary treatment system 1400 of the distal end 44, 544, 644,
744, 844 of the blade 12a-12a'''' is shown according to an
embodiment. The methodology S.1400 and preliminary treatment system
1400 is substantially similar to the methodology S.1300 and
preliminary treatment system 1300 with the exception that the
methodology S.1400 and preliminary treatment system 1400 further
includes a fluid heating device 1410 (see, e.g., step S.1403 in
FIG. 57D) that is attached to/positioned proximate the reservoir
1402 for the purpose of increasing the temperature (see, e.g., step
S.1405) of the fluid 1404.
[0373] The fluid heating device 1410 may include any desirable
feature that emits heat; in an implementation, the fluid heating
device 1410 may include an electrical circuit 1412 having a heating
coil 1414 that becomes hot upon flowing current though the
electrical circuit 1412. The heating coil 1414 may be located
proximate or substantially adjacent the reservoir 1402 in order to
pass heat from the heating coil 1414 to the fluid 1404 contained in
the reservoir 1402.
[0374] As a result of the fluid 1404 being heated upon activation
of the fluid heating device 1410, the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744,
844 of the blade 12a-12a'''' may also be heated upon contacting the
blade 12a-12a'''' with the fluid 1404 as seen in FIG. 57B. As a
result of heating the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 of the
blade 12a-12a'''', a physical state of the foodstuff workpiece, W,
may be modified (e.g., changed from a substantially solid state to
at least a partially liquefied state, by, for example,
melting/softening the foodstuff workpiece, W) upon interfacing the
distal end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 of the blade 12a-12a'''' with the
foodstuff workpiece, W. By modifying the physical state of the
foodstuff workpiece, W, the heated blade 12a-12a'''' may thereby
improve the cutting capability through the foodstuff workpiece, W,
while also mitigating the likelihood of the foodstuff workpiece, W,
being uncontrollably sheared, ripped, distorted or the like during
a cutting procedure. Additionally, the fluid 1404 may also wet
and/or lubricate the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 of the blade
12a-12a'''' and yield similar benefits as described above.
[0375] Further, rather than including controlling steps S.1305 as
described in the methodology S.1300 for submerging the blade
12a-12a'''' in the fluid 1304 for a period of time, the methodology
S.1400 may include temperature controlling steps S.1407 for
selectively determining/controlling the temperature of the blade
12a-12a''''. Accordingly, in an implementation, the preliminary
treatment system 1400 may further include a blade temperature
sensor 1416 that communicates temperature of the blade 12a-12a'''
to the controller 1406.
[0376] Because of the inclusion of the temperature sensor 1416, in
an implementation, the temperature controlling steps S.1407 may
include the step of providing (see, e.g., step S.1407a in FIG. 57D)
a desired temperature of the blade 12a-12a'''' to the controller
1406. The desired temperature of the blade 12a-12a'''' may be
provided to the controller 1406 on the basis of any number of
situations or circumstances, such as, for example: (1) direct entry
of the desired temperature to the controller 1406 as a result of a
user entering/keying-in a specific temperature, (2) automatic entry
of a predetermined, factory-setting temperature upon, for example,
powering-on/turning on the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10, or (3)
indirect entry of a factory-setting temperature to the controller
1406 from a look-up table (see, e.g., FIG. 57E) as a result of a
user entering a variable, such as, for example, a type of foodstuff
workpiece, W, being crafted/worked on.
[0377] As seen in FIG. 57E, in the third situation described above,
the user may provide to the controller 1406 an indication of a type
of foodstuff material, W, that the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10
is going to conduct work on, and, in view of the entry of the
foodstuff workpiece, W, the controller 1406 may utilize the look-up
table that may be, for example, programmed in the controller 1406,
for locating a particular blade temperature 12a-12a'''' that
corresponds to the entered foodstuff material, W. Accordingly, in
the event that the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 may include a
look-up table, the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 may be said to
include a "smart controller" (i.e., the controller 1406) such that
if the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 is going to conduct work on
"foodstuff material X" based upon a user entry/input, then the
foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 will know that the blade
12a-12a'''' should be heated to a corresponding temperature of for
example, "x1.degree.".
[0378] Although a "smart controller" has been described to set
temperature of the blade 12a-12a'''' in response to a user
entry/input of foodstuff material, X, the functionality of the
smart controller (by way of, e.g., a look-up table) is not limited
to setting blade temperature. For example, the controller 1306 may
also include the functionality of a "smart controller" (by way of
e.g., a look-up table) in that the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10
will have intelligence in order to know when the blade 12a-12a''''
may have to be re-submerged in the fluid 1304 on a repetitive base.
In an example, the blade 12a-12a'''' may be re-submerged on a
"periodic basis" (e.g., after "x1" seconds of time that the blade
12a-12a'''' is in contact with/cutting a user-entered foodstuff
workpiece, W). In another example, the blade 12a-12a'''' may be
re-submerged on a "distance basis" (e.g., after cutting the
user-entered workpiece, W, "x1 inches").
[0379] Although a "smart controller" has been described to set
temperature of the blade 12a-12a'''' and/or re-submerge the blade
12a-12a'''' in fluid 1304 in response to a user entry/input of
foodstuff material, X, the functionality of the smart controller is
not limited to setting blade temperature or re-submerging the blade
12a-12a'''' in fluid 1304. For example, the controller 1306, 1406
may also include the functionality of a "smart controller" (by way
of e.g., a look-up table) in that the foodstuff crafting apparatus
10 will have intelligence in order to set a blade cutting speed
(e.g., the blade 12a-12a'''' may be moved "x1 inches/second" during
a cutting procedure responsive to user entry of a particle
foodstuff workpiece, W, being crafted/worked upon). In another
example, the controller 1306, 1406 may also include the
functionality of a "smart controller" (by way of, e.g., a look-up
table) in that the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 will have
intelligence in order to select a particle blade geometry/style
(e.g., any of the blades 12a-12'''' described above) responsive to
user entry of a particle foodstuff workpiece, W, being
crafted/worked upon.
[0380] Referring back to FIG. 57D, once the desired temperature is
provided to the controller 1406 at step S.1407a, the temperature
controlling steps S.1407 may include the steps of determining (see,
e.g., step S.1407b in FIG. 57D) if the blade 12a-12a'''' has been
heated to the desired temperature. If the blade 12a-12a'''' has not
been heated to the desired temperature, the blade 12a'''' remains
submerged/plunged (see, e.g., step S.1407c in FIG. 57D) within the
fluid 1404 and is further looped to step S.1407b. However, once the
blade 12a-12a'''' has been heated to the desired temperature, the
methodology S.1400 is advanced from step S.1407b to step S.1408
where the blade 12a-12a'''' is retracted from the submerged
orientation in the fluid 1404 in order to subsequently conduct the
work upon the foodstuff workpiece, W.
[0381] Referring to FIGS. 58A-58C, rather than submerging the
distal end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 of the blade 12a-12a'''' within a
heated fluid 1404 as described above, the distal end 44, 544, 644,
744, 844 of the blade 12a-12a'''' may be heated in an alternative
fashion that does not include heated fluid 1404. For example, as
seen in FIGS. 58A-58C and 58G, a methodology S.1500 and a
preliminary treatment system 1500 includes an electrical circuit
1518 (see, e.g., step S.1501 in FIG. 58G) having two, opposing,
spaced-apart electrical contacts 1520, 1522.
[0382] As seen in FIG. 58A, the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844
of the blade 12a-12a'''' is moved proximate (see, e.g., step S.1502
in FIG. 58G) the electrical circuit 1518 in a retracted, but
spaced-away orientation relative to the spaced-apart contacts 1520,
1522 of the electrical circuit 1518, and, as a result, the
electrical circuit 1518 may be said to be in an open circuit
configuration. Subsequently, the shuttle system 1200 may plunge
(see, e.g., step S.1503 in FIG. 58G) the blade 12a-12a'''' toward
the spaced apart contacts 1520, 1522 such that at least the distal
end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 of the blade 12a-12a'''' may positively
engage both of the spaced-apart contacts 1520, 1522 as shown in
FIG. 58B. As a result of at least the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744,
844 of the blade 12a-12a'''' being in contact with the electrical
circuit 1518, the electrical circuit 1518 may be said to be in a
closed circuit configuration; current is then permitted to flow
(see, e.g., step S.1504 in FIG. 58G) through the distal end 44,
544, 644, 744, 844 of the blade 12a-12a'''' and thereby
electrically heat the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 of the
blade 12a-12a''''.
[0383] As similarly described above, the methodology S.1500 may
include temperature controlling steps, which are shown at S.1505
and includes steps S.1505a, S.1505b, S.1505c. The distal end 44,
544, 644, 744, 844 of the blade 12a-12a'''' may then be retracted
away (see, e.g., step S.1506 in FIG. 58G) from the electrical
circuit 1506 to define an open circuit, and, shortly before, after
or simultaneously with the retracting of the blade 12a-12a'''', the
current flow may cease. The blade 12a-12a'''' may then be moved
away from the electrical circuit 1518 and be said to be adequately
heated for conducting the work upon the foodstuff workpiece, W.
[0384] Referring to FIGS. 58D-58F, the preliminary treatment system
1500 may yet even further treat the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744,
844 of the blade 12a-12a''''. In a substantially similar manner as
described above in FIGS. 56A-56C, the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744,
844 of the blade 12a-12a'''' may be submerged/plunged (see, e.g.,
steps S.1507-S.1510 in FIG. 58G) into a fluid 1504 contained within
a reservoir 1502 for wetting and/or lubricating the distal end 44,
544, 644, 744, 844 of the blade 12a-12a''''. In an embodiment, the
distal end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844 of the blade 12a-12a''''may be
quickly plunged (see, e.g., step S.1510 in FIG. 58G) into and
retracted from (see, e.g., step S.1511 in FIG. 58G) the fluid 1504
so as to refrain from cooling the distal end 44, 544, 644, 744, 844
of the blade 12a-12a'''' after being heated by the electrical
circuit 1518 as shown and described at FIGS. 58A-58C. In addition
to what is described above regarding the methodology S.1500 and
preliminary treatment system 1500, the controller 1506 may also
function as a "smart controller" as similarly described above with
respect to the controllers 1306, 1406.
[0385] Referring to FIG. 59A, the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10
and foodstuff workpieces, W.sub.1-W.sub.n, are shown according to
an embodiment. Foodstuff workpieces, W.sub.1-W.sub.8, have been
previously worked-on by the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 and are
shown away from but proximate the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10
whereas the foodstuff workpiece, W.sub.n, is shown being partially
ejected from the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10.
[0386] The crafting apparatus 10 may include logic or receive logic
instructions from, for example, the memory cartridge 1056, in order
to produce a plurality of individual foodstuff workpieces,
W.sub.1-W.sub.n, that, when arranged in a particular configuration,
collectively forms a larger image (e.g., a carved pumpkin or
"jack-o-lantern" as seen in FIGS. 59B-59C). In order to
collectively form the larger image, each of the foodstuff
workpieces, W.sub.1-W.sub.n, may be worked upon (e.g., cut,
embossed, printed with foodstuff ink, or the like) individually by
the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 and subsequently tiled-together
by a user in predetermined configuration.
[0387] Accordingly, in an implementation, a user may wish to
decorate a relatively large sheet cake, SC (see, e.g., FIGS.
59B-59C), with a top layer of fondant derived from the foodstuff
workpiece, W; in some circumstances, a sheet cake, SC, may include
a dimension that is significantly larger than that of a maximum
dimension of a foodstuff workpiece, W, that may be worked upon by
the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10. Accordingly, the user may
instruct the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 to invoke a program
that will result in the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 conducting
work upon a plurality of individual foodstuff workpieces,
W.sub.1-W.sub.n, that, when tiled together, may cooperate in a
sufficient manner to cover substantially all of an upper surface,
SC.sub.U, of the sheet cake, SC. Thus, when the individual
foodstuff workpieces, W.sub.1-W.sub.n, are arranged together, the
collective dimension of the plurality of individual foodstuff
workpieces, W.sub.1-W.sub.n, may correspond to the dimension of the
upper surface, SC.sub.U of the sheet cake, SC.
[0388] Referring to FIG. 59D, a methodology S.1600 associated with
an embodiment described in FIGS. 59A-59C is shown according to an
embodiment. At step S.1601, a user may firstly select/provide an
image to the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 that will be derived
from (a) foodstuff workpiece(s), W.sub.1-W.sub.n. Then, at step
S.1602, the user will enter dimensions (e.g., a length and width)
of a foodstuff workpiece, W.sub.1-W.sub.n, that the foodstuff
crafting apparatus 10 will conduct work upon. At step S.1603, the
user will enter dimensions (e.g. a length and width) of a receiving
surface (e.g., the upper surface, SC.sub.U) that will receive the
entered dimension of a foodstuff workpiece, W.sub.1-W.sub.n.
[0389] At step S.1605, the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 will
determine if the surface area of the receiving surface, SC.sub.U is
greater than the surface area of the dimension of the foodstuff
workpiece, W.sub.1-W.sub.n. If the surface area of the receiving
surface, SC.sub.U is less than the surface area of the dimension of
the foodstuff workpiece, W.sub.1-W.sub.n, the methodology S.1600 is
advanced from step S.1605 to step S.1606a where the foodstuff
crafting apparatus 10 conducts work upon the foodstuff workpiece,
W.sub.1-W.sub.n, such that the selected/provided image is derived
from the foodstuff workpiece, W.sub.1-W.sub.n. However, if the
surface area of the receiving surface, SC.sub.U, is greater than
the surface area of the dimension of the foodstuff workpiece,
W.sub.1-W.sub.n, the methodology is advanced from step S.1605 to
step S.1606b where the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 determines a
number of foodstuff workpieces, W.sub.1-W.sub.n, needed to cover
the surface area of the receiving surface, SC.sub.U.
[0390] From step S.1606b, the methodology S.1600 is advanced to
step S.1607 where the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 conducts work
upon the determined number of foodstuff workpieces such that unique
portions of the selected/provided image is represented upon each
foodstuff workpiece, W.sub.1-W.sub.n, of the determined number of
foodstuff workpieces, W.sub.1-W.sub.n. At step S.1608, the user may
arrange (a) border(s) of the determined number of worked-upon
foodstuff workpieces, W.sub.1-W.sub.n, substantially adjacent one
another to collectively form the selected/provided image with the
determined number of worked-upon foodstuff workpieces,
W.sub.1-W.sub.n, each having the unique portion of the
selected/provided image.
[0391] Referring to FIG. 60A, the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10
and a foodstuff workpiece, W, are shown according to an embodiment.
The foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 may include logic or receive
logic instructions from, for example, the memory cartridge 1056, in
order to conduct work (e.g., cut and/or print with foodstuff ink) a
plurality of individual foodstuff units, W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, that
are derived from the foodstuff workpiece, W.
[0392] Referring to FIGS. 60B-60D, the plurality of individual
foodstuff units, W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, may be disposed upon a cake, C
(FIG. 60B), or upon a sheet cake, SC (FIG. 60C). In an
implementation, the user may provide (see, e.g., step S.1701 of
methodology S.1700 in FIG. 60D) the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10
with one or more dimensions (e.g., a diameter, radius,
circumference, length, width, height or the like) of the cake, C,
or the sheet cake, SC, and, subsequently, the user may provide
(see, e.g., step S.1702 of methodology S.1700 in FIG. 60D) the
foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 with a selection of at least one
foodstuff unit (see, e.g., W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu) to be placed upon the
cake, C, or sheet cake, SC.
[0393] As seen in FIG. 60B, in response to provided one or more
dimension, the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 will calculate (see,
e.g., step S.1703 of methodology S.1700 in FIG. 60D) how many
foodstuff units, W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, may be needed to, for example,
wrap an entire side surface of a round cake, C. Responsive to the
calculation, foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 will conduct work
(e.g., cut and/or print with food-grade ink) one or more individual
foodstuff units, W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, from the foodstuff workpiece, W
(see, e.g., step S.1704 of methodology S.1700 in FIG. 60D).
Referring to FIG. 60B, the calculated amount of the one or more
foodstuff units, W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, may be disposed upon (see,
e.g., step S.1705 of methodology S.1700 in FIG. 60D) the side
surface of the round cake, C, such that the one or more individual
foodstuff units, W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, is/are connected together
(e.g., daisy-chained if more than one foodstuff unit,
W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, results from the calculation) in order to form,
for example, an uninterrupted ring of decorative loops or
"curly-cues" derived from the selected decorative loop or
"curly-cue" design.
[0394] Alternatively, if desired, in response to a calculation for
a substantially square or rectangular sheet cake, SC (see, e.g.,
FIG. 60C), the calculated amount of one or more foodstuff units,
W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, may be disposed upon an upper surface, SC.sub.U.
of the sheet cake, SC, in order to form a plurality in linear
segments of decorative loops or "curly-cues." Although FIGS.
60A-60C illustrate a plurality of individual foodstuff units,
W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, defining individual decorative loops or
"curly-cues," the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 may conduct work
upon the foodstuff workpiece, W, in order to form any desirable
design for creating one or a plurality of individual foodstuff
units, W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, having any desirable design, dimension,
characteristic or the like.
[0395] Referring to FIG. 61A, the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10
and a foodstuff workpiece, W, are shown according to an embodiment.
The crafting apparatus 10 may include logic or receive logic
instructions from, for example, the memory cartridge 1056, in order
to conduct work (e.g., cut and/or print with foodstuff ink) a
plurality of individual foodstuff units, W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, that
are derived from the foodstuff workpiece, W.
[0396] Unlike the embodiment shown and described in FIGS. 60A-60C,
the plurality of individual foodstuff units, W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, are
not intended to be disposed upon a cake, C, or sheet cake, SC;
rather, the plurality of individual foodstuff units,
W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, are prepared for connection to one another in
order to form a three-dimensional foodstuff structure, W.sub.3D
(see, e.g., FIG. 61C). Accordingly, a user may first select/provide
a three-dimensional image to a foodstuff crafting apparatus 10
(see, e.g., step S.1801 of methodology S.1800 in FIG. 61D). The
foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 may then conduct work (see, e.g.,
FIG. 61A and step S.1802 of methodology S.1800 in FIG. 61D) on the
foodstuff workpiece(s), W, in view of the selected/provided
three-dimensional image.
[0397] Once the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 has finished
preparing individual foodstuff units, W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, from one
or more foodstuff workpieces, W, for forming the three-dimensional
foodstuff structure, W.sub.3D, the user may arrange (see, e.g.,
step S.1803 of methodology S.1800 in FIG. 61D) the individual
foodstuff units, W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, from one or more foodstuff
workpieces, W, in a connected configuration for forming the
three-dimensional foodstuff structure, W.sub.3D. In an
implementation, each of the individual foodstuff units,
W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, may include male, M, /female, F, structure (see,
e.g., FIGS. 61A-61C) in order to mechanically attached the
individual foodstuff units, W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, for forming the
three-dimensional foodstuff structure, W.sub.3D; alternatively, or,
in addition to the male, M, /female, F, structure, the user may
apply a tacky foodstuff adhesive (e.g., frosting, honey or the
like) to portions of one or more of the individual foodstuff units,
W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, in order to adhesively connect the individual
foodstuff units, W.sub.1u-W.sub.nu, for forming the
three-dimensional foodstuff structure, W.sub.3D.
[0398] Referring to FIG. 62, a blade carrier housing is shown
generally at 1900 according to an embodiment. The blade carrier
housing 1900 includes a body portion 1902 having an outer surface
1904. The outer surface 1904 forms a recessed portion 1906 and a
circumferential rib 1908. The recessed portion 1906 provides an
attachment surface that permits the blade carrier housing 1900 to
be attached to a carrier 1350 (see, e.g., FIGS. 63A-63B) of a first
working assembly 18a. The functionality of the circumferential rib
1908 is substantially similar as described above in that the
circumferential rib 1908 may assist in the attachment of the outer
seal 975 to the blade carrier housing 1900.
[0399] The blade carrier housing 1900 may further include one or
more ear portions/key portions 1910. In an implementation, the one
or more key portions 1910 may integrally extend from and beyond the
outer surface 1904 of the blade carrier housing 1900. In an
implementation, the one or more key portions 1910 may integrally
extend from and beyond the outer surface 1904 at one or more of the
recessed portion 1906 and a head portion 1912 that is proximate the
cap portion 1914. In an implementation the one or more key portions
1910 may integrally extend from and beyond the outer surface 1904
along a portion of a length of the recessed portion 1906 and
substantially all of a length of the head portion 1912.
[0400] In an implementation, the one or more key portions 1910 may
include an arcuate side surface 1914. Further, in an
implementation, the one or more key portions 1910 may include a
first end surface 1916 and a second end surface 1918. Although the
one or more key portions 1910 may be formed as shown in FIG. 62 and
as described above, the one or more key portions 1910 may be formed
in any desirable manner or include any desirable geometry.
[0401] Referring to FIG. 63A, the carrier 1350 may include a
rotatable, blade carrier housing clamping portion 1375 and a blade
carrier housing supporting portion 1376. In an implementation, one
or more of the blade carrier housing clamping portion 1375 and the
blade carrier housing supporting portion 1376 may include a female
receiving aperture 1375a, 1376a having a surface
configuration/geometry that is configured to receive the blade
carrier housing 1900 having the one or more key portions 1910. The
one or more key portions 1910 functionally act as a male portion to
be exclusively-received by the female receiving aperture 1375a,
1376a. In an implementation, the female receiving aperture 1375a,
1376a includes a side surface 1378 that corresponds to the arcuate
side surface 1914 of the one or more key portions 1910 and a
support surface 1380 that corresponds to the second end surface
1918 of the one or more key portions 1910. Further, it will be
appreciated that although the one or more key portions 1910 extend
from the blade carrier housing 1900 and the female receiving
aperture 1375a, 1376a are formed by the blade carrier housing
clamping portion 1375 and the blade carrier housing supporting
portion 1376, the blade carrier housing clamping portion 1375 and
the blade carrier housing supporting portion 1376 may alternatively
include the one or more key portions 1910 whereas the blade carrier
housing 1900 may form the female receiving aperture 1375a,
1376a.
[0402] Referring to FIGS. 63B and 64, once the second end surface
1918 of the one or more key portions 1910 is disposed within female
receiving aperture 1375a, 1376a, the user may engage the blade
carrier housing clamping portion 1375 with the blade carrier
housing supporting portion 1376 such that the blade carrier housing
1900 is permitted to be supportably-coupled to the carrier 1350.
Further, as seen in FIG. 64 because the second end surface 1918 is
supported by the support surface 1380, the blade carrier housing
1900 is prevented from dropping through a blade carrier housing
receiving-passage 1382 (see, e.g., FIG. 63A) formed by both of the
blade carrier housing clamping portion 1375 and the blade carrier
housing supporting portion 1376.
[0403] Due to the inclusion of one or more key portions 1910, if a
user attempts to attach the blade carrier housing 1900 to a carrier
1350' (see, e.g., FIGS. 65A-65B and 66) that does not include
female receiving aperture 1375a, 1376a formed in one or more of the
blade carrier housing clamping portion 1375' of the carrier 1350'
and the blade carrier housing supporting portion 1376' of the
carrier 1350', the user will be unable to functionally attach the
blade carrier housing 1900 with the carrier 1350'. For example, as
seen in FIGS. 65B and 66, upon arranging the blade carrier housing
1900 within the blade carrier housing receiving-passage 1382'
formed by the blade carrier housing clamping portion 1375' and the
blade carrier housing supporting portion 1376', the one or more
keys 1910 functionally interfere with the attachment of the blade
carrier housing clamping portion 1375' to the blade carrier housing
supporting portion 1376'. Further, as seen in FIG. 66, as a result
of the interference caused by the one or more key portions 1910,
the second end surface 1918 is unable to be engaged with a support
surface (i.e., the support surface 1380), and, as such, the blade
carrier housing 1900 drops (see, e.g., arrow D) through the blade
carrier housing receiving-passage 1382'.
[0404] Referring to FIGS. 67A-67B, an icing head 20f is shown
according to an embodiment. In order to clearly illustrate a
workpiece, W (that may or may not be supported by a mat 36), the
foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 (as well as components that
retain/causes movement/causes de/actuation of the icing head 200 is
not shown at FIGS. 67A-67B. As shown in FIGS. 67A-67B, the icing
head 20f is shown conducting work (e.g., depositing a bead of
icing, W.sub.B) directly onto an upper surface, SC.sub.U, of a
workpiece W. In an embodiment the workpiece, W, is a cake, cupcake
or the like having a height approximately equal to, for example,
six inches; accordingly, it will be appreciated that, in an
embodiment, the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 is not limited to
conducting work on workpieces, W, having larger thicknesses than,
for example, a thin sheet of fondant. In some circumstances, when,
for example, a workpiece, W, is (in an embodiment) approximately
six inches in height, the foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 may
include a sensor that causes one or more of a working head (e.g.,
the icing head 20f) and a support surface (e.g. the upper support
surface 38) to be raised or lowered in order to provide adequate
clearance for work to be conducted upon the workpiece, W.
[0405] Referring to FIGS. 68A-68B, a blade housing 900' including
an inking blade 12a''''' is shown according to an embodiment of the
invention. The blade housing 900 includes an ink reservoir
900.sub.I' that contains foodstuff ink, I. The inking blade
12a''''' includes a fluid channel 2030 and a valve portion 2020a
arranged upon or at least proximate the cutting edge 2020.
Functionally the fluid channel 2030 permits the foodstuff ink, I,
to be communicated from the ink reservoir 900.sub.I', through and
out of the inking blade 12a'''' when the valve portion 2020a is
moved from the closed orientation (as shown in FIG. 68A) to an open
orientation (see FIG. 68B.)
[0406] Referring to FIG. 68B, the point 2024 of the inking blade
12a''''' may penetrate the upper surface, SC.sub.U, of the
foodstuff workpiece, W, such that a portion of the foodstuff
workpiece, W, is removed (thereby forming workpiece waste,
W.sub.W). The removal of a portion, W.sub.W, of the foodstuff
workpiece, W, at the upper surface, SC.sub.U, may result in the
foodstuff workpiece, W, forming a valley, recess or channel having
a depth, SC.sub.U'. Accordingly, during movement of the blade
across the upper surface, SC.sub.U, the valve portion 2020a may be
arranged in the open orientation in order to cause the foodstuff
ink, I, to "bleed" from the inking blade 12a''''' such that the
foodstuff ink, I, is deposited into the valley, recess or channel
having a depth, SC.sub.U'. In an embodiment, the inking blade
12a''''' may not necessarily remove a portion, W.sub.W, of the
foodstuff material, W, from the upper surface, SC.sub.U; in such an
implementation, the inking blade 12a''''' may merely deposit the
foodstuff ink, I, upon the upper surface, SC.sub.U; accordingly,
irrespective of removal of the portion, W.sub.W, of the foodstuff
workpiece, W, inclusion of an inking blade 12a''''' with a
foodstuff crafting apparatus 10 may result in the obviating, use,
inclusion or incorporation of a printing head with the foodstuff
crafting apparatus 10.
[0407] Referring to FIG. 69 a blade 12a''''' is shown in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention. The blade 12a''''''' includes
a blade portion 2102, a conical bearing portion 2104 and a stem
portion 2106 extending between and connecting the blade portion
2102 or the conical bearing portion 2104. The distal end 2144 of
the blade portion 2102 includes a flange 2114 that carries a
circularly-shaped, rotatable blade defined by a circular cutting
edge 2124. The circularly-shaped, rotatable blade may rotate freely
upon the flange 2114.
[0408] The blade portion 2102 is offset at a distance, d, from a
pivot axis, A-A, that extends through an axial center of the blade
12a''''''. The offset distance, d, permits the blade 12a''''''' to
pivot (in a clockwise, CW, or counter-clockwise, CC, direction)
upon the circular cutting edge 2124 in a manner such that the blade
12a'''''' behaves substantially similarly to that of a caster
wheel; as such, the blade 12a'''''' may alternatively be referred
to as a "caster blade." Functionally, the caster blade 12a'''''''
self-aligns/automatically aligns the circular cutting edge 2124 in
a cutting direction as a result of (a) force(s) imparted to the
blade 12a'''''' resulting from: (1) lateral travel of the working
component 20a relative to the body 14 and (2) fore/aft travel of
the mat 36 relative to the body 14.
[0409] Referring to FIG. 70 a blade 12a'''''' and a system for
rotating one or more portions of the blade 12a''''''' is shown in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The blade
12a'''''''' includes a blade portion 2202 connected to a stem
portion 2206. The distal end 2244 of the blade portion 2202
includes a flange 2214 that carries a circularly-shaped, rotatable
blade defined by a circular cutting edge 2224.
[0410] Unlike the blade 12a'''''' shown in FIG. 69, the blade
12a''''''' may be connected to one or more motors 2275a, 2275b. The
one or more motors 2275a, 2275b may be connected to a controller
2250 for actuating the one or more motors 2275a, 2275b. Further,
unlike the blade 12a'''''' shown in FIG. 69, the blade 12a'''''''
does not include a conical bearing portion as well as the ability
to permit the circularly-shaped, rotatable blade to rotate freely
upon the flange 2214. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the motor
2275a may cause rotation of the blade 12a'''''''' about the axis,
A-A, rather than permitting the blade 12a''''''' to freely caster;
further, in an embodiment, the motor 2275b may cause rotation of
circularly-shaped, rotatable blade in a substantially similar
manner to a circular saw. Thus, the blade 12a'''''' of FIG. 69 may
be referred to as a "passive blade" having rotational movement in
response to frictional forces whereas the blade 12a''''''' of FIG.
70 may be referred to as an "active blade" such that the one or
more motors 2275a, 2275b may cause rotation of blade
12a'''''''.
[0411] Referring to FIG. 71, an embodiment of a "passive blade"
12a'''''' is shown connected to a carrier including a blade carrier
housing clamping portion 1375 and a blade carrier housing
supporting portion 1376. Referring to FIG. 72, an embodiment of an
"active blade" 12a''''''' is shown connected to a carrier including
a blade carrier housing clamping portion 1375 and a blade carrier
housing supporting portion 1376. The carrier may also support a
motor 2275a. The motor 2275a may drive a first gear 2276 that is
connected to and further drives a second gear 2278. The second gear
2278 may be connected to the stem portion 2206 for causing rotation
of the blade 12a''''''' about the axis, A-A.
[0412] The present invention has been described with reference to
certain exemplary embodiments thereof. However, it will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art that it is possible to embody
the invention in specific forms other than those of the exemplary
embodiments described above. This may be done without departing
from the spirit of the invention. The exemplary embodiments are
merely illustrative and should not be considered restrictive in any
way. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims
and their equivalents, rather than by the preceding
description.
* * * * *