CA1171765A - Protective interlock for a food processor - Google Patents
Protective interlock for a food processorInfo
- Publication number
- CA1171765A CA1171765A CA000375562A CA375562A CA1171765A CA 1171765 A CA1171765 A CA 1171765A CA 000375562 A CA000375562 A CA 000375562A CA 375562 A CA375562 A CA 375562A CA 1171765 A CA1171765 A CA 1171765A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bowl
- cover
- food processor
- control means
- food
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16P—SAFETY DEVICES IN GENERAL; SAFETY DEVICES FOR PRESSES
- F16P3/00—Safety devices acting in conjunction with the control or operation of a machine; Control arrangements requiring the simultaneous use of two or more parts of the body
- F16P3/08—Safety devices acting in conjunction with the control or operation of a machine; Control arrangements requiring the simultaneous use of two or more parts of the body in connection with the locking of doors, covers, guards, or like members giving access to moving machine parts
- F16P3/10—Safety devices acting in conjunction with the control or operation of a machine; Control arrangements requiring the simultaneous use of two or more parts of the body in connection with the locking of doors, covers, guards, or like members giving access to moving machine parts in which the operation of locking the door or other member causes the machine to start
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
- A47J43/046—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven with tools driven from the bottom side
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
- A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
- A47J43/075—Safety devices
- A47J43/0761—Safety devices for machines with tools driven from the lower side
- A47J43/0772—Safety devices for machines with tools driven from the lower side activated by the proper positioning of the cover
- A47J43/0777—Safety devices for machines with tools driven from the lower side activated by the proper positioning of the cover in which the activating element on the cover transmits a signal to a safety device in the base element via the mixing bowl removably seated on this base element, e.g. pin on the cover moves a pushrod in the bowl handle to operate safety switch in the base element
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
- A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
- A47J43/075—Safety devices
- A47J43/0761—Safety devices for machines with tools driven from the lower side
- A47J43/0783—Safety devices for machines with tools driven from the lower side activated by the proper positioning of a separate food chute on the cover
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)
Abstract
1022.036-GKP
S P E C I F I C A T I O N
PROTECTIVE INTERLOCK FOR A FOOD PROCESSOR
Inventors: KOCHIRO SHIBATA and TADAHIKO SHIOTANI
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A protective interlock structure is provided for a food processor of the type which includes a tool drive means driven by a motor located in a base with a control means for rendering the motor drive inoperative unless the control means is actuated, with a bowl mountable on the base for enclosing a rotatable food processing tool within the bowl and having a movable operating rod associated with the bowl for oper-ating the control means. A removable cover is provided for said bowl, and when the components of the food processor are properly positioned, an actuator is properly aligned and contacts and moves the operating rod for actuating the control means in the housing to permit operation of the motor drive for rotating the tool. The operating rod is movably mounted in a semicylindrical boss on the wall of the howl defining a guideway through which the rod moves, and a spring normally biases the rod out of contact with the control means. The boss has a keyway con-figured slotted cap covering the upper end of the operating rod so that the cap covers the top of the operating rod, thus preventing access to the rod to prevent accidental actuation of the motor unless the appropriately configured actuator is inserted into the configured slot. The actuator has a surface with a keyway therein which fits into the slotted cap and is capable of passing therethrough for depressing the removable operating rod. The keyway configured actuator in accordance with the present invention may be mounted on or be integral with the rim of the cover or may extend from and be mounted on an outer sleeve which fits over the feed tube on the cover.
S P E C I F I C A T I O N
PROTECTIVE INTERLOCK FOR A FOOD PROCESSOR
Inventors: KOCHIRO SHIBATA and TADAHIKO SHIOTANI
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A protective interlock structure is provided for a food processor of the type which includes a tool drive means driven by a motor located in a base with a control means for rendering the motor drive inoperative unless the control means is actuated, with a bowl mountable on the base for enclosing a rotatable food processing tool within the bowl and having a movable operating rod associated with the bowl for oper-ating the control means. A removable cover is provided for said bowl, and when the components of the food processor are properly positioned, an actuator is properly aligned and contacts and moves the operating rod for actuating the control means in the housing to permit operation of the motor drive for rotating the tool. The operating rod is movably mounted in a semicylindrical boss on the wall of the howl defining a guideway through which the rod moves, and a spring normally biases the rod out of contact with the control means. The boss has a keyway con-figured slotted cap covering the upper end of the operating rod so that the cap covers the top of the operating rod, thus preventing access to the rod to prevent accidental actuation of the motor unless the appropriately configured actuator is inserted into the configured slot. The actuator has a surface with a keyway therein which fits into the slotted cap and is capable of passing therethrough for depressing the removable operating rod. The keyway configured actuator in accordance with the present invention may be mounted on or be integral with the rim of the cover or may extend from and be mounted on an outer sleeve which fits over the feed tube on the cover.
Description
1:~7~765 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to food processors, and more particularly to a protective interlock for such machines in which an actuator member must be inserted into a keyway configured slot in order to enable the operation of the food processor, for protecting the user as well as the Imachine from accidental actuation when the components of the food processor are not properly in place.
Food processors of the type in which the present invention is applicable have a working bowl with tool mounting means projecting upwardly in the bowl, on which various ;selected rotary food processing tools can be mounted to be driven for performing various food processing operations in accordance with the desires of the user. A removable cover is secured over the top of the bowl during use. The cover includes a feed tube or food receiving hopper having ,~a mouth that opens downwardly through the cover into the top of the bowl. The food items to be processed are placed in this feed tube and are then manually pushed down through the feed tube into the bowl by means of a removable food pusher which is adapted to slide down in the manner of a plunger through the feed tube.
Such a food processor is shown and described in IU.S. Patent No. 3,892,365 - Verdun. This patent also dis~
,closes a safety feature in providing a vertical movable rod housed in a semicylindrical boss which e~tends vertically
This invention relates to food processors, and more particularly to a protective interlock for such machines in which an actuator member must be inserted into a keyway configured slot in order to enable the operation of the food processor, for protecting the user as well as the Imachine from accidental actuation when the components of the food processor are not properly in place.
Food processors of the type in which the present invention is applicable have a working bowl with tool mounting means projecting upwardly in the bowl, on which various ;selected rotary food processing tools can be mounted to be driven for performing various food processing operations in accordance with the desires of the user. A removable cover is secured over the top of the bowl during use. The cover includes a feed tube or food receiving hopper having ,~a mouth that opens downwardly through the cover into the top of the bowl. The food items to be processed are placed in this feed tube and are then manually pushed down through the feed tube into the bowl by means of a removable food pusher which is adapted to slide down in the manner of a plunger through the feed tube.
Such a food processor is shown and described in IU.S. Patent No. 3,892,365 - Verdun. This patent also dis~
,closes a safety feature in providing a vertical movable rod housed in a semicylindrical boss which e~tends vertically
-2-~P7~7~j5 the height of the bowl and encloses the operating rod which is aligned with and is adapted to actuate an on-off switch for controlling the motor. The operating rod is spring-biased upwardly to prevent depressing the motor switch unless the detachable cover is suitably positioned on the working bowl. A cam is mounted on the rim of the cover which is adapted to depress the top end of the operating rod to actuate the motor switch. This motor switch is not intended to be actuated unless the cover is properly positioned on the bowl.
More recently there has been commercially offered for sale a food processor in which such a cam is mounted upon an outer sleeve which fits down over the feed tube on the cover. Thus, the operating rod is not actuated unless the cover is properly positioned on the bowl and the outer sleeve is also fitted down over the feed tube.
SUM~RY
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved food processor which prevents operation of the food processor by the user unless the actuator on the cover or an outer sleeve carrying the actuator is properly in pla~e.
Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved food processor having a safety actuation means which is covered with access available only through a keyway configured opening and therefore must be manually ~3~717~i5 operated by the user in an appropriately safe manner to enable operation of the food processor and thereby prevent inadvertent injury either to the user or to the food proc-essor.
In carrying out this invention in one illustrative embodiment thereof, there is a food processor of the type including tool drive means which is driven by a motor drive in a base having control means for rendering the motor drive inoperative unless the control means is actuated.
A bowl is mounted on the base for enclosing a rotary tool within the bowl, and a movable operating rod is associated with the bowl for actuating the control means when this rod is depressed. The rotatable tool is driveable by the tool drive means. A removable cover for the bowl has a food receiving hopper or feed tube extending through the cover into contact with the rotating tool in the bowl, and a food pusher is insertable into this feed tube for pushing food items downwardly in the feed tube towards the rotating tool.
An actuator is positioned on the cover, and a semicylindrical boss on the bowl forms a guideway in which said movable operating rod is housed in alignment with the control means.
The boss has a keyway configured slotted cap covering the upper end of the operating rod, thereby preventing access to the rod to prevent accidental actuation of the control means when the components of the food processor are not ~properly positioned. The actuator means has a surface with a keyway therein which fits into and is capable of passing ~717tj5 through the configured slot in the cap for depressing the movable rod for actuating the control means.
The actuator means may be advantageously integrally mounted on the cover or may be a part of an outer sleeve which fits down over the feed tube in nesting relationship thereon.
Among the advantages provided by the present covered safety interlock are those resulting from the fact that the slot in the cap which lead to the operating rod permits access to the upper end of this rod only through a keyway configured opening, thereby protecting the rod from inadvertent actuation through the top of the boss, and this structure makes it difficult to otherwise actuate the rod without utilizing the actuator having a complementary keyway therein which perfectly fits into the slotted cap.
As a result, it is extremely difficult to accidentally or inadvertently actuate the operating rod for energizing the tool drive unless the key actuator is in inserted position in the slotted cap on the boss on the bowl which encloses the operating rod.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention, together with further objects, features, aspects and advantages thereof, will be more clearly understood from a consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying ~717;5 drawings in which the same reference numbers are used to refer to corresponding elements throughout the various ~views.
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a food processor embodying the present invention in which the actuator is an integral part of the cover. This view is seen from in front and above the food processor.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the covered safety interlock embodying the present invention, in which the actuator is mounted on an outer sleeve positioned on the cover of the food processor over the feed tube thereon.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to FIG. 1, a food processor, referred to generally with the reference character 10, is illustrated having a base housing 12 with a working bowl 18 mounted thereon. The top of the bowl 18 is closed by a ~cover 20 which is arranged to be engaged in fastened or ~secured relationship in its normal operating position on the bowl 18, whenever the food processor 10 is in operation.
IExtending upwardly from the cover 20 is a food receiving hopper or feed tube 30 which opens downwardly through the 1~7~7~i5 cover 20. The feed tube 30 is designed to receive a food pusher 32 which is manually insertable in the manner of a plunger and is employed to push food items down into engage-ment with a rotating tool (not shown) mounted on tool mounting means (not shown) for rotation in the bowl 18.
As is more fully shown and described in the aforesaid Verdun patent, the housing 12 contains a relatively ' ~powerful electric motor for driving tool mounting means which extends upwardly from the housing 12 into the working "bowl 18. A variety of different types of food processing tools are provided which may be selectively mounted on the ;tool mounting means for rotation within the bowl 18. Since the tool and the tool drive apparatus form no part of the present invention, and are conventional, one example of which is illustrated in said Verdun patent, they are not shown nor described in detail here. Also, the Verdun patent shows one method of obtaining a securing engagement of the cover on the bowl in the form of rim mounted depending lugs ~which upon rotation of the cover engage beneath a plurality ~of radial ledges on the lip of the bowl 18. Likewise, other suitable means may be used to secure or fasten the cover in place on the bowl such as are now being used on the various commercially available food processors.
As will be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, a vertical semicylindrical boss 22 is formed on the outside of the wall of the bowl 18. This boss 22 defines a guideway in which is carried a vertically movable operating rod 24.
This rod 24 is normally urged upwardly by means of a spring 1~7~7~i5 26. As will be seen in FIG. 2, when the bowl 18 is properly positioned on the housing 12, the operating rod 24 is aligned with an actuating button 16 of tool drive control means 14, for example such as a motor switch. There is a flexible liquid-tight membrane 28 in the base housing 12 above the control means 14 for protecting the interior of this housing from entry of liquids or food particles.
Either the cover 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1 or an outer sleeve 35 which is positioned on the cover and fits over the feed tube 30 in nesting relationship th~reon (see FIG. 2) carries an annular flange 34 along one side thereof which is at a lower elevation than the lower end of the cover or of the outer sleeve. This flange 34 is provided with additional support by upwardly extending stiffening ribs 36. This annular flange 34 carries a downwardly extending cam 38 which is adapted, when the cover 20 is positioned properly on the bowl and is rotated, to contact and to depress the vertically movable operating rod 24 to actuate the motor of the food processor 10 for rotating the tool in the bowl.
It is to be noted that this particular structure with the actuator in the form of an annular flange and with a cam extending from the cover is shown in the aforesaid Verdun patent. When such a cam is mounted on an outer sleeve which fits over the feed tube, one such form of structure is shown and described in Canadian Patent No.
1,13g,193 issued January 11, 1983, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
13l717t~5 The present invention departs from these aforesaid structures in providing a protective cover which encloses the upper end 25 of the vertically movable operating rod 24 for protecting it from accidental or unauthorized operation. In the ~erdun patent and in said patent appli-~cation, the top of the boss 22 was open so that the upperend 25 of the operating rod 24 was exposed, and thus iinadvertent or accidental actuationof the operating rod might occur.
In order to protect the upper end 25 of the ~operating rod 24 and to make it difficult to inadvertently or accidentally actuate this operating rod, a keyway slotted protector cap 42 is mounted on the top of the boss 22 surrounding this upper end 25. As is best seen in FIGS.
More recently there has been commercially offered for sale a food processor in which such a cam is mounted upon an outer sleeve which fits down over the feed tube on the cover. Thus, the operating rod is not actuated unless the cover is properly positioned on the bowl and the outer sleeve is also fitted down over the feed tube.
SUM~RY
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved food processor which prevents operation of the food processor by the user unless the actuator on the cover or an outer sleeve carrying the actuator is properly in pla~e.
Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved food processor having a safety actuation means which is covered with access available only through a keyway configured opening and therefore must be manually ~3~717~i5 operated by the user in an appropriately safe manner to enable operation of the food processor and thereby prevent inadvertent injury either to the user or to the food proc-essor.
In carrying out this invention in one illustrative embodiment thereof, there is a food processor of the type including tool drive means which is driven by a motor drive in a base having control means for rendering the motor drive inoperative unless the control means is actuated.
A bowl is mounted on the base for enclosing a rotary tool within the bowl, and a movable operating rod is associated with the bowl for actuating the control means when this rod is depressed. The rotatable tool is driveable by the tool drive means. A removable cover for the bowl has a food receiving hopper or feed tube extending through the cover into contact with the rotating tool in the bowl, and a food pusher is insertable into this feed tube for pushing food items downwardly in the feed tube towards the rotating tool.
An actuator is positioned on the cover, and a semicylindrical boss on the bowl forms a guideway in which said movable operating rod is housed in alignment with the control means.
The boss has a keyway configured slotted cap covering the upper end of the operating rod, thereby preventing access to the rod to prevent accidental actuation of the control means when the components of the food processor are not ~properly positioned. The actuator means has a surface with a keyway therein which fits into and is capable of passing ~717tj5 through the configured slot in the cap for depressing the movable rod for actuating the control means.
The actuator means may be advantageously integrally mounted on the cover or may be a part of an outer sleeve which fits down over the feed tube in nesting relationship thereon.
Among the advantages provided by the present covered safety interlock are those resulting from the fact that the slot in the cap which lead to the operating rod permits access to the upper end of this rod only through a keyway configured opening, thereby protecting the rod from inadvertent actuation through the top of the boss, and this structure makes it difficult to otherwise actuate the rod without utilizing the actuator having a complementary keyway therein which perfectly fits into the slotted cap.
As a result, it is extremely difficult to accidentally or inadvertently actuate the operating rod for energizing the tool drive unless the key actuator is in inserted position in the slotted cap on the boss on the bowl which encloses the operating rod.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention, together with further objects, features, aspects and advantages thereof, will be more clearly understood from a consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying ~717;5 drawings in which the same reference numbers are used to refer to corresponding elements throughout the various ~views.
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a food processor embodying the present invention in which the actuator is an integral part of the cover. This view is seen from in front and above the food processor.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the covered safety interlock embodying the present invention, in which the actuator is mounted on an outer sleeve positioned on the cover of the food processor over the feed tube thereon.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to FIG. 1, a food processor, referred to generally with the reference character 10, is illustrated having a base housing 12 with a working bowl 18 mounted thereon. The top of the bowl 18 is closed by a ~cover 20 which is arranged to be engaged in fastened or ~secured relationship in its normal operating position on the bowl 18, whenever the food processor 10 is in operation.
IExtending upwardly from the cover 20 is a food receiving hopper or feed tube 30 which opens downwardly through the 1~7~7~i5 cover 20. The feed tube 30 is designed to receive a food pusher 32 which is manually insertable in the manner of a plunger and is employed to push food items down into engage-ment with a rotating tool (not shown) mounted on tool mounting means (not shown) for rotation in the bowl 18.
As is more fully shown and described in the aforesaid Verdun patent, the housing 12 contains a relatively ' ~powerful electric motor for driving tool mounting means which extends upwardly from the housing 12 into the working "bowl 18. A variety of different types of food processing tools are provided which may be selectively mounted on the ;tool mounting means for rotation within the bowl 18. Since the tool and the tool drive apparatus form no part of the present invention, and are conventional, one example of which is illustrated in said Verdun patent, they are not shown nor described in detail here. Also, the Verdun patent shows one method of obtaining a securing engagement of the cover on the bowl in the form of rim mounted depending lugs ~which upon rotation of the cover engage beneath a plurality ~of radial ledges on the lip of the bowl 18. Likewise, other suitable means may be used to secure or fasten the cover in place on the bowl such as are now being used on the various commercially available food processors.
As will be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, a vertical semicylindrical boss 22 is formed on the outside of the wall of the bowl 18. This boss 22 defines a guideway in which is carried a vertically movable operating rod 24.
This rod 24 is normally urged upwardly by means of a spring 1~7~7~i5 26. As will be seen in FIG. 2, when the bowl 18 is properly positioned on the housing 12, the operating rod 24 is aligned with an actuating button 16 of tool drive control means 14, for example such as a motor switch. There is a flexible liquid-tight membrane 28 in the base housing 12 above the control means 14 for protecting the interior of this housing from entry of liquids or food particles.
Either the cover 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1 or an outer sleeve 35 which is positioned on the cover and fits over the feed tube 30 in nesting relationship th~reon (see FIG. 2) carries an annular flange 34 along one side thereof which is at a lower elevation than the lower end of the cover or of the outer sleeve. This flange 34 is provided with additional support by upwardly extending stiffening ribs 36. This annular flange 34 carries a downwardly extending cam 38 which is adapted, when the cover 20 is positioned properly on the bowl and is rotated, to contact and to depress the vertically movable operating rod 24 to actuate the motor of the food processor 10 for rotating the tool in the bowl.
It is to be noted that this particular structure with the actuator in the form of an annular flange and with a cam extending from the cover is shown in the aforesaid Verdun patent. When such a cam is mounted on an outer sleeve which fits over the feed tube, one such form of structure is shown and described in Canadian Patent No.
1,13g,193 issued January 11, 1983, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
13l717t~5 The present invention departs from these aforesaid structures in providing a protective cover which encloses the upper end 25 of the vertically movable operating rod 24 for protecting it from accidental or unauthorized operation. In the ~erdun patent and in said patent appli-~cation, the top of the boss 22 was open so that the upperend 25 of the operating rod 24 was exposed, and thus iinadvertent or accidental actuationof the operating rod might occur.
In order to protect the upper end 25 of the ~operating rod 24 and to make it difficult to inadvertently or accidentally actuate this operating rod, a keyway slotted protector cap 42 is mounted on the top of the boss 22 surrounding this upper end 25. As is best seen in FIGS.
3 and 4, the slotted protector cap 42 has a narrow top slot 44 therethrough and has apair of opposed aligned side wall slots 46 which extend completely through the cap. The top slot 44 is preferably slightly curved and is correspond-ing in curvature to the curvature of therim of the cover 20.
In other words, the top slot 44 preferably has a curvature lwhich is concentric aboutthe central axis of the working bowl and its cover. This top slot 44 is considerably narrower than the side wall slots 46.
Thus, advantageously, the narrow top slot 44 in cooperation with the enlarged side wall slots 46 define a specially configured access opening in the nature of a keyway slot, such that inadvertent or accidental access to the top end 25 of the actuator rod 24 is prevented, and access thereto can only be obtained by acam member having a _g_ i~7~765 ¦Icomplementary keyway shaped configuration. Consequently, lithe mocor drive unit in the food processor base housing 12 ¦~cannot readily be actuated, except with a cam having an lappropriate keyway shaped configuration~
As will best be seen in cross section in FIG. 4, the downwardly projecting cam 38 extending down from the ~annular flange 34 has a groove or keyway 40 in its side ~^ surface thereby forming a thin web portion 47 of the cam ¦which accurately fits into the narrow top slot 44 in the iprotector cap 42. Also, the enlarged lower portion 49 iof the cam 38 accurately fits into the enlarged side wall ¦slots 46 which are located in the side walls of the protector cap 42. The lower edge of the cam 38 is inclined as seen lin FIG. 2 for pro~iding a cam surface 50 to provide a positive means for depressing the push rod 24 when the narrow web 47 and the enlarged lower portion 49 of the cam 38 are inserted (as seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4) into the keyway configured top slot 44 and side wall slots 46.
The narrow web 47 preferably has a curvature (as seen in horizontal section in FIG. 3~ corresponding with the curvature of the top slot 44. In other words, ~the narrow web 47 is concentric about the central axis of ~the bowl and cover. Therefore, when the cover 20 is placed ¦¦upon the bowl 18 and is rotated into its normal operating ¦~position on the bowl, the keyway configured cam 38, 40, 47, 49, 50 readily enters into the corresponding keyway configured l access slots 44, 46 in the protector cap 42. It is intended i that there be sufficient tolerance in the slot 44, 46 as I' 1~717fi5 ~well as in the configuration of the keyway cam 38, 40, 47, 49, 50 for providing easy entry by rotating the cover into ~operative position for depressing the actuating rod 24 for operating the food processor.
As discussed above, the keyway configured cam 38, 40, 47, 49, 50 may be mounted on the cover 20 as shown ~in FIG. 1 or it may be mounted on an outer sleeve 35 (FIG.
2) which can be slipped down over the feed tube 30 on the cover to position the cam in operative position relative to the cover and to the protector cap 42 for actuating the food processor. The actuator rod protection safety features provided by the present invention are the same in both embodiments. That is, the protection of the actuator rod is the same regardless of whether the keyway configured cam is mounted directly on the cover or is mounted directly in an outer sleeve which in turn can be slid down in ;telescoping relationship around the feed tube on the cover.
Therefore, the term "actuator means associated with the cover" is intended to be interpreted sufficiently broadly to include a food processor in which the actuator means ,is mounted directly on the cover itself and also to include a food processor in which the actuator means is mounted on an attachment (such as an outer sleeve 35 which fits down over the feed tube 30) which in turn fits onto the cover.
In either case, the cover must be placed on the bowl in its normal operating position on the bowl for causing the actuator means to actuate the control means for rendering the motor drive operative.
7~765 It is to be noted that the control means 14 (FIG.
2) may serve to control the energization of the electric motor in the food processor for rendering the motor drive operative for driving a tool in the bowl 18. Alternatively, this control means 14 may serve to control the operation of a clutch in the motor drive for rendering the motor drive operative for driving a tool in the bowl 18. In lother words, the motor itself may be turned on by a different switch, and then a clutch must be actuated by the control means 14 before the tool in the bowl 18 becomes driven by the motor. Therefore, the terms "control means" and "motor ~drive" are intended to be interpreted sufficiently broadly to include either of these control arrangements for rendering ~the motor drive operative and inoperative.
It is to be noted that in the embodiments of this invention which have been described, the protector cap 42 serves to protect the upper or outer end 25 of the actuator rod 24. There are food processors in use today in which the control means 14 is located in an elevated position in an upstanding portion of the machine housing 112 adjacent to the bowl 18 and cover 20. Such an elevated control means is located at a position near the rim of the Icover so that the actuator button 16 can be directly acted upon by the cam. In other words, in such a food processor having the control means 14 at an elevated location, the actuator rod 24 is omitted, and the cam 38 acts directly lupon the actuating button 16 of the control means. In such a food processor with an elevated control means, the j -12-~7~7jS
protector cap 42 is positioned on the upstanding portion of the base housing and has a keyway configured access opening similar to the keyway configured opening 44, 46 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 so that access thereto can be obtained only by a complementary configured cam such as the keyway configured cam 38, 40, 47, 49, 50. In such a food processor with an elevated control means, the keyway configured cam can be mounted directly on the rim of the ~cover or can be mounted on an outer sleeve 35 (FIG. 2) which Islides down over the feed tube 30.
¦; Also, it is to be understood that in lieu of positioning the control means 14 itself at an elevated ;location in such an upstanding portion of the base housing, the actuating button 16 can be lengthened to form an actuat-ing rod or actuating linkage extending upwardly within an upstanding portion of the machine housing. Then, the iouter or upper end of this actuating rod is at an elevated location, while the control means 14 itself is at a lower elevation in the base housing 12. Then, the protector cap 42 is arranged to protect the upper or outer end of this actuating rod or linkage.
In summary, in all of the various embodiments of this invention which have been described, the protector cap 42 with its keyway configured access opening encloses and protects the upper or outer end of the actuating element 'which is to be acted upon by the complementary shaped cam, thereby protecting the actuating element from inadvertent or accidental actuation.
~71765 As shown in FIG. 3, the cover 20 may include a skirt which snuggly fits down within the top of the Ibowl 18 or which overlaps the top of the bowl for fitting ;down snuggly outside of the bowl 18.
Since other changes and modifications varied to llfit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, .the invention is not considered limited to the examples chosen for purposes ¦of illustration, and includes all changes and modifications which do not constitute a departure from the true spirit and scope of this invention as defined by the following claims and equivalents thereof.
What is claimed is:
In other words, the top slot 44 preferably has a curvature lwhich is concentric aboutthe central axis of the working bowl and its cover. This top slot 44 is considerably narrower than the side wall slots 46.
Thus, advantageously, the narrow top slot 44 in cooperation with the enlarged side wall slots 46 define a specially configured access opening in the nature of a keyway slot, such that inadvertent or accidental access to the top end 25 of the actuator rod 24 is prevented, and access thereto can only be obtained by acam member having a _g_ i~7~765 ¦Icomplementary keyway shaped configuration. Consequently, lithe mocor drive unit in the food processor base housing 12 ¦~cannot readily be actuated, except with a cam having an lappropriate keyway shaped configuration~
As will best be seen in cross section in FIG. 4, the downwardly projecting cam 38 extending down from the ~annular flange 34 has a groove or keyway 40 in its side ~^ surface thereby forming a thin web portion 47 of the cam ¦which accurately fits into the narrow top slot 44 in the iprotector cap 42. Also, the enlarged lower portion 49 iof the cam 38 accurately fits into the enlarged side wall ¦slots 46 which are located in the side walls of the protector cap 42. The lower edge of the cam 38 is inclined as seen lin FIG. 2 for pro~iding a cam surface 50 to provide a positive means for depressing the push rod 24 when the narrow web 47 and the enlarged lower portion 49 of the cam 38 are inserted (as seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4) into the keyway configured top slot 44 and side wall slots 46.
The narrow web 47 preferably has a curvature (as seen in horizontal section in FIG. 3~ corresponding with the curvature of the top slot 44. In other words, ~the narrow web 47 is concentric about the central axis of ~the bowl and cover. Therefore, when the cover 20 is placed ¦¦upon the bowl 18 and is rotated into its normal operating ¦~position on the bowl, the keyway configured cam 38, 40, 47, 49, 50 readily enters into the corresponding keyway configured l access slots 44, 46 in the protector cap 42. It is intended i that there be sufficient tolerance in the slot 44, 46 as I' 1~717fi5 ~well as in the configuration of the keyway cam 38, 40, 47, 49, 50 for providing easy entry by rotating the cover into ~operative position for depressing the actuating rod 24 for operating the food processor.
As discussed above, the keyway configured cam 38, 40, 47, 49, 50 may be mounted on the cover 20 as shown ~in FIG. 1 or it may be mounted on an outer sleeve 35 (FIG.
2) which can be slipped down over the feed tube 30 on the cover to position the cam in operative position relative to the cover and to the protector cap 42 for actuating the food processor. The actuator rod protection safety features provided by the present invention are the same in both embodiments. That is, the protection of the actuator rod is the same regardless of whether the keyway configured cam is mounted directly on the cover or is mounted directly in an outer sleeve which in turn can be slid down in ;telescoping relationship around the feed tube on the cover.
Therefore, the term "actuator means associated with the cover" is intended to be interpreted sufficiently broadly to include a food processor in which the actuator means ,is mounted directly on the cover itself and also to include a food processor in which the actuator means is mounted on an attachment (such as an outer sleeve 35 which fits down over the feed tube 30) which in turn fits onto the cover.
In either case, the cover must be placed on the bowl in its normal operating position on the bowl for causing the actuator means to actuate the control means for rendering the motor drive operative.
7~765 It is to be noted that the control means 14 (FIG.
2) may serve to control the energization of the electric motor in the food processor for rendering the motor drive operative for driving a tool in the bowl 18. Alternatively, this control means 14 may serve to control the operation of a clutch in the motor drive for rendering the motor drive operative for driving a tool in the bowl 18. In lother words, the motor itself may be turned on by a different switch, and then a clutch must be actuated by the control means 14 before the tool in the bowl 18 becomes driven by the motor. Therefore, the terms "control means" and "motor ~drive" are intended to be interpreted sufficiently broadly to include either of these control arrangements for rendering ~the motor drive operative and inoperative.
It is to be noted that in the embodiments of this invention which have been described, the protector cap 42 serves to protect the upper or outer end 25 of the actuator rod 24. There are food processors in use today in which the control means 14 is located in an elevated position in an upstanding portion of the machine housing 112 adjacent to the bowl 18 and cover 20. Such an elevated control means is located at a position near the rim of the Icover so that the actuator button 16 can be directly acted upon by the cam. In other words, in such a food processor having the control means 14 at an elevated location, the actuator rod 24 is omitted, and the cam 38 acts directly lupon the actuating button 16 of the control means. In such a food processor with an elevated control means, the j -12-~7~7jS
protector cap 42 is positioned on the upstanding portion of the base housing and has a keyway configured access opening similar to the keyway configured opening 44, 46 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 so that access thereto can be obtained only by a complementary configured cam such as the keyway configured cam 38, 40, 47, 49, 50. In such a food processor with an elevated control means, the keyway configured cam can be mounted directly on the rim of the ~cover or can be mounted on an outer sleeve 35 (FIG. 2) which Islides down over the feed tube 30.
¦; Also, it is to be understood that in lieu of positioning the control means 14 itself at an elevated ;location in such an upstanding portion of the base housing, the actuating button 16 can be lengthened to form an actuat-ing rod or actuating linkage extending upwardly within an upstanding portion of the machine housing. Then, the iouter or upper end of this actuating rod is at an elevated location, while the control means 14 itself is at a lower elevation in the base housing 12. Then, the protector cap 42 is arranged to protect the upper or outer end of this actuating rod or linkage.
In summary, in all of the various embodiments of this invention which have been described, the protector cap 42 with its keyway configured access opening encloses and protects the upper or outer end of the actuating element 'which is to be acted upon by the complementary shaped cam, thereby protecting the actuating element from inadvertent or accidental actuation.
~71765 As shown in FIG. 3, the cover 20 may include a skirt which snuggly fits down within the top of the Ibowl 18 or which overlaps the top of the bowl for fitting ;down snuggly outside of the bowl 18.
Since other changes and modifications varied to llfit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, .the invention is not considered limited to the examples chosen for purposes ¦of illustration, and includes all changes and modifications which do not constitute a departure from the true spirit and scope of this invention as defined by the following claims and equivalents thereof.
What is claimed is:
Claims (8)
1. In a food processor of the type including tool drive means driveable by a motor drive located in a base (12) with control means (14) for rendering the motor drive inoperative unless said control means is actuated, a bowl. (18) mountable on said base for enclosing a rotatable tool within said bowl, said tool driveable by said tool drive means, a movable actuating element (24) for operating said control means when the outer end (25) of said actuating element is depressed, a removable cover (20) for said bowl, a food-receiving hopper (30) extending through the cover for feeding food items through the cover to the tool in the bowl, and a food pusher (32) manually insertable into said hopper for pushing the food items in said hopper toward the rotating tool, protective apparatus comprising:
actuator means (38, 49, 50) associated with said cover and/or with said hopper, a protector cap (42) covering the outer end (25) of said actuating element (24) for preventing access to said actuating element to prevent inadvertent or accidental actuation of said control means (14), said protector cap having an access opening (46, 44) therein of predetermined key-shaped configuration, and said actuator means having a complementary keyway-shaped configuration (40, 47, 49) which fits into said access opening and is capable of depressing said movable actuating element for thereby actuating said control means, whereby said protector cap prevents access to said outer end of said actuating element except by said complementary keyway-shaped actuator means.
actuator means (38, 49, 50) associated with said cover and/or with said hopper, a protector cap (42) covering the outer end (25) of said actuating element (24) for preventing access to said actuating element to prevent inadvertent or accidental actuation of said control means (14), said protector cap having an access opening (46, 44) therein of predetermined key-shaped configuration, and said actuator means having a complementary keyway-shaped configuration (40, 47, 49) which fits into said access opening and is capable of depressing said movable actuating element for thereby actuating said control means, whereby said protector cap prevents access to said outer end of said actuating element except by said complementary keyway-shaped actuator means.
2. In a food processor wherein said movable actuating element (24) is a movable rod extending vertically and being mounted on said bowl (18), protective apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which:
said protector cap (42) is secured onto said bowl and covers the upper end (25) of said movable rod (24).
said protector cap (42) is secured onto said bowl and covers the upper end (25) of said movable rod (24).
3. In a food processor wherein said movable actuating element is a movable rod extending vertically and being mounted on said bowl, protective apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which:
said protector cap (42) is secured onto said bowl and covers the upper end of said movable rod, said protector cap has the shape of an inverted cap with a top wall and side walls, said access opening includes a narrow top slot (44) in the top wall of said protector cap and includes a pair of enlarged slots (46) located in the opposite side walls of said protector cap and aligned with each other, said actuator means is a configured cam having an enlarged portion (49) containing a cam surface (50) for engaging and depressing the upper end of said movable rod, said enlarged portion of the cam is arranged to enter into said enlarged side wall slots (46), and said configured cam has a thin web (47) attached to said enlarged portion, said thin web being arranged to enter into said narrow top slot (44).
said protector cap (42) is secured onto said bowl and covers the upper end of said movable rod, said protector cap has the shape of an inverted cap with a top wall and side walls, said access opening includes a narrow top slot (44) in the top wall of said protector cap and includes a pair of enlarged slots (46) located in the opposite side walls of said protector cap and aligned with each other, said actuator means is a configured cam having an enlarged portion (49) containing a cam surface (50) for engaging and depressing the upper end of said movable rod, said enlarged portion of the cam is arranged to enter into said enlarged side wall slots (46), and said configured cam has a thin web (47) attached to said enlarged portion, said thin web being arranged to enter into said narrow top slot (44).
4. In a food processor, the protective apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which:
said narrow top slot (44) has an arcuate configuration concentric with respect to the central axis of the bowl and cover, and said thin web (47) also has an arcuate configuration of the same curvature as said top slot for entry into said top slot.
said narrow top slot (44) has an arcuate configuration concentric with respect to the central axis of the bowl and cover, and said thin web (47) also has an arcuate configuration of the same curvature as said top slot for entry into said top slot.
5. In a food processor, the protective apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which:
said access opening (44, 46) in said protector cap (42) is defined by a relatively wide slot (46) in its side walls and a narrow slot (44) in its top wall, and said actuator means has an enlarged portion (49) for entry into said side wall slot and a narrow web portion (47) for entry into said narrow top slot for moving said actuating element when the cover and its associated access means are in proper operating position with respect to the base.
said access opening (44, 46) in said protector cap (42) is defined by a relatively wide slot (46) in its side walls and a narrow slot (44) in its top wall, and said actuator means has an enlarged portion (49) for entry into said side wall slot and a narrow web portion (47) for entry into said narrow top slot for moving said actuating element when the cover and its associated access means are in proper operating position with respect to the base.
6. In a food processor, the protective apparatus as set forth in claim 5, in which:
said enlarged portion (49) of said actuator means (38, 49, 50) has a sloping cam surface (50) for contacting the outer end (25) of said actuating element (24) and said narrow web (47) of said actuator means is formed by a groove (40) extending horizontally in said actuator means above the enlarged portion thereof.
said enlarged portion (49) of said actuator means (38, 49, 50) has a sloping cam surface (50) for contacting the outer end (25) of said actuating element (24) and said narrow web (47) of said actuator means is formed by a groove (40) extending horizontally in said actuator means above the enlarged portion thereof.
7. In a food processor, the protective apparatus as set forth in claims 5 or 6, in which:
said actuator means (38, 49, 50) is an integral part of the cover (20) for said bowl.
said actuator means (38, 49, 50) is an integral part of the cover (20) for said bowl.
8. In a food processor, the protective apparatus as set forth in claims 5 or 6, in which:
said actuator means (38, 49, 50) is mounted on and extends from an outer sleeve (35) which is positionable on said cover over said food-receiving hopper (30).
said actuator means (38, 49, 50) is mounted on and extends from an outer sleeve (35) which is positionable on said cover over said food-receiving hopper (30).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US14679680A | 1980-05-05 | 1980-05-05 | |
| US146,796 | 1980-05-05 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1171765A true CA1171765A (en) | 1984-07-31 |
Family
ID=22519035
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000375562A Expired CA1171765A (en) | 1980-05-05 | 1981-04-15 | Protective interlock for a food processor |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1171765A (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2481780A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2075626B (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE8401972U1 (en) * | 1983-02-04 | 1984-04-26 | I.P.E. Nuova Bialetti S.p.A. Industria Prodotti Elettrodomestici, Crusinallo di Omegna, Novara | Household appliance for the pre-treatment of food |
| FR2631804B1 (en) * | 1988-05-27 | 1991-09-06 | Robot Coupe Sa | SAFETY DEVICE FOR A FOOD PROCESSING APPARATUS |
| FR2646074A1 (en) * | 1989-04-24 | 1990-10-26 | Ronic Ind | Electric safety device controlled by lid of vessel in a food preparing apparatus |
| US8720325B2 (en) | 2010-04-29 | 2014-05-13 | Whirlpool Corporation | Food processor with a lockable adjustable blade assembly |
| US10449685B2 (en) | 2010-04-29 | 2019-10-22 | Whirlpool Corporation | Food processor with adjustable blade assembly |
| EP2677904B1 (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2015-11-25 | Whirlpool Corporation | A food processing device with an externally operated adjustment mechanism |
| US9427111B2 (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2016-08-30 | Whirlpool Corporation | Food processing device with lid mounted controls |
| US9049965B2 (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2015-06-09 | Whirlpool Corporation | Food processing device with an externally operated adjustment mechanism |
| ES2944759A1 (en) * | 2021-12-23 | 2023-06-23 | Cecotec Res And Development S L | SAFETY DEVICE FOR KITCHEN ROBOT (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
| DE102022112636A1 (en) * | 2022-05-19 | 2023-11-23 | Novum Group AG | Preparation vessel with a safety device for a multi-purpose kitchen appliance, multi-purpose kitchen appliance and method for operating the multi-purpose kitchen appliance |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE1058229B (en) * | 1958-11-03 | 1959-05-27 | Vecht N V De | Electric coffee grinder with safety switch |
| DE1529275A1 (en) * | 1966-09-09 | 1969-07-31 | Richard Stube | Electric coffee grinder |
| US3892365A (en) * | 1971-07-23 | 1975-07-01 | Pierre Verdun | Apparatus for preparing food |
-
1981
- 1981-04-15 CA CA000375562A patent/CA1171765A/en not_active Expired
- 1981-05-01 GB GB8113573A patent/GB2075626B/en not_active Expired
- 1981-05-05 FR FR8108920A patent/FR2481780A1/en active Granted
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2075626B (en) | 1984-02-22 |
| GB2075626A (en) | 1981-11-18 |
| FR2481780B1 (en) | 1984-12-28 |
| FR2481780A1 (en) | 1981-11-06 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |