Abstract:
A food slicer is disclosed having a frame with a track thereon, an adjustable pre-cut surface attached to the frame, a post-cut surface attached to the frame following the pre-cut surface, a blade disposed on the frame between the two surfaces, and a sliding mechanism movably secured within the track of the frame and engaged to support the adjustable pre-cut surface across the entire width of the surface, wherein sliding movement of the mechanism within the track raises and lowers the pre-cut surface relative to the blade. The track of the food slicer may include a plurality of detents for indexed movement of the sliding mechanism and the pre-cut surface may be made of a translucent or even transparent material to permit accurate placement of a catch bowl for the sliced food items.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present device relates to a food slicer, a.k.a., a mandolin. Particularly, the present device relates to slicer having an adjustable cutting depth. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Mandolins, or food slicers as they are commonly called, are well-known in the art. Adjustability of the cutting depth is a feature many manufactures have experimented with in order to provide a more useful product. The adjustable cutting feature should provide simple manufacture and operation, easy clean-up and maintenance, reproducible cutting depths, a sturdy cutting mechanism, and quick and easy adjustment between cutting depths. 
         [0003]    Prior art devices have typically used one of three different mechanisms for adjusting the cutting surface: cam-type adjusters, cutting inserts, and screw adjusters. Each of these three mechanisms provide certain advantages and disadvantages. None achieve all of the desired advantages of an adjustable cutting feature described above. 
         [0004]    The cam-type adjusters are comprised of a mechanism which raises and lowers either the pre-cut surface of the slicer or the cutting blade itself. Most cam-type mechanisms include a knob or slider which engages a cam device to change the cutting depth of the slicer. While almost infinitely adjustable between two end points, these types of adjustment mechanisms can be relatively complex, hard to keep clean, and difficult to accurately reproduce a previous cutting depth without an indexing feature. Inadequate support of the pre-cut surface is also a disadvantage of the cam-type adjusters. The pre-cut surface might only be supported at a few points, and on occasions just a single point. 
         [0005]    Devices which utilize cutting inserts to change cutting depths provide limited cutting depths, maybe two or three varied inserts. On the other hand, cutting depths are easily reproducible. Complexity of manufacture and ease and speed of adjustment are disadvantages of these types of devices. The inserts must be capable of being interchanged with minimal tolerances to provide a stable cutting area, and locking features may hinder the ability to quickly unplug and plug in inserts. 
         [0006]    Screw-type adjusters are perhaps the least complex of the three adjustment types. However, the reproducibility of cutting depths, absent a separate indexing feature, is low and adjustments may require inverting the slicer to allow access to the adjusting screws. Similar to the cam-type adjusters, the screw mechanisms provide limited support to the pre-cut surface and are prone to deteriorating efficiency over time due to inadequate cleaning. 
         [0007]    The present food slicer provides an adjustable cutting depth that solves each of these problems associated with the prior art, while avoiding many of the common disadvantages of such devices. The disclosed device affords other structural, manufacture and operating efficiencies not seen in prior art devices, as well. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Generally speaking, a food slicer is disclosed comprising a frame having a track thereon, an adjustable pre-cut surface attached to the frame, a post-cut surface attached to the frame following the pre-cut surface, a blade disposed on the frame between the two surfaces, and a sliding mechanism movably secured within the track of the frame and engaged to support the adjustable pre-cut surface across the entire width of the surface, wherein sliding movement of the mechanism within the track raises and lowers the pre-cut surface relative to the blade. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment of the present food slicer the track comprises a plurality of detents for indexed movement of the sliding mechanism and the pre-cut surface is translucent or even transparent to permit accurate placement of a catch bowl for the sliced food items. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment of the present food slicer, the device comprises a frame, a translucent, adjustable pre-cut surface attached to the frame, a post-cut surface attached to the frame following the pre-cut surface, a blade disposed on the frame between the two surfaces, and a support mechanism movably secured to the frame and engaged to support the pre-cut surface across the entire width of the surface, wherein movement of the mechanism raises and lowers the pre-cut surface relative to the blade. 
         [0011]    In still another embodiment of the present food slicer, the device is configured for creating Julienne slices and comprises a frame having a track thereon, an adjustable pre-cut surface attached to the frame, a post-cut surface attached to the frame following the pre-cut surface, a plurality of first blades disposed on the pre-cut surface, a second blade disposed on the frame between the two surfaces perpendicular to the plurality of first blades, and a sliding mechanism movably secured within the track of the frame and engaged to support the adjustable pre-cut surface across the entire width of the surface, wherein sliding movement of the mechanism within the track raises and lowers the pre-cut surface relative to the first blade. 
         [0012]    These and other aspects of the invention may be understood more readily from the following description and the appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present handheld mandolin; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a partial cross-section of an embodiment of the present handheld mandolin illustrating a completely raised pre-cut surface; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is similar to the partial cross-section of  FIG. 4 , illustrating a the lowering of the pre-cut surface for thicker slices; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a partial exploded view of an embodiment of the present handheld mandolin; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present handheld mandolin including a food holder; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present handheld mandolin illustrating a transparent pre-cut surface; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present handheld mandolin suitable for Julienne slicing. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to embodiments illustrated. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-9 , there is illustrated embodiments of a food slicer, generally designated by the numeral  10 . Generally speaking, the slicer or mandolin  10  has an adjustable pre-cut surface  12 , a sliding support or adjustment mechanism, a blade section  14 , a post-cutting surface  16 , a frame  20  substantially surrounding the previous components, and a handle  23  attached to the frame  20 . 
         [0025]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the frame  20  has two side members  21  and two end members  22 . The overall configuration of the frame  20  is preferably rectangular. A handle  23  is preferably centered and secured to one of the end members  22  of the frame  20 . As shown best in  FIG. 7 , the handle  23  is attached at a slight angle relative to the frame. The handle angle provides a more ergonomic positioning for the user&#39;s hand when using the slicer  10 . A hole  24  in the handle  23  provides means by which to hang the slicer  10 , if desired. The handle  23  may be integral to the frame, with both being formed, most preferably, of a rigid plastic material. Alternative materials would include other suitable plastics, wood, metal, composites and combinations of such materials. For comfort, the handle  23  may be covered in a soft foam-like material or, for example, SANTOPRENE®. 
         [0026]    The side members  21  of the frame  20  extend above and below the pre-cut surface  12  and post-cutting surface  16 , while the end members  22  are preferably only below the surfaces. This configuration provides a channel-like top-side of the slicer  10  facilitating the slicing motion of the user. 
         [0027]    A track  26  is shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  within the frame  20  on the underside of slicer  10 . Within the track  26 , below the pre-cut surface  12 , is secured the sliding support or adjustment mechanism  30 . The sliding mechanism  30  is preferably a rigid bar which extends the entire width of the pre-cut surface  12  being secured within the track  26  on each side member  21 . The sliding mechanism  30  is secured within the track  26  at an angle, as will be explained below. The purpose of the sliding mechanism  30  is to provide both support and vertical adjustability to the pre-cut surface  12 . Being secured with the track  26 , allows the sliding mechanism  30  to be moved in the direction of the arrows shown in  FIG. 5 . The track surface may include small teeth to secure the sliding mechanism at a given point, preventing inadvertent movement and cutting depth changes. 
         [0028]    A finger switch  32  is preferably attached to one end of the sliding mechanism  30  and is accessible along an outer surface of a side member  21 . The finger switch  32  provides the user with a simple device by which to manipulate the sliding mechanism  30  within the track  26  without having to reach the underside of slicer  10 . The switch  32  preferably includes a textured surface to facilitate tactile recognition and slip resistance to the user. 
         [0029]    Returning to  FIG. 3 , a pair of container notches  34  are shown in the underside of the side members  21  of the frame  20 . These notches  34  are configured to engage the rim of a container positioned below the slicer  10  to catch the sliced food items. To prevent slipping at the point of contact with the container, a soft, slip-resistant material such as SANTOPRENE® may be used to cover this portion of the side members  21 . Likewise, the end member  22  may also be covered with such material to reduce slipping of the slicer  10  placed onto, for example, a kitchen countertop. 
         [0030]    The pre-cut surface  12  has a tetragonal shape, preferably a trapezoidal shape, with a hinged first end  36  and a free second end  38 , and upper and lower surfaces,  39 a and  39 b, respectively. The first end  36  is secured to the frame  20  by hinge elements  40 . Alternatively, a hinge pin (not shown) or similar device may be used to secure the first end  36  to the frame  20 . The free second end  38  is positioned adjacent the blade section  14 , meeting along a line angled relative to the side members  21  of frame  20 . The angle of the meeting line facilitates slicing by allowing the food item (not shown) to effectively be moved in a direction of travel along blade  15  (i.e., slicing as opposed to chopping). 
         [0031]    The upper surface  39   a  of the pre-cut surface  12  may be ribbed or otherwise textured to facilitate tracking of food items in a straight-line toward the blade section  14 . The lower surface  39 b comprises a plurality of ramp sections  42  in tiered-arrangements. In the present embodiment, the ramp sections  42  increase in height as they get closer to the blade section  14 . While a single set of ramp sections  42  are shown in  FIG. 6 , it is understood that in other embodiments such sections may extend the width of the pre-cut surface  12  or may be more numerous and spaced across the same width. The greater surface area provided by the ramp sections  42 , the greater support provided to the pre-cut surface  12 , as will be explained below. 
         [0032]    The pre-cut surface  12  is preferably made from a rigid or semi-rigid thermoplastic material. However, alternative materials may be suitable for certain application. In one embodiment of the present slicer  10  shown in  FIG. 8 , the pre-cut surface  12  is manufactured from a translucent material, which may be transparent. The use of translucent material for the pre-cut surface  12  allows the user to more readily align a bowl or the like below the slicer  10  to catch sliced food items as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . This feature may work in conjunction with the container notches  34  discussed above, also for proper positioning of a container. 
         [0033]    Referring now to the blade section  14  shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the adjustable cutting feature can be more readily understood. Preferably, the blade section  14  is secured at an angle (as described above) in a fixed position between the two frame side members  21 . The blade section  14  comprises a cutting blade  15  extending the width of the pre-cut surface  12 . The blade  15  is secured within the blade section such that the cutting edge of the blade  15  faces the pre-cut surface  12 . Unlike the pre-cut surface  12 , the blade section upper surface  39   a  is not textured to guide food items. Such texturing can sometimes interfere with the slicing operation. Further, except for the blade  15 —which is preferably a stainless steel or other suitable metal—the blade section  14  is preferably manufactured of a material similar or identical to the material used for the pre-cut surface  12 . 
         [0034]    The post-cutting surface  16  is shown in  FIG. 1 . The post-cutting surface  16  acts as a continuation of the pre-cut surface  12 . Accordingly, it is preferably similarly textured to guide food items being sliced. The post-cutting surface  16  is secured in a fixed position between the two frame side members  21 . As with the pre-cut surface  12 , the post-cutting surface  16  may be translucent, even transparent, to facilitate positioning of the slicer  10  over a container. 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , as is known in the art, a food holder  50  may be employed to protect the user&#39;s fingers from accidental cuts on blade  15 . The holder  50  is preferably comprised of a grip  54 , a protective shield  52 , and a holding means  55  ( FIG. 9 ). The holding means  55  is typically comprised of a plurality of teeth  56  which pass through the shield  52  and are set into a fixed position. Alternative holding means (not shown) may include substantially longer prongs and a spring or other biasing means which moves the shield  52  against skewered food items over the substantial length of the prongs to automatically advance food items on the prongs as they are being sliced. 
         [0036]      FIG. 9  shows a Julienne slicing mandolin  110 .  FIG. 9  also illustrates how the holder  50  aligns with the frame  120  to guide slicing of food items on mandolin  110 . As can be seen, the mandolin  110  of  FIG. 9  is configured with additional blades  111 , looking like teeth projecting perpendicularly from pre-cut surface  112 . These additional blades  111  are used to score a food item such that the blade  115  of blade section  114  will cut the item to create strips rather than whole slices. This process is known in the industry as Julienne slicing. The longer the blades  111 , the deeper the cut on the food item and the thicker the resulting Julienne strips. Of course, while the pre-cut surface  112  may be adjusted to create thicker or thinner Julienne slices, the additional blades  111  are preferably set in a fixed position. For dicing, the food item can be double or cross-scored by the additional blades  111 —i.e., one pass across blades  111  without slicing on blade  115  creates strips, then a second pass across blades  111  about  450  offset from the first pass creates a cross-hatched surface—before slicing on blade  115  to create cubes. 
         [0037]    In use, the slicer  10  is positioned by the user with the handle  23  in one hand and the opposite end is either engaged with the rim of a container or rested on a relatively flat surface. If the pre-cut surface  12  or post-cutting surface  16  is translucent, the container intended to catch the sliced food items can be easily positioned beneath the blade section  14 . The slicer  10  can be held comfortably at roughly a 45° angle (to a horizontal surface). 
         [0038]    Before slicing, the thickness of the desired sliced food items should be determined, through “trial and error” if necessary, and the sliding mechanism  30  can be set accordingly. By moving the sliding mechanism  30  toward the handle  23 , the slice thickness increases. This is because, in the present embodiment, the ramp sections  42  of the pre-cut surface decrease in height toward the handle, as shown in  FIG. 4 , thereby creating a lower support and a greater gap between the pre-cut surface  12  and the blade  15 . 
         [0039]    Conversely, movement of the sliding mechanism  30  away from the handle  23  will raise the pre-cut surface  12  relative to the blade  15  due to the higher ramp sections  42 . As a safety feature, the pre-cut surface  12  may be above the blade at its highest point, thereby eliminating the potential for accidental cutting during non-use. 
         [0040]    Once the desired cutting thickness is set, the food item may be placed into the food holder  50 , if used. By pushing the prongs of the holder  50  into the food item, the shield  52  is pushed to a retracted position. The food item can then be placed onto the pre-cut surface  12  and, in a reciprocating motion, moved toward the post-cutting surface  16  and back again until the amount of sliced food items are achieved or until the food item is too small to continue slicing. The textured form of the pre-cut surface  12  and post-cutting surface  16  help guide and track the cutting and return motion. As the food item is sliced, the spring or other biasing member advances the shield  52  and in turn the food item forward on the prongs. Naturally, with the proper hand protection, a user may choose to disregard the use of the holder  50  for some uses. An abundance of caution should be exercised in such cases. 
         [0041]    The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants&#39; contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.