Device for cutting solid foods 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] The invention relates to a device for slicing solid foodstuffs, in particular for slicing cheese wheels, comprising a receiving device for receiving a foodstuff to be sliced ​​and a cutting device pivotably connected to the receiving device, wherein the cutting device has elongated cutting means arranged in at least two spaced-apart cutting planes.

[0002] A solid food is a food that, unlike liquid foods, retains its shape.

[0003] Cutting devices according to the preamble of claim 1 are known from US 2014 / 208908 A1, DE 34 31 955 A1 and US 8,739,669 B2.

[0004] Egg slicers are well-known through their use. With an egg slicer, an egg to be sliced ​​is cut by cutting wires. Depending on the hardness of the egg and the thickness of the cutting wires, the egg is deformed during slicing.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of creating a device of the type mentioned at the outset, by which a foodstuff, in particular a cheese wheel, for example a soft cheese wheel, can be sliced ​​while largely retaining its shape. For example, soft cheese slices cut with a device according to the invention are particularly well suited for use in flatbread, to whose shape the shape of the soft cheese wheel is adapted, due to the retention of their shape.

[0006] Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of creating a device of the type mentioned above with which a solid foodstuff can be cut into several slices in a single operation.

[0007] According to the invention, the problem is solved by the cutting device having an actuating means by whose actuation a cutting movement can be effected, wherein the actuating means is pivotably articulated to a frame of the cutting device, wherein a connection of the actuating means with the frame is designed such that when the actuating means is pivoted, a movable cutting element holder can be moved linearly along a longitudinal axis of the frame.

[0008] For example, a cutting motion can be achieved by pressing down the actuating element in one direction of gravity. This creates a purely mechanical cutting device; no electronic or electrical components are required. Furthermore, the device according to the invention can be easily cleaned after use.

[0009] A cutting device is created in which the tension of the cutting elements between the cutting element holders, between which the cutting elements extend, is adjustable. This ensures sufficient cutting element tension, especially when the cutting elements are designed as cutting wires. Advantageously, no crushing or chipping occurs on the food being cut during the cutting process. A particularly smooth cut is possible.

[0010] Overall, a cutting device is created that can be used without modification for a wide variety of different foods to be sliced, for example, hard cheese, soft cheese, fish or vegetables such as potatoes or carrots.

[0011] Each of the at least two cutting planes of the cutting device has several elongated cutting elements, preferably equidistant from one another. The cutting planes are arranged one behind the other in the direction of a cutting movement, so that the cutting elements of a first of the at least two cutting planes are in contact with the food being cut first, and the cutting elements of a second of the at least two cutting planes only come into contact later during the cutting movement. Advantageously, even with closely spaced elongated cutting elements, the food being cut is not deformed, but rather a smooth cut without deformation of the food is possible. A smooth cut is a cut in which a separation plane is created that, for example, has no visible crush marks or chips.

[0012] The inventors have recognized that a cutting device according to the invention is particularly suitable for quickly slicing soft cheese rounds, making its use in the catering industry, especially in fast-food kebab restaurants, particularly advantageous. Preferably, exactly two cutting planes are provided.

[0013] It is advantageous for the at least two cutting planes, spaced apart from each other, to be parallel to each other.

[0014] The advantage is that a food item can be sliced ​​into even, smooth slices. Areas where chips or visible bruises could occur are prevented. A firm food can be cut into visually appealing slices that reflect the original shape of the food.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the elongated cutting means of a first cutting plane of the at least two cutting planes are arranged offset from the elongated cutting means of a second of the at least two cutting planes.

[0016] An offset arrangement means an offset perpendicular to a direction in which the elongated cutting elements extend.

[0017] An advantageous feature is the staggered cutting action, in which adjacent cutting elements, which separate a slice from the food being cut, penetrate the food sequentially during a single cutting movement of the cutting device. This also prevents crushing of the food, even with small distances between the cutting elements.

[0018] Preferably, the at least two cutting planes are arranged offset such that an inner slice cut from a solid foodstuff has, on a first side, a cutting surface created by a cutting element of a first of the at least two cutting planes, and on a second side, a cutting surface created by a cutting element of a second of the at least two cutting planes. The inventors have recognized that such an offset arrangement enables a particularly smooth cut, especially with foods such as cheese, particularly soft cheese.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the multiple elongated cutting elements are configured as cutting wires, blades, or cutting wires and blades. A large number of foods of varying firmness can be cut with such cutting elements. 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.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the cutting device has a frame, wherein the elongated cutting means extend in a longitudinal direction of the frame.

[0021] In particular, the cutting means can extend parallel to a longitudinal direction of the frame.

[0022] The frame is pivotally connected to the holding device. A food item to be sliced ​​can be placed in the holding device so that it is positioned below the frame. By pivoting the frame, the cutting elements are guided through the solid food item and slice it.

[0023] Advantageously, the frame creates a stabilizing element that enables stable guidance of the cutting tools through a solid foodstuff to be cut.

[0024] A frame longitudinal direction is a direction in which the frame extends from an axis of rotation around which the cutting device can pivot.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The inventors recognized that arranging all cutting edges within the frame creates a particularly stable cutting device suitable for a wide range of solid foods. The stabilizing effect of the frame also ensures a particularly smooth cut. Deformation of the device during normal use, which could lead to uneven cuts, is advantageously prevented.

[0027] Advantageously, the cutting device has a frame comprising two cutting medium holders, between which the several elongated cutting mediums extend, the two cutting medium holders forming opposing frame parts.

[0028] The several 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 and stable device is created.

[0029] It is conceivable that a cutting device has a clamping mechanism by which the cutting elements can be tensioned. An advantage is that the tension of these elements can be adjusted for different solid foods. For example, high tension is required for cutting raw fish or soft cheese wheels, while lower tension is sufficient for cutting eggs, for instance.

[0030] The clamping device also allows for easy replacement of the cutting tools, as these can be replaced in a relaxed state and used for cutting in a clamped state.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, one of the cutting tool holders is linearly movable in a longitudinal direction of the frame.

[0032] Advantageously, the tension with which the cutting elements are arranged between the cutting element holders can be adjusted by changing the distance between the two cutting element holders. Movement of one cutting element holder is possible, for example, by means of a clamping device. Preferably, the clamping device includes an actuating element, such as a handle, which is designed both for clamping the cutting elements and for effecting a cutting movement.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention, the actuating means is integrally formed on a frame of the cutting device and preferably comprises a handle or is designed as a bow-shaped handle.

[0034] Advantageously, a particularly stable mechanical cutting device is created.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention, the receiving device comprises two side cheeks against which a solid foodstuff to be cut can be placed, each of the side cheeks preferably having a recess.

[0036] The two side walls prevent food being sliced ​​from sliding sideways out of the cutting device during the slicing process. The side walls also define the area where the food can be sliced. Thanks to the two recesses, a sliced ​​piece of food can be removed all at once by grasping it, for example with tongs or two fingers.

[0037] Advantageously, the side cheeks are designed as guides that guide a frame of the cutting device, whereby during a cutting process the outer sides of the side cheeks rest against the inner sides of the frame.

[0038] The side walls stabilize the device, particularly the frame of the cutting unit, during a cutting motion. Lateral tilting or 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 that prevents a foodstuff being cut from moving out of a cutting position during a cutting process.

[0040] The comb-like design of the retaining device allows it to hold the food being cut until the cutting process is complete. The multiple cutting elements can engage between adjacent teeth of the comb-like retainer, enabling a cutting motion that allows the food to be completely sliced.

[0041] The tines of the comb-like retaining device 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 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 can be pivoted.

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

[0044] Advantageously, the cutting elements can dip into the base between the struts at the end of a cutting process. This makes it advantageous for 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 these embodiments. The drawings show: Fig. 1a-d An embodiment of a cutting device, Fig. 2a- fine embodiment of a cutting device according to the invention.

[0046] One in Fig. 1a in a perspective view and Fig. 1b The device 1 for slicing a solid foodstuff, shown in a sectional side view (section BB), comprises a receiving device 2 for a Fig. 1 foodstuff to be cut (not shown) and a cutting device 3 pivotably connected to the receiving device 2, which has a frame 4 within which, in this embodiment, elongated cutting means designed as cutting wires 5, 6 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 offset from each other.

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

[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 pulleys 10, 11.

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

[0052] The deflection rollers 10, 13 are located on opposite sides of a wire holder 15, which forms a first frame part of the frame 4, and are arranged offset from each other in a longitudinal direction of the wire holder 15.

[0053] The deflection rollers 11, 14 are located on opposite sides of a wire holder 16, which forms a second frame part of the frame 4 opposite the first frame part, and are arranged offset from each other in a longitudinal direction of the wire holder 16.

[0054] Due to the offset arrangement of the deflection rollers 10, 13, 11, 14, the cutting wires 5, 6 are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the respective wire holder 15, 16.

[0055] The staggered arrangement shows Fig. 1d , which is a partially transparent representation of the device 1 in a front view.

[0056] A distance between the two cutting planes 7, 8 corresponds to a thickness of the wire holders 15, 16.

[0057] A handle 17 is integrally molded onto the frame 4 and is shaped like a stirrup.

[0058] The receiving device 2 also has two side cheeks 18, a comb-like retaining element 19, and a base 20. Each of the side cheeks 18 is provided with a recess 21 through which a sliced ​​foodstuff can be grasped for removal from two sides.

[0059] The base 20 is formed from parallel, spaced-apart struts 22. The struts 22 are located in the receiving device 2 above a pivot axis 23, about which the frame 4 can pivot; that is, one upper surface of the base 20 is raised relative to the pivot axis 23.

[0060] To cut a Fig. 1a-d The device 1, which holds a solid foodstuff (not shown) in slices, stands on a solid surface such as a table and the foodstuff to be sliced ​​is placed between the side walls 18, a receiving space 24 for the foodstuff to be sliced ​​is formed by the side walls 18, the cutting plane 7 and the comb-like retaining means 19.

[0061] By pressing down the handle 17 from a position in Fig. 1a shown initial position of the cutting device 2 in a Fig. 1c In the final position shown, 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 sliced ​​by the cutting wires 5, 6, whereby an inner slice is separated from the solid food by a cutting wire 5 and an adjacent cutting wire 6 of the two wire planes 7, 8.

[0062] Because the cutting wires 5, 6 can pass between the struts 22 of the base 20 and between the tines 25 of the comb-like retaining device 19 during a cutting movement from the initial position to the final position, in which the frame 4 is pivoted about the axis of rotation 23, and are located below a top surface of the base 20 in the final position, several individual slices are separated from the solid food.

[0063] The side cheeks 18 also form a guide for the frame 4, in that inner sides 26 of the frame 4 bear against outer sides 27 of the side cheeks 18 during the cutting movement.

[0064] The receiving device 2 further comprises a base 28, which includes a base section 29 with feet 30 and a passage 31, the base 28 being integrally formed with the receiving device 2. Through the passage 31, a user of the device 1 can reach through to fix it during a cutting process and, by pressing on the base section 29, fix the device 1 against lateral tipping on a surface on which the device 1 stands during normal use.

[0065] It will now be on Fig. 2a-f Reference is made where identical or equivalent parts are used with the same reference number as in Fig. 1 are designated and the letter a is appended to the relevant reference number.

[0066] One in Fig. 2a in a perspective view and in Fig. 2b Device 1a, shown in a sectional side view (section BB), for slicing a solid foodstuff differs from the one in Fig. 1 shown by pivoting a wire holder 15a, which is pivotably attached to a frame 4a of the device 1a, linearly in a longitudinal direction of the frame in the direction of a Fig. 2d The arrow shown in point 32 is movable, whereby Fig. 2d a cut A from Fig 2a shows.

[0067] When the handle 17a is pivoted from a position in Fig. 2e shown relaxation position in a Fig. 2f In the clamping position shown, cutting wires 5a, 6a are tensioned by a linear movement of the wire holder 15a in the direction of arrow 32. Tensioned cutting wires 5a, 6a allow for a particularly smooth cut surface that is largely free of chips and bruising, especially when cutting a soft cheese.

[0068] A cutting device 2a is in a Fig. 2a and 2b The position shown is an intermediate position between an initial position and one in Fig. 2c The final position shown. In the intermediate position shown, cutting wires 5a of a first cutting plane 7a dip into a solid foodstuff 33 to be cut, which in this embodiment is designed as a soft cheese loaf, while immediately adjacent cutting wires 6a of a second cutting plane 8a, which are offset from the cutting wires 5a, do not yet dip into the foodstuff 33.

[0069] Details of the pivotable handle 17a attached to the frame 4a are shown. Fig. 2d .

[0070] Lateral connecting projections of the wire holder 15a are led through an elongated passage 34 in the frame 4a on opposite sides, with the handle 17a being pivotably connected to the wire holder 15a.

[0071] Lateral indentations 36 with a rounded contact area 37 are provided in an end section 35 of the frame 4a, the contact area 37 being designed to rest against a guide projection 38 which is attached to an inside of the handle 17a.

[0072] In the relaxed position, the lead is 38 as in Fig. 2e shown at an edge area of ​​the notch 36 and slides from the relaxed position into the position during a clamping movement. Fig. 2f The clamping position shown is along the contact area, 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.

[0073] Changing the cutting wires 6a is possible by loosening the ends of a wire 12a forming the cutting wire 6a in the relaxed position by loosening the socket head cap screws 39, 40, which fix the wire ends of the wires 9a, 12a in a respective wire holder 15a, 16a.

[0074] For example, a new wire 12a can be inserted by first connecting a first end of the wire to the wire holder 16a through the internal hexagon screw 39, and guiding the wire 12a to the internal hexagon screw 40 of the wire holder 15a over the deflection pulleys 13a, 14a to form the cutting wires 6a and fixing it there.

[0075] By moving the handle 17a from the relaxed position to the clamped position, the wire 12a is clamped between the wire holders 15a, 16a, thereby placing the cutting wires 6a under tensile tension.

[0076] A wire 9a is replaced in an analogous manner.

Claims

1. Device (1; 1a) for cutting solid food products (33) into slices, in particular for cutting cheese loaves into slices, comprising a receiving arrangement (2; 2a) for receiving a food product (33) to be cut into slices and a cutting arrangement (3; 3a) connected to the receiving arrangement (2; 2a) so as to be pivotable, wherein the cutting arrangement (3; 3a) has elongate cutting members (5, 6; 5a, 6a) which are arranged in at least two cutting planes (7, 8; 7a, 8a) spaced apart from one another, characterized in that the cutting arrangement (3; 3a) has an actuating member (17; 17a), by the actuation of which a cutting movement can be effected, wherein the actuating member (17; 17a) is pivotably articulated to a frame (4; 4a) of the cutting arrangement (3; 3a), wherein a connection of the actuating member (17; 17a) to the frame (4; 4a) is designed such that, upon pivoting of the actuating member (17; 17a), a movable cutting-member holder (15; 15a) is linearly movable along a longitudinal axis of the frame (4; 4a).

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

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elongate cutting members (5; 5a) of a first cutting plane (7; 7a) of the at least two cutting planes (7, 8; 7a, 8a) are arranged offset relative to the elongate cutting members (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 members are designed as cutting wire (5, 6; 5a, 6a), as blade, or as cutting wires and blades.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cutting arrangement (3; 3a) has a frame (4; 4a), wherein the elongate cutting members (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 arrangement (3; 3a) has a frame (4; 4a), within which the at least two cutting planes (7, 8; 7a, 8a) spaced apart from one another are arranged.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cutting arrangement (3; 3a) has a frame (4; 4a) comprising two cutting-member holders (15, 16; 15a, 16a), between which the plurality of elongate cutting members (5, 6; 5a, 6a) extend, wherein the two cutting-member holders (15, 16; 15a, 16a) form opposite frame parts.

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

9. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating member (17; 17a) is integrally formed on a frame (4; 4a) of the cutting arrangement (3; 3a), and preferably comprises a handle, or is designed as a bow-shaped handle.

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the receiving arrangement (2; 2a) comprises two side cheeks (18; 18a), against which a solid food product (33) to be cut can be placed, wherein each of the side cheeks (18; 18a) preferably has a recess (21).

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the side cheeks (18; 18a) are designed as guide means which guide a frame (4; 4a) of the cutting arrangement (3; 3a), wherein, during a cutting operation, outer sides (27) of the side cheeks (18; 18a) bear against inner sides (26) of the frame (4; 4a).

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the receiving arrangement (2; 2a) has a comb-like retaining means (18; 18a) which prevents movement of a food product to be cut out of a cutting position during a cutting operation.

13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the receiving arrangement (2; 2a) comprises a preferably planar base (20; 20a), which is formed by parallel bars (21) spaced apart from one another, wherein a base surface is arranged at a distance from an axis of rotation (23; 23a), about which the cutting arrangement (3; 3a) is pivotable.

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