Apparatus for cutting solid foodstuffs into slices

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (1; 1a) for cutting solid foodstuffs (33) into slices, in particular for cutting blocks of cheese into slices, comprising a receiving device (2; 2a) for receiving a foodstuff (33) to be cut into slices and a cutting device (3; 3a) pivotably connected to the receiving device. The cutting device (3; 3a) advantageously has elongate cutting means (5; 6; 5a, 6a) which are arranged in at least two spaced-apart cutting planes (7; 8; 7a, 8a). A smooth cut without deforming the foodstuff is possible. Advantageously, a smooth cut is possible without deforming the foodstuff.

Description

[0001] Description:

[0002] Schuster-Engineering GmbH, 66620 Nonnweiler (Germany) “Device for cutting solid food into slices”

[0003] The invention relates to a device for cutting solid foodstuffs into slices, in particular for cutting cheese wheels into slices, which device comprises a receiving device for receiving a foodstuff to be sliced ​​and a cutting device pivotably connected to the receiving device.

[0004] A solid food is a food that, unlike liquid foods, retains its shape.

[0005] Cutting devices are known from US 2014 / 208908 A1 and DE 34 31 955 A1.

[0006] Egg slicers are well known for their use. With an egg slicer, an egg is sliced ​​using cutting wires. Depending on the hardness of the egg and the thickness of the cutting wires, the egg is deformed during the cutting process.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of creating a device of the type mentioned above, by means of which a food product, in particular a cheese wheel, for example a soft cheese wheel, can be sliced ​​while maintaining its shape as far as possible. For example, soft cheese slices cut with a device according to the invention are particularly well suited for use in flatbreads, to whose shape the soft cheese wheel is adapted.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of creating a device of the type mentioned at the outset with which a solid food can be cut into several slices in a single work step.

[0009] According to the invention, this object is achieved in that the cutting device has a plurality of elongate cutting means arranged in at least two spaced-apart cutting planes. Each of the at least two cutting planes of the cutting device has a plurality of elongate cutting means, preferably equidistant from one another. The cutting planes are arranged one behind the other in a direction of a cutting movement, such that the cutting means of a first of the at least two cutting planes first come into contact with a food item to be cut, and the cutting means of a second of the at least two cutting planes only at a later point in time during the cutting movement. Advantageously, even with elongate cutting means arranged closely next to one another, there is no deformation of the food item to be cut, but rather a smooth cut without deformation of the food item is possible.A smooth cut is a cut that creates a parting plane that, for example, has no visible pinch points or breakouts.

[0010] The inventors have recognized that a cutting device according to the invention is particularly suitable for quickly slicing soft cheese wheels, making its use in the catering industry, especially in fast-food doner kebab restaurants, particularly advantageous. Preferably, exactly two cutting planes are provided.

[0011] Advantageously, the at least two spaced-apart cutting planes are parallel to each other.

[0012] Advantageously, this allows for a consistent, smooth cut of the food being sliced. Areas where breakouts or visible pinch marks could occur are prevented. A solid food can be cut into visually appealing slices that replicate its original shape.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the elongate cutting means of a first cutting plane of the at least two cutting planes are arranged offset from the elongate cutting means of a second of the at least two cutting planes.

[0014] A staggered arrangement means an offset perpendicular to a direction in which the elongated cutting means extend.

[0015] Advantageously, an offset cut is possible in which adjacent cutting means, which cut a slice out of a food item to be cut, plunge into the food item one after the other during a cutting movement of the cutting device. Advantageously, even when the cutting means are close together, the food item is not crushed. Preferably, the at least two cutting planes are arranged offset in such a way that an inner slice cut out of a solid food item has a cutting surface on a first side which is created by a cutting means in a first of the at least two cutting planes, and has a cutting surface on a second side which is created by a cutting means in a second of the at least two cutting planes. The inventors have recognized that such an offset arrangement enables a particularly smooth cut, in particular with foods such as cheese, in particular soft cheese.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the plurality of elongated cutting means are designed as a cutting wire, a blade, or a combination of cutting wires and blades. Such cutting means can be used to cut a wide variety of foods of varying firmness. For example, cutting wires are particularly suitable for easily breakable foods such as soft cheeses, while blades, especially rigid blades, are particularly suitable for foods such as raw fish.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the cutting device comprises a frame, wherein the elongate cutting means extend in a frame longitudinal direction.

[0018] In particular, the cutting means can extend parallel to a frame longitudinal direction.

[0019] The frame is pivotally connected to the support device. A food item to be sliced ​​can be placed in the support device so that it is positioned below the frame. By pivoting the frame, the cutting elements are guided through the solid food to be sliced, dividing it into slices.

[0020] Advantageously, the frame provides a stabilizing means that enables stable guidance of the cutting means through a solid food to be cut.

[0021] A frame longitudinal direction is a direction in which the frame extends from a rotation axis around which the cutting device can be pivoted.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the cutting device has a frame within which the at least two spaced-apart cutting planes are arranged.

[0023] The inventors realized that arranging all cutting planes within the frame creates a particularly stable cutting device that can be used for a wide range of solid foods. The stabilizing effect of the frame also ensures a particularly smooth cut. Deformation of the device during intended use, which could lead to uneven cuts, is advantageously prevented.

[0024] Conveniently, the cutting device comprises a frame comprising two cutting means holders between which the plurality of elongate cutting means extend, wherein the two cutting means holders form opposite frame parts.

[0025] The multiple elongated cutting elements are mounted between the two cutting element holders, preferably clamped between them. Because the cutting element holders form opposing frame parts, a compact yet stable device is created.

[0026] It is conceivable for a cutting device to have a clamping device that allows the cutting elements to be tensioned. Advantageously, their tension can be adjusted to suit different solid foods. For example, a high tension is required for cutting raw fish or soft cheeses, while a lower tension is sufficient for cutting eggs, for example.

[0027] The clamping device also makes it easy to replace the cutting tools, as they can be replaced in a relaxed state and used for cutting in a clamped state.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, one of the cutting means holders is linearly movable in a frame longitudinal direction.

[0029] Advantageously, the tension with which the cutting means are arranged between the cutting means holders can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the two cutting means holders. Movement of one cutting means holder is possible, for example, by means of a clamping means. Preferably, the clamping means comprises an actuating means, such as a handle, which is configured both to clamp the cutting means and to effect a cutting movement.

[0030] The cutting device expediently comprises an actuating means, the actuation of which, in particular by pressing it downwards in a direction of gravity, can cause a cutting movement. For example, a cutting movement can be achieved by pressing the actuating means downwards. A purely mechanical cutting device is created; electronic or electrical components are not required. Furthermore, a device according to the invention can be easily cleaned after use.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the invention, the actuating means is formed integrally onto a frame of the cutting device and preferably comprises a handle or is designed as a bow-like handle.

[0032] Advantageously, a particularly stable mechanical cutting device is created.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, the actuating means is pivotably connected to a frame of the cutting device, wherein a connection of the actuating means to the frame is designed such that, upon pivoting of the actuating means, a movable cutting means holder is linearly movable along a longitudinal axis of the frame.

[0034] A cutting device is created in which the tension of the cutting means is adjustable between cutting means holders, between which the cutting means extend. This ensures that sufficient cutting means tension is present, especially when the cutting means are designed as cutting wires. Advantageously, no crushing or breakage occurs in the food being cut during a cutting process. A particularly smooth cut is possible.

[0035] Overall, a cutting device is created that can be used without modification for a variety of different foods that are to be sliced, for example for hard cheese, soft cheese, fish or vegetables such as potatoes or carrots.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the invention, the receiving device comprises two side cheeks against which a solid food to be cut can be placed, wherein each of the side cheeks preferably has a recess.

[0037] The two side walls prevent a food item to be sliced ​​from sliding sideways out of the cutting device during a cutting process. The side walls also define a receiving space for a food item to be sliced. Thanks to the two recesses, a sliced ​​food item can be removed in one go by grasping it, for example, with pliers or two fingers. The side walls are expediently designed as guides that guide a frame of the cutting device, with the outer sides of the side walls resting against the inner sides of the frame during a cutting process.

[0038] The side walls stabilize the device, especially the frame of the cutting device, during a cutting movement. Lateral tilting or sideways movement of the frame, which could lead to an uneven cut, is advantageously prevented.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, the receiving device has a comb-like retaining means which prevents movement of a food item to be cut from a cutting position during a cutting process.

[0040] Due to the comb-like design, the retaining means can hold a food item to be sliced ​​until the cutting process is completed. The multiple cutting means can engage between adjacent prongs of the comb-like return means, enabling a cutting movement that allows the food item to be sliced ​​completely.

[0041] Prongs of the comb-like retaining means preferably protrude at an angle from the receiving device.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the invention, the receiving device comprises a preferably flat base which is formed from spaced-apart, parallel struts, wherein a base surface is arranged at a distance from an axis of rotation around which the cutting device is pivotable.

[0043] The distance is preferably a vertical distance or a vertical and horizontal distance.

[0044] Advantageously, the cutting elements can be inserted into the base between the bars at the end of a cutting process. This allows the food to be sliced ​​completely.

[0045] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings relating to the exemplary embodiments. They show:

[0046] Fig. 1 a-d shows a first embodiment of a cutting device according to the invention, Fig. 2a-f shows a further embodiment of a cutting device according to the invention. A device 1 for cutting a solid food into slices, shown in Fig. 1 a in a perspective view and Fig. 1 b in a sectional side view (section BB), comprises a receiving device 2 for a food to be sliced ​​(not shown in Fig. 1) and a cutting device 3 which is pivotably connected to the receiving device 2 and has a frame 4 within which elongate cutting means, designed as cutting wires 5, 6 in this exemplary embodiment, are arranged.

[0047] The cutting wires 5 are arranged in a first cutting plane 7 of two parallel cutting planes 7, 8, while the cutting wires 6 are arranged in a second cutting plane 8 of the two cutting planes 7, 8. The cutting wires of the two cutting planes are arranged offset from one another.

[0048] It has proven advantageous if the parallel cutting planes 7, 8 for cutting a solid food such as a soft cheese wheel have a distance of 4.50 mm + / - 0.20 mm.

[0049] The cutting wires 5 are arranged offset from the cutting wires 6.

[0050] The cutting wires 5 are sections of a wire 9, which is deflected by a total of four deflection rollers 10, 11.

[0051] The cutting wires 6 are sections of a wire 12 which is deflected by a total of four deflection rollers 13, 14.

[0052] The pulleys 10, 13 are located on opposite sides of a wire holder

[0053] 15, which forms a first frame part of the frame 4, and are arranged offset from one another in a longitudinal direction of the wire holder 15.

[0054] The deflection rollers 11 , 14 are located on opposite sides of a wire holder

[0055] 16, which forms a second frame part of the frame 4 opposite the first frame part, and are arranged offset from one another in a longitudinal direction of the wire holder 16.

[0056] Due to the offset arrangement of the deflection rollers 10, 13, 11, 14, the cutting wires 5, 6 are offset from one another in the longitudinal direction of the respective wire holder 15, 16.

[0057] The staggered arrangement is shown in Fig. 1 d, which is a partially transparent representation of the device 1 in a front view.

[0058] A distance between the two cutting planes 7, 8 corresponds to a thickness of the wire holders 15, 16. A handle 17 is formed integrally on the frame 4 and is designed like a bow.

[0059] The receiving device 2 also has two side walls 18, a comb-like retaining means 19, and a base 20. Each of the side walls 18 is provided with a recess 21 through which a sliced ​​food item can be grasped from two sides for removal.

[0060] The base 20 is formed from struts 22 arranged parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another. The struts 22 are located in the receiving device 2 above a pivot axis 23 about which the frame 4 can pivot, i.e., an upper side of the base 20 is raised relative to the pivot axis 23.

[0061] For cutting a solid food not shown in Fig. 1 ad into slices, the device 1 stands on a solid surface such as a table and between the side walls

[0062] 18, the food to be sliced ​​is introduced, wherein a receiving space 24 for the food to be sliced ​​is formed by the side walls 18, the cutting plane 7 and the comb-like retaining means 19.

[0063] By pressing down the handle 17 from an initial position of the cutting device 2 shown in Fig. 1a into an end position shown in Fig. 1c, in which the cutting wires 5, 6 are arranged below the base 20 after passing between the struts 22, the food to be cut is cut into slices by the cutting wires 5, 6, wherein an inner slice is separated from the solid food by a cutting wire 5 and an adjacent cutting wire 6 of the two wire levels 7, 8.

[0064] Because the cutting wires 5, 6 during a cutting movement from the initial position to the final position, in which the frame 4 is pivoted about the rotation axis 23, are held between the struts 22 of the base 20 and between prongs 25 of the comb-like retaining means

[0065] 19 and are in the final position below an upper side of the base 20, several individual slices are cut out of the solid food.

[0066] The side walls 18 further form a guide means for the frame 4, in that inner sides 26 of the frame 4 rest against outer sides 27 of the side walls 18 during the cutting movement. The receiving device 2 further has a base 28, which comprises a base bottom part 29 with feet 30 and a passage 31, wherein the base 28 is integrally formed with the receiving device 2. A user of the device 1 can reach through the passage 31 to fix it during a cutting process and, by pressing on the base bottom part 29, fix the device 1 to a surface on which the device 1 stands during normal use, against lateral tipping.

[0067] Reference is now made to Fig. 2a-f, where identical or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference number as in Fig. 1 and the letter a is added to the relevant reference number.

[0068] A device 1 a for cutting a solid food into slices, shown in Fig. 2a in a perspective view and in Fig. 2b in a sectional side view (section BB), differs from that shown in Fig. 1 in that a wire holder 15 a can be moved linearly in a frame longitudinal direction in the direction of an arrow 32 shown in Fig. 2 d by pivoting a bow-like handle 17 a which is pivotably attached to a frame 4 a of the device 1 a, wherein Fig. 2 d shows a section A from Fig. 2 a.

[0069] When the handle 17a is pivoted from a relaxed position shown in Fig. 2e into a tensioned position shown in Fig. 2f, the cutting wires 5a, 6a are tensioned by a linear movement of the wire holder 15a in the direction of the arrow 32. Tensioned cutting wires 5a, 6a allow a particularly smooth cutting surface that is largely free of breakouts and crushing, in particular when a soft cheese wheel is cut.

[0070] A cutting device 2a is in a position shown in Figs. 2a and 2b in an intermediate position between an initial position and an end position shown in Fig. 2c. In the intermediate position shown, cutting wires 5a of a first cutting plane 7a are immersed in a solid food item 33 to be cut, which in this embodiment is designed as a soft cheese wheel, while immediately adjacent cutting wires 6a of a second cutting plane 8a, arranged offset from the cutting wires 5a, are not yet immersed in the food item 33.

[0071] Details of the handle 17a pivotally connected to the frame 4a are shown in Fig. 2d. Lateral connecting projections of the wire holder 15a are guided on opposite sides through an elongated passage 34 in the frame 4a, wherein the handle 17a is pivotally connected to the wire holder 15a.

[0072] Lateral notches 36 with a rounded contact area 37 are introduced into an end section 35 of the frame 4a, wherein the contact area 37 is designed to bear against a guide projection 38 which is attached to an inner side of the handle 17a.

[0073] In the unclamping position, the guide projection 38 rests against an edge region of the notch 36, as shown in Fig. 2e, and slides along the contact region during a clamping movement from the unclamping position to the clamping position shown in Fig. 2f, causing the wire holder 15a to move in the direction of arrow 32 into the main clamping position. It has proven advantageous if a linear movement of up to 3.00 mm is possible.

[0074] A change of cutting wires 6a is possible by loosening the ends of a wire 12a forming the cutting wire 6a in the unclamping position by loosening hexagon socket screws 39, 40 which fix the wire ends of the wires 9a, 12a in a respective wire holder 15a, 16a.

[0075] A new wire 12a can be inserted, for example, by first connecting a first end of the wire to the wire holder 16a by means of the hexagon socket screw 39, and then guiding the wire 12a to the hexagon socket screw 40 of the wire holder 15a over the deflection rollers 13a, 14a to form the cutting wires 6a and fixing it there.

[0076] By moving the handle 17a from the relaxed position to the clamped position, the wire da is clamped between the wire holders 15a, 16a, whereby the cutting wires 6a are placed under tensile stress.

[0077] Replacing a wire 9a is done in a similar manner. io

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Device (1; 1a) for slicing solid foodstuffs (33) into slices, in particular for slicing cheese wheels into slices, which device comprises a receiving device (2; 2a) for receiving a foodstuff (33) to be sliced ​​and a cutting device (3; 3a) pivotably connected to the receiving device (2; 2a), characterized in that the cutting device (3; 3a) has elongate cutting means (5, 6; 5a, 6a) which are arranged in at least two cutting planes (7, 8; 7a, 8a) spaced apart from one another.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two spaced-apart cutting planes (7, 8; 7a, 8a) are parallel to each other.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elongate cutting means (5; 5a) of a first cutting plane (7; 7a) of the at least two cutting planes (7, 8; 7a, 8a) are arranged offset from the elongate cutting means (6; 6a) of a second (8; 8a) of the at least two cutting planes (7, 8; 7a, 8a).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the plurality of elongate cutting means are designed as a cutting wire (5, 6; 5a, 6a), as a blade, or cutting wires and blades.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cutting device (3; 3a) has a frame (4; 4a), wherein the elongate cutting means (5, 6; 5a, 6a) extend in a frame longitudinal direction.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5. characterized in that the cutting device (3; 3a) has a frame (4; 4a) within which the at least two spaced-apart cutting planes (7, 8; 7a, 8a) are arranged.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cutting device (3; 3a) has a frame (4; 4a) which comprises two cutting means holders (15, 16; 15a, 16a), between which the plurality of elongate cutting means (5, 6; 5a, 6a) extend, the two cutting means holders (15, 16; 15a, 16a) forming opposite frame parts.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that one of the cutting means holders (15; 15a) is linearly movable in a frame longitudinal direction.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cutting device (3; 3a) has an actuating means (17; 17a), by the actuation of which, in particular by its downward pressing in a direction of action of gravity, a cutting movement can be effected.

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the actuating means (17; 17a) is formed integrally on a frame (4; 4a) of the cutting device (3; 3a) and preferably comprises a handle or is designed as a bow-like handle.

11. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the actuating means (17; 17a) is pivotably connected to a frame (4; 4a) of the cutting device (3; 3a), wherein a connection of the actuating means (17; 17a) to the frame (4; 4a) is designed such that in the case of a Pivoting the actuating means (17; 17a) a movable cutting means holder (15; 15a) is linearly movable along a longitudinal axis of the frame (4; 4a).

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the receiving device (2; 2a) comprises two side cheeks (18; 18a) against which a solid food item (33) to be cut can be placed, wherein each of the side cheeks (18; 18a) preferably has a recess (21).

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the side cheeks (18; 18a) are designed as guide means which guide a frame (4; 4a) of the cutting device (3; 3a), wherein during a cutting process outer sides (27) of the side cheeks (18; 18a) rest on inner sides (26) of the frame (4; 4a).

14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the receiving device (2; 2a) has a comb-like retaining means (18; 18a) which prevents movement of a food item to be cut from a cutting position during a cutting process.

15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the receiving device (2; 2a) comprises a preferably flat base (20; 20a) which is formed from spaced-apart, parallel struts (21), wherein a base surface is arranged at a distance from an axis of rotation (23; 23a) around which the cutting device (3; 3a) is pivotable.

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