Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention is a Continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/284,238, filed Sep. 19, 2008 now abandoned the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a means for processing foodstuffs into a grated and puree form through the use of a downward motion thereupon a pressing lid, thereby forcing subjacent foodstuffs through a rotating grating disc having a plurality of perforations and through a spout thereby directing processed foodstuffs thereto a receiving container and, more particularly, to processing foodstuffs commonly associated with pasteles or other similar Latin American cuisine. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Cooks, chefs and others who prepare food are familiar with the time and effort it takes to cut, grate, or mince vegetables, cheeses and other foods. While recently introduced products, such as food processors take some of the drudgery out of this work by providing an electrically operated appliance with spinning blades, they all suffer from a similar disadvantage. Namely, the integral container that holds the grated food is not large enough. While it may be adequate for foods that are used in small quantities such as nuts, it does not work well with food such as onions, tomatoes, peppers, celery, and other foods which are needed in large quantities to prepare certain dishes such as pasteles. Additionally, many food processors improperly cut certain foods, and the user ends up with ingredients that are either too large or too small in size. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which the cutting and grating of various food ingredients can be processed without the disadvantages as listed above. The development of the invention described herein fulfills this need. 
     In preparation of some Latin American cuisine dishes, the cutting and mincing of the necessary ingredients takes time and significant effort. Those who prepare such dishes often find conventional electrical food processors inadequate as they may have containers which are too small in volume and improperly cut ingredients leading to ingredients that are either too large or too small in size for the desired recipe. Accordingly, there exists a need for the cutting and grating of various food ingredients in the desired volume, especially for Latin American cuisine and similar recipes. The development of a food preparation apparatus particularly suited for these types of recipes fulfills this need. 
     Pasteles are a traditional dish of Latin America similar to a tamale and resembling a pastry. To make the dough, many different types of flour are used. Frequently, those making the flour resort to handheld graters to grate the banana, green plantain, taro root, pumpkin, or other foodstuffs. This is extremely labor intensive and time consuming, particularly, if one is preparing a large quantity of pastels for a holiday feast. The invention described herein resolves these problems in preparing pastels. 
     There have been attempts in the past to develop machines to prepare foodstuffs for cooking. U.S. Pat. No. D 493,074 issued to Brousseau et al discloses what appears to be a hand held rotary grater. Unfortunately, this design patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus similar to the disclosed invention nor does it appear to comprise a large central hopper with a blade system located at the bottom inside surface of the hopper. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,766,972 issued to Prommel et al discloses a rotary hand grater with a grating drum. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose an electrically-powered food processing apparatus that comprises a plurality of interchangeable discs to prepare foodstuffs for cooking or consumption. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,434 issued to Virk discloses an apparatus for grating cheese and other foodstuffs comprising a container upon which the foodstuff to be prepared is mounted. A spring maintains the foodstuff against a grating disc that is manually turned. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that comprises a large hopper with an electrically activated crank that activates one (1) of a plurality of interchangeable cutting discs. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,037 issued to Bigelow discloses an electric cheese grater with spring-loaded cheese compartment that is hand held. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a large electrically powered food processing apparatus that comprises a large hopper with a crank operated blade disc to prepare food for cooking or consumption. 
     At www.elcomadito.com, a pasteles and alcapurrias maker is offered for sale that appears to be a large flat hopper that is connected to a chute containing a blade system that prepares the foodstuffs which then pass into a container. Unfortunately, this disclosed apparatus does not appear to operate in a similar manner as the disclosed invention nor does it appear to comprises a plurality of interchangeable cutting discs. 
     An additional disclosed pasteles apparatus is located at www.elcomadito.com on the internet and appears to be an electrically operated pastels maker with an industrial motor. Unfortunately, this disclosed apparatus does not appear to comprise a plurality of interchangeable cutting disks nor does it appear to comprise a clear plastic chamber. 
     Another pasteles maker is found at www.elcomadito.com and appears to comprise a large vat that is mounted over a cutting mechanism. Unfortunately, this apparatus does not appear to comprise a hopper with a crank mechanism to operate a plurality of interchangeable blades to prepare foodstuffs for cooking or consumption. 
     None of the prior art particularly describes an electrically-powered food processing apparatus. Consequently, there is a need for such an apparatus comprising a large central hopper with a blade system utilizing a plurality of interchangeable cutting discs located at the bottom inside surface of the hopper. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In light of the disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it is apparent that there is a need for an apparatus and method for food preparation that provides a motorized food processor comprising a large hopper having an assortment of specially designed grating discs being rotated by a powerful motor to process foodstuffs on a large scale. 
     An object of the food preparation apparatus is to provide a motorized food processor comprising a large hopper having an assortment of specially designed grating discs that are rotated by a powerful motor to process foodstuffs on a large scale. 
     Another object of the food preparation apparatus provides a processed food opening that providing automatic removal of processed foodstuffs. 
     A further object of the food preparation apparatus is a hopper made of a transparent plastic material. 
     Yet still a further object of the food preparation apparatus provides a manual pressing device that is utilized to force foodstuffs against and through grating discs to produce a fine puree ideal for use in traditional Latin American dishes. 
     Still another object of the food preparation apparatus is a set of three (3) or more interchangeable grating discs comprising additional perforated grating patterns, thereby producing processed foodstuffs with a variety of different textures. 
     Still a further object of the food preparation apparatus is a base unit with foot pads to absorb vibration, reduce noise, and stabilize the apparatus. 
     Yet another object of the food preparation apparatus is a spout to direct ground processed foodstuffs into a container or other receiving vessel. 
     Still another object of the food preparation apparatus is that power is supplied to the apparatus by conventional 110-volt power cord which would be inserted in a normal household electrical outlet. 
     An aspect of the food preparation apparatus comprises a base unit, a hopper, a clamping ring, a first grating disc, a motor, and a pressing disc. 
     Another aspect of the food preparation apparatus comprises a base unit further comprising a generally rectangular shaped plastic housing comprising three (3) vertical side panels, a vertical front panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, and four (4) stabilizing foot pads providing a stabilizing means thereto the apparatus extending horizontally outward from a bottom portion of the hopper in all directions. 
     A further aspect of the food preparation apparatus comprises footpads that are common cylinder-shaped rubber devices designed to provide a firm lateral grip thereto a table or counter surface located in each of the four (4) corners of the bottom panel portion of the base unit. 
     Another aspect of the food preparation apparatus comprises a hopper further comprising a cylindrical container having features such as vertical side walls, a pair of opposing “U”-shaped handles, a reinforced circular upper rim, and an open top portion mounted stationaryarily to and supported by a base unit using common fasteners. 
     A further aspect of the food preparation apparatus is a first grating disc located along an interior bottom surface of the hopper attached to the apparatus by a center clamping ring which in-turn attaches to a subjacent motor. The first grating disc comprises a circular stainless steel plate providing a cutting and grinding means to foodstuffs. 
     Still another aspect of the food preparation apparatus comprises a base unit with a front panel portion comprising a spout and a recessed ON/OFF button switch. The spout comprises a wide high-volume design comprising a three-sided chute being indented into the top and front surfaces of the base unit at a downward angle. The spout is envisioned being made using polished heavy-gauge stainless sheet steel. The spout further comprises a pair of integral spout side walls being formed vertically upwardly at right angles providing an attachment means of the spout to the top panel portion of the base unit. A distal portion of the spout extends from beneath the processed food opening portion of the hopper and extending toward a user at a proximal end. 
     Yet still another aspect of the food preparation apparatus comprises a motor comprising a standard cylindrical bodied unit mounted in the base unit. Said motor further comprises a 110-volt AC unit comprising an integral circular mounting plate providing a secure attachment means to the bottom panel portion of the base unit and designed to produce a desired torque and number of output revolutions to properly grind the foodstuffs. 
     Yet still another aspect of the food preparation apparatus comprises a motor comprising a single output drive shaft extending into the hopper and providing an attachment means to the clamping ring portion of the first grating disc. 
     A further aspect of the food preparation apparatus comprises a pressing disc comprising a clear plastic circular plate and a common knob at a central location allowing a user to manually apply a pressing motion to foodstuffs loaded into the hopper, comprising a specific diameter so as to slidingly fit into a top opening portion of the hopper. 
     Still another aspect of the food preparation apparatus comprises a processed food opening comprising a circular segment of a bottom portion of the hopper thereby directing a sufficient flow of processed foodstuffs from the hopper, down the spout, and into a receiving container. 
     Yet still another aspect of the food preparation apparatus comprises three (3) or more grating discs comprising a first grating disc, a second grating disc, and a third grating disc with a plurality of first perforations, second perforations, and third perforations, respectively. Each grating disc comprises different shaped, sized, and arranged perforations along a surface area thereof, to produce processed foodstuffs with a variety of different textures. 
     Still another aspect of the food preparation apparatus comprises grating discs comprising a centrally located clamping ring with a cylindrical stainless steel machined part attached by a flanged base and common fasteners. The clamping ring securely attaches the grating discs to the drive shaft using a common set screw. 
     Still a further aspect of the food preparation apparatus comprises grating discs with perforations. Said perforations comprise various openings having differing shapes such as circular, oval, slotted, square, and the like, providing sharp stamped edges suitable for cutting and grinding foodstuffs having different textures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a pasteles maker  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side cut-away view of a pasteles maker  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a pasteles maker  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a perspective view of a first grating disc portion  50  of the pasteles maker  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a perspective view of a second grating disc portion  52  of the pasteles maker  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   c  is a perspective view of a third grating disc portion  53  of the pasteles maker  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 5  is an electrical block diagram of a pasteles maker  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 pasteles maker 
               
               
                 20 
                 base unit 
               
               
                 21 
                 spout 
               
               
                 22 
                 ON/OFF button switch 
               
               
                 23 
                 spout well 
               
               
                 24 
                 foot pads 
               
               
                 25 
                 spout side wall 
               
               
                 26 
                 bottom panel 
               
               
                 27 
                 top panel 
               
               
                 28 
                 side panel 
               
               
                 29 
                 front panel 
               
               
                 30 
                 hopper 
               
               
                 31 
                 processed food opening 
               
               
                 32 
                 fastener 
               
               
                 33 
                 handle 
               
               
                 34 
                 rim 
               
               
                 35 
                 mounting ear 
               
               
                 40 
                 pressing disc 
               
               
                 41 
                 knob 
               
               
                 50 
                 first grating disc 
               
               
                 52 
                 second grating disc 
               
               
                 53 
                 third grating disc 
               
               
                 54 
                 first perforation 
               
               
                 55 
                 second perforation 
               
               
                 56 
                 third perforation 
               
               
                 57 
                 clamping ring 
               
               
                 58 
                 set screw 
               
               
                 59 
                 aperture 
               
               
                 60 
                 motor 
               
               
                 61 
                 drive shaft 
               
               
                 62 
                 alternating current (AC) power cord 
               
               
                 63 
                 mounting plate 
               
               
                 64 
                 internal wiring 
               
               
                 80 
                 user 
               
               
                 81 
                 foodstuffs 
               
               
                 82 
                 pressing motion 
               
               
                 83 
                 processed foodstuffs 
               
               
                 90 
                 container 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a pasteles maker (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a motorized food processor comprising a large hopper  30  having an assortment of specially designed grating discs being rotated by a powerful motor  60  to process foodstuffs  81  on a large scale. A manual pressing device  40  is utilized to force said foodstuffs  81  against and through said grating discs to produce a fine puree ideal for use in traditional Latin American dishes. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a front view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a base unit  20 , a hopper  30 , a clamping ring  57 , and a first grating disc  50 . The apparatus  10  comprises rugged construction using food-grade plastic and metal portions being suitable thereto residential or commercial use. The hopper  30  comprises a cylindrical container similar to a large cooking pot having expected standard features such as vertical side walls, a pair of opposing “U”-shaped handles  33 , a reinforced circular upper rim  34 , and an open top portion. The hopper  30  is envisioned to be made of a transparent plastic material such as Lexan™, acrylic, Plexiglas™, or the like to provide an easy means for washing and cleaning after use. Located inside of, and along a bottom surface thereof said hopper  30  is a first grating disc  50  being attached thereto the apparatus  10  via a center clamping ring  57  which in-turn attaches thereto a subjacent motor  60  (see  FIG. 2 ). The first grating disc  50  comprises a circular stainless steel plate providing a cutting and grinding means to foodstuffs  81 . The apparatus  10  comprises a set of three (3) or more such grating discs comprising additional perforated grating patterns, thereby producing foodstuffs  81  having a variety of different textures (see  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c ). The hopper  30  is mounted stationary thereto and supported thereby a base unit  20  using common fasteners  32 . The base unit  20  provides a generally rectangular shaped plastic housing comprising three (3) vertical side panels  28 , a vertical front panel  29 , a top panel  27 , a bottom panel  26 , and four (4) stabilizing foot pads  24 . The base unit  20  is envisioned to be made preferably using strong plastic panels using plastic materials such as, but not limited to: polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or the like; however, said base unit  20  may be produced and provided in a stainless steel material often required by commercial applications and as such should not be considered a limiting factor of the invention  10 . The base unit  20  may be manufactured as a single-piece plastic injection molded or cast enclosure or as an assembly of individual panels attached using common fasteners  32 . The base unit  20  provides a stabilizing means thereto the apparatus  10  extending horizontally outward therefrom a bottom portion of the hopper  30  in all directions. The foot pads  24  comprise common cylinder-shaped rubber devices designed to provide a firm lateral grip thereto a table or counter surface, absorb vibration, reduce noise, and stabilize the apparatus  10 . The foot pads  24  are located in each of the four (4) corners of the bottom panel portion  26  of the base unit  20  being affixed thereto using fasteners  32  such as threaded studs, screws, or the like. The front panel portion  29  of the base unit  20  further comprises a spout  21  and a recessed ON/OFF button switch  22 . The spout  21  comprises a wide high-volume design comprising a three (3) sided chute being indented thereinto the top  27  and front  29  surfaces of the base unit  20  within a spout well  23  at a downward angle to direct ground foodstuffs  81  thereinto a container  90  or other receiving vessel. The spout  21  is envisioned being made using polished heavy-gauge stainless sheet steel. The spout  21  comprises a front opening approximately five (5) to seven (7) inches wide being located at a central position along the front panel  29 . The spout  21  further comprises a pair of integral spout side walls  25  being formed vertically upwardly at right angles therefrom. Said spout side walls  25  provide an attachment means of the spout  21  thereto the top panel portion  27  of the base unit  20  via a pair of integrally formed ears  35  extending horizontally outward and being affixed thereto said top panel  27  using common fasteners  32 . A distal end portion of the spout  21  extends therefrom beneath the processed food opening portion  31  of the hopper  30 , (see  FIG. 3 ), sloping downwardly at approximately thirty degrees (30°) and extending toward a user  80  at a proximal end. The ON/OFF button switch  22  provides a common open and closed electrical contact functions shown here in a common dual-pushbutton configuration having a pair of recessed mechanical toggling buttons; however, it is understood that other standard switches providing like functionality may be provided with equal benefit. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a side cut-away view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a motor  60 , and a pressing disc  40 . The motor  60  comprises a standard cylindrical bodied unit mounted in a vertical configuration thereat a central location along the bottom panel  26  portion of the base unit  20 . Said motor  60  further comprises a 110-volt AC unit comprising an integral circular mounting plate  63  along a bottom end portion of said motor  60  and extending outwardly therefrom, thereby providing a secure attachment means thereto the bottom panel portion  26  of the base unit  20  via common fasteners  32  such as screws, bolts, or the like. The motor  60  also provides a single output drive shaft  61  extending therefrom a top portion extending upwardly thereinto the hopper  30  providing an attachment means thereto the aforementioned clamping ring portion  57  of the first grating disc  50  via a common set screw  56  (see  FIG. 4   a ). The motor  60  comprises an approximate one-half (½) horsepower rating and comprises a standard gear-type motor unit having expected internal gear reduction components designed to produce a desired torque and number of output revolutions to properly grind the foodstuffs  81 . The pressing disc  40  comprises a clear plastic circular plate and a common knob  34  thereat a central location allowing a user  80  to manually apply a downward force, thereby producing a pressing motion  82  thereto subjacent foodstuffs  81  loaded into the hopper  30 . The pressing disc  40  comprises a specific diameter so as to slidingly fit thereinto a top opening portion of the hopper  30 , thereby directing said foodstuffs  61  downwardly therethrough the first grating disc  50 . The pressing disc  40  is envisioned to be made using similar material as the hopper  30  and being approximately one-quarter (¼) of an inch thick. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a top view of a pasteles maker  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  is shown here having the first grating disc  50  removed for illustration sake. The apparatus  10  comprises a processed food opening  31  providing automatic removal of processed foodstuffs  83 . The processed food opening  31  is located along a bottom surface of the hopper  30  providing a removal means thereto processed foodstuffs  83  directing said foodstuffs  83  therefrom the hopper  30 , down the spout  21 , and into a receiving container  90 . Said processed food opening  31  is located at a superjacent position with respect thereto the aforementioned spout  21  and comprises a cut opening thereinto a forward bottom surface of the hopper  30 . The processed food opening  31  comprises a circular segment of a bottom portion of the hopper  30  having a width of approximately four (4) inches, thereby enabling a sufficient flow of processed foodstuffs  83  therefrom the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a  through  4   c , perspective views of grating disc portions of the pasteles maker  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  is provided preferably therewith three (3) or more grating discs comprising a first grating disc  50 , a second grating disc  52 , and a third grating disc  53  further comprising a plurality of first perforations  54 , second perforations  55 , and third perforations  56 , respectively. Each grating disc  50 ,  52 ,  53  comprises different shaped, sized, and arranged perforations  54 ,  55 ,  56  along a surface area thereof, thereby producing processed foodstuffs  83  having a variety of different textures. Each grating disc  50 ,  52 ,  53  comprises a rugged stamped circular stainless steel plate providing a cutting and grinding means to foodstuffs  61  similar thereto a conventional box grater. Said perforations  54 ,  55 ,  56  comprise various openings having differing shapes such as circular, oval, slotted, square, and the like, providing sharp stamped edges suitable for cutting and grinding foodstuffs  81  having different textures. Said grating discs  50 ,  52 ,  53  comprise a centrally located clamping ring  57  further comprising a cylindrical stainless steel machined part being attached via a flanged base and common fasteners  32  which thread vertically thereinto said grating discs  50 ,  52 ,  53 . The clamping ring  57  in-turn securely attaches the grating discs  50 ,  52 ,  53  thereto the drive shaft  61  as previously described using a common set screw  58 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an electrical block diagram of a pasteles maker  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. A simple AC circuit is depicted here illustrating an AC electrical current provided to the apparatus  10  by a conventional 110-volt power cord  62  which would be inserted therein a normal household electrical outlet in an expected manner. Said current is in-turn conducted therethrough the ON/OFF button switch  22  via internal wiring  64 , thereby controlling a flow of electricity thereto the AC motor  60  located within the base unit  20  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user  80  in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed and utilized as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: placing the apparatus  10  upon a solid flat work surface such as a kitchen counter, table, or the like; choosing a particular grating disc  50 ,  52 ,  53  having desired size/pattern perforations  54 ,  55 ,  56 ; installing said selected grating disc  50 ,  52 ,  53  by inserting the drive shaft  61  therethrough the aperture portion  59  of the clamping ring  31  and securing therewith a set screw  58 ; plugging the AC power cord  62  into the nearest 110-volt household outlet; placing a quantity of foodstuffs  81  thereinto the hopper  30 ; manually inserting the pressing disc  40  downwardly into the hopper  30  using the knob  41 ; applying a light downward pressure, thereby producing a pressing motion  82  upon said foodstuffs  81 ; pressing the “ON” button portion of the ON/OFF button switch  22 ; maintaining a light downward force thereby forcing said foodstuffs  81  therethrough the perforations  54 ,  55 ,  56  of the desired rotating grating disc  50 ,  52 ,  53 ; collecting the processed foodstuffs  83  flowing therefrom the spout  21  thereinto a receiving container  90 ; continuing said pressing motion  80  until the hopper  30  is empty of foodstuffs  81  or a desired quantity of processed foodstuffs  83  has been obtained; pressing the “OFF” button portion of the ON/OFF button switch  22  to stop the apparatus  10 ; replenishing the foodstuffs  81  therein the hopper  30 , as desired; repeating said food processing procedure until obtaining a desired amount of processed foods  83  or until exhausting a supply of foodstuffs  81 ; disassembling, washing, and storing the apparatus  10  until needed again; and, benefiting from the quick and efficient cutting, grating, and processing of foodstuffs  61  as required by Latin American food dishes and other recipes, using the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

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