WO1998037798A1

WO1998037798A1 - System for handling foodstuffs

Info

Publication number: WO1998037798A1
Application number: PCT/NO1998/000062
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roy Hoel
Original assignee: ROOV AS
Current assignee: ROOV AS
Priority date: 1997-02-26
Filing date: 1998-02-26
Publication date: 1998-09-03
Anticipated expiration: 1999-08-26
Also published as: NO970859D0; AU6125098A; NO970859L

Abstract

Device (1) for handling foods, preferably roots, where the device (1) consists of a cylindrical container (2) with an axle (10) centrally placed in the container (2) for running of utensils (20, 21) in the container (2), and a drain (9) placed in the container's lower part. The container (2) is designed for being built-in preferably in a bench-top/kitchen-bench (15) and the container's drain (9) is designed for connection to the kitchen-bench's drain (26).

Description

SYSTEM FOR HANDLING FOODSTUFFS

The invention describes a device for handling foods such as for example roots, and the device is first and foremost designed for use in a typical domestic kitchen.

Roots such as potatoes and carrots are widely used in the daily diet. It is usual to peel or clean these products before boiling, and this is usually performed manually with for example a potato peeler/vegetable peeler, in most homes. This can be both a time consuming and unappealing task, especially if many potatoes have to be peeled.

Despite the continual development of kitchen tools, equipment etc. for the domestic kitchen, the above mentioned task is usually performed manually. In addition to completely manual tools, there are today electric tools such as kitchen machines, etc. which can also perform these tasks. The problem with these machines is that they are usually big and bulky and are stored in kitchen benches, cupboards, etc. Not only do they take up room but also it often requires effort to get these machines out of their storage place. Having taken the machine out of the storing place set up and the food dealt with, then the machines have to be washed thoroughly, dried and put back in their storing place. All these tasks often lead to such machines being left in the cupboard and seldom used.

Consequently, there is a need for a machine which can treat foods which overcomes the disadvantages of the above mentioned machines. The machine should preferably need little space, should not obstruct the normal activity of the kitchen bench, and should be easy to use effectively without requiring substantial cleaning or maintenance. Another aim of the present invention is that the food to be dealt with should be able to be dealt with or cleaned by the machine without the loss of important vitamins or minerals.

This is achieved by the invention by a device for handling foods, preferably roots as described in the introduction to the independent claim 1 , and further described by the features in the characterising part of claim 1. Further features according to the invention are explained more thoroughly in the dependent claims 2 to 8. The present invention shall now be explained with the help of a particular example of this and with reference to the enclosed drawings, where:

Fig. 1 shows the device according to the invention, seen from above, mounted in a bench-top/kitchen-bench,

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross section of the device in fig. 1 , where the device is shown from the side when installed in the kitchen-bench,

Fig. 3 shows a detail of the device's fastening in the bench-top and also fastening details for the device's upper part consisting of a lid, Fig. 4 shows part of the device, where it is equipped with utensils preferably for potato peeling,

Fig. 5 shows part of the device equipped with utensils preferably for the cleaning of roots,

Fig. 6 is an illustration of the individual components of another preferred design of the device according to the present invention,

Fig. 7 is a side view of the device in fig. 6 when assembled,

Fig. 8 shows a design of the apparatus in figs. 6 and 7 adapted for potato peeling, and

Fig. 9 shows a design of the apparatus in figs. 6 and 7 used as a food processor.

Firstly, with reference to fig. 1 , the device 1 is shown installed in a kitchen-bench 25 next to an existing wash basin 28. A tap 27 may be swung over the central area of the device 1 , and the tap 27 may thus be placed over the filling inlet 16 in the lid 15. It should, however, be mentioned that in those cases where the device cannot be mounted within the tap's 27 range, a separate water supply may be provided, for example, in the form of a fixed water pipe connected to the water supply area in the upper part of the device 1. As fig. 1 shows, the container 2 is mounted on the bench-top 25 with combined fastening and supporting brackets 3. Fig. 2 shows the device 1 seen from the side where a cylindrical container 2 with drain and filter 9 are connected to the sink's drain 26. The device's container is further shown with a centrally arranged axle 10 including an electric motor 12. A sieving plate 17 is shown placed within the lid 15 for even distribution of the water supplied through the filling inlet 16 in the upper central part of the lid 15. Fig. 3 shows the fastening of the container 2 in the bench-top 25 in more detail. A circular flange 4, which includes a fastening, bracket 5 for the lid 11 a push and twist lock is arranged around the outside circumference of the sink 2. Two rubber washers 6 are furthermore placed between the lower side of flange 4 and the top of the bench-top 25 in such a way that when tightening nut 7 on bolt 8 fastened to the flange 6, a sealing connection is achieved between bench-top 25 and flange 4. Any water spilling on the kitchen-top will therefore not be able to penetrate into the bench cupboard between the outside of the container 2 and the cut surface of the bench-top 25.

Fig. 4 show the container 2 arranged with an inside utensil in the form of a cylindrical bowl with perforated inside walls and grooves. This bowl is placed on the axle (10) and secured at points 11 , and will thus rotate with the axle. This bowl is intended for the device's (1) potato peeling function. The bowl 20 for potato peeling is perforated in the lower part so that water and peel can escape and run out into the drain 9. The bowl 20 is equipped with grooves inside so that the peel can be scraped off when the potatoes roll against them. The bowl 20 is sloped inwards at the top to keep the potatoes in during rotation. The centre part is a hollow tube so that 2 can be placed over the axle 10 and rest on the attachment points 11 at the top and the bottom. When, for example, potatoes are to be peeled, they are placed in 20. The lid 15 is then placed on the container 2 and the tap 27 is swung over the lids filling-inlet 16 and the water supply is turned on (low) and distributed by a sieving plate 17 over the potatoes. The device 1 is started by a switch 13 for step-less regulation of the speed. The potatoes are then cleaned and scrubbed/peeled and the rinsing water is expelled though the drain 9 and then into the sink 26. When the potatoes have been treated, they are removed for further treatment and the device 1 is cleaned very simply by using the tap 27. The bowl 20 can be kept in the container 2 or can be removed, for example, if the brush 21 for roots is to be used.

Fig. 5 shows the container 1 , where a brush 21 for cleaning roots is now mounted on axle 10. When cleaning roots the potato basin 20 is taken out and the brush part 21 is placed over the axle 10 where it is then locked. The products which are to be brushed clean (first and foremost potatoes and carrots) are placed in 2. Then the water is turned on, as done when peeling potatoes, and rotation of the brush 21 is started by turning the switch 13 to the preferred position. If the device 1 is used as a rinsing bowl for vegetables, draining meat and fish, etc. then it works in the same way as such bowls used today. However, there is one main difference, namely lid 15 that prevents spilling and splashing on the bench 25. Moreover, there is a water distribution plate 17 in the lid 15 which allows an even distribution of water over the food and not just a jet of water from the tap 27. The opening 16 in the lid 15 is deliberately wide enough to fit most sorts of taps. If one does not wish to use the lid 15 it can be taken off and one is left a straightforward sink, apart from the axle 10 in the middle.

Fig. 6 shows a preferred design of the apparatus 1 according to the present invention. According to this design of the apparatus 1 there is a pillar 29 placed in the bottom of a kitchen sink. The pillar 29 serves as a fastening for the container 2 and transmission of power between the motor and the bowl 2. The pillar 29 is fixed to the sink with a supporting plate 3. The supporting plate 3 is screwed to the pillar 29 underneath the sink with a plastic disc 30 and a nut 31 and is designed to strengthen the bottom of the sink and reduce vibration. The supporting plate 3 serves also as a platform for the motor house which, for example, can be attached to two of the supporting plate's ribs. The motor itself is not shown on the drawings.

Fig. 7 shows the device 1 installed in the kitchen bench's sink. Fig. 8 shows a preferred design of a potato peeler for mounting in the device 1 in accordance with figs. 6 and 7. The potato peeler's bowl 2 is fastened to the pillar 29 by a push and twist locking mechanism that will press the bowl towards the bottom of the sink 1. Underneath the bowl 2, there is an outer ring where rubber gaskets are put to achieve a good connection with the bottom of the sink. The lid 15 on the bowl 2 is fastened with a push and twist lock and has a finger that activates the safety switch in a switch panel 40 when the lid is in the locked position. The lid 15 has an opening for adding and spraying of water from a water tap assisting in washing the potatoes clean and rinsing away the refuse. In the bottom of the bowl 2 there is a hole where water and peel is washed out and down the drain of the sink. The potato peel refuse is, from experience, rather finely ground and can therefore easily be washed down the drain. The bowl 2 is equipped inside with a peeling ring 33 made of, for example, carbosilicon. A peeling disc 34 rotates with the axle 10 and has two large bumps, which ensure plenty of movement of the potatoes in the bowl. Peeling disc 34 and peeling ring 33 are replaceable considering that the potato peeler should have a long life span. Furthermore, it is intended that the peeling ring 33 and peeling disc 34 may be changed to tools for washing the vegetables without having to remove the peel.

Fig. 9 shows a food processor for use with the device in accordance with figs. 6 and 7. The food processor consists of a plastic bowl 35 for attachment to the pillar 29 in the same way as described above. The plastic bowl 35 has a lid with a feeding pipe 36. Inside the container there is at least one cutting disk 37 mounted on the axle 10 and thus rotates inside the container 35.

As the figures explain, the device 1 can be installed in an existing kitchen bench or it can be pre-installed, that is delivered ready installed in bench-top 25. The device 1 will initially have the same function as any ordinary rinsing sink and can thus replace this. A simple operation can change this rinsing sink into a device for handling food, first and foremost roots, but the invention also paves the way for a number of utensils, for example such as those used in traditional kitchen machines. As is evident from the description above and the drawings, the device 1 according to the invention has several features, such as the following: Potatoes can be peeled by machine, potatoes and carrots can be brushed completely clean if one wishes to avoid peeling them and thus retain important vitamins and minerals. The device includes several known product functions and also new functions in a single unit, which makes it a very user-friendly apparatus, the need for space in the kitchen, cupboards and drawers will be noticeably reduced in relation to present solutions, and the device comprises few parts, which increases operating safety and simple cleaning, no need for sockets, leads etc. as everything is integrated in the device 1 which can be used immediately, the present day rinsing sink for vegetables and fish etc. will be noticeably improved with the water distribution sieve 17 which is on the lid 15, as one obtains an even shower and not a jet of water over the food products. This traditional rinsing sink can therefore be replaced entirely by the device 1 according to the invention, the device 1 is easy to implement as it is always out on the bench and is easy to clean, and no matter what it is used for, there is little spillage and as mentioned the device 1 according to the invention is easy to keep clean. All functions take place at the sink and water supply/drain and with working tops in first and foremost stainless steel, which also promotes easier cleaning and better hygiene.

As a finished product the device 1 consists of a basis unit with various auxiliary parts as desired. The basic unit will have two different designs. One will be for the existing kitchen where it will not pay to change the whole washing unit with rinsing section, and one for new kitchens where the devices will be delivered integrated in the washing unit. It is obvious that it will not be possible to install the device in some existing kitchens, but this in no way depreciates the unique nature of the product.

The product can be and is intended for instalment in existing kitchens, but it is obvious that prefabricated bench tops suitable for the device (only minimal changes in relation to present standard tops are required) will be an alternative. When the device is not in use, the potato basin and brush can be placed in the container and the lid put in place. In other words, no storage space is needed for the parts.

The invention builds mainly on known elements, but these elements are assembled in a new way giving a very simple and functional solution in relation to what is known today. It is obvious that the device according to the present invention can be further developed and modified, for example with regard to new functions such as grating vegetables, whipping cream etc.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Device (1) for handling foods, preferably roots, where the device (1) consists of a cylindrical container (2) with a running device for operating a utensil (20) inside the container (2) and a drain (9) placed in the lower part of the container, characterised by that the container (2) being designed for being built-in in preferably a kitchen sink, that a penetrating pillar (29) being mounted in the base of the sink for fastening of the container and that a rotatable axle (10) being centrally placed in the pillar (29) for operating the utensil (20).

2. A device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised by the pillar being arranged with a push and twist locking for connecting of the container (2).

3. A device according to claims 1 and 2, characterised by the container (2) being equipped with a lid (15) comprising a filling inlet (16) and a sieving plate (17) for even water distribution.

4. A device according to claims 1 , 2 or 3, characterised by the utensil (20) being a peeling disc (34) with a centrally placed hole for fastening to the axle (10) and with at least one radially running "bulge" on each side of the central hole.

5. A device (1) according to claim 4, characterised by the peeling slice (34) having a rough coating, preferably of carbosilicon.

6. A device (1) according to claims 4 or 5, characterised by the inside of the container (2) having a peeling ring (34) of a rough couting, preferably of carbosilicon.

7. A device (1 ) according to claim 1 , 2 or 3, characterised by the utensil (20) being a perforated container (2) having inner grooves and a centrally penetrating hole for attachment to the axle (10).

8. A device according to claim 1 ,2 or 3, characterised by the utensil (20) being a brush with an arm for attachment to the axle (10).

9. A device (1 ) according to any of the above claims, characterised by the axle (10) being rotated by an electric motor (12) mounted under the container (2).

10. A device (1 ) according to any of the above claims, characterised by further comprising a switch panel (40) preferably attached to a kitchen bench (28).