Abstract:
A food mill including a container having a first flange and an opposing second flange, and a blade assembly removably connected to the container. The blade assembly includes a support arm having a first end defining a slot engageable with the first flange, and a second end including a latch. The latch is movable between a first condition, where the latch is disengaged from the second flange, and a second condition, where the latch is engaged with the second flange.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   The present invention is directed to a food mill, and more specifically, to a food mill including a removable blade assembly. 
   Several kinds of different food processing equipment exist for preparing and cooking food items. One such food processor is a food mill which includes a container having one of a plurality of interchangeable blades which process one or more food items. Typically, food mills include a container having a handle and a blade which is positioned in the bottom of the container. The blade may have different sized openings. The food mill may include a plate which is biased toward the blade at the bottom of the food mill which may be connected to a handle that is rotatably connected to the food mill. A user rotates the handle which causes the plate to rotate and press against a food item placed in the food mill. The food item is pressed into and cut or sliced by the blade and the cut portion of the food item falls into a separate container, such as a bowl. 
   A blade assembly, and more specifically the handle, is held in position by a support bar which is connected to opposing sides of the food mill. Most conventional food mills have removable support arms which enable a user to remove the entire blade assembly for cleaning. It also allows the user to remove the blade assembly to place one or more food items in the container of the food mill. Typically, it is difficult to reinsert the blade assembly after one or more food items are placed in the food mill because the tension of the spring positioned between the plate and the support is high. Therefore a user has to struggle to reinsert the blade assembly and more specifically, position and connect the opposing ends of the support arms to the food mill. 
   Accordingly, there is a need for an improved food mill having a removable blade assembly that is easily removable and reinsertable into the food mill for food cleaning and food processing. 
   SUMMARY 
   One embodiment of the present invention provides a food mill including a container including a first flange and an opposing second flange and a blade assembly that is removably connected to the container. The blade assembly includes a support arm having a first end defining a slot engageable with the first flange, and a second end including a latch. The latch is movable between a first condition, where the latch is disengaged from the second flange, and a second condition, where the latch is engaged with the second flange. 
   In an embodiment, the latch includes a base that is movably connected to the support arm, a lever movably connected to the base and a bias member connected to the base. The bias member is adapted to bias the base towards the second flange, where when the latch is moved to the first condition, the base pivots to dis-engage from the second flange, and wherein when the latch is moved to the second condition, the base pivots to engage the second flange. 
   In an embodiment, the lever moves away from the second flange when the latch is moved to the first condition, and the lever moves toward the second flange when the latch is moved to the second condition. 
   In an embodiment, the latch includes a base movably connected to the support arm and a lever slidably connected to the base and the support arm. The lever is slidable in a slot defined by the second end of the support arm, where when the lever is slid away from the second end, the base pivots away from the second flange, and when the lever is slid toward the second end, the base pivots toward the second flange. 
   In an embodiment, the food mill includes a handle rotatably connected to the support arm. The handle includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes a knob and the second end includes a pressure plate and a bias member, where the bias member biases the pressure plate away from the support arm. 
   In an embodiment, the bias member is a spring positioned between the pressure plate and the support arm. 
   In an embodiment, the food mill includes an interchangeable cutting member seated in the container. 
   In an embodiment, the food mill includes a handle connected to the container. 
   In an embodiment, the food mill includes a pair of legs pivotably connected to the container, where each of the legs pivots between a first position adjacent to the container and a second position away from the container. 
   Another embodiment provides a blade assembly attachable to a food mill, where the food mill includes a first flange and an opposing second flange. The blade assembly includes a support arm having a first end and an opposing second end. The first end defines a first slot and the second end defines a second slot. The first slot is removably connected to the first flange, and the second slot is removably connected to the second flange. The blade assembly includes a latch that is movably connected to at least the first end of the support arm. The latch is movable between a first condition, where the latch is dis-engaged from the first flange, and a second condition, where the latch is engaged with the first flange to secure the blade assembly to the food mill. 
   In an embodiment, the latch includes a base, a lever movably connected to the base and a bias member connected to the base. The bias member is adapted to bias the base toward and away from the first flange, where when the latch is moved to the first condition, the base pivots away from the first flange, and when the latch is moved to the second condition, the base pivots toward the first flange. 
   In an embodiment, the lever is moved away from the first flange when the latch is moved to the first condition, and the lever is moved toward the second flange when the latch is moved to the second condition. 
   In an embodiment, the latch includes a lever movably connected to a base, where the lever is slidable in a slot defined by the second end of the support arm. When the lever is slid away from the second end, the base pivots away from the first flange, and when the lever is slid toward the second end, the base pivots toward the first flange. 
   In an embodiment, the blade assembly includes a handle rotatably connected to the support arm. The handle includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes a knob and the second end includes a pressure plate and a bias member, where the bias member biases the pressure plate away from the support arm. 
   In an embodiment, the bias member is a spring positioned between the pressure plate and the support arm. 
   Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a blade assembly for a food mill which can be removed using one hand. 
   Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps and processes. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a food mill including a blade assembly of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of the food mill and blade assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a fragmentary section view of the food mill and blade assembly of  FIG. 1  taken substantially along the line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a latch of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a further enlarged, fragmentary, exploded, perspective view of the latch of  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 7A  is a fragmentary sectional view of the latch of  FIG. 5  illustrating the latch being pushed downward onto one of the flanges of the container. 
       FIG. 7B  is a fragmentary sectional view of the latch of  FIG. 5  illustrating the latch engaging the flange prior to the latch being secured to the flange. 
       FIG. 8A  is a fragmentary sectional view of the latch of  FIG. 5  in an engaged position. 
       FIG. 8B  is a fragmentary sectional view of the latch of  FIG. 5  in a non-engaged position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The present invention is directed generally to a food mill and, more specifically, to a food mill including a removable blade assembly having a quick release latch which enables the blade assembly to be easily removable and re-insertable into the food mill. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1-8B , an embodiment of a food mill  100  is illustrated, wherein the food mill includes a container  102 , a cutting member  114  positioned in the container, and a blade assembly  116  which is removably connected to the container. In one embodiment, the container  102  is a generally circular container or bowl that resembles a pot or similar container. The container may be circular, square, rectangular or any suitable size and shape. A handle  104  is connected to the container  102  and enables a user to securely hold the container. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the handle extends substantially horizontally from the container. In an embodiment, the handle  104  defines at least one opening  106 . The opening  106  is adapted to enable a user to hang and store the food mill  100  on a hook or other similar member for storage. The handle  104  has a generally oblong, elongated shape but may be any suitable size and shape. In an embodiment, the handle may be a separate component which is connected to the container  102 . In another embodiment, the handle  104  may be integrally formed with the container  102 . 
   In the illustrated embodiment, at least one, and preferably a plurality of legs  110  are pivotably connected to the container  102 . Each leg  110  pivots between a first position adjacent to the container and a second position extending a designated distance away from the container. When fully extended, each of the legs  110  is substantially horizontal and engages a wall or lip of a separate underlying container such as a bowl (not shown). The legs  110  therefore provide support and stability to the food mill as it rests on the separate container or bowl during use. It should be appreciated that the legs  110  may be of any suitable size and shape. It should also be appreciated that one, two or more legs  110  may be connected to the container  102 . 
   The bottom of the container  102  defines a generally circular opening (not shown) which is formed to receive a cutting member or blade  114 . As best shown in  FIG. 3 , the bottom of the container  102  defines a plurality of recesses  103  which have a size and shape that corresponds to protrusions  105  defined by the blade  114 . This enables the blade to be properly positioned and seated in the bottom of the container. A plurality of blades  114  may be designed to be seated in the bottom of the container  102  and may be interchangeable, depending on the food preparation needed. The blades, therefore, may include relatively small or relatively large holes or a combination of large and small holes. 
   In one embodiment, the container  102  includes a pair of opposing flanges  112 . In an embodiment, the opposing flanges  112  are separate parts which are connected to the inside surface of the container  102 . In another embodiment, the opposing flanges  112  are integrally formed with the inside surface of the container. Each of the flanges includes a substantially planar portion which is transverse to the inside surface of the container and a downwardly extending lip portion. It should be appreciated that the first and second flanges  112  may be of any suitable size or shape. 
   After one or more food items are placed in the container  102 , the blade assembly or crank assembly  116  is positioned in the container  102  and secured in place by engaging the blade assembly with the first and second flanges  112 . In an embodiment, the blade assembly  116  includes a cross bar or support arm  118  which is a substantially horizontal member having a first end  120   a  and an opposing second end  120   b . The support arm  118  defines end slots  122  at each of the first and second ends  120   a  and  120   b . Each of the end slots  122  is a generally oval, elongated opening. It should be appreciated that the end slots may be of any suitable size or shape. Each of the end slots  122  include a size and shape which corresponds to the size and shape of the flanges or tabs  112 . As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , the flanges  112  curve and form a lip portion  150  which extend respectively downwardly through the end slots  122 . Additionally, the middle or center portion of the support arm  118  defines a center opening  124 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  4 , a generally L-shaped arm  126  is rotatably connected to the opening  124  where one end of the arm  126  extends below the support arm  118  and the other end of the arm  126  is transverse to and extends generally outwardly away from the support arm  118 . The end of arm  126  which extends below the support arm  118  towards the bottom of the container  102  is inserted through an opening defined by a rotatable member or rotatable plate  130  and into an opening defined in the center of the blade  114 . The opening in the blade helps secure the arm  126  in place and minimize lateral movement of the blade assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate  130  is secured to the arm  126  using stop washers  153  and  155 . It should be appreciated that any suitable connector or fasteners may be used to secure the plate  130  in place. 
   The opposing end of the arm  126  includes a knob  128  which enables a user to manipulate and rotate the arm  126  with respect to the support arm  118 . It should be appreciated that the knob  128  may be rotatably connected to the arm  126  to facilitate the rotation of the arm  126  with respect to the support arm  118 . In an embodiment, the knob  128  defines a plurality of knurls or protrusions which enables a user to securely grab and hold the knob  128 . The plate  130  has a size and shape (i.e., surface area) which is less than the size and shape of the blade  114 . A bias member or spring  132  is positioned about the arm  126  between the plate  130  and the bottom of the support arm  118 . In an embodiment, the spring  132  is a coil spring which biases the plate  130  downwardly toward the bottom of the container. The downward pressure of the plate  130  on one or more food items causes the food items to be pressed into the blade  114  as the plate  130  rotates. This causes the food item or items to be cut or sliced by the blade and processed by the food mill. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, a lever assembly or latch  134  is movably connected to at least one end of the support arm  118  in a slot  135 . The latch  134  facilitates the easy removal and re-insertion of the support arm and thereby the blade assembly  116  with the container  102 . 
   In one embodiment, a latch  134  is movably connected to a lever slot  135  defined by the support arm  118 . The latch  134  includes a switch  136  having a generally T-shaped bottom portion which slidably engages a slot or channel  140  defined by the top of base  138 . The base  138  defines a pair of openings  139   a  and  139   b . After the latch is positioned in the support arm  118 , openings  139   a  and  139   b  are aligned with corresponding openings  141  on the outside surfaces of the support arm  118 . A pivot spring  144  having a generally V-shaped configuration is positioned so that pivot pin  142  is inserted through one side of the support arm  118  through the pivot spring  144  and the opening  139   a  defined by the base  138 . The pivot pin  142  extends a predetermined distance from the opposing side of the support arm. A suitable connector may be connected to the opposing end of the pivot pin  142  to hold or secure it in place. In another embodiment, the pivot pin  142  is a rivet or similar connector which can be manipulated by the use of a tool to deform the pin and prevent the pin from being removed from the support arm. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, a stop pin  146  is inserted through the other opening defined by the side of the support arm and moves through a pivot slot  148  defined by the base  138 . The opposing end of the stop pin  146  extends through a corresponding hole or opening defined on the opposite side of the support arm  118 . A suitable connector is used to secure the stop pin  146  to the support arm so the stop pin does not fall out. Alternatively, as described above, the stop pin  146  could be a rivet or similar connector. The stop pin is connected so that it is able to move or slide within the slotted opening  139   b . The stop pin  148  is positioned to support and provide resistance for a portion of the pivot spring  144 . This causes the spring  144  to have a predetermined tension to cause the base  138  to pivot, as described in detail below. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  7 A,  7 B,  8 A and  8 B, if a user wishes to remove the blade assembly  116  from the container  102 , the user places one hand, and more particularly, a finger, such as their thumb, on the switch  136 . The user then presses or pushes the switch  136  inwardly toward the center of the support arm  118 . The inward movement of the switch  136  causes the base  138  to pivot from a first position, where engagement surface  148  is in contact with the lip portion  150  of the flange  112 , to a second position, where the engagement surface  148  is not in contact with the lip portion  150  of flange  112 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 7A ,  7 B,  8 A and  8 B, the base  138  pivots about pivot pin  142  which causes the stop pin  146  to move from the lower position of slotted opening  139   b  to the top of the opening  139   b . This movement of stop pin  146  presses one side of the pivot spring  144  inwardly to increase the tension on the spring. Thus the spring  144  biases the stop pin  146  toward the lower position in the pivot slot  148  shown in  FIGS. 7A and 8A . The user may now tilt or pivot the support arm  118  downward to release and/or remove the end of the support arm from the container  102 . After the end of the support arm  118  is released, the user releases the lever or switch  136 , which causes the pivot spring  144  to bias the stop pin  146  to slide or move to the lower position of opening  139   b  which thereby causes the base  138  to pivot about pivot pin  142  back to its original position. 
   When the user wants to insert or re-insert the blade assembly  116  into the container  102 , the user pivots the support arm  118  to engage the end slot  122  (on the side of the support arm opposite to the side including the latch assembly  134 ) with the lip portion  150  of one of the flanges  112 . The user then pivots the opposing end of the support arm  118  downward toward the opposing flange  122  until the engagement surface  148  contacts the lip portion  150  of this flange as shown in  FIG. 7A . The user continues to move or pivot the support arm  118  downwardly causing the engagement surface  148  to move along the outside surface of the lip portion  150 , as shown in  FIG. 7B , until the top of the engagement surface  148  is below the bottom of the lip portion. The base  138  then pivots back to its original position as shown in  FIG. 8A  where the engagement surface  148  is in contact with the lip portion  150  of the flange  112  to secure the support arm  118  in place. 
   Alternatively, the user can manipulate the lever  136  to connect the support arm  118  to the flange. The user grasps lever or switch  136  and moves or pushes it inwardly toward the center of the support arm  118  as shown in  FIG. 8B . This causes the base  138  to pivot about pivot pin  142  and stop pin  146  to move to the upper or top position of opening  139   b  thereby compressing pivot spring  144 . After the lip portion  150  of the flange  112  is inserted through the end slot  122  of the support arm, the user releases the switch  136  to enable the base  138  to move back to its original position. Specifically, the pivot spring  144  pushes against the stop pin  146  to cause the stop pin to move to the lower or bottom position of the slotted opening  139   b  as shown in  FIG. 8A . This causes the base  138  to pivot with respect to the support arm  118  so that the engagement surface  148  of the base engages and/or contacts the lip portion  150  of flange  112  to securely hold the end of the support arm  118  in place in the food mill as described above. 
   The quick and easy one-handed or single-handed operation of the latch  134  to remove or release and re-insert the blade assembly  116  from the container reduces, if not eliminates, the difficulty users incur when removing and/or re-inserting conventional blade assemblies in a food mill. Thus, the latch of the present invention makes removal and/or re-insertion of the blade assembly in a food mill much more efficient and easier for users. 
   Although a slide type latch is employed with the support arm to remove and re-insert the blade assembly with the container of the food mill, it should be appreciated that any suitable latch or latch assembly may be employed to connect and reconnect the end of the support arm with the container. It should also be appreciated that each end of the support arm may include a latch or latch assembly to further enhance the removal and re-insertion of the blade assembly with the container of the food mill. 
   While the present invention is described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims. Modifications and variations in the present invention may be made without departing from the novel aspects of the invention as defined in the claims, and this application is limited only by the scope of the claims.