Abstract:
An improved apparatus, system and method for preparing food items, is described. Specifically, the present disclosure is directed to an improved cutting apparatus for cutting and slicing food items. The cutting apparatus includes modular components that provide containment space for the food items, as well as cutting surfaces for receiving, cutting and slicing the food items. The present cutting apparatus provides an efficient, step-saving system and method for cutting, slicing, mixing and preparing food items.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to cutting apparatuses, systems and methods for slicing, cutting and combining food items. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a cutting apparatus having interlocking, modular components that combine to form a self-contained unit for receiving, cutting and slicing food items, without the need for special knife skills. A system and method for cutting food items requiring fewer preparation steps is also provided. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    It is, of course, generally known to cut up food items, such as vegetables, fruits and meats using a knife. In order to cut vegetables, meats and other items into smaller pieces, it is necessary to put the knife in several cross directions, which can require some degree of knife skills for even cutting and slicing. Additionally, as the items get smaller during cutting, it can become more difficult to hold the items by hand in order to complete the cutting process, which may lead to inadvertent injury. 
         [0003]    Cutting and slicing food items can also be tedious. Some items, such as onions, tend to be difficult to cut not only because of their layers, but also because of the chemical that is released during cutting, which is irritating to the eyes. Other items, such as tomatoes, peaches, nectarines can be soft and difficult to cut into uniform pieces. Finally, certain types of fruit, such as apples and oranges can likewise be difficult to cut into uniform pieces. 
         [0004]    Preparing a salad typically includes cutting lettuce and other vegetables into bite size pieces using a cutting board. The cut items are then typically combined into a separate container for mixing and serving. It would be advantageous to combine the steps of making a salad, including cutting the vegetables and combining them into a serving bowl, in fewer steps. 
         [0005]    Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a cutting apparatus, system and method that provides a modular unit that combines cutting, serving and storage of the cut food items. 
         [0006]    It would be further advantageous to provide a cutting apparatus, system and method for cutting and combining food items having a combination of components that are easily nested together for use and storage. 
         [0007]    It would also be advantageous to provide a cutting apparatus, system and method for cutting and/or slicing food items without requiring the user to directly handle the food item while it is being cut. 
         [0008]    Additionally, it would be advantageous to provide a cutting apparatus, system and method for cutting and slicing food items into uniform pieces without requiring special knife skills. 
         [0009]    It would be further advantageous to provide a cutting apparatus, system and method for cutting and slicing food items without the need to place hands and fingers in proximity of the cutting blades. 
         [0010]    It would be advantageous to provide a cutting apparatus, system and method that saves process steps during food preparation. 
         [0011]    It would be advantageous to provide a cutting apparatus, system and method that allows for the cutting and slicing of foods, retaining water, fluids and/or juices that are normally lost during the cutting process, providing for healthier and tastier foods. 
         [0012]    It would be further advantageous to provide a cutting apparatus, system and method that allows the cutting and slicing of food allowing for easy rotation of the cutting surface. Moreover, it would be advantageous to provide a cutting apparatus, system and method that allows a cutting template to be disposed over the food items to be cut, and by rotation of the cutting surface provides for alternate positioning of the food items on the cutting surface and beneath the cutting template. Further, it would be advantageous to provide a cutting apparatus, system and method that provides a raised cutting surface, such that when a cutting template is placed over the food items to be cut, and the cutting surface is rotated therebeneath, the food items remain on the cutting surface without being subject to falling out of the apparatus. 
         [0013]    These and other aspects of the invention will become readily apparent from the detailed description, which follows. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0014]    The present disclosure relates to an improved apparatus, system and method for preparing food items. Specifically, the present disclosure is directed to an improved cutting apparatus for cutting and slicing food items. The cutting apparatus includes modular components that provide containment space for the food items, as well as cutting surfaces for receiving, cutting and slicing the food items. Additionally, the present cutting apparatus can serve as a mixing and serving device. Thus, the present cutting apparatus provides an efficient, step-saving system and method for cutting, slicing, mixing and preparing food items. 
         [0015]    To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a cutting apparatus is described. The cutting apparatus comprises a first cutting body having a bowl shape and an outer rim, wherein a circumference of the rim forms a wave pattern, a plurality of slots passing through the first cutting body, and a base releasably attached to the outer rim of the first cutting body, wherein the base is a cutting surface. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, a device for receiving, cutting, mixing, and storing food items is described. The device comprises a first cutting body having a generally semispherical shape forming an inner space and an outer rim having a wave pattern, a plurality of parallel slots covering an outer surface of the first cutting body, wherein the slots connect the outer surface of the body with the inner space, a base having a platform for receiving an item to be cut, wherein the first cutting body is releasably secured to the base, a second cutting body having a generally semispherical shape disposed within the inner space of the first cutting body, the second cutting body releaseably secured to the base platform, a plurality of radially arranged slots intersecting at a top surface of the second cutting body, and, an outer body having a generally semispherical shape forming an inner space for receiving the first cutting body and second cutting body. 
         [0017]    In yet another embodiment, a system for cutting food items is described. The system comprises a first cutting body having a bowl shape forming a semispherical inner space for receiving an item for cutting and a rim having a circumferential wave pattern, a plurality of slots disposed on the first cutting body wherein the slots connect an outer surface of the body with the inner, wherein the slots are adapted for receiving a cutting device, and, a base releasably attached to the rim of the first cutting body, wherein the base further includes a platform for receiving an item to be cut and acts as a cutting surface. 
         [0018]    In yet a further embodiment, a method for cutting and processing food items is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a first cutting body having a semispherical inner space for receiving an item for cutting and a rim having a first wave pattern, wherein the body includes a plurality of slots passing through the first cutting body and connecting an outer surface of the body with the inner space, providing a base with a platform having an outer circumference including a second wave pattern, receiving an item to be cut on the platform, engaging the first wave pattern on the rim with the second wave pattern on the platform thereby securing the first cutting body to the base, passing a cutting device through the plurality of slots, and, cutting the item on the platform. 
         [0019]    It is, therefore, an advantage and objective of the present disclosure to provide a cutting apparatus, system and method for preparing food items requiring fewer process steps. 
         [0020]    Moreover, it is an advantage and objective of the present disclosure to provide a cutting apparatus, system and method for cutting and slicing food items into multiple uniform pieces without requiring special knife skills. 
         [0021]    It is further an advantage and objective of the present disclosure to provide a cutting apparatus which creates a barrier between the fingers/hands of the user and the knife or cutting implement, as well as, the food items being cut. 
         [0022]    Moreover, it is an advantage and objective of the present disclosure to provide a cutting apparatus, system and method that allows for the cutting and slicing of foods, retaining water, fluids and/or juices that are normally lost during the cutting process, providing for healthier and tastier foods. 
         [0023]    It is a further advantage and objective of the present disclosure to provide a cutting apparatus, system and method that allows the cutting and slicing of food allowing for easy rotation of the cutting surface. 
         [0024]    Moreover, it is a further advantage and objective of the present disclosure to provide a cutting apparatus, system and method that allows a cutting template to be disposed over the food items to be cut, and by rotation of the cutting surface provides for alternate positioning of the food items on the cutting surface and beneath the cutting template. 
         [0025]    Further, it is an advantage and objective of the present disclosure to provide a cutting apparatus, system and method that provides a raised cutting surface, such that when a cutting template is placed over the food items to be cut, and the cutting surface is rotated therebeneath, the food items remain on the cutting surface without being subject to falling out of the apparatus. 
         [0026]    Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a cutting apparatus of the present disclosure; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the cutting apparatus of the present disclosure; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a first cutting body of the cutting apparatus of the present disclosure; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cut-away view of the cutting apparatus of the present disclosure; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a second cutting body of the cutting apparatus of the present disclosure; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a cover on the cutting apparatus of the present disclosure; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  illustrates a second cut-away view of the cutting apparatus of the present disclosure; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  illustrates a close-up cut-away view of an engagement element for the cover of the cutting apparatus of the present disclosure; 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of the cutting apparatus of the present disclosure in use with a cutting implement; 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the cutting apparatus of the present disclosure in use with a cutting implement; 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of a cutting implement useful with the cutting apparatus of the present disclosure; and, 
           [0039]      FIG. 12  illustrates another embodiment of a perspective view of a cutting apparatus of the present disclosure. 
           [0040]      FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of a first cutting body in an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    The present invention relates to a cutting apparatus. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a cutting apparatus having interlocking, modular components that combine to form a self-contained unit for receiving, cutting and slicing food items. Systems and methods for using the cutting apparatus are also provided. 
         [0042]    Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts,  FIGS. 1-13  show several embodiments and components of the present cutting apparatus  10 .  FIGS. 1-4  illustrate an initial embodiment of the present cutting apparatus  10 . The cutting apparatus  10  includes a first cutting body  12  having a semispherical or bowl shape. The first cutting body  12  further includes a plurality of slots  14  that receive and guide a cutting implement (not shown), which may have one blade or multiple blades on a single handle. The first cutting body  12  may have a plurality of ribs  15  between the plurality of slots  14  and dividing the plurality of slots from one another. The cutting apparatus  10  may also include a second cutting body  16 , which can be sized so it is contained within the first cutting body  12 , particularly when the apparatus is in a stored position. The second cutting body  16  also includes a plurality of slots. The first and second cutting bodies  12 ,  16  are used to cover the food items to be cut. The cutting apparatus further includes a base  18  having a platform  19  for engagement with the cutting bodies, and a cover  20 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the first cutting body  12  is shown having a semispherical or dome-like shape, which forms an open inner space  24 . An outer surface  26  of the first cutting body  12  further includes a flattened section  28  of any suitable shape or diameter, which is also clearly seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . When the first cutting body  12  is turned over to rest on the flattened section  28  as shown in  FIG. 3 , the body is prevented from rolling and can be used as a receiving and serving bowl. It should be understood that the first cutting body  12  can have any suitable shape, including round, oval, even square or rectangular. 
         [0044]    The first cutting body  12  includes an opening rim  30  forming the outer circumference of the body. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the outer circumference of the rim  30  has an uneven or wave pattern, so that if the body  12  was placed rim side on a flat surface, the shape of the rim would not permit the body to lay flat. The wave pattern of the rim  30  provides a unique shape that permits the first cutting body  12  to engage with and be secured to the base  18 . Multiple variations of wave patterns or various wave lengths are useful in the different embodiments of the present apparatus. For example, the platform  19  of  FIG. 1  has a wave pattern  19   d  with a longer wave length (the distance between the crest of the wave and the trough of the wave), while the platform  50  having the wave pattern  50   a  of the embodiment of the cutting apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIG. 12 , has a shorter wave length. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the apparatus  10  includes a base  18  with a platform  19 . The platform  19  is adapted for receiving and securing both the first cutting body  12  and the second cutting body  16 . The base  18  is shaped in a configuration to complement the overall shape of the first cutting body  12 , whether the cutting body is round, oval, rectangular, or another suitable shape. 
         [0046]    The base  18  further includes a handle  22 . The handle  22 , which is integrally formed with the base, is shown having a semi-circular profile. The shape of the handle  22  complements the overall shape of the apparatus  10  and makes the handle easier to grasp; however, it should be understood that the handle can have any suitable shape. 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the base  18  includes an integrated raised platform  19 . The platform  19  has a step configuration, with a first level  19   a  for receiving the cover  20 , a second level  19   b  for receiving the first cutting body  12 , and a third level  19   c  forming a cutting surface. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the rim of the cover  20  rests against the first level  19   a  of the platform and on the base  18 , whereas, the first cutting body  12  rests on and against the second level  19   b  of the platform. Additionally, the second level  19   b  has a wave pattern  19   d  forming an outer circumference of the platform  19 . Thus, the wave patterned rim  30  of the first cutting body  12  engages with the wave pattern  19   d  forming the outer circumference of the platform thereby securing the first cutting body  12  to the platform  19  and the base  18 . The platform  19  additionally serves as a receiving and cutting surface (third level  19   c ) for the items placed within the first cutting body  12 . Preferably, the platform  19  is disposed above the wave pattern  19   d  formed on the outer circumference of the platform  19 . 
         [0048]    As shown in the figures, the first cutting body  12  further includes a plurality of slots  14 . The slots  14  are provided over the entire body and are generally evenly spaced (approximately 3.5 mm apart) from one another and positioned parallel to one another, passing through and covering the entire outer surface  26  of the first cutting body  12  from one side of the rim  30  to the other. The slots  14  can have any suitable width for receiving a cutting implement. The slots  14  are used for receiving and guiding a cutting implement, such as a knife blade to enter the inner space  24  of the first cutting body  12  for cutting the food item held within the cutting body. It should be understood that the overall dimension of the first cutting body, the width of the slots, and the distance between the slots are not limited to the present embodiment, but can be altered to accommodate different cutting implements, as well as the food items to be processed. 
         [0049]    In an alternate embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 13  illustrates a first cutting body  52  having a plurality of evenly spaced, parallel slots  54  therein, in a similar configuration to the first cutting body  12 , disclosed above. The ribs  55  may be between the plurality of slots  54  and divide the plurality of slots  54  from each other. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the plurality of ribs  15  may be flat. However, each of the plurality of ribs  55  may come together at a midpoint thereof in a peak or a point, having angled sides disposed downwardly to help guide a cutting implement to the food item contained therein without having to take time and effort to align the cutting implement with the slots  5 . Moreover, the ribs  55 , as shown in  FIG. 13  and described above, may further help ensure that the cutting implement easily moves into one or more of the slots  54 , preventing the cutting implement from slipping left or right, possibly causing injury. In other words, a user may place a cutting implement in alignment with one or more of the slots  54 , and the peaked and angled ribs may guide the blade of the cutting implement to the food item contained therein. 
         [0050]    In use, a food item may be placed on the third level  19   c  of the platform  19  of the base  18 . The first cutting body  12  (or  52 , as shown in  FIG. 13 ) may be positioned on the platform  19  of the base  18 , resting on the second level  19   b  thereof, having the wave pattern thereon. A cutting implement, such as a knife having a suitable blade length, may be disposed through one or more of the slots  14  (or  54 ) to cut the food item therein. Thus, the food item may be cut into two or more portions. Optionally, the handle  22  may be grasped by the user and the base  18  may be rotated, while the first cutting body may be held in place, thereby rotating the food item contained on the base  18 . The cutting implement may be used to cut the food item one or more additional times through the slots  14  (or  54 ), but because the food item has been rotated, the cuts placed into the food items are cross-cuts to the cuts placed into the food item prior to rotation. The base  18  may be rotated a plurality of times to place several cross-cuts into the food items contained therein. This may be particularly preferable when cutting ingredients for a salad to create a chopped salad, for example. The wave pattern in the second level  19   b  may provide discrete positions for the first cutting body  12  to be placed for cutting of the food contained therein. Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the first cutting body  12  (or  52 ) may be inverted to be used as a bowl to contain the cut food item or items. Preferably, the second level  19   b  may be positioned above the wave pattern  19   d  such that an item placed and cut on the second level  19   b  may remain entirely contained within the cutting body  12  when the platform  19  and base  18  rotates therebeneath. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the cutting apparatus  10  includes a second cutting body  16 . The second cutting body  16  is generally smaller in size than the first cutting body  12 , so that the second cutting body can be positioned within the inner space  24  of the first cutting body, providing a compact arrangement particularly when storing the cutting apparatus  10 . The second cutting body  16  has a semispherical outer surface forming an inner space  16   a  for receiving an item to be cut ( FIG. 4 ). 
         [0052]    The second cutter body  16  also includes a plurality of radially arranged slots  16   b  intersecting and forming a top opening  16   c  of the second cutting body. The slots  16   b  and top opening  16   c  of the second body  16  receive and guide a knife blade into the inner space  16   a  of the body for contacting a food item held within the inner space  16   a  of the body. The second cutting body  16  is useful for cutting food items into uniform wedges. Thus, the second cutting body  16  is useful for cutting and slicing smaller items, including tomatoes, oranges, peaches, and onions, just to name a few. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the second cutting body  16  is adapted for engagement with the platform  19 , so that the cutting body remains stable during use. For example, the platform  19  may include a channel  19   e  on the third or top level surface  19   c  of the platform. The channel  19   e  has a width complimentary to the width of the outer rim  16   d  of the cutting body  16 . The outer rim  16   d  may be snap fit into the channel  19   e  of the platform, securing the cutting body into place over the food item to be cut. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a cover  20  is adapted for placement over the first cutting body  12 . As shown, the cover  20  has a semispherical or bowl shape, which complements the cutting bodies previously described. Additionally, the cover  20  includes a flattened section  21 , so that if the cover is turned over onto the flattened section, the cover is stable and will be prevented from rolling. The cover  20  may be inverted, with the opening on the top thereof, and used as a bowl. In addition, the first cutting body  12  may be placed with its opening at the top thereof in face-to-face relation to the cover  20  to form a spherical body (not shown) that may contain cut food items therein for shaking and blending of the food items, such as to make a chopped salad, or other like food blend. 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , there is shown the cover  20  engaged in a closed position with the base  18  and platform  19 . Specifically, as shown in detail in  FIG. 8 , the cover  20  includes a lip  20   a  around the outer circumference of the rim  20   b  of the cover. The lip  20   a  engages in a snap-fit configuration with a ledge  19   f  on the first level  19   a  of the platform. In this manner, the cover  20  can be secured to the base  18  and its platform  19 , thereby enclosing all of the components of the apparatus  10  for transportation and storage. 
         [0056]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9-11 , there is shown the present apparatus  10  in use with a cutting implement, and specifically a multi-bladed knife  40 . It should be understood that the present apparatus  10  is suitable for receiving a standard, single bladed knife, as the slots provided in both the first cutting body  12  and second cutting body  16  are capable of receiving a standard knife blade. However, the present multi-bladed knife  40 , when used with the embodiment of the present cutting apparatus  10 , provides a system that saves considerable time in the food preparation process. Cutting and slicing food items, such as vegetables, for use in a salad or other dishes can require a certain amount of knife skills, and often be the most tedious chore in food preparation. Using the multi-bladed  40  knife with the present cutting apparatus makes this step in the preparation much quicker and easier as the system simultaneously creates multiple cuts with a single swipe of the blades through the slots of the apparatus. 
         [0057]    Although the multi-bladed knife  40  is illustrated with five blades, it should be understood that the multi-bladed knife  40  may have any number of blades for aiding a user in easily and quickly cutting a food item therein, and should not be limited as described herein. The blades of the multi-bladed knife  40  are generally spaced apart in parallel relation from each other to align with a plurality of the parallel slots  14  within the first cutting body  12 . The blades may be aligned with adjacent slots  14  of the first cutting body  12 , or non-adjacent slots. For example, adjacent blades of the multi-bladed knife  40  may align with non-adjacent slots, such as skipping one or more slots. Thus, the multi-bladed knife  40  may be used to provide relatively thick slices of food products, although thinner food slices may also be accomplished by moving the multi-bladed knife  40  into different non-adjacent slots within the first cutting body  12 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 12  represents yet another embodiment of the present cutting apparatus  100 . In this embodiment, the platform  50  includes a wave pattern  50   a  having a shorter wave length than that of the previous embodiment. Although not shown, it is understood that this wave pattern  50   a  would engage with and first cutting body having a complementary wave pattern, as previously described. 
         [0059]    Using the present cutting apparatus  10  in a method for cutting and processing food items begins with placing the food items to be processed on the platform  19 , specifically the third or top level  19   c  of the platform. If the first cutting body  12  is being used, the outer wave pattern rim  30  of the body is aligned with the corresponding wave pattern  19   d  on the second level  19   b  of the platform  19 . Once the first cutting body  12  is engaged with the platform  19 , the multi-bladed knife  40  is passed through the slots  14  in a first direction, to initially cut the food items ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ). Taking the handle  22  of the base  18 , and while lifting the first cutting body  12  slightly away from the platform to disengage the rim  30  from the platform  19   b  the base  18  and platform  19  are rotated by grasping the handle  22 . The wave pattern on the rim  30  of the body  12  is then aligned again with the next wave pattern  19   d  on the platform. The multi-bladed knife  40  (or single blade knife, if being used), is again passed through the slots  14  and into the food item for further cutting or slicing. These steps, rotation of the platform  19  and alignment with the cutting body  12 , are repeated until the food item is sliced or cut to the desired consistency. 
         [0060]    A similar approach is used when the second cutting body  16  is used. The food item is placed on the platform  19  and the second cutting body is snap-fit into the channel  19   e  on the top level  19   c  of the platform, to cover the food item. However, rather than the multi-bladed knife, a standard single blade knife (not shown) is passed repeatedly though the slots  16   b  of the second cutting body  16 , until the item is cut into uniform wedges. The cut food item could then be removed, along with the second cutting body  16  prior attaching the first cutting body  12 , or the food items may remain on the platform  19  for additional processing when the first cutting body is secured to the base  18 . 
         [0061]    Certainly, the present cutting apparatus  10  provides several options with regard to processing, cutting and slicing food items. Additionally, the modular fit of the components of the apparatus  10  gives the users various cutting options, as well as, the option to mix the final cut or sliced food products together within the apparatus. The plurality of slots within the first and second cutting bodies provide the advantage of simultaneously cutting food items into multiple pieces, saving time in the overall process. Furthermore, use of the cutting bodies act as a shield between the food items being cut, the cutting implements and the fingers and hands of the user. The cutting bodies, platform, base and cover can be constructed from any material that is easily cleaned and suitable for use with food, including silicone and plastic. 
         [0062]    It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.