HK1098316B - Citrus reamer and press - Google Patents

Description

Citrus reamer and squeezer

Technical Field

The present invention relates to juicers and in particular to a citrus juicer with an improved mechanism which facilitates ease of use and improves juicing efficiency.

Background

There are a variety of known citrus juicers, including the fully manual, fully automatic and motorized varieties of juicers. In one known juicer, a motorized reamer (diameter) is supported by the housing. The inverted dome is carried by a simple rotating device and the dome is adapted to receive half of a citrus fruit. The pivoting action of the dome brings half of the citrus fruit into contact with the rotating reamer. The fruit is squeezed against the reamer, with continued manual pressure applied to the dome, whereupon the juice is extracted and collected. In this device, the motion trajectory of the inverted dome is generally a circular arc, the center of which is defined by a simple hinge connecting the inverted dome to the housing.

By definition, this type of motion creates an uneven contact pressure between the citrus fruit and the reamer, thus leaving portions of the fruit untouched. Furthermore, this type of motion tends to knock the fruit from the top of the reamer before it is fully packed into the dome. If the pivot point is displaced a considerable distance from the dome, the trajectory of the motion of the inverted dome can be made more nearly straight, which is often impractical.

Furthermore, the manual pressure necessary to bring the fruit into contact with the reamer does not benefit from significant mechanical advantages. Thus, the use of such devices is sometimes difficult, particularly for those with limited dexterity, dexterity or strength.

Additionally, the reamer design is important to the ease of use, efficiency and versatility of the citrus juicer. The reamer is intended to penetrate half of the citrus fruit. Pressure between the fruit and the reamer and relative rotation between the two can cause separation of the juice from the fruit. In order to rupture the juice sacs characteristic of citrus fruits, the outer surface of the reamer is usually ribbed.

Some juicers use the interior of the dome as a tool by which pressure is conveniently applied to the exterior of the citrus fruit being juiced. Other juicers rely on manual pressure. In any case, the single reamers of the prior art are generally not adequate for the extraction of juice from a wide variety of citrus fruits. Reamers suitable for lime are rarely, if ever, suitable for larger oranges and grapefruits. Thus, prior art citrus presses are known to have interchangeable reamers.

In addition, nozzles are used in a variety of devices. In a preferred embodiment, the juice accumulated in the collector flows through a passage to a nozzle which releases the collected juice into a container, such as a glass. Unless the passageway in the juice collector can be closed, removal or replacement of the glass, or removal of the collector for cleaning or other purposes, can result in undesirable leakage out of the passageway.

The shape of rotary sealing nozzles is known, but each of the rotary nozzles known in the prior art requires the use of some form of resilient spring or detent or other complex mechanism in order to enable the nozzle to be held in both the closed and released positions.

Objects and summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a citrus juicing device that is efficient and versatile.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a citrus reamer which can be used in juicers such as motorized juicers, non-motorized juicers, juicers having fruit domes and juicers that add citrus fruit to the reamer only by manual means.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a reamer for a citrus juicer. The outer surface of the reamer is characterized by a plurality of major ribs. The major ribs extend from the upper portion of the reamer to the lower edge of the reamer. The ribs have a compound profile.

The reamer profile is defined by the ends of the ribs. It can be seen that the profile has two different cross-sections.

In other embodiments, the upper boundary of each major rib further forms an apex.

In other embodiments, the reamer includes a pulp stirring paddle along the lower edge.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a citrus press that is safe, efficient and convenient.

The present invention therefore provides a motorised citrus juicer having a housing in which is located a motor which drives a juicing reamer. A manual actuating arm is connected to the housing. In some embodiments, the manual actuation arm further comprises a main arm forming part of the folding quadrilateral hinge. The drive arm is configured such that the final portion of the relative motion travel of the citrus fruit and the reamer is substantially linear.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuating arm is coupled with a microswitch latch to prevent premature rotation of the juicing reamer.

Another object of the invention is to provide a simple and reliable nozzle that is turned into a closed position.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a motorized citrus juicer according to the principles of the present teachings;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the juicer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a juicer with a removable reamer;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the reamer and base without the drive arm;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a juice reamer;

FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d) are side, perspective, plan and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a second embodiment of a reamer;

FIGS. 6(e) and 6(f) are side and perspective views of another reamer embodiment;

FIGS. 6(g) to 6(h) are side views of other reamer embodiments;

FIGS. 7(a) to 7(d) are bottom, perspective, side and cross-sectional views, respectively, of the dome;

FIGS. 8-11 are cross-sectional views of different citrus fruits used with the reamer and dome;

figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing the trajectory of the main arm and the fruit dome;

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the citrus juicer showing the final position of the drive arm;

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the citrus juicer showing the dome and path of fruit movement;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the drive arm actuating the microswitch safety interlock to prevent rotation of the reamer;

FIG. 16 is a side view showing the drive arm releasing the microswitch safety interlock allowing rotation of the reamer;

figure 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the drive arm showing its initial, intermediate and final positions;

figure 18 is a perspective view of the drive arm and underside of the fruit dome;

FIGS. 19(a) and (b) are perspective views of a juice collector with a nozzle in the release and closed positions, respectively;

FIGS. 20(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the juice collector and nozzle shown in FIGS. 19(a) and (b);

FIGS. 21(a) to (c) are side views, part cross-sectional views, showing a juice collector and nozzle of the invention; and

fig. 22 is a reverse perspective view of the nozzle showing the resilient seal bottom.

Best mode and other embodiments of the invention

Summary of the invention

As shown in fig. 1, one embodiment of a citrus press or juicer 10 includes a reamer 50 supported by a housing 20 with a juice collector 40 between the housing 20 and the reamer 50. In this example, the reamer includes an integral filter 48, and both are preferably stamped from sheet metal. In the motorized embodiment shown in fig. 1, the housing also contains a motor and gearbox 29 that drives the spindle 28 connected thereto to rotate the reamer 50. In the preferred embodiment, the fruit is pressed onto the reamer 50 by the actuating arm 70 exerting a force on the dome 90, wherein the formed dome 90 is used to hold the fruit substantially stationary relative to the reamer while the reamer 50 extracts juice from the fruit flesh by rotation. The extracted juice is collected in the juice collector 40 until the seal 114 associated with the nozzle is removed from the discharge opening to allow the juice to flow into the underlying glass or container. The juicer 10 may optionally include, for example, a pulp filter 45 as a separate component between the reamer and the collector.

The housing 20 is configured to contain a motor and gearbox 29. In the preferred embodiment, the mounting angle of the motor's main or output shaft 28 is slightly offset from vertical. The housing 20 comprises an upper flange 24 having an upper edge 25 inclined at the same angle. The main housing 20 is connected to a forwardly extending molded base 21 with an intermediate gap. The gap allows a collector, such as a glass, to be placed under the nozzle. A wire cover (cordwrap)22 containing a spacer 23 has been mounted beneath the moulded base and the power wires of the device can be wrapped around the spacer 23.

The motor and gearbox 29 are located within the housing 20 and are housed within the housing 20 by means of a top cover 30, the spindle projecting through the top cover 30. The motor and gearbox contain a microswitch driver 26. When the spindle 28 is depressed and there is power available, the drive is used to engage the electric motor. The movement of the spindle 28 actuates the internal lever which in turn depresses the microswitch 26 in a manner known in such devices. The spindle 28 has a stroke of about 3mm between the inactive position and the active position of the driver. This allows the reamer to remain stationary until a threshold pressure is applied by the user. The threshold pressure of the microswitch driver 26 has a suitable sensitivity to allow the weight of fruit to be loaded onto the reamer without actuating the microswitch. In some embodiments, the switch 26 is deactivated by a lockout switch associated with the arm 70.

An optional drive shaft cover 27 is received in the central bore 32 of the housing top cover 30 over the main shaft 28 and extends through the juice collector 40. The juice collector 40 comprises a single molded piece with a central projection having an aperture 41 for receiving the drive shaft cover.

Juice in the juice collector 40 flows through the nozzle 42. The nozzle 42 rotates relative to the underside of the juice collector and includes a detent 114 (see fig. 2) that fits snugly within a through-hole formed in the base of the juice collector adjacent the nozzle. When the nozzle is in the upper position, the through-hole is blocked by the stopper 114, while when the nozzle 42 is in the lower position, juice can freely flow through the through-hole and down the nozzle. When the juice collector is mounted on the inclined drive shaft cover, the through-hole and the nozzle are located at the lower portion of the juice collector.

In one embodiment, the drive shaft cover 27 passes through the juice collector 40 and the optional stationary strainer 45. The strainers contain enlarged main apertures and a plurality of perforations 46 that allow juice to pass through but restrict the flow of pulp through. Rotation of the reamer 50 (with the entire screen) adjacent the slurry filter 45 helps to eliminate clogging of the perforations 46 in the slurry filter 45. The pulp collector 45 contains a central aperture 47 through which the drive shaft cap 27 passes into a mating aperture formed in the underside of the juice reamer 50. The juice reamer 50 comprises a central protrusion 51 surrounded by a radial groove 52, mainly for intercepting the fruit seeds.

The fruit is brought into contact with the reamer 50 by the use of a specially configured drive arm 70 (see fig. 12-18). The drive arm includes a main arm 71, and a hole 123 for receiving the end 91 of the fruit dome 90 is formed in the main arm 71. The fruit dome 90 includes internal ribs 134 and/or pins 136 to prevent rotation of the fruit half 110 under the influence of the rotary reamer. The fruit dome 90 also includes an external rib 125 to engage with a slot in the main arm 71 and prevent the dome from rotating. The drive arm is thus an assembly comprising a primary arm and a linkage, in the form of a primary pivot arm 80 and a secondary pivot arm 100, as will be described.

As shown in fig. 2, an alternative embodiment provides a cast reamer 57 and a separate filter 56 as will be described.

Fruit reamer

For example, in fig. 1, 2 and 3, the reamer 50 (with or without an integral strainer) works in cooperation with a fruit dome 90 to form a citrus press. However, as shown in fig. 6(e) and 6(f), the reamer according to the invention does not require the use of a dome 90 or handle 70, and in fact, in the sense that certain new components described with reference to the reamer are equally applicable to all kinds of citrus juice extraction devices, the reamer does not need to include a motor or a motorized base.

In one embodiment shown in fig. 5, the central boss 51 of the reamer 50 includes a standard length ridge 53, and a partial length radial ridge 54. The central boss 51 also contains an optional pin 55 which is intended to hold fruit in place when loaded onto the reamer. This embodiment is stamped from sheet metal and includes an integrally surrounding filter 48 having a radial slot 52.

It is contemplated that the pins 55 and rib apexes 245 (see fig. 6a) are primarily intended to cooperate with the fruit dome. The manual reamer may omit these components (see fig. 6(e) and (f)).

For the purposes of this specification and the claims that follow, a profile (in relation to a rib or reamer) means the portion along the length of the rib or reamer, when viewed in side elevation, that portion being distinguished from other portions by a clear visual feature. Features that can separate adjacent contours from each other include points of inflection, discontinuities (sharp changes in corners or curvature), or transitions or blends that visually separate one portion from another. The reamer profiles, according to their size and position on the reamer, generally have functional attributes that make a portion fit a particular size of citrus fruit. A compound profile refers to two or more different continuous profiles configured on a single rib or reamer.

As shown in fig. 6a to 6d, the dual profile embodiment of the reamer 50 is considered to have a longitudinal axis of rotation 240. The reamer 50 has hemispherical rib support surfaces 241 and major or critical ribs 242. The support surface 241 may include secondary or secondary ribs 243 located between the primary ribs 242. In this example, the number of primary ribs 242 is four and extends from the reamer top down over the primary surface 241 to the lower edge 244. Each major rib may include an elevated projection 245 or apex at the top end of the rib for stabilizing the fruit during the juicing operation. The center point 253 acts as a spacer between the descending fruit dome 90 and the juicing reamer 50. This ensures that the fruit dome does not interfere with the ribs on the reamer.

The reamer lower portion 246 near the base of the ribs has a ribbed profile for handling larger fruit, such as oranges and grapefruits. We can define the longitudinal radii 247, 249 as circumferential radii where the circumferential radii are on the same plane as the longitudinal axis 240, thus tracing out the contour on the same plane as the longitudinal axis 240.

The lower profile of the ribs 242 has a longitudinal radius 247 approximately equal to the radius of the larger orange or grapefruit.

The upper contour of the main rib 248 also contacts the larger fruit, but must also allow for efficient juicing of lime, smaller oranges and lemons. In this example, the upper rib profile is characterized by an upper longitudinal radius 249 that is greater than a lower longitudinal radius 247. As long as the larger radius of the upper profile is large enough, the profile will resemble a straight line.

The dual profile or compound profile reamer may also include a transition portion 250 between the upper profile 248 and the lower profile 246. This section utilizes a depression connecting the upper and lower profiles, blending the two profiles smoothly together, and allowing longer fruit to slide smoothly down over the rib tip as it is pressed onto the reamer.

As shown in fig. 6b, the reamer 50 may include a paddle 252. In this example, the paddle extends away from the lower edge 244 and is primarily used to sweep foreign pulp over the strainer 50 so that juice can flow more efficiently toward the nozzle 42.

As shown in fig. 6c and 6d, the primary ribs 242 are blade-shaped, or tapered from the bottom to the top, and extend over the major outer surface of the reamer. Each rib 242 has a rounded tip 260 that is intended to provide high surface pressure on the citrus fruit, but is not so sharp as to cause damage to the fruit or risk injury. The intermediate or second ribs 243 further divide the reamer outer surface into recessed areas 270. The second ribs 243 play some role in the juicing operation and also help to keep the friction between the reamer and the fruit low. The second rib 243 helps the fruit to maintain its shape during the juicing process.

As shown in fig. 6(e) and 6(f), the apexes 245 are optional and the main ribs 242 may be connected on the domed surface to form a rounded cross 271 particularly suited for manual juicing.

As shown in fig. 6(g), the upper profile 248 may be relatively flat rather than curved. When the profile is flat or nearly flat, the profile can be considered to define or have a sharp apex angle (as shown by the intersection of the dashed lines above pin 253). In this illustration, the upper profile is considered flat, while the lower profile 246 is curved, with a radius of curvature corresponding to the approximate size of the larger orange 247. The mutant inflection points 259 are sharp and form sharp transitions between a flat upper contour and a curved lower contour.

As shown in fig. 6(h), both the upper and lower profiles may be curved, with the upper profile 248 having a longitudinal radius that is less than the longitudinal radius of the lower profile 246. Also shown are two inflection points 259 where the contour transitions between convex and concave along the length of the rib 242. Fruit round top

Fruit domes in accordance with the teachings of the present invention are illustrated in fig. 7(a) through 7(d) and fig. 18. As shown in fig. 7(a), in one embodiment, the interior 181 of dome 90 features an interior and inward ribs 182. It is noted that each rib 182 represents a flat 183 and a chamfer 184. In this example, the reamer is rotated in the direction of arrow 185, so that the twisting motion of half of the citrus fruit is impeded by the flat 183 of each rib 182.

As shown in fig. 7(b), the ribs 182 are generally straight and extend from a central portion 186 of the dome 90 to a lower edge 187. The central portion 186 includes a cup-shaped recess adapted to contact the pin 245 on the reamer. In this example, the ribs are generally straight, but they may also include a slightly twisted or helical channel for conveying the fruit half toward the middle portion 186. As shown in fig. 7(d), each rib 182 has a profile 160 that closely resembles the outer profile of the ribs on the reamer. It is advantageous that the shape of the upper portion has a relatively sharp apex angle 162.

As shown in fig. 7(c) and 7(d) and fig. 18, the movable fruit dome 90 may contain a stub shaft component 121 with alignment fins 125. The stub shaft member 121 may have a groove 124 for receiving an O-ring.

In other embodiments (fig. 18), the stub shaft 121 and alignment fin 125 are formed as separate components with a mounting flange 130. The underside of the flange 130 may be provided with one or more smaller pegs 136 to further resist rotation of the fruit. For ease of fabrication, a separate hemispherical shell 131 may be attached to the flange 130 and the entire rib 122. The stub shaft 121 is received by a mating aperture 123 in the drive arm between the main bend 75 and the handle 74. The entire alignment rib 125 engages a slot in the main arm to prevent the dome from rotating.

Fig. 7(d) also shows another method of construction of the fruit dome. In this example, the inner shell or insert, which is made of nylon or another polymer, has been formed by forming features such as stub 121 and fins 125, etc., as well as inner edge 182. The inner shell layer is then combined with an outer shell layer, such as a metal outer shell layer 193 that provides rigidity and aesthetics. The minor axis, or minor axis and fins, project outwardly from the top aperture of the outer shell layer 193. In an alternative example, the fins may be formed in the outer shell layer.

The friction between the stub shaft 121 and the bore 123 is enhanced due to the presence of the O-ring 115 in the groove 124 of the stub shaft, which is more clearly shown in figure 7(c) and figures 12 to 15.

Interaction between reamer and dome

Difficulties have arisen in the past in attempting to fit different citrus fruits onto a reamer, resulting in interchangeable reamers designed for different fruits. The profile of the dome 90 and the reamer 50 can help increase the versatility of the reamer 50 for different types of citrus fruit.

As shown in fig. 8(a) and 8(b), a grapefruit 111 is loaded onto the reamer pin 253 and then lowered into position on the reamer 50 by applying pressure to the dome 90. As shown in fig. 8(b), the combination of the reamer 50 and the dome 90 is effective in juicing larger diameter grapefruit because the outer skin 112 of the grapefruit can conform to the outer compound curved shape of the reamer 50 without being cut. It is noted that the outer skin 112 is bent mainly in the region of the middle portion.

Fig. 9(a) and 9(b) illustrate the same principle applied to oranges. The orange is sized to conform to the upper profile 248 of the reamer, to conform to the transition portion 250, and to extend only slightly to the lower profile 246 of the larger diameter.

The juicing of lemons is shown in fig. 10(a) and 10 (b). The near conical shape of the reamer upper profile and dome is preferably optimized and it is useful to ensure that the lemon is stationary as the reamer rotates and the outer skin of the lemon is not torn during juicing. The rib structure on the reamer and dome also cooperate with the reamer profile to accommodate a wide variety of citrus fruit juices.

As shown in fig. 11(a) and 11(b), the upper profile 248 of the reamer is ideal for the juicing of smaller fruits, such as lime. The lime easily follows the upper contour 248 and hardly reaches the transition section 250.

In one embodiment, the dome 90 is carried by the drive arm 70. As shown in fig. 12, the cooperation of the drive arm moving parts forms a complex trajectory of the fruit dome, the trajectory containing arcuate and linear portions as described below.

Driving arm

In order to provide efficient citrus juicing, half of the citrus fruit 110 must be in contact with the rotating reamer 50. The present invention addresses certain ergonomic and safety issues by providing a manual drive arm having the components variously shown in figures 1, 2, 3 and figures 12 to 18. It will be appreciated that the drive arm members are hingedly or pivotally connected to each other. In practice it does not matter which part in particular carries the male or female hinge or rotating part.

As shown in fig. 1, the drive arm includes a main pivot arm 80. In a preferred embodiment, the major pivot arm 80 forms a channel having a sidewall 160. The main pivot arm 80 has a lower pivot point 82 that is fixed by the lower portion 33 of the vertical well 34 extending from the upper edge 24 of the housing 20 and is preferably located within the lower portion 33. The upper pivot point 83 of the main swivel arm 80 is connected to and pivots with the lower pivot connector 84 of the main arm 71.

Main arm 71 shown in fig. 18 extends from pivot point 84 to a main bend 73 of approximately 90 degrees where main arm 71 changes direction and extends in a gentle curve toward handle portion 74. The second or upper pivot 75 is located between the lower pivot 84 and the handle 74, and more specifically between the lower pivot 84 and the primary elbow 73.

The second or upper pivot 75 of the main arm is connected to the first or upper end 101 of the secondary jib 100. The lower pivot connector 102 of the minor swivel arm 100 is connected to a mating upper swivel 103 (see fig. 13) attached to the housing 20 or top cap 30.

The drive arm can be deflected away from the reamer in the direction opposite to gravity by stretching or balancing springs 135, wherein the stretching or balancing springs 135 are interconnected, thereby pulling the swivel arm 80 towards the housing (see fig. 1 and 13). This keeps the main arm in its upper or extended position when loading fruit. The downward force of the main arm assembly is also reduced by the spring 135 when the main arm stays in the downward position (datum 10), so that the motor is not driven unintentionally.

The resulting folding quadrilateral hinge thus has the following components: (a) the portion of the main pivot arm 80 between the lower and upper pivot shafts 82, 83; (b) the portion of main arm 71 between lower and upper pivots 84, 75; the part of the minor pivot arm 100 between the lower and upper pivots 101, 102; and a housing portion between the lower and upper pivots 82, 103.

The hinge can be used as a four-bar linkage in which the pivot points 103 and 82 are fixed to the housing 20. As shown in fig. 12, when the pivot arm 80 is near the housing 20 due to the effective overlap of the pivot points 83 and 103, the main pivot arm 80 can act as a link that rotates about the pivot point 82 to define a lower limit of motion for the drive arm, effectively forming a single pivot point for the drive arm at the pivot 83. This allows the drive arm to swing toward and away from the reamer to load fruit. Second, the sub-boom 100 can be used as a linkage to limit the motion of the drive arm, thereby creating a linear trajectory of a domed reamer that fits the confines of the four-bar linkage (see fig. 13).

The geometry defined by the above-mentioned components provides a number of advantages. It provides an arrangement that allows considerable pressure to be exerted on the fruit being squeezed. Its compactness provides the mechanical benefits conferred. It provides for convenient arcuate or curvilinear movement of the dome as it reaches the apex of its trajectory. This allows for easier access to the reamer for fruit loading. This geometry also provides a generally linear motion during a portion of the dome's motion trajectory when linear motion is required, i.e., when the fruit dome is initially loaded with fruit and pressed down around the reamer.

Fruit dome trajectory

In use, as shown in fig. 12 to 17, the centre of the fruit dome 90 describes a trajectory 105 defined by reference points 1-10. The path of the trajectory 105 is determined by the orientation of the various moving parts forming the drive arm. Importantly, the locus 105 along the last reference point 5-10 describes a generally straight line trajectory which coincides with the axis of rotation of the juicing reamer 50. This ensures that the drive arm does not strike the fruit from the top of the reamer as it moves into position and that the gap and contact pressure with the fruit is uniform, thereby allowing efficient juicing.

As shown in fig. 12, the drive arm has a fully open initial position in which the main pivot arm 80 is proximate the housing 20 and the upper and lower pivot points 82, 83 of the main pivot arm 80 lie in a generally vertical plane. The minor pivot arm 100 is received in this orientation within a channel formed in the drive arm. The fruit dome 90 is still above the juice collector 40 at this location (datum 1), but is sufficiently clear of the reamer 50 to make loading of the fruit easier. In particular, the lowest point of the edge of the fruit dome is located above the main opening of the juice collector, so any droplets dripping from the fruit dome will be collected in the juice collector 40. In this initial or fully open position, the quadrilateral hinge formed by the main housing and the drive arm member is in the folded position. In this manner, the initial movement of the fruit dome 90 is similar to the movement about the fixed pivot axis, thereby forming a generally arcuate trajectory through the datum points 1-5.

As shown in fig. 13, the drive arm has a terminal position where the fruit dome is directly above and concentric with the central boss 51 of the juice reamer 50. It is noted that the center point 55 contacts a mating recess 186 formed in the center of the fruit dome, thereby forming a journal for the rotation pin 104 and a fixed gap between the dome and the center boss. In this end position, the quadrilateral hinge is in an extended position, thereby providing a substantially linear movement of the fruit dome. It will be appreciated that once the dome is in contact with fruit loaded onto the tip 104, further pressure against the handle portion 66 will eventually cause the spindle 28 of the motor-gearbox unit to drive the microswitch 26, thereby causing the motor to rotate. The driving of the motor also requires the disabling of a safety lockout switch, and the operation of switch 194 will be described below.

Safety lock

As shown in fig. 15 and 16, the switch actuator link 190 is located adjacent the main pivot arm 80. The link rotates around the lower rotation shaft 191. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the drive arm contacts a cam surface 192 formed on the upper end of the switch actuator link 190. When the drive arm is open and near open (typically datum 1-5), cam surface 192 contacts normally closed microswitch 194, thereby opening the microswitch circuit and disabling drive microswitch 26 associated with motor gearbox 29. Thus the reamer does not rotate when fruit is loaded onto the reamer.

As shown in fig. 16, when the fruit dome 90 moves along the trajectory 105 at least to an intermediate datum point (typically datum 6), the switch actuator link is pushed away from the switch 194, so that the microswitch 194 closes the circuit, enabling actuation of the microswitch 26. This allows pressure on the main shaft 28 to drive the motor in the motor gearbox 29. In the preferred embodiment, the actuation microswitch 26 is only active on the straight portion of the trace 105.

Juice collector and nozzle

As shown in fig. 19-23, juice in the juice collector 40 exits the device through a nozzle 42 and is collected for consumption.

According to the examples shown, the nozzle 42 is made from a pressed stainless steel plate. The rear part of the nozzle 42 forms a support and rotation shaft 117 which is fixed by means of a bracket 118, wherein the bracket 118 is mounted below the collector 40 or forms an integral part of the collector. The nozzle forms a shallow "U" shape in the cross-section shown in fig. 19. The front of the nozzle 42 is rounded 119 for user convenience and safety. The nozzle includes a central bore 47 for receiving a circular elastomeric seal 114 between the axis of rotation 117 and the nozzle front 119.

As shown in fig. 20 and 21, the rear portion 141 of the nozzle 42 is formed by extrusion so as to define a transverse nozzle support 142 (see fig. 20). The nozzle bracket 142 may be pivotally secured to the lateral end of the collector mounting bracket 143 by rivets 144 or other means. Fig. 20 and 21 also show a central aperture 145 for receiving elastomeric seal 114. As shown in fig. 13, unless the seal 114 is inserted into the discharge aperture 146 of the collector 40, juice will flow through the aperture 146 and down the spout 42. As shown in fig. 20, the elastomeric seal 114 is adapted to close the aperture 146 and be secured therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the seal 114 includes a selective waist or intermediate region 147 of reduced diameter that is smaller in diameter than the cap portion 148 of the seal. The waist 147 provides a better seal and tactile feedback when installed in the aperture 146. In some preferred embodiments, the relief aperture 146 has a circular inner edge 149 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the seal top cap 148, but large enough to accommodate the tapered edge 150 of the top cap 148 as the nozzle 42 is pushed firmly toward the collector 40. Fig. 20 and 21 also illustrate that the seal 114 is held by the nozzle by providing a circumferential groove 151 below the waist 147 of the seal 114 to achieve a tight fit between the seal 114 and the nozzle bore 146.

As shown in fig. 21(a), the nozzle 42 has a fully open position. In this position, the nozzle 42 is stationary relative to the collector 40 by means of the trailing edge 152 of the nozzle, so that a rotation is prevented. The fully open position provides convenient access to the sealed area, nozzle and release holes 146 for cleaning. As shown in fig. 21(b), the nozzle 42 can be freely rotated in an intermediate position range between the fully open position and the closed position. As shown in fig. 22(c), the nozzle has a closed or sealed position that occurs when the seal 114 is restrained by the collector aperture 146 in a direction opposite to gravity. Juice cannot escape from aperture 146 in this position and nozzle 42 cannot exit aperture 146 under the influence of gravity alone. A slight downward finger pressure on the nozzle 42 will allow the top cap 148 of the seal 114 to deform so as to pass through the aperture 146.

As shown in FIG. 22, the nozzle 42 preferably includes a peripheral edge 153, the peripheral edge 153 being pressed into the nozzle and reinforcing the nozzle. Also shown in this figure is the bottom 154 of seal 114, which is larger in diameter than nozzle bore 146 and is visible relative to the bottom side 155 of nozzle 42.

Although the present invention has been disclosed with reference to particular structural details, it should be understood that these have been provided by way of example and are not intended as limitations on the scope or spirit of the invention.

Claims (29)

1. A reamer for extracting juice from citrus comprising:

a plurality of major ribs for contacting citrus pulp;

the major ribs defining a composite profile having at least two profiles;

the composite profile includes an upper profile and a lower profile, and a recessed transition portion connecting the upper and lower profiles.

2. The reamer of claim 1 wherein:

the apex angle of the upper profile is sharper than the apex angle of the lower profile.

3. The reamer of claim 1 wherein:

the upper and lower profiles are connected by a recessed transition portion that blends the upper and lower profiles.

4. The reamer of any one of claims 1-2 wherein:

the main rib is knife-edged.

5. The reamer of any one of claims 1-2 wherein:

the tops of at least some of the major ribs form apexes for holding fruit in place.

6. The reamer of any one of claims 1-2 wherein:

the reamer includes secondary ribs located between the profiles defined by the primary ribs.

7. The reamer of any one of claims 1-2 wherein:

the reamer includes a paddle near the bottom of the main rib for removing the pulp.

8. The reamer of any one of claims 1-2 wherein:

the reamer also includes a center point that acts as a spacer between the descending fruit dome and the reamer.

9. The reamer of any one of claims 1-2 wherein:

the lower profile is used to handle oranges and grapefruit.

10. The reamer of claim 3 wherein:

the main rib is knife-edged.

11. The reamer of claim 3 wherein:

the tops of at least some of the major ribs form apexes for holding fruit in place.

12. The reamer of claim 3 wherein:

the reamer includes secondary ribs located between the profiles defined by the primary ribs.

13. The reamer of claim 3 wherein:

the reamer includes a paddle near the bottom of the main rib for removing the pulp.

14. The reamer of claim 3 wherein:

the reamer also includes a center point that acts as a spacer between the descending fruit dome and the reamer.

15. The reamer of claim 3 wherein:

the lower profile is used to handle oranges and grapefruit.

16. A citrus press comprising:

a reamer having a plurality of major ribs for contacting citrus pulp;

the major ribs have a compound profile;

the composite profile further comprises an upper profile and a lower profile, and a recessed transition portion connecting the upper profile and the lower profile;

a housing for supporting the reamer;

a motor for driving the reamer, the motor being contained in the housing; and

a fruit dome carried by the drive arm;

wherein the fruit dome has a motion trajectory defined by the drive arm, the trajectory having a curved portion and a linear portion that substantially coincides with the reamer's axis of rotation.

17. The citrus press of claim 16, wherein:

the drive arm cooperates with a microswitch latch to avoid premature rotation of the juice reamer.

18. The citrus press of claim 16, wherein:

the reamer has an apex on which a central point is formed that cooperates with the inner surface of the fruit dome to define a gap between the reamer and the dome.

19. The citrus press of claim 16, wherein:

the fruit dome includes an inner surface that corresponds to the contour of the reamer.

20. The citrus press of claim 16, wherein:

the fruit dome also includes internal ribs having a profile corresponding to the profile of the reamer.

21. The citrus press of claim 16, wherein:

the fruit dome includes a stub shaft for connecting the dome to a corresponding aperture on the drive arm.

22. The citrus press of claim 16, wherein:

the fruit dome includes one or more inner edges for gripping the skin of the fruit.

23. The citrus press of claim 16, wherein:

the housing further includes a juice collector having a closable nozzle for controlling the flow of juice from the collector;

the nozzle being hinged and serving to support an elastomeric plug that fits into the bore to prevent liquid from flowing therethrough;

the plug has a portion larger than the bore to prevent the plug from being displaced by gravity.

24. The citrus press of claim 17, wherein:

the reamer has an apex on which a central point is formed that cooperates with the inner surface of the fruit dome to define a gap between the reamer and the dome.

25. The citrus press of claim 17, wherein:

the fruit dome includes an inner surface that corresponds to the contour of the reamer.

26. The citrus press of claim 17, wherein:

the fruit dome also includes internal ribs having a profile corresponding to the profile of the reamer.

27. The citrus press of claim 17, wherein:

the fruit dome includes a stub shaft for connecting the dome to a corresponding aperture on the drive arm.

28. The citrus press of claim 17, wherein:

the fruit dome includes one or more inner edges for gripping the skin of the fruit.

29. The citrus press of claim 17, wherein:

the housing further includes a juice collector having a closable nozzle for controlling the flow of juice from the collector;

the nozzle being hinged and serving to support an elastomeric plug that fits into the bore to prevent liquid from flowing therethrough;

the plug has a portion larger than the bore to prevent the plug from being displaced by gravity.