Abstract:
The present invention provides an appliance for peeling certain fruits and vegetables having a fine skin, and especially garlic, without abrading or breaking the garlic clove and without beating and scratching it, thus avoiding or minimizing damage to the garlic clove, so as to avoid or reduce dispersion of the typical garlic smell and to retain aesthetics and nutritive values thereof. It is provided a garlic clove peeler comprising a housing formed with a clove receiving compartment formed with a friction wall and a complimentary peeling element formed with a peeler surface extending adjacent the friction wall; and a displacement mechanism for displacing one or both of the friction wall and the peeling element.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to fruit and vegetable peelers and more particularly to a peeler suited for peeling a fine peel/skin from garlic and other fruits and vegetables such as dried union, different dried nuts such as peanuts, almonds, etc. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Often the skin of a fruit or a vegetable is dry though in some cases it is not completely dry and is adhered to the fruit or vegetable. In some cases there is only one peel/skin layer (e.g. as in the case of different nuts), and in other cases there are several peels/skins, some of which at dry state and one or more layer which may be in damp state and inner most of which may still be adhered to the fruit or vegetable (e.g. as in the case of garlic, unions and the like). 
         [0003]    For sake of simplicity, herein the specification and claims, all such fruits and vegetables are collectively referred to as garlic, though it is to be appreciated that the appliance according to the present invention may be used for peeling a selection of different fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, the terms ‘skin’ and ‘peel’ are collectively referred to hereinafter as ‘skin’. 
         [0004]    Garlic is a member of the onion family, which has been cultivated for thousands of years and is widely used for both its culinary and medicinal attributes, resulting in an ever growing popularity of this crop. Garlic is already mentioned in the old testimony, where it reads: “We remember the fish which we did eat in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic” (Numbers 11:5). 
         [0005]    The increase in consumption of this popular herb raises a need for peeling methods and devices, in particular in light of the strong smell it leaves if it is hand peeled. Thus, several garlic peeling apparatuses have been introduced throughout the years. 
         [0006]    A first type of garlic peeler is disclosed GB Patent 2315990 (Beveridge) directed to a non-mechanical gadget in the form of a tube made of resilient material and sized for accommodating a one or more garlic cloves, where an inside surface of the tube is roughened or knurled. Garlic cloves are peeled by introducing them into the tube and manually compressing and rolling the tube over a flat surface. 
         [0007]    Another type of garlic peelers is concerned with mechanical or electromechanical apparatuses, as disclosed for example in the following publications: 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,483 (Yip) discloses a peeler for garlic and/or peanuts including a housing having an open top end and a cylindrical friction wall surface on which four ribs having respective surfaces are formed, and a lid for closing the housing top end. The peeler includes a central beater surrounded by the wall surface and supported for rotation about an axis. A handle is provided for rotating the beater so the garlic and/or peanut pieces strike the rib surfaces at a steep angle, whereby the skin of the garlic and/or peanut pieces is cracked open through continued movement by the beater for subsequent peeling. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,429 (Federighi) discloses a rotary attachment disposed within the bowl of a food processing appliance in engagement with the drive shaft of the appliance and has a horizontal rotating disk with an abrasive upper surface which quickly removes the dry and brittle outer covering of garlic cloves or similar food ingredients. 
         [0010]    US Patent Application US20020153440 (Holcomb et al) discloses a hand-held hand-powered food processor having a pull cord motor for rotating a spindle that carries an arm. The arm can be a cutter blade or an elastomeric flexible peeler arm having a durometer of preferable between Shore  80 A and Shore  82 A. The arm is driven by the spindle, and there is a stop block formed on a sidewall near the end of the arm. Rotating the spindle causes it to rub against the skin of food in the processor for peeling the food. The cover of the processor has a flat outer periphery so the cover can be used as a storage unit for the contents of the processor. 
         [0011]    It is well known that undamaged garlic cloves hardly disperse any odor, however, the typical smell of garlic results due to a chemical reaction that takes place whenever cells are broken, i.e. upon cutting, slicing, grinding etc. 
         [0012]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanic peeler for garlic (as well as other fruits and vegetables having a fine skin/peel), though in a non-abrasive fashion, leaving the garlic clove aesthetic and undamaged. The peeler according to the present invention is a simple, easy to operate and clean/wash after use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    A primary object of the present invention is to provide an appliance for peeling certain fruits and vegetables (which are collectively referred to herein as garlic) having a fine skin, however without abrading or breaking the garlic clove and without beating or scratching it, thus avoiding or minimizing damage to the garlic clove, so as to avoid or reduce dispersion of the typical garlic smell and to retain aesthetics and nutritive values thereof. 
         [0014]    According to the present invention there is provided a garlic clove peeler comprising a clove receiving compartment formed with a friction wall and a complimentary peeling element formed with a peeler surface which at an assembled position extends adjacent the friction wall; and a displacement mechanism for displacing one or both of sad friction wall and said peeler surface, and wherein at least one of the friction wall and the peeler surface are made of a resilient material. 
         [0015]    The arrangement is such that one or more garlic cloves, placed within a gap extending between the friction wall and the peeler surface are peeled off due to friction with the rotatable friction wall and/or the peeler surface, where the peel/skin is brushed/rubbed off without affecting the garlic clove itself. 
         [0016]    According to one embodiment, of the present invention, there is provided a housing comprising a base member made of rigid material and constituting the clove receiving compartment with an inside wall thereof constituting the friction wall, and with a resilient balloon-like peeler member being rotatably supported within the housing such that a gap extends between the inner wall of the housing and said peeler element. 
         [0017]    According to a modification of the present invention, the compartment of the clove receiving compartment is coated with or fitted with an inner liner constituting the friction wall; and a top cover made of a rigid material, fittable over the base member and supporting the peeling element, with the displacing mechanism articulated to the top cover or to the base member for rotating the peeler element respective to said friction wall. 
         [0018]    According to a broad concept of the present invention, there is provided a garlic peeling appliance comprising a housing with a base member and cover member defining a garlic clove receiving compartment extending between a peeler surface of the cover member and an friction wall surface of the base member, wherein said surfaces are spaced apart retaining a small gap there between and where at least one of said surfaces is made of a resilient material. Displacement of one of the surfaces respective to the other entails peeling/brushing off the skin from a garlic clove received within said gap. 
         [0019]    According to one particular design of the garlic peeler according to the present invention, at least one of the friction wall and the peeling element are deformable, e.g. under presence of a garlic clove there between. By one specific embodiment, the peeling element extends at a short distance from the friction wall, leaving a gap therebetween. 
         [0020]    The peeler according to the present invention may further comprise one or more of the following features:
       The displacement mechanism is a rotary mechanism for rotating the friction wall surface and/or the peeling element with respect to one another, wherein either one of the friction wall and the peeling element rotate or both, though at reverse directions;   One or both of the friction wall and the peeler surface of the peeling element are formed with resilient projections such as ribs or bulges, or bristles;   The friction wall and the peeler surface of the peeling element are evenly spaced from one another, giving rise to a homogeneous gap therebetween;   The gap between surfaces is typically between about 5-10 mm.       
 
         [0025]    The peeling element is resiliently biased in direction facing the friction wall surface; 
         [0026]    All components of the peeler are easily disassembled for maintenance and washing thereof. According to a specific design, all components of the appliance are dishwasher proof;
       The displacement mechanism is manually operated (e.g. by a so called ‘hand-crank’ or direct rotation of the top cover or base member) or electrically driven;   One or both of the friction wall and the peeling element are replaceable/changeable by other such components having a different parameters, e.g. different shape, different surface contour or other resiliency properties, for use with different types of fruits or vegetables;   The friction wall surface may be integral with or fixedly attached to a rigid housing comprising the clove receiving compartment;   One or both of the friction wall and the peeling element are typically made of rubber material such as silicone rubber;   The rotary mechanism may be articulated to either one of the base member or the top cover;   Either one of the friction wall and the peeling element may be of a generally concave shape and the other of the friction wall and the peeling element be generally convex, in a matching fashion;   Behind one or both of the friction wall and the peeling element there is a clear space to tolerate deformation thereof at the presence of a fruit within the gap there between;   The housing including the base member and the top cover are stationary during rotation of the peeling element;   Components of the apparatus are coaxially assembled;       
 
         [0036]    According to one specific design, the devise is a part of a food processor comprising several accessories e.g. chopper, grinder, mixer, slicer, mincer etc. as well as a garlic peeler. Such a device typically comprises a receiving compartment (bowl-like), a cover and an accessory mountable on a shaft articulated to a power unit, either manual or electric, wherein the accessories are easily replaceable. 
         [0037]    According to this embodiment, the receiving compartment (bowl) is made of a rigid material with a cover fitable there over with a peeler member in the form of a balloon made of resilient material rotatably retained within the bowl with a gap extending there between. 
         [0038]    The bowl may be fitted with inwardly projecting protuberances and the gap between the inside surface of the receiving compartment (bowl) and the peeler element may differ along its couture between a tighter gap at a bottom portion thereof and a broader gap at an upper end thereof. 
         [0039]    Rotation of the peeler element is imparted by a power unit fitted at the cover or at the base member with an axle extending there from and supporting the peeler element. 
         [0040]    Thus, according to another aspect of the present invention there is also provided a peeler element for use in conjunction with a food processor. 
         [0041]    According to a broad concept of the present invention, there is provided a garlic peeling appliance comprising a housing with a base member and cover member defining a garlic clove receiving compartment extending between a peeler surface of the cover member and an friction wall surface of the base member, wherein said surfaces are spaced apart retaining a small gap therebetween and where at least one of said surfaces is made of a resilient material. Displacement of one of the surfaces respective to the other entails peeling/brushing off the skin from a garlic clove received within said gap. 
         [0042]    According to another aspect of the present invention the appliance is an add-on type for utilizing with a conventional mixer, wherein there is provided a housing in the form of a bowl formed with a hemispheric bottom portion and a peeling element with at least a bottom hemispheric portion made of a resilient material and sized and shaped to fit into said bowl; said peeling element further comprising a shank fitted for coupling to the mixer&#39;s chuck for rotation thereof. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0043]    In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, some embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0044]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a manually operable garlic peeler according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 2  is top isometric exploded view of the garlic peeler seen in FIG. a; 
           [0046]      FIG. 3  is a top isometric view of a base member of the garlic peeler seen in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 4  is a bottom isometric view of a top cover of the garlic peeler seen in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a peeling assembly articulated to a rotation handle of the garlic peeler seen in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 6A  is a top isometric view of a coupling member of a peeling assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 6B  is a peeling member of a peeling assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 7A  is a longitudinal section of a peeler according to the invention, with garlic cloves received in the clove receiving compartment; 
           [0052]      FIG. 7B  is an enlargement of the portion marked VII in  FIG. 7A ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 8A  is a bottom isometric view of a peeling member according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0054]      FIG. 8B  is atop isometric view of a base member according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of an electrical garlic peeler according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 10  is a longitudinal section of a garlic peeler according to a modification thereof; 
           [0057]      FIG. 11  is a longitudinal section of a garlic peeler according to another modification thereof; 
           [0058]      FIG. 12  is an exploded isometric view of a garlic peeler according to a different embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 13  is a longitudinal section through a garlic peeler according to the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , fitted on a mixer in an operable state 
           [0060]      FIG. 14  is an exploded isometric view of a food processor device fitted with a peeling accessory according to the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the food processor of  FIG. 14 , assembled in its peeler configuration; and 
           [0062]      FIGS. 16A and 16B  are top and side vies, respectively of the peeler element received within the bowl of the device of  FIG. 14 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0063]    Referring first to  FIGS. 1 and 2  of the drawings there is illustrated a garlic peeler in accordance with the present invention and generally designated  20  comprising a housing  22  having the general appearance of a sphere in the shape of garlic with an ornamental design resembling garlic cloves at  24 . The housing  22  comprises a base member  28  formed with a flat support base  30  and a complementary top cover  32 , the detailed construction of both will become apparent hereinafter with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The top cover  32  is lockingly engageable with the base member  28 . A manually operated hand crank  38  is provided, operation of which will become apparent hereinafter as well. 
         [0064]    As can best be seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the base member  28  is in the form of a rigid hemisphere snugly accommodating a liner  42  made of resilient material, e.g. silicone rubber, and constituting a frication surface. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention the liner  42  is integrally molded into the base member  28  to thus impart the colorful, multilayered appearance as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  8 B and  9 . However, it is apparent that the liner  42  may be packed in the base  28  and fixedly received, e.g. by a snap-type arrangement, a fixation ring, etc. (not shown). 
         [0065]    Base member  28  with the friction wall (liner)  42  give rise to a clove receiving compartment  46  (see also  FIG. 7A ). 
         [0066]    The top cover  32  is in the form of a rigid hemisphere complementary with the base member  28  and formed at its top with an aperture  48  ( FIG. 2 ) from which downwardly extends a cylindrical wall portion  50  having both ends opened. A peeling assembly generally designated  52  ( FIGS. 2 ,  5 ,  6 A and  6 B) comprises a peeling element  51  formed with a peeler surface  56  in the form of an inverted hemisphere made of a resilient material (such as silicon rubber). The peeling element  51  is formed at its outer surface with a plurality of radial ribs  58 . The peeler element  51  is supported by a retention ring  60  made of rigid material (e.g. plastic material) articulated to the peeler element  51  either by screws at  62  or by integrally molding thereof, or by other means, e.g. adhering, etc. The rigid retention ring  60  is snappingly but detachably articulated to a rotation support disk  64  by means of inward projecting radial tabs  68  of retention ring  60  snappingly engaged into corresponding recesses  70  formed in support disk  64 . 
         [0067]    Support disk  64  is formed with an upwardly extending cylindrical neck portion  74  with a smooth external surface  76  sized for snugly though free rotation within cylinder  50  of the top cover  32 , whilst its inner surface is formed with a plurality of axially extending radial ribs  78  fitted for snap engagement with a cogged shank portion  82  of the hand crank  38  fitted for rotary engagement thereof as in the position of  FIGS. 1 ,  5  and  7 A. 
         [0068]    As already mentioned above, and with particular reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  7 A and  7 B, the top cover  32  is fitted for locking engagement with the base member  28 . For that purpose, base member  28  is formed at its upper edge  88  with a circumferential rim  90  whilst the top cover  32  is formed with a circumferential inner groove  92  and further, base member  28  is formed with several locking lugs  94  engageable with corresponding recesses  96  formed in the top cover  32 . In this fashion, the top cover  92  is lockingly engageable with the base member  28  to thereby prevent unintentional opening of the utensil while in use. 
         [0069]    As can best be seen in  FIG. 7A , at the assembled position the peeling element  51  forms a gap  46  from the liner  42 , said gap typically being in the range of about 5 to 10 mm which in average is smaller than the size of a garlic clove ( 100  in  FIG. 7A ) such that at the assembled position the peeling element  51  deforms to ensure engagement and friction contact over the garlic cloves  100 . Rotation of hand crank  38  by knob  39  entails corresponding rotation of the peeler elemnt  51 , resulting in peeling/brushing off the skin of the garlic cloves  100  placed within the gap  46 , however without causing any damage to the garlic cloves, i.e. without abrading, scratching, smashing, or any other damage. In this way, an eye-pleasing peeled garlic clove is obtained, whilst retaining all its nutritive values and even more so substantially without disbursing of the typical garlic smell. 
         [0070]    Whilst the description here in the specification and claims makes reference to garlic, it is to be appreciated that the appliance may just as well be used for peeling other vegetables or fruits, e.g. onions, different types of nuts (almonds, peanuts, etc.) and others. Accordingly, the size of the gap, namely the distance between the friction wall (liner)  42  of the base member  28  and the peeler surface  56  of peeling element  51  may be differ according to the size of the vegetable or fruit under consideration. According to a particular design, not shown, the gap may be regulated by displacement of the peeling element or replacing it. 
         [0071]    It is further appreciated that the appliance is easily assembled and disassembled for cleaning and maintenance, and is easily washable, even by dishwashing machines. Typically, all components of the appliance are made of plastic and elastomeric materials which are easily washable and which do not absorb any odors or color. 
         [0072]    Turning now to  FIG. 8A , there is illustrated a peeling element  112  fitted with a retention ring  60  as in the previous embodiment. However, in the embodiment of FIG. A, the peeler surface of the peeler element  112  is formed with a plurality of bulges  114  for increasing friction contact with the garlic clove received within the clove receiving compartment. 
         [0073]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 8B , the inner surface of friction wall  120  of the base member  122  is fitted with a plurality of resilient bristles  124  also for the purpose of increasing friction engagement with a garlic clove received within the clove receiving compartment. It is appreciated that either or both of the friction wall (liner of the base member) and the peeler surface of the peeling element may be either smooth or fitted with projections such as bulges or ribs, etc. or with bristles or with a combination thereof. 
         [0074]    It is further appreciated that the same housing may be used, however, with a replaceable peeler element for adjusting for different fruits and vegetables. 
         [0075]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the garlic peeler  130  is fitted with an electric motor  132 , in replacement of the manual hand crank  38  in the previous embodiments. The electric motor  132  is fitted with an on/off switch  134  and the motor and batteries may be received within the space of the cylindric portion extending downwards from the top cover  138 . 
         [0076]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , there is illustrated a garlic peeler in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, generally designated  150 . In this embodiment, the housing is a complete rigid housing  152  formed with a vertically extending cylindrical friction wall  156  made of resilient material substantially coaxially within the housing  152 . A rotary hand crank  158  is engageable with a rigid core  160  which at the assembled position is rotatably supported at its lower end  162  by an axial projection  164  projecting from a base  166  of housing  152 . The core  160  is coated with a resilient sleeve  170  constituting a peeler surface, whereby a clove receiving gap  174  extends between the resilient sleeve  170  and the liner  156 . The clove receiving gap  174  is typically narrower than the size of an average garlic clove  178  whereupon rotation of the hand crank  158  entails peeling the garlic clove  178 . 
         [0077]    It is appreciated that other embodiments as mentioned in connection with previous applications are possible as well, e.g. forming the peeler surface of the sleeve and/or friction wall  156  with projections or bristles, etc. 
         [0078]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , there is illustrated a garlic peeler according to a modification of the invention and generally designated  180  wherein a base member  182  is formed with a resilient peeling element  184  in the form of a diaphragm tensioned about its periphery whilst the top cover  186  supports the rotary hand crank  188  which in turn supports a disk  190 , coated by a friction surface  191  made of a resilient material, giving rise to a clove receiving gap  192  extending between the peeler surface  184  and the friction surface  191 , said gap  192  constituting the clove receiving compartment. 
         [0079]    The arrangement is such that rotation of handle  188  entails corresponding rotation of the disk  190 , resulting in peeling/brushing off the peel off a garlic clove  196  received within the clove receiving gap  192 . 
         [0080]    With further reference now made to  FIGS. 12 and 13  there is illustrated a garlic clove peeler generally designated  200  adapted for use with a mixer, e.g. a domestic kitchen mixer  204  as in  FIG. 13 . The garlic peeler  200  comprises bowl  206  formed with a hemispheric bottom portion  208 , which according to one particular design at least the hemispheric bottom portion  208  is fitted or coated with a resilient liner  210  serving as a friction wall ( FIG. 13 ). The bowl is a replacement bowl for the mixer and thus is provided with a base  212  for securing to the mixer&#39;s support table  216  ( FIG. 13 ). A peeling element  220  comprising a balloon  222 , at least a bottom hemispheric portion thereof  226  made of a resilient material and sized and shaped to fit into said bowl  206 . The peeling element  220  further comprises a shank  230  fitted for coupling to the mixer&#39;s chuck  236  for rotational coupling thereof. 
         [0081]    According to this embodiment, the garlic peeler  200  is an add-on type for utilizing with a conventional mixer, wherein the bowl  206  may serve also for other purposes used in conjunction with the mixer  204 , as known per se. The arrangement is such that rotary motion is imparted to the peeling element from the motor of mixer  204 . In this case, the size of the gap  239  between the bowl and the peeling element  220  may be adjusted by lowering or raising the mixer&#39;s arm  241  and further, the rotation speed is governed by a controller  245 . 
         [0082]    The shank  20  may be a specially design element, as in the figures, or it may be any one of a conventional mixing utensils used in conjunction with a mixer, wherein the peeling element is articulated thereto. 
         [0083]    With further reference made to  FIGS. 14 to 16 , a modification of the invention is illustrated. Accordingly, there is provided a food processor generally designated  50  comprising a housing constituted of a food receiving member  252  in the form of a bowl supported over an integral base member  254  and a top member  258  fitted for locking engagement over the bowl  252  via an adaptor cover member  260 . Integrated within the top member  258  there is an electric motor (not seen) connectable to the power supply by an electric cord  262  and operable by an electric switch  264 , as known per se. 
         [0084]    A plurality of replaceable accessories are provided, of which only two are shown in the present embodiment. Such embodiments are, for example, a chopper, a grinder, a slicer, mincer, mixer, etc. In  FIG. 14  there is illustrated a chopper accessory  266  which is connectable to a shank  268  extending from the motor. Another accessory is the garlic peeler  270  comprising a resilient balloon-like peeling element  272  extending from a support shank  274  adapted for articulation to shank  268  so that at the assembled position ( FIG. 15 ) the peeler element  272  extends within the bowl  252  with a bottom end  278  of the peeler element rotatably supported by a bearing member  280  fitted within the bowl  252 . 
         [0085]    It is further noticed that the bowl  252  is formed with a plurality of inwardly extending depressions  284  and that the gap extending between the inside surface of the receiving compartment (bowl  252 ) and the balloon-like peeling element  272  differs along its longitudinal contour between a tighter gap at a bottom portion thereof and a broader gap at an upper portion thereof. 
         [0086]    The balloon-like peeling element  272  may be a homogenous solid unit made of resilient material or may be a sealed balloon retaining its shape. However, in accordance with a modification thereof, the balloon may be aired and may further be removable from shank  274 , e.g. for purposes of cleaning. 
         [0087]    In use, dry garlic cloves are placed in the bowl  252  and then the device is closed by placing the cover member  260  and the top cover  258 . Upon starting the electric motor by switch  264 , the peeler element  274  is rotated within the bowl causing the garlic cloves to displace within the receiving compartment whereby friction between the peeler element  272  and the inner surface  273  of bowl  252  results in peeling the garlic clove. 
         [0088]    It is appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only to serve as examples and that many other embodiments are possible, all of which fall within the spirit and the scope of the present invention.