Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a food processor with a safety lock system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Food processors are a well-known convenience for preparing food by slicing, grating, shredding or similar food processing operations. A conventional form of food processor includes a working bowl having a motor driven shaft projecting upwardly in the center of the bowl. A variety of food processing tools are coupled to the shaft and rotated to perform a corresponding variety of food processing operations as required by the operator of the food processor.
[0003] There are food processors of the type broadly set forth above having a working bowl or vessel with a motor driven shaft projecting vertically upwards through the bottom of the bowl on which various selected rotary tools can be engaged to be driven by the shaft for performing various food processing operations as may be desired by the user. In known devices of this type it often occurs, particularly when the material to be processed has a low density, that the motor continues to rotate for several seconds after being turned off. If the user is not careful and puts his hand into the jar too early before the blades are completely still, he may severely injure himself.
[0004] Unfortunately, at other times, there is relatively ready access to sharp portions of the food processor tool or tools within the working bowl even though the processor cannot be operated. This is particularly true in the case of a food processor having an enlarged feed tube if the feed tube protector is opened or removed. Oftentimes without realizing the potential hazard of an exposed working tool, the feed tube protector will be left open or removed entirely to ensure that the food processor cannot be operated.
[0005] As a result of the many shortfalls of the prior art, there is a need for a food processor with a safety lock system which overcomes the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY
[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[0007] Before the present subject matter relating to a food processor with a safety lock system, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular system described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0008] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a food processor with a safety lock system. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present subject matter.
[0009] In an embodiment, A food processor with a safety lock system, the system includes a processing unit and a safety lock system. The processing unit is configured for chopping, slicing, or blending food items. The safety lock system is configured to prevent operation of the processing unit when the safety lock is engaged. The safety lock system comprises a locking mechanism that engages with the processing unit to restrict its movement.
[0010] In another embodiment, a method for operating a food processor with a safety lock system, the method includes the step of engaging the safety lock system to prevent operation of the processing unit. The method includes the step of securing the processing unit to the food processor. The method includes the step of disengaging the safety lock system to allow operation of the processing unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0011] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference features and modules.
[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a food processor including the present invention with portions broken away to show internal structure.
[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the motor base of a kitchen machine.
[0014] Figure 3 illustrates the operation of the safety interlock mechanism.
[0015] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative methods embodying the principles of the present disclosure. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the invention. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
[0017] One or more embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present invention to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
[0018] The terminology used, in the present invention, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present invention. As used in the present invention, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the system of the present invention is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0019] In an embodiment, a food processor with a safety lock system, the system includes a processing unit and a safety lock system. The processing unit is configured for chopping, slicing, or blending food items. The safety lock system is configured to prevent operation of the processing unit when the safety lock is engaged. The safety lock system comprises a locking mechanism that engages with the processing unit to restrict its movement.
[0020] In another implementation, the safety lock system also includes a user interface for engaging and disengaging the safety lock.
[0021] In another implementation, the user interface includes a button or switch positioned on the housing of the food processor.
[0022] In another implementation, the locking mechanism of the safety lock system is configured to automatically engage when the processing unit is not properly secured to the food processor.
[0023] In another implementation, a sensor is configured to detect the presence or absence of the processing unit and activate or deactivate the safety lock system accordingly.
[0024] In another embodiment, a method for operating a food processor with a safety lock system, the method includes the step of engaging the safety lock system to prevent operation of the processing unit. The method includes the step of securing the processing unit to the food processor. The method includes the step of disengaging the safety lock system to allow operation of the processing unit.
[0025] In another implementation, the method includes the step of engaging the safety lock system is performed manually through a user interface.
[0026] In another implementation, the method includes the step of engaging the safety lock system to be performed automatically when the processing unit is not properly secured to the food processor.
[0027] In another implementation, the method includes the step of detecting the presence or absence of the processing unit using a sensor, and activating or deactivating the safety lock system accordingly.
[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a food processor including the present invention with portions broken away to show internal structure.
[0029] In an embodiment, a food processor 100 includes a base 102 for housing an electric drive motor 104 and control means for enabling the actuation of the drive motor 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the control means comprise an electrical interlock switch 106 and operator controls 108 which are enabled to control the drive motor 104 only when the interlock switch 106 is operated. A vertical drive shaft 110 extends upwardly from the base 102 and is driven by the motor 104 to rotate a cutting disk 112 or other interchangeable food processing tool within the upper portion of a working bowl 114.
[0030] In an embodiment, the opening of the working bowl 114 is closed by a bowl cover 128 which is removably secured to the working bowl 114 by means of a twist lock arrangement wherein two or more lugs 130 on the bowl cover 128 engage intermating ridges 132 formed around the upper edge of the working bowl 114. Formed into and extending upwardly from the bowl cover 128 is an enlarged feed tube 134 which forms a passageway through the bowl cover 128 for food items to be processed. The feed tube 134 is generally oblong in cross-section and extends from near the center of the cover 128 to near its periphery. The enlarged opening of the feed tube 134 requires a protector to prevent a hand from being inserted into the feed tube and into engagement with the cutting disk 112 or other. The rod in turn forces down the actuating button of the switch, which thereby starts the motor in operation. This actuation of the electrical switch by means of the correct positioning of the cover is intended as a safety feature, for the tool can begin to rotate only when the cover is tightly in place. For this locking engagement the cover may for example, carry a plurality of circumferentially located depending lugs 30 which, upon rotation of the cover 28, engage beneath cooperating radial ledges 32 on the bowl 18 near its rim. The cover may be secured in place by clamping means or by any other manually engageable means. It is to be understood that there are numerous ways and means by which such a cover 28 may be held in locked engagement upon the working bowl 18 during operation of the food processor, and accordingly the term "means for holding the cover in its normal position on the bowl during operation of the food processor" is to be interpreted broadly.
[0031] An aspect of the safety interlock apparatus as shown is the fact that the pusher is specially shaped. It is formed with a vertical rib or protruding member along one side in a position to be advanced downwardly within slot when the pusher is inserted down into the food feed passageway in hopper.
[0032] In an embodiment, the motor drive actuator rod may be replaced by a switch button of a switch mounted in an upright support portion of the housing located near the outside of the bowl. Thus, the reference number is also applied to this movable member or, which becomes actuated only when the cover is in proper position on the bowl and only when the food pusher is being properly inserted into the food feed passageway.
[0033] In another embodiment, the cover and food pusher including the projecting rib can be sold as replacement components to persons who already own conventional food processors. It is to be noted that the pusher includes stop means to prevent the pusher from being inserted too deeply into the hopper. This stop means is shown as an outwardly extending flange or protruding rim on the upper end of the pusher. When the pusher has been fully inserted its flange or any other suitable form of stop, such as a rim, protrusion, bosses or the like, seats down upon the upper end of the hopper and then later serves as a handle for conveniently lifting the pusher out of the hopper.
[0034] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the motor base of a kitchen machine.
[0035] In an embodiment, the motor base 4, in the area of its upper edge, has L-shaped slots 17a, 17b and 17c distributed arounds its circumference. Projecting radially outward through the L-shaped slots are lock bolts or bolts 8, which serve to lock the apparatus or mounting unit such as a shredding blender 50 onto the motor base 4. The lock bolts 8 are connected with an external slide 24 by means of a rotatable internal ring 9, whereby slide 24 moves the lock bolts 8 in the direction of arrow C when it is moved in the direction of arrow D. If the blender 50 is then operatively placed on the motor base 4 with the associated lid 73 and pressure is exerted in the direction of arrow G on the lid, the three lock levers 58 connected with the lock bars 51 are rotated about the ribs 60 in the direction of arrow H by the shoulders of ribs 77 of the lid, whereby the free ends 57 of the levers move into the openings 62 beneath the ribs such that a form-fitting connection of the lid with the blender 50 is attained by means of the lock levers. At the same time the lock levers 58 pivot in the direction of arrow H, they push the lock bars 51 in the direction of arrow E against the force of the springs 54 a distance S1 until the lower edge 63 of the lid 73 abuts the collar 64 of the blender. The locking mechanism located in the motor base 4 is constructed in such a manner that the operating switch 27 for turning the motor on and off can only be rotated and activated when the slide 24 is moved in the direction of arrow D and the lock bolts 8 are simultaneously moved in the direction of arrow C.
[0036] Figure 3 illustrates the operation of the safety interlock mechanism.
[0037] In an embodiment, when the pusher 36 is absent from the food feed passageway 35, it is desired that the motor drive actuator rod 22 not become depressed in order that the switch 14 not be actuated. As a result of the relatively large bow in the leaf spring 48, the push rod 50 is suspended substantially above the cam member 52 when the latter is in its lowermost position with its free end 58 against limit stop 60. As the cover 28 is rotated into locking engagement with bowl 18, it moves relative to the rod 22 as shown by the arrow 63. The camming surface 56 of the loosely pivoted cam member 52 thus rides up over the end of rod 22 to the illustrated inactive cam position. As the actuator rod 22 remains raised, the switch 14 remains open, and consequently the drive unit 11 remains deenergized. If the pusher 36 is now inserted into hopper 34, its vertical rib 62 enters the slot 38 and, in being pushed down, this rib engages the leaf spring 48 forcing it into a more straightened position. This straightening of the spring concurrently lowers or extends the push rod 50 which thereupon depresses the cam member 52, into its active position forcing actuator rod 22 down to close switch 14, energizing the motor drive 11. By virtue of this interlock, the feed tube can safely be made to have a larger cross-sectional area so that larger food items can be inserted whole into the food processor.
[0038] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the substance of the invention may occur to person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the invention.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A food processor with a safety lock system, comprising:
a processing unit for chopping, slicing, or blending food items;
a safety lock system configured to prevent operation of the processing unit when the safety lock is engaged;
wherein the safety lock system comprises a locking mechanism that engages with the processing unit to restrict its movement.
2. The food processor with a safety lock system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the safety lock system further comprises a user interface for engaging and disengaging the safety lock.
3. The food processor with a safety lock system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises a button or switch positioned on the housing of the food processor.
4. The food processor with a safety lock system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism of the safety lock system is configured to automatically engage when the processing unit is not properly secured to the food processor.
5. The food processor with a safety lock system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of the processing unit and activate or deactivate the safety lock system accordingly.
6. A method for operating a food processor with a safety lock system, comprising the steps of:
engaging the safety lock system to prevent operation of the processing unit;
securing the processing unit to the food processor;
disengaging the safety lock system to allow operation of the processing unit.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the step of engaging the safety lock system is performed manually through a user interface.
8. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the step of engaging the safety lock system is performed automatically when the processing unit is not properly secured to the food processor.
9. The method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising the step of detecting the presence or absence of the processing unit using a sensor, and activating or deactivating the safety lock system accordingly.