Abstract:
A food preparation apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprises: a main frame having a central opening for receiving a food preparation implement and having opposing ends; and at least one interchangeable food preparation implement designed to be inserted within the central opening and locked onto the main frame during usage and being removable for cleaning and storage during non-use, the food preparation implement is selected from a group consisting of mandolins, graters, cutting devices, potato fry cutters, slicers, corers, peelers, pressing devices, food mashers, food presses and mixtures thereof.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is related to provisional application of U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/568,686, entitled “Multi-Purpose Culinary Implement” which was filed on May 7, 2004. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to the general field of culinary implements. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a multi-purpose culinary implement and its related apparatus and systems. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   There exist many culinary implements for grating or cutting food. Typically, each implement is directed to a single use. For example, a grater can only be used for grating food, and not for cutting or other purposes. 
   Accordingly, a user typically needs to buy many devices to perform the many tasks required for preparing various dishes. Therefore, the cost of having a well-equipped kitchen is rather high. Also, storage of these many culinary implements requires a relatively large amount of space. 
   There exist a few culinary implements, known as mandolins that can serve many purposes. For example, one such implement includes a primary blade for cutting a slice of food and can accept a secondary blade for cutting the food in a direction perpendicular to the direction into which the food is cut by the primary blade. Accordingly, such a mandolin can cut sticks of food. 
   However, currently available mandolins have many drawbacks. For example, such mandolins include a handle for holding the mandolin while cutting is performed. Typically, the handle is fixed with respect to the mandolin and therefore does not provide an optimal ergonomic means for holding the mandolin. 
   Also, such mandolins are either provided with custom receptacle on top of which they can be attached or are provided with generic notches that can engage the rims of a receptacle already owned by the user. In both cases, it is impossible for a user to use the mandolin with a wide range of receptacles as the notches provided within the mandolin typically can only engage with stability rims having a very narrow range of width. 
   Some mandolins have replaceable primary and secondary blades. If a user wishes to modify a thickness of slices of food products while cutting with the mandolin, an insert has to be changed. Typically, such inserts are rather large and can therefore only provide a limited number of thicknesses, thereby limiting the different thicknesses into which the food can be cut. 
   Generally, culinary implements such as slicers or graters need to be located within a container or on a working surface, such as a cutting board, so that the food processed by the implement falls into the container or on the working surface. However, a user typically exerts considerable force upon the implement when processing food. Therefore, the implement has a strong tendency to move within the container or on the working surface. 
   To counter such movements, the user often presses on the implement such that the friction between the container or the working surface and the implement is relatively large. Alternatively, the user holds the implement tightly to reduce movements of the implement with respect to the container or the working surface. In both cases, a force is exerted with great effort from the user and can lead to unexpected and sudden slippage of the implement within the receptacle or on the working surface if a contact force between the food and the implement varies suddenly. Such slippage often results in an abrupt movement of the implement causing food, the working surface or the receptacle to fall on the floor. 
   There also exist devices for cutting potatoes, eggs, and garlic and for cracking nuts. However, typically, each of these devices serves only one purpose. Therefore, once again, a user needs to buy a plurality of devices to perform all the tasks. 
   Also, many implements for cutting potatoes or eggs are simply blades mounted on a piston, which can be received in a sleeve, the piston being activated by a user pushing thereon. 
   Therefore, the force required to cut food with such devices is relatively great. Accordingly, there exists a need in the industry for an improved multi-purpose culinary implement. 
   The present description refers to a number of documents, the content of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In one embodiment of the invention, the present invention relates to a food preparation apparatus comprises: a main frame having a central opening for receiving a food preparation implement and having opposing ends; and at least one interchangeable food preparation implement designed to be inserted within the central opening and locked onto the main frame during usage and being removable for cleaning and storage during non-use, the food preparation implement is selected from a group consisting of mandolins, graters, cutting devices, potato fry cutters, slicers, corers, peelers, pressing devices, food mashers, food presses and mixtures thereof. 
   In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a moveable handle attached to one end of the main frame, the handle being adjustable and moveable relative to the main frame to create angles greater than 1 degree and less than 360 degrees and a locking device for setting the handle at a fixed position. 
   In still another embodiment, the main frame has a top side and bottom side, the bottom side of the main frame comprises at least two grooves, each groove comprising a double notch profile for engaging a container with a lip and attaching the main frame onto the container when the apparatus is being used with the container. 
   In yet another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one container designed to work with the main frame during use, the container comprising an opening and a cavity formed by a base and side walls, the base having at least one protrusion for supporting the apparatus during use, the side walls having at least one ledge for supporting the apparatus during use. 
   In still yet another embodiment, the food preparation implement comprises at least one nipple and the main frame comprises a receiving cavity and at least one locking device, the nipple engaging the cavity and the locking device engages the implement to thereby allowing the implement to lock onto the main frame during use. 
   In a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one slider, the slider comprising at least one pusher and a pusher base, the pusher base comprises a base and side walls forming an internal cavity, the internal cavity designed to receive the pusher, the internal cavity designed to receive the food articles for cutting, slicing and grating. 
   In still a further embodiment, the pusher comprises a plunger body with a top side and bottom side, the top side having a pushing surface for supporting a user&#39;s hand, the bottom side of the plunger body having a plurality of protrusion for engaging the food article, the base of the pusher base comprising a top side and a bottom side, the side walls and the internal cavity is situated on the top side of the pusher base. 
   In yet a further embodiment, the pusher base further comprises at least one insertable and removeable sidewall for adjusting the size of the internal cavity of the pusher base. In still yet a further embodiment, the slider further comprises at least one vertical sliding arm and at least one attachment, the sliding arm being connected to the pusher base and the sliding arm being designed to engage the attachment during use with the main frame. 
   In another further embodiment, the attachment comprises a runner system, the system comprising at least one wheel, the runner system being designed to engage and work with the main frame of the apparatus. For purposes of this invention, the term slider shall also encompass the term hand guide. 
   In still another further embodiment, the handle of said apparatus is useable with one hand and adjustable relative to the main frame with one finger. In yet another further embodiment, the main frame comprises at least two arms for receiving the handle. In still yet another further embodiment, the handle is adjustable and removable from the arms of the main frame. 
   In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a food preparation system comprising: a main frame having a central opening for receiving a food preparation implement and having opposing ends; at least one interchangeable food preparation implement designed to be inserted within the central opening and locked onto the main frame during usage and being removable for cleaning during non-use, the food preparation implement is selected from a group consisting of mandolins, graters, cutting devices, potato fry cutters, slicers, corers, peelers, pressing devices, food mashers, food presses and mixtures thereof; a moveable handle attached to one end of the main frame, the handle being adjustable and moveable relative to the main frame to create angles greater than 1 degree and less than 360 degrees; at least one container designed to work with the main frame during use; and at least one slider. 
   In still another embodiment, the main frame has a top side and bottom side, the bottom side of the main frame comprises at least two grooves, each groove comprising a double notch profile for engaging a container with a lip and attaching the main frame onto the container when the apparatus is being used with the container. 
   In yet another embodiment, the container comprises an opening and a cavity formed by a base and side walls, the base having at least one protrusion for supporting the apparatus during use, the side walls having at least one ledge for supporting the apparatus during use. 
   In still yet another embodiment, the wherein the food preparation implement comprises at least one nipple and the main frame comprises a receiving cavity and at least one locking device, the nipple engaging said cavity and the locking device engages the implement to thereby allowing the implement to lock onto the main frame during use. 
   In a further embodiment, the system said further comprises at least one slider, said slider comprising at least one pusher: a pusher base: at least one vertical sliding arm: and at least one attachment, the pusher base comprises a base and side walls forming an internal cavity, the internal cavity designed to receive the pusher, the internal cavity designed to receive the food articles for cutting, slicing and grating. 
   In a further embodiment, the pusher comprises a plunger body with a top side and bottom side, the top side having a pushing surface for supporting a user&#39;s hand, the bottom side of the plunger body having a plurality of protrusion for engaging the food article, the base of the pusher base comprising a top side and a bottom side, the side walls and the internal cavity is situated on the top side of the pusher base. 
   In another embodiment, the sliding arm is connected to the pusher base and the sliding arm being designed to engage the attachment during use with the main frame. 
   In a first broad aspect, the invention provides a receptacle for supporting a culinary implement having a handling portion allowing a user to handle the culinary implement, and a foot portion for supporting the culinary implement within the receptacle. The receptacle includes a base wall and a peripheral wall connected to the base wall. At least one of the peripheral and base walls includes a receiving portion configured and sized to receive the foot portion such that the culinary implement can be held by a user through the handle, and by the receptacle through the foot portion, so as to immobilize the culinary implement with respect to the receptacle. 
   Advantageously, the receptacle allows a user to hold the culinary implement by the handle with one hand while the foot portion is held within the receptacle. Therefore, this allows the user to have a free hand for using the culinary implement. In addition, the receiving portion helps stabilize the culinary implement within the receptacle. 
   In a variant, the receptacle includes a plurality of anti-slip features provided on the bottom portion of the receptacle. 
   In another variant, the receptacle includes a receiving portion wherein the foot portion of the culinary implement is easily pivotable. Therefore, this receiving portion allows the user to hold the culinary implement over a wide range of angles. In this variant, a profile of the foot portion of the culinary implement matches a profile of the receiving portion. 
   In another broad aspect, the invention provides a culinary implement supportable by a receptacle defining a rim having a width. The culinary implement includes a frame, a food processing portion for processing a piece of food, the food processing portion being connected to the frame, and a plurality of notches provided within the main frame. The notches are for supporting the frame onto the receptacle. 
   Each notch includes a first portion defining an opening for receiving the rim and a second portion extending from the first portion, the second portion being for receiving the rim if the width of the rim is smaller than a predetermined width. Only the first portion receives the rim if the width of the rim is larger than the predetermined width. 
   Examples of food processing portions include a mandolin insert, a grater insert, a piston actuated food processing device insert and a peeler insert, among others. 
   The plurality of implements allows a user to have a single unit serving many purposes. Consequently, the cost of acquiring the required implements, along with the space required for storage, is reduced. 
   In a variant, the piston-actuated food processing device insert includes a handle connected to a lever and a piston slidable within a sleeve through the action of the lever. Accordingly, the amount of force required to operate the piston-actuated food processing device is relatively low. In addition, in yet another variant, a plurality of inserts are provided such that the piston actuated food processing device can serve many purposes such as, for example, cutting eggs, cutting potatoes, pressing garlic and cracking nuts. 
   In one variant, the piston includes a bottom opening and a top opening while the sleeve includes a top opening. Therefore, when the piston has cut through food contained within the sleeve, a user can pick up the cut food easily. Alternatively, if the user retracts the piston from the sleeve, the blade will move the food outside of the sleeve, and will therefore allow the food to fall through the bottom opening into a container previously located below the piston actuated food processing device insert. Therefore, the user has a choice to either pick up the food with his hands prior to retracting the piston from the sleeve, or have the food fall into a container when retracting the piston from the sleeve. 
   In yet another broad aspect, the invention provides a culinary implement supportable by a receptacle defining a rim having a cross-section profile. The culinary implement includes a frame, a food processing portion for processing a piece of food, the food processing portion being connected to the frame, and a plurality of notches provided within the main fame. The notches are for supporting the frame onto the receptacle. 
   In a variant, each notch is shaped similarly to the cross-section profile. In another variant, each notch is shaped to engage partially or totally the rim. In this last variant, some embodiments of the invention include notches capable of engaging rims having different cross-section profiles. 
   In yet another broad aspect, the invention provides a culinary implement, including a frame, a food processing portion for processing a piece of food, the processing portion being connected to the frame, and a handle connected to the frame. The handle can be positioned at a plurality of handle orientations with respect to the frame. 
   Advantageously, the handle allows an ergonomic use of the culinary implement in relation to the main frame. In yet another broad aspect, the invention provides a cutting culinary implement including a frame and a base pivotably attached to the frame. The base has an edge. The culinary implement further includes a blade insert removably attached to the frame, the blade insert including a blade overlapping the edge. Pivoting the base within the frame allows the user to vary distance between the blade and the edge. Therefore, the thickness of slices to be cut by the culinary implement can easily be varied. In addition, the possible number of different thicknesses is increased with respect to some prior art devices. 
   Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention. These drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a receptacle including a plurality of receiving portions; 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates an alternative receptacle having a plurality of receiving portions; 
       FIG. 1C  illustrates a frame supported by the receptacle of  FIG. 1A  in a first configuration; 
       FIG. 1D  illustrates the frame of  FIG. 1C  supported by the receptacle of  FIG. 1A  in a second configuration; 
       FIG. 1E  illustrates the frame of  FIG. 1C  supported by the receptacle of  FIG. 1A  in a third configuration; 
       FIG. 1F  illustrates the frame of  FIG. 1C  supported by the receptacle of  FIG. 1A  in a fourth configuration; 
       FIG. 1G  illustrates the frame of  FIG. 1C  supported by the receptacle of  FIG. 1A  in a fifth configuration; 
       FIG. 1H  illustrates the frame of  FIG. 1C  supported by the receptacle of  FIG. 1A  in a sixth configuration; 
       FIG. 1I  illustrates the container with the blades and blade holders and inserts; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a frame and of a plurality of inserts insertable within the frame; 
       FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of an alternative receptacle; 
       FIG. 3B  is a schematic view of the shape of the receptacle of  FIG. 1A ; 
       FIG. 3C  is a schematic view of an alternative shape to the shape of  FIG. 3B ; 
       FIG. 3D  is a schematic view of an alternative shape to the shape of  FIG. 3B ; 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates in more details the frame of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates in part the attachment of an accessory to the frame of  FIG. 4A ; 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates in part the attachment of an accessory to the frame of  FIG. 4A ; 
       FIG. 4D  illustrates another embodiment of the main frame; 
       FIGS. 4E-F  illustrate the invertability of the insertable implement in relation to the main frame; 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates an alternative frame positioned on a receptacle, the frame includes a plurality of notches; 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates the general shape of the notches of  FIG. 5A ; 
       FIG. 5C  illustrates an alternative shape for the notches of the frame of  FIG. 5A ; 
       FIG. 5D  illustrates another alternative shape for the notches of the frame of  FIG. 5A ; 
       FIG. 5E  illustrates yet another alternative shape for the notches of the frame of  FIG. 5A ; 
       FIG. 5F  illustrates yet another alternative shape for the notches of the frame of  FIG. 5A ; 
       FIG. 5G  illustrates the use of the notches in conjunction with receptacles having varying shapes; 
       FIG. 5H  illustrates the use of the notches on rims presenting various profiles; 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a receiving portion into a receptacle for accepting the frame of  FIG. 4A ; 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a foot portion of the frame of  FIG. 4A ; 
       FIG. 6C  illustrates an alternative foot portion of the frame of  FIG. 4A ; 
       FIG. 6D  illustrates another alternative foot portion of the frame of  FIG. 4A ; 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates a frame having a handle; 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates the frame of  FIG. 7A  with an alternative handle; 
       FIG. 7C  illustrates the frame of  FIG. 7A  with a detachable handle in a first orientation; 
       FIG. 7D  illustrates the frame of  FIG. 7A  with a detachable handle in a second orientation; 
       FIG. 7E  illustrates the frame of  FIG. 7A  with a detachable handle in a third orientation; 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates a frame similar to the frame of  FIG. 7A  including a pivotable handle; 
       FIG. 8B  is a cross-section of the handle of  FIG. 8A  wherein the handle is locked to the frame; 
       FIG. 8C  is a cross-section of the handle of the frame of  FIG. 8A  wherein the handle is freely pivotable with respect to the frame; 
       FIG. 8D  is a cross-section of the handle of  FIG. 8A  locked to the frame at an angle different from an angle into which the handle is locked into  FIG. 8B ; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative pivotable handle; 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates another embodiment of the handle of the main frame; 
       FIG. 9C  illustrates another embodiment of the handle and how it is attached to the main frame; 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a mandolin insert for the frame of  FIG. 4A  and a plurality of blade inserts for the mandolin insert; 
       FIG. 11A  illustrates, in an exploded view, a pivotable base of the mandolin insert of  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 11B  illustrates the sliding plate mechanism of the mandolin; 
       FIG. 11C  illustrates the attachment of blades to the insertable implement; 
       FIG. 11D  illustrates the peeler mechanism of the present invention; 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an exploded view of an alternative pivotable base; 
       FIG. 13A  illustrates a slider for holding food slidably mountable to the frame of  FIG. 4A ; 
       FIG. 13B  illustrates another embodiment of the slider; 
       FIGS. 13C-D  illustrate the insertable wall of the slider; 
       FIG. 14  illustrates, in an exploded view, a piston operated food processing device; 
       FIG. 15  in a perspective view of a piston of the piston operated food processing device of  FIG. 14  along with an insert; 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a sleeve of the piston operated food processing device of  FIG. 14  along with an insert; 
       FIG. 17A  illustrates two matching inserts for the piston operated food processing device of  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 17B  illustrates two alternative matching inserts for the piston operated food processing device of  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 17C  illustrates another two alternative matching inserts for the piston operated food processing device of  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 17D  illustrates yet another two alternative matching inserts for the piston operated food processing device of  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 17E  illustrates yet another two alternative matching inserts for the piston operated food processing device of  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 18A  illustrates the piston operated food processing device of  FIG. 14  with the piston is partially engaged within the sleeve; 
       FIG. 18B  illustrates the food processing device of  FIG. 14  with the piston completely engaged within the sleeve; 
       FIG. 18C  illustrates the food processing device of  FIG. 14  with the piston removed from the sleeve; 
       FIG. 19A  is a top view of the piston and sleeve of the food processing device of  FIG. 14  in the configuration shown in  FIG. 18A ; 
       FIG. 19B  is a top view of the piston and sleeve of the food processing device of  FIG. 14  in the configuration shown in  FIG. 18B ; 
       FIG. 19C  is a top view of the piston and sleeve of the food processing device of  FIG. 14  in the configuration shown in  FIG. 18C ; 
       FIG. 20  is an exploded view of a peeler insert insertable within the frame of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a two-parts receptacle; 
       FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the receptacle of  FIG. 21  with the two parts separated; 
       FIG. 23A  illustrates an alternative frame including an alternative foot portion; and 
       FIG. 23B  illustrates yet another frame including yet an alternative foot portion. 
   

   Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. The figures are not necessary to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
   The drawings illustrate a multi-purpose apparatus, including a receptacle  10  and a main frame  12 , for receiving accessories. The reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate that in some embodiments of the invention, the frame  12  along with the accessories could be used with any suitable receptacle, or even without any receptacle. 
   In addition, the receptacle  10 , the frame  12  and the accessories described below include many features, some of which are mutually exclusive. Once more, the readers skilled in the art will readily appreciate that some embodiments of the invention do not necessarily include all the features described below. In addition, in the drawings, each drawing includes only a limited set of features for clarity purposes. Consequently, the drawings should not be interpreted as restricting a number of features that can be incorporated in any particular embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 4A  illustrates an embodiment of the frame  12 , including an accessory receiving portion  14  connected to a foot portion  16  and a handle  18 , provided opposite to the foot portion  16  with respect to the accessory receiving portion  14 . The handle  18  allows an intended user to hold the frame  12 . The accessory receiving portion  14  removably receives accessories that will be described in further detail below. The foot portion  16  is configured and sized so as to be received within receiving portions included in the receptacle  10 . The frame  12  will be described in further detail below. 
   Turning to  FIG. 1A-D , there is shown an embodiment of the receptacle  10 . The receptacle  10  defines a base wall  20  connected to a peripheral wall  22  defining a rim  11 . The peripheral wall  22  includes flat portions  36  connected through corner portions  34 . Receiving portions for receiving the foot portion  16  of the frame  12  take the form of protrusions  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  and  32  extending substantially inwardly into the receptacle  10  from the base and peripheral walls  20  and  22 . 
   Protrusions  26  and  28  are provided on the peripheral wall  22  proximately to the corner portions  34 . Protrusions  24 ,  30  and  32  extend simultaneously from the base wall  20  and the peripheral wall  22 . The protrusions  30  and  32  define a groove  7  therebetween and provide respectively, in a specific embodiment of the invention, substantially concave surfaces  33  and  35  proximally to the base wall  20 . The reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate that alternative embodiments of the receptacle  10  can include protrusions extending solely from the side walls  36  and/or the base wall  20 . 
   In a specific embodiment of the receptacle  10 , protrusions  26  and  28  include a substantially convex surface  29 . However, as shown in inserts  38 ,  40  and  42 , protrusions  26  and  28  can take alternative forms in alternative embodiments of the invention. As shown in insert  38 , protrusions  26  and  28  can include a substantially concave surface  44  delimited by two lips  46 . Alternatively, as shown in insert  40 , protrusions  26  and  28  can take the form of a protrusion extending substantially outwardly from the receptacle  10 . In this case, in the specific embodiment, protrusions  26  and  28  include a substantially concave surface  48 . In yet another embodiment of the invention, as shown in insert  42 , protrusions  26  and  28  take the form of a lip  50  defining two concave surfaces  52  and  54 . 
   Protrusions  30  and  32  take the form of substantially elongated protrusions including substantially convex surfaces  56  extending away from the base wall  20 . Protrusions  30  extend away from the base wall  20  substantially more than protrusions  32 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1C ,  1 D,  1 E,  1 F,  1 G,  1 H and  1 I the receptacle  10  is capable of supporting the frame  12  in a plurality of configurations. In these figures, the frame  12  and the receptacle  10  are represented only schematically without all their associated features. Also, these figures illustrate the protrusions  26  and  28  taking the different forms illustrated on  FIG. 1A  and in inserts  38  and  42 .  FIGS. 1C to 1H  should not be used to limit the different configurations into which the frame  12  is supported by the receptacle  10  in alternative embodiments of the invention. 
     FIG. 1C  illustrates schematically the frame  12  supported within the receptacle  10  at an angle of substantially 40 degrees with respect to the base wall  20 . The foot portion  16  of the frame  12  abuts the peripheral wall  22  and the base wall  20  with the frame  12 . The frame  12  also abuts the rim  11  of the receptacle  10 . In a specific embodiment of the invention, and as shown in  FIG. 1C , notches provided in the frame  12  engage the rim  11 . These notches are described in further details set forth below. In other embodiments of the invention, the frame does not include notches and therefore directly contact the rim  11 . 
     FIG. 1D  illustrates schematically the frame  12  supported within the receptacle  10  at an angle of substantially 75 degrees with respect to the base wall  20 . The foot portion  16  of the frame  12  is inserted into the groove  7 . In specific embodiments of the invention, the protrusions  30  and  32  are spaced and configured such that the frame  12  is supported loosely, snuggly or frictionally within the groove  7 . 
     FIG. 1E  illustrates schematically the frame  12  supported within the receptacle  10  at an angle of substantially 15 degrees with respect to the base wall  20 . The foot portion  16  of the frame  12  abuts the protrusions  28 . While not all shown in the drawings, the reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate that in specific embodiments of the invention the frame  12  abuts one of the concave surfaces  44 ,  48 ,  52  or  54 . The frame  12  also abuts the rim  11  of the receptacle  10 . As mentioned hereinabove, in specific embodiments the frame  12  includes or does not include notches for engaging the rim  11 . 
     FIG. 1F  illustrates schematically the frame  12  supported within the receptacle  10  at an angle of substantially 30 degrees with respect to the base wall  20 . The foot portion  16  of the frame  12  abuts the protrusions  26 . While not all shown in the drawings, the reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate that in specific embodiments of the invention the frame  12  abuts one of the concave surfaces  44 ,  48 ,  52  or  54 . The frame  12  also abuts the rim  11  of the receptacle  10 . As mentioned hereinabove, in specific embodiments the frame  12  includes or does not include notches for engaging the rim  11 . 
     FIG. 1G  illustrates schematically the frame  12  supported within the receptacle  10  at angles of substantially 45 or 60 degrees with respect to the base wall  20 . To that effect, the foot portion  16  of the frame  12  abuts respectively the protrusions  32  and  30 , and more specifically the concave surfaces  35  and  33  if present in the receptacle  10 . The frame  12  also abuts the rim  11  of the receptacle  10 . As mentioned hereinabove, in specific embodiments the frame  12  includes or does not include notches for engaging the rim  11 . 
     FIG. 1H  illustrates schematically the frame  12  supported substantially horizontally on top of the receptacle  10  through the rim  11 . As mentioned hereinabove, in specific embodiments the frame  12  includes or does not include notches for engaging the rim  11 . 
     FIG. 1I  shows blades  903  and  905  and blade holder  902  and  904  inserted into container  10  and blade protector  906 . 
   In a last configuration, the protrusions  24  support the foot portion  16  of the frame  12 , such that the frame  12  can be angled continuously from substantially 45°-75° with respect to the base wall  20 . This particular configuration is described in further details set forth below. 
   The reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all the angles mentioned hereinabove with respect to the description of  FIGS. 1C to 1H  are not critical to the invention. Accordingly, in alternative embodiments of the invention the receptacle  10  is configured to support the frame  12  at any suitable angles. 
   Advantageously, protrusions  26  and  28  in the embodiment of the receptacle  10  shown in  FIG. 1A  allow a user to insert fingers into the protrusions  26  and  28  to hold the receptacle  10 . The protrusions  26  and  28  then provide handles for handling the receptacle  10 . 
   An alternative receptacle  10 ′ is shown in  FIG. 1B . The alternative receptacle  10 ′ includes a substantially curved peripheral wall  22 ′ defining a rim  11 ′ connected to a base wall  20 ′. Receiving portions in the form of protrusions  58  extending substantially inwardly into the receptacle  10 ′ from the peripheral wall  22 ′, and protrusions  60  and  62  extend substantially inwardly into the receptacle  10 ′ from the base wall  20 ′. Protrusions  58 , along with the rim  11 ′, allow the receptacle  10 ′ to receive the frame  12  similarly to the manner in which the receptacle  10  received the frame  12 . Also, in some embodiments of the invention, protrusions  58  form handles to manipulate the receptacle  10 ′. 
   Protrusions  60  and  62  define a substantially concave surface  64 , a groove  66 , and another substantially concave surface  68 . In a specific embodiment of the receptacle  10 ′ shown in  FIG. 1B , the protrusion  60  and  62  present a substantially uniform cross-section. The concave surface  64  allows receiving the frame  12  in substantially the same manner as the protrusions  24  of the receptacle receive the frame  12 . Also, the groove  66  receives the frame  12  in substantially the same manner that the groove  7  receives the frame  12 . The substantially concave surface  68  receives the frame  12  in substantially the same manner that the substantially concave surfaces  33  and  35  receive the frame  12 . 
   Also, while the receptacle  10  shown in  FIGS. 1A  is of a substantially rectangular shape, and the receptacle  10 ′ shown in  FIG. 1B  is of a substantially elliptical shape, alternative embodiments of the receptacle can take any suitable shape such as a square, a circle and an oval, among others. 
     FIG. 3A  shows an alternative embodiment  10 ″ of the receptacle  10 . The receptacle  10 ″ includes anti-slip features and a handle  70 . The anti-slip features take the form of relatively thin pieces of material having a relatively high coefficient of friction with typical work surfaces used in kitchens. For example, the thin stripes include rubber, among other materials. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3A , the anti-slip features take many alternative forms, such as a substantially elongated strip  72 , a substantially L-shaped strip  74  or a substantially circular strip  76 . In addition, as shown in insert  75 , in an alternative embodiment of the invention the anti-slip feature takes the form of a piece of material  78  conforming to the shape of the container and covering in part, simultaneously an exterior portion of the base wall  20  along with the exterior portion of two flat portion  36  and a corner portion  34 . The anti-slip features are affixed to the container  10 ″ in any suitable manner such as, for example, through the use of glue. The reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate that any number of strips of one or more of the types described hereinabove can be affixed to the container  10 ″. Accordingly,  FIG. 3A  is only for illustrative purposes and should not be used to constrain the number and types of strips present in specific embodiments of the invention. 
   The handle  70  takes the form of a flange extending from the rim  11 . Alternatively, an alternative handle  80  shown in an insert  82  of  FIG. 3A , is provided on receptacle  10 ″ in the form of a substantially elongated, curved member  83  extending outwardly from the peripheral wall  22 . 
   In other embodiments of the invention, the receptacle  10  further includes a lid  84  removably attachable to the rim  11 , for example through a frictional engagement of a periphery  86  of the lid  84  with the rim  11  (shown in  FIG. 3B ). 
   In alternative embodiment of the receptacle  10  shown in  FIG. 3C , the rim  11  is angled at an acute angle with respect to the base wall  20 . 
   In yet another embodiment of the receptacle  10 , shown in  FIG. 3D , one of the flat portions  36 , flat portion  36 ′ is angled at an acute angle with respect to the base wall  20 . In this embodiment, corner portions  34  adjacent to the flat portion  36 ′ are usable as spouts. 
   Alternatively, as shown in insert  90 , a separate spout  92  is provided in flat portion  36 ′. The reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate that alternative embodiments of the receptacle  10  are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings should not be construed as restricting the shape of the receptacle and features included therein. 
     FIGS. 21 and 22  illustrate a two-part receptacle  700 . The receptacle  700  includes a first part  702  and a second part  704 . The first part  702  is superimposable on the second part  704 . The first and second parts  702  and  704  are configured to support the frame  12 , especially, but not essentially, when the frame  12  includes notches, as described in more details set forth below. 
   The first part  702  includes a peripheral wall  706  defining an upper rim  708  and a lower rim  710 . The peripheral wall  706  further defines a passageway  712 . 
   The lower rim  710  includes a flange  714  extending into the passageway  712  and substantially parallel to the peripheral wall  706 . The flange  714  engages the second part  704  as described in more details set forth below. 
   In a specific embodiment of the invention, the upper rim  708  is acutely angled with respect to the lower rim  710 . Therefore, when the lower rim  710  is substantially parallel to a working surface, the upper rim  708  supports the frame  12  at an acute angle with respect to the working surface. This acute angle allows, in some instances, a more ergonomic use of the accessories received by the frame  12 . 
   As better shown in  FIG. 22 , in some embodiments of the invention, but not essentially, the first part  702  includes feet  711  for supporting the first part  702  on a surface when the first part  702  is not superposed on the second part  704 . The feet  711  are any suitable feet, such as corner-shaped extensions of the flange  710 , as shown in the drawings. 
   The second part  704  includes a bottom wall  720  connected to a peripheral  722  defining a rim  724 . The rim  724  is configured and sized to support the lower rim  710  and to engage the flange  714 . In some embodiments of the invention, the flange  714  frictionally engages the rim  724 , while in other embodiments of the invention, the flange  714  only abuts the rim  724 . 
   In some embodiments of the invention, the peripheral wall  722  and the peripheral wall  706  define a generally continuous surface when the first part  702  is positioned over the second part  704 . 
   In some embodiments of the invention, but non-essentially, the first and second parts  702  and  704  include respectively substantially transparent windows  730  and  732 . The windows  730  and  732  allow an intended user to view an amount of food contained within the receptacle  700 . 
   In addition, in some embodiments of the invention, the windows  730  and  732  include measuring marks  734  and  736  in the form of printed marks or relief provided, among others, on the windows  730  and  732 . The measuring marks  734  and  736  optionally include measure indications indicative of a quantity of food contained within the receptacle  700 . 
   In some embodiments of the invention the receptacle  700  includes any of the above-described features of the receptacles described hereinabove, such as handles, anti-slip features and protrusions for receiving the frame  12 . 
   Also, in alternative embodiments of the invention, the first and second parts  702  and  704  are releasably attachable in any suitable way. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , the frame  12  removably attaches through the accessory receiving portion  14  a food processing portion for processing a piece of food, the food processing portion taking the form of an accessory. Examples of accessories shown in  FIG. 2  include grater inserts  100 ,  100 ′ and  100 ″, a mandolin insert  102  and a piston operated food processing device insert  104 . However, the reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate that any other suitable accessory could be used with the frame  12 . In addition, it is within the scope of the invention to have a food processing portion which is permanently attached, or connected, to the frame  12 . 
   It should be appreciated that the frame  12 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , does not include all the features of the frame  12  as shown in  FIG. 4A . However, the absence of these features is only for clarity purposes and should not be interpreted as an indication of their essentiality, or lack thereof, in the invention. 
   As shown better on  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B,  4 C and  4 D, the frame  12  includes a cavity  106  for receiving the accessories. The accessories are releasably attached within the cavity  106 , through recesses  108  and a notch  110 . When the accessory is attached to the frame  12 , a flexible tongue  111  provided on the accessory is received by the notch  110 , and bumps  112  provided also on the accessory engages the recesses  108 . The recesses  108  maintain one extremity of the accessory within the frame  12  while the tongue  111  and the notch  110  frictionally maintain an opposite extremity of the accessory within the frame  12 . In alternative embodiments of the invention, the accessories are removably attachable to the frame  12  using any other suitable method known in the art. In  FIG. 4D , another embodiment shows a locking mechanism  908  with a snapping feature. In this embodiment, the protrusion  992  is designed for receiving the elongated ridge of the attachment.  FIGS. 4E  and F show how the insertable implement  102  is reversible. 
   The frame  12  further includes two guides  114  and  115  for slidably attaching a slider thereto. The slider will be described in further details set forth below. 
     FIG. 5A  shows an embodiment of the frame  12 , frame  12 ′, including a plurality of notches  120 . The notches  120  allow the positioning of the frame  12 ′ over a receptacle  116  defining a rim  118 . The receptacle  116  can be any receptacle including, but not limited to, receptacles  10 ,  10 ′ and  10 ″ described hereinabove. The notches  120  receive the rim  118  so as to substantially restrict a motion of the frame  12 ′ when the frame  12 ′ is positioned above the receptacle  116 . 
   When many notches  120  are included in the frame  12 ′, the frame  12 ′ is positionable over receptacles having many different shapes and dimensions. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 5B ,  5 C,  5 D,  5 E and  5 F, the notches  120  can take many shapes.  FIG. 5B  shows a notch  120  having substantially hemi-circular first and second portions  126  and  128 . The first substantially hemi-circular portion  126  receives the rim  118 . If the rim  118  had a width less than a predetermined width, the rim  118  is further received by the second portion  128 . However, if the rim  118  has a width greater than the predetermined width, only the first portion  126  receives the rim  118 .  FIG. 5C  shows an alternative notch  122  having a substantially hemi-circular shape. 
     FIG. 5D  shows another alternative notch  130  having a substantially triangular shape. The substantially triangular shape allows a user to easily position the frame  12 ′ over the rim  118 . Additionally, the substantially triangular shape allows a user to maintain, with relatively great stability, the frame over the rim  118  even if a center of the notch  130  is not located such that the center of the notch  130  engages the rim  118 .  FIGS. 5E and 5F  illustrate two other alternative notches  132  and  134 . The notches  132  and  134  respectively each include a first portion in the form of substantially triangular and substantially hemi-circular bases  136  and  138 . In addition, each of the notches  132  and  134  include a second portion  140  having a substantially elongated shape. The second portion  140  has a function similar to the second portion  128 . However, in addition, as the second portion  140  is substantially elongated, in cases wherein the second portion  140  receives the rim  118 , the stability of the frame  12 ′ on the container  116  is greatly improved. 
   As shown on  FIG. 5G , the notches allow to maintain the frame  12  on top of receptacles having shapes different from the receptacle  116 . For example, the notches are able to engage rims  11   a  and  11   b  of receptacles  10   a  and  10   b  having a respectively generally a substantially hemispherical shape and a substantially parallelepiped shape with a relatively small rim. 
     FIG. 5H  illustrates how notches  132 ,  120  and  130  engage rims  11   c ,  11   d  and  11   e  having different shapes. This figure is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the shape of rims that can be engaged by any of the notches  132 ,  120  and  130 . The notches  132 ,  120  and  130 , along with any other suitable notches are shaped to engage partially or totally the rims  11   c ,  11   d  and  11   e.    
   The notches  132  are useful for engaging relatively narrow rims  11   c  defined by relatively narrow peripheral walls. The notches  120  are useful for engaging relatively narrow rims  11   d  defined by relatively wide peripheral walls, which thereby define tapered rims. The notches  130  are useful for engaging relatively wide rims  11   e  defined by relatively wide peripheral walls. Therefore, differently profiled notches are useful for engaging rims having different profiles and dimensions. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6A , the foot portion  16  is configured and sized to abut a concave surface  144  of a protrusion  145  provided within a receptacle  146 . Alternatively, the foot portion  16  is configured and sized to abut concave surfaces of protrusions  24  and  60  provided within receptacles  10  and  10 ′. To that effect, the foot portion  16  includes a substantially convex portion  148  having a radius of curvature less than, or equal to, a radius of curvature of the concave surface  144 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 6B , the foot portion  16  includes in a particular embodiment of the invention a block of material  150  including the substantially convex portion  148 . Block  150  is attached, or connected, to the frame  12 . 
     FIGS. 23A and 23B  illustrate alternative frames  812  and  812 ′ including alternative foot portions  814  and  814 ′. Foot portions  814  and  814 ′ have a cross-section similar to the cross-section of the foot portion  16  and each present a respective convex portion  818  and  818 ′. The foot portion  814  extends substantially across the whole frame  812 , while the foot portion  814 ′ extends only across part of the frame  812 ′. 
   In specific embodiments of the invention, foot portions  814  and  814 ′ take many different forms. For example, foot portions  814  and  814 ′ can take forms similar to the forms described below with respect to alternative forms of the foot portion  16 . 
     FIGS. 6C and 6D  show two alternative blocks  152  and  154 . Both blocks include a substantially convex surface  148 . Block  152  is similar to block  150 , except that block  152  includes a substantially prism-shaped extension  151  for engaging a similarly shaped notch within the foot portion  16  (not shown in the drawings). In this embodiment of the invention, the block  152  is removable from the frame  12 . 
   In  FIG. 6D , the block  154  includes the convex portion  148  and two substantially concave portions  156 . The concave portions  156  are provided between the rest of the frame  12  and the convex surface  148 . The general shape of block  154  allows positioning of the frame  12  within the concave surface  144  over a relatively large range of angles with respect to the base wall  20  as the concave portions  156  allow leaning the frame  12  within the container  146  without the block  154  contacting the protrusion  145 . 
   In a specific embodiment of the invention, blocks  150 ,  152  and  154  include a material having a relatively large coefficient of friction with the receptacle  10  or  10 ′. An example of such a material is rubber. However, any suitable material can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, in some embodiments of the invention, the material included in blocks  150 ,  152  and  154  also has a relatively large coefficient of friction with any working surface suitable for use with the frame  12 . 
   The reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the feet portions described hereinabove are for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable foot portion is within the scope of the invention. In addition, the connections between frames and blocks of feet portions described hereinabove are also examples and some embodiments of the invention can include other such connections without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     FIGS. 7A to 7E , along with  FIGS. 8A to 8D  and  9  illustrate a plurality of handles that can be present in embodiments of the frame  12 . However, the reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the frame  12  could either include no handle, or include any other suitable handle not shown in the drawings. Also, the frame  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 7A to 7E ,  8 A to  8 D and  9  does not include all the features described hereinabove. However, the reader skilled in the art will also readily appreciate that any suitable features chosen from the features described hereinabove and hereinbelow can be incorporated into the frame  12  without detracting from the scope of the invention. 
   As shown in  FIG. 7A , the handle can take the form of a loop formed by an elongated member extending integrally from the frame  12 . In  FIG. 7A , a handle  160  is substantially coplanar with the rest of the frame  12 . However, as shown in  FIG. 7B , an alternative handle  162  is substantially non-coplanar with the rest of the frame  12 . 
   In another embodiment of the invention, a handle  164  is detachable from the rest of the frame  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 7C to 7E , the handle  164  takes the form of a substantially hemi-circular tubular member  166  connected to receiving portions  168 . In addition, the tubular member  166  ends at both extremities in similarly shaped connecting portions  168 . 
   Each of the connecting portions  168  is configured and sized to engage a corresponding connecting portion  170  provided on the frame  12 . The receiving portions  170  each include a deflectable tongue  172 , including a projection  174 . Upon insertion of one of the receiving portions  168  onto one of the receiving portions  170 , the tongue  172  is deflected until the protrusion  174  reaches an aperture  176  provided in the receiving portions  168 . 
   Therefore, the handle  164  can be locked to the rest of the frame  12  through an engagement of the protrusion  174  into the aperture  176 . To unlock the handle  164  from the frame  12 , a user depresses the tongues  172  through the protrusions  174 , such as to allow removal of the handle  164 . As shown in  FIGS. 7C to 7E , the handle  164  is positionable in a plurality of configurations onto the frame  12  as some of the connecting portions  168  are acutely angled with respect to some other connecting portions  168 . 
   In an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown on  FIG. 8A , the frame  12  includes a pivotable handle  970 . To that effect, the frame  12  is provided with a plurality of grooves  972  provided at an extremity opposite the foot portion  16  and oriented at a plurality of different angles with respect to each other. The pivotable handle  970  is pivotably attached to the frame  12  through axles  974 . The biased pins  976  provided on the handle  970  engages the grooves  972 . 
     FIGS. 8B to 8D  illustrate in more detail the operation and the structure of the handle  970 . As shown in  FIG. 8B , the pin  976  is maintained within an enclosure  978 , and biased towards the grooves  972 , by a biasing element in the form of a spring  980  provided within the enclosure  978 . Protrusion  982  provided on the pin  976  allows an intended user to move the pin  976  away from one of the grooves  972  it is engaging. 
   As shown in  FIG. 8C , when the pin  976  is moved away from the grooves  972 , the handle  970  is freely pivotable on the frame  12 . Then, as shown in  FIG. 8D , the pin  976  can be released to engage another of the grooves  972  such that the handle  970  is locked to the frame  12  at an angle different from the angle at which it is locked on  FIG. 8B . Handles, and methods, for attaching handles to frames being well-known in the art, the handle  970  will not be described in further detail. 
     FIG. 9A  illustrates an alternative pivotable handle  184 . Although not shown in  FIG. 9A  for clarity reasons, the handle  184  includes biased pins, similar to the biased pins  976 . However, each of the pins is connected to a wire  186 , instead of having a protrusion allowing the movement of the pin away from the grooves  972 . The cables  186  are connected to two slidably movable members  188  and  190  slidably mounted within the handle  184 . A biasing element in the form of a spring  192  biases the members  188  and  190  away from each other. The members  188  and  190  are configured and sized such that an intended user can move both members  188  and  190  toward each other, thereby moving the cables  186 , and therefore the pins, away from the grooves  972 . Then, the intended user can rotate the handle  184  on the frame  12 . 
     FIGS. 9B  and C shows another embodiment of the handles whereby the handle  184  is attached to a central protrusion at one end of the main frame  12 . This embodiment allows the user to change the angle of the handle relative to the main frame with one finger and useable with one hand. The protrusion has a series of grooves  1010  and the handle has a sliding button  1001  for actuating a t-shaped plate  1002  to engage the grooves to determine the angle of the handle relative to the main frame. The plate  1002  is connected to a spring  1003 . By allowing plate  1002  to slide into different grooves  1010 , the angle of the handle relative to the main frame will change. The handle  184  can have an overlay  1002  added to it for anti-slip and comfort of user. 
   The reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many alternative pivotable handles are also within the scope of the invention. 
   As shown and mentioned hereinabove, the frame  12  is adapted to releasably attach a plurality of different accessories. One type of such accessories is a grater insert  100 ,  100 ′ and  100 ″. The grater inserts  100 ,  100 ′ and  100 ″ are of a conventional type and include a suitable grater design. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the grater insert  100  is a substantially flat grater insert including both elongated and substantially round grating holes  101  and  101 ′. The greater insert  100 ′ is a substantially flat grater insert including substantially ellipsoidal grating holes  101 ″. The grater insert  100 ″ is a substantially convex grater insert including substantially ellipsoidal grating holes  101 ″. Because of their conventional nature, the grater inserts  100 ,  100 ′ and  100 ″ will not be described in further detail. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  in exploded view, the mandolin insert includes a mandolin frame  198  into which a plurality of blade inserts  199 ,  212 ,  216 ,  220  and  224  are insertable and lockable. The mandolin frame  198  includes the bumps  112  and the tongue  111  (not shown on  FIGS. 10 and 11 ). In addition, a platform  228  is pivotably connected to the frame  198 . 
   To receive and lock the blade inserts  199 ,  212 ,  216 ,  220  and  224 , the mandolin frame  198  includes a recess  200 , and a pair of rails  202 . The blade insert  199  includes a body  201  onto which a pair of guides  210  is provided to engage the rails  202 . In addition, the body  201  includes a tongue  206 , flexibly connected to the body  201 , onto which a protrusion  204  for engaging the recess  200  is provided. Also, a blade  208  is connected to the body  201 . The blade  208  is angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the body  201 . 
     FIG. 10  shows many alternative blade inserts  212 ,  216 ,  220  and  224 . Each of these blade inserts is similar in form and function to the blade insert  199 , except that the blade  208  is replaced in each of these alternative blade inserts by an alternative blade. The blade insert  212  includes a blade  214  substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the blade insert  212 . Similarly, the blade inserts  216  and  220  include respectively blades  218  and  222  having an edge substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blade insert  216  and  220 . The blade  218  is serrated, while the blade  222  includes a wave pattern. Also, the blade insert  224  includes a V-shaped blade  226 . The advantages and functionality provided by the different blades mentioned hereinabove are well known in the art and will therefore not be described in further details. 
   As shown in  FIG. 11A , the platform  228  is pivotably attached to the mandolin frame  198  through axles  230  engaging bores  232  extending through the frame  198 . In alternative embodiments of the invention, the bores  232  are replaced by recesses. The platform  228  is releasably lockable at the plurality of angles within the mandolin frame  198  through the engagement of a holding device  234  into notches  236  provided within the frame  198 . 
   The hooking mechanism  234  includes a piston  238  entering a sleeve  240  wherein a biasing element, such as a spring, is provided (not shown in the drawings). The piston  238  and the sleeve  240  are each connected to a respective panel  242  substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the piston  238  and the sleeve  240 . Each panel  242  is connected to respective a flange  244  substantially perpendicular to the panel  242 . The flanges  244  extend through slits  246  provided in the platform  228  when the hooking mechanism  234  is attached to the mandolin frame  198  therefore engage the notches  236  to lock the platform  228  at different angles with respect to the frame  198 . 
   Optionally, secondary blade inserts  250 ,  252  and  254  are releasably attached to the platform  228 . Each of the secondary blade inserts  250 ,  252  and  254  includes a substantially flat panel  256  from which nothing, or a plurality of blades, extends. Each of the blades is substantially perpendicular to the panel  256 . In the secondary blade insert  250 , eight blades  251  extend from the panel  256 . In the secondary blade insert  252 , sixteen blades  251  extend from the panel  256 . In the secondary blade insert  254 , no blades extend from the panel  256 . However, secondary blade inserts having any number of blades  251  are within the scope of the invention. 
   Each of the blade inserts  250 ,  252  and  254  is releasably attached to the platform  228  using any suitable way known in the art. For example, in a specific embodiment, each of the blade inserts  250 ,  252  and  254  includes a flexible latch  258  for engaging the platform  228  (only one of which is shown on  FIG. 11 ) and a pin  259  receivable within a recess (not shown in the drawings) in the platform  228 . 
   In a specific embodiment of the invention, a plurality of ridges  260  are provided on the platform  228 , each having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the platform  228 . Among other functions, the ridges  260  reduce friction between the platform  228  and the food and help to guide food towards the primary blade inserts. 
     FIG. 11B  shows another embodiment of the invention whereby the inserted implement  102  is provided with different angles and slopes relative to the implement frame  198 . Sliding plates,  1020  and  1021  respectively, are situated below the frame  198 . The plate  1020  is connected to  228  and  1021  is connected to  198 .  1023  moves through  1021  by the slot in  1021 . The plate  1020  is connected to a screw  1023  and by loosed the screw  1023 , the user can change the angle of the implement  102 . 
     FIG. 11C  illustrates the platform  228  whereby a blade  250  is covered by a plate or blade cover  1030 . The blade cover  1030  can be attached blade  250  while the blade is still inserted in platform  228 . 
     FIG. 11D  shows the rotating cutter embodiment of the invention which is attached to a mandolin insert  1048 . The mandolin insert  1048  has a supporting base  1046  (this base is a modification of  FIG. 10 ) with an aperture  1047 . The rotating cutter also comprises a blade  1040  which has a hollow cylinder  1041 ; and handle  1043  attached to a post  1042  on one end and a knob  1044  on the other end; the handle  1043  with the knob  1044  is designed to rotate the spiked food holder  1045 . The post  1042  is the designed to fit through the hollow cylinder  1041  of the blade  1040  and the aperture  1047  of the base  1046  of the mandolin insert  1048  during use. 
     FIG. 12  is an exploded view of an alternative platform  262 . The alternative platform  262  is similar to the platform  228 , except that the platform  262  does not include secondary blade inserts. Instead, the platform  262  includes a plurality of tongues  264  flexibly connected to the platform  262 . A turret  266  is pivotably mounted to the platform  262  in proximity to the tongues  264 . Specifically, the tongues  264  allow a rotation of the turret  266  upon the exertion of force by a user. 
   The turret  266  is generally polygonal, and specifically, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the turret  266  includes five sides. However, the reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a turret with any other suitable number of sides is within the scope of the invention. Each side of the turret is provided with a number of blades  269 . For example, the turret  266  includes a side (not shown in the drawings) having no blade, a side  268  having two blades  269 , a side  270  having four blades  269 , a side  272  having eight blades  269  and a side having sixteen blades (not shown in the drawings). 
   The blades include at least one sharp edge and extend outwardly from the turret  266  and are substantially perpendicular to each surface of the turret  266 . The blades  269  are provided such that when the turret  266  is rotated, the blades enter spaces left between the tongues  264 . 
   The turret  266  includes a plurality of bores  267  into which a turning tool  272 , having a handle  274  and an elongated member  276 , is inserted to allow a user to rotate the turret  266 . 
   In some embodiments of the invention, the platforms  228  and  262  are permanently connected to the frame  198 . However, in alternative embodiments of the invention not shown in the drawings, the platforms  228  and  262  are detachably connected to the frame  198 . 
   In use, an intended user wishing to use the mandolin insert  102  inserts one of the blade inserts  199 ,  212 ,  216 ,  220  and  224  into the mandolin insert  102 . In addition, the user either inserts one of the secondary blade inserts  250 ,  252  or  254 , or alternatively rotates the turret  266  such that a desired number of blades extend from the platform  228  or  262 . The user also presses the panels  242  toward each other to allow an adjustment the angle between the platform  228  or  262  and the frame  198 . An adjustment of this angle allows the user to select a thickness of slices of food to be cut by the mandolin insert  102 . 
   If desired, the mandolin insert  102  is inserted into the frame  12  by first engaging the bumps  112  into the recesses  108  and then by pressing the tongue  111  into the notch  110 . To remove the mandolin insert from the frame  12 , the tongue  111  is flexed outwardly from the notch  110 , thereby allowing the user to remove the extremity of the insert  102  including the tongue  111  from the frame  12 . 
   To cut food, the user simply pushed the food along the surface of the platform  228  or  262 , starting from an extremity distal from the blade insert and towards the blade. If the secondary blade insert, or a position of the turret  266  wherein secondary blades are present is selected, the food is first cut in a direction perpendicular to a direction of motion when the food is pushed toward the primary blade insert. Shortly afterwards, the food that has just been cut by the secondary blade is cut into a slice by the primary blade. Accordingly, a user can cut slices or sticks of food, depending on the choice of secondary and primary blades. 
     FIG. 13A  shows an exploded view of a slider  286  provided in some embodiments of the invention and slidably and removably attachable to the frame  12  to allow the user to slide food on the platform  228  or  262  of the mandolin insert  102 , or on the greater inserts  100 ,  100 ′ and  100 ″ with a reduced risk of cuts caused by blades touching fingers, or other parts of the body. The slider  286  includes an attachment  287  for engaging guides  114  and  115  provided in the frame  12  (as shown in  FIG. 4A ). The guide  115  includes an open end  292  while the guide  114  includes a closed end  294 . Therefore, the slider  286  is hardly detachable from the frame  12  by accident. However, the general shape of the attachment  287 , which will be described in further detail below, is such that if required, a user can detach the attachment  287  from the frame  12 . 
   The attachment  287  includes an attachment portion  296  having a substantially F-shaped profile. This F-shaped profile defines a substantially elongated ridge  298  for engaging the guide  115 , and a substantially curved ridge  300  for engaging the guide  114 . In addition, the attachment  287  includes two substantially curved members  302  curving towards each other and defining a receiving portion  304  for receiving a substantially flat panel  306  described in further detail hereinbelow. 
   The flat panel  306  is pivotably connected to a base  384  defining first and second surfaces  308  and  390 . A plurality of points  392  extend substantially away from the second surface  390 . A tubular member  394  extends from the first surface  308 . The base  384  includes a passageway shaped similarly to the tubular member  394  (not visible on  FIG. 13 ). 
   A pusher  282  generally shaped like the tubular member  394  is slidably insertable within the tubular member  394 . The pusher  282  includes a pushing surface  396  for allowing the hand of a user to push food through the tubular member  394 , and a plurality of points  292  provided on a surface opposite the pushing  396 . 
   The tubular member  394 , along with the pusher  396 , has a substantially rectangular shape with one side having a substantially curved shape. This specialized shape allows a user to maintain a great variety of food securely within the tubular member  394 . For example, substantially square pieces of food are more easily maintained by a flat wall  350  of the tubular member  394 . In contrast, other pieces of food, such as potatoes and the like, are more easily maintained through a substantially curved surface  452 . 
   In use, the attachment  287  is attached to the frame  12  through a deflection of the ridge  300  when entering the guiding rails  114  and  115 . Then, the attachment  287  is slidably attached to the frame  12  and cannot easily be detached accidental from the frame  12 . Then, the panel  306  is inserted into the receiving portion  304 . Food is provided either in contact with the points  392  provided on the second surface  310 , or provided within the tubular member  394  and pushed by the user with the pusher  396 . Then, the user can easily slide the food over the accessory so as to grate or cut the food with a relatively low risk of injury. 
   The panel  306  easily slides within the receiving portion  304  and the base  384  easily pivots with respect to the panel  306 . These 2 degrees of freedom allow a user to use the attachment  287  to slide a great variety of food having different dimensions and texture. 
   In addition, the attachment  287  allows to easily detach the tubular member  394  and the pusher  396  from the attachment  287 , and therefore from the frame  12 , by sliding the panel  306  out of the receiving portion  304 . This facilitates positioning of food on the accessory prior to processing. 
     FIGS. 13B-D  shows another embodiment of the slider  286  which comprises of the pusher  396  and the pusher base  308  with the vertical panel  306  and the attachment  296 . In this embodiment, the attachment  296  comprises a plurality of wheels  1051  which provides for the runner system. In addition, there is insertable and detachable wall  1050  which fits in the internal cavity of the pusher base  308 . There are aligning slots in the pusher  396  which are used when the insertable vertical wall  1050  is placed within the internal cavity of the plunger body  452 . 
     FIG. 14  illustrates, in an exploded view, the piston operated food processing device insert  104 . The reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a similar piston operated food processing device could be used as a stand-alone item without the requirement of being an insert for a base. The insert  104  includes a base  500  to which a lever  502 , including a handle  504 , is rotatably attached through two axles  506  inserted into the lever  502 , through holes  507 , and through mounting holes  508  provided on the base  500 . 
   A piston  512  is mounted on an axle  514  such as to be rotatably connected to the base  500 . The axle  514  is either permanently inserted into mounting holes  516  provided in the base  500  and a mounting hole  517  provided in the piston  512 , or alternatively, the axle  514  is removable from the mounting holes  516  and  517 . 
   In some embodiments of the invention the axle  514  takes the form of a magnetic pin  525  (see insert  523 ). In these embodiments, the magnetic pin  525  includes a magnetic and substantially flat head  527  and the base  500  includes a magnet for attracting the head  527 . Therefore, the magnetic pin is removably attachable to the base  500 . 
   Forces directed along a longitudinal axis of the magnetic pin  525  are typically small. Therefore, there is only a small risk that the magnetic pin  525  will become detached from the base  500  in normal use of the insert  104 . However, the magnetic pin  525  is removable from the base  500  without causing damages to the insert  104 . 
   In other embodiments of the invention (not shown in the drawings), an axle includes threads engaging a corresponding threaded bore within the base  500 , thereby allowing to removably attach this axle to the base  500 . In yet other embodiments of the invention, the piston  512  (shown in insert  522 ) includes an attachment clip  524  provided thereon. The attachment clip  524  allows to releasably attach the piston  512  to the axle  514 . 
   The piston  512  enters a sleeve  518  attached to the lever  502  through an axle  520 . The sleeve  518  attaches to the lever  502  similarly to the way in which the piston  512  attaches to the frame  500 . A pair of inserts  526  and  528  are respectively removably insertable into the sleeve  518  and the piston  512 . 
   The piston  512  is shown in more details on  FIG. 15 . The piston  512  includes first and second openings  532  and  534  defining a passage-way  536  through the piston  512  and two clips  538  along with the flange  540  for receiving and frictionally engaging the insert  528 . The insert  528  includes a grid-like blade  542  supported within a frame  544 , including a depression  546  for engaging the flange  540 , and two substantially flat portions  548  (only one of which is shown in  FIG. 15 ) for engaging the clips  538 . 
   The sleeve  518  is shown in detail on  FIG. 16 . The sleeve  518  receives the piston  512 . The sleeve  518  includes an opening  550  provided to match at least partially the opening  532  of the piston  512  when the piston  512  is inserted completely within the sleeve  518 . 
   The insert  526  includes a substantially flat panels  552  from which a plurality of protrusions  554  extend. In addition, the insert  526  includes two attachment clips  556  for engaging an end wall  558  of the sleeve  518 . The insert  526  also includes a flange  560  for engaging a bore  564  provided in the sleeve  518 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 17A to 17E , a plurality of combinations of inserts are usable in conjunction with the invention.  FIG. 17A  shows the pair of inserts  526  and  528 . These inserts have been described hereinabove with respect to the description of  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The inserts shown in  FIG. 17A  are usable, among other uses, to cut potatoes. 
     FIG. 17B  shows two alternative inserts  570  and  572  respectively insertable into the sleeve  518  and the piston  512 . The insert  570  includes a plurality of substantially circular protrusions matching corresponding substantially circular bores provided into the insert  572 . Among other uses, the insert  570  and  572  are useful for ricing potatoes. 
   Inserts  574  and  576 , shown on  FIG. 17C  and insertable respectively into the sleeve  518  and the piston  512 , each present a flat and continuous surface. One possible use for insert  574  and  576  is for crushing nuts. 
   As shown on  FIG. 17D , insert  578  is similar to insert  574  and insert  580  includes a plurality of substantially parallel blades  581  provided within a frame. Insert  580  is insertable into piston  512 , while insert  578  is insertable into the sleeve  518 . The inserts  578  and  580  are suitable for many applications, including, among others, slicing eggs. 
   Inserts  582  and  584 , shown on  FIG. 17E , are insertable respectively into the sleeve  518  and the piston  512 . The insert  582  includes a plurality of substantially circular protrusions matching corresponding substantially circular bores provided into the insert  584 . The protrusions and bores are sized such that inserts  582  and  584  are suitable for pressing garlic, among other uses. 
   In some embodiments of the invention, the parts of the insert  104  are attached together through screws or hook-like attachments incorporated into the structure of the insert  104  in ways that are well known in the art. 
   The operation of insert  104  will now be described in relation with  FIGS. 18A ,  18 B,  18 C,  19 A,  19 B and  19 C. In these Figures, Figures designated by a number followed by the same letter are different views of the insert  104  at the same stage of operation. Specifically,  FIGS. 18A to 18C  are perspective views corresponding to top views in  FIGS. 19A to 19C . 
   As shown in  FIG. 18A , at first the food, such as a potato, for example, is inserted into the sleeve  518  through the opening  550 . Then, the lever  502  is operated to move the piston  512  into the sleeve  518 . As shown in  FIG. 18B , when the piston  512  is substantially totally inserted into the sleeve  518 , a user can pick up food which has been cut by the insert  528  through the openings  550  and  532 . As the opening  534  is blocked by the sleeve  518 , the food stays within the sleeve  518 . 
   Subsequently, if the food is left within the piston  512  the user operates the handle  502  to retract the piston  512  from the sleeve  518 . Then, food is no longer supported by the sleeve  518  and can fall through the opening  534 . In this case, it can be advantageous, but not necessary, to have a receptacle positioned under the insert  104  to collect the food falling therethrough. 
   All parts described hereinabove include any suitable material, such as polymers, among others. Blades include a sharp edge preferably formed with a metallic material. However, it is within the scope of the invention to have blades, including alternative materials. 
     FIG. 20  illustrates a peeler insert  600  attachable to the frame  12 . The peeler insert  600  peels or pares, potatoes, apples and oranges, among other food items. In addition, the peeler insert  600 , in some embodiments, cores and slices the food. As for the other inserts, a peeler insert similar to the peeler insert  600  is used without the frame  12  in some embodiments of the invention. 
   The peeler insert  600  includes a base  602  defining a surface  599  from which two supports  601  and  603  extend substantially perpendicularly thereto. The support  601  supports a threaded axle  610  terminating in a fork  612 , wider than the corer  608 , at one extremity and attaching or connecting to a handle  614  at the other extremity. The threaded axle  610  is therefore threaded into or out from the support  601  by turning the handle  614 . The support  603  includes a threaded recess  605  for receiving a corer  608  taking the form of a cylinder having a sharpened extremity  609  and a threaded extremity  611  for engaging the treads of the recess  605 . 
   The base  602  receives an insert  604 , and optionally an insert  606 , into cavities  620  and  622  present in the base  602 . The inserts  604  and  606  are shaped similarly to the blade insert  199 , except that the inserts  604  and  606  do not include a blade and a tongue. Instead, the inserts  604  and  606  are slidable within the cavities  620  and  622  and reversibly lockable thereto through a latch  616  deflectable into openings  624  and  626  communicating with the cavities  620  and  622  and provided in the surface  599 . 
   The insert  606  includes a blade  630  detachably mounted to the insert  606  substantially perpendicularly to the surface  599 . The blade  630  has a cutting edge  632  oriented towards the corer  608 . 
   The insert  604  includes a peeling blade  634  mounted on a lever  636  biased substantially perpendicularly to the surface  599  and substantially aligned with the blade  630  when no food is supported within the insert  604 . The lever  636  is pivotably mounted on the insert  604 . In a specific embodiment of the invention, but non-limitatively, the lever  636  pivots only slightly on the insert  604 . In addition, the peeling blade  634  includes a cutting edge  661  substantially parallel to the surface  599 . 
   A button  638  operates a device (not shown in the drawings) allowing moving the axle  610  in and out of the support  601  with no rotation. Such devices are well known in the art and are therefore not described in more details therein. 
   In use, the axle  610  is pulled outwardly from the peeler  600  such that the fork  612  is in close proximity to the support  601 . Then, the food is impaled on the fork  612 . Subsequently, the handle  614  is turned by an intended user to advance and rotate the food within the peeler  600 . When the food contacts the peeling blade  634 , a slice of food peripheral to the food is cut. As the handle  614  turns, the food moves along an axis of the axle  610  while turning. Therefore, the peeling blade removes an helicoidal slice of food, thereby peeling or paring the food. The biased lever  636  allows the peeling blade  634  to be positioned according to a varying radius of the food with respect to the axle  610 . 
   When the food reaches the blade  632 , an helicoidal cut extending down to a predetermined distance from the center of the food is cut. This allows the corer  608 , through the sharpened extremity  609  to remove a central portion of the food, such as, for example, a core of an apple. Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the attendant claims attached hereto, this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.