Feed chute assembly for a food processing system

Abstract

A feed chute assembly for a food processing system includes a lid couplable to a bowl of the food processing system. The lid has a feed chute for introducing food toward a rotating blade at a top of the bowl. A linkage cover housing a linkage component for activating a motor is coupled to the feed chute. The linkage cover defines a channel within an interior perimeter of the feed chute. A user inserts a pusher into the feed chute such that ribs on the pusher extend into the channel, thereby operably engaging the linkage component to activate the motor. When the user removes the pusher from the feed chute, the motor stops the spinning blade.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to an electric food processor, and more specifically, to a feed chute assembly for use with the food processor. Background Technology

[0002] Consumers typically use food processors to mix, cut, and dice food in a wide variety of environments, including home kitchens, specialty restaurants and catering services, and large-scale industrial settings. Food processors conveniently replace manual chopping or dicing and usually have a range of operating settings and modes suitable for providing specific types or quantities of food processing for specific foods. Current food processors typically include a feed chute for introducing food into the processor for cutting by internal blades. Many consumers prefer wider feed chutees to accommodate larger portions, reducing food preparation time and increasing convenience. However, food processors with sufficiently large feed chutees often require safety mechanisms to prevent or at least minimize injury to the consumer's hands from introducing food into the chute. Such mechanisms can also make cleaning the feed chute more difficult after use. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure describes a feed chute assembly with a safety mechanism that helps prevent injury to consumers while also providing an easy-to-clean surface. The feed chute assembly includes a lid of a container connectable to a food processing system. The lid has a feed chute for introducing food toward the top of the container using a rotating blade. A linkage cover housing a linkage component for activating a motor is connected to the feed chute. The linkage cover defines a channel within the inner periphery of the feed chute. A user inserts a pusher into the feed chute such that ribs on the pusher extend into the channel, thereby operatively engaging the linkage component to activate the motor. When the user removes the pusher from the feed chute, the motor stops the rotating blade. Advantageously, the channel configuration of this disclosure makes it easier for the user to clean the feed chute assembly after use.

[0004] Embodiments of the feed chute assembly disclosed herein may include one or more of the following in any suitable combination.

[0005] In some embodiments, the feed chute assembly of the food processing system of this disclosure includes a cap connectable to a first end of a container. The cap has a feed chute for introducing food into the container. Sidewalls of the feed chute define inner and outer surfaces. A connecting rod cap is connected to the feed chute. The connecting rod cap receives a connecting rod component and defines a channel within the inner periphery of the feed chute. The channel communicates at least partially with a portion of the connecting rod component through an opening in the sidewall of the feed chute. A pusher is insertable into the feed chute. A portion of the outer surface of the pusher defines a recess relative to the remainder of the outer surface of the pusher. A rib is disposed within the recess. The rib is configured for insertion into the channel of the connecting rod cap such that when the rib is at least partially inserted into the channel, the rib operatively engages a portion of the connecting rod component.

[0006] In another embodiment, the linkage cap includes a first portion that contacts the outer surface of the feed chute. The first portion houses the linkage member. A second portion contacts the inner surface of the feed chute. The second portion defines a channel extending vertically along the inner surface of the feed chute. In some embodiments, the second portion includes a guide housing extending from the inner surface of the sidewall within its inner periphery. The guide housing extends into a recess when the pusher is inserted into the feed chute. In some embodiments, the shape of the rib corresponds to the shape of the channel. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the rib has one of an L-shape, a T-shape, an I-shape, and a wine glass shape. In some embodiments, the length of the channel is less than the height of the inner surface of the feed chute. In some embodiments, a portion of the inner surface of the feed chute located below the channel provides an easy-to-clean surface. In some embodiments, the food processing system also includes a base housing a motor, and the container has a second end removably coupled to the base. In some embodiments, a portion of the linkage member is a roller operatively connected to the linkage system to activate the motor. In some embodiments, the motor is operable only when the rib is at least partially inserted into the channel. In some embodiments, the pusher includes an upper peripheral edge extending outward from the sidewall. When the pusher is fully inserted into the feed chute, its upper outer edge covers the guide opening of the channel. In some embodiments, the pusher is configured to accommodate a second, smaller pusher.

[0007] An embodiment of the method of operating the feed chute assembly of the food processing system of this disclosure includes inserting a pusher into a feed chute of a cap coupled to a first end of a container. The sidewalls of the feed chute define an inner surface and an outer surface. A connecting rod cap is coupled to the feed chute. The connecting rod cap receives a connecting rod component and defines a channel within the inner periphery of the feed chute. The channel communicates at least partially with a portion of the connecting rod component through an opening in the sidewall of the feed chute. A portion of the outer surface of the pusher defines a recess relative to the remainder of the outer surface of the pusher. A rib is disposed within the recess. In response to the insertion of the pusher, the rib is at least partially inserted into the channel of the connecting rod cap such that the rib engages a portion of the connecting rod component.

[0008] In another embodiment, the connecting rod cap includes a first portion that contacts the outer surface of the feed chute. The first portion accommodates a connecting rod component. A second portion contacts the inner surface of the feed chute. The second portion defines a channel extending vertically along the inner surface of the feed chute. In some embodiments, the second portion includes a guide housing extending from the inner surface of the sidewall within its inner periphery. The guide housing extends into a recess when the pusher is inserted into the feed chute. In some embodiments, the shape of the rib corresponds to the shape of the channel. In some embodiments, the length of the channel is less than the height of the inner surface of the feed chute. In some embodiments, partially engaging the rib with the connecting rod component includes engaging the rib with a roller operatively connected to the connecting rod system to activate a motor. In some embodiments, the motor is operable only when the rib is at least partially inserted into the channel. In some embodiments, the pusher includes an upper peripheral edge extending outward from the sidewall, and the method further includes covering the guide opening of the channel with the upper peripheral edge when the pusher is fully inserted into the feed chute.

[0009] The advantages of these and other features will become apparent from the following detailed description and a review of the associated diagrams. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the aspects of this disclosure claimed. Attached Figure Description

[0010] A more complete understanding of this disclosure will be achieved by referring to the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a food processor including a feed chute and a feed chute assembly pusher according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2A It is a link according to some embodiments to Figure 1 The connecting rod cover Figure 1 Detailed view of the feed chute;

[0013] Figure 2B According to some embodiments Figure 1 Detailed view of the thruster;

[0014] Figure 2C and 2D Illustrations based on some embodiments Figure 1 The interface between the feed chute and the propeller;

[0015] Figure 3 Illustrations based on some embodiments Figure 1 The linkage mechanism of the food processor;

[0016] Figure 4A Illustrations based on some embodiments Figure 1The first construction of the ribs and channels of the feed chute assembly; and

[0017] Figures 4B-4D Illustrations based on some embodiments Figure 1 The second construction of the ribs and channels of the feed chute assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In the following description, similar parts have the same reference numerals, regardless of the different illustrated embodiments. For clarity and conciseness, the drawings may not necessarily reflect the proper scale, and some features may be shown in a slightly schematic form. This disclosure may describe and / or illustrate features in one embodiment, and in one or more other embodiments, in the same or similar manner, and / or in conjunction with or in lieu of features from other embodiments.

[0019] In the specification and claims, for the purpose of describing and defining the invention, the terms “about” and “substantially” indicate an uncertainty attributable to the inherent degree of any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. Furthermore, the terms “about” and “substantially” indicate the extent to which a quantitative representation may differ from the stated reference without causing a fundamental change in the function of the subject matter. Open-ended terms such as “comprise / include” and / or the plural form of each term include the listed portions and may include additional portions not listed, while terms such as “and / or” include one or more of the listed portions and combinations of the listed portions. The use of terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc., is solely for the purpose of clarity of description of this disclosure and does not in any way limit the structure, positioning, and / or operation of the feed chute assembly.

[0020] Figure 1An embodiment of a food processor 10 for use with the feed chute assembly 100 of this disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, the food processor 10 may generally include a base 12 housing a motor (not shown), an electronic display 14, and a container 16. The container 16 may also include a bowl 18 having a handle 20. The feed chute assembly 100 may include any one of a lid 122, a connecting rod cover 130, a first pusher 128, and a second pusher 132. The lid 122 may be removably coupled to a first end 16a of the container 16, while a second end 16b of the container 16 may be removably coupled to the base 12. Notably, the lid 122 is not used as a lid or cover for the feed chute assembly 100, but rather as a lid or cover for the food processor 10. The lid 122 may include an integral feed chute 126 for introducing food into the container 16. The feed chute 126 may receive the first pusher 128 for guiding food toward a rotating blade (not shown) disposed near the first end 16a of the container 16. The connecting rod cap 130 may communicate with the handle 20, as further described below. In some embodiments, the first thruster 128 may accommodate a smaller second thruster 132.

[0021] Figure 2A An embodiment of the feed chute 126 of this disclosure is shown, connected to the connecting rod cap 130. For example... Figure 2A As shown, the feed chute 126 may have a substantially “D” shape. For example, the feed chute 126 may include a sidewall 134 having a linear portion 134a and a curved portion 134b. The sidewall 134 may further define an inner surface 136a and an outer surface 136b. A connecting rod cap 130 may be coupled to the curved portion 134b of the sidewall 134. In some embodiments, the connecting rod cap 130 may have a first portion 130a that contacts the outer surface 136b of the sidewall 134, and a second portion 130b that contacts the inner surface 136a of the sidewall 134, i.e., a guide housing. The second portion 130b may define a channel 138 extending vertically along the inner surface 136a of the sidewall 134 between opposing angled sides 131a, b. The channel 138 may communicate at least partially with a roller 140 electrically connected to a motor-driven connecting rod component via an opening 142 in the sidewall 134, as further described below. In some embodiments, the length of the channel 138 may be less than the full height of the inner surface 136a of the sidewall 134. When the channel 138 does not extend to the full height of the inner surface 136a of the sidewall 134, the portion of the inner surface 136a located below the channel 138 may be smooth, thereby advantageously providing a surface that is easy to clean for the user.

[0022] Figure 2BAn embodiment of the first thruster 128 of this disclosure is shown. Similar to the feed chute 126, the first thruster 128 may have a substantially “D” shape to form a tight fit within the feed chute 126. For example, the first thruster 128 may include a sidewall 144 having a linear portion 144a and a curved portion 144b. The sidewall 144 may further define an inner surface 146a and an outer surface 146b. In some embodiments, the first thruster 128 may include an upper peripheral edge 152 extending outwardly from the sidewall 144. A portion of the outer surface 146b of the curved portion 144b may define a recess 148 relative to the remainder of the outer surface 146b. In some embodiments, the recess 148 may extend the entire height of the sidewall 144, as shown. The recess 148 may be partially defined by opposing angled sides 148a, b corresponding to opposing angled sides 131a, b of the second portion 130b of the connecting rod cap 130.

[0023] Still referencing Figure 2B In some embodiments, the rib 150 may extend along the entire height of the recess 148 without protruding beyond the outer surface 146b. However, this disclosure also contemplates that the rib 150 may extend to a height less than the entire height of the recess 148. Thus, the recess 148 may advantageously provide a protected area to prevent damage to the rib 150. In some embodiments, the rib 150 may be molded together with the first pusher 128. However, this disclosure also contemplates that the rib 150 may be molded separately and attached to the first pusher 128. The recess 148 and the rib 150 may be located on the first pusher 128 such that when the user inserts the first pusher 128 into the feed chute 126, the rib 150 inserts into the channel 138 of the connecting rod cover 130, as... Figure 2C As shown in the diagram. When the user inserts rib 150 at least partially into channel 138, rib 150 can operably engage the roller of the connecting rod component. Figure 2A When the user fully inserts the rib 150 into the channel 138, the upper outer edge 152 covers the guide opening 154 of the channel 138. Figure 2D As shown, this configuration of rib 150 and channel 138 allows both rib 150 and channel 138 to reside within the inner periphery P of the feed chute 128.

[0024] like Figure 3As shown, the engagement of rib 150 with roller 140 of connecting rod member 156 allows roller 140 to rotate about an arc and convert into linear vertical motion to activate a microswitch (not shown) of food processor 10 via intermediate connecting rod 157 in handle 20. A microprocessor or printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown) in base 12 senses the activation of the microswitch, thereby allowing the motor to power the rotation of the blade. The microprocessor or PCB can also sense the deactivation of the microswitch if the motor is still running when the user removes the first pusher 128 from feed chute 126. Deactivation of the microswitch can stop the rotation of the blade for a short time—e.g., less than 4 seconds. For example, a biasing mechanism of spring 160 allows roller 140 to return to its starting position when the user removes the first pusher 128 from feed chute 126. Advantageously, this safety mechanism prevents the user from approaching the feed chute 126 and the interior of the blade while the motor is rotating the blade. Furthermore, the motor can only operate when the user has at least partially inserted rib 150 into channel 138.

[0025] like Figure 4A As shown, embodiments of rib 150 may have a shape selected to correspond to the shape of channel 138. For example, the cross-section of rib 150 may have an "L" shape, wherein rod portion 150a extends from the outer surface 136b of the first pusher 128 within recess 148, and leg portion 150b extends substantially transversely to rod portion 150a. Similarly, the cross-section of channel 138 may have an L-shape to accommodate the L-shaped rib 150. The L-shaped configuration of rib 150 and channel 138 advantageously provides a smooth motion for the user when inserting the first pusher 128 into the feed chute 126. In alternative embodiments, such as Figure 4B As shown in -D, the cross-section of rib 150' may have a "wine glass" shape, wherein the rod portion 150a' extends from the outer surface 136b of the first pusher 128 within the recess 148, and the symmetrically angled portion 150b' serves to engage the roller 140. Similarly, the cross-section of channel 138' may have a wine glass shape to accommodate the wine glass-shaped rib 150'. The wine glass-shaped configuration of rib 150' and channel 138' can advantageously provide a constant travel distance on the first pusher 128 to ensure that the microswitch is always pressed when the first pusher 128 reaches the same point inside the feed chute 126. Other suitable configurations of rib 150 and channel 138 are also contemplated in this disclosure, such as "T" or "I" shapes.

[0026] While preferred embodiments have been specifically shown and described in this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this application as defined by the appended claims. The scope of this application is intended to cover such changes. Therefore, the foregoing description of embodiments of this application is not intended to limit the full scope conveyed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A feed chute assembly for a food processing system, the feed chute assembly comprising: A lid that can be attached to a first end of a container, the lid having a feed chute for introducing food into the container, the sidewalls of the feed chute defining an inner surface and an outer surface; A connecting rod cap, coupled to the feed chute, the connecting rod cap receiving a connecting rod component and defining a channel within the inner periphery of the feed chute, the channel communicating at least partially with a portion of the connecting rod component through an opening in the sidewall of the feed chute, the connecting rod cap comprising: a first portion contacting the outer surface of the feed chute, the first portion receiving the connecting rod component; and a second portion contacting the inner surface of the feed chute, the second portion defining the channel extending vertically along the inner surface of the feed chute, the second portion defining the channel extending vertically along the inner surface of the sidewall between opposing angled sides; A pusher, insertable into the feed chute, wherein a portion of the outer surface of the pusher defines a recess relative to the remainder of the outer surface of the pusher, the recess being partially defined by opposing angled sides corresponding to opposing angled sides of the second portion of the connecting rod cap; and A rib, disposed within the recess such that the recess provides a protective area to prevent damage to the rib, the rib being configured for insertion into the channel of the connecting rod cap such that when the rib is at least partially inserted into the channel, the rib operably engages the portion of the connecting rod component.

2. The feed chute assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The second part includes a guide housing extending from the inner surface of the sidewall within the inner periphery, the guide housing extending into the recess when the pusher is inserted into the feed chute.

3. The feed chute assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The shape of the rib corresponds to the shape of the channel.

4. The feed chute assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cross-section of the rib has one of the following shapes: L-shaped, T-shaped, I-shaped, and wine glass-shaped.

5. The feed chute assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the channel is less than the height of the inner surface of the feed chute.

6. The feed chute assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The portion of the inner surface of the feed chute located below the channel provides an easy-to-clean surface.

7. The feed chute assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The food processing system also includes a base for housing a motor, and the container has a second end that can be removably attached to the base.

8. The feed chute assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The portion of the linkage component is operatively connected to the linkage system to activate the motor's roller.

9. The feed chute assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The motor can only operate when the rib is at least partially inserted into the channel.

10. The feed chute assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The pusher includes an upper peripheral edge extending outward from the sidewall, and wherein when the pusher is fully inserted into the feed chute, the upper peripheral edge covers the feed opening of the channel.

11. The feed chute assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The thruster is configured to accommodate a second, smaller thruster.

12. A method of operating a feed chute assembly of a food processing system, the method comprising: A pusher is inserted into a feed chute of a cap coupled to a first end of a container, the sidewalls of which define an inner and outer surface. A connecting rod cap is coupled to the feed chute, the connecting rod cap receiving a connecting rod component and defining a channel within the inner periphery of the feed chute, the channel communicating at least partially with a portion of the connecting rod component through an opening in the sidewalls of the feed chute. The connecting rod cap includes: a first portion contacting the outer surface of the feed chute, the first portion receiving the connecting rod component; and a second portion contacting the inner surface of the feed chute, the second portion defining the channel extending vertically along the inner surface of the feed chute, the second portion defining the channel extending vertically along the inner surface of the sidewall between opposing angled sides. A portion of the outer surface of the pusher defines a recess relative to the remainder of the outer surface of the pusher, the recess being partially defined by opposing angled sides corresponding to the opposing angled sides of the second portion of the connecting rod cap, a rib being disposed within the recess such that the recess provides a protected area to prevent damage to the rib. In response to the insertion of the thruster, the rib is at least partially inserted into the channel of the connecting rod cover, such that the rib engages the portion of the connecting rod component.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The second part includes a guide housing extending from the inner surface of the sidewall within the inner periphery, the guide housing extending into the recess when the pusher is inserted into the feed chute.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The shape of the rib corresponds to the shape of the channel.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The length of the channel is less than the height of the inner surface of the feed chute.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein, Engaging the rib with the portion of the connecting rod assembly includes engaging the rib with a roller operatively connected to the connecting rod system to activate a motor.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The motor can only operate when the rib is at least partially inserted into the channel.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The pusher includes an upper peripheral edge extending outward from the sidewall, and the method further includes covering the guide opening of the channel with the upper peripheral edge when the pusher is fully inserted into the feed chute.

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