Culinary cutting assembly

Abstract

Culinary cutting assemblies are disclosed. In one example, a first substrate fabricated from a first material is affixed to a second substrate fabricated from a second material different from the first material. An elongated structural member is disposed within the first substrate and the second substrate.

Description

CULINARY CUTTING ASSEMBLYCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.63 / 754,320, filed February 5, 2025, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] Culinary cutting substrates, such as cutting boards, food preparation and work substrates, and serving boards, are designed to support food items for cutting with knives, among other functions. Desirable qualities for such cutting substrates include durability, minimal dulling or damage to knife blades, smaller thickness, lighter weight, and resistance to smell, flavor, and bacteria absorption. Combining these qualities with a pleasing aesthetic appearance is also desirable.

[0003] Culinary cutting substrates fabricated from end-grain and edge-grain woods have relatively forgiving surfaces that can help maintain a knife’s sharp cutting edge. However, these substrates can experience warping during use and in different environmental conditions, with such issues increasing as the thickness of the substrate decreases. Such warping results in a non-planar substrate that can exhibit instability and undesirable rocking on a flat support surface such as a table top.

[0004] To address this issue, current culinary cutting substrates fabricated from such woods typically utilize substrates having a thickness of at least 1 to 5 inches. However, increasing the thickness of end-grain and edge-grain wood substrates in this manner also undesirably increases the weight of such substrates and negatively impacts their ease of handling and maneuverability. Such drawbacks would be magnified in a dual-sided cuttingboard configuration, as adding a second substrate would further increase the weight and hinder maneuverability of the combination. Additionally, in dual-sided cutting boards utilizing a wood substrate and an opposing harder substrate, the different coefficients of thermal expansion of the two substrates along with the differing impacts of environmental changes to the substrates can cause warping of the wood substrate and can compromise the bonding and overall mechanical integrity of the combined substrates.SUMMARY

[0005] Various examples are disclosed herein that relate to culinary cutting assemblies. One example provides a culinary cutting assembly comprising a first substrate fabricated from a first material and a second substrate affixed to the first substrate and fabricated from a second material different from the first material. An elongated structural member is disposed within the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0006] Another example provides a culinary cutting assembly configured to removably receive a plurality of magnetic feet, with the assembly comprising a first substrate fabricated from a first material and a second substrate affixed to the first substrate and fabricated from a second material different from the first material. A magnetic component is disposed within the first substrate and / or the second substrate, with such magnetic component configured to removably magnetically affix magnetic feet to either the first substrate or the second substrate.

[0007] Another example provides a method for manufacturing a culinary cutting assembly comprising a first substrate fabricated from a first material and a second substrate fabricated from a second material different from the first material. The method comprises embedding an elongated structural member into a first substrate groove defined in an interior surface of the first substrate and into a second substrate groove defined in an interior surfaceof the second substrate. The interior surface of the first substrate is then affixed to the interior surface of the second substrate.

[0008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a culinary cutting assembly according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 shows a partial exploded view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG.2.

[0012] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 3.

[0013] FIG. 5 shows a partial exploded view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG.1.

[0014] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 5.

[0015] FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 8 shows a top view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 9 shows a top end view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 8 and feet magnetically affixed to the second substrate of the assembly.

[0018] FIG. 10 shows a sectional view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 8.

[0019] FIG. 11 shows a side view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 12 shows a sectional view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 11.

[0021] FIG. 13 shows a top view of a culinary cutting assembly according to another example of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 14 shows a bottom view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 13.

[0023] FIG. 15 shows a partial exploded view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG.13.

[0024] FIG. 16 shows an exploded view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 15.

[0025] FIG. 17 shows a partial exploded view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG.14.

[0026] FIG. 18 shows an exploded view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 17.

[0027] FIG. 19 shows a view of the interior surfaces of the second substrate of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 13.

[0028] FIG. 20 shows a view of the interior surfaces of the first substrate of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 13.

[0029] FIG. 21 shows a sectional view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 13.

[0030] FIG. 22 shows a top view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 13 and feet magnetically affixed to the first substrate of the assembly.

[0031] FIG. 23 shows a top view of a culinary cutting assembly according to another example of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 24 shows a bottom view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 23.

[0033] FIG. 25 shows a top exploded view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 23.

[0034] FIG. 26 shows a bottom exploded view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG.23.

[0035] FIG. 27 shows the interior surfaces of the first substrate of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 23.

[0036] FIG. 28 shows a top view of a culinary cutting assembly according to another example of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 29 shows a top view of a culinary cutting assembly according to another example of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 30 shows a partial exploded view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG.29.

[0039] FIG. 31 shows an exploded view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 30.

[0040] FIG. 32 shows a partial bottom exploded view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 29.

[0041] FIG. 33 shows an exploded view of the culinary cutting assembly of FIG. 32.

[0042] FIG. 34 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a culinary cutting assembly comprising according to examples of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Examples are disclosed that relate culinary cutting assemblies that utilize two substrates embodying different material properties. Advantageously and as described in more detail below, one or more elongated structural members are disposed within each substrate to accommodate differential thermal expansions of the substrates and thereby resist warping, cracking, and other structural deformations of the substrates.

[0044] With reference now to FIGS. 1-12, in one example a culinary cutting assembly 10 comprises a first substrate 14 fabricated from a first material, such as end-grain wood, and a second substrate 18 affixed to the first substrate and fabricated from a second, different material, such as a paper-based or fiber-reinforced composite material. In this example, second substrate 18 defines a fluid channel 20 extending around a periphery of the second substrate to collect juice, drippings, and other byproducts of food preparation.

[0045] In some examples, first substrate 14 is fabricated from end-grain wood, such as walnut, to provide a forgiving, generally softer surface that helps maintain a knife’s sharp cutting edge. In other examples, first substrate 14 is fabricated from edge-grain wood or facegrain wood.

[0046] In some examples, second substrate 18 exhibits a hardness value at least 20% higher than the first substrate 14, as measured by a standardized hardness test appropriate for the material (Janka Hardness, Shore Hardness, or Rockwell). In some examples, second substrate 18 is fabricated from a paper-based or fiber-reinforced composite material. In other examples, second substrate may be fabricated from titanium, marble, glass, face-grain woods, bamboo, plastics, or synthetic materials.

[0047] In this example, with reference to FIGS. 3-7 and 12 and in one potential advantage of the present disclosure, an elongated structural member 22 is disposed within the first substrate 14 and the second substrate 18. Advantageously and as described further below, embedded elongated structural member 22 provides additional structural rigidity to first substrate 14, second substrate 18, and the bonded combination of the two substrates that forms culinary cutting assembly 10. Advantageously, the additional rigidity provided by embedded elongated structural member 22 enables the utilization of a thinner wooden first substrate 14, such as an end-grain wood product, to provide a culinary cutting assembly 10 that is lighter weight and easy to handle, maneuver, and store, as well as requiring less material for the first substrate to reduce material costs. In particular and in some examples, an end-grain wood first substrate 14 can have a thickness of approximately between approximately 0.25 in. and 0.75 in. In one example, first substrate 14 is an end-grain wood substrate having a thickness of approximately 0.5 inches and second substrate 18 is a paper-based composite material having a thickness of approximately 0.25 inches, for a total thickness of culinary cutting assembly of approximately 0.75 inches.

[0048] In the present example elongated structural member 22 is an elongated, rectangular beam fabricated from steel, such as 1018 cold rolled steel. In other examples, elongated structural member 22 can be fabricated from a variety of other materials exhibiting a relatively high modulus of elasticity, including but not limited to fiberglass, carbon fiber, aluminum, thermoplastics, and hardwoods. In other examples, the elongated structural member can have a variety of cross-sectional geometries, including but not limited to oval and round.

[0049] In this example and with reference also to FIG. 7, the rectangular beam of elongated structural member 22 has a tubular structure that defines a hollow interior section 26 along the entire length of the tube. Advantageously, fabricating elongated structural member 22 in this manner reduces the weight of the structural member and culinary cutting assembly 10, thereby improving the ease of handling, maneuverability, and storage of the assembly. In other examples, elongated structural member can be fabricated as a solid beam and as a beam with multiple hollow sections across its length.

[0050] With reference to FIGS. 3-7, in this example a first longitudinal substrate groove 30 is defined in an interior surface 34 of first substrate 14. Similarly, a second longitudinal substrate groove 38 is defined in an interior surface 40 of second substrate 18. Elongated structural member 22 is embedded and affixed within first longitudinal substrate groove 30 and second longitudinal substrate groove 38. In some examples, an adhesive within first longitudinal substrate groove 30 bonds elongated structural member 22 to first substrate 14. In some examples, elongated structural member 22 additionally or alternatively can be secured within first longitudinal substrate groove 30 via an interference fit. Similarly, an adhesive within second longitudinal substrate groove 38 can bond elongated structural member 22 to second substrate 14 and / or elongated structural member 22 can be secured within second longitudinal substrate groove 38 via an interference fit.

[0051] With elongated structural member 22 secured within the longitudinal substrate groove of either the first substrate 14 or second substrate 18, the interior surface of the other substrate is aligned and affixed to the interior surface of first substrate 14 or second substrate 18. In some examples, interior surface 34 of first substrate 14 is bonded to interior surface 40 of second substrate 18 using an adhesive. In some examples, an adhesive that provides a degree of flexibility between the substrates, such as silicone glue or epoxy, can bond the two substrates while also enabling a degree of relative movement between the substrates. Advantageously, this configuration can allow first substrate 14 and second substrate 18 to shift laterally relative to one another to accommodate different rates and amounts of material expansion in the two different materials, such as material expansions caused by temperature and / or humidity changes, with such movement preventing the accumulation of stress and strain within the substrates that could otherwise damage the substrates and / or negatively impact the structural integrity of the assembly. In some examples, an additional flexible layer of material, such as a thin foam or cloth substrate, can be located between first substrate 14 and second substrate 18 to accommodate different rates and amounts of material expansion in the two different materials and corresponding relative movement between the substrates.

[0052] In some examples, one or more fasteners (such as embedded screws) can be utilized to affix first substrate 14 to second substrate 18. In some examples, a physical locking mechanism such as tongue and groove joints or bowtie inlays can be utilized to affix first substrate 14 to second substrate 18.

[0053] In some examples, culinary cutting assembly 10 comprises a plurality of magnetic inserts disposed within first substrate 14 and / or second substrate 18. In the present example and with reference to FIGS. 8-12, four magnetic insert discs 44, 46, 48, and 50 that each comprise a magnet are embedded inside first substrate 14. In different examples, any suitable permanent magnetic or other magnetic material can be utilized for magnetic insertdiscs 44, 46, 48, and 50. In one potential advantage of this configuration, a plurality of magnetic feet can be removably magnetically affixed to either first substrate 14 or second substrate 18, with each magnetic foot being magnetically attracted to one of the magnetic inserts. FIGS. 9-11 show first magnetic foot 54, second magnetic foot 56, third magnetic foot 58, and fourth magnetic foot 60 removably affixed to second substrate 18 via attraction to a corresponding magnetic insert disc. In one example, each of first magnetic foot 54, second magnetic foot 56, third magnetic foot 58, and fourth magnetic foot 60 comprises a 1.0 inch round and 0.125 inch thick neodymium magnet 70 encapsulated in a thin silicone shell for softness and grip. In other examples, other form factors and types of magnets can be utilized for the magnetic feet.

[0054] Advantageously, attaching the magnetic feet to second substrate 18 enables culinary cutting assembly 10 to be elevated above a supporting surface, such as a kitchen counter, and provides a stable foundation for the assembly to rest on the surface and be utilized for cutting, chopping, and other food preparation activities on first substrate 14. Further, in another potential advantage and as noted above, first magnetic foot 54, second magnetic foot 56, third magnetic foot 58, and fourth magnetic foot 60 also can be removably magnetically affixed to first substrate 14, advantageously providing a stable foundation for food preparation activities on second substrate 18. In other examples and as noted above, a plurality of magnetic inserts can be disposed within second substrate 18 or within both first substrate 14 and second substrate 18.

[0055] In some examples, culinary cutting assembly 10 does not utilize magnetic inserts, and instead elongated structural member 22 is fabricated from ferromagnetic metal, such as steel. Advantageously, in these configurations the magnetic elongated structural member also can be utilized as magnetic anchor points for removably magnetically affixing a plurality of magnetic feet to either first substrate 14 or second substrate 18 in a variety oflocations. In one example in which elongated structural member 22 has a width of approximately 1.0 in., two magnetic feet each have a width of approximately 5.0 in. and include a 1.0 in. diameter magnet in their center. When magnetically affixed to first substrate 14 or second substrate 18, the magnetic feet can extend laterally across the substrate to provide a stable, elevated foundation for culinary cutting assembly 10.

[0056] With reference now to FIGS. 13-21, another example of a culinary cutting assembly 100 according to the present disclosure is shown. Like culinary cutting assembly 10 described above, in this example culinary cutting assembly 100 comprises a first substrate 114 fabricated from a first material, such as end-grain wood, and a second substrate 118 affixed to the first substrate and fabricated from a second, different material, such as a paper-based or fiber-reinforced composite material. In this example, second substrate 118 defines a fluid channel 120 extending around a periphery of the second substrate to collect juice, drippings, and other byproducts of food preparation.

[0057] In some examples, first substrate 114 is fabricated from end-grain wood, such as walnut, to provide a forgiving, generally softer surface that help maintain a knife’s sharp cutting edge. In other examples, first substrate 114 is fabricated from edge-grain wood or facegrain wood.

[0058] In some examples and similar to culinary cutting assembly 10, second substrate 118 exhibits a hardness value at least 20% higher than the first substrate 114, as measured by a standardized hardness test appropriate for the material. In some examples, second substrate 118 is fabricated from a paper-based or fiber-reinforced composite material. In other examples, second substrate may be fabricated from titanium, marble, glass, face-grain woods, bamboo, plastics, or synthetic materials.

[0059] In this example, with reference to FIGS. 15-21 and in one potential advantage of the present disclosure, culinary cutting assembly 100 utilizes a plurality of elongatedstructural members disposed within the first substrate 114 and the second substrate 118. Advantageously and as described in more detail below, utilizing a plurality of elongated structural members enables larger form factors of culinary cutting assembly 100, such as first substrate 114 and second substrate 118 having a length of approximately 18 in. and width of approximately 12 in., while also providing internal structural support that reduces or substantially eliminates warping of the two substrates.

[0060] Advantageously and similar to culinary cutting substrate 10, the additional rigidity provided by the multiple embedded elongated structural members enables the utilization of a thinner wooden first substrate 114, such as an end-grain wood product, to provide a culinary cutting assembly 100 that is lighter weight and easy to handle and maneuver. In some examples, an end-grain wood first substrate 114 can have a thickness of approximately between approximately 0.25 in. and 0.75 in. In one example, first substrate 14 is an end-grain wood substrate having a thickness of approximately 0.5 inches and second substrate 18 is a paper-based composite material having a thickness of approximately 0.25 inches, for a total thickness of culinary cutting assembly of approximately 0.75 inches.

[0061] Additionally, in some examples and in another potential advantage, culinary cutting assemblies of the present disclosure can utilize both a longitudinal elongated structural member and a lateral elongated structural member substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal elongated structural member. In the present example, culinary cutting assembly 100 utilizes three longitudinal elongated structural members - upper longitudinal elongated structural member 124, central longitudinal elongated structural member 128, and lower longitudinal elongated structural member 130. At the ends of each of the longitudinal elongated structural member, a left lateral elongated structural member 134 and right lateral elongated structural member 136 are each disposed substantially perpendicular to upper longitudinal elongated structural member 124, central longitudinal elongated structuralmember 128, and lower longitudinal elongated structural member 130. Advantageously, utilizing left lateral elongated structural member 134 and right lateral elongated structural member 136 provides additional internal structural support to resist warping of culinary cutting assembly 100.

[0062] In the present example each of the elongated structural members is an elongated, rectangular beam fabricated from steel, such as 1018 cold rolled steel. In other examples, the elongated structural members can be fabricated from a variety of other materials exhibiting a relatively high modulus of elasticity as described above.

[0063] In this example, with reference to FIG. 16 and similar to elongated structural member 22 of culinary cutting assembly 10, both of the rectangular beams of left lateral elongated structural member 134 and right lateral elongated structural member 136 have a tubular structure and are fabricated to define a hollow section along the entire length of the tube. Similarly and with reference to FIG. 21, the rectangular beam of each of the upper longitudinal elongated structural member 124, central longitudinal elongated structural member 128, and lower longitudinal elongated structural member 130 has a tubular structure comprising a hollow section along the entire length of the tube. Advantageously, fabricating the elongated structural members in this manner reduces the weight of culinary cutting assembly 100, thereby improving the ease of handling and maneuverability of the assembly. As noted above, in other examples the elongated structural members can be fabricated as a solid beam or as a beam with multiple hollow sections across their length. In other examples, the elongated structural members can have a variety of cross-sectional geometries, including but not limited to oval and round.

[0064] With reference to FIGS. 18, 20, and 21, in this example an upper first longitudinal substrate groove 140, central first longitudinal substrate groove 144, and lower first longitudinal substrate groove 148 are defined by interior surfaces 150 of first substrate114. Similarly and with reference to FIGS. 16, 19, and 21, an upper second longitudinal substrate groove 154, central second longitudinal substrate groove 158, and lower second longitudinal substrate groove 162 are defined in interior surfaces 164 of second substrate 118. Upper elongated structural member 124 is embedded and affixed within upper first longitudinal substrate groove 140 and upper second longitudinal substrate groove 154. Central elongated structural member 128 is embedded and affixed within central first longitudinal substrate groove 144 and central second longitudinal substrate groove 158. Lower elongated structural member 130 is embedded and affixed within lower first longitudinal substrate groove 148 and lower second longitudinal substrate groove 162.

[0065] With reference again to FIGS. 18, 20, and 21, in this example a left first lateral substrate groove 170 and right first lateral substrate groove 172 are defined in the interior surfaces 150 of first substrate 114. Similarly and with reference to FIGS. 16, 19, and 21, a left second lateral substrate groove 176 and a right second lateral substrate groove 178 are defined in interior surfaces 164 of second substrate 118. Left lateral elongated structural member 134 is embedded and affixed within left first lateral substrate groove 170 and left second lateral substrate groove 176. Right lateral elongated structural member 136 is embedded and affixed within right first lateral substrate groove 172 and right second lateral substrate groove 178.

[0066] In some examples, adhesive within upper first longitudinal substrate groove 140, central first longitudinal substrate groove 144, and lower first longitudinal substrate groove 148 bonds upper longitudinal elongated structural member 124, central longitudinal elongated structural member 128, and lower longitudinal elongated structural member 130 to first substrate 114. In some examples, upper longitudinal elongated structural member 124, central longitudinal elongated structural member 128, and lower longitudinal elongated structural member 130 additionally or alternatively can be secured within upper firstlongitudinal substrate groove 140, central first longitudinal substrate groove 144, and lower first longitudinal substrate groove 148, respectively, via an interference fit.

[0067] Similarly, adhesive within upper second longitudinal substrate groove 154, central second longitudinal substrate groove 158, and lower second longitudinal substrate groove 162 bonds upper longitudinal elongated structural member 124, central longitudinal elongated structural member 128, and lower longitudinal elongated structural member 130 to second substrate 118. In some examples, upper longitudinal elongated structural member 124, central longitudinal elongated structural member 128, and lower longitudinal elongated structural member 130 additionally or alternatively can be secured within upper second longitudinal substrate groove 154, central second longitudinal substrate groove 158, and lower second longitudinal substrate groove 162, respectively, via an interference fit.

[0068] Similarly, adhesive within left first lateral substrate groove 170 and right first lateral substrate groove 172 bonds left lateral elongated structural member 134 and right lateral elongated structural member 136, respectively, to interior surfaces 150 of first substrate 114. In some examples, left lateral elongated structural member 134 and right lateral elongated structural member 136 additionally or alternatively can be secured within left first lateral substrate groove 170 and right first lateral substrate groove 172, respectively, via an interference fit. Adhesive within left second lateral substrate groove 176 and right second lateral substrate groove 178 bonds left lateral elongated structural member 134 and right lateral elongated structural member 136, respectively, to interior surfaces 164 of second substrate 118. In some examples, left lateral elongated structural member 134 and right lateral elongated structural member 136 additionally or alternatively can be secured within left second lateral substrate groove 176 and right second lateral substrate groove 178, respectively, via an interference fit.

[0069] With the elongated structural members secured within the longitudinal substrate grooves and lateral substrate grooves of either the first substrate 114 or second substrate 118, the interior surface of the other substrate is aligned and affixed to the interior surface of first substrate 114 or second substrate 118. In some examples, interior surfaces 150 of first substrate 114 are bonded to interior surfaces 164 of second substrate 118 using an adhesive. In some examples, an adhesive that provides a degree of flexibility between the substrates, such as silicone glue or epoxy, can bond the two substrates while also enabling a degree of relative movement between the substrates. Advantageously, this configuration can allow first substrate 114 and second substrate 118 to shift laterally relative to one another to accommodate different rates and amounts of material expansion in the two different materials, such as material expansions caused by temperature and / or humidity changes, with such movement preventing the accumulation of stress and strain within the substrates that could otherwise damage the substrates and / or negatively impact he structural integrity of the assembly. In some examples, an additional flexible layer of material, such as a thin foam or cloth substrate, can be located between first substrate 114 and second substrate 118 to accommodate different rates and amounts of material expansion in the two different materials and corresponding relative movement between the substrates.

[0070] In some examples, one or more fasteners (such as embedded screws) can be utilized to affix first substrate 114 to second substrate 118. In some examples, a physical locking mechanism such as tongue and groove joints or bowtie inlays can be utilized to affix first substrate 114 to second substrate 118.

[0071] In some examples, and in another potential advantage of the present disclosure, two or more of the elongated structural members are fabricated from ferromagnetic metal. Advantageously, in these configurations the magnetic elongated structural members also can be utilized as magnetic anchor points for removably magnetically affixing a plurality ofmagnetic feet to either first substrate 114 or second substrate 118 in a variety of locations. In one example, each of upper longitudinal elongated structural member 124, central longitudinal elongated structural member 128, lower longitudinal elongated structural member 130, left lateral elongated structural member 134, and right lateral elongated structural member 136 is fabricated from ferromagnetic material, such as steel. In other examples, different combinations of the elongated structural members can be fabricated from ferromagnetic material.

[0072] FIG. 22 shows one example in which first magnetic foot 54, second magnetic foot 56, third magnetic foot 58, and fourth magnetic foot 60 are removably affixed to first substrate 114 near the 4 corners of the substrate via attraction to one of the magnetic elongated structural members, such as left lateral elongated structural member 134 or right lateral elongated structural member 136. In another potential advantage of the present disclosure, because the magnetic elongated structural members extend across different portions and locations of the length and / or width of first substrate 114 and second substrate 118, the magnetic feet can be easily repositioned and removably affixed to first substrate 114 (or second substrate 118) in a variety of locations on the substrate. In this manner, a user can easily and conveniently change the location of the magnetic feet to accommodate different use case scenarios. As noted above, in one example each of first foot 54, second magnetic foot 56, third magnetic foot 58, and fourth magnetic foot 60 comprises a 1.0 inch round and 0.125 inch thick neodymium magnet 70 encapsulated in a thin silicone shell for softness and grip. In other examples, other form factors and types of magnets can be utilized for the magnetic feet.

[0073] With reference now to FIGS. 23-27, another example of a culinary cutting assembly 200 according to the present disclosure is shown. In this example culinary cutting assembly 200 comprises a first substrate 214 fabricated from end-grain wood and a second substrate 218 affixed to the first substrate and fabricated from a second, different material, suchas a paper-based or fiber-reinforced composite material. In this example an exemplary pattern of end-grain wood components that form first substrate 214 is illustrated. In other examples, first substrate 214 may be fabricated from edge-grain wood or face-grain wood, and second substrate may be fabricated from titanium, marble, glass, face-grain woods, bamboo, plastics, or synthetic materials. In some examples and similar to culinary cutting assemblies 10 and 100, second substrate 218 exhibits a hardness value at least 20% higher than the first substrate 214, as measured by a standardized hardness test appropriate for the material.

[0074] In this example, with reference to FIGS. 25-27 and similar to culinary cutting assembly 100, culinary cutting assembly 200 utilizes a plurality of elongated structural members disposed within the first substrate 214 and the second substrate 218. In the present example, culinary cutting assembly 200 utilizes two longitudinal elongated structural members - upper longitudinal elongated structural member 224 and lower longitudinal elongated structural member 230. At the ends of each of the longitudinal elongated structural members, a left lateral elongated structural member 234 and right lateral elongated structural member 236 are each disposed substantially perpendicular to upper longitudinal elongated structural member 224 and lower longitudinal elongated structural member 230. Advantageously, utilizing left lateral elongated structural member 234 and right lateral elongated structural member 236 provides additional internal structural support to resist warping of culinary cutting assembly 200.

[0075] With reference to FIGS. 23-35, culinary cutting assembly 200 also includes a left end elongated structural member 240 and right end elongated structural member 242 that is substantially flush with the left end and right end of the assembly. In other examples, left end elongated structural member 240 and right end elongated structural member 242 can extend outwardly beyond the ends of the assembly, such as looping beyond the ends of the substrates, to create handles for grasping and maneuvering culinary cutting assembly 200. In otherexamples separate handles can be attached to the ends of left end elongated structural member 240 and right end elongated structural member 242, such as via screws, welding, or any other fastening technique.

[0076] In the present example each of the elongated structural members is an elongated, solid rectangular beam fabricated from steel, such as 1018 cold rolled steel. In other examples, the elongated structural members can be fabricated from a variety of other materials exhibiting a relatively high modulus of elasticity as described above. In other examples and as described above, the elongated structural members can be fabricated into tubular structures defining a hollow section along their entire length, or as beams with multiple hollow sections across their length. In other examples, the elongated structural members can have a variety of cross-sectional geometries, including but not limited to oval and round.

[0077] With reference to FIGS. 25-27, in this example only first substrate 214 includes substrate grooves defined by interior surfaces 250 of the substrate. As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, an upper longitudinal substrate groove 244 and lower longitudinal substrate groove 248 are defined by interior surfaces 250 of first substrate 214. Upper longitudinal elongated structural member 224 is embedded and affixed within upper longitudinal substrate groove 244 and lower longitudinal elongated structural member 230 is embedded and affixed within lower longitudinal substrate groove 248.

[0078] A left lateral shelf 270 and right lateral shelf 272 are also defined in the interior surfaces 250 of first substrate 214. Left lateral elongated structural member 234 is embedded within left lateral shelf 270, and right lateral elongated structural member 236 is embedded within right lateral shelf 272.

[0079] In some examples, adhesive within upper longitudinal substrate groove 244, lower longitudinal substrate groove 248, left lateral shelf 270, and right lateral shelf 272 bonds upper longitudinal elongated structural member 224, lower longitudinal elongated structuralmember 230, left lateral elongated structural member 234, and right lateral elongated structural member 236 within their respective grooves and shelves of first substrate 214. In some examples, these structural members additionally or alternatively can be secured within their respective grooves and shelves via an interference fit.

[0080] With the elongated structural members secured within their respective grooves and shelves of first substrate 214, the interior surface 276 of second substrate 218 is aligned and affixed to interior surfaces 250 of first substrate 214. In some examples, interior surfaces 250 of first substrate 214 are bonded to interior surface 276 of second substrate 218 using an adhesive. In some examples, an adhesive that provides a degree of flexibility between the substrates, such as silicone glue or epoxy, can bond the two substrates while also enabling a degree of relative movement between the substrates. Advantageously, this configuration can allow first substrate 214 and second substrate 218 to shift laterally relative to one another to accommodate different rates and amounts of material expansion in the two different materials, with such movement preventing the accumulation of stress and strain within the substrates that could otherwise damage the substrates and / or negatively impact the structural integrity of the assembly. In some examples, an additional flexible layer of material, such as a thin foam or cloth substrate, can be located between first substrate 214 and second substrate 218 to accommodate different rates and amounts of material expansion in the two different materials and corresponding relative movement between the substrates.

[0081] In some examples, one or more fasteners (such as embedded screws) can be utilized to affix first substrate 214 to second substrate 218. In some examples, a physical locking mechanism such as tongue and groove joints or bowtie inlays can be utilized to affix first substrate 214 to second substrate 218.

[0082] Advantageously and similar to culinary cutting substrates 10 and 100, the additional rigidity provided by the multiple embedded elongated structural members enablesthe utilization of a thinner wooden first substrate 214, such as an end-grain wood product, to provide a culinary cutting assembly 200 that is lighter weight and easy to handle and maneuver. In some examples, an end-grain wood first substrate 214 can have a thickness of approximately between approximately 0.25 in. and 0.75 in. In one example, first substrate 214 is an end-grain wood substrate having a thickness of approximately 0.5 inches and second substrate 18 is a paper-based composite material having a thickness of approximately 0.25 inches, for a total thickness of culinary cutting assembly of approximately 0.75 inches.

[0083] As described above with respect to culinary cutting assembly 100, in some examples two or more of the elongated structural members of culinary cutting assembly 200 are fabricated from ferromagnetic metal. Advantageously, in these configurations the magnetic elongated structural members also can be utilized as magnetic anchor points for removably magnetically affixing a plurality of magnetic feet to either first substrate 214 or second substrate 218 as described above. In other examples and as described above with respect to culinary cutting assembly 10, one or more magnetic inserts can be provided within first substrate 214 and / or second substrate 218 to be utilized as magnetic anchor points for removably magnetically affixing a plurality of magnetic feet.

[0084] With reference now to FIG. 28, another example of a culinary cutting assembly 300 according to the present disclosure is shown. Like culinary cutting assemblies 10, 100, and 200 described above, in this example culinary cutting assembly 300 comprises a first substrate 314 fabricated from a first material, such as end-grain wood, and a second substrate 318 affixed to the first substrate and fabricated from a second, different material, such as a paper-based or fiber-reinforced composite material.

[0085] In this example, first substrate 314 is fabricated from end-grain wood, such as walnut. In this example an exemplary pattern of end-grain wood components that form firstsubstrate 314 is illustrated. In other examples, first substrate 314 is fabricated from edge-grain wood or face-grain wood.

[0086] In some examples and similar to culinary cutting assemblies described above, second substrate 318 exhibits a hardness value at least 20% higher than the first substrate 314, as measured by a standardized hardness test appropriate for the material. In some examples, second substrate 318 is fabricated from a paper-based or fiber-reinforced composite material. In other examples, second substrate may be fabricated from titanium, marble, glass, face-grain woods, bamboo, plastics, or synthetic materials.

[0087] In this example, culinary cutting assembly 300 utilizes a single planar structural substrate 322 disposed between first substrate 314 and second substrate 318 and extending across the entire width and length of both substrates. The planar structural substrate 322 can be fabricated from a material exhibiting a relatively high modulus of elasticity, including but not limited to aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber, thermoplastics, and hardwoods. In some examples, structural substrate 322 can be fabricated in a honeycomb pattern from a material such as aluminum to exhibit stiffness with reduced weight.

[0088] With reference now to FIGS. 29-33, another example of a culinary cutting assembly 400 according to the present disclosure is shown. Like the culinary cutting assemblies described above, in this example culinary cutting assembly 400 comprises a first substrate 414 fabricated from a first material, such as edge-grain wood, and a second substrate 418 affixed to the first substrate and fabricated from a second, different material, such as a paper-based or fiber-reinforced composite material. In this example, second substrate 418 defines a fluid channel 420 extending around a periphery of the second substrate to collect juice, drippings, and other byproducts of food preparation.

[0089] In the present example, first substrate 414 is fabricated from edge-grain wood in which the direction of the wood grain is generally indicated by arrows 422. In other examples, first substrate 414 is fabricated from end-grain wood or face-grain wood.

[0090] In some examples second substrate 418 exhibits a hardness value at least 20% higher than the first substrate 414, as measured by a standardized hardness test appropriate for the material. In some examples, second substrate 418 is fabricated from a paper-based or fiber-reinforced composite material. In other examples, second substrate may be fabricated from titanium, marble, glass, face-grain woods, bamboo, plastics, or synthetic materials.

[0091] In this example, culinary cutting assembly 400 utilizes a left lateral elongated structural member 434 and a right lateral elongated structural member 436 disposed within the first substrate 414 and the second substrate 418. In this example left lateral elongated structural member 434 and right lateral elongated structural member 436 are arranged substantially perpendicular to the direction 422 of the wood grain of first substrate 414. In this example, because first substrate 414 is fabricated from edge-grain wood having a wood grain direction 422 that extends longitudinally along the length of the substrate, the substrate can be more susceptible to warping about the wood grain direction. Advantageously, by embedding left lateral elongated structural member 434 and right lateral elongated structural to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 422 of the wood grain of first substrate 414, this configuration provides internal structural support that can reduce or substantially eliminate warping about the longitudinal axis of the substrate.

[0092] Similar to the culinary cutting substrates described above, the additional rigidity provided by the multiple embedded elongated structural members enables the utilization of a thinner wooden first substrate 414. In some examples, an edge-grain wood first substrate 414 can have a thickness of approximately between approximately 0.25 in. and 0.75 in. In one example, first substrate 414 is an edge-grain wood substrate having a thickness ofapproximately 0.5 inches and second substrate 418 is a paper-based composite material having a thickness of approximately 0.25 inches, for a total thickness of culinary cutting assembly of approximately 0.75 inches.

[0093] In this example left lateral elongated structural member 434 and right lateral elongated structural member 436 are embedded and affixed in left first lateral substrate groove 440 and right first lateral substrate groove 444 defined in first substrate 414, respectively, and in left second lateral substrate groove 448 and right second lateral substrate groove 442 defined in second substrate 418, respectively. As described above in other examples, the elongated structural members can be bonded to first substrate 414 and second substrate 418 within the substrate grooves using adhesive and / or via an interference fit.

[0094] In the present example each of the elongated structural members is an elongated, rectangular beam fabricated from steel into tubular structures defining a hollow section along their entire length. In other examples, the elongated structural members can have multiple hollow sections across their length and / or a variety of cross-sectional geometries, including but not limited to oval and round.

[0095] As described in other examples, an additional flexible layer of material can be located between first substrate 414 and second substrate 418 to accommodate different rates and amounts of material expansion in the two different materials. In some examples, one or more fasteners, physical locking mechanisms such as tongue and groove joints, or bowtie inlays can be utilized to affix the two substrates.

[0096] In some examples and as described above, left lateral elongated structural member 434 and right lateral elongated structural member 436 are fabricated from ferromagnetic metal and can be utilized as magnetic anchor points for removably magnetically affixing a plurality of magnetic feet to either first substrate 414 or second substrate 418 in a variety of locations.

[0097] With reference now to FIG. 34, a method 500 for manufacturing a culinary cutting assembly comprising a first substrate fabricated from a first material and a second substrate fabricated from a second material different from the first material will now be described. The following description of method 500 is provided by way of example and is not meant to be limiting. Therefore, it is to be understood that method 500 may include additional and / or alternative steps relative to those illustrated in FIG. 34.

[0098] With reference to FIG. 34, at 504 the method 500 includes embedding an elongated structural member into a first substrate groove defined in an interior surface of the first substrate and into a second substrate groove defined in an interior surface of the second substrate. At 508 method 500 includes affixing the interior surface of the first substrate to the interior surface of the second substrate.

[0099] Further, the disclosure comprises configurations according to the following examples.

[0100] Example 1. A culinary cutting assembly, comprising: a first substrate fabricated from a first material; a second substrate affixed to the first substrate and fabricated from a second material different from the first material; and an elongated structural member disposed within the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0101] Example 2. The culinary cutting assembly of example 1, further comprising a plurality of elongated structural members disposed within the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0102] Example 3. The culinary cutting assembly of example 2, wherein the plurality of elongated structural members comprise a longitudinal elongated structural member and a lateral elongated structural member substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal elongated structural member.

[0103] Example 4. The culinary cutting assembly of example 1, wherein a first longitudinal substrate groove is defined in an interior surface of the first substrate and a second longitudinal substrate groove is defined in an interior surface of the second substrate, wherein the elongated structural member is embedded in the first longitudinal substrate groove and the second longitudinal substrate groove.

[0104] Example 5. The culinary cutting assembly of example 4, wherein the first longitudinal substrate groove is a central first longitudinal substrate groove, the second longitudinal substrate groove is a central second longitudinal substrate groove, and the elongated structural member is a central longitudinal elongated structural member, and the culinary cutting assembly further comprises: an upper first longitudinal substrate groove and a lower first longitudinal substrate groove defined in the interior surface of the first substrate; an upper second longitudinal substrate groove and a lower second longitudinal substrate groove defined in the interior surface of the second substrate; an upper longitudinal elongated structural member embedded in the upper first longitudinal substrate groove and the upper second longitudinal substrate groove; and a lower longitudinal elongated structural member embedded in the lower first longitudinal substrate groove and the lower second longitudinal substrate groove.

[0105] Example 6. The culinary cutting assembly of example 5, further comprising: a left first lateral substrate groove and a right first lateral substrate groove defined in the interior surface of the first substrate; a left second lateral substrate groove and a right second lateral substrate groove defined in the interior surface of the second substrate; a left lateral elongated structural member embedded in the left first lateral substrate groove and the left second lateral substrate groove; and a right lateral elongated structural member embedded in the right first lateral substrate groove and the right second lateral substrate groove.

[0106] Example 7. The culinary cutting assembly of any of examples 1-6, wherein the elongated structural member is fabricated from steel, fiberglass, or hardwood.

[0107] Example 8. The culinary cutting assembly of any of examples 1-7, wherein the elongated structural member comprises an elongated beam.

[0108] Example 9. The culinary cutting assembly of example 8, wherein the elongated beam comprises a tubular structure.

[0109] Example 10. The culinary cutting assembly of any of examples 1-9, wherein the elongated structural member is ferromagnetic.

[0110] Example 11. The culinary cutting assembly of example 10, further comprising a plurality of magnetic feet removably magnetically affixed to either the first substrate or the second substrate, wherein each of the magnetic feet is magnetically attracted to the ferromagnetic elongated structural member.

[0111] Example 12. The culinary cutting assembly of example 1, further comprising a plurality of magnetic inserts disposed within the first substrate and / or the second substrate.

[0112] Example 13. The culinary cutting assembly of example 12, further comprising a plurality of magnetic feet removably magnetically affixed to either the first substrate or the second substrate, wherein each of the magnetic feet is magnetically attracted to one of the magnetic inserts.

[0113] Example 14. The culinary cutting assembly of any of examples 1-13, wherein the first substrate is end-grain wood.

[0114] Example 15. The culinary cutting assembly of example 14, wherein a thickness of the end-grain wood first substrate is approximately 0.5 in.

[0115] Example 16. The culinary cutting assembly of any of examples 1-15, wherein the second substrate is a paper-based or fiber-reinforced composite.

[0116] Example 17. A culinary cutting assembly configured to removably receive a plurality of magnetic feet, the culinary cutting assembly comprising: a first substrate fabricated from a first material; a second substrate affixed to the first substrate and fabricated from a second material different from the first material; and a magnetic component disposed within the first substrate and / or the second substrate.

[0117] Example 18. The culinary cutting assembly of example 17, wherein the plurality of magnetic feet are removably magnetically affixed to either the first substrate or the second substrate via magnetic attraction to the magnetic component.

[0118] Example 19. The culinary cutting assembly of either example 17 or 18, wherein the magnetic component is a steel beam.

[0119] Example 20. A method for manufacturing a culinary cutting assembly comprising a first substrate fabricated from a first material and a second substrate fabricated from a second material different from the first material, the method comprising: embedding an elongated structural member into a first substrate groove defined in an interior surface of the first substrate and into a second substrate groove defined in an interior surface of the second substrate; and affixing the interior surface of the first substrate to the interior surface of the second substrate.

[0120] It is to be understood that the configurations and / or approaches described herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments or examples are not to be considered in a limiting sense. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various embodiments, configurations, and other features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof. For example, other culinary and kitchen-related products such as kitchen drawers, countertops, and workstations, could embody one or more of the configurations disclosed herein.

[0121] It will also be appreciated that references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example”, or “an example” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments or examples that also incorporate the recited features. Unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments or examples “comprising,” “including,” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. The terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-language equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, the terms “first” and “second”, “left” and “right”, “upper” and “lower,” “top” and “bottom,” etc., are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or a particular positional order on their objects.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A culinary cutting assembly, comprising:a first substrate fabricated from a first material;a second substrate affixed to the first substrate and fabricated from a second material different from the first material; andan elongated structural member disposed within the first substrate and the second substrate.

2. The culinary cutting assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of elongated structural members disposed within the first substrate and the second substrate.

3. The culinary cutting assembly of claim 2, wherein the plurality of elongated structural members comprise a longitudinal elongated structural member and a lateral elongated structural member substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal elongated structural member.

4. The culinary cutting assembly of claim 1, wherein a first longitudinal substrate groove is defined in an interior surface of the first substrate and a second longitudinal substrate groove is defined in an interior surface of the second substrate, wherein the elongated structural member is embedded in the first longitudinal substrate groove and the second longitudinal substrate groove.

5. The culinary cutting assembly of claim 4, wherein the first longitudinal substrate groove is a central first longitudinal substrate groove, the second longitudinal substrate groove is a central second longitudinal substrate groove, and the elongated structural member is a central longitudinal elongated structural member, and the culinary cutting assembly further comprises:an upper first longitudinal substrate groove and a lower first longitudinal substrate groove defined in the interior surface of the first substrate;an upper second longitudinal substrate groove and a lower second longitudinal substrate groove defined in the interior surface of the second substrate;an upper longitudinal elongated structural member embedded in the upper first longitudinal substrate groove and the upper second longitudinal substrate groove; anda lower longitudinal elongated structural member embedded in the lower first longitudinal substrate groove and the lower second longitudinal substrate groove.

6. The culinary cutting assembly of claim 5, further comprising:a left first lateral substrate groove and a right first lateral substrate groove defined in the interior surface of the first substrate;a left second lateral substrate groove and a right second lateral substrate groove defined in the interior surface of the second substrate;a left lateral elongated structural member embedded in the left first lateral substrate groove and the left second lateral substrate groove; anda right lateral elongated structural member embedded in the right first lateral substrate groove and the right second lateral substrate groove.

7. The culinary cutting assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongated structural member is fabricated from steel, fiberglass, or hardwood.

8. The culinary cutting assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongated structural member comprises an elongated beam.

9. The culinary cutting assembly of claim 8, wherein the elongated beam comprises a tubular structure.

10. The culinary cutting assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongated structural member is ferromagnetic.

11. The culinary cutting assembly of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of magnetic feet removably magnetically affixed to either the first substrate or the second substrate, wherein each of the magnetic feet is magnetically attracted to the ferromagnetic elongated structural member.

12. The culinary cutting assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of magnetic inserts disposed within the first substrate and / or the second substrate.

13. The culinary cutting assembly of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of magnetic feet removably magnetically affixed to either the first substrate or the second substrate, wherein each of the magnetic feet is magnetically attracted to one of the magnetic inserts.

14. The culinary cutting assembly of claim 1, wherein the first substrate is end-grain wood.

15. The culinary cutting assembly of claim 14, wherein a thickness of the end-grain wood first substrate is approximately 0.5 in.

16. The culinary cutting assembly of claim 1, wherein the second substrate is a paper-based or fiber-reinforced composite.

17. A culinary cutting assembly configured to removably receive a plurality of magnetic feet, the culinary cutting assembly comprising:a first substrate fabricated from a first material;a second substrate affixed to the first substrate and fabricated from a second material different from the first material; anda magnetic component disposed within the first substrate and / or the second substrate.

18. The culinary cutting assembly of claim 17, wherein the plurality of magnetic feet are removably magnetically affixed to either the first substrate or the second substrate via magnetic attraction to the magnetic component.

19. The culinary cutting assembly of claim 17, wherein the magnetic component is a steel beam.

20. A method for manufacturing a culinary cutting assembly comprising a first substrate fabricated from a first material and a second substrate fabricated from a second material different from the first material, the method comprising:embedding an elongated structural member into a first substrate groove defined in an interior surface of the first substrate and into a second substrate groove defined in an interior surface of the second substrate; andaffixing the interior surface of the first substrate to the interior surface of the second substrate.

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