A MACHINE AND FITTINGS THEREOF WHICH IN SEPARATE OPERATIONS ALLOW BOTH FOR KNEADING HOME-MADE DOUGH OR PASTA, AND FOR EXTRUDING SAID EDIBLE DOUGH OR PASTA, AS WELL AS FOR MINCING MEAT AND THE LIKE

Abstract: The invention relates to a domestic machine substantially shaped as a parallelepiped, constructively comprising a hollow space that can be closed at the top, either by a completely closing cover or by a cover provided with a hopper. Within the hollow space suitable fittings for either kneading, extruding or mincing are horizontally mounted as required. Such fittings comprise: a) in the first case a rotatable mixing blade; b) in the second case a rotatable screw with an associated cylindrical chamber, this latter being further provided with suitable dies at its output end; c) in the third case a rotatable screw carrying a bladed knife with an associated cylindrical chamber, this latter being equipped at its output end with suitable plates with holes against which abuts the rotating bladed knife.

Description: ■ Λ MACHINE AND FITTINGS THEREOF WHICH IN SEPARATE OPERATIONS ALLOW BOTH FOR KNEADING HOME-MADE DOUGH OR PASTA, AND FOR EXTRUDING SAID EDIBLE DOUGH OR PASTA, AS WELL AS FOR MINCING MEAT AND THE LIKE" It Is of general knowledge the large number of household appliances for foodstuff processing, both manual and electrically powered, presently on the market . Some of these machines are simple machines, other less simple, some can accomplish a single operation whereas other can be adapted to carry out more than one operation after a ro er intervention. Tn the field of the production of edible pasta there are known machines comprising smooth rolls or cylinders and machines comprising grooved rolls with the former being adapted to complete the mixture and the latter for producing the real pasta (noodles, strips of fettuccine etc. ) . There are also known machines that are capable of kneading by mixing, as well as accessory-fitted machines that thanks to small intermediate interventions by the user can knead the ingredients and prepare the pasta ready to use by extruding it through proper dies. Another domestic known machine is the meat mincer (or mincer) comprising a substantially cylindrical case or chamber with a first section shaped like a hopper, a screw provided with a bladed knife at the ends thereof, a plate with holes, an end threaded ring, and of course a crank mechanism for rotating the screw. The machine and the fittings of the present invention have been devised for obtaining, with a single base construction fitted each time with the proper fittings: a) tlie kneading of the raw materials (e.g. flour and e gs) ; b) the extruded pasta ready to use in different shapes and configurations, c) the minced meat or other shredded foodstuff. This brings about a cost saving since a single base machine with a few fittings Is to be purchased instead of tliree different machines; a reduction of size since only a single machine and a few fittings have to be stored in the constrained domestic spaces instead of three separate machines. The base machine has a substantially parallelepipedal shape with a wide hollow space shaped like a bathtub. A compartment is provided for at one of the short sides having two outwardly facing holes for inserting a driving crank, the compartment being further provided with an inwardly facing hole at a substantially central location for the drive of the active rotatable component . Tn the compartment there are located gears allowing for two rotation speeds of the drive, respectively by inserting the crank into one or the other hole in the outer wall of the compartment. On the other short side of the base construction, i.e. that opposed to the gears compartment, a large opening Is provided for having two diametrally opposed wide cuts for inserting and bajoned-coupling the components associated with the fittings. Above the hollow space of the base structure there can be applied either a full cover when the hollow space is completely used for the dough, or a cover provided with a funnel-shaped hopper connecting the mouth of the case with the outside, with a screw rotating within the case for extruding or mincing. The machine fittings required for kneading the raw materials are: a) a suitably shaped mixing blade carrying at the opposed ends of its rotation axis a cylindrical tip and a prismatic cross-section tip for the drive, respect t el ; b) a cylindrical plug having two aligned and diametrally opposed projections, and provided with a cylindrical central seat; c) a cover for completely closing the upper portion of the hollow space. The mixing blade Is fitted into the machine by inserting the prismatic tip into the drive outlet and the cylindrical tip into the central seat of the plug; this latter being inserted and fixed through a rotation into the corresponding circular opening in the machine front wal1. The assembly of the fittings for equipping the base machine in order to carry out the extrusion of the just kneaded dough to obtain the pasta ready to use in the different shapes and confiogurations comprises: a) a case having a central mouth and end openings, the front portion of thp case being provided with a strong outer thread anfl with suitably located tips for being inserted into and bajonet-coupled with the circular opening of the front wall of the base, machine; b) a screw (having a cylindrical axial seat formed in the front end and a male cross-shaped member at the reat end) to be housed within the front portion of the case; c) a connecting sliaft (with a female cross-shaped at the front end and a prismatic tip at the rear end) to be housed in the rear portion of the case; d) a die (one of an available plurality) having a central cylindrical pin acting as a support and centering means of the screw; e) a threaded locking ring for fixing the die to the front portion of the case; f) a securing fork member to be inserted in dedicated guides located in the front wall of the base construction and adjacent to flat surfaces in the case for preventing the disengagement of the bajonet-locking from this la ter; g) a cover provided with a funnel-shaped hopper which is connected at its lower portion with the mouth of the case. The assembly of the fittings for equipping the base machine construction in order to mince meat and the like co prises: a) a case which Is the same as the one used for the extrusion; b) a screw (having a coaxial shaft protruding from the front end, with an initial portion having a cylindrical cross-section and a subsequent portion having a prismatic cross-sec! ion, and carrying a cross-shaped male member at the rear end) to be housed in the front portion of the case; c) a connecting shaft which is the same as the one used for the extrusion; d) a bladed kni e to be fitted on the prismatic cross- section portion of the screw front shaft; e) a plate with holes (one for an available series) that is scraped by the cutting edges of the bladed knife, with a central cylindrical seat for supporting and centering the screw; f) a threaded locking ring (for fixing the plate with holes) which is the same as the one used for the extrusion; g) a securing fork member which is the same as the one used for the extrusion; h) a cover provided with a funnel-shaped hopper which is the same as the one used for the extrusion. The above will become evident from the perusal of the attached sheets of drawings. Fig. I is a top view of the components of the frame 1 of the base machine where numeral reference 10 indicates a hole for the drive, 15 two vertical guides and 8 a front opening to be fitted with a plug 5 (see Fig. 5) which is provided with an outwardly extending portion 7 for fixing to the housing through a bajonet-locking. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show a side view and a plan view of a kneading or mixing blade wherein 3 and 4 indicate two axial hubs or Integral with the mixing blade. The hub 3 has a prismatic cross-section which is adapted to engage the drive through the hole 10, whereas the hub 4 has a cylindrical cross-section and is fitted into a seat 6 in the plug 5 for centering and supporting the mixing blade within the frame. Fig. 4 is a longitudinal vertical cross-section view of the base machine wherein 1 indicates the housing of the hollow space, 10 the hole through which drive motion is applied, 11 a support for the start kinematic device which allows for a second speed of rotation of the active portion, In the present case the mixing blade 2, and B the front opening for receiving the plug 5. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal vertical cross-section view of the cover 9. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show the mixing blade 2 with the hubs 3 and 4, already illustrated by Fig.s 2 and 3. Fig. 9 shows the inside of the plug 5; Fig. 10 shows the outside of the plug 5; Fig. 11 is a cross-section view of the plug 5. References 7 and 7' indicate the outwardly protruding expansions for the bajonet-locking, and 6 is the cylindrical seat receiving the pin or hub of the mixing blade 2. Fig. 12 is a longitudinal vertical cross-section of the completely assembled machine showing the housing 1 and the plug 5, the upper cover 9, the mixing blade 2 (this latter being not cross-sectioned), the compartment 12 housing the gears for changing the speed of rotation, and the base 13. Fig. 13 is a transverse vertical cross-section of the machine and the cover showing the hot.sing 1, the profile of the base 13, the widenings 14 of the hole 8 for receiving the expansions 7 of the plug 5, two grooves 15 for inserting the fork member 32. References 9' and 9" indicate grooves on the cover 9 and ribs on the machine housing 1 , respectively, adapted to be engaged wi th each other. Fig. 14 is longitudinal cross-section of the machine 1 and of the case 18 assembled thereto wherein 10 indicates the drive hole, 19 the inlet opening of the case 18, 20 a threading on its surface outside of the housing 1, 22 indicates four protruding fins for supporting a magazine 24 with four pockets for receiving either the dies 29 or the plates with holes 40 provided with the machine. Fig. 15 is a longitudinal cross-section of the cover 16 provided with a funnel-shaped hopper 17. Fig. 16 is a transverse cross-section of the basic machine 1 with the case 18 and the cover 16 already illustrated in the preceding Figure. Fig. 17 is an outside view of the case 18 wherein 19 indicates the inlet opening, 20 the thread on the portion that remains outside the machine housing, 22 the fins supporting the magazine 24 storing the dies. Fig. 18 is a cross-section of the case 18 along line A- Λ, whereas Fig. 20 is a cross-section of said case 18 along line B-B. The tips 21 and 23 cooperate with the bajonet-locking of the case 18 with the hole 8 of the housing 1. The parallel flat surfaces marked by 45 together with the guides 15 of the housing 1 cooperate with the rods 44 of the fork member 32 to block the bajonet-locking of the case 18 in respect of the housing 1. Fig. 21 is a longitudinal cross-section of the case 18; whereas Fig. 22 and Fig. 23 are cross-section view along line D-D and C-C, respectively. Fig. 24 is a front cross-section view of the case 18. Flg.s 25, 26 and 27 are a plan, side and cross-section view, respectively, of the magazine 24 with four pockets 25 for storing the dies 29. There are to be noted the cuts 27 in the outer walls for receiving the pins 28 of the dies 29. Fig. 28 is a cross-section view of a die 29 with the associated flanged container. Fig. 29, corresponding to Fig. 1, is a top view of the frame 1 of the base machine where numeral reference 10 indicates a hole for the drive, 15 two vertical guides and 8 the front opening from which the case 18 is inserted, such case being provided with the fins 21 and 23, and being fastened to the housing through a bajonet- locking. Fig. 30 shows the case 18 together with the associated component parts for the extrusion, ready to he mounted within the housing 1 of the base machine. 18 indicates the case body, 19 the opening for feeding the products lo tie extruded through the die 29, 22 the projections for supporting the magazine, 46 a washer preventing the shaft 33 from sliding off the case 18, 34 indicates the prismatic tip of the shaft 33 to be inserted into the drive hole 10, 31 a threaded locking ring for fastening the die 29 and the flanged container 30 to the front opening of the case body 18, 35 a screw located therewithin. Fig. 31 shows a cross-section of the case 18 with all the components assembled together. Reference 18 indicates the case body, 19 the feeding opening for the products to be extruded through the die 29, 46 a washer preventing the extraction of the shaft 33 from the case 18, 34 indicates the prismatic tip of the shaft 33 to be inserted into the drive hole 10, 31 a threaded locking ring for fastening the die 29 to the flanged container 30 at the front opening of the case body 18, 35 a screw frontally supported by pin 28 integral with the die 29, and rearwardly connected through the cross-clutch 36 to the shaft 33 for the transmission of the motion. Fig. 32 is a top view of the fork member in which the rods 44 (see Fig. 48) are inserted between the guides 15 of the housing 1 and the flat surfaces 45 (see Fig. 20) formed in the front portion of the case body 18. Fig. 33 is a top view of the magazine 24 with the pockets and the notchlngs 27 for storing the dies to be used. Fig. 34 is a side view (half of which cross-sectioned) of the flanged cylindrical container 30 into which a die 29 (see Fig. 36) provided with a pin 28 is inserted. Fig. 35 is a plan view of the flanged container shown in Fig. 34, and Fig. 37 is a plan view of the die shown in Fig. 36. Fig. 38 is a top view of the assembly of the base machine 1 with the case 18, completed with its functional members for carrying out an extrusion. There are to be noted the fork member 32 inserted into and the magazine 32 located in the respective locations. Fig. 39 is a plan view of the base machine 1 with the (cross-sectioned) case 18 located therein, together with all the members required for carrying out a dough extrusion, as already shown alone in Fig. 29 and in Fig. 31. Fig. 40 is an exploded view showing the members required for carrying out the extrusion through a die, which members are to be inserted into or connected with the case 18. Reference 33 indicates the drive shaft provided with a pri matic end 34 and the female member 36 for the cross- shaped clutch, 35 Indicates the screw provided with a cylindrical seat 28' in the front end and the male member of the cross-shaped clutch in the rear end. Reference 31 indicates the threaded locking ring for fixing the flanged container 30 and the die 29 to the front opening of the case 18. Fig. 41 is a top view of the assembly formed by the base machine 1 with ttie case 18 complete wi + " all the members required for mincing meat (or similar foodstuff). There are to be noted the fork member 32 inserted into and the magazine 32 located in the respective locations. Reference 1 indicates the housing of the base machine; 18 the case; 19 the inlet opening for the products to be minced; 38 the screw located within the case 18; 32 the fork member inserted into the guides 15 for preventing the disengagement of the bajonet-locked case 18 from the housing 1; 31 the threaded locking ring for fastening the plate with holes to the front opening of the case 18. Fig. 42 is a plan view of the base machine 1 with the case 18 located therein and shown in cross-section with all the members required for mincing. Reference 1 indicates the housing of the base machine; 18 the case; 19 the inlet opening for feeding the products to be minced; 10 the hole for transmiting the motion; 33 the transmission shaft with the the prismatic tip 34 for the drive at the rear end, and the cross- shaped female clutch member 36 at the front end; 46 the washer that prevents the slipping of the shaft 33 off the case 18; 38 the extrusion screw provided at the rear end wi h the cross-shaped male clutch member 36' and at the front end with a shaft 41-42 for mounting the bladed . knife 39 and for centering and coupling the plate with holes 40 within the guiding hole 42'; 31 the threaded locking ring for fastening the plate with holes to the front opening of the case 18. Fig. 43 is an exploded view of the members require for mincing meat (or similar foodstuff) that are to be inserted into or connected to the case 18. Reference 33 is the transmission or drive shaft with a prismatic tip 34 and a cross-shaped female clutch member. Reference 38 indicates the extrusion screw carrying a shaft 41-42 at the front end and a cross- shaped male clutch member 36' of the joint at the rear end. 31 indicates the threaded locking ring for fastening the plate with holes 40 to the front opening of the case 18; 39 indicates a bladed knife to be mounted on the prismatic cross-section portion 41 of the front shaft of the extrusion screw 38. 42 indicates the terminal portion with a cylindrical cross-section of the front shaft of the crew 38 acting as a pivot that is received into the cylindrical seat 42' at the center of the plate with holes. Fig.s 44, 45 and 46 are a side view, a plan view and cross-section view, respectively, of the threaded locking ring 31. Fig. 47 is a plan view of the tool for tightening and unscrewing the threaded locking ring 31. Fig.s 48, 49 and 50 are a side view, a top view and cross-section view, respectively, of the fork member 32. Reference 44 indicates the rods to be inserted between the guides 15 of the housing 1 of the base machine and the flat surfaces 45 (see Fig. 20) formed in the front portion of the case 18, for blocking the bajonet-locking of the case 18 with respect to the housing 1 of the base mach i ne . Fig.s 51 and 52 are a cross-section view and a plan view, respectively, of the plate with holes. Reference 42' indicates the cylindrical seat to which one end 42 of the knife-carrying shaft of the screw 38 is coupled, for centering and supporting the screw. Fig.s 53 and 54 show the bladed knife 39 in a side view and a plan view, respecti ely. Fig.s 55, 56, 57 and 58 a plan view and three cross- section views, respectively, of the cover 16 with the funnel-shaped hopper 17. Such cover is applied to the housing 1 of the base machine when the case 18 is mounted in this latter for the operation of extruding the pasta through the dies, or that of mincing meat (or similar foodstuff). Fig. 59 shows the base machine fitted with the fittings for carrying out a kneading operation, with the cover partially slid open. Fig. 60 shows the machine of Fig. 59 with the cover in the closed position. Fig. 61 shows the base machine fitted with the fittings for extruding the pasta (or for mincing meat), with the cover removed. Fig. 62 shows the machine illustrated in Fig. 61 with the cover carrying the hopper. In view of the above it is clear the great inventive step of the proposed invention that allows for carrying out three different operations by usning a same base machine, each time fitted with the proper fittings, namely: a) kneading of the raw materials, b) obtaining the pasta ready to use in the different desired shapes, c) mincing meat or similar foodstuff used in preparing the final pasta or dough. Thus each of the fittings has a high degree of inventiveness, both due its shape and the constructive details that allow for specific and smart mountings, assemblings and fixings. It derives from a real inventiveness the fact that some of said fittings, such as the case 18, the drive shaft 33, the threaded locking ring 31, the fork member 32, the magazine 24 are capable of being used with two different functions, namely: both for obtainin the pasta (by extrusion through the die) and for obtaining minced meat. Thus machines deriving from or exploiting the inventive principle of the present invention come within the scope of this patent. Aesthetical or shape modifications of one or more of the components, as well as the introduction of details that do not alter the inventive concept of both the machine and the fittings thereof are not to be meant as limiting this patent.

Claims: C L A I M S 1. A machine and fittings thereof which in separate operations allow both for kneading home-made dough or pasta, and extruding said dough or pasta, as well as mincing meat and the like, characterized in that by properly fitting the basic machine with different equipments, three different household processings can be obtained, namely: the kneading of the raw materials by mixing thereof; the extrusion through dies of pasta with different shapes and ready to be cooked, obtaining minced meat (or similar foodstuff) through a hopper, a screw, a bladed knife and a plate with holes. 2. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that for the dough kneading operation in the base machine (1) a mixing blade (2) with a horizontal axis is inserted into the bathtub- shaped hollow space, having at one end a prismatic pin (3) to be fitted into the drive hole (10) and at the other end a cylindrical pin (4) which is supported in a seat (6) of a cylindrical plug (5) provided with two diametrally opposed extensions (7), said cylindrical plug (5) being fitted through a bajonet-locking to a corresponding opening (8) provided in the front wall of the machine housing 1. 3. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the top of the tub-shaped hollow space of the base machine (1) during the kneading operation is closed by a cover (9) engaging the housing (1) through corresponding ribs (9* and 9") acting like a coulisse. 4. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that in order to obtain both the pasta in the different shapes and to obtain the minced meat, to the base machine there is fitted a kinematic device comprising: a) a case (18) provided at an intermediate position with an inlet opening (19) for feeding the products to be treated; b) a driving shaft (33) located within the case and fixed thereto against the slipping off by a washer (46); C) a threaded locking ring (31). 5. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that both for obtaining the edible dough or pasta in the different shapes and for obtaining minced meat, the top of the tub-shaped hollow space of the base machine is snap-fitted with a cover (16) equipped with a funnel-shaped hopper (17), the hopper being connected with its lower portion to the feed opening (19) of the case (18). 6. A machine and fittings thereof for both extruding dough or pasta and mincing meat, characterized in that a kynematic device comprising the case (18) and the drive shaft (33) received therein and provided with a protruding prismatic tip (34), is inserted into the tub- shaped hollow space of the base machine (1) through the circular opening (8) in the front portion of the housing (1) of the above machine, with the threaded portion (20) of the case (8) remaining outside. 7. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the base machine (1) and the kynematic device comprising the case 18 and the shaft (33) with tip (34) are joined together in the inner part thereof by coupling the tip (34) into the drive hole (10), and at the circular opening (8) by means of the bajonet-locking system, the case (18) at that location being shaped with diametral engagement fins (21, 23). 8. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the cynematic group (18, 33, 34) which is fixed to the housing of the base machine (1) by a bajonet-locking in the circular opening (8), is blocked against disengagement of the bajonet- locking by means of a fork member (32) the two rods (44) of which are sligthly forced into the spaces defined between the guides (15) of the housing (1) and the flat surfaces (45) in the body of the case (18). 9. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claims 4 to 8, characterized in that in order to obtain the dough or pasta ready to use in the different shapes, a screw (35) is fitted into the case (18) which is equipped at the inner end with a joint portion (36') complementary to the existing joint portion (36) of the adjacent end of the drive shaft (33), and equipped at the front end with a cylindrical seat (28'). 10. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that in order to obtain the pasta ready to use in the different shapes, a die (29) with its associated container (30) is fitted at the front opening of the case (18), which are fixed to said case (18) through a locking ring (31) screwed on a thread (20) of the head of the case (18). 11. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the die (29) is provided with a cylindrical inwardly protruding pin (28) mating with the cylindrical seat (28') of the screw (35) for centering and supporting this latter. 12. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claims 4 to 8, characterized in that in order to obtain the minced meat a die (38) is fitted into the case (18) which is equipped at the inner end with a clutch portion (36') complementary to the existing clutch portion (36) of the adjacent end of the drive shaft (33), and equipped at the front end with a shaft having a cylindrical cross-section portion (42) and a subsequent prismatic cross-section portion (41). 13. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that in order to obtain the minced meat on the prismatic cross-section portion (41) of the shaft screw there id fitted a bladed knife (39), and a plate with holes is fitted in front of the opening of the case (18), thus engaging at the same time within its cylindrical seat (42') the end (42) of the screw shaft, the plate with hples being fixed to said case (18) by a ring (31) which is screwed on a thread (20) on the head of the case. 14. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in claims 4 to 8, characterized in that within the hollow space of the base machine and on the tips (22) of the case (18) there is fitted a magazine (24) comprising four pockets (25) with central notchings (27) in the walls thereof for storing additional dies (29, 30). 15. A machine and fittings thereof as claimed in all the preceding claims, characterized on the whole as substantially described and illustrated in their shapes, lines and general features.

Inventors: MARCATO PIETRO, MARCATO, PIETRO
Applicants: MARCATO OMC SRL, MARCATO PIETRO, MARCATO, PIETRO, O.M.C. MARCATO S.R.L.
Application year: 1993
Main classification: A47J43
IPC codes: A22C7, A47J43, B02C18