HK1116025B - Food drying device with separable lid and cover - Google Patents

Description

Food drying apparatus with separable inner and outer lids

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a rotary dehydrating apparatus for drying wet food, such as a salad dehydrator, and more particularly, to a rotary dehydrating apparatus in which an inner lid can be separated from an outer lid coupled thereto for washing.

Background

Various food drying devices are known, such as salad spinners, which are well known. These salad spinners typically include a bowl, a lid attached to the bowl, a perforated basket, and a toggle, lever, cable or other similar drive means attached to the basket to rotate it. However, these prior art water traps are not always stable at the start of the action, often move sideways during the action, which is a nuisance and may cause the trap to fall from its support to the floor. Such a fall may damage the water trap or spill the food. In order to safely use such a water trap, the user must often hold the water trap with one hand and drive the water trap with the other hand.

Additionally, while some of the above devices include lid mechanisms that cover the basket when rotated, these mechanisms typically allow food particles to accumulate between the lid and cover, and even if the inner and outer covers are kept clean, objectionable water stains may be present on otherwise difficult to clean interior surfaces, which particles and water stains are difficult to remove.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides an improved apparatus for drying food that avoids the disadvantages of prior art apparatuses and also has structural and operational advantages.

An important feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus of the type having an inner lid detachably connected to an outer lid, whereby food particles trapped between the inner lid and the outer lid can be removed.

Another important feature of the present invention is to provide a device of the type having a brake that quickly stops the basket from rotating without soiling the user or contaminating the food being dried in the basket.

A further feature of the present invention is to provide a device that is simple and convenient to use.

In connection with the foregoing, a further feature of the present invention is to provide an apparatus of the type that can be operated with one hand, the bowl remaining stationary during use.

Some of the above and other features may be found in a food drying appliance provided by the present invention, comprising: a container comprising a bowl body having a sidewall extending to an upper edge and defining an opening therein, and an outer lid completely covering the opening; a basket apparatus disposed within the bowl and rotatable at a variable speed about a vessel axis relative to the vessel, the basket apparatus comprising: a basket having a sidewall extending to an upper edge; the basket is characterized by further comprising an inner cover, and the inner cover is detachably connected with the basket and the outer cover.

Other features and elements of the invention will be described in detail below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the following detailed description is given by way of example, and all changes, equivalents, and modifications that fall within the spirit and principles of the invention are intended to be embraced therein.

Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, its construction and operation, together with further advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the food drying appliance of the present invention with a partial cross-sectional view of the brake in a disengaged condition;

FIG. 1A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the brake apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the food drying appliance of FIG. 1 with a partial cross-sectional view of the brake in an engaged state;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the brake apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a partial top perspective view of the inner and outer lids in a disengaged condition in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial bottom perspective view of the inner and outer lids in a disengaged condition in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the inner and outer lids of FIGS. 3 and 4 in an engaged condition;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the inner and outer lids of FIG. 5 in an engaged condition showing the direction of the applied force separating the inner and outer lids;

FIG. 7 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the brake apparatus for the unengaged state of the device of FIG. 2;

fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the braking device of fig. 8 in an engaged state.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1-7, the present invention provides a food drying apparatus, such as a salad spinner 20. The salad spinner 20 generally comprises a container having a bowl 22 and a lid 24 for covering the bowl 22, an apertured basket 26 mounted within the bowl 22, a lid 28 for covering the basket 26, and a drive means 30 for driving the apertured basket 26 for rotation relative to the container via the lid 28.

The bowl 22 is circular and has a central vertical axis a (as shown in fig. 8) and a bottom surface 32, with a tapered protrusion 34 at the center of the bottom surface 32. The bowl body 22 further includes: a sidewall 36, the sidewall 36 extending to an upper edge 38; a foot 40, the foot 40 being connected to the bottom surface 32 and preferably made of a non-slip material.

As can be seen in fig. 7, the basket 26 includes a plurality of latitudinal, concentric circular ribs 42 connected together by a plurality of longitudinal ribs 44 of varying lengths. The ribs 42 and 44 together form a plurality of generally rectangular apertures 46 of different sizes. The basket 26 also includes a bottom 48 having a tapered protrusion 50 at the center of the bottom 48, the protrusion 50 being located on top of the protrusion 34 to form a rotational bearing. The ribs 42 and 44 together form a side wall 52 that extends to an upper edge 54.

As can be seen in fig. 1A, 2A, 3, 4 and 7, the inner lid 28 includes a cylindrical side wall 56, the side wall 56 having a plurality of outwardly projecting ribs 58. As shown in fig. 3, the ribs 58 cooperate with a plurality of mating ribs projecting inwardly from the cylindrical edge 54 of the basket 26 to collectively form a releasable connection between the lid 28 and the basket 26.

The lid 28 may be a one-piece structure or may be formed from a plurality of small pieces, and the lid 28 may completely cover the basket, may have openings, or may have holes. The inner lid 28 may also include an annular groove 60 for supporting a ring 67. Inner lid 28 includes a frustoconical central portion 62, an outer lid attachment element 64, which attachment element 64 is integral with the frustoconical central portion 62 and forms a shoulder 65, while on the inside, an upwardly projecting member 66 is integral with the central portion 62. The upwardly projecting portions 66 have different widths and each include a support surface 68.

As shown in FIG. 7, the outer lid 24 includes a cylindrical sidewall 72, the outer diameter of the sidewall 72 being just as large as the inner diameter of the upper rim 38 of the bowl body 22, thereby forming a friction fit between the sidewall and the bowl body. The outer lid 24 also includes an upper surface 78, a lower surface 82, a frustoconical central surface portion 80, and a cylindrical upwardly projecting member 84 (shown in fig. 3), the upwardly projecting member 84 being coaxial with the upwardly projecting member 66 of the inner lid 28. The piston 75 seals the bottom end of the upwardly projecting member 66 to prevent food from entering the interior of the member 66. The upwardly projecting member 84 is connected to the drive means 30.

As can be seen in fig. 3-7, the cylindrical surface portion 80 includes a channel 81, the channel 81 opening over a portion of the length of the frustoconical central surface portion 80. The upwardly projecting members 66 engage the channel 81 and, when engaged, the support surface 68 bears against the upper end of the channel 81.

As can be seen in fig. 3-6, the outer cover 24 is removably connected to the inner cover 28. This releasable connection is achieved by the outer cap connection element 64 of the inner cap 28 and the inner cap connection element 74 of the outer cap 24, wherein the element 64 projects outwardly from its support surface and the element 74 projects inwardly into the frustoconical central part 62. The inner cap connecting element 74 of the outer cap 24 includes a shoulder 76 that abuts the shoulder 65 of the frustoconical central member 62. Thus, as will be described further below, in one embodiment, rotation of lid 28 is accomplished by the connection between channel 81 and upwardly projecting member 66, and the connection between connecting element 64 and connecting element 74. To separate outer lid 24 and inner lid 28, a user presses connecting element 64 along handle 70, which provides a positive tactile engagement (tactilegagnement) of handle 70, applying sufficient force to deform frustoconical central portion 80 and push inner lid connecting element 74 further into frustoconical central portion 62, thereby separating shoulder 76 from shoulder 65, as shown in FIGS. 5-6. The inner lid 28 and outer lid 24 are designed to be releasably connected so that a user can remove the inner lid 28 from the outer lid 24 to remove food debris therebetween.

As shown in fig. 8, the drive device 30 includes a linear reciprocating handle structure 94 (or piston device) movable along a vertical axis a, the reciprocating handle structure 94 including a disc-shaped top end 96, or clasp structure, and a coaxial cylindrical side wall 98, the side wall 98 extending from the top end 96. The cylindrical side wall 98 is slotted with a slot 99 adjacent its top end.

As also shown in fig. 8, the drive device 30 may also include a conversion mechanism 112 for converting the reciprocating motion of the handle structure 94 to rotational motion of the basket 26. The conversion mechanism 112 comprises an elongated helical screw 114, which screw 114 is coaxial with the handling structure 94 and is connected at one end to the disc-shaped tip 96, preferably by means of a pin 107. The elongated screw 114 extends slightly below the bottom end of the cylindrical side wall 98. The shift mechanism 112 also includes a nut 116 having a slot 118 formed in the nut 116 to receive the threaded rod 114 for threaded engagement therewith.

As can be seen in the embodiment of fig. 8, the drive device 30 further includes a cap 120, the cap 120 having a top wall 122 and a generally cylindrical side wall 124. The side wall 124 includes an inwardly radially projecting protrusion 126 at a bottom end thereof. The cap 120 is mounted on the distal end 63 of the upwardly projecting member 61 of the inner lid 28, supported by the support surface 71; the protrusion 126 is positioned within the slot 73 to maintain the cap 120 in engagement with the upwardly protruding member 61. The cap 120 limits axial movement of the nut 116. As further shown in FIG. 8, the drive mechanism 30 further includes a helical compression spring 128 which is seated within a recess in the upwardly projecting member 84A against the disc-shaped upper portion 96 of the reciprocating handle structure 94.

During operation, the drive device 30 operates as follows: the shift mechanism 112 is generally in a non-engaged, normal rest condition in which the attachment features (not shown) of the nut 116 are axially separated from the attachment features 132 of the lid 28. A spring 128 biases the drive device 30 to this state.

When a downward force is applied to the disc-shaped top portion 96 of the reciprocating handle structure 94, the associated threaded shaft 114 and the nut 116 begin to move axially downward together, thereby bringing the engagement portions of the nut 116 into contact with the associated engagement portions 132 of the lid 28. At this time, the switching mechanism 112 is in the engaged state.

Continued application of the same directional force causes the screw 114 to move axially within the slot 118 of the nut 116, thereby rotating the nut 116; this causes the attachment feature of the rotating nut 116 to be attached to the attachment feature 132 of the lid 28, thereby rotating the lid 28 and, in turn, the perforated basket 26 attached to the lid 28 about the vertical axis a. The reciprocating handle structure 94 may be inserted downward until the disc-shaped top end 96 or other portion of the reciprocating handle structure contacts a portion of the outer cover 24. When the application of downward force ceases, the nut is free to climb along the threaded shaft 114, thereby disengaging the nut from the attachment features 132 of the lid 28 as the lid 28 continues to rotate. When downward force is no longer applied, the spring 128 causes the reciprocating handle structure 94, the threaded rod 114 and the nut 116 to begin moving axially upward together until the nut 116 contacts the top wall 122 of the cap 120, and further axial movement of the nut 116 is stopped. The shift mechanism 112 is now in the disengaged state. However, the screw 114 and the reciprocating handle 94 still continue to move axially upward. During such axial movement, the screw 114 moves within the slot 118 of the nut 116 causing the nut 116 to rotate. The above insertion motion may be repeated as necessary to rotate the basket 26 with the wet or non-dry food placed therein. The rotation of the perforated basket 26 causes the water on the food to be thrown out of the perforated basket 26 through the holes 46 by the centripetal force directed into the bowl 22; thereby drying the food in the basket.

In addition to the above, the lid 28 may be connected to the basket 26 in a manner that cooperates with the ribs 44 of the perforated basket 26 and the ribs 58 of the lid 28 to ensure that the basket 26 rotates when the reciprocating handle structure 94 is inserted. As lid 28 is rotated, each rib 58 thereof may contact rib 44, thereby rotating perforated basket 26.

The drive means 30 of the present invention may also take other alternative forms. For example, the conversion mechanism of the drive means may comprise a gear transmission system in which the linear reciprocating manipulating structure (or piston means) may comprise a rod having a vertically arranged rack. The gear system may also include an annular rack gear on the lid 28 (and basket 26) or connected to the lid 28 (and basket 26) and a primary gear connecting the vertical rack gear and the annular rack gear. When a downward force is applied to the piston assembly, the vertical rack gear engages the primary gear, which in turn engages the annular rack gear, thereby rotating the associated lid and basket. When the downward force ceases and the lid 28 continues to rotate with the basket 26, the intermediate gear is free to disengage from the annular rack.

As shown in fig. 8 and 8A, the salad spinner 20 may include a stop mechanism 100 to prevent axial movement of the reciprocating handle structure 94. The stop mechanism 100 includes a slot 99 in the cylindrical sidewall 98 and a latch 102 supported by the outer cover 24.

The latch 102 includes a central portion 104 that terminates in a projection 106. When it is desired to prevent axial movement of the reciprocating handle structure 94, as shown in fig. 8 and 8A, the handle structure 94 is depressed sufficiently that the latch 102 slides in such a manner that the projection 106 is positioned in the slot 99 of the reciprocating handle structure 94.

Referring again to fig. 1-2A, the salad spinner 20 is shown including a brake 200 to prevent rotation of the basket 26, the brake 200 being received in the cover 24.

The brake assembly 200 includes an actuator 202 having a brake pad attached thereto, the actuator 202 being formed of a soft, resilient material such as rubber or plastic and being formed to be soft and resilient. The drive member 202 includes an annular side wall 206 connected to a top wall 208. The top wall 208 has inner and outer surfaces 210, 212, the inner surface 210 having a generally cylindrical protrusion 214 centrally disposed therein, the protrusion 214 terminating in an axial bore 216.

The brake pad 204 is constructed of a hard material, such as plastic, and includes a cylindrical side wall 220 and a bottom wall 222 integral therewith. The open end of the sidewall 220 is provided with an annular flange 220A that extends radially outwardly. The bottom wall 222 and the cylindrical side wall 220 define the aperture 218. The bottom wall 222 has inner and outer surfaces 224, 226. The brake pad also has a cylindrical protrusion 228, the protrusion 228 protruding outwardly from the center of the inner surface 224 of the bottom wall 222.

As shown in fig. 1A and 2A, the brake pad 204 is attached to the actuator 202 by press fitting, or the like. Preferably, the cylindrical protrusion 214 of the actuator 202 is disposed within the aperture 218 of the cylindrical sidewall 220 of the brake pad 204; further, the cylindrical projection 228 of the brake pad 204 is disposed within the inner bore 216 of the cylindrical projection 214 of the actuator 202.

As shown in fig. 1A, the outer cover 24 has inner and outer surfaces 229A, 229B and includes a circular opening bounded by a cylindrical sidewall 230, the cylindrical sidewall 230 extending from the inner surface 229A of the outer cover 24 and merging at its distal end with a bottom wall 232. A first annular sidewall 234 having radial slots 236 is upstanding from the bottom wall 232. A second annular sidewall 238, shorter and thinner than the first annular sidewall 234, extends both above and below the bottom wall 232. The second annular sidewall 238 radiates inwardly from the first annular sidewall 234 to form an aperture 240. The bottom wall 232 may also include apertures that are generally disposed between the side walls 234 and 238. If necessary, the holes may allow moisture or water to flow out of the circular opening.

The brake 200 is supported and carried by the cover 24. The side wall 206 of the actuator 202 is disposed between the cylindrical side wall 230 and the first annular side wall 234 and is supported on the bottom wall 232. The outer diameter of the first annular side wall 234 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the side wall 206 of the driver 202, thereby forming a press fit therebetween. When the brake assembly 200 is mounted on the cover 24, the top wall 208 of the actuator 202 is preferably positioned on the outer surface 229B of the cover 24. The brake pad 204 extends into a bore 240 formed by the second annular sidewall 238.

The brake 200 is movable between a disengaged position, shown in fig. 1 and 1A, and an engaged position, shown in fig. 2 and 2A. In the disengaged position, the lid 28 and basket 26 are free to rotate, as described above with respect to the first salad spinner 20 embodiment.

The inner cover 28 includes an annular braking surface 61 against which is a brake pad 204, the brake pad 204 exerting a frictional force on the surface 61 when in the engaged position. The annular braking surface 61 may be integral with the inner lid 28 or may be a separate ring 67, the ring 67 forming part of the inner lid 28 by being inserted into the annular recess 60. The ring 67 may be constructed of a soft, resilient material such as rubber or plastic and is shaped and dimensioned to fit into the recess 60 of the inner lid 28. In the engaged position, the bottom wall 222 of the brake pad 204 contacts the annular braking surface 61 of the lid 28 to stop rotation of the lid 28 and the basket 26 connected thereto. By limiting wear to the annular braking surface 61, the unsightly appearance of frictional wear caused by the brake pad 204 on the inner cover 28, seen through the clear outer cover 24, is minimized.

In fig. 2 and 2A, the brake 200 is simply moved to the engaged position by applying downward pressure, such as by pressing a finger against the bottom wall 208 of the actuator 202; the brake pad 204 associated therewith is guided by the second annular sidewall 238 and moves downwardly through the aperture 240 to contact the lid 28 to stop rotation of the lid 28 and basket 26. The second annular sidewall 238 also helps prevent the brake pad 204 from tilting under the influence of the rotating inner cover so that a majority of the surface of the bottom wall 222 of the brake pad 204 contacts the inner cover 28. The annular flange 220A will contact the end of the second annular sidewall 238 to capture the brake pad 204 within the cover 24.

When the pressure is released, the flexible resilient actuator 202 springs the brake back to the disengaged position. Alternatively, a spring, such as a compression spring, or other biasing device, may be employed to move the brake device 200 back to its disengaged position, such that the actuating member 202 may be made of most any material and/or such that the actuating member 202 is integral with the brake pad. Optionally, the brake pads 204 are hingedly connected to the outer cover 24 to facilitate a controlled, generally axial relationship of the brake pads 204 for movement relative to the inner cover 28.

In another embodiment shown in fig. 8 and 8A, the brake 300 is mounted to the cover 24. In this embodiment, the brake apparatus 300 includes a driver 302 and a lever 304. Lever body 304 includes lid engagement arm 306 and cover engagement arm 308. Cover attachment arm 308 has a series of wings 310 for engaging cover 24 and providing a fulcrum for lever 304, as described in more detail below. Lever body 304 is formed of a resilient material, such as plastic, that is sufficiently stiff to transmit sufficient frictional force to lid 28 through lid engagement arm 306 to stop rotation of lid 28. The frictional force exerted by the lid engagement arms on the rotating lid may also be sufficiently large that the rotating lid 28 can press against a portion of the non-rotating (stationary) cover 24, thereby more quickly stopping rotation of the lid 28.

Lid 28 may include an annular groove 29 that receives lid engagement arm 306. In operation, as shown in fig. 8 and 8A, a user depresses actuator 302 against rod 304. The applied force is transferred to lid engagement arms 306 and cover engagement arms 308 beneath lever body 304. Shoulders 310 reduce or prevent movement of lid engagement arms 308 such that with lid engagement arms 306 in contact with lid 28, levers 304 rotate downward forcing lid 28 into contact with lid 24 to stop rotation of lid 28.

When the downward pressure applied by the user is released, the flexible resilient integral protrusions (not shown) on lever body 304 spring brake 300 back to the disengaged position. Alternatively, a spring, such as a compression spring, or other biasing device, may be used to move brake 300 back to its disengaged position, thereby allowing drive member 302 to be made of most any material and/or allowing drive member 202 to be an integral unit with rod 304.

The above are specific embodiments of the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Any modification, equivalent replacement, and improvement made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention. The specific scope of the invention is indicated in the claims.

Claims (12)

1. An apparatus for drying food, comprising:

-an open-topped container, an outer lid completely covering the open-topped container;

-a basket mounted within the container, rotatable axially relative to the container;

-a drive mechanism for effecting rotation of the basket;

-an inner lid detachably connected to the basket and the outer lid; and

-a clamping structure for elastically clamping the inner cap on the outer cap.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the drive mechanism includes a rotatable member to which the inner cover is connected for rotation therewith.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising structure provided on the inner cover and the rotatable part of the drive mechanism to inhibit relative rotation of the inner cover and the rotatable part.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a braking device for reducing the rate of rotation of the basket relative to the container.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein: the brake assembly includes a braking surface on the inner cover and a brake pad mounted on the outer cover and movable into and out of engagement with the braking surface.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising an actuator coupled to the brake pad for effecting movement of the brake pad into and out of engagement with the braking surface in a direction generally parallel to the axial direction.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the braking surface is substantially annular.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising an actuator member coupled to the brake pad for effecting movement of the brake pad into and out of engagement with the braking surface in a direction generally perpendicular to the axial direction.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the inner cover is urged by the brake pads into frictional engagement with a non-rotating surface mounted on the outer cover.

10. An apparatus for drying food, comprising:

-a container with an open top,

-an outer lid completely covering the top opening of the container,

a basket mounted within the container, rotatable axially with respect to the container,

-a drive mechanism for effecting rotation of the basket,

-an inner lid detachably connected to the basket and the outer lid, and

-a clamping structure for elastically clamping the inner cap on the outer cap; the clamping structure includes a latch mechanism having first and second connection members detachably connected to each other and provided on the inner and outer covers, respectively.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein: the first connecting member is deflectable into and out of connection with the second connecting member.

12. An apparatus for drying food, comprising:

-a container with an open top,

-an outer lid completely covering the top opening of the container,

a basket mounted within the container, rotatable axially with respect to the container,

-a drive mechanism for effecting rotation of the basket, the drive mechanism comprising a rotatable component,

-an inner lid detachably connected to the basket and the outer lid, the inner lid being connected to the rotatable part of the drive mechanism for rotation therewith, and

-means provided on said inner cap and on a rotatable part of said drive mechanism for inhibiting relative rotation of said inner cap and said rotatable part.