Patent Publication Number: US-7216432-B2

Title: Culinary implement with interchangeable elements

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to culinary implements. The invention concerns, more particularly, a culinary implement with a handle and a rotatable head portion that is interchangeable with one of a plurality of other head portions. 
     2. Description of Background Art 
     A variety of culinary implements are utilized in the culinary arts, including knives, tenderizers, marinating tools, and mincers, for example. In general, each of these implements is a separate device and, in combination, may require a significant quantity of storage space. In order to limit the degree of storage space necessary for such culinary implements, various multi-purpose culinary implements have been proposed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,286 to Stowell, et al. discloses a culinary implement that includes a universal handle and a plurality of interchangeable portions that include a brush, a spatula, and a spoon. U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,708 to Thomas discloses a utensil holder for infants that includes interchangeable forks and spoons of various configurations. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,918 discloses a culinary implement with an interchangeable cutter, peeler, and brush. Although the various prior art devices may provide interchangeable elements, the devices do not provide an effective structure for interchanging a variety of rotatable elements. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a culinary implement that includes a handle, an attachment arm, and a head portion. The handle has an elongate configuration that defines a pair of ends and a longitudinal axis extending through the ends. The attachment arm is secured to the handle and extends beyond one of the ends of the handle. The attachment arm has a non-linear configuration that defines an end area of the attachment arm, and the end area incorporates a first part of an attachment mechanism. At least one of the end area and the first part define a rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The head portion is rotatable about the rotation axis, and the head portion incorporates a second part of the attachment mechanism. The second part is joinable with the first part to secure the head portion to the attachment arm, and the second part is separable from the first part to detach the head portion from the attachment arm. 
     The culinary implement may also include a release mechanism for separating the first part and the second part. The release mechanism may include an actuator and a connector, the actuator being incorporated into the handle and accessible from an exterior of the handle, and the connector extending through the attachment arm to join with both the actuator and the first part. 
     The head portion may also be interchangeable with an alternate head portion, the alternate head portion being joinable with the first part and rotatable about the rotation axis. In some embodiments, the head portion has a first width and the alternate head portion has a second width, the first width being greater than the second width. Despite the difference in widths, the longitudinal axis extends through a center of the first width when the head portion is secured to the attachment arm, and the longitudinal axis extends through a center of the second width when the alternate head portion is secured to the attachment arm. In addition, a side of the head portion may define a depression, and the end area of the attachment arm may extend into the depression when the head portion is secured to the attachment arm. 
     A plurality of projections may extend outward from the head portion, and the projections may have a twisted configuration. In some embodiments, the projections have a pyramidal shape that defines a point and a height axis extending inward from the point, and the projections may be deformed in a direction that extends around the height axis. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the head portion may be configured to perform a first function, and the handle may include a device for performing a second function that is different from the first function. The device may be positioned at the end located opposite the attachment arm, and the device may be a plurality of projections extend from the end of the handle located opposite the attachment arm. 
     The advantages and features of novelty characterizing the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. To gain an improved understanding of the advantages and features of novelty, however, reference may be made to the following descriptive matter and accompanying drawings that describe and illustrate various embodiments and concepts related to the invention. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing Summary of the Invention, as well as the following Detailed Description of the Invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a culinary implement having a first head portion, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the culinary implement. 
         FIG. 3  is a partial cut-away perspective view of the culinary implement. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the culinary implement. 
         FIG. 5  is a partially exploded perspective view of the culinary implement that includes the first head portion and second through fifth head portions. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the culinary implement with the second head portion. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the culinary implement with the third head portion. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the culinary implement with the fourth head portion. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the culinary implement with the fifth head portion. 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of the culinary implement with the fifth head portion. 
         FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the culinary implement with the fifth head portion. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose a culinary implement  10  in accordance with the present invention. Implement  10  is a multi-function device that is suitable for a plurality of culinary functions, such as cutting, mincing, flattening, marinating, or tenderizing, for example. The primary elements of implement  10  are a handle  20 , an attachment arm  30 , a variety of head portions  40   a – 40   e , and a release mechanism  50 . In general, handle  20  provides a structure for grasping implement  10 . Attachment arm  30  extends beyond an end of handle  20 , and one of head portions  40   a – 40   e  is rotatably-secured to attachment arm  30 . Release mechanism  50  is utilized to detach one of head portions  40   a – 40   e  from attachment arm  30 , thereby permitting a different one of head portions  40   a – 40   e  to be secured to attachment arm  30 . 
     Implement  10  is a multi-function device that is suitable for a plurality of culinary operations, such as cutting, mincing, flattening, marinating, or tenderizing, for example, depending upon the specific head portion  40   a – 40   e  that is secured to attachment arm  30 . A plurality of head portions with other configurations may also be secured to attachment arm  30  in order to configure culinary implement  10  for other culinary operations. Accordingly, head portions  40   a – 40   e  are disclosed to provide an example of the various head portion configurations that are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1–4 , implement  10  is depicted in combination with head portion  40   a , which is a rotating cutting device, such as a pizza cutter. Head portion  40   a  may, however, be interchanged with any of head portions  40   b – 40   e , as depicted in  FIG. 5 . More particularly, head portion  40   a  may be replaced with head portion  40   b , as depicted in  FIG. 6 , which is a rotating mincing device that includes three blades. Head portion  40   a  may also be replaced with head portion  40   c , as depicted in  FIG. 7 , which is a rotating flattening device that includes a generally flat, textured surface. In addition, head portion  40   a  may be replaced with head portion  40   d , as depicted in  FIG. 8 , which is a rotating marinating device that includes a plurality of elongate projections. 
     Furthermore, head portion  40   a  may be replaced with head portion  40   e , as depicted in  FIGS. 9–11 , which is a rotating tenderizing device that also includes a plurality of projections. Accordingly, an individual may interchange or otherwise secure any of head portions  40   a – 40   e  to attachment arm  30  in order to configure implement  10  for a specific culinary function. 
     Handle  20  exhibits a generally elongate configuration that provides a structure for grasping or holding implement  10 . Handle  20  is ergonomically-designed or otherwise contoured to conform to the shape of the hand and provide a comfortable interface between the hand and implement  10 . For purposes of reference, handle  20  includes a rearward end  21 , an opposite forward end  22 , and a longitudinal axis  23  (depicted for reference in  FIG. 11 ) that extends along the length of handle  20  and between ends  22  and  23 . As depicted in the various figures, handle  20  has a generally cylindrical shape that changes in girth along longitudinal axis  23  to impart the contoured shape. More particularly, handle  20  exhibits a relatively narrow girth adjacent rearward end  21 , and handle  20  increases in girth in areas that approach forward end  22 . In other embodiments of the invention, however, handle  20  may exhibit a less-contoured shape or may be contoured in other respects. Accordingly, the overall configuration of handle  20  may vary significantly within the scope of the present invention. 
     Attachment arm  30  extends outward from handle  20  to secure one of head portions  40   a – 40   e  beyond forward end  22  and in alignment with longitudinal axis  23 . Accordingly, attachment arm  30  extends from a side of handle  20  and beyond forward end  22 , and attachment arm  30  has a curved, angular, or otherwise non-linear configuration that does not interfere with the area immediately beyond forward end  22 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, head portions  40   a – 40   e  are secured to an end of attachment arm  30  and are rotatable with respect to handle  20  and attachment arm  30 . Accordingly, the specific shape of attachment arm  30  is selected to properly position head portions  40   a – 40   e  relative to handle  20 . 
     Handle  20  and attachment arm  30  are depicted in the figures as being formed of unitary (i.e., one-piece) construction. An advantage of the unitary construction is that handle  20  and attachment arm  30  may be formed in a single molding or casting operation, for example, thereby decreasing manufacturing costs. Another advantage of the unitary construction relates to overall durability. In use, significant forces may be induced in both handle  20  and attachment arm  30 . For example, the forces may attempt to bend each of handle  20  and attachment arm  30 , and the forces may induce a torsional load upon attachment arm  30 , for example. Following significant use, such forces may degrade a mechanical connection between handle  20  and attachment arm  30 , thereby limiting the utility of implement  10 . Accordingly, handle  20  and attachment arm  30  are formed of unitary construction to enhance the overall durability and useful life of implement  10 . In other embodiments of the invention, however, a sufficiently durable mechanical connection may be formed between handle  20  and attachment arm  30  when each are formed separately. 
     Suitable materials for handle  20  and attachment arm  30  include various metal and polymer materials, for example. With regard to metal materials, stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium provide suitable strength and corrosion-resistance for both handle  20  and attachment arm  30 . In addition, suitable polymer materials for handle  20  and attachment arm  30  include polyester, thermoset urethane, thermoplastic urethane, various nylon formulations, or blends of these materials. More particularly, handle  20  and attachment arm  30  may be formed from a high flex modulus polyether block amide, such as PEBAX, which is manufactured by the Atofina Company. Polyether block amide provides a variety of characteristics that benefit the present invention, including high impact resistance, few property variations in the temperature range of minus 40 degrees Celsius to positive 80 degrees Celsius, and resistance to degradation by a variety of chemicals. Another suitable material for handle  20  and attachment arm  30  is a polybutylene terephthalate, such as HYTREL, which is manufactured by E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company. Composite materials may also be formed by incorporating glass fibers or carbon fibers into the polymer materials discussed above, thereby enhancing the strength of handle  20  and attachment arm  30 . 
     Although handle  20  and attachment arm  30  may be formed from a single material, two or more materials may form handle  20  and attachment arm  30  in some embodiments of the invention. For example, a pair of elements  24  may extend over portions of handle  20  in order to provide a slip-resistant and semi-compressible covering for enhancing the comfort of implement  10 . Elements  24  may be formed from a foam or rubber material, for example, that is both durable and resistant to chemical degradation. Although elements  24  may be secured to the exterior of handle  20 , elements  24  may also be recessed into handle  20 . 
     Release mechanism  50  operates to secure head portion  40   a  (or one of the other head portions  40   b – 40   e ) to attachment arm  30  and also release head portion  40   a  from attachment arm  30 . Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the various components of release mechanism  50  include an actuator  51 , a connector  52 , a bushing  53 , a spring  54 , and a plurality of bearings  55 . Actuator  51  extends through or is otherwise accessible through an aperture  25  that is formed in a removable access element  26  of handle  20  and attachment arm  30 . One of elements  24  may extend over aperture  25  and actuator  51  to prevent matter from entering handle  20  through aperture  25 . Accordingly, actuator  51  extends through a lower area of handle  20  and is operable by the individual. Connector  52  is joined to actuator  51  and extends through attachment arm  30  to join with bushing  53 , which has a generally cylindrical configuration and is located in an end of attachment arm  30 . Spring  54  is joined to actuator  51  and depressably-holds actuator  51  in position within aperture  25 . In addition, bearings  55  protrude through apertures in bushing  54  and form protrusions on the inner surface of bushing  54 . Although this configuration of release mechanism  50  provides a suitable manner of securing and releasing head portions  40 – 40   e , a variety of other mechanisms may also be utilized within the scope of the present invention. 
     In order to secure head portion  40   a  to attachment arm  30 , an individual aligns a ribbed or otherwise grooved protrusion  41  on head portion  40   a  (and on each of head portions  40   b – 40   e ) with an end of attachment arm  30 , which corresponds with the location of bushing  53 . The individual then presses upon head portion  40   a  until protrusion  41  extends into bushing  53 . As protrusion  41  extends into bushing  53 , bearings  55  project into the various grooves of protrusion  41  and effectively prevent removal of protrusion  41 , thereby securing head portion  40   a  to attachment arm  30 . 
     In addition to securing head portion  40   a  to attachment arm  30 , release mechanism  50  also operates to release or otherwise separate head  40   a  from attachment arm  30 . In order to remove protrusion  41  from bushing  53 , the individual depresses actuator  51 , which impels connector  52  to move forward and dislocate bushing  53 . An interior surface of attachment arm  30  is textured to include a plurality of grooves that are similar in configuration to the grooves on protrusion  41 . When head portion  40   a  is secured within bushing  53 , bearings  55  are held in position by the ridges or protruding portions of the grooves. When bushing  53  is dislocated, however, bearings  55  may retreat from the apertures in bushing  53  and extend into the grooves. When placed within the grooves, bearings  55  do not protrude significantly through the apertures in bushing  54 , and protrusion  41  may slide from bushing  53 , thereby releasing head portion  40   a  from attachment arm  30 . The individual may then release actuator  51 , which returns to its original position due to the presence of spring  54 . 
     Head portion  40   a  has the configuration of a rotating cutting device, such as a pizza cutter, that includes a single circular rotating blade. In operation, an individual grasps handle  20  and places head portion  40   a  in contact with a foodstuff. The individual then rolls head portions  40   a  against the foodstuff until a desired amount of cutting is achieved. Accordingly, head portion  40   a  rotates relative to handle  20  and attachment arm  30 . The rotational movement of head portion  40   a  may be achieved by locating bearings at the interface of protrusion  41  and the primary, circular portion of head portion  40   a . Alternately, the rotational movement of head portion  40   a  may be achieved by designing release mechanism  50  such that protrusion  41  rotates relative to bushing  53 , or by designing release mechanism  50  such that protrusion  41  and bushing  53  rotate relative to handle  20  and attachment arm  30 . An advantage of designing release mechanism  50  to impart the rotational movement is that a secure, non-rotatable connection may be formed between protrusion  41  and the remainder of head portion  40   a . Accordingly, a variety of rotational mechanisms may be incorporated into implement  10  in order to promote the rotational movement of head portion  40   a.    
     Head portion  40   b  has the configuration of a rotating mincing device that includes three circular rotating blades that are spaced from each other. Whereas head portion  40   a  forms a single cut in a foodstuff, head portion  40   b  forms three parallel cuts that may be utilized to form strips of the foodstuff or to mince the foodstuff. In general, the three blades exhibit the same diameter as the blade of head portion  40   a , but may also have a different diameter. In addition, two or four blades, for example, may be incorporated into head portion  40   b.    
     Head portion  40   c  has the configuration of a rotating flattening device that includes a generally flat, textured surface. Whereas head portions  40   a  and  40   b  cut or mince the foodstuff, head portion  40   c  is utilized to flatten or otherwise smooth the foodstuff. In some embodiments of the present invention, the surface of head portion  40   c  may be entirely smooth and untextured to prevent or otherwise limit slippage of implement  10  relative to the foodstuff. As depicted in the figures, however, the surface of head portion  40   c  has a plurality of linear and y-shaped ridges. 
     Head portion  40   d  is a rotating marinating device that includes a plurality of elongate projections. In operation, the projections extend into the foodstuff and form perforations in the foodstuff, thereby permitting a marinade or other liquid to enter the foodstuff. Head portion  40   e  is a rotating tenderizing device that includes a plurality of projections that are both wider and shorter than the projections of head portion  40   d . The differing dimensions of the projections configure head portion  40   e  to be suitable for tenderizing the foodstuff. The projections of both head portions  40   d  and  40   e  exhibit a twisted configuration. More particularly, each of the projections are depicted as having a generally pyramidal shape that defines a point and a height axis extending inward from the point, and the projections are deformed in a direction that extends around the height axis. Accordingly, the projections generally have the configuration of a twisted pyramid. An advantage of the twisted configuration of the projections is that the foodstuff is not only perforated, but also stretched. Although the pyramidal shape of the projections depicted in the figures has four discrete sides, the pyramidal shape may have three discrete sides within some embodiments of the invention. In addition, other twisted shapes may be utilized for the various projections, such as the twisted configuration of a corkscrew shape, for example. In some embodiments, the projections may also exhibit a non-twisted configuration. 
     The relative locations of the various elements of implement  10  have an effect upon the usability and comfort of implement  10 , and will now be discussed with reference to  FIG. 11 . In general, handle  20  and head portion  40   e  (and the other head portions  40   a – 40   d  when secured to attachment arm  30 ) are located such that longitudinal axis  23  of handle  20  extends through a centerline  42  of head portion  40   e  when secured to attachment arm  30 . In other words, longitudinal axis  23  is aligned with a central area of head portion  40   e . This configuration limits the degree of torsional force that is transferred to handle  20  during use of implement  10 . If, for example, longitudinal axis  23  and centerline  42  of head portion  40   e  were not aligned, the torsional force would induce a twisting in handle  20  that may be perceived by the individual, and the individual would have to resist or otherwise counter the torsional force with additional effort. By aligning longitudinal axis  23  and centerline  42  of head portion  40   e , however, the torsional force is significantly reduced or eliminated. Similar considerations apply to head portions  40   a – 40   d.    
     Head portions  40   a – 40   e  each exhibit different widths, but are each configured such that the various centerlines  42  of each head portion  40   a – 40   e  align with longitudinal axis  23 . For example, head portion  40   e  has a significantly greater width than head portion  40   a . In order to ensure that the centerlines  42  of head portions  40   a  and  40   e  are aligned with longitudinal axis  23  when secured to attachment arm  30 , the side of head portion  40   e  with protrusion  41  forms a depression  44  that receives attachment arm  30 . In other words, the sides of each head portion  40   a – 40   e  are configured to locate protrusion  41  such that centerlines  42  align with longitudinal axis  23 . A depression  44  is also formed in each of head portions  40   c  and  40   d . In general, the depth of depression  44  increases as the width of head portions  40   c  and  40   d  increase, and the depth of depression  44  decreases as the width of head portions  40   c  and  40   d  decrease. Due to the lesser overall width of head portions  40   a  and  40   b , neither of these include a structure that corresponds with depression  44 . Accordingly, depression  44  permits centerlines  42  of the various head portions  40   c – 40   e  to align with longitudinal axis  23 . 
     Another feature of implement  10  that enhances the usability and comfort is the relative orientations of handle  23  and head portion  40   a . Referring to  FIG. 11 , a rotational axis  43  of head portion  40   e  (and the other head portions  40   b – 40   e  when secured to attachment arm  30 ) is perpendicular to longitudinal axis  23 . In use, the individual typically attempts to move head portion  40   e  in the direction of centerline  42 , which is perpendicular to rotational axis  43 . By orienting rotational axis  43  perpendicular to longitudinal axis  23 , the individual naturally moves head portion  40   e  in the direction of longitudinal axis  23  and centerline  42 . 
     Head portions  40   a – 40   e  provide a first culinary function, which includes either cutting, mincing, flattening, marinating, or tenderizing, for example. Implement  10  may be configured to provide a second culinary function that is separate from the function provided by head portions  40   a – 40   e . Referring to rearward end  21  of handle  20 , a generally textured area of handle  20  is depicted. The texture includes a plurality of relatively sharp projections that may be utilized for tenderizing the foodstuff. Accordingly, handle  20  may be configured to provide another culinary function. In addition to projections that are suitable for tenderizing, a blade that is suitable for cutting or a corkscrew, for example, may be included in rearward end  21 . Accordingly, handle  20  may be configured to impart a second culinary function to implement  10 . 
     Various features of implement  10  are disclosed in the above discussion. One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate, however, that the general structure of implement  10  may be modified significantly without altering the general function of implement  10 . For example, different head portions  40   a – 40   e  may be modified to provide different culinary functions, a magnetic attachment system may replace release mechanism  50 , or the shape of handle  20  may be modified. Accordingly, the present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.