Food waste disposer with grinding ring

Abstract

Disclosed herein are grinding mechanisms for food waste disposer and food waste disposers having grinding mechanisms. The grinding mechanisms include a stationary grinding ring including a plurality of grinder teeth and a rotating chopper plate including at least one lug. The at least one lug can have at least a portion that is movable relative to a top surface of the rotating chopper plate or can be fin-like.

Description

Invention Field

[0001] This technology relates to food waste disposers, and more specifically, to grinding mechanisms for food waste disposers. background

[0002] Food waste disposers are used to break down food scraps into small enough particles to safely pass through household waste pipes. (Reference) Figure 1 (Prior art) A conventional food waste disposer 10 is typically installed in a sink, such as a kitchen sink (not shown), and includes a food delivery section 12, a motor section 14, and a grinding section 16 disposed between the food delivery section and the motor section. The food waste disposer 10 includes a housing 18 that houses the food delivery section 12, the motor section 14, and the grinding section 16. The food delivery section 12 includes an inlet 20 for receiving food waste and water. The food delivery section 12 delivers food waste to the grinding section 16, and the motor section 14 includes a motor that transmits rotational motion to the shaft to operate the grinding section.

[0003] The grinding section 16 includes a grinding mechanism for completing the crushing process, which typically consists of a rotating shredder plate with lugs and a stationary grinding ring.

[0004] refer to Figure 2 (Prior art), an example of a known grinding section 16 is shown. The illustrated grinding mechanism 22 includes a grinding plate 24 with rotating lugs 26 and a stationary grinding ring 28. The grinding plate 24 is mounted to a shaft 30. The stationary grinding ring 28 (which includes a plurality of slots 32 defining spaced teeth 34) is fixedly attached to the inner surface of a housing 36. Figure 2 In the operation of the food waste processor with the grinding mechanism shown, food waste conveyed from the food conveying section to the grinding mechanism 22 is pressed against the teeth 34 of the stationary grinding ring 28 by rotating lugs 38. The edges of the teeth 34 grind the food waste into sufficiently small particles to be transferred from above to below the grinding plate 24 via the gap between the rotating and stationary components. Due to gravity, the particles passing through the gap between the teeth 34 fall onto the upper frame 40 and are discharged through the outlet 42 along with the water injected into the processor. Size control is primarily achieved by controlling the size of the gap that the food particles must pass through. Invention Overview

[0005] This article discloses a grinding mechanism for use in food waste disposers.

[0006] According to at least one aspect, a food waste disposer is provided, comprising a housing and a grinding mechanism. The housing defines: a food delivery section; a motor section including a motor for rotating a shaft; and a grinding section located between the food delivery section and the motor section. The grinding mechanism is located within the grinding section. The grinding mechanism includes a stationary grinding ring comprising multiple rows of grinding teeth, wherein each row of grinding teeth has at least one grinding tooth. The grinding section also includes a rotating chopper plate attached to the shaft, the rotating chopper plate including at least one lug.

[0007] According to another aspect, a grinding mechanism for a food waste disposer is provided. The grinding mechanism includes a stationary grinding ring comprising multiple rows of grinding teeth, wherein each row of grinding teeth has at least one grinding tooth. The grinding section also includes a rotating chopper plate comprising at least one lug.

[0008] This invention also relates to the following aspects:

[0009] 1. A food waste disposer, comprising:

[0010] The housing, defined by the housing:

[0011] - Food delivery section;

[0012] - Motor section, the motor section including a motor that rotates the shaft;

[0013] - A grinding section, located between the food conveying section and the motor section.

[0014] A grinding mechanism, located within the grinding section, comprises:

[0015] - A stationary grinding ring comprising multiple rows of grinding teeth, wherein each row of grinding teeth has at least one grinding tooth; and

[0016] - A rotary chopper plate, the rotary chopper plate being attached to the shaft, the rotary chopper plate including at least one lug.

[0017] 2. The food waste disposer according to aspect 1, wherein each grinding tooth comprises:

[0018] A slot, the slot providing an opening from the inner surface of the stationary grinding ring through the stationary grinding ring to the outer surface of the stationary grinding ring; and

[0019] A raised cutting edge that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the stationary grinding ring.

[0020] 3. The food waste disposer according to aspect 1, wherein, in the grinding section, the housing includes channels aligned with each row of grinding teeth.

[0021] 4. The food waste disposer according to aspect 1, wherein the stationary grinding ring further includes a deflector located at the lower edge of the stationary grinding ring.

[0022] 5. The food waste disposer according to aspect 1, wherein the rotary chopper plate has a cross-section having a thickness that increases toward the center of the rotary chopper plate.

[0023] 6. The food waste disposer according to aspect 1, wherein the rotary chopper plate is positioned relative to the stationary grinding ring such that the top surface of the outer edge of the rotary chopper plate is substantially flush with the lower edge of the stationary grinding ring.

[0024] 7. The food waste disposer according to aspect 1, wherein the at least one lug of the rotary chopper plate includes at least one partially attached lug, the at least one partially attached lug comprising:

[0025] A first end, extending along a first portion of the length of the lug to which the portion is attached, and securely fixed to the top surface of the rotary shredder plate; and

[0026] The second end extends along a second portion of the length of the lug to which the portion is attached and is movable relative to the top surface of the rotating shredder plate.

[0027] 8. The food waste disposer according to aspect 1, wherein the rotary chopper plate further includes at least one bottom cutter extending outward from the outer edge of the rotary chopper plate.

[0028] 9. The food waste disposer according to aspect 1, wherein the at least one lug of the rotary chopper plate includes at least one wing-shaped lug, the wing-shaped lug including a front side, a rear side, a radially outer side, a radially inner side, and a thickness that decreases from the front side to the rear side and also decreases from the radially outer side to the radially inner side.

[0029] 10. The food waste disposer according to aspect 1, wherein the rotary chopper plate further includes at least one nail, the at least one nail including a apex and at least one sidewall, and the at least one nail is positioned closer to the center of the rotary chopper plate than to the outer edge of the rotary chopper plate.

[0030] 11. The food waste disposer according to aspect 1, wherein the rotary chopper plate further includes a bottom surface and at least one pumping fin attached to and extending downward from the bottom surface.

[0031] 12. The food waste disposer according to aspect 1, wherein the at least one lug of the rotary chopper plate includes at least one lug rotatably attached to the rotary chopper plate.

[0032] 13. A grinding mechanism for a food waste disposer, the grinding mechanism comprising:

[0033] A stationary grinding ring, the stationary grinding ring comprising multiple rows of grinding teeth, wherein each row of grinding teeth has at least one grinding tooth; and

[0034] A rotary chopper plate, the rotary chopper plate including at least one lug.

[0035] 14. The grinding mechanism according to aspect 13, wherein each grinding tooth comprises:

[0036] A slot, the slot providing an opening from the inner surface of the stationary grinding ring through the stationary grinding ring to the outer surface of the stationary grinding ring; and

[0037] A raised cutting edge that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the stationary grinding ring.

[0038] 15. The grinding mechanism according to aspect 13, wherein the stationary grinding ring further includes a deflector located at the lower edge of the stationary grinding ring.

[0039] 16. The grinding mechanism according to aspect 13, wherein the rotary chopper plate has a cross-section having a thickness that increases toward the center of the rotary chopper plate.

[0040] 17. The grinding mechanism according to aspect 13, wherein the rotating shredder plate is positioned relative to the stationary grinding ring such that the top surface at the outer edge of the rotating shredder plate is substantially flush with the lower edge of the stationary grinding ring.

[0041] 18. The grinding mechanism according to aspect 13, wherein the at least one lug of the rotary chopper plate includes at least one partially attached lug, the at least one partially attached lug comprising:

[0042] A first end, extending along a first portion of the length of the lug to which the portion is attached, and securely fixed to the top surface of the rotary shredder plate; and

[0043] The second end extends along a second portion of the length of the lug to which the portion is attached and is movable relative to the top surface of the rotating shredder plate.

[0044] 19. The grinding mechanism according to aspect 13, wherein the at least one lug of the rotary chopper plate includes at least one wing-shaped lug or a lug rotatably attached to the rotary chopper plate; and

[0045] Optionally, the rotary shredder plate further includes a bottom surface and at least one pumping fin attached to and extending downward from the bottom surface.

[0046] 20. The grinding mechanism according to aspect 13, wherein the rotary chopper plate further includes at least one nail-like object, the at least one nail-like object including a peak and at least one sidewall, and the at least one nail-like object is positioned closer to the center of the rotary chopper plate than to the outer edge of the rotary chopper plate. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0047] For illustrative and descriptive purposes, specific examples have been selected and are shown in the accompanying drawings, which form part of the specification. The examples contained herein, as well as the related parts and methods, are not limited to the details of the construction, arrangement of parts, or other aspects or features shown in the drawings in their application. Similar reference numerals are used to denote similar parts.

[0048] Figure 1 This is an external view of an example of a conventional food waste disposer.

[0049] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the grinding section of a conventional food waste disposer.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an example food waste disposer of this technology.

[0051] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial perspective view of a food waste disposer, with the top removed to show the grinding section.

[0052] Figure 5 It can be used Figure 3 A perspective view of an example of a stationary grinding ring in a food waste disposer.

[0053] Figure 6 It can be used Figure 3 A partial view of another example of a stationary grinding ring in a food waste disposer.

[0054] Figure 7 It can be used Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an example of the rotary chopper plate of a food waste disposer.

[0055] Figure 8 It can be used Figure 3 Top perspective view of a second example of a rotating chopper plate in a food waste disposer.

[0056] Figure 9 It can be used Figure 3 Top perspective view of the third example of a rotating chopper plate of a food waste disposer.

[0057] Figure 10 It can be used Figure 3 Top perspective view of the fourth example of a food waste disposer's rotating chopper plate.

[0058] Figure 11 It has Figure 9 or Figure 10 A partial cross-sectional view of the grinding mechanism of the rotary shredder plate.

[0059] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 Bottom perspective view of the rotary shredder plate.

[0060] Figure 13 It can be used Figure 3 The top perspective view of the fifth example of a rotating chopper plate of a food waste disposer, with the rotating chopper plate in the first position.

[0061] Figure 14 It is in the second position. Figure 13 Top perspective view of the rotary shredder plate.

[0062] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Side elevation view of the rotary shredder plate.

[0063] Figure 16 It can be used Figure 3 The top perspective view of the sixth example of a food waste disposer's rotating chopper plate.

[0064] Figure 17 It can be used Figure 3 Top perspective view of the seventh example of a food waste disposer's rotating chopper plate.

[0065] Figure 18 It can be used Figure 3 Top perspective view of the eighth example of a food waste disposer's rotating chopper plate. Detailed description

[0066] This food waste disposer can be configured to be installed under the sink, for example, in a home or other desired location. Typically, this food waste disposer includes a grinding mechanism with a stationary grinding ring having multiple rows of grinding teeth. The grinding section also includes a rotating chopper plate with at least one lug.

[0067] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A view of an example of a food waste disposer 100 of the present technology is shown. The food waste disposer 100 includes a food conveying section 102, a motor section 104, and a grinding section 106 disposed between the food conveying section 102 and the motor section 104. The food waste disposer 100 includes a housing 108 that surrounds and confines the food conveying section 102, the motor section 104, and the grinding section 106. The food conveying section 102 includes an inlet 110 for receiving food waste and water. Gravity conveys food waste from the food conveying section 102 to the grinding section 106. The grinding section 106 includes a grinding mechanism 112 configured to pulverize the food waste into sufficiently small particles to safely pass through a discharge pipe at the location where the food waste disposer is installed. The grinding mechanism 112 includes a rotating shredder plate 114 and a stationary grinding ring 116. The grinding section 106 also includes a collection area 122 located below the grinding mechanism 112. The collection area 122 may have an upper frame 124 that acts as the base plate of the collection area 122. The upper frame 124 may be made of any suitable material, such as stamped metal. Alternatively, the housing 108 and the collection area 122 may comprise components made of polymer or any other suitable material. The food waste disposer 100 is configured such that pulverized food particles are passed downward from the grinding mechanism 112 into the collection area 122 and then discharged through the drain outlet 126 along with water injected into the disposer 100.

[0068] Motor section 104 includes a motor 117 that rotates shaft 120. Motor 117 may include a stator 118 that transmits rotational motion to a rotor 119 coupled to shaft 120 to operate rotating shredder plate 114. Motor 117 may be any suitable type of motor. For example, motor 117 may be an induction motor or a permanent magnet motor.

[0069] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5The stationary grinding ring 116 includes an inner surface 130 and an outer surface 132. The stationary grinding ring has a height H1. The stationary grinding ring 116 may include a plurality of grinding teeth 128. Each grinding tooth 128 may include a slot 134 and a raised cutting edge 136. Each slot 134 provides an opening from the inner surface 130 through the stationary grinding ring 116 to the outer surface 132. Each raised cutting edge 136 projects inwardly from the inner surface 130 of the stationary grinding ring 116. Each raised cutting edge 136 is configured to cut into and remove portions of food waste pushed against the stationary grinding ring 116 during operation of the grinding mechanism 112. Each grinding tooth 128 is configured such that during operation of the grinding mechanism 112, portions removed from food waste by the raised cutting edges 136 of the grinding tooth 128 can pass through the slot 134 of the grinding tooth 128.

[0070] Reference Figure 5 The grinding teeth 128 of the stationary grinding ring 116 can be arranged in multiple rows 138. Each row 138 may contain one or more grinding teeth 128, preferably multiple grinding teeth 128. Each row 138 may be vertical or substantially vertical, meaning that each grinding tooth 128 within each row 138 with multiple grinding teeth 128 may be vertically or substantially vertically aligned relative to a schematic vertical line A passing through the center of the processor 100, rather than the grinding teeth 128 within the same row 138 being vertically offset or staggered relative to each other. The number of grinding teeth 128 in each row 138 can be any suitable number, such as one, two, three, four, five, or more than five. Each row 138 of grinding teeth may have a height H2 that is at least a portion of the height H1 of the grinding ring 116, for example, up to about half of the height H1, or greater than half of the height H1.

[0071] The grinding teeth 128 suitable for this technology can be of any suitable shape and can be oriented horizontally (i.e., vertically) or at an angle relative to the schematic vertical line A. The grinding teeth 128 can also be spaced evenly or unevenly within their given rows 138. The grinding teeth 128 on any given stationary grinding ring 116 can be of the same shape or can have different shapes. Similarly, the grinding teeth 128 in any given row 138 on any given stationary grinding ring 116 can be of the same shape or can have different shapes. Furthermore, the grinding teeth 128 in the first row 138 can have the same shape or different shapes as the grinding teeth 128 in the second row 138. Moreover, the grinding teeth 128 on any given stationary grinding ring 116 can be oriented in the same direction, such as horizontally or at an angle, or they can be oriented in different directions. For example, each grinding tooth 128 in the first row 138 can be oriented in a first direction, while the grinding teeth 128 in the second row 138 can be oriented in a second direction. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the rotary chopper plate 114 of the grinding mechanism 112 will rotate in a specific direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise), and the grinder teeth 128 will tend to be most effective when configured such that the cutting edge 136 is configured and oriented to cut food waste moving along the direction of rotation of the rotary chopper plate 114.

[0072] exist Figure 5 In the process, each grinding tooth 128 has an elliptical or generally oval shape and is oriented such that the length of the grinding tooth 128 is horizontal. Figure 6A portion of a stationary grinding ring 200 is shown, incorporating several possible alternative shapes for the grinding teeth 128. Row A of the stationary grinding ring 200 has a plurality of generally oval grinding teeth 202, which have relatively small circumferences and are oriented upwards at approximately 45°. Row B of the stationary grinding ring 200 has a plurality of generally oval grinding teeth 204, which have relatively small circumferences and are oriented downwards at approximately 45°. Row C of the stationary grinding ring 200 has a plurality of generally oval grinding teeth 206, which have relatively large circumferences and are horizontally oriented. Row D of the stationary grinding ring 200 has a plurality of grinding teeth in an alternating pattern, alternating between generally triangular grinding teeth 208 and generally square grinding teeth 210. Each of the generally triangular grinding teeth 208 and the generally square grinding teeth 210 is horizontally oriented. The stationary grinding ring 200 has a single, generally rectangular grinding tooth 212 oriented horizontally in row E. The stationary grinding ring 200 has a plurality of grinding teeth in an alternating pattern, alternating between generally square grinding teeth 214 and generally triangular grinding teeth 216. Each of the generally square grinding teeth 214 and the generally triangular grinding teeth 216 is horizontally oriented.

[0073] It should be understood that alternative embodiments of the stationary grinding ring 200 may have grinding teeth arranged in any combination or pattern of rows AF. For example, one embodiment of the stationary grinding ring 200 may have only repeating rows of any one of rows A, B, C, D, E, or F. Another embodiment may have alternating combinations of any or all rows of rows AF, including but not limited to: repeating alternating rows A and B; repeating alternating rows A, C, B, C; and repeating alternating rows D and E.

[0074] Return to reference Figure 5 The stationary grinding ring 116 may also include at least one deflector 168. The deflector 168 is preferably positioned at the lower edge 140 of the stationary grinding ring 116 and projects inwardly from the inner surface 130. As used herein, the term "positioned at" means toward, near, or close to, and does not require that any part of the deflector is actually exactly at or below the lower edge 140 of the stationary grinding ring 116. As shown, the deflector 168 has a generally dome-shaped shape, but the deflector 168 can have any suitable shape. The deflector 168 is configured to tap or deflect food waste away from the lower edge 140 of the stationary grinding ring 116 upon contact, allowing the food waste to be reset and continue to be ground by the stationary grinding ring 116. The deflector 168 prevents food waste (especially rectangular food pieces, such as small carrots) from being trapped and simply rotating along the lower edge 140 of the stationary grinding ring 116.

[0075] To facilitate mounting and holding of the stationary grinding ring 116 to the housing 108 within the grinding section 106, the stationary grinding ring 116 may include at least one mounting slot 142. Each mounting slot 142 may be configured to receive a corresponding mounting protrusion (not shown) on the housing 108 within the grinding section 106, such that the stationary grinding ring 116 can be secured to and held by the housing 108 within the grinding section 106 (preferably within the upper portion of the grinding section 106).

[0076] Return to reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 At the grinding section 106 of the food waste disposer 100, the housing 108 includes a plurality of channels 144 configured to convey pulverized food particles passing through slots 134 of the grinder teeth 128 from the grinding mechanism 112 to the collection area 122. Each channel 144 may be vertical or substantially vertical. Each channel 144 may be aligned with a row 138 of the grinder teeth 128 and is positioned to receive pulverized food particles passing through slots 134 of the grinder teeth 128. Gravity may cause pulverized food particles passing through slots 134 of one grinder tooth of the grinder teeth 128 to fall into the collection area 122 through the corresponding channel 144.

[0077] The grinding mechanism 112 is configured to receive food waste fed from the food conveying section 102 into the grinding section 106. The received food waste may fall onto the rotary chopper plate 114. The rotary chopper plate 114 is connected to the shaft 120 at its center via a connector, and thus rotates when the motor 117 transmits rotational motion to the shaft 120. Any suitable connector can be used to connect the rotary chopper plate 114 to the shaft 120; for example, a connector such as... Figure 4 The hex bolt 146 or shown Figure 7 The connector 148 is shown. The rotary chopper plate 114 also includes at least one lug 162. As shown, the rotary chopper plate 114 in the food waste disposer 100 rotates counterclockwise. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the rotary chopper plate 114 may rotate clockwise.

[0078] The rotary chopper plate 114 is configured to guide the received food waste outward as it rotates, so that the food waste is pushed against the stationary grinding ring 116.

[0079] like Figure 7As shown, the rotary chopper plate 114 includes a top surface 150, a bottom surface 152, a center 154, and an outer edge 156. The rotary chopper plate 114 is positioned relative to the stationary grinding ring 116 such that at the outer edge 156 of the rotary chopper plate 114, the top surface 150 is flush with or substantially flush with the lower edge 140 of the stationary grinding ring 116 (e.g., it may be slightly higher or slightly lower than the lower edge 140 of the stationary grinding ring 116).

[0080] The rotary chopper plate 114 may have a cross-section 158 with a thickness that increases toward the center 154 of the rotary chopper plate 114. For example, the top surface 150 of the rotary chopper plate 114 may slope upward from the outer edge 156 toward the center 154. As shown, the bottom surface 152 of the rotary chopper plate 114 may be flat or may be sloped. During operation of the food waste disposer 100, the sloped configuration of the top surface 150 of the rotary chopper plate 114 can facilitate the movement of food waste away from the center 154 toward the outer edge 156, so that the food waste will come into contact with and be ground by the stationary grinding ring 116.

[0081] like Figure 4 As shown, a gap 160 may exist between the outer edge of the rotary shredder plate 114 and the stationary grinding ring 116. The size of the gap may depend on design considerations such as tolerance stacking, but a smaller gap is generally preferred. Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the rotary chopper plate 114 may include at least one undercutter 164. The rotary chopper plate 114 may include a plurality of undercutters 164 spaced apart around its circumference. Each undercutter 164 extends outward from the outer edge 156 of the rotary chopper plate 114. The undercutter 164 may be configured to cut food waste entering the gap 160 between the outer edge of the rotary chopper plate 114 and the stationary grinding ring 116, and may also be configured to further cut food waste falling through the channel 144. Small pieces of food waste may fall into the collection area 122 by gravity through the gap 160.

[0082] Figures 8-18 Various examples of rotary chopper plates are shown, each of which can be used as a rotary chopper plate 114 in a food waste disposer 100.

[0083] Figure 8A rotary chopper plate 300 is shown, which can be shaped as described above with respect to rotary chopper plate 114 or any other example of rotary chopper plates herein, or have any features as described above with respect to rotary chopper plate 114 or any other example of rotary chopper plates herein, the difference being that the rotary chopper plate 300 includes at least one partially attached lug 302. The rotary chopper plate 300 has an outer edge 308 configured to be fixed to a shaft (e.g., shaft 120). Figure 3 The rotary chopper plate 300 includes a center 310 and a top surface 312. The rotary chopper plate 300 may also include at least one bottom cutter 314. The rotary chopper plate 300 may include multiple bottom cutters 314. Each bottom cutter 314 extends outward from its outer edge 308.

[0084] Figure 8 The diagram shows two partially attached lugs 302, but it should be understood that one, three, or more partially attached lugs 302 may be included. Each partially attached lug 302 has a first end 304 and a second end 306. The first end 304 extends along a first portion L1 of the length of the partially attached lug 302, closer to the center 310 than the second end 306. The first end 304 is securely fixed to the top surface 312 of the rotary chopper plate 300. The second end 306 extends along a second portion L2 of the length of the partially attached lug 302, closer to the outer edge 308 than the first end 304. The second end 306 is not fixed to the top surface 312 of the rotary chopper plate 300 and is therefore movable relative to the top surface 312 of the rotary chopper plate 300. Each partially attached lug 302 may be made of a flexible material, such as rubber or any other suitable flexible material. During operation, the second end 306 can bend when it encounters hard food waste, which can reduce or prevent clogging of the grinding mechanism.

[0085] Figure 9 A rotary chopper plate 400 is shown, which can be shaped as described above with respect to rotary chopper plate 114 or any other example of rotary chopper plates herein, or have any features as described above with respect to rotary chopper plate 114 or any other example of rotary chopper plates herein, the difference being that the rotary chopper plate 400 includes at least one wing-shaped lug 402. The rotary chopper plate 400 has an outer edge 404 configured to be fixed to a shaft (e.g., shaft 120). Figure 3 The rotary chopper plate 400 includes a center 406 and a top surface 408. The rotary chopper plate 400 may also include at least one bottom cutter 414. The rotary chopper plate 400 may include a plurality of bottom cutters 414 spaced apart around its circumference. Each bottom cutter 414 extends outward from its outer edge 404.

[0086] Figure 9Three wing-shaped lugs 402 are shown, but it should be understood that one, two, or more than three wing-shaped lugs 402 may be included. Each wing-shaped lug 402 has a front side 416 and a rear side 418, which are defined relative to the direction of rotation of the rotating chopper plate 400. Each front side 416 may be straight or curved, and similarly, each rear side 418 may be straight or curved. Each wing-shaped lug 402 also has a radially outer side 422 and a radially inner side 424. Each wing-shaped lug 402 has a thickness that decreases from the front side 416 to the rear side 418. The thickness may also decrease from the radially outer side 422 to the radially inner side 424.

[0087] In at least some examples, each wing-shaped lug 402 is securely attached to the top surface 408 of the rotary chopper plate 400 along its entire length or substantially the entire length of the wing-shaped lug 402. In such an example where the stationary grinding ring 116 has a deflector 168, each wing-shaped lug 402 may have a groove 426 along its radially outer side 422 to receive the deflector 168. Figure 11 As shown, in operation, the groove 426 can be configured to pass over the deflector 168 when the rotary shredder plate 400 rotates during operation.

[0088] Figure 10 and Figure 12 A rotary chopper plate 500 is shown, which may be shaped as described above with respect to rotary chopper plate 114 or any other example of rotary chopper plates herein, or have any features as described above with respect to rotary chopper plate 114 or any other example of rotary chopper plates herein, and is shown having some components that may be similar to or the same as components of rotary chopper plate 400, and therefore these components have similar reference numerals. For example, rotary chopper plate 500 includes at least one wing-shaped lug 402. Figure 10 The example shows two wing-shaped lugs 402, but it should be understood that there may be one, three, or more than three wing-shaped lugs 402. Each wing-shaped lug 402 of the rotary chopper plate 500 may have a configuration with respect to... Figure 9 The rotary chopper plate 400 shown has the same components and features as described. The rotary chopper plate 500 also has an outer edge 404 configured to be fixed to a shaft (e.g., shaft 120). Figure 3 The rotary chopper plate 500 includes a center 406 and a top surface 408. The rotary chopper plate 500 may also include at least one bottom cutter 414. The rotary chopper plate 500 may include a plurality of bottom cutters 414 spaced apart around its circumference. Each bottom cutter 414 extends outward from its outer edge 404.

[0089] The rotary chopper plate 500 may also have at least one spike 502. Two spikes 502 are shown, but it should be understood that one, three, or more than three spikes may be used. Each spike 502 may include a apex 504 and at least one sidewall 506 that can be vertically inclined. Figure 10 In the example shown, each spike 502 has a triangular prism shape with two sloping sidewalls and two vertical sidewalls. The spike 502 can have any suitable shape, such as a cone, a triangular prism with all four sidewalls sloping, or a wedge. Each spike 502 is attached to and can be securely attached to the top surface 408 of the rotary chopper plate 500 and is positioned closer to the center 406 than to the outer edge 404. Each spike 502 is configured to deflect food waste (such as half or slice of citrus) that might otherwise tend to get stuck towards the center of the rotary chopper plate 500.

[0090] The rotary chopper plate 500 may also have a bottom surface 508 and at least one pumping fin 510 attached to the bottom surface 508. The at least one pumping fin 510 extends downward from the bottom surface into the collection area 122. The at least one pumping fin 510 is configured to agitate the pulverized food particles and water in the collection area 122 of the food waste disposer 100 during operation and can facilitate the discharge of the pulverized food particles and water through the outlet 126. Figure 10 and Figure 12 The example shows two pumping fins 510, but it should be understood that there may be one, three or more pumping fins 510.

[0091] Figures 13-15 A rotary chopper plate 600 is shown, which can be shaped as described above with respect to rotary chopper plate 114 or any other example of rotary chopper plates herein, or have any features as described above with respect to rotary chopper plate 114 or any other example of rotary chopper plates herein, the difference being that the rotary chopper plate 600 includes at least one lug rotatably attached to the rotary chopper plate 600. The rotary chopper plate 600 has an outer edge 602 configured to be fixed to a shaft (e.g., shaft 120). Figure 3 The center 604 and the top surface 606.

[0092] Figures 13-15Two rotatably attached lugs 608 are shown, but it should be understood that one, three, or more rotatably attached lugs 608 may be included. Each rotatably attached lug 608 may have a base 610 that abuts against and rests on a top surface 606. Each rotatably attached lug 608 may have a connector 612 that rotatably connects the base 610 to the top surface 606. Figure 15 As shown, each connector 612 can extend through the rotary shredder plate 600 and serve as a pivot point around which a rotatably attached lug 608 rotates. For example, Figure 13 The lug 608 is shown in a first position and is rotatably attached. Figure 14 The lug 608 is shown in a second position and is rotatably attached. Figure 15 A rotatably attached lug 608 in a third position is shown. Each rotatably attached lug 608 may also have a face plate 614, which may be attached to the base 610 at an angle (e.g., 90°). Each face plate 614 may have any suitable shape, such as a curved first end 616 and a second end 618 extending toward the outer edge 602 of the rotary chopper plate 600. In this example, the first end 616 of the face plate 614 of each rotatable lug 608 extends from the side of the base 610 closest to the center 704 of the rotary chopper plate 700. The second end 618 may be rectangular or substantially rectangular, or additionally have a flat edge 620. Figure 15 As shown, the second end 618 can be spaced apart by a distance D1 above the top surface 606 of the rotary chopper plate 600. The distance D1 can be large enough that the second end 618 of the panel 614 is above the center 604 and at the location of the center 604 for connecting the rotary chopper plate 600 to the shaft 120 (…). Figure 3 Rotate above any structure.

[0093] Figure 16 Another example of a rotary chopper plate 700 with rotatably attached lugs is shown. The rotary chopper plate 700 can be shaped as described above with respect to rotary chopper plate 114 or any other example of rotary chopper plates herein, or have any of the features described above with respect to rotary chopper plate 114 or any other example of rotary chopper plates herein, and in particular, has with... Figures 13-15 The examples are similar or identical in many features, except that the panels have different constructions. The rotary chopper plate 700 has an outer edge 702, which is configured to be fixed to a shaft (e.g., shaft 120). Figure 3 The center 704 and the top surface 706.

[0094] exist Figure 16 The diagram shows two rotatably attached lugs 708, but it should be understood that one, three, or more rotatably attached lugs 708 may be included. Each rotatably attached lug 708 may have a base 710 abutting against and resting on a top surface 706. Each rotatably attached lug 708 may have a connector 712 that rotatably connects the base 710 to the top surface 706. Each connector 712 may extend through the rotary chopper plate 700 and serve as a pivot point about which the rotatably attached lug 708 rotates. Each rotatably attached lug 708 may also have a panel 714 that may be connected to the base 710 at an angle (e.g., 90°). Each panel 714 may have any suitable shape, such as a curved first end 716 and a second end 718 extending toward the outer edge 602 of the rotary chopper plate 700. In this example, the first end 716 of each panel 714 of each rotatable lug 708 extends from the side of the base 710 closest to the outer edge 702 of the rotatable chopper plate 700, and is therefore shorter than the panel 614 of each rotatable lug 608. The second end 718 may be rectangular or substantially rectangular, or additionally have a flat edge 720. Figure 16 As shown, the second end 718 can be spaced apart by a distance D1 above the top surface 706 of the rotary chopper plate 700. The distance D1 can be large enough that the second end 718 of the panel 714 is above the center 704 and at the location of the center 704 for connecting the rotary chopper plate 700 to the shaft 120 (…). Figure 3 Rotate above any structure.

[0095] Figure 17 and Figure 18 Examples of rotary chopper plates 800 and 900 are shown, each rotary chopper plate 800 and 900 including at least one partially attached lug, with Figure 8 Compared to the example shown, the lug with at least one part attached provides an alternative example of a partially fixed lug.

[0096] Figure 17 A rotary shredder plate 800 is shown, which has an outer edge 802 and is constructed to be fixed to a shaft (e.g., shaft 120). Figure 3The center 804 and the top surface 806 of the rotary chopper plate 800. The rotary chopper plate 800 may be shaped as described above with respect to the rotary chopper plate 114 or any other example of the rotary chopper plate herein, or have any features as described above with respect to the rotary chopper plate 114 or any other example of the rotary chopper plate herein, the difference being that the rotary chopper plate 800 includes at least one partially attached lug 808 mounted on the rotary chopper plate 800, spaced apart from the center 804 and extending toward the outer edge 802.

[0097] Figure 17 The diagram shows two partially attached lugs 808, but it should be understood that one, three, or more partially attached lugs 808 may be included. Each partially attached lug 808 may have any suitable shape, such as a curved shape. Each partially attached lug 808 has a first end 810 and a second end 812. The first end 810 extends along a first portion L3 of the length of the partially attached lug 808 and is closer to the center 804 than the second end 812. The first end 810 is securely attached to the top surface 806 of the rotary chopper plate 800. When two or more partially attached lugs 808 are present (e.g., ...), Figure 17 When the two parts of the lug 808 are attached, the first end 810 can be attached relative to each other in any suitable orientation. For example, in Figure 17 In the orientation shown, the first ends 810 of the two partially attached lugs 808 are attached to the top surface 806 in a straight line with each other. The second end 812 extends along a second portion L4 of the length of the partially attached lug 808, closer to the outer edge 802 than the first end 810. The second end 812 is not fixed to the top surface 806 of the rotary chopper plate 800, and is therefore movable relative to the top surface 806 of the rotary chopper plate 800. Each partially attached lug 808 can be made of a flexible material, such as spring steel or any other suitable flexible material. During operation, the second end 812 of each partially attached lug 808 can bend when encountering hard food waste, which can reduce or prevent clogging of the grinding mechanism.

[0098] Figure 18 A rotary shredder plate 900 is shown, having an outer edge 902 configured to be fixed to a shaft (e.g., shaft 120). Figure 3The center 904 and the top surface 906 of the rotary chopper plate 900. The rotary chopper plate 900 may be shaped as described above with respect to the rotary chopper plate 114 or any other example of the rotary chopper plate herein, or have any features as described above with respect to the rotary chopper plate 114 or any other example of the rotary chopper plate herein, the difference being that the rotary chopper plate 900 includes at least one partially attached lug 908 mounted on the rotary chopper plate 900, spaced apart from the center 904 and extending toward the outer edge 902.

[0099] Figure 18 The diagram shows two partially attached lugs 908, but it should be understood that one, three, or more partially attached lugs 908 may be included. Each partially attached lug 908 may have any suitable shape, such as a curved shape. Each partially attached lug 908 has a first end 910 and a second end 912. The first end 910 extends along a first portion L5 of the length of the partially attached lug 908 and is closer to the center 904 than the second end 912. The first end 910 is securely attached to the top surface 906 of the rotary chopper plate 900. When two or more partially attached lugs 908 are present (e.g., ... Figure 18 When the two parts of the lug 908 are attached, the first end 910 can be attached relative to each other in any suitable orientation. For example, in Figure 18 In the orientation shown, the first ends 910 of the two partially attached lugs 908 are attached parallel to each other to the top surface 906. The second end 912 extends along a second portion L6 of the length of the partially attached lug 908, closer to the outer edge 902 than the first end 910. The second end 912 is not fixed to the top surface 906 of the rotary chopper plate 900 and is therefore movable relative to the top surface 906 of the rotary chopper plate 900. Each partially attached lug 908 can be made of a flexible material, such as spring steel or any other suitable flexible material. During operation, the second end 912 of each partially attached lug 908 can bend when encountering hard food waste, which can reduce or prevent clogging of the grinding mechanism.

[0100] In each example of the rotary chopper plate provided herein, the lug may extend above the top surface of the rotary chopper plate by any suitable amount, which may be equal to or less than the highest point of the lug. Figure 5 The height H1 of the grinder ring is shown. In at least one embodiment, the second end of each lug, i.e. the end closest to the grinder ring, may extend above the top surface of the rotating chopper plate by an amount equal to or substantially equal to the height H2 of any row or grinder tooth.

[0101] Based on the foregoing, it will be understood that although specific examples have been described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that the appended claims include all equivalents intended to be specifically pointed out and clearly stated as the subject matter claimed.

Claims

1. A food waste disposer, comprising: The housing, defined by the housing: - Food delivery section; - Motor section, the motor section including a motor that rotates the shaft; - A grinding section, located between the food conveying section and the motor section. A grinding mechanism, located within the grinding section, comprises: - A stationary grinding ring comprising multiple rows of grinding teeth, wherein each row of grinding teeth has at least one grinding tooth; and - A rotary chopper plate attached to the shaft, the rotary chopper plate including at least one lug, wherein the at least one lug of the rotary chopper plate includes at least one partially attached lug, the at least one partially attached lug including: -- A first end, the first end extending along a first portion of the length of the lug to which the portion is attached and securely fixed to the top surface of the rotary shredder plate; and -- The second end extends along a second portion of the length of the lug attached to the portion and is movable relative to the top surface of the rotating shredder plate.

2. The food waste disposer according to claim 1, wherein, Each grinding tooth includes: A slot, the slot providing an opening from the inner surface of the stationary grinding ring through the stationary grinding ring to the outer surface of the stationary grinding ring; and A raised cutting edge that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the stationary grinding ring.

3. The food waste disposer according to claim 1, wherein, In the grinding section, the housing includes channels aligned with each row of grinding teeth.

4. The food waste disposer according to claim 1, wherein, The stationary grinding ring also includes a deflector located at the lower edge of the stationary grinding ring.

5. The food waste disposer according to claim 1, wherein, The rotary shredder plate has a cross-section with a thickness that increases toward the center of the rotary shredder plate.

6. The food waste disposer according to claim 1, wherein, The rotary shredder plate is positioned relative to the stationary grinding ring such that the top surface of the outer edge of the rotary shredder plate is flush with the lower edge of the stationary grinding ring.

7. The food waste disposer according to claim 1, wherein, The rotary shredder plate also includes at least one bottom cutter extending outward from the outer edge of the rotary shredder plate.

8. The food waste disposer according to claim 1, wherein, The rotary chopper plate further includes at least one nail-like object, the at least one nail-like object having a apex and at least one sidewall, and the at least one nail-like object being positioned closer to the center of the rotary chopper plate than to the outer edge of the rotary chopper plate.

9. The food waste disposer according to claim 1, wherein, The rotary shredder plate also includes a bottom surface and at least one pumping fin, which is attached to and extends downward from the bottom surface.

10. A grinding mechanism for a food waste disposer, the grinding mechanism comprising: A stationary grinding ring, the stationary grinding ring comprising multiple rows of grinding teeth, wherein each row of grinding teeth has at least one grinding tooth; as well as A rotary chopper plate, the rotary chopper plate including at least one lug; Wherein, the at least one lug of the rotary chopper plate includes at least one partially attached lug, the at least one partially attached lug comprising: - A first end, extending along a first portion of the length of the lug to which the portion is attached and securely fixed to the top surface of the rotary shredder plate; and - A second end, which extends along a second portion of the length of the lug attached to the portion, and is movable relative to the top surface of the rotating shredder plate.

11. The grinding mechanism according to claim 10, wherein, Each grinding tooth includes: A slot, the slot providing an opening from the inner surface of the stationary grinding ring through the stationary grinding ring to the outer surface of the stationary grinding ring; and A raised cutting edge that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the stationary grinding ring.

12. The grinding mechanism according to claim 10, wherein, The stationary grinding ring also includes a deflector located at the lower edge of the stationary grinding ring.

13. The grinding mechanism according to claim 10, wherein, The rotary shredder plate has a cross-section with a thickness that increases toward the center of the rotary shredder plate.

14. The grinding mechanism according to claim 10, wherein, The rotary shredder plate is positioned relative to the stationary grinding ring such that the top surface of the outer edge of the rotary shredder plate is flush with the lower edge of the stationary grinding ring.

15. The grinding mechanism according to claim 10, wherein, The rotary shredder plate also includes a bottom surface and at least one pumping fin attached to and extending downward from the bottom surface.

16. The grinding mechanism according to claim 10, wherein, The rotary chopper plate further includes at least one nail-like object, the at least one nail-like object having a apex and at least one sidewall, and the at least one nail-like object being positioned closer to the center of the rotary chopper plate than to the outer edge of the rotary chopper plate.

17. A food waste disposer, comprising: The housing, defined by the housing: - Food delivery section; - Motor section, the motor section including a motor that rotates the shaft; - A grinding section, located between the food conveying section and the motor section. A grinding mechanism, located within the grinding section, comprises: - A stationary grinding ring comprising multiple rows of grinding teeth, wherein each row of grinding teeth has at least one grinding tooth; and - A rotary chopper plate attached to the shaft, the rotary chopper plate including at least one lug, wherein the at least one lug of the rotary chopper plate includes at least one wing-shaped lug, the wing-shaped lug including a front side, a rear side, a radially outer side, a radially inner side, and a thickness that decreases from the front side to the rear side and also decreases from the radially outer side to the radially inner side.

18. The food waste disposer according to claim 17, wherein, The rotary shredder plate also includes at least one bottom cutter extending outward from the outer edge of the rotary shredder plate.

19. The food waste disposer according to claim 17, wherein, The rotary chopper plate further includes at least one nail-like object, the at least one nail-like object having a apex and at least one sidewall, and the at least one nail-like object being positioned closer to the center of the rotary chopper plate than to the outer edge of the rotary chopper plate.

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