Peeler

The present invention relates to a peeler, particularly to a hand held peeler such as a vegetable or fruit peeler .

Many items of food require their outer skin to be removed during preparation for eating. For example, many fruits and vegetables have an outer skin that is undesirable to eat and is thus removed prior to eating.

It is usual to remove such an outer skin with a knife or dedicated peeling device. However, the use of knives and peeling devices require a degree of skill and a high degree of dexterity from a user to adequately perform their purpose.

It is an object of aspects of the present invention to provide a solution to the above or other problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a peeler comprising a handle portion, a peeling portion and at least one blade assembly comprising at least one generally elongate blade, opposite ends of the blade assembly being accommodated within a housing of the peeling portion to define a peeling region of the blade between the opposite ends, characterised in that the peeler further comprises drive means operable to cause reciprocal movement of the blade, generally along an elongate axis thereof, in use.

Preferably, the drive means comprises at least one rotatable member, rotation of which preferably causes reciprocal movement of the blade, in use. Preferably, the

rotatable member has an axis of rotation generally parallel to the elongate axis of the blade.

Preferably, the rotatable member engages the blade assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable member comprises an undulating surface, which preferably engages a portion of the blade assembly. Preferably, as the rotatable member rotates, the blade is caused to move an amount dictated by the topography of the undulating surface of the rotatable member.

The rotatable member may be operable, in use, to cause the blade to reciprocate a predetermined number of times during each rotation thereof. Preferably, the rotatable member is operable, in use, to cause the blade to reciprocate one or more times during each rotation thereof. One undulation may be adapted to cause one reciprocation of the blade assembly. More than one undulation may be provided.

The rotatable member may engage one or more driving members, which one or more driving members may be part of the blade assembly. The reciprocating movement of the blade may be caused as a result of the undulating surface of the rotatable member. Preferably, the at least one driving member is arranged to be in contact with the undulating surface of the rotatable member, in use.

The undulating surface of the rotatable member may comprise an edge portion which may engage with the one or more driving members. The edge portion may be arranged to be parallel with the one or more driving members. The edge portion may be offset with regard to the undulating

surface to allow it to be substantially continually parallel with the one or more driving members, in use.

The rotatable member may be a disc, for example.

The drive means may comprise a motor. Preferably, the drive means further comprises means to cause the rotatable member to rotate, in use, which means may comprise a motor, for example. Preferably, the motor is operable to cause reciprocal movement of the blade, in use .

The at least one rotatable member and the at least one driving member may be resiliently biased together. For example, they may be resiliently biased together by one or more springs, such as leaf springs or coil springs.

The peeler is preferably adapted to be powered by a power source, which may be, for example, one or more batteries or an external electricity supply. The power source may be arranged to cause reciprocal movement of the blade, in use. For example, the power source may be arranged to cause rotation of the rotatable member, in use. The power source may be arranged to power a motor of the drive means, in use, which may, in turn, cause rotation of the rotatable member.

The peeler may comprise one or more rechargeable power sources, such as rechargeable batteries. The power source of the peeler may be adapted to be rechargeable. The peeler may be adapted to be accommodated and the power source recharged by a recharging device, such as a recharging holder or dock.

The peeler may comprise switch means to allow a user to switch the peeler between on and off configurations. In the "on" configuration, the blade is caused to reciprocate, whereas in the "off" configuration, the blade is not caused to reciprocate.

The peeler may comprise speed variation means to control a variation in the speed of the reciprocal movement of the blade. Preferably, the speed variation means is arranged to control a speed of the drive means. The variation means may be a dial.

In one embodiment, the drive means comprises a pair of rotatable members, which may be mounted coaxially and may have a gap therebetween, in which gap a driving member may be accommodated. The driving member may be part of the blade assembly. The driving member may extend from the blade assembly generally perpendicularly with respect to the elongate axis of the blade.

The driving member may comprise two portions secured together by an articulated joint. Preferably, the articulated joint allows relative movement between the two portions of the driving member.

Preferably, the handle portion allows the peeler to be easily held and manipulated by a user.

The peeler may comprise a cover portion, which may be operable to cover the peeling portion, in use, to preferably thereby deny a user access to the peeling region .

The peeler may be water resistant or waterproof.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of peeling an object, the method comprising arranging an object adjacent a peeling region of a blade of a peeler, the peeler comprising a handle portion, a peeling portion and at least one blade assembly comprising at least one generally elongate blade, opposite ends of the blade assembly being accommodated within a housing of the peeling portion to define a peeling region of the blade between the opposite ends, the peeler further comprising drive means operable to cause reciprocal movement of the blade, generally along an elongate axis thereof, and causing the blade to reciprocate .

Preferably, the object is a food object, such as an item of fruit or vegetable.

All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects and in any configuration.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows the peeler of the present invention form various angles and views;

Figure 2 shows the peeler of the present invention with the peeler housing in exploded view;

Figure 3 shows a partial sectional view of the peeler of the present invention, showing the relative position of

the internal power supply means, the motor, the spindle, the undulating disc, the blade drive arm, the peeling blade amongst other features;

Figure 4 shows further partial sectional views of the positioning of the internal features of the peeler of the present invention, with some features shown in the exploded view;

Figures 5a and 5b show side elevation sectional schematic views of the peeler of the present invention, with the undulating disc in a first and second state of rotation respectively;

Figure 6 shows a perspective schematic view of the relative positioning of the motor, spindle, undulating disc, blade drive arm and peeling blade in use;

Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the blade drive arm and an 'angle restriction rib' to restrict rotation of the blade drive arm of the peeler of the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a further view of the undulating disc, the blade drive arm and blade of the peeler of the present invention;

Figure 9 shows a detailed view of the attachment of the second blade end portion to the peeler housing second end portion;

Figure 10 shows an enlarged view of a second embodiment of an undulating disc;

Figures 11 a, lib and lie show an alternate embodiment of drive means of the peeler having a pair of undulating discs;

Figure 12 shows a further alternate embodiment of drive means of the peeler comprising a pair of undulating discs;

Figure 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the engagement of the undulating disc and the blade drive arm;

Figure 14 shows a perspective view of an alternative design of a peeler according to the invention;

Figure 15 shows an embodiment of a peeler of the present invention located in a recharging dock; and

Figure 16 shows a perspective view of an alternative design of a peeler according to the invention.

Referring firstly to figures 1 to 9, there is shown a first embodiment of a peeler 102 of the present invention. The peeler 102 has a generally elongate housing 104 which at a first end comprises a handle section 106, shaped for ease of holding in the hand, and at a second end is provided with a peeling portion 108 housing a blade mechanism 109.

The peeler housing 104 is constructed of plastic of the sort suitable for and commonly used in handheld domestic cooking utensils for example, though not limited to, ABS plastic. Other types of plastics and other materials,

such as composites and metals, will also be suitable as one can appreciate.

The components which comprise the peeler housing 104 are welded together ultrasonically, though other commonly used construction methods may be employed such as the use of adhesives, screws, or snap-fittings.

There is optionally provided at the first end 106 a covering 110 with a soft-touch coating to enhance grip in the operator's hand.

At the second end 108, there is provided an optional cover 112 to fit over the exposed blade portion to enhance user safety and to prevent contamination of the blade itself when the peeler 102 is not in use. The cover 112 is secured to the surround peeler housing 104 by any commonly-used method of attachment, such as by snap fittings.

At the top of the peeler 102 there are provided user controls 114 to control the operation of the peeler 102, and optionally to control the speed of the blade mechanism 109. The location of the user controls 114 is not limited to this position. The user controls may be coated with a material to prevent it welding to the housing 104.

Referring now generally to figures 1 to 9, but specifically to figure 3 to 6, there is provided within the peeler housing 104 an internal power supply compartment 116 for supplying power to the peeler 102. The internal power supply compartment 116 houses power supply means which may optionally comprise disposable

batteries 118, user-replaceable rechargeable batteries or non-user replaceable rechargeable batteries.

For user-replaceable batteries, a removable panel is provided to provide access to the batteries 118. For rechargeable batteries, there is optionally provided at a first end of the peeler electrical contact points to enable recharging of the rechargeable batteries by attaching an electrical re-charger to the electrical contact points as discussed below in relation to figure 15.

Alternatively, the power supply means may comprise electrical power supply circuitry to enable the peeler 102 to be powered by mains electricity, in which case a suitable receptacle will be provided in the peeler housing 104 to enable a mains electricity supply cable to be connected to the peeler's electrical power supply circuitry through the housing 104.

In this embodiment, the operation on/off switch 114 is positioned on the top of the peeler 102 when held in the hand, although other locations for the operation switch 114 may be possible. Optionally, the operation switch 114 may be provided in a suitable position to enable it to be easily operated by the operator's hand in use, for example near to a handgrip provided in the peeler housing 104.

There is provided an electric motor 120 in electrical connection to the internal power supply compartment 116. At one end of the electric motor 120 there is a spindle 122, and at the end of the spindle 122 distal to the motor 120, there is provided a disc 124 with an

undulating surface. In use, as the motor 120 turns, the spindle 122 also turns such that the disc 124 rotates. In use, the rotation of the undulating surface of the disc 124 gives rise to the effect that the height of the disc surface varies with motor rotation.

The electrical components are perhaps best described in relation to figure 4 which shows some of the components in exploded view. Various electrical connectors 119 are shown, which in use are arranged and housed in the power supply compartment 116 so as to allow the connection of batteries 118. A connection place for wires 121 is also shown in figure 4, to which the motor is connected, thus allowing the batteries 118 to power the motor 120, in use .

In the present embodiment it is preferred that the motor 120 rotates with a spindle 122 speed of approximately 12,000 rpm, and that the maximum amplitude between the highest and lowest points of the surface undulations is approximately lmm. These are exemplary figures only and other rotation speeds and disc surface height differences are also provided for. In the current embodiment, the disc 124 surface undulation pattern repeats every 180 degrees of rotation, though this again is merely exemplary, and other configurations, such as disc undulations repeating every 120 degrees or 90 degrees of rotation or different amplitudes of undulation height difference, are also applicable to this invention.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the motor rotates at 8000 rpm, in use. However, as discussed above many different motor speeds are within the scope of the invention .

Perhaps best displayed in figures 5A and 5B the disc 124 has turned 90 between figure 5A and figure 5B and thus the blade mechanism has moved lmm.

In the present embodiment, the disc 124 surface undulations are discontinuous, such that in between each rise and fall comprising one undulation, there is a portion of disc surface, or disc surface edge, which is substantially flat. In another embodiment, the disc 124 surface undulations are continuous such that at all points of the disc surface, or the disc surface edge, the topography is either rising or falling in height.

Referring still generally to figures 1 to 9, but specifically to figure 6, the blade mechanism 109 comprises a peeling blade 126 and a blade drive arm 128. The blade 126 comprises a blade cutting portion 130 and two blade end portions 132, 134. The blade cutting portion comprises of at least two substantially parallel blade cutting edges 138, 140 forming two sides of an aperture 136 formed within the peeling blade 126. Optionally, the outer edges of the peeling blade 126 may also comprise cutting edges, or for safety reasons, the outer edges may be blunt. The substantially parallel blade cutting edges 138, 140 define a blade axis along the length of the blade cutting edges 138, 140.

One or both of the blade cutting edges 138, 140 may be smooth or they may be serrated, depending on the characteristics of the material to be peeled. For example, for soft skins fruits a serrated blade edge will be better suited than a smooth blade edge.

The blade end portions comprise a first end portion 132 attached to a blade drive 128 arm and a second end portion 134 attached to the second end of the peeler 102.

In sectional view, the peeling blade 126 is substantially a thin strip of metal curved in a direction perpendicular to the length of the blade. The curvature and sectional shape of the blade is similar to existing swivel peeler blades .

The peeling blade 126 itself is made from any common metal suitable for use in peeling common foodstuffs, for example steel, although any material able to be fashioned into a sharp edge and flexible and durable enough to withstand use in a peeler will be suitable.

The blade drive arm 128 comprises an attachment point for the first end portion 132 of the blade 126, and driving appendages 142, 144 which embrace an outer edge portion of the undulating disc 124, and a locating lug 146 opposite the blade first end portion 132 attachment point. The blade 126 is securely attached to the blade drive arm 128 such that relative movement between the blade 126 and the blade drive arm 128 is prevented.

The second end portion 134 of the blade 126 is attached to the second end of the peeler 102. It is attached by any means suitable to allow a small amount of rotation of the blade about an axis substantially parallel to the direction of the blade cutting edges. In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 9, the blade second end portion 134 is formed into a plane substantially orthogonal to the blade axis, and this blade second end portion 134 is

attached to the adjacent second end portion of the peeler housing 104 by means of a rivet joint 148.

In this embodiment, the rivet joint 148 is loose enough to allow for relative rotation between the blade second end portion 134 and the peeler second end portion about an axis centred on the rivet joint 148, but prevents relative displacement between the two. In effect, the second end portion of the blade is attached in a manner similar to that of a normal 'swivel peeler' blade. The attachment method described above is only one illustration, and other suitable attachment methods are also envisaged provided the rotational ability of the peeler blade is maintained.

Optionally, isolating or sealing elements such as 0-ring seals may be provided at the blade second end portion (points X and Y in figure 9) rivet joint 148 to reduce noise and vibration, or to provide a better seal between adjacent components. Similar seals may also be provided elsewhere in the peeler for similar purposes, for example around the aperture formed in the peeler housing 104 for the removable battery access panel.

The blade drive arm 128 extends through the peeler housing 104, optionally with a sealing element forming a seal between the blade drive arm 128 and the peeler housing 104. The blade drive arm 128 is located within the peeler housing 104 by the aperture through which the blade drive arm body extends, and also by means of the locating lug 146 which extends through a wall which exists internally within the peeler housing 104. The blade drive arm 128 is free to translate along an axis substantially parallel to that of the blade axis, and is

also free to rotate about the axis. The axial rotation of then blade drive arm 128, and hence the blade 126 itself, is constrained by internal surface features 'angle restriction ribs' 145 - provided on the internal surface of the peeler housing 104 against which the blade drive arm 128 will abut against to prevent further rotation beyond a predetermined angle.

In use, as the undulating disc 124 rotates, the portion of the disc 124 which is in connection with, and embraced by, the driving appendages 142, 144 on the blade drive arm 128 will apply force to the driving appendages 142, 144 owing to the undulating disc's varying surface height. As the undulating disc 124 is mounted substantially perpendicular to the axis of the blade drive arm 128, the surface height variations result in forces being exerted on the blade drive arm 128 in a direction along the axis of the blade drive arm 128, such that the blade drive arm 128 is translated along this axis. As the disc surface undulations are repetitive, the resulting movement transferred to the blade drive arm 128 is that of axial reciprocation. As the amplitude of disc surface height variation is approximately lmm, it follows that the amplitude of the blade drive arm 128 axial reciprocation is also approximately lmm. As the blade drive arm 128 is securely attached to the blade 126, it also means that the blade 126 has a reciprocal axial movement of approximately lmm amplitude.

When the blade 126 reciprocates, it does not bend as there is enough flexibility in the surrounding areas of the peeler housing 104 to allow for this range of axial movement through deflection or elastic deformation.

With the exemplary specifications mentioned above, the blade 126 reciprocates approximately 400 times a second, though this reciprocating speed may vary.

In use it has been found that the reciprocating motion of the peeling blade 126 significantly increases the peeling ability of the blade 126 compared to existing peeling blades provided in swivel peelers.

It has also been found that the simple and efficient blade mechanism as described above permits for very quiet, smooth, fast blade reciprocation.

The embodiments of the peeler shown in the remaining figures exhibit an improved ability to compensate for any manufacturing tolerances.

Referring now to figure 10, there is shown an enlarged schematic view of a further embodiment of the undulating disc 224 engaging the drive arm 128. The undulating disc 224 has an outer circumferential edge portion 225, which is deflected away from the surface undulation to provide a surface that is constantly parallel with the driving appendages 142, 144. In this manner, the surface upon which the driving appendages contact is parallel thereto, thus less stresses are produced on the appendages 142, 144 and the blade is allowed to travel more smoothly, thus reducing vibration. Also shown in figure 10 is an alternative means of controlling axial rotation of the blade 126 via arms 250, 252, which are affixed to the internal surface of the housing 104 and arranged at each side of the driving appendages 142, 144.

In another embodiment (not shown) the arms 250, 252 may be in constant contact with the blade drive arm 128 when in use, thus preventing any rotation of the blade drive arm and minimising noise and vibration generated by the blade drive arm 128 abutting the arms 250 and 252. In this embodiment the blade drive arm 128 is preferably in two portions, with an articulated joint between to allow relative rotation between the two portions. In this embodiment, whilst the portion of the blade drive arm 128 in the vicinity of the undulating disc 224 is prevented from rotation about its longitudinal axis, the portion of the blade drive arm 128 near the blade 126 attachment is allowed to rotate about its longitudinal axis, to enhance the peeling ability of the blade 126.

Referring to figures 11a, lib, lie and figure 12, there is shown sectional views through a further embodiment of drive means of the peeler of the present invention. The further embodiment functions in a similar manner to that described above, but the single undulating disc 124 of the embodiment described above has been replaced with a pair of discs 324a, 324b, being similar in size and shape to each other and mounted coaxially on the spindle 122 with a gap therebetween. In the gap is embraced an alternatative single driving appendage 342 upstanding from the blade drive arm 128.

The undulating discs shown in figure 11a are different to those shown in figures lib and lie in that they have an outer circumferential edge portion 325, in a similar manner to that described above in relation to figure 10 and having the same advantageous results: better, more constant contact between the undulating discs 324a, b and

the driving appendage 342 resulting in reduced wear and vibration in use.

Referring now to figure 12, there is shown a further embodiment of the drive means of the peeler. The drive means comprises a pair of undulating discs 424a, b, similar to those described above in relation to figures 11a, lib and lie, but the discs are formed from a flexible material such as a flexible plastic or rubber material. There may exist a pre-tension between the discs 424a, 424b and the driving appendage 342. As can be seen in figure 12, the discs 424a, 424b have an outer circumferential edge portion 425 as described above.

Referring now to figure 13 there is shown a further embodiment of the arrangement between the undulating disc and driving appendages (drive means) . In this embodiment, the undulating disc 524 is equivalent to the disc 124 discussed above. It will be appreciated that the disc 524 may be provided with an outer circumferential edge portion as described above, although this is not shown in figure 13.

The driving appendages 542, 544 in this embodiment have been adapted to house bearings 545, held in contact with the disc 524 by a resilient bias in the form of two leaf springs 547. In this manner, the disc 524 is in constant contact with the driving appendages 542, 544, by virtue of the bearings 545 and thus vibration and excess noise is eliminated.

Referring now to figures 14 and 15 there is shown a further embodiment of a peeler 602. The peeler 602 is largely the same as that described above in relation to

figures 1 to 9, but is aesthetically slightly different. In this regard, like features of this embodiment have been assigned numerals beginning with a 6, where in figures 1 to 9, they were assigned numerals beginning with a 1.

Referring to figure 15 there is shown the peeler 602 accommodated within a recharging dock 605, which is connected to a conventional wall electricity outlet (not shown) via a cable 607. The dock 605 serves as a means for storage and also charges internal rechargeable batteries within the peeler 602. The dock 605 comprises an indicator light 609 to show when the peeler 602 is charging.

Referring now to figure 16, there is shown a further embodiment of a peeler 702. The peeler 702 is largely the same as that described above in relation to figures 1 to 9, but is water resistant. In this regard, like features of this embodiment have been assigned numerals beginning with a 7, where in figures 1 to 9, they were assigned numerals beginning with a 1.

The components which comprise the peeler housing 704 are welded together ultrasonically to create an absolute seal between the components. A thermoplastic rubber seal bearing 705 is placed at the end portion 732 where the blade 726 enters the peeler housing 704 to prevent water entering the peeler 702 at that point. A gasket may be provided around the aperture formed in the peeler housing 704 for the removable battery access panel 707 to prevent water entering the peeler 702 at this point.

A further embodiment of the peeler (not shown) may comprise a variable blade speed control. This feature could be achieved by controlling the voltage feed to the motor or by providing a gear system. The blade speed may be controlled by a dial on the peeler showing icons of items of fruit or vegetable to allow a user to adjust the speed to select the optimum speed for peeling particular items. This would also help to conserve battery life.

A peeler made in accordance with the present invention allows an item, such as an item of fruit or vegetable, to be peeled with a minimum of effort by a user. Also, the peeler is aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing to a user .

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated

otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.