Adjustable rotating blade assembly food preparation device

A rotating blade food preparation device (10) for cutting, shaving, slicing, and peeling, vegetables and fruits, cheese, tofu, pizza, meats and other food products, includes a handle (12), a frame element (16) connected to the handle (12), and a rotating blade assembly (28) operably secured to the frame and having dual or multiple functionalities and interchangeability with other rotating blade assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

This invention relates to devices with rotating blade assemblies, for cutting, shaving, slicing and peeling fruits and vegetables, cheese, tofu, pizza, meat, and other food products, and more particularly to a rotating blade assembly with dual functionalities which are interchangeable with one another and having the adjustable and rotating blade assembly in operable combination with a handle element, where different rotating blade assemblies may be substituted for use with vegetables, fruits, cheeses, tofu, pizza, meat, and the like.

Background Art

Various devices have been proposed and implemented for cutting, peeling, and slicing fruits and vegetables and other food products. Although prior devices have been adapted and used for various purposes in connection with cutting, peeling and slicing fruits and vegetables and other food products, applicant is not aware of any device which allow for dual functions and interchangeability of the cutting and slicing portion of the device to be rotated and adjusted as desired, and then fixed in that position, so as to allow the cutting, peeling and slicing of the or other fruit or vegetables, for example avocado, corn, watermelon, carrots, apples, mango, cheeses, pizza, tofu, bread, meat and the like, to be made at a desired angle by use of an adjustable rotating cutting and slicing assembly.

The present invention provides a device for cutting, peeling and slicing fruits and vegetables and other food products, which is easy to use and operate, and is highly efficient. The device of the present invention has rotating dual functional assemblies with blades, wires and other cutting and peeling elements, and various attachments are interchangeable with one another. The device may also be provided with rotating assemblies for cutting cheese, tofu, breads, peeling carrots and other fruits and vegetables, and shaving and grating blades as well. The device has a handle and a cutting and slicing blade assembly which may be adjusted by rotating the blade element to a desired angle. The rotating blade assembly may then be secured in a desired position for cutting, peeling and slicing operations. This allows the user to cut, peel, slice or core, fruits, vegetables, and other food products at different angles and positions simply by adjusting the blade element in relation to the handle.

Accordingly, the primary object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable dual functional and interchangeable rotating blade assembly cutter, peeler, and slicer which is easy to use for cutting, peeling, shaving or slicing, fruits, vegetables, and other food products such as cheese, pizza, tofu, breads, meats and the like. The rotating blade assembly of the present invention may be easily positioned and secured in different angular positions in relation to the handle, and is very easy to use and efficient in operation. Different rotating blade assemblies may be used with variably spaced cutting blades, wires, and cutting edges, and different rotating blade assemblies may substituted for one anther allowing for a wide variety of cutting capabilities.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the purpose of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a device for cutting, peeling, shaving and slicing fruits, vegetables, and other food products such as avocados, corn, mango, watermelon, cheeses, tofu, pizza, meats and other food products, and is provided having a handle, a frame element connected to the handle, and a rotating blade assembly operably secured to the frame. The rotating blade assembly has one or more cutting elements for cutting, slicing and peeling, and provides a dual functional and interchangeable assembly where a plurality of cutting, slicing and peeling operations are facilitated. The rotating blade assembly is operably secured to the frame by a shaft or pin assembly allowing both movement and positioning of the blade assembly at various angles in relation to the frame.

In another embodiment the rotating blade assembly is secured directly to an end portion of the handle without the use of a separate frame. In this embodiment, one end of handle is configured to receive and position the rotating blade assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In accordance with the present invention, as seen inFIG. 1, there is provided in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a device10, for cutting, peeling, slicing, and shaving, fruits, vegetables, for example avocados, corn, watermelon, apples, carrots, cheeses, tofu, pizza, meats, and the like, and other food products, and having both dual functional and interchangeable assemblies, facilitating a plurality of cutting, slicing and peeling functions having a handle12, a frame element16, connected to handle12, and a rotating blade assembly28, operably secured to the frame element16. The rotating blade assembly28, has one or more cutting elements30, for cutting, slicing, shaving, and peeling a fruit or vegetable, or other food product. The rotating blade assembly28, is operably secured to the frame16, by a shaft or pin assembly18, allowing both movement and positioning of the blade assembly28, at various angles in relation to the frame16. Rotating blade assembly28, may be easily removed and changed with other rotating blade assembly configurations, as illustrated, for example, in the various figures.

In another embodiment the rotating blade assembly28, is secured directly to an end portion of the handle without the use of a separate frame. In this embodiment, as seen inFIGS. 8 and 20, one end of handle12, is configured to receive and position the rotating blade assembly.

InFIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of device10, for cutting, peeling, shaving, and slicing fruits, vegetables, and other food products, such as cheese, pizza, tofu, breads, meats and the like, is shown having handle12, which may be secured to frame element16, by fastening screw17, combined with fastener14, or other fastening mechanisms such as a bolt, nut, flange, key or the like. Both a broadened version of fastener14and a triangulated version15, are illustrated inFIG. 3. Handle12, may be composed of metal, plastic, wood, or any other durable resilient material. Handle12, is preferably linked to fastener15, and may include twist knob11, allowing for adjustments and tightening of fastener14, to frame16. Alternatively, handle12may be provided without twist knob11. In other embodiments, frame element16, may be eliminated and handle12, configured as one piece with one end configured to secure and position rotating blade assembly28.

Rotating blade assembly28, is preferably operably secured to the frame element16, by shaft18, and fasteners20, which may be fastening bolts, nuts, screws, keys, pins, clamps, or any other fastening device well known in the art. Fasteners20, may be configured to engage with a tightening assembly with grooved surface22, on one side, and a end of shaft18, which may be substantially pointed24, at one end, and have a second end26, knobbed. However, this is only one of many configurations contemplated as the functional requirements are to allow shaft18, to secure cutting blade assembly28, to frame16, allowing the rotating blade assembly to be rotated into any position the user desires, and to allow cutting blade assembly28, to be secured in a desired angular position by fasteners20. As noted, rotating blade assembly28, maybe removed from the frame or handle, and changed with other configurations of the rotating blade assembly as desired, allowing for a wide variety of different cutting configurations to be used.

Preferably rotating blade assembly28, is operably secured to the frame16, by a shaft or pin assembly18, allowing both movement and positioning of the blade assembly28, at various angles in relation to the frame16. This may be achieved by a wide variety of fastening means, such as fasteners20, which may be bolts, nuts, screws, keys, clamps, or other fastening, such as spring mechanism23, means well known in the art.

Rotating blade assembly28, also referred to herein in different embodiments as rotating cutting assembly and rotating cutting wheel assembly, has one or more cutting elements30, for cutting, slicing and peeling a fruit or vegetable, such as an avocado. Cutting elements30, may be provided as wires, blades, or any surface which can cut the fruit or vegetable. The cutting elements may be composed of metal, plastic or other durable resilient material and secured to frame27, or other surface, by nuts, bolts, screws, adhesives, tension mechanisms or the like. The rotating blade assembly28, has frame27, for securing the cutting elements30, and hub29, and for positioning and securing cutting elements30, and shaft18. Frame27, may be composed of metal, plastic, wood or any other durable resilient material. The cutting elements30, may be secured to the hub by fastening knobs32, or other fastening means well known in the art, such as adhesives, welds, nuts, screws, tightened channels or apertures with mechanical fasteners, or the like.

With reference toFIG. 2, the rotating blade assembly28, is shown detached from handle12. Preferably frame27, of rotating blade assembly28, is configured in a curved in an oval or elliptical shape as shown, or frame27, may be configured as a rectangle with rounded corners, spherical, rectangular in shape or any other chosen configuration. Shaft18, is shown detached from frame element16, and in other embodiments may be directly secured to a forked or curved handle. Alternative means of securing frame27, to either frame element16, or directly to handle12, may be by use of a pin, clip, key, axle or the like. The critical functional attribute of any attachment means is that it allows cutting blade assembly28, to be rotated in various positions, and then secured in a desired position for cutting, peeling or slicing a fruit or vegetable, such as an avocado.

It may be desired, in some embodiments, to have shaft18, or its functional equivalent extend only partially through cutting blade assembly28, in which case typically the shaft would be in two parts, or in other embodiments shaft18extends all the way through cutting blade assembly28, as a single shaft. As seen inFIG. 1, a receiving aperture21, to secure and receive shaft18, may be positioned in frame element16, or in alternative embodiments directly in a curved portion of a modified handle.

InFIG. 3, a preferred embodiment of components of twist knob11, and fastener14, are shown, where twist knob screw11, preferably has grooves17, and engages with fastener14securing handle12, to frame element16. Of course many other fastening means may be used in alternative embodiments such as a tri-angulated fastener15, seen inFIG. 3a, or by welding handle12, to frame element16, or using clamps, or adhesives, or single piece molds where handle12, is formed as a single unit with frame element14, or any other fastening means that securely positions handle12, in a desired position on frame element14.

With reference toFIG. 4, a preferred embodiment of fastening means20, is shown, where fastener20, is combined with a grooved surface22, allowing for tightening of shaft18, against frame element16. InFIG. 3, shaft18, is shown with a shaft end24, which may be substantially pointed, or in other embodiments end24, may be rounded, rectangular, square or any other chosen configuration, for engagement with fastener20. In other embodiments, grooved surface22, may be replaced by other tightening mechanisms such as a spring, washer, tightening nut or the like. It is understood that many other type of fastening means and combinations may be used to secure shaft20, to frame16, as the functional fastening requirement for operable engagement is to allow rotation of shaft20, thereby allowing the rotation of cutting blade assembly28, while allowing the user to secure and position cutting assembly28, in a desired angular relation to frame16, and handle12.

FIG. 5shows a sectional view of shaft18, secured to frame element16, by fastener20, according to one embodiment of the invention. Cutting blade assembly frame27, of cutting blade assembly28is shown secured thereto. InFIG. 5a, an embodiment of shaft18, is shown where fastener20has a plurality of knobs26, for fastening to shaft18. However, as noted above, other fastening means well known in the art may also be used for fastening shaft to cutting blade assembly28, such as bolts, nuts, screws, keys, clamps, or other fastening mechanisms, such as spring mechanism23, well known in the art.

Referring now toFIG. 6, the cutting, peeling and slicing device10, for cutting, peeling and slicing avocados and other fruits and vegetables is shown with rotating cutting blade assembly28, shown in a different cutting angle than that shown inFIG. 1. It is noted, that rotating cutting blade assembly or rotating cutting wheel assembly28, may be rotated and fixed at any selected angle for cutting, peeling or slicing the fruit or vegetable.

InFIG. 7, device10, for cutting, peeling and slicing avocados and other fruits and vegetables is shown having handle12, moved on frame element16, to a different position as that shown inFIG. 1. Again, handle12, which may be secured to frame element16, by fastening screw with grooves17, combined with fastener14, or other fastening mechanisms such as a bolt, nut, flange, key or the like, is easily repositioned on frame element16, if the user desires to cut, peel or slice with cutting assembly28, in a different position. Accordingly, it is seen that both cutting assembly28may be rotated and positioned in relation to handle12, as seen inFIG. 6, and that handle12, may be positioned at different places on frame16.

In another preferred embodiment, as seen inFIG. 8, handle12, is configured having an elongated first end40, configured to be held in a human hand, and a second end42, having two arms,44, and46, in between which is positioned cutting blade assembly28. Arms44, and46, may form a substantially U-shaped space as shown inFIG. 6, or be spaced and configured differently, for example, be formed parallel to one another, or rounded, or any other configuration, the functional goal of any configuration however, is to allow the rotation of cutting blade assembly28, to rotate freely therein, and to allow positioning of cutting blade assembly28, by fastener20, either being loosened or tightened against shaft18. Although this embodiment is functionally equivalent to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, in this embodiment frame element16, is eliminated and handle12, is configured and formed with arms42and44.

FIGS. 9-12, show various embodiments of rotating blade assembly28. InFIG. 9, an embodiment of rotating blade assembly28, has blades30, spaced differently on the top and bottom portions of the assembly. This allows for different sized cuts depending upon how the rotating blades assembly28is rotated or positioned

With reference now toFIG. 10, an embodiment of rotating blade assembly28, is shown with blades placed in one portion of the assembly while another portion does not have blades. Again, this allows for variation in cuts and slices depending upon the rotation and positioning of rotating blade assembly28.

InFIG. 11, an embodiment of rotating blade assembly28, is shown where cutting blades30, are only secured to frame27, and not to the central portion of the assembly, according to another embodiment of the invention. Preferably in this embodiment, the cutting blades are composed of a plastic, but as noted previously, other durable resilient materials may be used.

Referring now toFIG. 12, shows an embodiment of rotating blade assembly28, with cutting blades30, secured to a solid central hub29, according to the invention.

FIGS. 13-20, illustrate another preferred embodiment of the invention where a wire tension ring is used to secure cutting blades30, to rotating blade assembly28. In this embodiment, a bolt holds a wire anchor ring52and wire tension ring in place positioning and securing cutting blades20, to rotating blade assembly28. InFIG. 13, handle12has arms44and46, to position and secure rotating blade assembly28, however, in alternative embodiments a separate frame may be secured to handle12, to position and secure rotating blade assembly28.

With reference now toFIG. 14, details for the tension ring mechanism shown isFIG. 13is detailed. Cutting blades or wires30, are secured in place by a wire anchor ring52operably secured to nut or bolt50and operably linked to wire tension ring54. This mechanism may be pushed into place by a hex nut or bolt50, and cutting blades or wires30, may be further secured by adhesives to the rotating blade assembly.

InFIG. 15, further details the tension ring system for attaching cutting blades or wires30. Bolt or hex nut50, is seen securing wire anchor ring52, and tension ring54, with aperture56, to hold and secure cutting blades or wires30. Preferably the edges of the wire tension ring54, which come in contact with cutting blades or wires30, are rounded to prevent breakage.

Referring now toFIG. 16, frame27, is shown as a one-piece unit with apertures25, to receive shaft28, in this embodiment with notch or groove58, with aperture51, for bolt or hex nut50, or other fastening mechanism, such as a screw, key, shaft or the like, and smaller apertures31, for receiving cutting blades or wires30.FIG. 17, shows shaft18, for positioning of the wire anchor ring52, and wire tension ring54. Preferably, wire tension ring54, is fixed to the notch or groove area58, of shaft18, best seen inFIG. 16.FIG. 18, shows the wire tension ring54, with wire anchor ring52, and bolt or hex nut50, or other fastening means such as screws, shaft, key, adhesive or the like may be alternatively used.

InFIG. 19, rotating blade assembly28, is shown detached from handle12. In this embodiment, wire tension ring54, is used with hex nut or bolt50, to secure wires in place in the rotating cutting blade assembly. It is seen in that cutting blades or wires30are spaced differently on the different sides of shaft18, allowing for different thickness of slices and cuts. As with the other rotating blade configurations disclosed herein, any rotating blade assembly28, may be easily removed from the handle12, and replaced with a differently configured rotating blade assembly, allowing for a wide variety of cutting, peeling, and slicing capabilities.

InFIG. 20, apertures31, are shown for cutting blades or wires30, as well as how the positioning of shaft18, on cutting blades assembly frame27, is preferably configured. Of course, various sized apertures may be needed depending upon the size and shape or the cutting blade or wire used, and the spacing of aperture31, chosen to space the cutting blades and wires30as desired.

InFIG. 21, a rotating blade assembly is shown with the blade, preferably a double blade60, configured as a peeling blade, for carrots, potatoes, and the like, and another portion configured as a grating surface62, according to the invention. In this embodiment, as well as in all other shown herein, the rotating blade assembly is preferably composed of a durable resilient material such as a metal, composite, plastic, treated-wood or the like.

Another embodiment seen inFIG. 22, shows a rotating blade assembly with the blade configured as a cheese cutting wire or blade64, and another portion configured as a grating surface66, according to the invention. Of course this embodiment may be used for cutting or slicing various cheese, tofu, bread, meat and other food products.

InFIG. 23, a rotating blade assembly in shown in an embodiment with the blade configured as a solid plate or blade68, with another portion configured as a scoop70, preferably as shown, as a hollow scoop, according to the invention. The plate or blade68, may be used to cut, peel, vegetables, fruits, cheese, tofu, bread, and other food products and can be configured in various sizes, with hollow scoop70used to scoop, cut or peel fruits and vegetables or other food products as desired.

FIG. 24, shows another embodiment of the rotating blade assembly28, where one portion is configured as a large scoop74, and another portion is configured as a smaller scoop72, according to the invention. Large scoop74, may be used, for example for peeling or cutting apples or melons, and the small scoop72, used on smaller fruits and vegetables such as strawberries.

InFIG. 25, another embodiment of the rotating blade assembly28, is shown with edge80, defining space portion81, and is preferably configured as a corn cutter or husker, cutter with preferably a small saw-tooth type cutting edge84. Another edge83, defines space portion85, and is preferably configured as coner or cutter for fruits and vegetables or for use with small vegetables/fruits, with a larger saw-tooth type cutter82, as shown. In this embodiment, preferably shaft86, is configured substantially u-shaped or otherwise bent as desired, and having adjustable knob88, for tightening and positioning the shaft on frame16, as seen inFIG. 26. Shaft86is secured to frame16, by fastening means such as interchangeable connector91with adjustment center90, which may be an aperture or gap, and interchangeable connector94, preferably with adjustment slots or grooves93. Connectors91and94may be nuts, clamps, clasps, or other connecting and fastening means. Of course, other fastening means may be substituted for interchangeable connectors91, and94such as fastening rings, fasteners, or clips. In this embodiment, edge80, and83, define a “skeletal” type configuration of rotating blade assembly28.

InFIG. 25A, a detailed view of interchangeable connector94, is shown as a sectional view, with adjustment slot or groove93, allowing for positioning and adjustment of the rotating blade assembly at any angle or position desired for cutting, slicing, grating, coning and other food preparation operations.

InFIG. 25B, a detailed view of interchangeable connector91, is shown as a sectional view, with adjustment aperture or slot90, allowing for positioning and adjustment of the rotating blade assembly at any angle or position desired for cutting, slicing, grating, coning and other food preparation operations.

With reference now toFIG. 26, shows the embodiment shown inFIG. 25, operationally secured to handle12, and frame element16, allowing for dual function of the assembly with the interchangeable rotating blade assembly28, as described above forFIG. 25. A left-right adjustment and tightening ring102, is operably positioned on handle12, for tightening and positioning of frame16. Adjustment and tightening ring102, may be composed of a metal, composite, plastic or the like, and may be rotatably attached to handle12by grooves, slot, or other mechanism well known in the art. InFIG. 26, edge80, defining space portion81, and is preferably configured as a corn cutter or husker, cutter with small saw-tooth type cutting edge84. Another edge83defines space portion85, and is preferably configured to cut cone shaped cuts, or a cutter for small fruits and vegetables husker or for use with other vegetables/fruits, with larger saw-tooth type cutter82, as shown. In this embodiment, preferably shaft86, is configured substantially u-shaped or otherwise bent as desired, and having adjustable knob88, for tightening and positioning the shaft on frame16. In this embodiment the rotating blade assembly with edges80, and83, defines a skeletal type configuration for cutting and coning fruits, vegetables, and any other food product chosen. Also shown are fastening nut or clasp20, with adjustment knob or nut104, positioned to secure the assembly on the opposite side of frame16. Shaft86, is secured to frame16, by fastening means such as interchangeable connectors91, with adjustment center90, and94, preferably with adjustment slots or grooves93, best seen inFIGS. 25A and 25B, with a protective washer being optional, fastening nut or clasp20, and adjustable knob or nut104. Of course, other fastening means may be substituted for interchangeable connectors91, and94, such as fastening rings, clamps, or clips, or the like.

FIG. 27, shows another embodiment of the rotating blade assembly configured as a tofu cutter and slicer with a substantially flat, solid planar blade surface96, with edge98, secured to shaft18, and the like, and another portion100, configured as a tofu cutter blade100, which may have measurement lines or indicia95, accurately gauge the depth of the cut or slice. Space97, which is empty has tofu cutter and slicer blade100, defining its edges. Shaft18, is secured to the tofu cutter and slicer by interchangeable connector91, with adjustment center90, and interchangeable connectors94, with adjustment slots or grooves93, best seen inFIGS. 25A and 25B. It is seen in this embodiment how one part of the rotating blade assembly is provided as a solid planar blade surface96, and the other portion is provided as a cutter blade100, with space97. Of course, many other configurations using this multiple or dual functional rotating blade assembly may be provided with one portion being a solid cutting blade and the other a cutter with a hollow interior or space, this being a representative example of a preferred configuration for tofu cutting and slicing.

InFIG. 28, the embodiment shown inFIG. 27, is shown attached to handle12, with adjustment ring102, and frame16. for dual function of the assembly with interchangeable rotating blade assembly operably secured to handle12. substantially flat, solid planar blade surface96, with edge98, secured to shaft18, and the like, and another portion100, configured as a tofu cutter blade100, which may have measurement lines or indicia95, accurately gauge the depth of the cut or slice. Space97, which is empty has tofu cutter and slicer blade100, defining its edges. Shaft18, is secured to the tofu cutter and slicer by interchangeable connector91, with adjustment center90, and interchangeable connectors94, with adjustment slots or grooves93, best seen inFIGS. 25A and 25B, or other interchangeable fastening, attachment, and positioning means may be substituted such as nuts, clasps, clips, or other fastening mechanisms well known in the art, and tightened to frame element16, by tightening knob or nut104, and fastening nut20. InFIGS. 27 and 28, preferably solid planar blade surface96, with edge98, and tofu cutter blade100, are preferably composed of a durable resilient material such as stainless steel or plastic.

InFIG. 29, another embodiment of the rotating blade assembly is shown where two circular rotating elements110and118, are linked via connecting element112secured to shaft18, which may be fastened by mechanical means such as nuts, clasps, bolts, adhesives or the like, or may be provided integral therewith. Circular rotating elements110, and118, are preferably secured to connecting element112, by nut122, or other fastening means such as clasps, fastening rings, bolts, clips or the like. Preferably one of the circular rotating elements is sized larger than the other, in this example inFIG. 29, circular rotating element110, is larger than circular rotating element118. InFIG. 29, circular rotating element110, may have sharpened edge123, and may be used, for example, as a pizza or pie cutter. Circular rotating element118, is shown provided with spikes120, or cutting elements, for use, for example, as a meat tender roller.

FIG. 30, shows the embodiment shown inFIG. 29, operationally secured to the handle12, with twist knob screw11, and frame element16, and adjustment ring102, for dual function of the assembly with interchangeable rotating blade assembly having circular rotating elements110, and118. By use of adjustment knob or nut104, and adjustable interchangeable connectors91, and94, best seen inFIGS. 25A and 25B, the circular rotating elements may be positioned and secured at any angle in relation to shaft18. As with all of the different embodiments described, the rotating blade assembly provides dual or multi-functional capabilities and each is interchangeable with different rotating blade assemblies. In this way a truly multi-functional and very versatile cutting, peeling, slicing, grinding, tenderizing and shaving, device is provided for food preparation of fruits, vegetables, cheese, tofu, bread, meats, pizza, pie and all other types of food.

InFIG. 31, another embodiment of the rotating blade assembly is shown where one portion of the cutting blades30, are spaced, with large space125, and configured for cut thick cut portions, and the other side, spaced with small space128, configured to cut thin cut portions, allowing for dual function of the assembly, and interchangeability with other attachments. Cutting blades30, are preferably composed of a durable resilient material such as plastic or stainless steel or other metal. In this embodiment a central cutting element tension attachment mechanism129, is preferably utilized.

With reference now toFIG. 32, shows an embodiment of the rotating blade assembly with cutting wires or blades30, are spaced, with large space125, and configured for cut thick cut portions, and the other side, spaced with small space128, configured to cut thin cut portions, allowing for dual function of the assembly, and interchangeability with other attachments. In this embodiment a central wire or cutting element tension attachment mechanism130, is utilized with one side configured for thick cuts and the other side configured for thin cuts with central wire tension attachment130, with moveable spool132, for attachment of cutting wires or blades30, and shown in more detail inFIG. 33,FIG. 34, andFIG. 35.

InFIG. 33, shows a more detailed view of wire tension attachment mechanism130, for securing cutting wires or blades30, to the rotating blade assembly. Bolt or rod133, is secured to shaft18, by nut134, and is adapted to receive spool132, to which cutting wires or blades30, are secured, better seen inFIG. 34.

FIG. 34, shows spool132, for cutting wire or blade30, attachment of the wire tension mechanism seen inFIG. 33. Preferably the cutting wires or blade30are secured as seen by winding or wrapping, or otherwise securing a portion around moveable spool132. When wire tension mechanism is depressed thereby moving spool132down bolt or rod133, wire or cutting elements30are secured and positioned in place.

InFIG. 35, shows the wire tension mechanism130, ofFIG. 33, andFIG. 34, with nut134, operably secured to bolt133, for holding and positioning spool132, in a desired position thereby securing and positioning the cutting wires or blades30, in a desired position and orientation on the rotating blade assembly.

In operation and use, adjustable rotating blade assembly10, for cutting, peeling, shaving or slicing, for example, food products, for example fruits and vegetables such as avocados, corn, watermelon, mango, carrots, apples, or other food products such as cheese, tofu, bread, pizza, meats, and the like, is very easy to use, efficient, and reliable, and provides dual functional and interchangeable assemblies while providing a plurality of cutting, peeling, and slicing functions. Adjustable rotating cutting blade assembly10, may be used for cutting, peeling slicing, or coning fruits and vegetables, and other food products such as cheese, tofu, bread, pizza, meats, and the like, and is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use. Adjustable rotating blade assembly10, may be provided in a wide variety of different sizes and configurations. Further, different rotating blade assemblies may be used and substituted on the handle. This allows the user to have a wide range of cutting, peeling, slicing, and coning options. Additionally, as seen in theFIGS. 1,2,7,8,13,17, and 19, 31 and 32the spacing and number of the cutting blades or wires in the rotating blade assembly preferably differ, but alternatively may be equal, on the upper portion from the lower portion, that is, either more or less blades and wires are typically provided on one portion allowing for each rotating blade assembly to provide different size slices and cuts. As seen inFIGS. 21 to 24various blades, grating surfaces, hollow scoops, and other type surfaces and configurations may be provided for shaving, cutting, peeling, coring, coning, slicing, and other food preparation procedures. Or other examples of embodiments are seen inFIGS. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32. The rotating blade assembly of the present invention provides dual or multiple functional aspects in each assembly and the different assemblies are interchangeable as desired.

Additional advantages and modification will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is, therefore, not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures from such details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.