Patent Description:
A centrifugal fruit and vegetable juicer generally has a grating disc that is arranged horizontally. Food is urged against the grating disc by a pusher located in the feed tube of the juicer. The grating disc is carried by an assembly that also includes a frusto-conical sieve. The horizontal surface of the grating disc forms a primary processing surface. Juice and pulp are expelled from the horizontal grating disc against the inclined sieve. Because the grating disc is horizontal and the sieve is inclined, the bulk of the expelled pulp and juice impacts the inner surface of the frusto-conical sieve at an angle that is not perpendicular. Further, the area of the grating disc directly below or radially outward of the side walls of the feed tube is generally underutilised in the breakdown of the fruit into its constituent pulp and juice components. The document <CIT> discloses a fruit and vegetable juicer.

Because the grating disc is located close to the bottom of the frusto-conical sieve, the ejected pulp and juice travel along the inclined interior surface of the sieve. During this process, the rotation of the sieve causes juice to be expelled from the interior of the sieve through the sieve and into a juice collection chamber so that it can be dispensed and eventually consumed. Because some of the pulp is too large to pass through the openings in the sieve, it is expelled past the rim of the sieve. The rotating frusto-conical sieve induces or creates an airflow that assists the movement of the ejected pulp into a pulp collection chamber. However, the airflow generated by the rotating disc and sieve can create undesirable pressurisation of the pulp collection chamber. This over pressurisation can cause uncollected juice that is travelling with the pulp to be expelled from gaps associated with the pulp collection chamber, namely gaps between the pulp collection chamber and the lid of the device.

The present technology as disclosed below, addresses these issues.

According to the invention, a fruit and vegetable juicing device according to claim <NUM> is provided. Preferred embodiments are covered by the dependent claims.

Described herein is a grating disc having a primary and a secondary processing surface. The secondary processing surface is angled with respect to the primary surface and is preferably a grating surface.

Also described herein is a combination of grating disc and throttle channel that acts to prolong the time that foods are in contact with the teeth on the grating disc.

Also described herein is a combination of grating disc with a secondary processing surface that increases the number of teeth that food is in contact with before being ejected from the grating disc.

Also described herein is a combination of grating disc and throttle channel that allows food to contact teeth on the grating disc more times than in conventional arrangements.

Some described examples provide greater proximity or increased contact time or increased contact frequency between food stuffs and the teeth on a grating disc in a centrifugal fruit and vegetable juicer.

In some examples, the secondary processing surface is frusto-conical and the primary processing surface is flat.

In some examples, a lowest interior surface of the feed tube cooperates with the secondary processing surface to form a throttle channel.

In other examples, the secondary processing surface contains cutting teeth of the kind associated with the primary processing surface.

In yet examples, the secondary processing surface does not include cutting teeth or grinding elements.

In selected examples, a lid or lid portion associated with the pulp collection chamber is provided with a snorkel or central vent.

In further examples, the snorkel or vent is provided with a lid. The lid may cooperate with the snorkel or vent to form a tortuous path or baffle.

In some examples, the snorkel or vent comprises a tube that descends from the lid. In some selected embodiments, the cross-section of the vent or snorkel is shaped to minimise resistance to airflow originating from outside the pulp collection chamber.

Accordingly, there is provided a combination of grating disc having both primary and secondary processing surfaces and a feed tube having a lower edge surface that cooperates with the secondary processing surface to form a throttle channel.

There is also provided a lid having a lid portion that covers the pulp collection chamber of a centrifugal juicer. The lid portion contains an internal and upwardly directed vent tube.

In order that the invention be better understood, reference is now made to the following drawing figures showing embodiments of the invention or implementing examples useful to understand it. Note that only the embodiments in <FIG> and <FIG> are covered by the claims.

As shown in <FIG> , a centrifugal fruit and vegetable juicer comprises a vertical feed tube <NUM> within which is located a pusher <NUM>. The working parts of the juicer are contained in a body. Pulp ejected from the body is collected in a separate and removable pulp collection chamber <NUM>. Fruits or vegetables are introduced into the feed tube <NUM> and urged against a rotating grating disc <NUM> by the removable pusher <NUM>. An internal anti-rotation blade or fin <NUM> may be located within the feed tube as is known from ample prior art examples. The feed tube <NUM> has a slot for accommodating the blade or fin <NUM>. Extracted juice is discharged onto the side walls of, and into a juice collection chamber <NUM> that surrounds the disc <NUM>.

The grating disc <NUM> is part of a removable assembly that includes a base <NUM> with coupling features and a frusto-conical sieve <NUM>. As will be explained, the sieve may be orientated in two different ways. The base <NUM> is removably received by a cooperating drive coupling portion <NUM> that is driven by an electric motor <NUM>. The motor <NUM> is controlled by a controller <NUM> or microprocessor control unit, or the like. The controller <NUM> receives instructions from user operated controls <NUM>, and cooperated with a graphic display <NUM>.

The frusto-conical sieve <NUM> separates the juice collection chamber from the headspace no contained under the juicer's lid <NUM>. Accordingly, the lid <NUM> assists in the diversion of the pulp expelled by the sieve <NUM> into the pulp collection chamber <NUM>. As pulp is thrown upwardly and outwardly by the rotating sieve <NUM>, the airflow generated by the rotating sieve and the shape of the lid <NUM> drive the expelled pulp into the pulp collection chamber <NUM>. As will be explained, a portion <NUM> of the lid <NUM> that overlies the top of the pulp collection chamber <NUM> is provided with a vertically oriented and internal tube, vent or snorkel <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG> , the juicer's lid <NUM> also includes an internal frusto-eonical wall <NUM> that surrounds the lower end of the feed tube <NUM>. The lid's frusto-conical wall <NUM> lies within the sieve <NUM> but does not contact the sieve <NUM>. The frusto-conical wall <NUM> is generally concentric with the sieve <NUM> and spaced apart from it so as to create a frusto-conical gap <NUM>. The gap <NUM> serves to retain for a longer time, the juice and pulp products ejected from the grating disc <NUM>, and thus limit them from entering the headspace <NUM>, except via the toroidal opening <NUM> formed at the upper margin of the sieve <NUM>, and defined by the inner surface of the sieve <NUM> and the outer surface of the lid's frusto-conical wall <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lower edge <NUM> of the lid's frusto-conical wall <NUM> is joined to the lower end of the feed tube <NUM>. An upper extent of the lid's frusto-conical wall <NUM> joins a cylindrical wall portion <NUM>. The upper part of the cylindrical wall <NUM> joins an upper surface <NUM> of the lid. The manner in which the lid's frusto-comcal wall <NUM> is joined to the lid or the feed tube is not an essential aspect of the technology so long as the wall <NUM> is located within the sieve <NUM> and sufficiently spaced away from it.

As shown in <FIG> , a grating disc <NUM> has a primary processing surface <NUM>. The primary processing surface is generally circular and flat. The surface is provided with an array of sharp cutting teeth <NUM> as is well known in this art. A grating disc, in accordance with the present technology, further comprises a secondary processing, cutting or grating surface <NUM>. The primary cutting surface <NUM> has an effective radius <NUM> that is about the same as the inner radius of the feed tube <NUM>. The secondary processing surface <NUM> lies radially outward of the primary processing surface <NUM>. The secondary processing surface <NUM> may be toothless but optionally has, on its upper surface, a second array <NUM> of grating teeth. In some embodiments, the secondary processing surface <NUM> is angled downward from the horizontal primary processing surface to form a frusto-conical or chamfered secondary processing surface. In some embodiments, the angle formed by the secondary processing surface is such that in a radial direction (as shown in <FIG> ) it is perpendicular or near perpendicular to the filter or sieve <NUM>.

In a conventional juicer, juice and pulp are expelled from the gap between the grating disc and the feed tube in a generally horizontal direction <NUM>. In order to better optimise the juice extraction process, the secondary processing surface <NUM> is combined with a throttling surface <NUM> to form a throttle <NUM>. The throttle <NUM> has potentially several beneficial effects in the juicing process. It can act to retain juice and foods in contact with the grating disc for a longer interval of time. It can also act to bring food stuffs into contact with the teeth on the grating disc more times or with greater frequency. Both the secondary processing surface and the throttle promote longer and more intimate contact between foods and the teeth on the grating disc. The throttle channel also has potential to redirect the stream of food particles and juice that are ejected from the grating disc <NUM>. The throttling surface <NUM> is frusto-conical and in some embodiments generally parallel with the secondary processing surface <NUM> (along a given radius). Working together, the secondary processing surface <NUM> and throttling surface <NUM> create the frusto-conical throttle channel <NUM> that directs pulp and juice in a direction <NUM> that may be generally perpendicular to the sieve <NUM>. By having the ejected pulp and juice directed perpendicularly to the sieve <NUM> work to potentially increase the efficiency of the juice extraction process by better utilising the kinetic energy of the expelled pulp and juice. When directed perpendicularly or close to perpendicularly, more kinetic energy is potentially available to drive the juice through the sieve <NUM> into the collection chamber. The throttle can also have a beneficial impact on the velocity of the ejected material, its time in contact with the grating teeth and other flow characteristics.

In the example of <FIG> , the throttling surface <NUM> is formed on an underside of a separately formed ring <NUM> that is attached to the outer side wall of the feed tube <NUM>. It will be understood that the throttling surface <NUM> can be formed integrally with the lower extent of the feed tube <NUM>. Examples of throttling surface construction are shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG> , the throttling surface <NUM> is integral with the lower end of the feed tube <NUM> and extends above some of or the entirety of the secondary processing surface <NUM>. In this example, the throttling surface <NUM> forms the underside of a flange or extension <NUM> that extends radially outward and down from the outer surface <NUM> of the feed tube <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> , where the feed tube <NUM> is thick enough at its lower end, the throttling surface <NUM> can be formed by chamfering the lower most end surface of the feed tube <NUM>. When the feed tube <NUM> is thick enough, a flange or extension <NUM> is not required.

As shown in <FIG> , the lower most and outer rim <NUM> of the feed tube may be chamfered. This has the effect of potentially shortening the effective length of the throttling surface <NUM>. However, additional clearance can thus be provided between the lower extremity of the feed tube <NUM> and the sieve <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> , the cooperation between the secondary processing surface <NUM> and the throttling surface <NUM> creates a thin, frusto-conical throttle or passageway <NUM> that leads from the primary processing surface <NUM> to the sieve <NUM>. As previously suggested, this channel directs pulp and juice <NUM> toward the sieve <NUM> in a direction that may be generally perpendicular to the sieve <NUM>. In addition, and because the channel or passageway <NUM> is narrow and partially occluded by the teeth <NUM> in the passageway, the rate of flow of the pulp and juice <NUM> may be slowed, turbulated or throttled. This allows the teeth <NUM> and the passageway to have more time in which to act on or process the pulp that is in the passageway prior to its ejection from the passageway <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> , the primary surface <NUM> is generally circular and flat. The central portion of the primary processing surface <NUM> comprises a pair of coring knives or blades <NUM>. In this example, the sharpened teeth <NUM> on the primary processing surface <NUM> are formed in an array comprising <NUM> individual rows <NUM>. Each row <NUM> terminates at or close to the outside diameter <NUM> of the primary processing surface <NUM>. The secondary processing surface lies radially outward of the nominal diameter <NUM> of the primary processing surface <NUM>. The secondary processing surface <NUM> is angled downward and comprises a second array of grating teeth <NUM>. In this example, the second array comprises twelve <NUM> rows of teeth <NUM>. Each row in this example comprises three teeth. Each row <NUM> is angularly offset from one of the rows <NUM> in the first array. The innermost tooth <NUM> in a row <NUM> is adjacent to the outer diameter <NUM> of the primary processing surface <NUM>. The outermost tooth <NUM> in a row <NUM> is adjacent to the outer diameter of the secondary processing surface <NUM> and therefore adjacent to or closer to the sieve <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> the secondary processing surface <NUM> need not have any teeth or grating or other features. Working in combination with the throttling surfaces of the kinds disclosed with references to <FIG> , the secondary processing surface <NUM> finds utility in the redirection and optimal slowing of the stream of juice and pulp exiting the primary processing surface <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> the teeth <NUM> on the secondary processing surface <NUM> can be arranged in equally spaced rows. The teeth <NUM> in each row fall along a common radius. In this example, the number of rows of teeth on the secondary processing surface <NUM> are the same as the number of rows of teeth on the primary processing surface <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> , the rows of teeth <NUM> on the secondary processing surface <NUM> may be co-linear or nearly co-linear with the rows of teeth <NUM> on the primary processing surface <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> , teeth <NUM> on the secondary processing surface <NUM> may be arranged in rows <NUM> that are staggered or angled with respect to a radius of the primary processing surface <NUM>. In this example there are more angled rows <NUM> than there are linear rows of teeth on the primary processing surface <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG> , there are three rows <NUM> of teeth on the secondary processing surface <NUM> for every row of teeth on the primary processing surface <NUM>. In this example, the rows are oriented radially with respect to the centre of the primary processing surface <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> , a centrifugal fruit and vegetable juicer <NUM> has a transparent polymer lid <NUM> that, in this example, includes the integral feed tube <NUM>. The lid <NUM> covers the sieve <NUM> and the juice collection chamber <NUM> and extends to also cover the pulp collection chamber <NUM>. The high speed rotation of the grating disc and sieve create a flow of air under the lid <NUM>. Essentially, an airstream <NUM> is propelled by the action of the rotating sieve toward the pulp collection chamber <NUM>. This flow of air helps to direct the pulp toward and eventually into the pulp collection chamber <NUM>. In this example, the lid <NUM> includes an internal vent, chimney, tube or snorkel <NUM>. In this example, the vent <NUM> is located above or approximately above the vertical centre line <NUM> of the pulp collection chamber <NUM>. The vent <NUM> extends from the surface of the lid <NUM> downward and toward the floor <NUM> of the pulp collection chamber <NUM>. In this example, the vent <NUM> is tubular, having a lower opening <NUM> that is below the level of the upper rim <NUM> of the sieve <NUM>. Having the lower opening <NUM>, lower than the rim <NUM> of the sieve <NUM> reduces the prospect that pulp can be blown into the vent <NUM> and thereby expelled in the airstream <NUM> that exits the vent <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> the lid <NUM> has an opening <NUM> on its upper surface that leads into the interior space of the vent <NUM>. Below the opening <NUM> there is a circumferential shelf <NUM> for receiving the lower rim <NUM> of a vent cap <NUM>. The vent cap <NUM> has an upper surface <NUM> that is preferably flush or only slightly above or below the level of the upper surface of the lid <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> of the vent cap <NUM> is supported by a peripheral rim, the lower edge of which <NUM> rests on the shelf <NUM>. In preferred embodiments, the vent cap <NUM> further includes a plug <NUM> that descends into the throat or internal area <NUM> of the vent. The plug <NUM> may incorporate an array of vertical ribs <NUM> that maintain a space or gap between the outside surface of the plug <NUM> and the inside surface of the vent.

As shown in <FIG> , airflow <NUM> associated with the movement of the sieve <NUM> enters the head space <NUM> above the pulp collection chamber <NUM>, and flows past the vent <NUM>. The airflow <NUM> and the force of gravity will tend to deposit pulp and juice into the pulp collection chamber Generally, only moving air <NUM> will enter the lower opening <NUM> of the vent <NUM>. However, some juice may be entrained in the airflow and some of the smaller pulp particles may also be carried by the airflow <NUM> up and into the central passageway of the vent <NUM>. To prevent excessive escape of juice and pulp from the vent <NUM>, the vent cap can work with the vent to form a tortuous path or baffle. In this example, airflow upward through the vent <NUM> passes along the vertical ribs <NUM> and in the gap between the plug <NUM> and the inner wall of the throat <NUM>. The upward flow <NUM> impinges on an underside <NUM> of the vent cap's upper surface <NUM>. The circumferential groove between the cap's rim <NUM> and the exterior of the plug bends and diverts the airflow past the lower rim <NUM> of the rim <NUM> whereby it can escape in the gap <NUM> located between the rim <NUM> and the opening in the lid <NUM>, <NUM> that receives it. The vent plug may have a pull-ring <NUM>, handle or knob for assisting in the removing of the vent cap from the vent.

As shown in <FIG> , the location and cross-sectional shape of the lid's vent <NUM> may be optimized in relation to the airflow <NUM> being delivered from the area surrounding the rotating sieve <NUM>. In the example of <FIG> , the vent <NUM> is located on the lid <NUM>, centrally of the pulp collection chamber <NUM> but in a way that it does not excessively obstruct the bulk of the airflow <NUM>. Further, the surface of the vent <NUM> facing the airflow <NUM> is preferably minimised and thus smaller than the surface <NUM> facing away from the airflow <NUM>. As suggested by <FIG> , the vent can be seen, in cross-section as having a major transverse axis <NUM>. In this embodiment, the axis <NUM> is oriented so that it is generally parallel with airstream <NUM> entering the pulp collection chamber.

As previously disclosed, the secondary processing surface may be flat and featureless or in the alternative, may be provided with grating teeth, grinding features or other features to assist in the breakdown and transport of foods toward the sieve in the juicer. Further, the secondary processing surface may be advantageously combined with a throttling surface to form a throttling channel. The throttling channel may be used to lengthen the flow path between the primary processing surface and the sieve and to change the direction, rate or other flow characteristics of foods after they are discharged from the primary processing surface. Further examples are provided in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG> a frusto-conical secondary processing surface <NUM> may be completely or partly lacking in grating teeth. In this example, the secondary processing surface of grating disc <NUM> is combined with a cooperating throttling surface <NUM> that surrounds the lower end of the feed tube <NUM>. The combination of secondary processing surface <NUM> and throttling surface <NUM> form a frusto-conical throttling channel <NUM> that leads from the outer edge <NUM> of the primary processing surface <NUM> to the frusto-conical sieve <NUM>. In this example, the sieve <NUM> is affixed to the grating disc and forms part of the grating disc assembly <NUM>. Thus, foods <NUM> exiting the throttling channel <NUM> will impact the sieve <NUM> at a <NUM> degree angle, or in any event, more perpendicularly than prior art juicers where foods exit the primary processing surface <NUM> horizontally. In this example, juice <NUM> will pass through the sieve and pulp <NUM> will travel upwardly and outwardly, eventually being ejected past the upper rim of the rotating sieve <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> , the frusto-conical surface of the secondary processing surface <NUM> need not be parallel with the frusto-conical surface of the throttling surface <NUM>. In the example of <FIG> , the throttling channel <NUM> is tapered, having a wide entry adjacent to the outer edge <NUM> of the primary processing surface <NUM> and a narrower exit or mouth <NUM> adjacent to the sieve <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> , the throttling channel <NUM> may have parallel side walls but directed upwardly. Thus, the exit <NUM> of throttling channel <NUM> is higher than the entry <NUM> of the throttling channel <NUM>. In this example, the secondary processing surface <NUM> is inclined upwardly and provided with grating teeth <NUM>. The throttling surface <NUM> surrounding the lower end of the feed tube is inclined upwardly at an angle that is generally parallel to the angle of the secondary processing surface <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG> , both the secondary processing surface <NUM> and the throttling surface <NUM> are directed or angled upwardly with reference to the horizontal surface <NUM> of the primary processing surface. Although both the throttling surface <NUM> and the secondary processing surface <NUM> are directed upwardly and away from the horizontal, the throttling channel <NUM> is tapered. Thus, the entry <NUM> to the throttling channel is wider than the exit <NUM>.

In some centrifugal juicers, the filter sieve is arranged so that it tapers from a smallest diameter at the top, to a widest diameter at the bottom. In juicers of this kind having an "inverted" sieve, pulp travels downwardly and outwardly along the interior surface of the sieve and is ejected below the level of the grating disc. Juicers of this kind are exemplified by, for example, the Phillips HR1873 Juicer. The technology previously disclosed regarding the secondary processing surface, throttling surface and throttling channel are seen in <FIG> applied to this type of grating disc and sieve arrangement.

As shown in <FIG> , an upwardly directed throttling channel <NUM> is directed approximately perpendicularly to a downward discharging sieve <NUM>. As exemplified in <FIG> , the inverted sieve <NUM> has a smaller diameter at its top <NUM> and a larger diameter at its lower end <NUM>. The sieve <NUM> is rigidly attached to the grating disc <NUM> by a flange or struts or the like <NUM>. In this example, the secondary processing surface <NUM> and the throttling surface <NUM> are generally parallel and directed upwardly at the sieve <NUM>. Optional grating teeth <NUM> are provided on the secondary processing surface <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> , an upwardly directed throttling channel <NUM> may be tapered. The upward inclination of the secondary processing surface <NUM> and throttling surface <NUM> provide for a narrow exit <NUM> and a wider entrance <NUM> to the throttling channel <NUM>. The secondary processing surface <NUM> is shown as being provided with grating teeth <NUM> but it will be understood that the grating teeth <NUM> are optional. Openings <NUM> may be formed through the struts or flanges that attach the sieve <NUM> to the grating disc <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> , the throttling channel <NUM> may be directed horizontally. In the example of <FIG> , the secondary processing surface <NUM> is horizontal and co-planer with the primary processing surface <NUM>. In this example, the throttling surface <NUM> is generally parallel with the secondary processing surface <NUM>. Thus, the foods <NUM> ejected from the exit <NUM> of the throttling channel <NUM> are directed approximately horizontally toward the inverted sieve <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG> , the secondary processing surface <NUM> is flat and co-planer with the primary processing surface <NUM> but the throttling surface <NUM> is inclined downwardly forming a frusto-conical surface that surrounds the lower end of the feed tube <NUM>. This creates a tapered throttling channel <NUM>, the exit of the throttling channel <NUM> being narrower than the entry <NUM>.

Teachings relating to a flat secondary processing surface as shown in <FIG> are applied to a conventional grating disc and sieve in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG> , in the conventional arrangement, the frusto-conical sieve has its largest diameter <NUM> at is tipper extent. As shown therein, the secondary processing surface <NUM> is flat and co-planer with the primary processing surface <NUM>. The throttling surface <NUM> is generally parallel with the secondary processing surface <NUM>. Thus, the throttling channel <NUM> is horizontal and not tapered. In the example of <FIG> , the throttling surface <NUM> is inclined downwardly to create a tapering in the throttling channel <NUM>. Because the throttling surface <NUM> is inclined downwardly and the secondary processing surface <NUM> is flat, the resulting throttling channel <NUM> is tapered, having a narrower exit opening <NUM> and a wider entry <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> , the lower end <NUM> of a feed tube <NUM> may be formed with an array of spaced apart gaps, referred to as castellations <NUM>. In the example of <FIG> , the castellations are undulating, comprising alternatively convex and concave regions <NUM>, <NUM>. It is preferred that the anti-rotation feature, knife or fin <NUM> have its lower edge <NUM> coincident with the lowest portion of a convex region of the circumferential castellations. This provides the maximum structural support for the anti-rotation feature <NUM> and allows it to be located as low as possible in the feed tube. As shown in <FIG> , the castellated region <NUM> of the feed tube <NUM> is received or nested within a castellated shear ring <NUM> that is integral with the grating disc and sieve assembly <NUM>. In preferred embodiments, the castellated shear ring <NUM> extends upwardly from the grating disc <NUM> and is sized to rotate freely, but closely adjacent (e.g. <NUM>-<NUM>) to the castellated lower end of the feed tube <NUM>. As the grating disc and sieve assembly <NUM> rotates, pulp and juice pass through the castellations <NUM>, <NUM> and are thereby further processed, sheared, or macerated by the action of the rotating ring <NUM> relative to the stationary castellations of the feed tube <NUM>. When the feed tube <NUM>, is in position on the juicer, the lowest portion of the castellations <NUM> is lower than the top <NUM> of the castellated ring <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> , the castellations <NUM> may be square, rectangular or rectilinear, undulating or saw-toothed. As suggested by <FIG> , the castellations at the bottom of the feed tube <NUM> are similar in size and shape to the castellations on the rotating castellated ring <NUM>. An area on the grating disc <NUM> may be devoid of grating teeth or other features to allow adequate vertical clearance for the lower edge of the feed tube's castellations <NUM>, <NUM>.

As suggested by <FIG> the castellations may assume a number of different shapes. In <FIG> , the castellations form saw teeth <NUM> having flattened tips <NUM>. The leading edge <NUM> and the trailing edge <NUM> of an individual castellation may be formed at different angles. As shown in <FIG> the castellations <NUM> have sides <NUM> of equal angle and length, and in this example have a truncated tip <NUM> so as to form a truncated pyramidal shape. As shown in <FIG> each castellation has one side edge <NUM> that is straight and generally parallel with the long axis of the feed tube and another side edge <NUM> that is concave so as to form an alternative saw tooth arrangement.

As shown in <FIG> , an array of through openings or slots <NUM> at the lower end of a feed tube <NUM> may be used in the same manner as the castellations previously described, for example, with reference to <FIG>. In this example, the through openings <NUM> are elongated, each one having rounded upper and lower ends <NUM>, <NUM>. The otherwise equally spaced array of openings <NUM> may include an uninterrupted area <NUM> in the area of the anti-rotation fin <NUM>. The array of through openings <NUM> may he used in conjunction with a castellated ring or a perforated ring <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The perforated shear ring <NUM> comprises an upright cylindrical wall <NUM> in which is formed an array of through openings <NUM> that are similar in size and shape to the through openings in the lower end of the feed tube. In this example, the through openings <NUM> are oblong, having parallel sides and rounded top and bottom edges <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the angular spacing between the openings <NUM> in the ring <NUM> is the same as the spacing between the openings at the lower end of the feed tube <NUM>. As suggested by <FIG> , the lower end of the feed tube depicted in <FIG> fits within the perforated ring <NUM> depicted in <FIG>. As previously discussed, the rotation of the perforated ring <NUM> relative to the stationery lower end of the feed tube creates a shearing action in the gap between the feed tube and the ring. It will be appreciated that although the examples of <FIG> depict an upright of conventional frusto-conical sieve <NUM>, the same arrangement may also be employed with respect to an inverted frusto-conical sieve.

As shown in <FIG> , an inverted frusto-conical sieve <NUM> comprises a toroidal upper filter frame ring <NUM> whose inner edge <NUM> defines a circular opening for receiving the lower end of a feed tube. The inverted sieve <NUM> further comprises a bottom filter frame ring <NUM> having a rigidising lip <NUM>. The perforated sieve <NUM> extends between the tipper filter frame ring <NUM> and the bottom filter frame ring <NUM>. The upper portion of the sieve <NUM> and the upper filter frame ring <NUM> are elevated above and connected to the grating disc <NUM> by a cylindrical frame <NUM> having optional upright struts <NUM>. Through openings <NUM> between the struts <NUM> allow juice and pulp to be ejected toward the sieve <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> , the lower end of a feed tube <NUM> is admitted past the upper filter frame ring <NUM>. The castellations or slots <NUM> at the lower end of the feed tube come to rest or are nested within the castellated or slotted ring <NUM> that is part of the grating disc and sieve assembly.

As suggested with reference to <FIG> , an inverted frusto-conical sieve assembly <NUM>, with or without features such as the secondary processing surface <NUM>, throttling channel <NUM> or the aforementioned arrangement of castellated or slotted rings <NUM> may be combined, in a centrifugal juicer, with a juice collection chamber <NUM> having tapered or frusto-conical side walls <NUM>. In the examples of <FIG> , the frusto-conical side wall <NUM> of the juice collection chamber <NUM> form a circumferential trough <NUM>. A juice discharge spout <NUM> is formed at the upper extent of the frusto-conical wall <NUM> of the juice collection chamber <NUM>. Airflow within the juice collection chamber <NUM>, induced by the rotation of the grating disc and sieve arrangement <NUM> will act to drive the contents of the juice collection chamber <NUM> upward and along the frusto-conical wall <NUM>. Thus, juice reaching the upper edge <NUM> of the frusto-conical outer wall <NUM> of the juice collection chamber <NUM> will enter into and be dispensed from the spout <NUM>. Utilising the airflow within the juice collection chamber <NUM> to lift the juice against the force of gravity and into an elevated spout <NUM> allows a taller collection vessel to be located under the spout <NUM>. This may allow a greater volume of juice collection than would otherwise be expected.

As shown in <FIG> , a conventional frusto-conical sieve <NUM> may also be combined with a juice collection chamber <NUM> having a tapered or frusto-conical side wall <NUM>. In accordance with the teachings provided by way of <FIG> , a discharge spout <NUM> is located adjacent to the upper margin <NUM> of the collection chambers side wall <NUM>, thus providing an enhanced juice collection capacity. In the example of <FIG> , the spout <NUM> is located at about the same level as the upper rim <NUM> of the frusto-conical sieve <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> , the individual teeth <NUM> on a grating disc <NUM> are formed by driving a tool <NUM> into the upper surface <NUM> of the disc <NUM>. Driving the tool into the disc has the effect of raising the tooth <NUM>. The tool <NUM> also creates an indentation <NUM> in the disc. Part of the indentation <NUM> forms a recess or concavity into the front face <NUM> of the tooth <NUM>. The indentation also forms a pocket <NUM> both below and in front of the front surface <NUM> of the tooth. As shown in <FIG> , the front edge of the tooth <NUM> comprises an outer edge <NUM>, an inner edge <NUM> and the tooth's apex <NUM> between them.

Each tooth has a longitudinal axis <NUM> that passes through the tooth's apex <NUM>. Conventionally the longitudinal axis is tangential to the circle of rotation of the tooth as shown in <FIG>. However, beneficial results in terms of juicing efficiency and shedding of unwanted food fibres etc. may be obtained by inclining or rotating the longitudinal axis of the teeth to either side of the tangent. As shown in <FIG> the longitudinal axis <NUM> has been rotated clockwise (looking down at the tooth). The tooth in <FIG> is considered outward facing, that is, the front recess of the tooth <NUM> faces more toward the outside edge of the disc than a conventional tangential oriented tooth. Inward facing teeth are depicted in <FIG> , the longitudinal axis being inclined so that front recesses face the rotational centre of the disc more than conventional tangentially oriented teeth.

In the conventional orientation, the inner and outer edges contact the food being juiced at approximately the same time. For an outward facing tooth, the inner edge <NUM> will make contact slightly before the outer edge <NUM>. Thus the inner edge is considered the leading edge in an outward facing tooth and the outer edge is considered the tailing edge of the tooth.

For an inward facing tooth the outer edge <NUM> will make contact before the inner edge <NUM>. Thus the outer edge of an inward facing tooth is considered the leading edge and the inner edge is considered the tailing edge of the tooth,.

As suggested by <FIG> , the individual teeth <NUM> on either or both of the primary or secondary processing surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be orientated inwardly, that is, facing radially inward toward the centre of rotation of the grating disc <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the inward or outward reorientation of the teeth is best employed by having all of the teeth on a grating disc <NUM> similarly orientated. It will also be appreciated that the inward or outward facing teeth may be used in place of any or all of the teeth on any grating disc having teeth. The way individual teeth are formed is considered conventional other than in the way the teeth are oriented as to face either inward or outward.

As shown in <FIG> , a flat grating disc <NUM> is provided with inward facing cutting teeth <NUM>. In this example, the teeth are arranged in <NUM> primary linear and generally radial rows <NUM>. Each row extends from an innermost tooth <NUM> that is adjacent to the central coring knife <NUM> to an outer tooth <NUM> that is adjacent to the perimeter <NUM> of the upper surface of the disc. Also in this example, a pair of interstitial teeth <NUM> is provided between adjacent primary rows <NUM>. The <NUM> interstitial pairs are located adjacent to the aforementioned perimeter <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> , a centrifugal juicer <NUM> has a grating disc <NUM> that is affixed to and supports the upper rim <NUM> of an inverted frusto-conical sieve <NUM>. The sieve <NUM> is surrounded by a stationary juice collection ring <NUM>. In this example, the juice collecting ring <NUM> comprises a generally cylindrical lower section <NUM> and an upper or tapered portion <NUM>. The lowest edge <NUM> of the juice collector is adjacent to the lowest edge <NUM> of the sieve. A circumferential gap <NUM> between the sieve and the juice collector allows pulp to fall into the interior <NUM> of a pulp collection chamber <NUM>. Juice that is ejected through the sieve is carried up the inclined walls of the upper portion <NUM> owing to the velocity of the ejected juice together with the movement of air induced by the rotation of the grating disc and sieve. Extracted juice is propelled over the upper edge <NUM> of the juice collector and then falls into a circumferential trough <NUM> that surrounds the upper extremity of the juice collector. In this example, the trough <NUM> has an inclined floor <NUM> with the high point <NUM> of the floor of the trough being diametrically opposite to the juicer's dispending nozzle <NUM>. Thus, juice accumulating in the trough <NUM> will flow toward and out of the nozzle <NUM>. In this example, the low point of the interior of the nozzle <NUM> is in alignment with the lowest part <NUM> of the trough. In this example, the juice collector and circumferential trough are integrally formed. The lowest interior surface of the nozzle <NUM> is located vertically above the grating disc and is closer to the upper rim <NUM> of the juice collector than the lower rim <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> , a juice collection chamber <NUM> is bowl shaped, having an elevated nozzle <NUM> located adjacent to the upper rim <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>. In this example, the juice collection chamber <NUM> has an internal vertical collar <NUM> that defines a central opening <NUM>. The opening allows the grating disc located within the juice collection chamber to be attached to the motor below the juice collection chamber. An area at the base of the neck <NUM> defines an interior floor of the juice collection chamber. A helical ramp <NUM> extends from the floor <NUM> to the elevated nozzle <NUM>. The wall thickness of the juice collector around the nozzle is thickened to allow the ramp <NUM> to enter the interior of the nozzle <NUM> in a direction <NUM> that is transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>. The thickening of the walls presents an entry or backstop to the flow into the nozzle in the form of an approximate half cylinder <NUM> having a length corresponding approximately to the wall thickness <NUM> in the area of the nozzle <NUM>.

As suggested by <FIG> , the effective radius of the ramp <NUM> (measured from the rotational centre line of the grating disc <NUM>) may be increased by forming a bulge <NUM> in the side wall of the juice collector. Increasing the effective radius of the helical ramp <NUM> tends to slow the velocity of the juice down prior to it entering the nozzle <NUM>.

As suggested by <FIG> , a juice collector <NUM> may have a side wall that is thickened in the area to either side of the elevated nozzle <NUM>. In this example, providing a thickening in the side wall to either side <NUM>, <NUM> of the elevated nozzle <NUM> (<NUM> in <FIG> ) provides several advantages. First, it provides for a wider helical ramp <NUM>, particularly in the area of the nozzle <NUM>. Second, it provides for a wider semi-cylindrical entry <NUM> into the interior of the feed tube <NUM>. Third, it locates the interior surface of the juice collector in the area of the nozzle <NUM> to be closer to the frusto-conical sieve <NUM> than other interior surfaces <NUM> of the juice collector. By locating portions of the interior surface <NUM> (that are close to the nozzle <NUM>) to be close to the outer surface of the sieve <NUM>, recirculation is limited. Juice will generally make only a single full rotation of the interior of the juice collector after extraction before it is forced out of the nozzle by the helical ramp <NUM>. <FIG> also illustrates that the juice collector has an underside mounting ring <NUM> with one or more downward facing vertical projections <NUM> that facilitate the installation of the juice collector into the juicer, as is well known in this art.

<FIG> illustrates a juice collector <NUM> having an elevated and tangentially oriented spout <NUM>. In this example, the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the spout forms a tangent with a circle <NUM> that describes a path or flow of the juice circulating within the juice collector. This provides for an ovulate, elliptic or ovoid shaped entry opening <NUM>, having a larger total entry area than the radially extending spouts, shown for example, in <FIG> , <FIG> and <FIG>. In preferred embodiments, the nozzle <NUM> is downwardly inclined with reference to the horizontal and more particularly the horizontal plane in which the rim <NUM> of the juice collector is contained. In this example, the nozzle is essentially cylindrical although it may be tapered in either direction. It will be appreciated that the tangentially oriented nozzle <NUM> shown in <FIG> may have its longitudinal axis laterally offset <NUM> and still be considered tangential with reference to the shape of the juice collector and the flow of liquid within it.

As shown in <FIG> , a juice collector <NUM> may have a discharge nozzle <NUM> having an inlet <NUM> and body portion <NUM> that are tangential to the flow direction and also have a bend <NUM> that results in a radially directed discharge opening <NUM>. In this example, the nozzle terminates in a circular discharge opening <NUM> that is perpendicular to a radius <NUM> that extends towards the centre of the juice collector. Accordingly, the nozzle has a tangential entry portion and a discharge portion that is radial <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> is preferably inclined downwardly for ease of dispensing.

As shown in <FIG> , a juice collector <NUM> has an elevated and tangential discharge nozzle <NUM> that is tapered. The nozzle tapers from a maximum cross sectional area at its tangential inlet <NUM> to a minimum cross sectional area at the discharge opening <NUM>. The tapering of the nozzle toward a smaller cross sectional area is thought to cause the pressure and turbulence in the discharged air flow to increase. This makes it relatively harder for air to escape, without excessively disrupting the discharge of liquid from the interior of the juice collection chamber, This results in a juice with less foam while still maintaining high rates of juice extraction. In this example, the discharge opening <NUM> is circular, but it may take other shapes as well.

In the example of <FIG> , a juice collector <NUM> has an elevated and tangential discharge nozzle <NUM> that is ovoid or elliptical in cross section and having an ovoid or elliptical discharge opening <NUM>. In this example, the shape of the discharge opening <NUM> is essentially constant in cross sectional area and a projection of the nozzle's intake opening <NUM> as seen along the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>. The increased cross sectional area of the discharge opening <NUM> results in lower pressure within the nozzle, allowing juice to escape the collector more easily.

As shown in <FIG> , a juice collector <NUM> may combine the features of a tangentially oriented discharge nozzle <NUM> with a helical ramp <NUM> of the kind disclosed with reference to <FIG>. In this example, the ramp <NUM> extends from the floor or lowest part of the interior of the juice collector <NUM> to the entry opening <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>. As such, juice travelling along the ramp <NUM> will enter the nozzle <NUM> longitudinally rather than transversely as shown, for example, in <FIG> and <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG> , a discharge nozzle <NUM> may removably carry an auxiliary nozzle <NUM>. The auxiliary nozzle <NUM> is preferably formed from an elastomeric polymer so that it can be affixed to and removed from the juice collector's nozzle <NUM> without tools. Particularly where the exit velocity of extracted juice and air is high, the auxiliary nozzle <NUM> acts to introduce turbulence in the air flow and slow the exit speed of the juice as well as altering its direction. As shown in <FIG> , the auxiliary nozzle <NUM> is generally "L" shaped, having a downwardly directed discharge opening <NUM> ideal for filling a glass <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> , the auxiliary nozzle <NUM> comprises an inlet plug portion <NUM> that is surrounded by an outer cuff <NUM>. A circumferential groove <NUM> is thus formed between the collar <NUM> and plug <NUM>. In this example, the outside wait of the groove <NUM> is provided with an array of longitudinal ribs <NUM>. The groove <NUM> fits over the end of a juice collectors' nozzle and the ribs <NUM> provide additional purchase and friction for the purpose of better retaining the auxiliary nozzle onto the juicer's primary nozzle <NUM>. In this example, the maximum cross sectional area of the intake plug <NUM> is partially occluded by a baffle <NUM>. The baffle occupies approximately the upper half of the maximum available cross sectional opening of the plug, thus creating a generally semi-circular lower opening <NUM> through which juice can flow into the auxiliary nozzle and out of the discharge opening <NUM>. The change in direction caused by the bend <NUM> in the shape and flow path of the nozzle slows the exit speed of the juice. Reducing the surface area of the intake opening with a baffle <NUM> also slows the exit speed of the juice from the nozzle. In preferred embodiments, the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the lower part of the auxiliary nozzle is vertical and the exit opening <NUM> is perpendicular to that axis <NUM>. This provides for a generally vertical discharge of juice. Vertical discharge is particularly useful when a user is discharging extracted juice into a glass, cup or mug with an open top.

It will be appreciated that in previous examples of a juice collector incorporating helical or spiral ramps that one or more grooves in the interior surface of the juice collector may be used in place of a ramp. The interior surface of the juice collector may also be wholly or partially coated with a non-stick surface such as a fluoro-polymer (PTFE) or silicone or a Sol-Gel coating if the juice collector is metallic.

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to particular details of construction, these should be understood as having been provided by way of example and not as limitations.

Claim 1:
A fruit and vegetable juicing device, the device having:
a juice collection chamber (<NUM>) having a circumferential side wall (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a feed tube communicating with the juice collection chamber (<NUM>);
a grating disc (<NUM>) located below the feed tube;
a frusto-conical sieve (<NUM>, <NUM>) located between the grating disc (<NUM>) and the juice collection chamber (<NUM>), the frusto-conical sieve (<NUM>, <NUM>) being arranged to taper from a smallest diameter at an upper rim to a widest diameter at a lower rim; characterized in that the device further comprises
a juice discharge spout (<NUM>, <NUM>) to discharge juice from the juice collection chamber (<NUM>), the juice discharge spout (<NUM>, <NUM>) being located adjacent an upper rim of the side wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the juice collection chamber (<NUM>) and vertically above the grating disc (<NUM>), and the circumferential side wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) being an upwardly and outwardly sloping frusto-conical side wall (<NUM>, <NUM>), such that during use, juice ejected through the frusto-conical sieve (<NUM>, <NUM>) is carried up the side wall (<NUM>, <NUM>).