Abstract:
A multiple use rotary cutting device having an accessory cutting mechanism for use with prepackaged food products such as pizza. The rotary cutting device provides multiple functions which enhance the convenience of use. The device further minimizes the quantity of devices which must be cleaned after use. The multiple use rotary cutting device has a cutting wheel; a frame member with a lower portion having a accessory cutting surface; a handle assembly comprising a handle cover and a handle for partially enclosing the lower portion of the frame member; and a retracting assembly, which in combination with the handle is capable of completely enclosing the lower portion of the frame member. The accessory cutting mechanism is capable of cutting open a prepackaged food product and the rotary cutting wheel is capable of cutting or slicing the food product itself. When the retracting assembly is compressed, the lower portion of the frame member which is not enclosed by the handle is thereby exposed and provides an accessory cutting mechanism upon demand.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates in general to rotary cutting devices for use in cutting/sectioning food products. This rotary cutting device includes an accessory cutting mechanism which represents a significant improvement over conventional rotary food cutting tools. Additionally, the accessory cutting mechanism significantly increases the convenience of the device. 
   When opening prepackaged food products, such as frozen pizza, it is typically necessary to utilize a separate cutting device, such as a knife or scissors, to open the package. The present art accessory cutting mechanism of the rotary cutting device accomplishes this task by pivoting the rotary cutting device whereby the accessory cutting mechanism faces the prepackaged food product to be opened. In the preferred embodiment, the accessory cutting mechanism is enclosed by a retracting assembly which safely covers the accessory cutting surface and further provides an aesthetic appeal. Upon application of pressure (i.e. compressive force), the retracting assembly retracts, thereby exposing the previously concealed accessory cutting surface. While maintaining appropriate pressure, the device is easily pushed and/or pulled until the accessory cutting surface cuts open the packaging. 
   Thereafter, the device is available to cut or section the food product by pivoting the device until the cutting wheel faces the food product. Pressure is then applied and the device is pushed and/or pulled whereby the cutting wheel rotates freely and the wheel&#39;s rotary cutting surface cuts the food product. The multiple use rotary cutting device provides the necessary package cutting and rotary cutting tools in one device. Prior art alternatives typically utilize multiple tools, such as a knife or scissors, to open the package and a conventional rotary pizza cutter to cut the pizza. As such, the conventional alternatives are undesirable from both a convenience and efficiency standpoint. 
   Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a multiple use rotary cutting device having an accessory cutting mechanism which is capable of cutting and opening the packaging, of prepackaged food products; and a rotary cutting wheel capable of cutting the food product after the package has been opened, either before or after cooking. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a multiple use rotary cutting device having an accessory cutting mechanism which when not utilized is substantially and safely concealed within a handle or retracting assembly such that the accessory cutting surface is not exposed unless adequate pressure is applied. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a multiple use rotary cutting device which is lightweight and easy to use. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   To accomplish the foregoing and other objects of this invention there is provided a multiple use rotary cutting device having an accessory cutting mechanism which in the preferred embodiment is covered by a retracting assembly. The accessory cutting mechanism is preferably opposite the rotary cutting wheel. The accessory cutting mechanism is capable of cutting and opening the packaging of prepackaged food products. When the rotary cutting device is pivoted, the rotary cutting wheel excels at cutting or slicing the food product which was previously enclosed in packaging. In preferred form, the multiple use rotary cutting device has a cutting wheel, a frame member, a handle assembly, an accessory cutting mechanism having a accessory cutting surface, and a retracting assembly. 
   In the preferred embodiment described herein, the multiple use rotary cutting device has a cutting wheel, a frame member with a lower portion having the accessory cutting surface, a handle assembly comprising a handle cover and a handle for partially enclosing the lower portion of the frame member, and a retracting assembly, which in combination with the handle is capable of completely enclosing the lower portion of the frame member and thereby the accessory cutting surface. The retracting assembly is retractable whereby the accessory cutting surface is exposed when needed. 
   Also in the preferred embodiment, the handle has a lower portion having at least one internal cavity capable of receiving the retracting assembly. When the retracting assembly is retracted into the handle, the lower portion of the frame member with the accessory cutting surface is substantially exposed and capable of use for cutting functions. 
   Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, the retracting assembly is comprised of a helical spring and an end cap. The end cap has an upper portion and a lower portion with an orifice for receiving the lower portion of the frame member thereby allowing the accessory cutting surface to be exposed when the retracting assembly is compressed. Alternative embodiments may utilize a plurality of spring members, including but not limited to torsional or leaf styles, and may be manufactured from a plurality of materials, including but not limited to metals and plastics. 
   The multiple use rotary cutting device is capable of alternate uses in addition to its preferred use with food products, and more specifically prepackaged food products. In alternate embodiments, the multiple use rotary cutting device encompasses an accessory cutting mechanism without a retractable cover. In such alternative embodiments, the multiple use rotary cutting device may include a removable cap or sheath-like member for covering the accessory cutting surface. Also in alternate embodiments, the multiple use rotary cutting device may embody various shapes and sizes for facilitating use with different users and different types of food. 
   The multiple use rotary cutting device may be manufactured from different materials and in different sizes and colors. In the preferred embodiment described herein, the cutting wheel and frame member are comprised of stainless steel; the handle is comprised of a plastic resin, preferably ABS, material; the handle cover is comprised of a rubber-like, preferably santoprene, material; the helical spring is comprised of spring steel; and the end cap is comprised of a plastic resin, preferably ABS material. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Numerous other objects, features, and advantages of the invention should now become apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a broadside view of a preferred embodiment of the multiple use rotary cutting device; 
       FIG. 2  is a narrow side view of the preferred embodiment of the multiple use rotary cutting device; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective assembly view of the preferred embodiment of the multiple use rotary cutting device; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the multiple use rotary cutting device taken along line  4 — 4  of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is another cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the multiple use rotary cutting device taken along line  5 — 5  of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a cross sectional exploded view of the lower portion of the preferred embodiment of the multiple use rotary cutting device of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a plan view of the first half of the modified T-shaped handle; 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view of the second half of the modified T-shaped handle; and 
       FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of the preferred embodiment of the multiple use rotary cutting device. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring now to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the multiple use rotary cutting device is shown in  FIGS. 1–9 . The multiple use rotary cutting device is described in conjunction with prepackaged food products. In the preferred embodiment the multiple use rotary cutting device has a retractable cover or retracting assembly for substantially covering the accessory cutting mechanism when not in use. The accessory cutting mechanism of the rotary cutting device of the present invention is particularly adapted for initially cutting the packaging material of prepackaged food, such as frozen pizzas, in order to facilitate opening of the package. Subsequently, the rotary cutting device is used to cut or section the food, such as pizza, prior to serving. 
   The drawings show the rotary cutting device  10  comprising a cutting wheel  12 , a frame member  18 , a handle assembly  39  comprising a handle cover  43  and a handle  40 , and an accessory cutting mechanism  71  with an accessory cutting surface  30 . In the preferred embodiment, the accessory cutting mechanism  71  is covered by a retracting assembly  69  such that the accessory cutting surface  30  is substantially enclosed when the accessory cutting mechanism  71  is not utilized. 
   The cutting wheel  12  comprises an aperture  14  and an edge margin  13  having a rotary cutting surface  15 . In the preferred embodiment the rotary cutting surface  15  is smooth but in alternate embodiments the rotary cutting surface  15  may have serrations, such as teeth, to improve the cutting performance. Also in the preferred embodiment, the cutting wheel  12  is comprised of stainless steel. Alternative embodiments may utilize cutting wheels  12  manufactured of a plurality of materials, including but not limited to metals or plastics. 
   In one preferred embodiment, the frame member  18  comprises an upper portion  20  having an aperture  34 ; a middle portion  22  having a first projection  36 , a second projection  38  and one or more assembly apertures  24 ; and a lower portion  26  having a bottom edge margin  28  with a accessory cutting surface  30 . In the preferred embodiment, the accessory cutting surface  30  is an integral part of the frame member  18  and the accessory cutting surface  30  further comprises a serrated edge  32 , such as cutting teeth. In the preferred embodiment, the frame member  18  is comprised of stainless steel. In alternate embodiments, the accessory cutting surface  30  may be separate from the frame member  18 . Also in alternate embodiments, the accessory cutting surface  30  may be smooth. 
   The cutting wheel  12  is attached to the upper portion  20  of the frame member  18  by a fastening member  16  passing through both the aperture  14  of the cutting wheel  12  and the aperture  34  of the upper portion  20  of the frame member  18 . In the preferred embodiment, the fastening member  16  is a rivet. Alternative embodiments may utilize screws, pins, welds, adhesives, or other fasteners. The fastening member  16  is attached such that the cutting wheel  12  rotates freely. 
   Also in a preferred embodiment, the multiple use rotary cutting device comprises a handle assembly  39  further comprising a handle  40  and a handle cover  43 . The handle  40  comprises an upper portion  44 , a middle portion  46  having one or more external depressions  45 , and a lower portion  48 . In a preferred embodiment, the handle  40  is comprised of two pieces or halves which are joined together enclosing the frame member  18  and the retracting assembly  69 . The view of  FIG. 7  shows one of the two pieces, the first half  50  of the handle  40 . Also, the view of  FIG. 8  shows the other of the two pieces, the second half  58  of the handle  40 . Also in the preferred embodiment, the handle  40  comprises indicia  41  such as a logo or trademark. 
   The first half  50  of the handle  40  comprises a first depression  52  extending through the upper portion  44  and the middle portion  46  of the handle  40  and a second depression  56  extending through the lower portion  48  of the handle  40 . The first depression  52  of the first half  50  of the handle  40  is continuous with the second depression  56  of the first half  50  of the handle  40 . The first depression  52  further encompassing one or more pins or projections  54  capable of being received by the one or more assembly apertures  24  of the middle portion  22  of the frame member  18 . The second depression  56  is shaped such that it further comprises a ledge  57 . The one or more pins or projections  54  in combination with the one or more assembly apertures  24  of the middle portion  22  of the frame member  18  provide partial attachment means for securing the frame member  18  to the handle  40 . 
   The second half  58  of the handle  40  comprises a first depression  60  extending through the upper portion  44  and the middle portion  46  of the handle  40  and a second depression  64  extending through the lower portion  48  of the handle  40 . The first depression  60  of the second half  58  of the handle  40  is continuous with the second depression  64  of the second half  58  of the handle  40 . The first depression  60  further encompasses one or more pins or projections  62  which are capable of being received by the one or more assembly apertures  24  of the middle portion  22  of the frame member  18 . The second depression  64  is shaped such that it further comprises a ledge  63 . The one or more pins or projections  62  in combination with the one or more apertures  24  of the middle portion  22  of the frame member  18  provide partial attachment means for securing the frame member  18  to the handle  40 . 
   The first depression  52  of the first half  50  and the second depression  56  of the first half  50  in combination with the first depression  60  of the second half  58  and the second depression  64  of the second half  58  form a first internal cavity  53  and a second internal cavity  59  with a ledge  61  when the first half  50  of the handle  40  is joined to the second half  58  of the handle  40 . The first internal cavity  53  is preferably continuous with the second internal cavity  59 . In a preferred embodiment, the first internal cavity  53  is capable of completely receiving the middle portion  22  of the frame member  18  and partially receiving the upper portion  20  of the frame member  18 . Also, the second internal cavity  59  is capable of receiving the retracting assembly  69  and at least partially receiving the lower portion  26  of the frame member  18 . 
   In a preferred embodiment, the handle  40  is of a modified T-shape such that a hand guard is inherently created through the modified T-shape. This prevents possible hand injuries by blocking access to the cutting wheel  12  while in use. The first projection  36  and the second projection  38  of the middle portion  22  of the frame member  18  in conjunction with the middle portion  22  of the frame member  18  itself also forms a modified T-shape. When the multiple use rotary cutting device  10  is assembled during manufacturing, the frame member  18  is placed within the first internal cavity  53  of the middle portion  46  of the handle  40 , whereby the frame member  18  substantially mimics the modified T-shape of the preferred embodiment of the handle  40 . The interlocking of the modified T-shaped frame member  18  with the modified T-shaped handle  40  provide rigidity, strength, and security. Other shapes and configurations may also be utilized which are best suited for the end-use. 
   The handle  40  is preferably comprised of an ABS plastic resin although other materials may be used in alternative embodiments. The handle assembly  39  is also comprised of a handle cover  43  which in a preferred embodiment is also a modified T-shape. The handle cover  43  further comprises leaf like projections  42  which align with the one or more external depressions  45  in the middle portion  46  of the handle  40  when the handle cover  43  is installed over the handle  40 . The leaf like projections  42  in combination with the one or more external depressions  45  in the middle portion  46  of the handle  40  provide comfort and minimize slippage in use. In the preferred embodiment, the handle cover  43  comprises indicia  41  such as a logo or trademark. Also in the preferred embodiment, the handle cover  43  is comprised of a rubber like santoprene material, but other materials may be used in alternate embodiments. 
   The retracting assembly  69  is preferably comprised of a helical spring  65  and an end cap  68 . The helical spring  65  having a top portion  66  and a bottom portion  67 . The end cap  68  having an upper portion  70  and a lower portion  76 . In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion  70  comprises a first member  72  and a second member  74  substantially parallel with the first member  72  such that the lower portion  26  of the frame member  18  can be received through a gap between the first member  72  and the second member  74 . The upper portion  70  provides stability to the end cap  68  when retracting. Preferably, the lower portion  76  has a shoulder portion  78  and a substantially rectangular shaped aperture  80  capable of receiving the lower portion  26  of the frame member  18  such that the accessory cutting surface  30  is exposed when the end cap  68  is retracted into the second internal cavity  59  of the lower portion  48  of the handle  40 . Alternative embodiments may incorporate apertures  80  of various shapes, including but not limited to circular, elliptical, or triangular. 
   The shoulder portion  78  of the lower portion  76  of the end cap  68  is capable of contacting the ledge  61  when the end cap  68  is not retracted into the handle  40 , thereby securing the end cap  68  and covering the accessory cutting surface  30  of the lower portion  26  of the frame member  18 . This assures that the accessory cutting surface  30  is substantially safely concealed until adequate pressure is applied when the accessory cutting mechanism  71  is needed. Also in a preferred embodiment, said shoulder portion  78  is capable of flexing toward said upper portion  70  members  72 ,  74  in order to provide a snap-in assembly feature. 
   In operation, the rotary cutting device  10  with the accessory cutting mechanism  71  is utilized for both opening prepackaged food products, such as pizza, and cutting or sectioning the food product before or after cooking. The rotary cutting device  10  is held such that the end cap  68  of the retracting assembly  69  faces the prepackaged food product in an area where package opening is desired. The user applies pressure to the rotary cutting device  10  whereby pressure or force is applied onto the prepackaged food product packaging and thereby exposes the accessory cutting surface  30  by causing the end cap  68  of the retracting assembly  69  to retract. This operation exposes the accessory cutting surface  30  of the lower portion  26  of the frame member  18 . While maintaining pressure or force, the user pushes and/or pulls the rotary cutting device  10  such that the accessory cutting surface  30  contacts and cuts the packaging of the prepackaged food product. Subsequently, when it is desired to cut or section the food product, the rotary cutting device  10  is held whereby the cutting wheel  12  faces the food. The user applies pressure to the rotary cutting device  10  whereby the cutting wheel  12  presses down or upon on the food product. While maintaining said pressure or force, the user pushes and/or pulls the rotary cutting device  10  such that the rotary cutting surface  15  of the cutting wheel  12  cuts or sections the food product. The aforesaid is not limited for use with food products but may be utilized in alternative applications which require the cutting of non-food based materials and associated packaging. 
   From the foregoing description those skilled in the art will appreciate that all objects of the present invention are realized. A multiple use rotary cutting device has been shown and described which allows for both packaging cutting of prepackaged food products and cutting or slicing the food product itself. When embodied in a usable device, the art of the present invention is convenient and easy to use. The preferred design of the present invention, as well as alterations that will now be apparent to those skilled in the art, all allow use of the device with any prepackaged food product or alternative application. The device of this invention is further characterized by relatively easy handling and precise control of the cutting action. The present invention, in alternate embodiments, is available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. 
   Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made of the invention without departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described. Rather it is intended that the scope of this invention be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.