Patent Abstract:
A bagel slicing apparatus comprising providing a housing having a plurality of cutting blades, with the cutting blades moving linearly and reciprocally to slice a bagel into a plurality of bagel chips.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to slicers, and more specifically relates to a slicer for slicing bagels into bagel chips. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0002]    An aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of slicing a bagel comprising providing a housing having a plurality of cutting blades, moving the bagel past the cutting blades to slice the bagel into a plurality of bagel chips, and moving the cutting blades linearly and reciprocally to slice the bagel. 
         [0003]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of slicing a bagel comprising providing a housing having a plurality of cutting blades, moving the bagel past the cutting blades to slice the bagel into a plurality of bagel chips, and wherein a distance between adjacent cutting blades is equal to or less than 0.5 inches. 
         [0004]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of slicing a bagel comprising, providing a housing having a plurality of cutting blades, and moving the bagel past the cutting blades to slice the bagel into a plurality of bagel chips, with the bagel chips having a thickness equal to or less than 0.5 inches. 
         [0005]    A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of slicing a whole bagel comprising providing a housing having a plurality of cutting blades and moving the whole bagel past the cutting blades to slice the bagel into a plurality of bagel chips. Only one whole bagel is sliced during moving. Multiple bagel chips are simultaneously formed during moving the whole bagel past the cutting blades. 
         [0006]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a bagel slicing apparatus comprising a housing having a plurality of cutting blades comprising a first set of cutting blades and a second set of cutting blades. The first set of cutting blades move as a first unit. The second set of cutting blades move as a second unit. The first set of cutting blades moves out of phase to the second set of cutting blades. A distance between adjacent cutting blades is equal to or less than 0.5 inches. 
         [0007]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a bagel slicing apparatus comprising a housing having a plurality of cutting blades comprising a first set of cutting blades and a second set of cutting blades. The first set of cutting blades move as a first unitary unit. The second set of cutting blades move as a second unitary unit. The first set of cutting blades moves out of phase to the second set of cutting blades. The cutting blades move linearly and reciprocally to slice the bagel. 
         [0008]    These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a slicer of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a front exploded perspective view of the slicer of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the slicer of the present invention without a motor cover. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of the slicer of the present invention without the motor cover. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the slicer of the present invention without a cover and without a pusher handle. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the slicer of the present invention without the motor cover, the cover and the pusher handle. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a track of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a top view of a cutting blade assembly of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a cross section view of the cutting blade assembly of the present invention taken along the line IX-IX of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a cross section view of the cutting blade assembly of the present invention taken along the line X-X of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a cutting blade of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 12A-12C  illustrates movement of the cutting blade assembly of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is a top view of the cover of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the cover of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is a bottom view of the cover of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is a top view of the pusher handle of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  is a front view of the pusher handle of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 18  is a bottom view of the pusher handle of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the slicer of the present invention with the pusher handle in a load position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 20  is a top view of the slicer of the present invention with the pusher handle in the load position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 21  is a cross section view of the slicer of the present invention taken along the line XXI-XXI of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 21A  is an enlarged view of section XXIA of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 22  is a top view of the slicer of the present invention with the pusher handle in a cutting position. 
           [0032]      FIG. 23  is a cross section view of the slicer of the present invention taken along the line XXIII-XXIII of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 24  is a side view of the slicer of the present invention without a motor cover showing an alternative of the cover to the base. 
           [0034]      FIG. 25  is a partial perspective view of the cover and the base illustrating a stay member for maintaining the cover of  FIG. 24  in an open position. 
           [0035]      FIG. 26  is a cross section view of the slicer of the present invention illustrating a connection between the cutting blade assembly and the output assembly. 
           [0036]      FIG. 27  is a side view of a cam of the slicer of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 28  is a front view of the slicer of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 29  is a top view of a modified pusher handle of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 30  is a top view of a modified cutting blade assembly of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 31  is a cross section view of the cutting blade assembly of the present invention taken along the line XXXI-XXXI of  FIG. 30 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 32  is a side view of a modified cutting blade of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 33  is a side view of a second embodiment of an output assembly. 
           [0043]      FIG. 34  is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of the slicer of the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 35  is an exploded front perspective view of the third embodiment of the slicer of the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 36  is a side view of the third embodiment of the slicer of the present invention with the pusher handle in a cutting position. 
           [0046]      FIG. 37  is a side view of the third embodiment of the slicer of the present invention with the pusher handle in a load position. 
           [0047]      FIG. 38  is a front view of the third embodiment of the slicer of the present invention. 
           [0048]      FIG. 39  is a rear view of the third embodiment of the slicer of the present invention. 
           [0049]      FIG. 40  is a top view of the third embodiment of the slicer of the present invention. 
           [0050]      FIG. 41  is a front perspective view of the third embodiment of the slicer of the present invention with the cover in an open position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0051]    For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as orientated in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0052]    The reference number  10  ( FIG. 1 ) generally designates a slicer embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example, the slicer  10  is used to slice bagels or other bread items into chips. As used herein, a bagel is a bread product having a generally ring (with a center hole) or horn (without a center hole) toroid. The slicer  10  is able to slice the bagel or other bread product into bagel chips. As used herein, a bagel chip is a bread product in the shape of a chip. As discussed in more detail below, the slicer  10  of the present invention can slice a bagel into chips having a width less than ⅛ of an inch (0.125 inches). The slicer  10  includes a cutting blade assembly  12  configured to slice the bagels, a housing  14  for the cutting blade assembly  12  and a pusher handle  16  for pushing the bagels through the cutting blade assembly  12 . 
         [0053]    In the illustrated example, the housing  14  retains the cutting blade assembly  12  and allows the cutting blade assembly  12  to slice the bread product into a chip. The illustrated housing  14  includes a base  17  and a cover  18 . The cover  18  covers the base  17  to retain the cutting blade assembly  12  within the housing  14 . The base  17  comprises a pedestal  20 , a column  22 , a motor assembly  24 , a motor cover  26  and a platform  28 . The platform  28  is configured to receive the cutting blade assembly  12  and the cover  18  and the motor assembly  24  moves the cutting blade assembly  12  to slice the bread product. 
         [0054]    The illustrated base  17  supports the remainder of the slicer  10  on a table or other surface. The base  17  includes a plate  30  having a skirt  32  extending downward from a front and sides of the plate  30 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the plate  30  has an arch-shaped slot  34  in a rear end therefore for accepting the motor assembly  24  therein. The base  17  includes a pair of bottom flanges  36  (see  FIG. 4 ) having feet  38  connected thereto. The feet  38  include pads  40  on a bottom thereof for supporting the feet  38  and the base  17  on a substantially flat surface. The feet  38  can be fixed to the bottom flanges  36  (or any other portion of the base) or can be vertically adjustable relative to the bottom flanges  36  (or any other portion of the base). For example, the feet  38  can include a threaded post  42  extending from a top of the pad  40 , with the threaded post  42  being adjustably received within a threaded opening (not shown) in the bottom flanges  36 . The feet  38  can therefore be rotatable and vertically adjustable relative to the bottom flanges  36 . It is contemplated that the pads  40  could be directly connected to a bottom of the plate  30  without including any skirt  32 . The column  22  extends upward from a top surface of the plate  30 . 
         [0055]    In the illustrated example, the column  22  connects the platform  28  to the pedestal  20 . The column  22  is C-shaped and includes an electrical receiver  44  for accepting a power cord (not shown). It is contemplated that the slicer  10  could include an on-off toggle switch and, if so, that the on-off toggle switch would be located on the column  22 . It is also contemplated that the power supply could be routed into the slicer  10  through the pedestal  20 , the platform  28  or any other portion of the housing  14 . The column  22  extends upward from the top of the plate  30  and supports the pedestal  20 . The column  22  is also configured to be connected to the motor cover  26  so as to cover the motor assembly  24 . In the illustrated example, the pedestal  20 , the column  22  and the platform  28  are integral. However, it is contemplated that the pedestal  20 , the column  22  and the platform  28  could comprise separate parts (e.g., the pedestal  20  could be a table top, the column  22  could be a wall and the platform  28  could extend from the wall in a cantilever fashion). 
         [0056]    The illustrated platform  28  is connected to the column  22  and is configured to receive the cutting blade assembly  12  and the cover  18 . The platform  28  comprises a bottom plate  46  connected to a top of the column  22 . The platform  28  also includes a substantially rectangular side wall  48  extending upwardly from the bottom plate  46 . The bottom plate  46  includes a central opening  50 . As discussed in more detail below, the bread product falls through the central opening  50  after the bread product is sliced by the cutting blade assembly  12 . The side wall  48  includes a pair of aligned slots  54  located behind the column  22 . A pair of U-shaped handle connection members  56  extend inwardly from the slots  54  in the side wall  48  and are connected to the side wall  48  on either side of the slots  54 . Each U-shaped handle connection member  56  includes a top opening channel  58  for receiving a portion of the pusher handle  16 , as discussed in more detail below. The platform  28  includes a plurality of screw connectors  60  for connecting the cover  18  to the platform  28 . The bottom plate  46  and a rear of the side wall  48  include an L-shaped slot  52  for allowing a portion of the motor assembly  24  to engage the cutting blade assembly  12 . A motor support member  62  extends downward from a bottom of the bottom plate  46  and surrounds the L-shaped slot  52 . 
         [0057]    In the illustrated example, the motor assembly  24  is connected to the platform  28  and causes the cutting blade assembly  12  to slice the bread product. The motor assembly  24  includes an electric motor  64  receiving power from the power cord via the electrical receiver  44  in the column  22  and a cord between the electrical receiver  44  and the electric motor  64 . A transmission housing  66  is connected to an output of the electric motor  64 . The transmission housing  66  includes gears (not shown) connected to the output of the electric motor  64  and an output shaft  68 . The transmission housing  66  is used to reposition the rotary output of the electric motor  64 . An output assembly  70  connects to the output shaft  68 . As discussed in more detail below, the output assembly  70  is configured to move the cutting blade assembly  12 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the electric motor  64  extends through the arch-shaped slot  34  in the plate  30  of the platform  28 . A top of the transmission housing  66  is connected to a bottom of the motor support member  62  to retain the motor assembly  24  within the base  17 . The motor cover  26  is U-shaped and covers an area between a bottom of the bottom plate  46  of the platform  28  and a top of the plate  30  of the pedestal  20  by engaging with the column  22 . The motor cover  26  includes a bottom lip  72  forming a rear wall of the pedestal  20 . The motor assembly  24  causes the cutting blade assembly  12  to slice the bread product. 
         [0058]    The illustrated cutting blade assembly  12  slices the bread product. The cutting blade assembly  12  includes a first slider assembly  74  and a second slider assembly  76  with the first slider assembly  74  and the second slider assembly  76  each including a plurality of cutting blades  78 . The first slider assembly  74  and the second slider assembly  76  are configured to move linearly and in a reciprocal motion to allow the cutting blades  78  to slice the bread product. The first slider assembly  74  and the second slider assembly  76  are substantially similar such that the first slider assembly  74  will be discussed below, with the understanding that the second slider assembly  76  is similarly structured. 
         [0059]    The illustrated first slider assembly  74  of the cutting blade assembly  12  includes the plurality of cutting blades  78  extending between and connected to a closed end member  80  and an open end member  82 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , each cutting blade  78  includes a central cutting portion  84  and a pair of enlarged ends  86 . Each enlarged end  86  of the cutting blade  78  includes a pin opening  88  adapted to receive a first connecting pin  90  or a second connecting pin  91 . The closed end member  80  includes the first connecting pin  90  and the open end member  82  includes a plurality of the second connecting pins  91 . The first connecting pin  90  and the second connecting pins  91  allow the closed end member  80  and the open end member  82  to retain the cutting blades  78 . 
         [0060]    In the illustrated example, the closed end member  80  includes a double walled C-shaped housing  92  having an opening  94  facing towards a center of the first slider assembly  74 . A pin holding member  96  is located within the opening  94 . The pin holding member  96  includes a back wall  98 , a bottom wall  100  and a front wall  102 . A plurality of connection members  104  (e.g., screws) extend through the double walled C-shaped housing  92  and into the back wall  98  of the pin holding member  96  to connect the pin holding member  96  to the double walled C-shaped housing  92 . The front wall  102  of the pin holding member  96  includes an arcuate portion  106  having a plurality of substantially parallel slots therein. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , one of the enlarged ends  86  of each cutting blade  78  of the first slider assembly  74  extends through one of the slots in the arcuate portion  106  of the pin holding member  96 . The first connecting pin  90  abuts a rear of the arcuate portion  106  of the pin holding member  96  and extends through the pin openings  88  of the enlarged ends  86  of the cutting blades  78 . The arcuate portion  106  of the pin holding member  96  can be flexible to bias the first connecting pin  90  towards the rear of the opening  94  of the double walled C-shaped housing  92 . Furthermore, the connection members  104  can be adjustable to move the pin holding member  96  to adjust the tension of the cutting blades  78  held by the first connecting pin  90 . Therefore, the pin holding member  96  maintains the cutting blades  78  taut within the first slide assembly  74 . A pair of sliding rods  108  are fixed to the double walled C-shaped housing  92  on opposite sides of the pin holding member  96  and the cutting blades  78 . The pair of sliding rods  108  connect the closed end member  80  to the open end member  82 . 
         [0061]    The illustrated open end member  82  of the first slider assembly  74  includes a top plate  110 , a bottom plate  112  and a C-shaped connection member  114  extending between the top plate  110  and the bottom plate  112 . The C-shaped connection member  114  has an opening  116  facing toward the closed end member  80 . The C-shaped connection member  114  includes a front wall  118  having a plurality of slots extending therethrough. The cutting blades  78  of the first slider assembly  74  extend through every other slot in the front wall  118  of the C-shaped connection member  114 . Each second connecting pin  91  abuts a rear of the front wall  118  of the C-shaped connection member  114  and extends through a second end of one of the cutting blades  78 . Every slot in the front wall  118  of the C-shaped connection member  114  not having a cutting blade  78  of the first slider assembly  74  extending therethrough includes a cutting blade  78  of the second slider assembly  76  extending therethrough (and vice versa). The sliding rods  108  are also connected to the C-shaped connection member  114  on opposite sides of the cutting blades  78 . The C-shaped connection member  114  also includes bearing tubes  120  located to a side of the sliding rods  108 . The bearing tubes  120  are configured to accept sliding rods  108  of the second slider assembly  76  therethrough. 
         [0062]    In the illustrated example, the first slider assembly  74  and the second slider assembly  76  move linearly and in a reciprocal motion to allow the cutting blades  78  to slice the bread product. The sliding rods  108  of the first slider assembly  74  slide through the bearing tubes  120  of the open end member  82  of the second slider assembly  76  and the sliding rods  108  of the second slider assembly  76  slide through bearing tubes  120  of the open end member  82  of the first slider assembly  74 . 
         [0063]      FIGS. 12A-12C  illustrate the sliding movement of the first slider assembly  74  relative to the second slider assembly  76 .  FIG. 12A  illustrates the first slider assembly  74  and the second slider assembly  76  in a fully extending position. As illustrated in  FIG. 12A , the closed end member  80  of the first slider assembly  74  is moved away from the open end member  82  of the second slider assembly  76 . Accordingly, the sliding rods  108  of the first slider assembly  74  and the second slider assembly  76  move the open end member  82  of the first slide assembly  74  away from the closed end member  80  of the second slider assembly  76 .  FIG. 12B  illustrates the first slider assembly  74  and the second slider assembly  76  as the closed end member  80  of the first slider assembly  74  is moved towards the open end member  82  of the second slider assembly  76 . Accordingly, the sliding rods  108  of the first slider assembly  74  and the second slider assembly  76  move the open end member  82  of the first slide assembly  74  towards the closed end member  80  of the second slider assembly  76 . Furthermore, the sliding rods  108  of the first slider assembly  74  will slide through the bearing tubes  120  of the second slider assembly  76  and the sliding rods  108  of the second slider assembly  76  will slide through the bearing tubes  120  of the first slider assembly  74 . Moreover, the cutting blades  78  of the first slider assembly  74  will slide through the slots extending through the front wall  118  of the C-shaped connection member  114  of the open end member  82  of the second slider assembly  76  and the cutting blades  78  of the second slider assembly  76  will slide through the slots extending through the front wall  118  of the C-shaped connection member  114  of the open end member  82  of the first slider assembly  74 . Therefore, the cutting blades  78  of the first slider assembly  74  and the cutting blades  78  of the second slider assembly  76  will reciprocate relative to each other.  FIG. 12C  illustrates the first slider assembly  74  and the second slider assembly  76  as the closed end member  80  of the first slider assembly  74  is adjacent the open end member  82  of the second slider assembly  76 . At the point illustrated in  FIG. 12C , the closed end member  80  of the first slider assembly  74  will thereafter move away from the open end member  82  of the second slider assembly  76  and towards the position as illustrated in  FIG. 12A . 
         [0064]    In the illustrated example, the first slider assembly  74  and the second slider assembly  76  move in a linear and reciprocating fashion to slice the bread product. The first slider assembly  74  and the second slider assembly  76  could be actuated using many manners. One method of actuating the first slider assembly  74  and the second slider assembly  76  is to use motor assembly  24  and the output assembly  70 . The output assembly  70  is located between the output shaft  68  of the transmission housing  66  and the cutting blade assembly  12 . 
         [0065]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  12 A- 12 C,  21 ,  21 A and  23 , the output assembly  70  includes a first gear  122 , a first pin  124 , a first connection bar  126 , a second gear  128 , a second pin  130  and a second connection bar  132 . The first gear  122  includes a bottom aperture  134  configured to accept the output shaft  68  of the transmission housing  66  therein. The output shaft  68  can include a spline  136  and the bottom aperture  134  can include a channel  138 , with the spline  136  of the output shaft  68  being inserted into the channel  138  of the bottom aperture  134  to ensure that the first gear  122  rotates with the output shaft  68 . The first pin  124  is inserted into a top aperture  140  in the first gear  122 . The top aperture  140  is off center and the first pin  124  can be fixed relative to the first gear  122  or can rotate relative to the first gear  122 . The first connection bar  126  is elongate and includes a first end opening  142  and a second end opening  144 . The first connection bar  126  is connected to the first pin  124  by inserting the first pin  124  through the first end opening  142 . As discussed in more detail below, the second end opening  144  interacts with the second slider assembly  76  to move the second slider assembly  76 . The second gear  128  includes a first hole  146  accepting the first pin  124  therein and a second hole  148  accepting the second pin  130  therein. The first hole  146  and the second hole  148  are off center and located along a diametrical line. Both the first pin  124  and the second pin  130  can be allowed to rotate freely within the second gear  128 . However, it is contemplated that both the first pin  124  and the second pin  130  are fixed in position within the second gear  128 , but the first pin  124  is allowed to freely rotate within the first gear  122 . The second connection bar  132  is elongate but shorter than the first connection bar  126  and includes a first end opening  150  and a second end opening  152 . The second connection bar  132  is connected to the second pin  130  by inserting the second pin  130  through the first end opening  150 . As discussed in more detail below, the second end opening  152  interacts with the first slider assembly  74  to move the first slider assembly  74 . 
         [0066]    In the illustrated example, the output assembly  70  moves the cutting blade assembly  12 . As illustrated in  FIG. 21A , the double walled C-shaped housing  92  of the closed end member  80  of the first slider assembly  74  includes a first double bent connection member  154  connected to a top thereof. The first double bent connection member  154  includes a first top member  156  attached to a top of the double walled C-shaped housing  92  and a first bottom member  158  including a first downwardly depending shaft  160 . The first downwardly depending shaft  160  is configured to be inserted into the second end opening  152  of the second connection bar  132  to connect the first slider assembly  74  to the output assembly  70 . Likewise, the bottom plate  112  of the open end member  82  of the second slider assembly  76  includes a second double bent connection member  162  connected to a bottom thereof. The second double bent connection member  162  includes a second top member  164  attached to a bottom of the bottom plate  112  and a second bottom member  166  including a second downwardly depending shaft  168 . The second downwardly depending shaft  168  is configured to be inserted into the second end opening  144  of the first connection bar  126  to connect the second slider assembly  76  to the output assembly  70 . 
         [0067]    The illustrated cutting blade assembly  12  is configured to be removably inserted into the housing  14 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  5  and  6 , the platform  28  of the base  17  includes a pair of slider blocks  170  on opposite sides of the central opening  50  in the bottom plate  46  of the platform  28 . Each slider block  170  (see  FIG. 7 ) includes a foot  172 , a first end wedge  174  and a second end wedge  176 . The first end wedge  174  includes a pair of first sliding rod grooves  178  and the second end wedge  176  includes a pair of second sliding rod grooves  180 . The pair of first sliding rod grooves  178  are aligned with the pair of second sliding rod grooves  180 . As the cutting blade assembly  12  is inserted into the housing  14 , the sliding rods  108  of the first slider assembly  74  and the second slider assembly  76  are inserted into the first sliding rod grooves  178  and the pair of second sliding rod grooves  180  (see  FIG. 5 ). It is contemplated that the pair of first sliding rod grooves  178  and the pair of second sliding rod grooves  180  of the slider blocks  170  could be concave such that the sliding rods  108  snap fit into the pair of first sliding rod grooves  178  and the pair of second sliding rod grooves  180  of the slider blocks  170 . Furthermore, the first downwardly depending shaft  160  is inserted into the second end opening  152  of the second connection bar  132  and the second downwardly depending shaft  168  is inserted into the second end opening  144  of the first connection bar  126 . 
         [0068]    In the illustrated example, the cover  18  ( FIGS. 13-15 ) covers the cutting blade assembly  12  within the platform  28  of the housing  14 . The cover  18  includes a top panel  182  having a central opening  184  and a substantially rectangular skirt  186  extending downwardly from a periphery of the top panel  182 . The cover  18  is configured to be positioned over the platform  28  of the housing  14 , with the skirt  186  of the cover  18  enveloping the side wall  48  of the platform  28  (see  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4 ). The skirt  186  of the cover  18  includes a plurality of connector slots  188  in a side surface thereof with the connector slots  188  each having a lower mouth  190  being configured to receive the screw connectors  60  of the platform  28 . Therefore, once the cover  18  is properly positioned over the platform  28 , the screw connectors  60  can be tightened (by rotation) to maintain the cover on the platform  28 . Once the cover  18  is properly positioned on the platform  28 , the central opening  184  in the top panel  182  of the cover  18  will be generally aligned with the central opening  50  of the bottom plate  46  of the platform  28 . Accordingly, as discussed in more detail below, the bread product can be placed through the central opening  184  in the top panel  182  of the cover  18 , become sliced with the cutting blade assembly  12  and fall through the central opening  50  of the bottom plate  46  of the platform  28 . The cover  18  also includes a front guard  192  extending upwardly in front of the central opening  184  of the top panel  182  and a rear guard  194  extending upwardly behind the central opening  184  of the top panel  182 . The cover  18  also includes a comb-shaped member  199  having a plurality of slots in front of the central opening  184  extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the top panel  182  and a rear guard  201  behind the central opening  184  extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the top panel  182 . The front comb-shaped member  199  covers a top of the blades  78  and allows the blades  78  to slide though the slots thereof. The front comb-shaped member  199  and the rear guard  201  extending downwardly adjacent the central opening  184  prevents the bread product being sliced from moving too far forward or too far rearward during the slicing process. It is contemplated that the front comb-shaped member  199  can be made of any material (e.g., metal or plastic). 
         [0069]    As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , a pair of slider block closure blocks  196  are located on opposite sides on the central opening  184  on a bottom of the top panel  182 . The slider block closure blocks  196  enclose and cover the pair of first sliding rod grooves  178  and the pair of second sliding rod grooves  180  of the slider blocks  170  when the cover  18  is engaged with the platform  28  to maintain the sliding rods  108  of the first slider assembly  74  and the second slider assembly  76  within the pair of first sliding rod grooves  178  and the pair of second sliding rod grooves  180  of the slider blocks  170 . The top panel  182  of the cover  18  also includes a pair of handle slots  198  configured to accept a portion of the pusher handle  16  therethrough. 
         [0070]    The illustrated pusher handle  16  ( FIGS. 16-18 ) is used to push the bread product through the central opening  184  in the top panel  182  of the cover  18 , through the cutting blade assembly  12  to slice the bread product and through the central opening  50  of the bottom plate  46  of the platform  28 . The pusher handle  16  includes a main plate  200  having a pair of side members  202  connected thereto. A grip  204  extends between and is connected to a first end of the side members  202 . A pair of ears  206  having outwardly extending pivot pins  208  extend downwardly from a second end of the side members  202  (see  FIG. 2 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the handle slots  198  of the cover  18  each include a pin niche  210  for accepting the pivot pins  208  as the ears  206  are positioned through the handle slots  198 . The cover  18  also includes a pivot pin housing  212  configured to accept the pivot pins  208  of the pusher handle  16  to connect the pusher handle  16  to the cover  18 . As the cover  18  and the pusher handle  16  are positioned over the platform  28  of the housing  14 , the pivot pins  208  of the ears  206  of the pusher handle  16  slide into the top opening channels  58  in the handle connection member  56 . Therefore, the pusher handle  16  can pivot about the pivot pins  208  between a load position as illustrated in  FIGS. 19-21  and a cutting position as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 22  and  23 . 
         [0071]    In the illustrated example, a pusher member  214  is connected to a bottom of the main plate  200  of the pusher handle  16  for pushing the bread product through the cutting blade assembly  12 . The pusher member  214  can be removably connected to the main plate  200  by removably inserting screw members  217  (see  FIG. 2 ) extending upwardly from the pusher member  214  through the main plate  200  and into a pair of nut connectors  216 . The pusher member  214  includes a plurality of pushing fins  218  extending downwardly therefrom. The pushing fins  218  have a thickness smaller than but substantially equal to a distance between adjacent cutting blades  78  in the cutting blade assembly  12 . Therefore, the pushing fins  218  can push the bread product through the cutting blade assembly  12  as the pusher handle  16  is moved to the cutting position. As illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 19 , the pusher handle  16  includes a pair of side shields  220  on either side of the pusher member  214  for enclosing an area above the cutting blades  78  while the bread product is being sliced. 
         [0072]    The illustrated slicer  10  is used to slice a bread product. Initially, the pusher handle  16  is moved to the load position as illustrated in  FIGS. 19-21  (typically using the grip  204  of the pusher handle  16 ) by pivoting the pusher handle  16  about the pivot pins  208 . As the pusher handle  16  is being raised, an area for insertion of the bread product (shown as a bagel  500  in  FIGS. 19-23 ) is opened. Once the pusher handle  16  is in the load position, the bread product can be placed into the insertion area as illustrated in  FIGS. 19-21 . Thereafter, the pusher handle  16  is moved towards the cutting position as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 22  and  23  by rotating the pusher handle  16  (typically using the grip  204 ) about the pivot pins  208  in a direction opposite to the direction that the pusher handle  16  was rotated to move the pusher handle  16  to the load position (counter-clockwise as shown in  FIGS. 19-23 ). In the illustrated example, the motor assembly  24  will not actuate to move the cutting blades  78  of the cutting blade assembly  12  until at least one of two switches is actuated. First, the platform  28  can include a first switch  300  (see  FIG. 5 ) that is activated once the cover  18  is properly positioned onto the platform  28 . Second, the platform  28  can include a second switch  302  (see  FIG. 5 ) that is activated when a projection  304  (see  FIG. 2 ) on one of the ears  206  of the side members  202  of the pusher handle  16  engages with the second switch  302 . In the illustrated example, the second switch  302  is activated when the pusher handle  16  is rotated to a position where a bottom of the pushing fins  218  of the pusher member  214  is located behind and below a top of the front guard  192  of the cover  18 . Therefore, the motor assembly  24  will not actuate to move the cutting blades  78  of the cutting blade assembly  12  until the insertion area is enclosed and covered by the front guard  192  and the pushing fins  218  at a front thereof, the rear guard  194  at a rear thereof and the side shields  220  of the pusher handle  16  at sides thereof. However, it is contemplated that the slicer  10  could be activated continuously, with a button or with other switches. Nevertheless, it is contemplated that the slicer  10  would include the first switch  300  and the second switch  302  (or some other configuration wherein the cutting blades  78  would only move when the insertion area is enclosed) for safety reasons. As the pusher handle  16  is moved to the final cutting position as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 22  and  23 , the pushing fins  218  of the pusher member  214  will push the bagel  500  through the cutting blade assembly  12  to slice the bagel  500  using the cutting blades  78 . The pushing fins  218  can extend between the cutting blades  78  to fully push the bread product through the cutting blade assembly  12 . 
         [0073]    In the illustrated example, the motor assembly  24  is activated as the bread product is being pushed through the cutting blade assembly  12 . As the motor assembly  24  is activated, the electric motor  64  begins rotating its output shaft in the transmission housing  66  to rotate the output shaft  68  of the transmission housing  66 . As the output shaft rotates, the first gear  122 , the first pin  124 , the second gear  128  and the second pin  130  of the output assembly  70  begin to move as outlined above. As the first pin  124  revolves with the first gear  122  and the second gear  128 , the first connection bar  126  will move with the first pin  124  and move the second end opening  144  of the first connection bar  126  in a linear manner. Furthermore, as the second pin  130  revolves with the second gear  128 , the second connection bar  132  will move with the second pin  130  and move the second end opening  152  of the second connection bar  132  in a linear manner. In the illustrated example, movement of the first connection bar  126  and the second connection bar  132  are out of phase by 180° such that when the second end opening  144  of the first connection bar  126  is closest to the cutting blade assembly  12 , the second end opening  152  of the second connection bar  132  is farthest from the cutting blade assembly  12  and vice versa. Moreover, as the second end opening  144  of the first connection bar  126  and the second end opening  152  of the second connection bar  132  move, the first downwardly depending shaft  160  of the first double bent connection member  154  and the second downwardly depending shaft  168  of the second double bent connection member  162  will move to move the first slider assembly  74  and the second slider assembly  76  as discussed above to move the cutting blades  78  to slice the bread product. 
         [0074]    The illustrated cutting blades  78  can be made of any material (e.g., metal or ceramic). For example, it is contemplated that the cutting blades  78  can be made of high carbon chrome vanadium steel. The cutting blades  78  can be made from a coil stock of material having an initial rectangular cross section. Therefore, the cutting blades  78  can be cut to size and can be cut to have cutting teeth  600  (see  FIG. 11 ) on a top side of the central cutting portion  84  and a recessed portion  602  of a bottom side of the central cutting portion  84 . Forming the cutting teeth  600  and the recessed portion  602  of the central cutting portion  84  can thereby form the enlarged ends  86  of the cutting blade  78  (i.e., the enlarged ends  86  can be large because portions to the side of the ends  86  have been made smaller). Alternatively, the ends  86  can be formed larger than the rest of the cutting blade  78  in other fashions (e.g., the enlarged ends  86  can be large because they are made larger). The cutting blades  78  include enlarged ends  86  to allow for enough material surrounding the pin openings  88  to prevent fracture of the cutting blades  78  surrounding the pin openings  88  (via tension force from the first connection pin  90  (being biased by the pin holding member  96 ) and the second connection pin  91 ). Furthermore, the recessed portion  602  prevents an area of the cutting blades  78  below the cutting teeth  600  from tearing the bread product via friction as the bread product moves past the cutting blades  78 . If the cutting blades  78  have too great a height, the cutting blades will tear the bread product via friction as the bread product moves past the cutting blades  78 . It is also contemplated that that the cutting teeth  600  can be ground deeper (thereby extending the depth of the cutting teeth  600 ) instead of having the recessed portion  602  or in conjunction with the recessed portion  602  to reduce the friction of the cutting blades  78  against the bread product. However, it is contemplated that the size of the enlarged ends  86  of the cutting blades  78  are a function of the material and thickness of the cutting blades  78 . As the material of the cutting blades  78  becomes stronger and as the thickness of the cutting blades  78  becomes thicker, the size of the ends  86  of the cutting blades  78  relative to the remainder of the cutting blades  78  can decrease. However, it is contemplated that the cutting blades  78  do not want to be too thick so as to efficiently slice the bread product without tearing the bread product. In the illustrated example, the cutting blades  78  can have a thickness of about 0.0149-0.0162 inches. However, the cutting blades  78  can be thicker or thinner. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the height of the cutting blades in the central cutting portion  84  can be about 0.25 inches. However, the height of the cutting blades in the central cutting portion  84  can be more or less than 0.25 inches. For example, an embodiment of the cutting blade  78  can have a thickness of about 0.0149-0.0162 inches, a height of the central cutting portion  84  of about 0.25 inches, a height of the enlarged ends of about 0.375 inches and a total length of about 10.8 inches. Furthermore, the distance between each cutting blade  78  can be any desired distance. For example, the cutting blades  78  can be about 0.125 inches apart (or narrower or wider). If the cutting blades  78  are about 0.125 inches apart, the resulting chip will have a thickness at its greatest extent of less than about 0.125 inches. Moreover, with the slicer  10  as described above, the slices in the bread product are made simultaneously. 
         [0075]      FIGS. 24-32  illustrate alternative features for the slicer  10 . Any of the features shown in  FIGS. 24-32  or discussed below can be used with the slicer  10  discussed above or can be used in any combination (i.e., each feature can be used with the slicer  10  one at a time or any combination of any of the features can be used with the slicer  10 ). 
         [0076]      FIGS. 24-25  illustrate another manner of connecting the cover  18  to the platform  28  of the base  17 . As illustrated in  FIG. 24 , the cover  18  can have a pair of downwardly depending ears  400  at a rear thereof, with each ear  400  being pivotally connected to the platform  28 . Therefore, the cover  18  can pivot relative to the platform  28  along line  402 . With the cover  18  being pivotally connected to the platform  28 , the connection slots  188  on either side of the cover  18  can be arcuate to allow the connection slots  188  to easily side along the screw connectors  60 . As illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the platform  28  can include at least one pivoting stay member  404  for maintaining the cover  18  in a rotated position. The stay member  404  can be pivotally connected to the side wall  48  of the platform  28 . In use, after the cover  18  is pivoted to an open position, the stay member  404  can be pivoted upward to abut a block  406  connected to an inside surface of the cover  18 . The stay member  304  can include a cut out portion  408  for engagement with the block  406 . In order to close the cover  18 , the cover  18  is rotated to an further open position, the stay member  404  is rotated downward, and the cover  18  is rotated back to the closed position. It is contemplated that the platform  28  can include a pair of stay members  404 , with each stay member  404  being located at a rear side of the side walls  48  of the platform  28 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 26  is a cross section view of the slicer  10  illustrating a connection between the cutting blade assembly  12  and the output assembly  70 . As shown in  FIG. 26 , instead of a second shaft  168  for an interface between the second bottom member  166  of the second double bend connection member  162  and the first connection bar  126  of the output assembly  70 , a spherical bearing  410  is used. 
         [0078]      FIG. 27  illustrates a cam  420  for actuating the first switch  300  as discussed above for allowing the slicer  10  to operate once the cover  18  is placed in the closed position. The cam  420  depends downwardly from a bottom surface of the top panel  182  of the cover  18 . The cam  420  includes a first plate  422  fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the top panel  182  at a top edge  421  thereof. The cam  420  also includes a second plate  424  pivotally connected to the first plate  422  at a pivot point  426 . The second plate  424  includes an arcuate slot  428  therein along with a screw member  430  extending through the arcuate slot  428  and into the first plate  422 . The screw member  430  is configured to be loosened to allow the second plate  424  to pivot relative to the first plate  422 . As the second plate  424  is pivoting relative to the first plate  422 , the screw member  430  will slide through the arcuate slot  428 . Once the second plate  424  is in a proper position, the screw member  430  is tightened to maintain the second plate  424  is position relative to the first plate  422 . The first plate  422  and the second plate  424  allow adjustment of the cam  420  relative to the first switch  300  to ensure that the cam  420  engages with the first switch  300  when the cover  18  is placed in the closed position. It is contemplated that the first plate  422  and the second plate  424  can have any periphery (e.g., a non-rectangular periphery). 
         [0079]      FIG. 28  illustrates a stop member  440  for halting pivotal movement of the pusher handle  16 . The stop member  440  is configured to stop the pushing fins  218  of the pusher member  214  from extending between the cutting blades  78 . The stop member  440  includes a support member  442  extending upwardly from a top surface of the top panel  182  of the cover  18 . A pin assembly  444  is connected to the support member  442  and includes spring housing  446  connected to one side of the support member  442 . A pin member  448  extends through the spring housing  446  and the support member  442 . A spring in the spring housing  446  biases the pin member  448  towards the right as illustrated in  FIG. 28 . A handle  450  on a left side of the spring housing  446  is connected to the pin member  448 . Pulling the handle  450  to the left as illustrated in  FIG. 28  will move the pin member  448  to the left against the bias of the spring in the spring housing  446 . During use, the bread product is pushed through the cutting blade assembly  12  as described above, but the pin member  448  of the stop member  440  prevents rotation of the pusher handle  16  downward past a point wherein the pushing fins  218  of the pusher member  214  would extend between the cutting blades  78 . The bread product between the cutting blades  78  can be past the cutting blades  78  by rotating the pusher handle  16  upward and placing a further bread product in the slicer  10 . Once the bread product to be sliced is exhausted, the handle  450  of the stop member  440  is pulled to move the pin member  448  out of the path of the pusher handle  16  to allow the pusher handle  16  to fully rotate downward, thereby allowing the pushing fins  218  to extend between the cutting blades  78  to push the final bread product through the cutting blade assembly  12 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 29  is a top view of a modified pusher handle  16   a  of the present invention. In the modified pusher handle  16   a , instead of having the nut connectors  216  extending directly through the main plate  200 , the nut connectors  216  extend through a connection panel  460  connected to the main plate  200 . The connection panel  460  includes a pair of side slots  462  and a pair of inner holes  464 . The nut connectors  216  extend through the inner holes  464 , through an aperture  465  in the main plate  200  and into the pusher member  214 . Fasteners  466  extend through the side slots  462  and into openings  468  in the main plate  200 . The position of the connection panel  460  is adjustable in a lateral direction by sliding the connection panel  460  relative to the fasteners  466  (which would slide through the side slots  462  in the connection panel  460 ). The connection panel  460  and movement thereof allows for adjustment of the pusher member  214  to align with the spaces between the blades  78  to ensure that the pushing fins  218  of the pusher member  214  can properly extend between the cutting blades  78 . 
         [0081]      FIGS. 30 and 31  illustrate a modified cutting blade assembly  12   a  having a modified open end member  82   a  having a bottom member  700  and a top member  702 . The modified open end member  82   a  allows for easier assembly of the cutting blade assembly  12   a . With the open end member  82  described above, the cutting blades  78  must be threaded through the slots in the front wall  118  of the C-shaped connection member  114 . In the modified open end member  82   a , the connection member  114   a  is L-shaped in a middle portion  704  thereof and the cutting blades  78  can be slid into the top open ended slots in the connection member  114   a  from a top of the cutting blade assembly  12   a . After all of the cutting blades  78  are positioned into the top open ended slots in the connection member  114   a  from a top of the cutting blade assembly  12   a , the top member  702  is positioned over the bottom member  700  and fasteners are inserted through holes  710  in ends of the top member  702  and holes  712  in top end portions  714  of the bottom member  700 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 32  illustrates a modified cutting blade  78   a  that does not include a recessed portion  602 . The cutting blades  78   a  do not have a recessed portion  602  if the cutting blades  78   a  are located a certain distance apart or greater. For example, it is contemplated that the cutting blades  78   a  without the recessed portion  602  could be used if the cutting blades  78   a  are more than 3/16″ apart. Moreover, it is contemplated that short pins could extend though each pin openings  88  in the cutting blades  78  or  78   a , with each individual short pin being associated with only one pin opening  88  instead of a long pin extending through a plurality of pin openings  88  in a plurality of cutting blades  78  or  78  (e.g., replacing a long pin extending through the pin openings  88  in a plurality of cutting blades  78  and abutting the arcuate portion  106  of the pin holding member  96  with a plurality of short pins extending through the pin openings  88  in a plurality of cutting blades  78  and abutting the arcuate portion  106  of the pin holding member  96 ). 
         [0083]    The reference numeral  70   a  ( FIG. 33 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a second embodiment for the output assembly. Since output assembly  70   a  is similar to the previously described output assembly  70 , similar parts appearing in  FIGS. 1-32  and  FIG. 33 , respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “a” in the numerals of the latter. The second embodiment of the output assembly  70   a  functions in the same manner as the previously described output assembly  70 . The second embodiment of the output assembly  70   a  comprises a pair of offset discs including a bottom disc  122   a  fixedly connected to the output shaft  68   a  and a top disc  128   a  fixedly connected to the bottom disc  122   a  in an offset manner. The bottom disc  122   a  and the top disc  128   a  rotate about an axis co-linear with the axis of rotation of the output shaft  68   a . The first connection bar  126   a  includes an opening accepting the bottom disc  122   a  therein and the second connection bar  132   a  includes an opening accepting the top disc  128   a  therein. 
         [0084]    The reference numeral  10   b  ( FIGS. 34-41 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a third embodiment for the slicer. Since slicer  10   b  is similar to the previously described slicer  10 , similar parts appearing in  FIGS. 1-32  and  FIGS. 34-41 , respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “b” in the numerals of the latter. The third embodiment of the slicer  10   b  functions in substantially the same manner as the previously described slicer  10 . The third embodiment of the slicer  10   b  can be used to slice the bread product into chips wherein the cutting blades  78   b  are spaced at 0.25 inches or less. The third embodiment of the slicer  10   b  includes a cover  18   b  connected to a base  17   b  and a pusher handle  16   b  connected to the cover  18   b.    
         [0085]    In the illustrated example, the cover  18   b  covers the cutting blade assembly  12   b  within the platform  28   b  of the housing  14   b . The cover  18   b  includes a top panel  182   b  having a central opening  184   b  and a substantially rectangular skirt  186   b  extending downwardly from a periphery of the top panel  182   b . The cover  18   b  is configured to be positioned over the platform  28   b  of the housing  14   b , with the skirt  186   b  of the cover  18   b  enveloping the side wall  48   b  of the platform  28   b  (see FIGS.  34  and  36 - 40 ). The skirt  186   b  of the cover  18   b  includes a plurality of connector slots  188   b  in a side surface thereof with the connector slots  188   b  each having a lower mouth  190   b  being configured to receive screw connectors  60   b  of the platform  28   b . The cover  18   b  can have a pair of downwardly depending ears  400   b  at a rear thereof, with each ear  400   b  being pivotally connected to the platform  28   b . Therefore, the cover  18   b  can pivot relative to the platform  28   b . With the cover  18   b  being pivotally connected to the platform  28   b , the connection slots  188   b  on either side of the cover  18   b  can be arcuate to allow the connection slots  188   b  to easily side along the screw connectors  60   b . The platform  28   b  can include at least one pivoting stay member for maintaining the cover  18   b  in a rotated position as discussed above in regard to  FIG. 25 . The cover  18   b  and the platform  28   b  can also include a cam  420   b  as discussed above in regard to  FIG. 27 . 
         [0086]    The illustrated cover  18   b  also includes a front guard  192   b  in front of the central opening  184   b  of the top panel  182   b  and a rear guard  194   b  behind the central opening  184   b  of the top panel  182   b . The front guard  192   b  includes a base portion  800 , a first angled portion  804  at an end of the base portion  800  and a second angled portion  806  at a top of the first angled portion  804 . The base portion  800  includes a connector slot  810  configured to receive a screw post  801  extending upwardly from a top of the top panel  182   b . The screw post  801  is inserted through the connector slot  810  and a nut connector  803  is connected to the screw post  801  to secure the base portion  800  of the front guard  192   b  to the top panel  182   b . The base portion  800  includes a front hook  802  at a front end thereof. The front hook  802  can be grasped to slide the base portion  800  along the connector slot  810  to properly align the front guard  192   b . It is contemplated that the front hook  802  could be excluded from the front guard  192   b , that the connector slot  810  is circular and that the base portion  800  is not configured to slide on the top panel  182   b . The first angled portion  804  is located at a rear edge of the base portion  800  at a midpoint of the first angled portion  804  such that a top of the first angled portion  804  is angled rearward (see  FIG. 35 ). The top of the first angled portion  804  is located at a bottom of the second angled portion  806 , with the second angled portion  806  being angled in a direction opposite to the angled direction of the first angled portion  804 . The second angled portion  806  includes a top lip  805  and a pair of handle slots  812 , which will be discussed in more detail below. The front guard  192   b  also includes a front block  814  having a plurality of blade slots  816  connected to a bottom of the base portion  800  by connectors  818 . When the front guard  192   b  is connected to the cover  18   b , a bottom of the first angled portion  804  and the front block  814  will be located below the top panel  182   b  of the cover  18   b . The blade slots  816  are configured to accept the cutting blades  78   b  therein for allowing the cutting blades  78   b  to reciprocate as discussed above. The front guard  192   a  covers a front of the central opening  184   b  above the top panel  182   b  of the cover  18   b  to prevent access to the cutting blades  78   b  (except for the bread product as discussed below) and to prevent the bread product from moving too far forward while being cut in the same manner as the comb-shaped member  199  as discussed above. It is contemplated that instead of the front block  814 , the front guard  192   b  could include a metal comb like member (similar to the comb-shaped member  199  discussed above) depending downwardly from the first angled portion  804  and into the central opening  184   b  at a front thereof. 
         [0087]    In the illustrated rear guard  194   b  protects a rear of the central opening  184   b  in the top panel  182   b  of the cover  18   b . The rear guard  194   b  includes a base plate  820 , a rear guide plate  822  and a pair of side guide plates  824 . The base plate  820  is U-shaped and includes a pair of openings for accepting fasteners therethrough for connecting the base plate  820  to the top panel  182   b  of the cover  18   b . The rear guide plate  822  and the pair of side guide plates  824  are joined to form a U-shaped structure, with the rear guide plate  822  and the pair of side guide plates  824  connected to an inside edge of the base plate  820 . The rear guard  194   b  also includes a rear block  832  having a plurality of blade slots  834  connected to a bottom of the base plate  820  by connectors. When the rear guard  194   b  is connected to the cover  18   b , a bottom of rear guide plate  822 , the pair of side guide plates  824  and the rear block  832  will be located below the top panel  182   b  of the cover  18   b . The blade slots  834  are configured to accept the cutting blades  78   b  therein for allowing the cutting blades  78   b  to reciprocate as discussed above. The rear guard  194   a  covers a rear and sides of the central opening  184   b  above the top panel  182   b  of the cover  18   b  to prevent access to the cutting blades  78   b  (except for the bread product as discussed below) and to prevent the bread product from moving too far rearward while being cut in the same manner as the rear guard  201  as discussed above. As illustrated in  FIGS. 36-38  and  40 , the top lip  805  of the second angled portion  806  of the front guard  192   b  rests on a top the pair of side guide plates  824 . It is contemplated that instead of the rear block  832 , the rear guard  194   b  could include a metal comb like member (similar to the comb-shaped member  199  discussed above) depending downwardly from the rear guide plate  822  and into the central opening  184   b  at a rear thereof. The front guard  192   b  and the rear guard  194   b  form a substantially rectangular enclosure for accepting the bread product therein. The handle  16   b  is employed to push the bread product through the substantially rectangular enclosure formed by the front guard  192   b  and the rear guard  194   b  and through the cutting blade assembly  12   b.    
         [0088]    In the illustrated example, the pusher handle  16   b  is used to push the bread product through the central opening  184   b  in the top panel  182   b  of the cover  18   b  and through the cutting blade assembly  12   b  to slice the bread product. The pusher handle  16   b  includes a main plate  200   b  having a pair of side members  202   b  connected thereto. A grip  204   b  extends between and is connected to a first end of the side members  202   b . A pair of ears  206   b  extend downwardly from a second end of the side members  202   b . As illustrated in  FIG. 35 , the cover  18   b  includes handle slots  198   b  for accepting the ears  206  therethrough. The pusher handle  16   b  can pivot about pivot pins between a load position as illustrated in  FIG. 37  and a cutting position as illustrated in  FIG. 36 . 
         [0089]    The illustrated pusher handle  16   b  includes a pusher block assembly  842  for pushing the bread product through the central opening  184   b  in the top panel  182   b  of the cover  18   b  and through the cutting blade assembly  12   b  to slice the bread product. The pusher block assembly  842  includes a pusher block  844 , a guide block  848  and a slider linkage  852 . The slider linkage  852  interconnects the pusher block  844  to the guide block  848 . The slider linkage  852  is also engaged with the main plate  200   b  of the pusher handle  16   b  to move the pusher block assembly  842  with movement of the rest of the pusher handle  16   b . The slider linkage  852  comprises a base panel  854  having a pair of openings and a pair of side panels  856 . The pair of side panels  856  extend upwardly from opposite ends of the base panel  854  and are substantially parallel. The pair of side panels  856  each include slots  858  therein. The slider linkage  852  is connected to the main plate  200   b  by inserting connector pins  841  on the main plate  200   b  through the openings in the base panel  854 . Nut connectors  862  are threaded onto the connector pins  841  to fixedly connect the slider linkage  852  to the main plate  200   b . As illustrated in  FIGS. 38-40 , the side panels  856  of the slider linkage  852  slide through handle slots  826  in the rear guide plate  822  of the rear guard  194   b . The slider linkage  852  moves the pusher block  844  to push the bread product through the cutting blade assembly  12   b.    
         [0090]    In the illustrated example, the pusher block  844  is connected to the guide block  848 . The guide block  848  is abuts a rear face of the rear guide plate  822  of the rear guide  194   a . The guide block  848  includes a pair of side wings  851 . Block connector pins  860  extend through the side wings  851 , through the handle slots  826  in the rear guide plate  822  of the rear guide  194   a  and into the pusher block  844 . Therefore, the pusher block  844  abuts a front face of the rear guide plate  822  of the rear guide  194   a  and slides with the guide block  848 . The guide block  848  also includes a pair of co-linear slide pins  850  extending outwardly from opposite sides thereof. As illustrated in  FIGS. 37 and 38 , the slide pins  850  slide within the slots  858  of the pair of side panels  856  of the slider linkage  852 . Therefore, as illustrated in  FIG. 36 , the slide pins  850  are located in a rear of the slots  858  of the pair of side panels  856  of the slider linkage  852  when the handle  16   b  is in the cutting position. As the handle  16   b  is lifted to the load position as illustrated in  FIG. 37 , the slide pins  850  will slide forwardly within the slots  858  of the pair of side panels  856  of the slider linkage  852  to thereby lift the guide block  848  via the slide pins  850  and to thereby lift the pusher block  844  via the block connector pins  840 . As the handle  16   b  is pushed downward back to the cutting position, the slide pins  850  is be forced rearward within the slots  858  of the pair of side panels  856  of the slider linkage  852  to thereby push the guide block  848  and the pusher block  844  downward to thereby push the bread product within the substantially rectangular enclosure formed by the front guard  192   b  and the rear guard  194   b  and through the cutting blade assembly  12   b . Front ends of the side panels  856  of the slider linkage  852  can also extend through the handle slots  812  as illustrated in  FIG. 38 . It is contemplated that the rear face of the rear guide plate  822  of the rear guide  194   a  could include at least one vertically aligned guide projection and that a front face of the guide block  848  could include at least one corresponding guide slot, with the projection fitting into the slot to assist the guide block  848  is sliding in a vertical and aligned direction along the rear face of the rear guide plate  822  of the rear guide  194   a  as the handle  16   b  is pulled up and pushed downward. 
         [0091]    The illustrated slicer  10   b  can include any of the features of the previously described embodiments. For example, the cover  18   b  can be pivotally connected to the base  17   b  as described above or can be connected to the base  17   b  as described in association with  FIGS. 1-23 . The slicer  10   b  can also include any output assembly as described above. Moreover, the slicer  10   b  can include cams  420   b  identical to the cams  420  described above. The cover  18   b  can also include the slider block closure blocks  196  as described above or can include slider block closure blocks  196   b  as illustrated in  FIGS. 35 and 41 , with the slider block closure blocks  196   b  each having a pair of rod grooves  840  for engaging the sliding rods  108   b  of the first slider assembly  74   b  and the second slider assembly  76   b . Alternatively, the slide block closure blocks  196   b  could be only connected to the housing  14   b , with a fastener going through a top of the slide block closure blocks  196   b  (but not the cover  16   b ) and directly into corresponding lower slide block closure blocks and into the bottom plate  46  of the platform  28 . 
         [0092]    The foregoing detailed description is considered that of a preferred embodiment only, and the particular shape and nature of at least some of the components in this embodiment are at least partially based on manufacturing advantages and considerations as well as on those pertaining to assembly and operation. Modifications of this embodiment may well occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention after learning the nature of this preferred embodiment, and the invention lends itself advantageously to such modification and alternative embodiments. For example, while a particular assembly is described for moving the first slider assembly  74  and the second slider assembly  76  of the cutting blade assembly  12 , it is contemplated that any system used to move the first slider assembly  74  and the second slider assembly  76  linearly could be used (e.g., a pair of linear actuators). Moreover, it is contemplated that other manners of tensioning the cutting blades  78  within the cutting blade assembly  12  could be used. Additionally, it is contemplated that the cover  18  and pusher handle  16  could be connected in any manner (e.g., the pusher handle  16  could only be connected to the cover  18  and rotate with the cover) and that the cover  18  and pusher handle  16  could be connected to any portion of the base  17  in any manner or could be separate from the base  17 . Furthermore, it is contemplated that the slicer  10  could include a counter for counting the number revolutions of the cutting blade assembly (e.g., by counting the number of revolutions of the output shaft  68  of the motor  64 ) or for counting a number of times the unit is energized. Additionally, it is contemplated that the cutting blade assembly could only include a few cutting blades (e.g.,  3  or  4 ) for cutting a loaf of bread or a bun into a plurality of slices of bread or a multi-level bun (i.e., one having a top and bottom bun along with at least one middle bun portion). Moreover, it is contemplated that the slicer  10  or  10   b  could include a feature that allows the handle  16  or  16   b  to be held upright (e.g., a pin that fits through the rear guard  194   b  (e.g., at the rear guide plate  822  or one of the side guide plates  824 ) and into or below the pusher block  844 ). Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiment shown in the drawings and described above is provided principally for illustrative purposes and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8