[0001] The present invention relates to a kitchen grating, slicing and shredding grater/slicer and more particularly, to an economic, handheld, portable, easy to operate and safe multipurpose kitchen grater/slicer with interchangeable blades for coconut grating and other functions

Background of the Invention:

[0002] The devices for extracting the meaty flesh from nuts such as walnuts, pecans and other nuts are also known in the art. Most of these nuts have soft shells which can be cracked open easily and their meat extracted using a knife or simple grater/slicer even with a blunt end. Unlike other nuts, the coconut has a large, nearly spherical shell and so it is difficult to grate meat from the hard shell of the coconut by using simple instruments.

[0003] Coconut graters and coconut meat scrapers are kitchen grater/slicers to grate coconut into flakes and have been used since ages. They are still in use in different cultures around the world for extraction of coconut meat from inside the coconut shell. However, these grater/slicers are generally bulky and difficult to handle and the grating and scraping of the coconut meat from the shell is a messy process.

[0004] Prior art coconut graters and the like require muscle power of the user for the grating process, where the process includes the user to hold coconut shell with meat in a hand and turn the shaft connected to a grating blade to rotate the blade. The coconut shell is then pressed on to the rotating blade to grate the meat. However, such process requires the user to manually rotate the shaft connected to blade for grating, where a lot of muscle power on the user's end is required. Further the user has to give enough support for the grater to prevent the grater from vibrating, wobbling and the like motion during the grating process.

[0005] Improvements over prior art graters are table mounted coconut graters. These are operated by mounting the grater on to a table edge and the like, by means of a fixing mechanism and the shaft is manually rotated by the users. Although this provides a means of resisting the vibrations during operation, the user still needs to utilize his/her muscle power rotating the shaft connected to the blade. Also these graters don't provide convenience during operation. Further these graters cannot be carried easily by the user.

[0006] Improvements over table mounted coconut graters are electric power graters, where the shaft is rotated by a driving means such as a motor powered by electricity. Although this feature facilitates minimal expense of muscle power, the users have to sit in a place where the grater is fixed for the process, limiting the user convenience. Moreover, grater application is limited to only coconut and cannot be extended for other applications as the blade is not removable and lack of other blade designs suiting the application requirements.

[0007] Prior art reference CN201073218Y, describes a portable electrical coconut meat cutting grater/slicer comprising a motor, a rotating shaft and a plurality of blades, wherein the blade is driven by the rotating shaft of the motor. The blade of the cutting grater/slicer is not removable, and moreover the grater/slicer is used for cutting of coconut meat into pieces and not for grating. The blade is also flexible and has not been made rigid. The invention is limited to a single speed and doesn't have a means for regulating the speed of the blade rotation based on user requirement or for quick grating. The invention doesn't provide any means of safety during operation of the grater/slicer and for enclosing the blade when not in use.

[0008] Therefore there is a need for a portable handheld coconut grater which requires minimal muscle power and provides convenience of operation to a user. There is a need for a handheld grating grater/slicer which can be used for multi-purpose and provide safety for blades when not in use. There is a need for a small sized coconut grater which can be easily stored in a kitchen drawer or have a means to easily hang after use. There is a need for a handheld grating grater/slicer to improve the user convenience. There is a need for a handheld grating grater/slicer with a means for regulating the speed of the blade rotation based on user requirement or for quick grating. There is a need for a handheld grating grater/slicer with safety measures that can arrest the operation of blade if necessary for overcoming the deficiencies in the prior art.

Objectives of the invention:

[0009] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer.

[0010] The objective of the invention is to provide a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer applicable for various purposes such as but not limited to grating, slicing and shredding of coconut, cheese, vegetables and the like. It may also be used for slicing small vegetables.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to provide an economic and reliable handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer with enhanced user convenience.

[0012] Another objective of the invention is to provide a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer that operates with minimal expense of muscular energy.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer with interchangeable blades that can be applicable for various kitchen needs.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer with a provision for removably interfacing blades that can be applicable for various kitchen needs.

[0015] Another objective of the invention is to provide a safe handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer by means of providing a safety cover for each blade/ gadget when not in use. [0016] Another objective of the invention is to provide a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/ slicer by means of providing a means to arrest the rotating blade when proper conditions for operation are not met thereby facilitating safe functioning of the grater/ slicer.

[0017] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an arc, cylinder, curved and the like shaped handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/ slicer for facilitating user convenience when held in a hand and eliminate strain on the hand.

[0018] Another objective of the invention is to provide a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater slicer a switching means along with speed control to enhance user convenience.

[0019] Another objective of the present invention is to design a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/ slicer which is small enough to easily store in a kitchen drawer and can also be hung from a hook on the wall.

Summary of the Invention:

[0020] The invention proposes a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented lat.er.

[0021] The handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer comprises a housing, a shaft provided with a means for removably interfacing with atleast a blade, a driving means to actuate the shaft and impart motion to the blade, a dampening and supporting member for supporting the driving means and for dampening of vibrations during operation of the grater/slicer, a power source to power the driving means, a switching means to activate and or deactivate the power source for energizing or de-energizing the driving means and in electrical communication with a power circuit, a sensing unit for regulating safety of the operation of the driving means, a regulating means for controlling of rotational speed of the driving means, a holder for positioning and or hanging the grater/slicer when not in use and an enclosing means which is a cover to protect and cover the blade when not in use.

[0022] In an aspect of the invention, the handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer may be an arc, cylinder, curved, semicircular and the like shaped. The housing of the kitchen grater/slicer has an upper frame for enclosing the driving means and the dampening and supporting member and a lower frame configured to have a provision for removably positioning a power source and having a power source enclosure enclosing of the power source, power circuit and thereof. The housing has a flat bottom and the hanger attached to the housing to position/ hangs the grater/slicer when not in use.

[0023] In an aspect of the invention, the shaft has a provision to interface with atleast a blade, wherein said blade is removably interfaced to the shaft. The interfaced blade may be interchangeable, wherein said blade may be a grater, a scraper, a slicer and the like utilized for grating/slicing of food such as coconut meat, cheese, vegetables and the like. In an aspect of the invention, the driving means may be an electric motor arranged in an inclined position supported by the dampening and supporting member. The platform of the dampening and supporting member is partly elevated to compensate and support the inclined position of the electric motor. The power source handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer can be a rechargeable battery, solar, electric power and the like. The switching means can be positioned anywhere external of the housing, wherein said switching means can be positioned above the arc shaped portion of the housing.

[0024] In an aspect of the invention, a method of operation of a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer comprises holding of the kitchen grater/slicer by a user followed by interfacing of a blade to a shaft, wherein said blade is removably interfaced to the shaft, for transfer of motion from the shaft to the blade. The switching means is switched on to activate/ deactivate a driving means for rotation of the shaft. The sensing units of the handheld multipurpose kitchen grater/slicer detect if the grater/slicer is held by the user by means of sensing units to activate the driving means. The driving means is actuated if it is sensed by atleast a sensing unit that the grater/slicer is held by the user. The driving means cases rotation of the shaft, thereby imparting rotational motion to the blade thereby performing the grating, slicing and the like activity based on the type of blade interfaced.

Description of Drawings:

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0026] Fig. 1 illustrates a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer in accordance to an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer in accordance to an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Fig. 3A illustrates an exploded view of a driving means with upper frame of a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer in accordance to an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Fig. 3B illustrates a driving means enclosed with an upper frame of a handheld multipurpose kitchen grater/slicer in accordance to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the lower frame with a provision for power source and enclosure thereof in accordance to an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Fig. 5 illustrates an upper frame, switching means, and power circuit of a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer in accordance to an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Fig. 6 illustrates a provision for placement of sensing unit in the upper frame of a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer in accordance to an embodiment of the invention. [0033] Fig. 7 illustrates a flow chart for the operation of the handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer in accordance to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of Drawings:

[0034] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps.

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/ slicer 100 comprising a housing 101, atleast a blade 102 interfaced for grating or slicing, a switching means 103 to activate the blade 102. The blade is removably interfaced to the grater/slicer, wherein the blade can be interchanged depending on the purpose and type of kitchen need. The grater/slicer 100 is designed to take the form of an arc with a flat supporting base 104. The switching means 103 is provided on the external surface of the housing 101. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the blade 102 is removably mounted to the grater/slicer, where the grater/slicer is actuated by a driving means. For example, the blade 102 used for grating of coconut meat can be removed and replaced with a cheese grater. The housing 101 has an upper frame 105 and a lower frame 106. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the grater/slicer 100 as illustrated in Fig. 1 may be an arc, cylinder, curved, semicircular, inclined at an angle and thereof. The handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer 100 further comprises atleast a sensing unit 107 for arresting the operation of the driving means thereby providing safe functioning of the grater/slicer 100.

[0036] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/ slicer in accordance to an embodiment of the invention comprising an upper frame 201, a shaft 202, a driving means 203, a dampening and supporting member 204 for supporting the driving means which is inclined to accommodate the shape of the housing, atleast a blade 205 suitable and shaped for grating, a lower frame 206 with a provision 207 for a power source 208, a power source enclosure 209 for closing and or opening the provision 207. The power source enclosure 209 may be provided with tabs 210 for interfacing removably to cover the provision in the lower frame 206. A switching means 212 is provided on the external surface of the lower frame 206 positioned in a slot 211 provided on the lower frame 206. The switching means may be a slider switch, rotatory knob, button, rocker switch and the like. The switching means has speed control feature as well for regulating the rotational speed of the motor and thereby the rotational speed of the blade interfaced to the motor. The handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/ slicer 200 further comprise a power circuit 213, a holder 214, and a bottom cap 215.

[0037] Referring to Fig. 2, the handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/ slicer housing 101 has an upper frame 201 for enclosing the driving means 203, the dampening and supporting member 204 and a lower frame 206 for enclosing the power source 208 and power circuit 213. In accordance to an embodiment of the invention, the driving means 203 is an electric motor. The bottom of the kitchen grater/slicer 200 comprises holder 214 and bottom cap 215. The holder 214 can be used so as to hang the grater/slicer when not in use. In accordance to the invention, a recess may be provided on the upper frame 201 or the lower frame 206 for positioning of a sensing unit. The sensing unit is positioned in such a way as to sense if the user held the grater/slicer in his/ her hand. The sensing unit may be a proximity sensor, light dependent resistor (LDR) sensor and thereof.

[0038] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, power supply from the power source 208 is utilized for operation of the driving means 203, which may be an electric motor. The power supply can be provided by detachable battery system, AC power, solar power and the like. The power supply activates the driving means 203. The driving means imparts rotational motor to the shaft 202 connected thereto. According to an embodiment of the invention, as illustrated, a holder 214 is attached at the bottom of kitchen grater/ slicer. A user can simply hang the kitchen grater/ slicer on to the nail or hook by means of the holder 214 so that it doesn't require any specific place to store the grater/ slicer. Also the size of the kitchen grater/ slicer makes it to be easily stored in the kitchen drawer and can be easily find out, without wastage of time. [0039] Fig. 3A illustrates an exploded view of a driving means with upper frame of a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer in accordance to an embodiment of the invention. The driving means housing structure 300 includes an upper frame 301 enclosing a shaft 302, a driving means 303 which may be an electric motor attached to the shaft 302 and a dampening and supporting member 304. The electric motor 303 is an electrical machine, which converts electrical energy into a mechanical energy. The shaft 302 is connected to the driving means 303 for rotation and a blade is interfaced to the shaft 302. The shaft 302 has a provision 305 for interfacing of the blade to the shaft 302 for transfer of rotational motion from the shaft 302 to the blade. The blades can be removed and replaced with another blade, slicer and the like for various kitchen applications. The whole arrangement is enclosed by means of an upper frame 301 of the handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/ slicer.

[0040] In accordance to an embodiment of the invention, the upper frame 301 may be curved to from an arc shaped structure. In order to accommodate the electric motor into the arc shaped frame structure, the electric motor 303 may be positioned inclined as illustrated in Fig. 3A. The dampening and supporting member 304 is provided to support the inclined position of the electric motor 303. A platform 306 of the dampening and supporting member 304 is designed to be partly elevated in order to support and compensate the inclined position of the motor 300 as illustrated in Fig. 3A. The dampening and supporting member 304 also dampens the mechanical vibrations of the electric motor 303 during the operation. The sensing unit 307 is integrated to the neck of the upper frame 301 for controlling the functioning of electric motor 303.

[0041] As illustrated in Fig. 3A, the blades of the handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/ slicer can be interchangeable. Fixing of different kind of blades, allows the grater/slicer to be used for other purposes including but not limited to grating, cutting, shredding of coconut meat, cheese, vegetables and the like. A provision 305 is made for interfacing of blade to the grater/slicer based on the need and type of food to be grated, wherein the respective blade may be interfaced to the provision 305 of the shaft 302 by arrangements such as nut, screw, snap fit and the like. In an exemplary embodiment a screw with threading is used for interfacing of blade to the shaft. The screw is passed through the blade and the provision in the shaft for holding together. So that during operation of the handheld multipurpose kitchen grater/slicer, the blade is rotated with respect to the shaft. For different kitchen purposes the blade can be interchangeable by means of removing the screw or nut. The screw has self-locking property so that, widely used to hold the objects or materials together and used in a wide range of other applications.

[0042] Fig. 3B illustrates 300' with driving means enclosed with an upper frame of a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer in accordance to an embodiment of the invention. The driving means 303' is enclosed by the upper frame 301'. The shaft 302' in rotational motion with the driving means 303 are activated by the switching means 103 (Fig. 1). In accordance to the embodiment of the invention the switching means may be a slider switch, rotatory knob, button, rocker switch and the like. The switch may have speed control feature as well for regulating the rotational speed of the motor and thereby the rotational speed of the blade interfaced to the motor.

[0043] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view 400 of the lower frame with a provision for power source and enclosure thereof. The arrangement includes a lower frame 401, a provision 402 in the lower frame 401, a power source 403 and a power source enclosure 404. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the power source 403 can be a secondary cell or a rechargeable battery. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the power source 403 can be electric power. Electrical energy is supplied to the driving means by means of a power circuit through wiring. In an aspect of the invention, the power source 403 can be solar power for actuation of the motor for rotation of the shaft. In accordance to an aspect of the invention, a provision 402 is provided in the lower frame 401 for positioning of the power source 403 as shown in the Fig. 4. The provision 402 is enclosed by means of a power source enclosure 404. The power source enclosure 404 is provided with tab 405 to be interfaced into the slot 406 of the lower frame 401. The power source enclosure 404 can be affixed or removed to open or close the provision 402 by means of a snap fit, press fit and the like arrangement. The power source 403 can be easily removable from the provision 402 for replacement. The power source 403 which can be a secondary cell or a rechargeable battery is used to energize or actuate the driving means. In an aspect of the invention, the battery can be recharged by means of solar energy, electric power and the like.

[0044] In an aspect of the invention, the power source 403 can be solar power for actuation of the motor which rotate the shaft. The solar power is constantly advancing and improvements will intensify in the future and it is a truly renewable energy source. The solar power can be provided by means of mounting solar panel or photovoltaic module to the housing of the grater/slicer. The solar panel converts sunlight into DC electricity to charge the battery. This DC electricity is fed to the battery via a regulator which ensures the battery is charged properly and not damaged. The solar panels are classified according to their rated power output in Watts. It can be harnessed in all areas of the world and it is available every day. The solar energy system generally doesn't require maintenance so that it reduces the cost and more economical to the consumer.

[0045] In according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 5 illustrates an upper frame, switching means, and power circuit of a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer 500 in accordance to an embodiment of the invention. The upper frame 501 is provided with a recess

502 for positioning of a switching means 503. The recess 502 may be positioned anywhere on the housing for user convenience. The switching means 503 is placed in the recess 502 and is electrically connected to the driving means, which is an electric motor. The switching means

503 activates and or deactivates the power source for energizing or de-energizing the driving means through a power circuit 504. According to the invention, the power circuit 504 can be interfaced to the interior of the upper frame 501 for supplying power to the driving means. The length of the power circuit is nearly 1.7 cm to 2 cm. Insulation is provided to the power circuit, which avoids human shocks thereby protecting the user. The switching means 503 may be a slider, knob, rocker switch and the like switch with on/off control as well as speed regulation in an exemplary embodiment. The switch may have speed control for regulating the rotational speed of the motor and thereby the rotational speed of the blade interfaced to the motor. [0046] The power circuit 504 is designed on a printed circuit board (PCB) or thin semiconductor sheets or pads and thereof. The printed circuit board mechanically supports and electrically connects the driving means, switching means, motor, shaft, sensing unit and thereof using conductive tracks, pads and other features etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non- conductive substrate. The components e.g. capacitors, resistors or active grater/slicers are generally soldered on the PCB. Advanced PCBs may contain components embedded in the substrate. The PCBs can be single sided (one copper layer), double sided (two copper layers) or multi-layer (outer and inner layers). The multi-layer PCBs allow for much higher component density. The thin sheets of epoxy-fiberglass are commonly used for insulating PCB's and electronic assemblies.

[0047] The electrical energy from a power source is supplied to the driving means by means of a power circuit 504 through wiring. The wiring of the circuit provides a closed electrical path for the handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer 500. The wiring for the power circuit is to be placed inside the lower frame 501. Allowable wire and cable types and sizes are specified according to the circuit operating voltage and electric current capability. The insulation is provided to the electrical wiring for avoid electrical openings, human shocks, and protection for the power circuit.

[0048] Insulation is important for any electrical and electronic system. The Insulation materials have very high resistivity based on the materials properties. These materials oppose the flow of electric current due to high resistance. Insulating materials plays an important role in various electrical and electronic circuits. More insulation materials are being introduced to cope with the high speed electronics and integrated circuits. Power electronic grater/slicers have a higher trend towards integration and increase in density nowadays. The fiber glass, acetate, ceramic, mica, polyester, and silicone and the like are some of the insulation materials used in electrical and electronics circuit of the grater/slicer according to the invention. [0049] In accordance to an embodiment of the invention, the blade, slicer and the like can be secured or interfaced to the provision in the shaft by means of a screw, nut, snap fit and the like arrangement known in the art. The screw consists of a cylindrical shaft with helical grooves or ridges called threads around the outside. The screw passes through a provision in another object or medium, with threads on the inside of the provision that mesh with the screw's threads. The screw is passed through the blade and the provision in the shaft for holding together. So that while operation of the multipurpose handheld coconut grater, the blade is rotated with respect to the shaft. For different kitchen purposes the blade can be interchangeable by means of removing the screw or nut. The screw has self-locking property so that, widely used to hold the objects or materials together and used in a wide range of other applications.

[0050] A safety cover (not shown) is provided to the blade for enclosing while not in use. The safety cover provides safety to the user or a person. The shape of the safety cover may be changed based on the shape of the blade. Alternatively all blades may be stored in one box. When the blade is not in use, the cover provides protection against the sharp edges of the blades. Further, the cover protects the blade from rust, wear and the like and thereby increases the life time of the blade.

[0051] Fig. 6 illustrates a provision for placement of sensing unit in the upper frame of a handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer in accordance to an embodiment of the invention. In accordance to an embodiment of the invention, a recess 601 is formed on the upper frame 602. The sensing unit 603 is placed in the recess 601 of the upper frame. The sensing unit 603 can be a proximity sensor, Infrared sensor, light dependent resistor (LDR), a photo resistor, photocells and thereof. In accordance to the invention, the sensing unit 603 is configured to detect user's hand, wherein particularly detect if the grater/slicer is held in the user's hand to activate or deactivate the driving means thereby preventing accidental rotation of the blade even when the power is switched on. In accordance to an embodiment of the invention, the sensing unit 603 is a light dependent resistor (LDR) sensor. When light falls on the sensor i.e., when the sensing unit 603 is not covered by a user's hand, the motor enclosed by the upper frame 602 is at rest position even if the switching means is in on position. When no light is passed on the sensing unit 603, i.e., when user covers the sensing unit as a result of holding the grater/slicer in hand, and the switching means is at on position, then the motor 303 actuates.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the light dependent resistor (LDR) 603 can be provided at the neck of the upper frame 602. According to another embodiment of the invention, multiple sensors can be positioned in the user holding/ handling area, which may be upper frame, lower frame and the front and rear portions of the housing. In accordance to the invention, plurality of sensing units 603 can be positioned at the front and rear side of the housing, preferably in the user clutching area. In an aspect of the invention, in case of multiple sensors, the motor may be actuated when atleast one of the sensing means is covered when held in user's hand. The sensing units get shadowed when user holds the grater/slicer in hand, thereby hindering the light falling on the sensing units. In another aspect, in case of multiple sensors, when the conditions of both the sensors are met, the motor is actuated, wherein the condition includes sensing of human clutch by both the sensors.

[0053] The dimensions of the various components of the portable coconut grater are different from one another. Every component should have dimensions, so that it is easily for assembling process as well as servicing and repairs. The handheld coconut grater outer shape is made with an attractive design to fulfill its objectives and it eliminates the unnecessary complications. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the dimensions of the particular components are shown in the below tables. The dimensions are provided only for exemplary purpose and can be varied.

[0054] Table - 1

[0055] Table - 2

[0059] Table - 6

Shaft

Shaft total height 4.3 cm

Radius 3.5 cm

Height 0.45 cm

Shaft height 2.2 cm

Shaft radius 0.35 cm [0060] Fig. 7 illustrates flow chart for the operation of the handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer in accordance to an embodiment of the invention. The user initially holds the handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer and interfaces the blade to the shaft as in step 701. The blade is removably interfaced to the shaft, for transfer of motion from the shaft to the blade. The interfaced blade may be based on the type of kitchen need such as but not limited to grating, slicing and thereof. At step 702, the user activates the switching means to supply power to the driving means for rotation of the shaft and transfer motion from the shaft to the blade, wherein said switching means is provided on the housing. At step 703, the sensing units provided on the housing detect if the grater/slicer is held by user in his/her hand to activate the motor. At step 704, when the sensing units senses the grater/slicer is held by the user, the motor actuation is initiated to cause rotation of the shaft and thereby impart rotational motion of the blade. In accordance to the invention, anytime during the operation of the grater/slicer, if the sensing units detect the grater/slicer is not held by the user in his/ her hand, the rotation of the motor is arrested as in step 705. During the operation of the grater/slicer, the rotational speed of the blade can be controlled by the switching means. It is simple for the user to operate the grater/slicer effectively. At step 706, after the grating, slicing, shredding process and the like activity, the user can deactivate the motor by switching off the power supply through the switching means. At step 706, the interfaced blade can be removed from the shaft, cleaned and covered with the cover. The cover of the blade provides safety to the user and protection the user from sharp edges of the blade.

[0061] While the primary purpose of the grater/slicer is to easily grate coconut, it is to be understood the grater/slicer can have interchangeable blades useful for different kitchen needs including but not limited to grating cheese, vegetables, and the like. The invention eliminates human shock by providing insulation means to the power circuit. The invention requires minimal muscle energy and also eliminates mechanical vibrations of the motor by means of providing dampening and supporting structure. The invention improves the safety of operation by actuating the motor of the grater/slicer only when the grater/slicer is held by the user even if the power is switched on. [0062] It is to be understood that the blade can be interfaced to the shaft of the motor by means of screw, nut, snap fit and the like known in the art. The switching means is provided on the surface of the housing for simple operation, thereby users activate grater/slicer and hold using a single hand and perform operation easily. The user convenience is improved while operating the grater/slicer of the invention. The size of the grater/ slicer allows it to be easily stored in a kitchen drawer, while the provision of the holder facilities it to be easily hung on to a nail or hook. The invention of the handheld multi-purpose kitchen grater/slicer with new design reduces the size, time, energy, cost, volume, weight and also improves the overall reliability of the grater/slicer.

[0063] It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.