A mandoline slicer includes a slicing blade and an adjustable slicing ramp. A series of julienne blades are selectively movable between a stowed and a deployed position above the ramp. At a distal end of the ramp, a portion of the ramp is pivotable between a first position for using the slicing blade and a second position covering the slicing blade and exposing a grating surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to mandoline-type slicing devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mandoline slicers have been in use for many years, but existing slicers are lacking in one respect or another. Many have slicing guards that are difficult to use or which do not readily follow the path of the slicing tray, leading users to omit them altogether. Consumer slicers are also difficult to adjust and cannot readily be used for a variety of slicing and grating tasks. The typical mandoline slicer is a unitask device that is infrequently used because of its limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The mandoline slicer as described more fully below includes a slicing blade fixed to a blade tray, with a hand guard positioned for sliding movement over the tray.

In preferred versions of the invention, the slicing blade is adjustable, preferably in a stepped fashion using an adjustment knob indicating particular slicing depths.

Some versions may further include a series of julienne blades that may be retracted below the blade tray when not in use, and selectively extended above the blade tray when in use. As food items are passed over the slicing blade and julienne blades, the food items are cut into thin strips.

A preferred hand guard is secured to one side of the slicer, mounted in a channel formed along one sidewall. The hand guard may be pivoted into an open position to receive the food item to be sliced, and pivoted into a closed position. A series of magnets or other means may be used to retain the slicing guard against the tray.

Yet other versions of the invention include additional features, as described below with respect to the preferred embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred mandoline slicer as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2includes a hand guard10that is configured to slide along a ramp30toward a slicing blade40. In accordance with various preferred aspects of the invention, the ramp may be formed in two sections, including a proximal first section31lying beneath the hand guard10inFIGS. 1 and 2and leading toward the slicing blade, and a distal second section32extending away from the slicing blade. A gap99is defined between the two ramp portions to allow the two portions to be adjusted upward or downward with respect to one another. The first section is adjustable to varying heights below the level of the slicing blade in order to vary the thickness of the slices produced.

The hand guard is formed with a wide flange12surrounding a generally cylindrical grip pillar13. The pillar13is hollow at its center and receives a mating cylindrical insert14. The insert14has a bottom end with a series of spikes18(seeFIGS. 3A and 7) or a similar gripping surface configured to hold a food item in order to slide it along the ramp and toward the blade. The insert is moveable upward and downward within the pillar in order to continue to move downward toward the ramp as a food item is sliced multiple times.

The insert14, in the example of the invention as shown, includes a bore15extending through the insert so that a long food item such as a carrot can be positioned through the bore and into the blade while an opposite end of the food item may extend through the insert, as best seen in the top view ofFIG. 2. The vertical sidewalls of the bore may optionally include a series of ridges to reduce friction between the food item and the sidewalls. The insert further may include a finger cup16, which in the preferred version is sized to receive up to four fingers of the user's hand. Unlike the bore15, the finger cup16is formed with a floor that prevents fingers within the finger cup from contacting the tray or the blades. Thus, items inserted into the bore can pass all the way to the tray and the blades, but items inserted into the finger cup cannot.

The guard is configured to be supported by a pair of sidewalls33,34formed on opposite sides of the ramp. Most preferably, the sidewalls are raised above the generally planar surface of the ramp to provide a degree of clearance of the guard above the ramp. As described further below, the sidewalls serve as guides to ensure a linear path of travel of the guard along the ramp.

One side of the guard flange12includes one or more pads17. The pads are formed from a material intended to improve the ability of the guard to slide along the sidewalls, reducing friction and enhancing durability. In the version as shown, two pads are provided, one toward the front and one toward the back end of a first side of the guard flange, each of the pads having a surface area that is much smaller than the surface area of the flange. Thus, the first side of the guard flange is configured to slide along the first sidewall33of the ramp.

The second side of the guard flange includes a pivotal coupling21secured to the guard by a hinge20, as shown inFIG. 2. The coupling ensures that the guard remains in contact with the slicer and cannot become derailed during use.

The second sidewall34of the slicer ramp includes a slot50(seeFIGS. 3A and 3B) that extends along the majority of the length of the second sidewall (seeFIG. 9). The slot is formed along the lateral outside surface of the sidewall, and is formed with a lower surface52that is generally horizontal, transitioning to a vertical wall53within the sidewall34. Accordingly, an upper portion53of the slot is formed with an overhanging edge52, such that the slot is configured as an L-shape when viewed from an end, perpendicular to the elongated side along which the slot extends.

The coupling21is formed with a complementary finger configured22to be received within the L-shaped slot, as best seen inFIGS. 3B and 7. In the preferred version, the coupling includes a curved lateral face that extends from the pivotal connection along the upper portion of the guard wall downward to the slot. The lateral face transitions to a curved finger, in the version as shown having two substantially perpendicular bends such that the finger is trapped within the vertical portion of the L-shaped slot. Accordingly, the finger portion of the coupling cannot be inserted or removed from the slot in a lateral direction, but rather may only slide longitudinally along the slot. The coupling is inserted by positioning it at the open end of the slot at the end of the slicer, then sliding the coupling into the slot. Once in position, the grip and guard flange may be pivoted upward and away from the ramp30or pivoted downward such that it is parallel with the ramp.

Most preferably, when the guard is pivoted into an operable position parallel with the ramp (that is pivoted at the hinge20into the position as seen inFIG. 1), the lowest surface of the insert14and the gripping spikes18is raised somewhat above the surface of the ramp. This ensures that the grip and spikes are not cut by the slicer as it moves across the blade. The insert14is therefore formed with a peripheral flange24that abuts the upper rim23of the pillar in order to prevent the insert from falling fully through the pillar and contacting the ramp.

The second sidewall34further includes a channel51formed in the upper surface. The channel is sized and configured to receive the rounded shape of the hinge forming the pivot of the coupling, thereby allowing the hinge to slide smoothly down the sidewall.

In the preferred version, the ramp is adjustable to varying heights along the first portion of the ramp31leading to the blade40. The first portion of the ramp comprises a substantially planar upper surface that is optionally formed with a plurality of ribs to reduce friction. The lower surface includes a pair of legs90,91pivotally mounted to the lower surface and extending downward. The legs are positioned at opposite sides of the ramp, along the end of the ramp distant from the blade, and configured to abut the opposing sidewalls of the ramp. Each leg is pivotally secured to a respective one of the sidewalls to allow the first portion of the ramp to pivot about the pivot axis defined on the legs.

The upper end of the ramp31is pivotally movable about a pivot axis at the proximal end of the slicer, and in the preferred version the pivot axis is a common pivot axis also shared by the legs90,91to allow the legs to pivotally rotate to a stored and deployed position. Thus, the legs90,91and the first portion of the ramp31are both mounted along a common pivot axis at opposing pivot points61,62. A spring63is carried on the pivot axis of one of the legs91in order to bias the ramp in a downward position. Thus, in the preferred version the spring is a coil spring having one end attached to the lower side of the ramp and the opposite end attached to the sidewall adjacent the leg in order to urge the ramp downward and bias the portion of the ramp adjacent the blade into a downward position beneath the blade.

The first portion of the ramp31is adjustable in order to adjust the depth of the cutting blade with respect to the first end of the ramp adjacent the blade. Thus, the first portion of the ramp is selectively rotatable about the pivot point64, thereby selectively altering the positioning of the edge of the first portion of the ramp with respect to the blade40. The adjustment mechanism is best seen inFIGS. 4-6showing the lower side of the ramp. A knob77is positioned on an outer surface of the sidewall and is carried on an axle for rotational movement. The axle extends through the sidewall to the inner surface of the sidewall where the axle secures to a first gear72. The teeth of the first gear mesh with the teeth of a second gear73that is also pivotally supported by the sidewall. The second gear is further secured to an axle71that extends across the width of the ramp to the opposite sidewall. At the opposite end of the sidewall a third gear75is carried on the axle and pinned to the sidewall. Accordingly, rotation of the knob causes rotation of the first gear72and, by meshing of the teeth, rotation of the second and third gears73,75.

A ramp support70is slideably attached to the inner surfaces of the opposing sidewalls so that it may slide back and forth, generally along the plane formed by the first portion of the ramp. The support is generally in the shape of a skewed U, in which the base portion is angled and the two uprights are of unequal lengths. Each of the uprights includes a series of teeth74,76that mesh with the teeth of a respective gear73,75. Consequently, rotation of the second and third gears (which are fixed in position to the sidewalls) causes lateral movement of the support structure by movement of the teeth74,76.

The base portion of the support structure (that is, between the two uprights) extends laterally across the width of the lower side of the first portion of the ramp. The lower side of the first portion of the ramp is formed with a series of stepped ribs78that are increasing in height as they move away from the pivot end of the ramp. Movement of the support70in a first direction (that is, in the direction toward the blade) causes the support structure to engage taller steps of the ribs, thereby pushing the ramp upward (with “upward” being a direction from the bottom side of the ramp toward the top side of the ramp). In the highest position, the ramp is preferably flush with or slightly above the sharpened edge of the blade so that no slicing may occur. Movement of the support in a second opposite direction (that is, away from the blade40and toward the legs) causes the support structure to engage shorter steps of the ribs78, and the spring63urges the ramp downward, inclining it below the sharpened blade. By selectively rotating the knob77to cause the support to engage a desired level along the stepped ribs, a desired differential can be achieved between the vertical height of the ramp with respect to the position of the fixed blade. Accordingly, the thickness of the slices produced can be adjusted by turning the knob. As seen inFIG. 1, the sidewall may include thickness indicators adjacent the knob77to indicate to the user the relative slicing thickness at particular knob rotational locations.

A series of julienne blades may also be provided. As best seen in the close-up view ofFIG. 8and the bottom views ofFIGS. 5 and 6, several blades81are carried by a bar80positioned beneath the lower surface of the slicer. A corresponding series of slots39is formed in the first portion of the ramp at a location adjacent the blade, such that each one of the vertical julienne blades is extendable upward and through the slots or retractable beneath the slots. The bar (and therefore the julienne blades) is preferably oriented to be parallel with the line defining the sharpened edge of the blade40.

The vertical movement of the julienne blades81is effected via a lever pivotally mounted on an outer portion of one of the sidewalls. In the illustrated version, the lever is mounted adjacent the slicing adjustment knob. The lever83is carried on an axle extending through the sidewall and extending across the lower side of the ramp where it is pivotally mounted to the opposite sidewall. The julienne axle85includes a cam surface (best seen inFIG. 5) whereby rotation of the lever to a first position causes the cam surface to push the julienne bar upward and rotation of the lever to a second position moves the cam surface away from the julienne bar, allowing it to move downward. In the preferred version, the cam surface extends substantially along the entire length of the axle, in which one side of the axle is radially offset with respect to the opposite side of the axle. Both opposing sides of the axle have substantially flat surfaces so that they may engage the corresponding flat lower surface of the julienne bar80. The engagement of the mutually flat surfaces prevents the julienne axle85from freely rotating unless a user turns the lever to cause it to rotate.

The slicing adjustment knob further includes a feature for ensuring that the julienne blades are retracted when the ramp is adjusted to a locked position. When the support70is moved to its farthest position, engaging the tallest steps on the ribs78, the ramp is pushed upward to a height at least somewhat above that of the blade40. Accordingly, the ramp is in a substantially safe position in which there is little or no risk if contact with the blade. Because the julienne blades are vertical and have a height that is above the height of the slicing blade40when they are deployed, the support70further includes a vertical stem82(seeFIG. 6) extending downward from the support at the base of the U shape, in a direction away from the ramp. As the support slides toward the farthest step on the ribs, the stem encounters an edge of the julienne axle85, causing it to rotate. If the julienne bar is already in the stowed position, the stem slides beneath the julienne bar without contacting it. Because of the offset axial alignment of the julienne axle, the rotation caused by the stem81will cause the julienne blades to retract to the stowed position beneath the surface of the ramp. Thus, rotation of the adjustment knob to the locked or stored position also causes the julienne blades to retract to a stored position if it is not already in that position. Appropriate indicators on the sidewall of the device provide a visual indication of the locked and deployed positions, as well as positions corresponding to the various steps in the ribs.

At the distal end the lower surface of the slicer includes feet having a nonskid or elastomeric material applied. At the proximal end, the slicer includes pivotally retractable legs90,91. When extended, the legs raise the rear end of the slicer with respect to the front end of the slicer, thereby forming a downward incline from the rear toward the front end of the slicer.

The forward or distal portion of the ramp32may be integrally formed with the ramp in some versions of the invention. In other versions of the invention, it is pivotally attached to facilitate use of a grating surface positioned beneath it. In such a version, the forward ramp surface32has a first end35adjacent the slicing blade and a distal second end. The first end is pivotally mounted so that the ramp may be rotated about the pivot point approximately 180 degrees. In the pivoted orientation, it covers the slicing blade and exposes a grating surface that otherwise lies beneath the forward portion of the ramp in its standard position. InFIG. 9, the first end35of the ramp is pivoted to expose the grating surface91, while in the remaining figures it is pivoted to cover the grating surface.

A grating surface91is supported at the forward end of the slicer. In the preferred version, the grating surface is planar in shape and spans the width of the sidewalls. The grating surface is pivotally mounted to the forward end of each of the opposing sidewalls, for example at a location92, so that it can pivot somewhat between a substantially horizontal stowed position and a slightly inclined operational position.

Adjacent the pivot axis of the forward ramp32, each side includes an arm95extending rearward from the pivot point. As the forward ramp is pivoted upward and about the pivot axis carrying the arms95, the arms rotate below the plane of the ramp and an end of the arms engage a lower surface of an end of the frame of the grating surface. As the forward ramp continues its pivotal movement to a point where it covers the slicing blade (that is, having been rotated approximately 180 degrees), the arm continues to pry the end of the grating surface upward. The face of the arm in contact with the grating surface is configured to support the end of the grating surface at a desired angle. In the preferred version, the grating surface is slightly inclined with respect to the plane defined by the overall ramp. Accordingly, the rotation of the forward portion of the ramp32causes the arms to slightly raise the adjacent end of the grating surface91such that the rotated forward end of the ramp32and the grating surface lie substantially in the same plane.

The forward portion of the ramp further includes one or more tabs36that are positioned to engage corresponding slots formed along the sidewalls, such that when the forward portion of the ramp is fully pivoted away from the grating surface the tabs engage the slots to hold the forward portion of the ramp in a position generally adjacent the slicing blade. In this position, the forward portion of the ramp is at or below the level of the upper surface of the sidewalls so that the guard may slide over the top of the forward portion of the ramp and along the grating surface. An additional pair of slots37is formed at the forward end of the sidewalls to engage the tabs when the forward ramp is in its stowed position, covering the grating surface.

As best seen inFIG. 3A, an inner surface formed in the L-shaped slot50further includes a stop configured to slow or limit travel of the hand guard coupling within the slot. In the preferred example, the stop is configured as section of resilient material, and as illustrated it forms a series of ribs100housing TPE or other resilient material. The TPE provides further frictional resistance, additionally helping retain the coupling within the slot while still allowing it to be removed if desired. In the illustrated version, three resilient ribs are shown. A greater or smaller number of ribs may be provided in alternate versions.