Patent Abstract:
Exemplary systems and methods for storing a food item prior to cutting, for cutting the food item, and for supporting the food item for serving to a user after it has been cut are described herein. The exemplary system may include a cutting apparatus removably couplable to an open end of a collapsible apparatus having a collapsible region between the open end and a base. The system may be configured to store the food item until cut. Upon application of a sufficient compressive force, the collapsible apparatus collapses and causes the food item to be cut and moved out of the collapsible apparatus through the cutting apparatus. The system is configured to operate while maintaining the coupling between the cutting apparatus and the collapsible apparatus in all of a food storage configuration, a food cutting configuration and a food serving configuration, and transitions therebetween.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claimst he benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/884,519, filed Sep. 30, 2014. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Systems for cutting, wedging or slicing food including fruits, vegetables, meats or cheese, especially devices for cutting apples into sections have existed for many years. Unfortunately, a drawback to many conventional food slicing devices, and in particular, apple slicing devices, is that such apple slicers are not easily portable. 
         [0003]    Conventional apple slicers do not enclose a food item for sanitary travel, and they do not provide the user a sanitary surface on which to place the food item during the cutting process. A user has to provide a separate cutting surface such as a plate. Conventional apple slicers also do not protect the user from the cutting blade during travel, storage of the food item in the slicer apparatus and during the cutting process. 
         [0004]    Not all individuals can eat food items, such as an apple or pear in their whole form, but do desire the whole, unprocessed food nutrition. For example individuals trying to eat a healthy diet, but who do not enjoy eating a whole apple may still enjoy eating a sliced apple. Also, people of all ages with dental problems may have difficulty eating an apple in its whole state, but they may still be able to eat a sliced apple. For example, people with chipped teeth, children with loose or missing teeth, people with dentures, and the elderly. 
         [0005]    Many people also desire whole, unprocessed food nutrition on the go. For example, at sports activities, school, work, or while traveling, etc. Additionally, parents and caregivers often struggle to find snacks that kids like to eat, are healthy, economical, and do not include common allergens banned from many schools. 
         [0006]    Packaged pre-cut apples are available, but these contain preservatives, may not be available as an organic product, and come in a very limited variety. Packaged pre-cut apples also have shorter shelf life than whole apples, they still require refrigeration and do not taste as fresh. Accessibility is also a problem with packaged pre-cut apples. Packaged pre-cut apples are not as readily available and easily accessible as whole apples; not all stores that carry apples also carry packaged pre-cut apples. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The problems with storing food items for travel and for cutting and serving food items on the go may be addressed by the exemplary systems and methods described herein. For example, the exemplary systems and methods are able to protect and store a food item during travel, the storage system incorporating both a cutting apparatus and sanitary surface on which to cut and serve the food item, all in one elegant system. Furthermore, no decoupling of the components of the system may be required to transition from storing, to cutting, to serving the food item. 
         [0008]    One exemplary system for storing a food item prior to cutting, for cutting the food item, and for supporting the food item after it has been cut may include a cutting apparatus comprising an outer frame defining an interior cutting region, wherein the interior cutting region comprises one or more blades being supported by the outer frame. The collapsible apparatus may include a base configured to support the food item during the cutting process, an open end portion (e.g., a rigid ring or frame), and a collapsible region, wherein the collapsible region extends (e.g., spans the space or distance) between the base and the open end portion. The cutting apparatus may be removably couplable to the open end portion of the collapsible apparatus. 
         [0009]    In at least on embodiment, the blades include a sharpened end (e.g., chamfered edge) facing the base of the collapsible apparatus (e.g., direction of collapsible region) in any or all of a food storage configuration, a food cutting configuration, and a food serving configuration. 
         [0010]    In at least one embodiment, the system is configured to operate while maintaining the coupling (e.g., fixed or substantially fixed coupling) between the cutting apparatus and the open end portion of the collapsible apparatus in all of a food storage configuration, a food cutting configuration, and a food serving configuration. 
         [0011]    One exemplary system for storing a food item prior to cutting, for cutting the food item in a cutting process, and for supporting the food item after it has been cut may include a cutting apparatus including an outer frame defining an interior cutting region. The interior cutting region may include one or more blades being supported by the outer frame. The exemplary system may further include a collapsible apparatus including a base configured to support the food item during the cutting process, an open end portion, and a collapsible region. The collapsible region may extend between the base and the open end portion, and the collapsible region is configured to collapse during the cutting process. The system is couplable such that the cutting apparatus is removably couplable to the open end portion of the collapsible apparatus. The coupled system including a first configuration having a first volume and a first height, and a second configuration having a second volume and a second height, such that the first volume is greater than the second volume, and the first height is greater than the second height. In addition, when the cutting apparatus is coupled to the collapsible apparatus, the cutting apparatus may be closer to the base in the second configuration than in the first configuration. 
         [0012]    In one or more embodiments, the first configuration may be a food storage configuration and the second configuration may be a food serving configuration and further wherein the transition between the first configuration and second configuration may be a food cutting configuration. 
         [0013]    In one or more embodiments, the open end of the collapsible apparatus comprises at least a portion of a coupling mechanism configured to allow coupling of the cutting apparatus to the collapsible apparatus. 
         [0014]    In one or more embodiments, the base of the collapsible apparatus of the base may include one or more projections. The projections may include a height extending from a top surface of the base towards the open end of the collapsible apparatus, and when the cutting apparatus and the collapsible apparatus are in the fully collapsed configuration, the blades occupy the space in between, but the blades may not come into contact with the protrusions. 
         [0015]    In many embodiments, the second height is at least 51% less than the first height. In some embodiments, the second height may be further defined to be at least 65% less than the first height. 
         [0016]    In one or more embodiments, a cross section of the collapsible apparatus in the second configuration taken along a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane of the open end the collapsible apparatus includes a zig-zag portion. 
         [0017]    In one or more embodiments, at least one of the blades may include a sharpened end (e.g., edge) facing the base of the collapsible apparatus in all of the food storage configuration, the food cutting configuration, and the food serving configuration. 
         [0018]    In one or more embodiments, at least one of the blades comprises a chamfer (e.g., knife-like) on the edge of the blade facing the base when the cutting apparatus is coupled to the collapsible apparatus. 
         [0019]    In or more embodiments, the cutting apparatus does not move relative to the open end of the collapsible apparatus in all of a food storage configuration, a food cutting configuration, and a food serving configuration. 
         [0020]    In one or more embodiments, the cutting apparatus does not move relative to the open end portion of the collapsible apparatus during the cutting process. 
         [0021]    In one or more embodiments, the cutting apparatus comprises handles configured to receive and transfer the force to cut the food item, and further wherein the handles also provide at least a partial covering of the interior cutting region. 
         [0022]    In one or more embodiments, the collapsible apparatus is made of a resilient material, including, but not limited to, silicone. 
         [0023]    In one or more embodiments, a gap is maintained between the blades and the collapsible region when the cutting apparatus is coupled to the collapsible apparatus in any or all of the food storage configuration, the food cutting configuration and food serving configuration. 
         [0024]    In one or more embodiments, the base comprises a food retention feature configured to receive, pierce and retain the food item in the food storage configuration. 
         [0025]    One or more exemplary methods for storing a food item prior to cutting the food item, for cutting the food item, and for supporting the food item after it has been cut may include providing a collapsible apparatus comprising a base configured to support the food item during a cutting process. The collapsible apparatus may include an open end portion, a base, and a collapsible region. The collapsible region may be coupled or affixed to and extend (e.g., span the space or distance) between the base and the open end portion (e.g., from the base to the open end portion, or from the top surface of the base (e.g., the surface opposite the bottom surface which supports the food item), to the proximal surface (bottom) of the open end portion. Prior to placing the food item into the collapsible apparatus, the collapsible apparatus may be expanded. Once the collapsible apparatus is expanded the food item may be placed into the collapsible apparatus (however, it may be possible for the food item to be placed into the collapsed collapsible apparatus, and then expand the collapsible apparatus afterward). Then, a cutting apparatus including an outer frame defining an interior cutting region may be coupled to the collapsible apparatus. The interior cutting region may include one or more blades (or wires, etc.) being supported by the outer frame. Then, the collapsible apparatus may be collapsed such that collapsing the collapsible apparatus results in the food item being cut and passing at least a portion of the food item through the interior cutting region and out of (e.g., mostly out of or substantially out of, the collapsible apparatus. Collapsing the collapsible apparatus results in the system being reduced from a first configuration having a first height and first volume to a second configuration having a second height and second volume, the first height may be greater than the second height, and the first volume may be greater than the second volume. 
         [0026]    In one or more embodiments, the cut food item may be presented to a user when the collapsible apparatus is in a collapsed configuration without de-coupling the cutting apparatus from the collapsible apparatus. 
         [0027]    In one or more embodiments, the food item may be pierced with a food retention feature of the base when placing the food item into the collapsible apparatus. Piercing the food item with the food retention feature may retain the food item (e.g., in a desired orientation) during travel. 
         [0028]    In one or more embodiments of a method, when collapsing the system, the second height is at least 51% less than the first height. In one or more embodiments of the method, the second height is at least 65% less than the first height. A range of reduction in heights and volumes is possible depending on the characteristics of the embodiment. The range of reduction in heights and volumes is further described herein. 
         [0029]    Exemplary systems and methods for storing a food item prior to cutting, for cutting the food item, and for supporting the food item for serving to a user after it has been cut are described herein. The exemplary system may include a cutting apparatus removably couplable to an open end of a collapsible apparatus having a collapsible region between the open end and a base. The system may be configured to store the food item until cut. Upon application of a sufficient compressive force, the collapsible apparatus collapses and causes the food item to be cut and be moved out of the collapsible apparatus passing through and out of or mostly (e.g., substantially) out of the cutting apparatus. The system is configured to operate while maintaining the coupling between the cutting apparatus and the collapsible apparatus in all of a food storage configuration, a food cutting configuration and a food serving configuration, and all transitions therebetween. 
         [0030]    The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. A more complete understanding will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]      FIG. 1A  is a side view of an exemplary system for storing, cutting and serving a food item in an expanded or food storage configuration. Note: Portions within the outer frame are depicted with hidden lines, and portions of the collapsible apparatus are shown translucent, for the sake of clarity. A food item is also depicted in the system. 
           [0032]      FIG. 1B  is a side view of the system of  FIG. 1A  in a collapsed or food serving configuration. Note: the entire food item is not shown. 
           [0033]      FIG. 1C  is a top view of the cutting apparatus of the exemplary system of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0034]      FIG. 1D  is an side view of the system of  FIG. 1A  in a de-coupled configuration. 
           [0035]      FIG. 1E  is a example of a sectional view of a sharpened blade taken along line A-A in  FIG. 1C . 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  is a top view of another exemplary cutting apparatus. 
           [0037]      FIG. 3A  is a de-coupled assembly side view of another exemplary system for storing, cutting and serving a food item in an expanded or food storage configuration with handles in a storage position or food covering orientation. Note: portions of the embodiment are shown translucent, and a food item is depicted in the system for the sake of clarity. 
           [0038]      FIG. 3B  is a side view of the coupled system of  FIG. 3A  with the handles in a food cutting configuration or opened orientation. 
           [0039]      FIG. 4A  is perspective view of another exemplary system for storing, cutting and serving a food item in an expanded and de-coupled configuration. 
           [0040]      FIG. 4B  is a sectional view of the collapsible apparatus of the exemplary system of  FIG. 4A  in the expanded and de-coupled configuration taken along a diameter line passing through the central axis of the collapsible apparatus. 
           [0041]      FIG. 4C  is a sectional view of the collapsible apparatus of  FIG. 4A  in a collapsed configuration taken along a diameter line passing through the central axis of the collapsible apparatus. An exemplary embodiment of a cutting apparatus is also provided. 
           [0042]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view of another exemplary collapsible apparatus in a collapsed configuration taken along a diameter line passing through the central axis of the collapsible apparatus including an alternate base design. Note: the cutting apparatus of  FIG. 4C  is also provided, for the sake of clarity. 
           [0043]      FIG. 6A  is a close-up perspective view of an embodiment of a base of a collapsible apparatus of an exemplary system. 
           [0044]      FIG. 6B  is a close-up perspective view of another embodiment of a base of a collapsible apparatus of an exemplary system. 
           [0045]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart of a exemplary method for storing, cutting and serving a food item. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0046]    In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawing which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments which may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from (e.g., still falling within) the scope of the disclosure presented hereby. 
         [0047]    Exemplary embodiments shall be described with reference to  FIGS. 1-7 . It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that elements (e.g., apparatus, structures, parts, portions, regions, configurations, functionalities, method steps, materials, etc.) from one embodiment may be used in combination with elements of the other embodiments, and that the possible embodiments of such apparatus, systems and methods using combinations of features set forth herein is not limited to the specific embodiments shown in the figures and/or described herein. Further, it will be recognized that the embodiments described herein may include many elements that are not necessarily shown to scale. Still further, it will be recognized that the size and shape of various elements herein may be modified but still fall within the scope of the present disclosure, although certain one or more shapes and/or sizes, or types of elements, may be advantageous over others. 
         [0048]    Exemplary systems for storing a food item, cutting a food item and supporting a food item for serving are described herein. Generally, the exemplary apparatus may include a cutting apparatus and a collapsible apparatus that may be configured to contain, store and protect a food item until the user decides to cut it. For example, the food may be stored (e.g., in transit from home to work or school, while traveling, en route to a picnic or sports events, etc.) in its whole, or mostly whole form inside the system until the user wishes to cut the food item. When the user decides to cut the food item, the user may do so by applying a compressive force to the system, collapsing the collapsible apparatus, and in the process of collapsing, causing the food item to be cut and move out (e.g. completely, mostly or substantially move out) of the system/collapsible apparatus through the cutting apparatus. 
         [0049]    The exemplary system and apparatus may be described in terms of various configurations or states. As described, the states of the system may also apply to the individual structures thereof. For example, when the food item is stored inside the system and the collapsible container in its expanded state (e.g., fully, mostly or substantially expanded state), it may be described herein that the system is in, or is configured in, a food storage configuration (e.g., expanded, non-collapsed, uncollapsed, substantially expanded, or mostly expanded configuration). 
         [0050]    When the food item is stored inside the system, and the food item is in the process of being cut with the collapsible container in an intermediate cutting configuration, (e.g., partially collapsed, partially expanded), it may be described herein that the system (or structures thereof) is in, or is configured in, a food cutting configuration. 
         [0051]    Finally, when the collapsible apparatus, or structures of the system are in the fully, mostly or substantially collapsed state, and the food item has been cut and most of the food item has traveled out of the system, it may be described herein that they system is in, or is configured in, a food serving configuration (e.g., fully, mostly or substantially collapsed, etc.). 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1E , the system  10  includes a cutting apparatus  20  and a collapsible apparatus  60 . The cutting apparatus  20  is removably couplable to the collapsible apparatus  60 . The system  10  may also include a cover  80  which may be coupled to the cutting apparatus  20  by cover retention feature  96 . The cutting apparatus  20  and the collapsible apparatus  60  include features that may be used separately rather than as part of the system  10 , but will be described herein as part of a system. 
         [0053]    The cutting apparatus  20  includes an outer frame  30  that may be formed in a ring or circular shape defining an interior cutting region  31 . Blades  40  may span interior cutting region  31 . Outer frame  30  has an outer surface  30   a  and an inner surface  30   b  defining a thickness. In some embodiments, the thickness may be substantially even around the outer frame  30 , in other embodiments the thickness may vary. The outer frame  30  may also be a rectangle, polygon, square, octagon, irregular or any other suitable shape, depending on the food item F intended to be cut. 
         [0054]    Outer frame  30  may include an entrance surface  38  on the surface of the outer frame  30  or cutting device  20  that may be the surface most proximal to the collapsible apparatus  60  (e.g., bottom surface) when the outer frame  30  is coupled to collapsible apparatus  60 . The entrance surface  38  may be intersected by entrance plane  28 . Entrance surface  38  may also be the surface of the outer frame  30  or cutting device  20  that is closest to a cutting end portion  46  (e.g., edge) of blades  40  as discussed herein. Entrance surface  38  and entrance plane  28  may be perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to outer surface  30   a  and/or inner surface  30   b , and/or central axis  29 . 
         [0055]    Outer frame  30  may also include an exit surface  37  (e.g., top surface) opposite or distal from entrance surface  38  and may be intersected by exit plane  27 . Exit surface  37  may also be the surface of outer frame  30  that is closest to a trailing end portion  48 , or upper end  50  of blades  40 . The exit surface  37  may be or the surface of outer frame  30  that is most distal a cutting end e portion  46 , as discussed herein. Exit surface  37  may be perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to outer surface  30   a  and/or inner surface  30   b  and/or central axis  29 . The height of the outer frame  30  may be defined as the distance from the entrance surface  38  to the exit surface  37 . 
         [0056]    Outer frame  30  may be rigid and formed from plastic, stainless steel, other metals, ceramic, a combination of materials, a composite, or any other material of sufficient strength and durability to withstand the force required to pass the blades through the food item F. As shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 D,  3 A and  3 B, the food item F may include foods such as an apple, but may also be any suitable food including, but not limited to, pears, citrus fruits including lemons, limes grapefruit and oranges, cheese, meat, potatoes, jicama, mango, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, radishes, water chestnut, carrots, peppers, banana and pineapple etc. 
         [0057]    The cutting apparatus  20  includes one or more blades  40 . In some embodiments, such as those directed to cutting apples or pears, the cutting apparatus  20  may include a central blade  42  (e.g., may be a ring shape or other suitable shape) which may be centrally located within the outer frame  30 . The central blade  42  may serve to core the food item F. Extending blades  44  may extend away from the central blade  42  (e.g., radially or otherwise). In other words, the extending blades  44  may span the distance between the ring blade  42  and the outer frame  30 . Each of the extending blades  44  may be identical or substantially similar to one another and may divide the annular space between the outer frame  30  and the central blade  42  into equal or unequal open portions  94 . In some embodiments extending blades may extend across the outer frame  30  or between each other instead. 
         [0058]      FIG. 1E  shows a sectional view of one embodiment of a blade  40  ( 42 ,  44 ) taken along line A-A in  FIG. 1C . The cross section of both central blade  42  and extending blade  44  may be the same or similar. Thus for the sake of brevity, the sectional view of the blade will be discussed in relation to extending blades  44  herein, but features discussed may be applied to blade  42  as well. Each or any of the blades  44  may have a longitudinal length along the longitudinal axis  49  of the blade  44 . Each of blades  44  extends a length from the first end  43  to the second end  45  along longitudinal axis  49  and may span a portion of the interior cutting region  31  of the outer frame  30 . Each blade  44  may lie in respective blade planes  41 . 
         [0059]    Each or any of blades  40  has a thickness  97  from a first surface  97   a  to a second surface  97   b . Blades  40  may include the cutting end (e.g., edge) portion  46 , which may include a sharpened end (e.g., edge) portion  47  that may initiate the cutting process by penetrating food item F. The cutting end portion  46  may terminate at lower end  51 . Blades  40  may also include the trailing end portion  48 , terminating at upper end (e.g., edge)  50 . The cutting end portion  46  of each or any of blades  40 , may be sharpened, or knife-like (e.g., beveled, angled, chamfered, or narrowing in thickness towards the cutting end  46 ) to decrease the compressive force required to cut a food item F, allowing for easier cutting. As shown in  FIG. 1E , the trailing end portion  48  (edge that may not initiate cutting) is located distal (e.g. opposite) to the cutting end portion  46  and may be unsharpened. However, in some embodiments, either or both of the cutting end portion  46  or the trailing end portion  48  may be sharpened, only one may be sharpened, or neither may be sharpened, or they may be sharpened to different degrees. The height of blades  40  may be defined as the distance from the upper end  50  to the lower end  51 . 
         [0060]    In one or more embodiments, when the cutting device  20  is coupled to collapsible device  60 , the sharpened end(s)  47  of one or more blades  40  may face the base  70  of collapsible apparatus  60 . In this configuration, the user is protected from sharpened ends  47  of the blades  40 . 
         [0061]    The cutting end portion  46 , the sharpened end portion  47 , or the lower end  51  may be proximate, adjacent, terminate at, or intersect a cutting plane  26 , or alternatively at the entrance plane  28  of the cutting apparatus  20 . The cutting plane  26  may defined by the plane, that when the food item crosses it, the blades  40  penetrate the food item, initiating the cutting process. Cutting plane  26  may perpendicular to, or substantially perpendicular to the central axis  29  and/or a surface of the outer frame  30  ( 30   a ,  30   b ). Cutting plane  26  may be parallel to or substantially parallel to any of the entrance plane  38 , the exit plane  37 , or base  70 , including a top surface  72  or a bottom surface  74 , or a plane intersection base  70  and perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to central axis  29 . 
         [0062]    As depicted in  FIG. 1E  each or any of the blades  44  may have a respective blade plane defined by plane  41 , although blades  44  need not be completely straight (e.g., may be wavy or non-linear). Blade plane  41  passes, or substantially passes through the blade  44  extending from a first end portion  43  to a second end portion  45 , and from the cutting end portion  46  to the trailing end portion  48 . Blade plane  41  may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to any of the exit plane  22 , the coupling plane  24 , and/or the entrance plane  26  of the cutting device  20  (although in some embodiments the blade plane  41  may not be perpendicular). Blade plane  41  of the extending blades  44  may also be perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular to central axis  28  of the outer frame  30  (although in some embodiments the blade plane  41  may not be perpendicular). The blades may be formed of metal, such as stainless steel, but may also be formed from ceramic, plastic, composites, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, such as an embodiment for cutting foods such as cheese, wires (e.g., metal, plastic, etc.) may be provided in place of blades  40 . 
         [0063]    The cutting apparatus  20  is configured to be removably couplable to the collapsible apparatus  60 , and/or vice-versa. The collapsible apparatus  60  may be attached to the cutting apparatus  20  at mating and force transfer surfaces  499   a ,  499   b  which are intersected by one or more mating and force transfer planes  25 . The mating and force transfer surfaces (not shown in  FIGS. 1A-1E , but shown in  FIG. 4C  as  499   a ,  499   b  provide a mating surface at which the compressive forces may be transmitted from the cutting apparatus (e.g., as in  420 ) to the collapsible apparatus (e.g., as in  460 ). The system may store the food item F within the system  10  in a cutting orientation. The collapsible apparatus  60  may also protect the user from the cutting end portions  46  of blades  40  when the collapsible apparatus  60  and the cutting apparatus  20  are coupled to each other in any of the food storage, food cutting or food serving configurations. The collapsible apparatus  60  and cutting apparatus  20  may be removably coupled via coupling mechanism  92   a , as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-1D  as engaging with an coupling mechanism  92   b  (the proximal end  64   b  of the open end portion  64  (e.g., frame, ring) of the collapsible apparatus). As shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  1 D, a snap fit connection (e.g., tongue and groove type retention feature) may be engaged and disengaged along pivot path R. 
         [0064]    Cutting apparatus  20  may further include handles  32  of sufficient strength and size to enable a user to apply a compressive pressure to the system  10 , to cut the food item F. 
         [0065]    Collapsible apparatus  60  (e.g., foldable apparatus) may be configured to completely or partially contain (hold, enclose, house, surround, cover receive, protect) a food item F when the food item F is placed into reservoir  61  of the collapsible apparatus  60  via open end portion  64  (e.g., frame, ring). Collapsible apparatus  60  may be a bowl, a cup, or any other suitable container, a flexible bag or enclosure for storing and/or supporting a food item and/or providing and integral and/or sanitary surface, via base  70 , on which to cut the food item. 
         [0066]    Collapsible apparatus  60  includes a collapsible region  62 . Collapsible region  62  may extend all or a portion of the region between the open end portion  64  and base  70 . Collapsible region  62  may include a variety of formations to facilitate collapsing, including, but not limited to living hinges or thin walled sections. In other embodiments, flexible materials with no formations may facilitate the collapsing mechanism. Any other suitable collapsing mechanism as is known in the art may be incorporated. 
         [0067]    Base  70  may be configured to support food item F in all or any of the food storage configuration, a food cutting configuration, and a food serving configuration. Base  70  may include a bottom surface  74  most distal from the open end portion  64 , and a top surface  72  opposite the bottom surface  74 . The top surface  72  may be closer to the open end portion  64  than the bottom surface  74  when the collapsible apparatus  60  is in the expanded or food storage configuration. 
         [0068]    Base  70  may be made of a material that is harder or more resistant to cutting than the collapsible region  62 . Base  70  may be made of nylon, polypropylene, metal, ceramic, composites, glass, a combination of materials, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the material may be selected such that it is hard enough to withstand contact with the blades  40  without being damaged or is resistant to damage (e.g., contact without substantially affecting the structural integrity of the base  70 ). In one or more embodiments, the top surface  72  of base  70  may be made of a harder material than the bottom surface  74  of base  70 . The bottom surface  74  of base  70  may further include grippy feet or high friction surfaces or features to prevent the base  70  of collapsible apparatus  60  from slipping during use. Base  70  may also be made of resilient or elastomeric material, and further may be integrally formed with collapsible region  62 . 
         [0069]    In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of base  70  may be formed as a condiment reservoir removably couplable to the system (e.g., to the collapsible apparatus). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the base  70  may be configured to hold and contain a condiment (e.g., carmel or other dip). All or a portion of base  70  may be configured to be removable (e.g., via threads or snap-fit attachment, or other suitable attachment), allowing the user to remove and access a condiment container in a portion of base  70 . Alternatively, cover  80  could be configured as a removable condiment reservoir. 
         [0070]    In one or more embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D , the open end portion  64  of the collapsible apparatus  60  may be made of a material that is more rigid than the material of the collapsible region  62  (although in some embodiments, the open end portion  64  may be made of the same material as the collapsible region  62  or an altered version of the same material). The open end portion  64  may provide a variety of coupling surfaces or coupling features for connection with the cutting apparatus  20 . The open end portion  64  may also provide stability to the collapsible region  62 , both in static stability and/or during collapsing of the system. As shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  1 D, the distal surface  64   a  (e.g., top surface, surface of open end portion  64  more distal from base  70 ) of open end portion  64  may be in contact with the coupling plane of the cutting device  20  when coupled. The proximal surface  64   b  (bottom surface, surface of open end portion  64  more proximal to the base  70  than the distal surface  64   a ) of the open end portion  64  may be proximate, adjacent to, affixed, coupled to, or directly coupled to the collapsible region  62 . Proximal surface  64   b  may also provide a portion of the coupling mechanism  92   b , as shown with the snap fit connection provided by coupling mechanism  92   a  when in contact with coupling mechanism  92   b  (e.g., proximal surface  64   b ) as shown in  FIG. 1A . The coupling mechanism  92   a ,  92   b  may be release along release path R. Any suitable feature, including a separate feature for coupling to mechanism  92   b , other than bottom surface  64   b  may be provided on open end portion  64 . 
         [0071]    Collapsible apparatus  60  may be reduced in size (e.g., height, volume) from a first configuration, or food storage configuration in which collapsible apparatus  60  is expanded and may store the food item F, to a second configuration or food serving configuration in which the collapsible apparatus  60  is collapsed and has cut the food item F and is configured to support a food item F and present it to a user for consumption. The food serving configuration can also be the same or similar to a non-use configuration (e.g., for storing the system  10  in a drawer or cabinet). 
         [0072]    The food cutting configuration or intermediate configuration may include the range of sizes in between the food storage configuration and the food serving configuration (e.g., post-cut configuration), when the food item F is in the process of being cut. 
         [0073]    In particular, collapsible apparatus  60  may accomplish this change in size by being collapsible or foldable (e.g., upon itself, pleated) in at least the collapsible region  62 . In one or more embodiments all or a portion of the collapsible apparatus  60  or collapsible region  62  may be formed of a resilient or elastomeric material(s) such as silicone or silicone composites. In other embodiments, collapsible region  62  may be formed of woven or non-woven textiles, plastic, rubber, composites, or any other suitable material, or any combination of materials. The materials used in manufacturing of any or all components of the system  10  may be food grade materials, and may be reusable or disposable. 
         [0074]    The collapsible apparatus  60  or system  10  may be collapsed (e.g., reduced in height and/or volume) from the food storage configuration to the food serving configuration. The food serving configuration may include a height or volume at least 75% less than the storage configuration. The food serving configuration may also include a height and/or volume at least 10% less, at least 20% less, at least 30% less, at least 40% less, at least 50% less, at least 55% less, at least 60% less, at least 70% less, at least 80% less, at least 85% less, at least 90% less or at least 95% less than the storage configuration, depending on which features and geometries are included in the system. In theory, the more the height and volume can be collapsed, the better, for the sake of compact storage. However, the reduction of height and/or volume must be within reason to allow for the following: sufficient blade  40  height for cutting, appropriate coupling of the cutting apparatus  20  to the collapsible apparatus  60 , sufficient strength to outer frame  30 , and to prevent contact of the blades  40  with the collapsible region  62  when the collapsible apparatus  60  is in the food serving configuration. In some embodiments a height or volume reduction of more than 50%, for example, 51% to 90% may be preferred to meet these criteria or even 55% o 90%, with a height or volume reduction of 65% to 90% being more preferable, and a height or volume reduction of at least 65% being sufficient, but a height or volume reduction of at least 75% being more preferable, and a height or volume reduction of at least 80% being even more preferable. 
         [0075]    The height of the collapsible apparatus may be defined as the distance from the bottom surface  74  of the base  70  (which is the base surface most distal from the open end portion  64 ) to the distal surface  64   a  (top surface) of the open end portion  64 . The height of the system  10  being defined as the distance from the bottom surface of the base  74  to the exit surface  37  of the outer frame, and may exclude any height contributed by handles  32 . 
         [0076]    The volume of the collapsible apparatus may be defined as either or both of an internal volume of the collapsible apparatus  60  and an external volume occupied by collapsible apparatus  60 . 
         [0077]    The external volume of the system  10  may be defined as the external volume occupied by the system  10 , and may exclude handles  32 . The internal volume of the system  10  may be defined as the internal volume contained within the system  10  from the top surface of the base  72  up to the exit surface  37 , when the cutting apparatus  20  and the collapsible apparatus  60  are coupled. 
         [0078]    The cutting apparatus  20  may be removably couplable to the open end portion of the collapsible apparatus  64  such that when the cutting apparatus  20  is coupled to the collapsible apparatus  60 , the cutting apparatus  20  may closer to the base in the food serving configuration (e.g., second configuration) than in the food storage configuration (e.g., first configuration). In many embodiments, the cutting apparatus  20  does not move relative to the open end portion  64  of the collapsible apparatus  60  in any or all of a food storage configuration, a food cutting configuration, and a food serving configuration. However, in some embodiments, the cutting apparatus  20  may move relative to the open end portion  64  of the collapsible apparatus  60 . 
         [0079]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , other blade geometries are possible. In one or more embodiments, the cutting apparatus  220  may be substantially similar to cutting apparatus  20  in most respects other than blade arrangement. Cutting apparatus  220  may include an outer frame  230  and a central blade  242  as previously described. However, the remaining blades  244  need not necessarily radially extend from the central blade  242 . For example, the blade configuration shown in  FIG. 2  includes a right angled grid which may be provided with or without the central blade  242 . In order to cut rectangular prisms (e.g., french fry shaped pieces), extending blades  244  may span and divide the annular space between the outer frame  230  and the central blade  242  into open portions  294 . The open portions may be square or mostly square sections with some irregular shaped sections. The irregular shaped sections may be located anywhere, but as shown in  FIG. 2 , are specifically near or directly adjacent to the central blade  242  and near or directly adjacent to the outer frame  230 . In other words, the extending blades form a grid of blades surrounding the central blade  242 . Other embodiments, a grid including acute and obtuse angles instead of right angles may be provided, resulting in parallelogram, or other polygonal shapes. 
         [0080]    Another exemplary system  310  for storing, cutting and serving a food item F is depicted in  FIGS. 3A-3B . Several features and/or portions of the exemplary system  310  may be similar to the exemplary system  10  described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1A-1E . For example, the outer frame  330 , blades  340 , planes  325 - 329 , central axis  329 , portions of base  370 , portions of cutting apparatus  320  and collapsible apparatus  360  and subcomponents thereof, may be similar to the outer frame  30 , blades  40 , planes  25 - 28 , central axis  29 , portions of base  70 , portions of cutting apparatus  20  and collapsible apparatus  60 , and subcomponents thereof of the apparatus of  FIGS. 1A-1E . Further, for example, the food storage configuration, the cutting configuration and the serving configuration and mechanisms of the exemplary system  310  may be similar to the food storage configuration, the cutting configuration and food serving configuration and mechanisms of the exemplary system  10 . As such, such features and/or portions may not be further descried herein or may not be described in the same level of detail, and it is to be understood that one or more such features and/or portions may be used interchangeably between each and every embodiment described herein. 
         [0081]    As shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 3A-3B , the coupling mechanisms  392   a  (depicted by hidden lines),  392   b  may include threads  365 . Threads  365  may be arranged in any suitable manner within the structures of the system to facilitate coupling. Threads  365  may be provided as shown, or may be provided in any suitable arrangement. For example, in some embodiments, the threads  365  could be located on the external circumferential surface of the outer frame  30 , and the mating threads could be located on the inner surface of the open end portion  364  of collapsible apparatus  60 . 
         [0082]      FIGS. 3A-3B  depict a handle construction that may be incorporated into one or more embodiments, including handles  332  which may be movable between a storage configuration and a cutting configuration. The handles  332  may be more compactly arranged with respect to the cutting apparatus  320  in the storage configuration than in a cutting configuration. The handles  332  of  FIGS. 3A-3B  may also act as a cover for the food item F and/or blades  340  (not shown) of the cutting apparatus  320  (e.g., during travel). The handles  332  in the depicted embodiment may be pivotable around an axis through point  336  along path O. In other embodiments, the handles  332  may be slidable in/out of slots in outer frame  330  or pivotable about an axis other than an axis through point  336 . For example, in some embodiments, the handle may be pivotable around an an axis passing through the outer frame  330  that is parallel to central axis  329 ). A stop feature  334  may be provided on the outer frame  330 , or on the handle  332 , or any other component of the system to stop the handle  332  from rotating too far to be effective for transferring a compressive force applied to handle  332  to the system  310  to collapse system  310 . 
         [0083]    As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B , in some embodiments, the collapsible region  362  may or may not necessarily include geometric formations to facilitate collapsing apparatus  360 . In these embodiments, the material chosen may have favorable collapsing characteristics, even in the absence of geometric formations to facilitate collapsing. 
         [0084]    Another exemplary system  410  for storing, cutting and serving a food item F is depicted in  FIGS. 4A-4C . Several features and/or portions of the exemplary system  410  may be similar to the exemplary system  10  described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1A-1E . For example, the outer frame  430 , blades  440 , planes  425 - 428 , central axis  429 , portions of base  470 , portions of cutting apparatus  420  and collapsible apparatus  460 , open end portion  464  and subcomponents thereof, may be similar to the outer frame  30 ,  230 ,  330 , blades  40 ,  240 ,  340 , planes  425 - 428 , central axes  29 ,  329 ,  429 , bases  70 ,  370 , open end portions  64 ,  264 ,  364 , portions of cutting apparatus  20 ,  220 ,  320  and collapsible apparatus  60 ,  360 , and subcomponents thereof of the apparatus of  FIGS. 1A-1E ,  2  and  3 A- 3 B. Further, for example, the food storage configuration, the cutting configuration and the serving configuration and mechanisms of the exemplary system  410  may be similar to the food storage configuration, the cutting configuration and food serving configuration and mechanisms of the exemplary system  10 ,  210 ,  310 . As such, such features and/or portions may not be further described herein or may not be described in the same level of detail, and it is to be understood that one or more such features and/or portions may be used interchangeably between each and every embodiment described herein. 
         [0085]    As shown in  FIG. 4A , in some embodiments, coupling mechanism  492   a  (e.g., a locking pin) and coupling mechanisms  492   b  (e.g., a slot) may be used as the coupling method. Locking pin  492  and slot  493  may be arranged anywhere on the system suitable for facilitating removable coupling of the cutting apparatus  420  to the collapsible apparatus  460 . Any other suitable removable attachment feature or method as is known in the art may also be utilized. 
         [0086]    As shown in further detail in the embodiments of  FIGS. 4A-4C , the collapsible apparatus  460  has an inner surface  462  and an outer surface  462   b  defining a thickness, which may vary. Collapsible apparatus  460  may include geometric formations to facilitate collapsing and expanding of the collapsible apparatus  460 . In one or more embodiments the collapsible region  462  may include one or more hinges  466   a - d  (e.g., living hinges or thin walled portions) to enable the collapsible apparatus  460  to collapse and expand. 
         [0087]    In one or more embodiments, the collapsible region  462  may be arranged to expand in a manner that the diameter of each successive layer is larger than the diameter of its preceding layer the further the layer is from the base  470  (e.g.. diameter of  468   a  may be larger than diameter of  468   b ;  468   b  may be larger than the diameter of  468   c ; and so on and so forth, etc.). 
         [0088]      FIGS. 4C  depicts an embodiment of the collapsible apparatus  460  of  4 A and  4 B in the collapsed or folded configuration. As shown in  FIGS. 4C , the vertical profile of the collapsible apparatus  460  may be reduced dramatically from the expanded state depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . The collapsible region  462  may fold at each of the thin walled sections  466 . In the collapsed configuration, the thin walled sections  466  and thick walled sections  468  form pleated region  467  in the flexible material of the collapsible region  462 . When collapsed, at least a portion of the cross section of the collapsible apparatus  460  in the region of the pleated region  467  exhibits a zig-zag pattern. 
         [0089]    Referring to  FIG. 4C , although blades  440  are shown as spanning the height of the outer frame  430  defined as the distance from the entrance surface  438  to exit surface  437 , blades  440  need not span the entire height of the outer frame  430 . In some embodiments, blades  440  may not extend all the way to exit surface  437 , or may not extend all the way to entrance surface  438 . In other words, the outer frame  430  may have a height greater than the blades  440 , (the height of the blades defined as the distance from the cutting end portion  46  to trailing end portion  48 , as shown in  FIG. 1E ). In some embodiments, the height of at least a portion of the blade  440  may be greater than the height of the outer surface, or may extend below or above the entrance plane  428  or exit plane  427 . 
         [0090]    In order to protect the collapsible region  462  of the collapsible apparatus  460  from damage due to blades  440 , a gap  498  may be maintained between the cutting end portion  446  of blades  440  and a collapsed plane  469 . Collapsed plane  469  may be defined as a plane through the portion of the collapsible region  462  most distal from the base  470  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 4C  as the collapsible region inner surface  462   a , at or near hinge  466   b ). The collapsed plane  469  may also perpendicularly intersect central axis  429 . 
         [0091]    Gap  498  between the blades  440  and collapsible region  460  may also be maintained by the geometric relationship between the coupling surfaces  499   a  and  499   b , and the blades  440 . In other words, the mating and force transfer surfaces  499   a ,  499   b  are intersected by mating and force transfer plane  425 , and may be arranged such when they are coupled together, they are sized, dimensioned and/or placed to prevent the blade from moving too far into collapsible apparatus  460 . 
         [0092]      FIG. 5 , is an embodiment of a system  510 , including cutting apparatus  520  and collapsible apparatus  560  that is substantially the same in all respects as the embodiment of  FIGS. 4A-4C , except for the base  570 . In  FIG. 5 , the gap  598  may be maintained, at least in part, by the location of the top surface of the base  572 , or the protrusion height  576  of base  570 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , in one or more embodiments, the top surface of the base  572  limits travel and prevents the blades  540  from coming into contact with the collapsible region  562  (e.g., living hinges  466   b , etc.) when in the collapsed configuration. 
         [0093]      FIGS. 6A-B  depicts embodiments of a base  670  that may be used or included in one or more embodiments, including any of the embodiments disclose herein (e.g.,  70 ,  370 ,  470 ,  570 ). Base  670  may include central protrusions  676  and/or general protrusions  678  extending from the top surface  672  in a direction opposite the bottom surface of the base  674 . Central protrusion  676  is a centrally located protrusion with respect to the base. In  FIGS. 6A-B , general protrusions  678  are shown surrounding central protrusion  676 , but may be provided in any suitable manner. Protrusions  676  and  678  may be oriented to occupy the open portions (e.g.,  94  in  FIG. 1C ) and not come into contact with the blades  440 . Protrusions  676  and  678  serving to allow further travel of the blades  640  (not shown) past at least a portion of the base  670  (including protrusions  676 ,  678 ) and further with respect to the food item F so as to more completely cut the food item F. 
         [0094]      FIG. 6A  further depicts a food retention feature  679   a  which is configured to and capable of penetrating or piercing the food item F so as to provide additional support, stability and retention of a food item F. This is especially helpful during travel and/or cutting so that the food item F does not move out of place during travel and/or cutting, keeping the food item F in the desired orientation. In one or more embodiments, the protrusions  676 ,  678  and the food retention feature  679   a  may all be provided together, or only one or two of the features may be provided in a particular embodiment. These features may be completely independent of one another and may be provided in any combination, including providing the food retention feature  679   a  without protrusions  676  and/or  678  and vice-versa, or only protrusions  678 , or only protrusion  676 , etc. 
         [0095]      FIG. 6B  is substantially similar in all respects to  FIG. 6A , except  FIG. 6B  depicts another embodiment of a food retention feature  679   b . The food retention feature shown in  FIG. 6B  may be of a geometry that pierces the food item F over an area of the food item F. As shown, food retention feature  679   b  is a circular projection that is hollow in the middle, although in some embodiments, a combination of both food retention features  679   a  and  679   b . Any suitable food retention feature, covering any portion of the base  670  may be provided. In some embodiments, the food retention feature  679   a ,  679   b  occupies an area of the base  670  such that when the collapsible apparatus (e.g.,  460 ) is in the collapsed position, the food retention feature  679  does not interfere with the blades  40  (e.g., occupies the space within the diameter of the central blade  42  when the system  10  is in the collapsed position). In one or more embodiments, additional food retention features may be included in the area occupied by projections  678  as shown in  FIG. 6B . 
         [0096]    An embodiment of the method of using the present invention will be described with reference to  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 7  depicts a flow chart of one embodiment of an exemplary method for storing, cutting and serving a food item using any of the systems and features described in  FIGS. 1-6 . 
         [0097]    In step  710 , the user provides a system  10  including a cutting apparatus (e.g.,  20 ) and a collapsible apparatus (e.g.,  60 ). In step  720 , the user places a food item F into the collapsible apparatus  60 . If a food retention feature (e.g.,  679   a  or  679   b ) is present, the user presses the food item F into the food retention feature  679   a  or  679   b.    
         [0098]    In step  730 , the user couples the cutting apparatus  20  to the collapsible apparatus  60  in a first system configuration having a first volume or height. The first system (or collapsible apparatus) configuration may be the storage configuration. 
         [0099]    In step  740 , starting with the system  10  in the storage configuration, and without decoupling the cutting apparatus  20  from the collapsible apparatus  60 , the user applies a compressive force to collapse or fold the collapsible apparatus  60  or system  10  to a second system (or collapsible apparatus) configuration having a second volume or height, simultaneously cutting the food item F during the transition from the first system configuration to the second system configuration. The transition from the first system configuration to the second system configuration may be a cutting configuration. 
         [0100]    In one or more embodiments, collapsing the collapsible apparatus (e.g.,  60 ) results in the system (e.g.,  10 ) being reduced from a first configuration having a first height and first volume to a second configuration having a second height and second volume, wherein the first height is greater than the second height, and the first volume is greater than the second volume. Any reduction in height or volume discussed with respect to any embodiment herein, may be applied to the method. For example, the second height may be at least 51% less than the first height; or, the second height may be at least 65% less than the first height. 
         [0101]    In step  750 , without decoupling the cutting apparatus  20  from the collapsible apparatus  60 , the system  10  supports the food item F via the collapsible apparatus  60  in the second system configuration. In the second system configuration the user may access the cut food item F and may access the cut food item F without having to access any interior volume within the bounds of the structure of the system  10  to remove at least a portion of the cut food item F. The second system configuration may be a food serving configuration. 
         [0102]    In some embodiments of the method, in-between step  730  and  740 , steps may be included to open or extend handles (e.g.,  332 ) from a storage or covering position as depicted in the system of  FIG. 3A , to an open orientation or cutting configuration as depicted in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0103]    In some embodiments of the method, a slightly collapsed position may be considered a food storage position depending on the size of the food item F. The food item F may be stored with the collapsible apparatus  20  just slightly collapsed, and/or the blades  40  just partially penetrating the food item F which may hold the food item F in place in the system  10  during transport. This serves to eliminate, reduce or limit, or prevent the food item F from being damaged by rolling around inside the system  10  during travel by holding the food item F in a particular position/location within the collapsible apparatus  20  without actually cutting the food item F into separate pieces. 
         [0104]    Any of the features described in the above embodiments may be combined or eliminated to form additional embodiments that fall within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0105]    Any patents, patent documents, and references cited herein are incorporated in their entirety as if each were incorporated separately. This disclosure has been provided with reference to illustrative embodiments and is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. As described previously, one skilled in the art will recognize that other various illustrative applications may use the techniques as described herein to take advantage of the beneficial characteristics of the system and methods described herein. Various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as additional embodiments of the disclosure, will be apparent upon reference to this description.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8