This application claims priority from US Provisional Application no. 61,449,455, filed 4 March 2011, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the current invention relates to food preparation and specifically to cutting food and to a cherry tomato cutting apparatus and method. In the specification and claims which follow hereinbelow, the term "cherry tomato" is intended to mean any tomato variety having a characteristic dimension of approximately 4 cm or less.

Preparing salads and cutting vegetables is a common and time- consuming job— whether performed at home or in a restaurant or other food preparation setting. One type of vegetable most frequently cut is a tomato, especially varieties of a cherry tomato. Cutting cherry tomatoes involves no small amount of dexterity, owing to their relatively small dimensions. The effort involved in cutting cherry tomatoes is compounded when it is desirable to cut the cherry tomato in 4 pieces and/or to cut a relatively large number of cherry tomatoes, such as in a restaurant setting or, in general, when preparing larger quantities of cut cherry tomatoes.

Examples of prior art that deal with the problem include: US Patent 3,369,582, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, in which Giangiulio describes an apparatus adapted to slice fixiit and vegetables and tomatoes in particular. A slideable pusher has a pocket to hold the fruit or vegetables and a number of slots to pass through the blades. A number of thin non-serrated blades are set at or near a preferred angle to the direction of motion of the pusher, and the pusher pocket has sides which intersect the blades within preferred angular limits.

DiPietro, in US Patent 7,694,615, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes a food slicer having a blade having a runway for supporting food prior to cutting by the blade and a landing for supporting the blade and the food after being cut. The runway and landing are adjustable for selecting a thickness of a food slice. The runway and landing are

simultaneously adjusted, by a single mechanism, so that the blade and runway are maintained generally parallel with respect to each other. The adjusting mechanism includes a plurality of rotatable cam portions that engage with respective portions on the runway and landing so that each of the runway and landing may be oppositely pivoted around an end to maintain the parallel relationship. The food slicer also includes on-board storage for inserts, such as julienning or cubing inserts. The storage is located on a bottom of the runway, which is pivoted upward for storage.

In US Patent 7,712,402, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, Ishii describes a food slicer for slicing a food product. The slicer may have an adjustable surface and a stationary surface with a blade interposed therebetween. The food product may be sliced with a specific thickness via the blade by traversing the food product from the adjustable surface to the stationary surface. A trailing edge of the adjustable surface and an edge of the blade may define a gap distance which determines a slicing thickness of the food product. A cam may contact an underside of the adjustable surface to set the gap distance. The gap distance may be reset by rotating the cam. More particularly, the cam may have a plurality of cam surfaces. Each of the cam surfaces may have a different distance to a rotating axis of the cam. The gap distance may be changed by rotating the cam such that a different cam surface contacts the adjustable surface's underside.

Rowell, in US Patent 4,310,971, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes a hand held vegetable slicer having a two part molding which defines a window spanned by an array of blades; both parts have teeth enabling them to interfit to form a comb joint and the ends of the blades are imprisoned between adjacent teeth. In one version the two part molding is a sub-assembly which fits into a window in a preformed handle. In another version the handle has both window and teeth on two opposite edges of the window and a separate toothed molding is used to imprison the blades.

In US Patent Application 20040117989 , whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, Horng describes a fruit slicer including an X- hinged device including two handles pivoted by a pivot that separates the X- hinged device into an upper portion and a lower portion, an arcuate resilient plate having two ends fixed to the upper portion of the X-hinged device, and a plurality of blades each having a first end fixed to the arcuate resilient plate and a second end fixed in a recessed portion of the X-hinged device. A respective pair of the blades has a gap therebetween. An elastic element is mounted between the handles for biasing the handles away from each other. The arcuate resilient plate is deformed when the handles are pressed toward each other, thereby reducing the gap. The arcuate resilient plate restores its shape when the handles are released.

Whereas the prior art addresses many other issues, there remains a need to efficiently and safely cut cherry tomatoes in an accurate, esthetic, economic, and time-savings manner using an inexpensive and versatile tool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided a cherry tomato cutting apparatus for cutting at least one cherry tomato, the apparatus having a longitudinal axis comprising: a tomato feeder adapted to receive the at least one cherry tomato and to gravitationally guide the cherry tomato towards the longitudinal axis; an operating lever mechanically connected to an assembly housing, the assembly housing adapted to move substantially along the longitudinal axis and to receive the cherry tomato at a tomato support configurable coaxially and mechanically connected to the assembly housing; and a blade assembly positionable beneath the tomato support and adapted to cut the cherry tomato into at least two pieces, wherein the cut cherry tomato is collected in a base of the cherry tomato cutting apparatus. Preferably, the blade assembly is further adapted to cut the cherry tomato into a number of pieces chosen from the list including: two, three, and four pieces. Most preferably, the blade assembly is interchangeable. Typically, the operating lever is further operatable in a reciprocating fashion to cut the cherry tomato. Most typically, the cherry tomato has a diameter substantially smaller than 4 cm. Preferably, the tomato feeder is configured coaxially with the longitudinal axis. Most preferably, the tomato feeder is configured radially from the longitudinal axis.

According to the to the teachings of the present invention there is further provided a cherry tomato cutting apparatus for cutting at least one cherry tomato, the apparatus having a longitudinal axis comprising: a cherry tomato cutting apparatus for cutting at least one cherry tomato, the apparatus having a longitudinal axis comprising: a tomato feeder adapted to receive the at least one cherry tomato and to gravitationally guide the cherry tomato towards the longitudinal axis; an operating lever mechanically connected to an assembly housing, the assembly housing adapted to move substantially along the longitudinal axis and to receive the cherry tomato at a tomato support configurable coaxially and mechanically connected to the assembly housing; and a blade assembly positionable beneath the tomato support and adapted to cut the cherry tomato into at least two pieces, wherein the tomato feeder is further adapted to be stowed coaxially with the operating lever and the assembly housing when the apparatus is not in use.

According to the to the teachings of the present invention there is further provided a method of cutting at least one cherry tomato using a cherry tomato cutting apparatus having a longitudinal axis, comprising the steps of: using a tomato feeder to receive the at least one cherry tomato and to

gravitationally guide the cherry tomato towards the longitudinal axis;

mechanically connecting an operating lever to an assembly housing, and moving the assembly housing substantially along the longitudinal axis;

receiving the cherry tomato at a tomato support configured coaxially and mechanically connected to the assembly housing; and cutting the cherry tomato into at least two pieces using a blade assembly positioned beneath the tomato support, whereby the cut cherry tomato is collected in a base of the cherry tomato cutting apparatus. Preferably, the blade assembly is further adapted to cut the cherry tomato into a number of pieces chosen from the list including: two, three, and four pieces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS 1A-B are isometric representations of a cherry tomato cutting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG 2 is a pictorial representation of the cherry tomato cutting apparatus of FIG 1, viewed from beneath the base, in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention

FIG 3 is a pictorial representation of the cherry tomato cutting apparatus of FIG 1, viewed from above;

FIG 4 has two pictorial representations of the spring assembly housing in isometric view and in sectional view, in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG 5 is a group of three pictorial representations of blades assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the current invention;

FIG 6 is a pictorial representation of the blade assembly of FIG 5 and FIG IB, in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIGS 7 and 8 are pictorial representations of elements shown in previous figures giving an indication of their general configuration; and

FIGS 9 and 10 are isometric representations of a cherry tomato cutting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention; and

FIG 11 is a side view and cross sectional view of the cherry tomato cutting apparatus of FIGS 9 and 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the current invention relates to food preparation and specifically to cutting food and to a cherry tomato cutting apparatus and method.

Embodiments of the current invention address the problem identified hereinabove by allowing a number of cherry tomatoes to be loaded into an apparatus, with each tomato then being cut individually into a number of pieces, such as but not limited to: halves; quarters; and thirds.

Reference is presently made to FIGS 1A-B, which are isometric representations of a cherry tomato cutting apparatus 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. Cherry tomato cutting apparatus 10 comprises an operating leverl2, an outer enclosurel4, and a base 16. Cherry tomatoes 18 are indicated within the apparatus. Operating lever 12 is further mechanically connected to a spring assembly housing 22. Operating lever 12, outer enclosure 14, and base 16, and assembly housing all have a common longitudinal axis 23. Spring assembly housing 22 serves to advance cherry tomatoes 18 against blade assembly 26, with blade assembly 26 also sharing longitudinal axis 23, for cutting the cherry tomatoes.

Reference is presently made to FIG 2, which is a pictorial

representation of the cherry tomato cutting apparatus of FIG 1, viewed from beneath base 16, in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. Four silicone feet 28 serve to stabilize apparatus 10 on a flat surface. Apart from differences described below, apparatus 10 is identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to that shown in FIGS 1 A-B, and elements indicated by the same reference numerals and/or letters are generally identical in configuration, operation, and functionality as described hereinabove. Gear head 30 serves to lock and unlock blade assembly (not shown in the current figure) as described hereinbelow.

Reference is presently made to FIG 3, which is a pictorial

representation of the cherry tomato cutting apparatus of FIG 1, viewed from above. Apart from differences described below, apparatus 10 is identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to that shown in FIGS 1 A-2, and elements indicated by the same reference numerals and/or letters are generally identical in configuration, operation, and functionality as described

hereinabove. In the referenced figure, it can be seen that operating lever 12 and spring assembly housing 22 are removable from the apparatus for cleaning, for example, by turning and by pulling upwards, as indicated by the arrows.

Reference is presently made to FIG 4, which has two pictorial representations of spring assembly housing 22 in isometric view and in sectional view, in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. Apart from differences described below, operating lever 12 is identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to that shown in previous figures, and elements indicated by the same reference numerals and/or letters are generally identical in configuration, operation, and functionality as described

hereinabove. The spring assembly housing incudes metal rod 32 and spring 34, as shown in the figure. The spring assembly housing fits into a housing support 35, which is supported by three leg-springs 38 connecting the housing support to the apparatus. A silicone support pad 54 is located beneath the metal rod as shown in the figure. The silicone support pad serves to guide and hold a cherry tomato (not shown in the current figure). A guide 36 serves to allow passage of only one cherry tomato at a time.

Reference is presently made to FIG 5, which is a group of three pictorial representations of blade assemblies 26a, 26b, and 26c, respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Each blade assembly respectively comprises: one or more stainless steel blades 42; a notched key 44; and gear head 30, allowing easy grasping.

Reference is presently made to FIG 6, which is a pictorial

representation of the blade assembly of FIG 5 and FIG IB, in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. Apart from differences described below, base 16 and blade assembly 26 are identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to that shown in previous figures, and elements indicated by the same reference numerals and/or letters are generally identical in

configuration, operation, and functionality as described hereinabove. Blade assembly 26 has a silicone tip 48 for safe grasping.

Reference is presently made to FIGS 7 and 8, which are pictorial representations of elements shown in previous figures, such as spring assembly housing 22, silicone support pad 54, and guide 36— giving an indication of their general configuration and functionality. Reference is currently made to FIGS 9 and 10, which are isometric representations of a cherry tomato cutting apparatus 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. Representations (a) and (b) in FIG 10 correspond to a compressed and an uncompressed configuration, respectively, of cherry tomato cutting apparatus, as further described hereinbelow. Reference is additionally made to FIG 11, which is a side view and cross sectional view of the cherry tomato cutting apparatus of FIGS 9 and 10, with both views in FIG 11 corresponding to an uncompressed configuration.

Cherry tomato cutting apparatus 100 comprises an operating lever 112, a cherry tomato feeder 114, an apparatus enclosure 115, and a base 116. Cherry tomato feeder 114 is pivotally connected to a pin 118. Pin 118 also serves as guide for lateral slot 11 , which is formed in assembly housing 122. Operating lever 112, enclosure 115, base 116, and assembly housing all have a common longitudinal axis 123. Operating lever 112 is mechanically connected to assembly housing 112. In FIG 9, cherry tomato feeder 114 is shown in a deployed configuration, pivoted about pin 118 and configured substantially perpendicularly to longitudinal axis 123, to receive cherry tomatoes (not shown in the figure) for cutting, as described further hereinbelow.

When not in use, cherry tomato cutting apparatus 100 may have cherry tomato feeder 114 configured as shown in FIGS 10 and 11, namely with tomato feeder pivoted and stowed substantially coaxially to longitudinal axis 123.

Referring to view (b) of FIG 11, it may be seen that blade assembly 126 is configured substantially coaxially to longitudinal axis 123, within and mechanically attached to enclosure 115. An arcuate tomato support 154 is formed within assembly housing 122, moving away from blade assembly 126 when tomato cutting apparatus 100 is in the uncompressed configuration and towards blade assembly 126 when tomato cutting apparatus 100 is in the compressed configuration. Optionally, a concentric spring (not shown in the figures) may be configured between the housing distal end 159 and base 116 to bias assembly housing 122 upwards and away from blade assembly 126.

In comparing views shown in FIG 9 with FIG 10, when operating lever and assembly housing 122 are in the compressed configuration (i.e. view (a) of FIG 10) tomato feeder enclosure 114 shown in FIG 9 may be pivoted about hinge 118 and stowed substantially concentrically with longitudinal axis 123 and apparatus enclosure 115.

Tomato feeder 114 has a structure and fulfills a similar function, when deployed, to outer enclosure 14 shown in apparatus 10 in embodiments of the current invention in FIGS 1-3 hereinabove, namely to receive one or more cherry tomatoes to be cut. Similarly, operating lever 112 and assembly housing 122 have a similar structure and are operated in similar fashion to operating lever 12 and assembly housing 22 shown in apparatus 10 in embodiments of the current invention in FIGS 1-4 hereinabove, namely to advance a cherry tomato to the blade assembly to cut the cherry tomato. Blade assembly 126 shown in FIGS 10 and 11 is similar to blade assemblies 26 of FIGS 5 and 6 described hereinabove, in that the respective blade assemblies may be formed to cut cherry tomatoes into 2 pieces, 3 pieces, and 4 pieces. A typical process of cutting cherry tomatoes for both apparatuses 10 and 100, mutatis mutandis, follows: 1. One or more cherry tomatoes are loaded into outer enclosure 14 or into deployed tomato feeder 114 and with cherry tomato cutting apparatus 110 in an uncompressed configuration;

2. Individual tomatoes are guided by gravitation into the space between support pad 54 and guide 36 (apparatus 10) or into the space between arcuate tomato support 154 and blade assembly 126 (apparatus 100).

3. The operating lever is pushed downwards, urging the tomato supported by support pad 54 (apparatus 10) against or tomato support 154 (apparatus 100) against the blade assembly to cut the tomato.

4. The cut tomato falls towards the base, as shown in the respective figures.

It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only to serve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.