METHOD FOR CUTTING FRUIT, VEGETABLES OR SIMILAR, CUTTING TOOL, APPLICATOR FOR USE IN A CUTTING TOOL AND DOSING DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for cutting fruit, vegetables or similar, to a cutting tool (1) for cutting fruit, vegetables or similar, to an applicator (8) for use in a cutting tool (1) and to a dosing device. According to the invention, a fluid is supplied to a blade (4) of a cutting tool (1), preferably a cutting edge (6) of said blade (4).

Claims

1. Method for cutting an object comprising fruit, vegetables or the like, wherein a fluid is supplied to a cutting edge of a blade of a cutting tool.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the cutting edge of the blade is supplied with fluid over its entire length.

3. Method according to claim 1 wherein during the cutting of a portion of the object, the fluid is transferred from the blade to a cut surface of the sliced portion and/or the object being cut, so that the cut surface is at least partly exposed to the fluid and is wetted by it.

4. Method according to claim 1, wherein the fluid contains a liquid for the activation of vitamins in a cut material, wherein the fluid comprises an oil or the like.

5. Method according to claim 1, wherein a further fluid is supplied to the blade of the cutting tool, wherein the further fluid is identical to or different from the other fluid.

6. A cutting tool for the cutting of fruit, vegetables or the like, wherein the cutting tool has a base body, wherein a blade is disposed on the base body in order to cut off pieces from an object, characterized in that the cutting tool has an applicator, wherein the applicator is designed to supply a fluid to a cutting edge of the blade.

7. A cutting tool according to claim 6, wherein the cutting tool is designed to carry out a method according to claim 1.

8. A cutting tool according to claim 6, wherein the cutting tool is configured as a kitchen knife, wherein the base body is a handle holding the blade.

9. A cutting tool according to claim 6, wherein the cutting tool is configured as a kitchen slicer, wherein the cutting tool has a guide surface on which the object to be cut is moved back and forth and can be fed to the blade in controlled fashion, while the guide surface is disposed at an offset from the blade.

10. A cutting tool according to claim 6, wherein the base body has a top, a bottom, a conduit, and a trough, the base body having an opening, through which the fluid can be fed, wherein the conduit penetrates the base body from top to bottom with an upper opening, which empties into the trough running along the cutting edge.

11. A cutting tool according to claim 10, wherein the opening is configured on a surface of the base body at a section adjacent to the blade.

12. A cutting tool according to claim 10, wherein the opening is preferably disposed at one end of the blade.

13. A cutting tool according to claim 6, wherein the base body has a compartment, wherein the applicator can be introduced at least partly into the compartment.

14. A cutting tool according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the base body or the applicator have holding means, especially latching elements, the holding means configured to engage with at least a section of one of the applicator or the base body.

15. A cutting tool according to claim 6, further comprising a valve disposed in the base body or in the applicator or in a conduit in between or connected to the applicator, wherein said valve adjusts a volume flow of the fluid.

16. A cutting tool according to claim 15, wherein the valve has an actuating element which is mounted to rotate about an axis.

17. A cutting tool according to claim 15, wherein the valve can be adjusted via an adjustment means, especially a lever and/or an adjustment wheel.

18. A cutting tool according to claim 15, wherein the valve is continuously adjustable.

19. A cutting tool according to claim 15, wherein the applicator or the base body has a bag with a supply of fluid, especially a bag which is made at least partly from silicone.

20. A cutting tool according to claim 6, wherein the applicator is configured to supply a fluid to a blade of the cutting tool, especially a cutting edge of the blade.

21. A cutting tool according to claim 6, wherein the applicator is configured as a built-on part or an interchangeable insert.

22. A cutting tool according to claim 6, wherein the applicator has a reservoir for the fluid, especially a bag, preferably a reservoir or bag which is made at least partly from silicone.

23. A cutting tool according to claim 22, wherein the applicator has a feed conduit, which connects the reservoir to an outlet opening for the fluid.

24. A cutting tool according to claim 6, wherein the applicator has a pump, which is integrated in the applicator.

25. A cutting tool according to claim 24, wherein the pump delivers either the fluid or a medium.

26. A cutting tool according to claim 6, further comprising a metering device for the activating and/or operating of the applicator, the metering device having a housing body, a lever arrangement and holding elements.

27. A cutting tool according to claim 26, wherein the lever arrangement is configured to apply a pressing force at least partly to the applicator for the operating of an outlet valve of the applicator (8).

28. A cutting tool according to claim 26, wherein the housing body of the metering device is connected by means of a connection conduit to an outlet opening disposed on the base body of the cutting tool.

29. A cutting tool according to claim 26, wherein the housing body of the metering device is fastened to the base body of the cutting tool.

30. An applicator for use in a cutting tool, wherein the applicator is configured to supply a fluid to a cutting edge of a blade of the cutting tool.

31. An Applicator according to claim 30, wherein the applicator is configured as a built-on part or an interchangeable insert.

32. An applicator according to claim 30, wherein the applicator has a reservoir for the fluid, especially a bag, preferably a reservoir or bag which is made at least partly from silicone.

33. An applicator according to claim 32, wherein the applicator has a feed conduit, which connects the reservoir to an outlet opening for the fluid.

34. An applicator according to claim 30, wherein the applicator has a pump, which is integrated in the applicator.

35. An applicator according to claim 34, wherein the pump delivers either the fluid or a medium.

36. An applicator according to claim 30, further comprising a metering device for the activating and/or operating of the applicator, the metering device having a housing body, a lever arrangement and holding elements.

37. An applicator according to claim 36, wherein the lever arrangement is configured to apply a pressing force at least partly to the applicator for the operating of an outlet valve of the applicator.

38. An applicator according to claim 36, wherein the housing body of the metering device is connected by means of a connection conduit to an outlet opening disposed on a base body of the cutting tool.

39. An applicator according to claim 36, wherein the housing body of the metering device is fastened to a base body of the cutting tool.

40. The method according to claim 5, wherein the medium joins with the fluid to produce an active compound.

Description

[0061] In the following, the invention is described in greater detail by means of the Figures.

[0062] FIG. 1 shows a view of a proposed cutting tool embodiment of the invention,

[0063] FIG. 2 shows a view of a proposed cutting tool of a further possible embodiment of the invention,

[0064] FIG. 3a shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a proposed cutting tool with a metering device and an applicator,

[0065] FIG. 3b shows a further perspective view of the subject matter of FIG. 3a from a different viewing angle,

[0066] FIG. 3c shows a further view of the subject matter of FIGS. 3a and 3b from below,

[0067] FIG. 4a shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a proposed metering device and an applicator in which they are separated from one another, and

[0068] FIG. 4b shows the metering device and the applicator of FIG. 4a in the assembled state.

[0069] Before configurations of the invention are described in greater detail below, it should first of all be noted that the invention is not limited to the components described or to the steps of the method described. Furthermore, the terminology used also does not represent a limitation and, instead, is merely exemplary in character. In so far as the singular form is used in the specification and the claims, this also in all cases includes the plural form, provided that the context does not explicitly exclude this.

[0070] The individual Figures of this application are to be regarded merely as diagrammatic and not as being true to scale.

[0071] FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a proposed cutting tool embodiment of the invention.

[0072] Moreover, FIG. 1 shows a cutting tool 1 in the form of a kitchen knife for cutting material to be cut. The cutting tool 1 has a basic body 2, which preferably extends in length and serves as a holding handle. A blade 4, which has a cutting edge 6 in order to cut pieces from the material to be cut, is disposed in the extension of the basic body 2. The cutting tool 1 furthermore has an applicator 8, the applicator 8, being configured for supplying a fluid to the blade 4, especially the cutting edge 6 of the blade 4. As can furthermore be inferred from the figure, the applicator 8 is designed as an attachment and is disposed at the front end 10 of the basic body 2 opposite to the blade 4. Furthermore, for supplying fluid, the applicator 8 has a reservoir for the fluid, which is not shown for technical reasons. For the embodiment of the cutting tool shown, the applicator 8, at its end, which is in contact with the basic body 2, has an outlet opening 20, which is designed as a connecting piece. Through this, the fluid is delivered from the applicator 8 to the cutting tool 1 for being passed on to the blade 4. For the embodiment shown, a conducting channel, which is not shown, preferably is disposed in the basic body 2 and connects the outlet opening 20 with the opening 16 in the basic body 2.

[0073] FIG. 1 furthermore shows that the applicator 8, after it is connected to the front end 10 of the basic body 2, is held by holding means 12, which interlock with the holding grooves 14, which are provided at the applicator 8. The holding means 12, together with the holding grooves 14, are configured for preventing the applicator 8 from detaching and for preventing the contact surface between the applicator 8, and the basic body 2 from tilting. The basic body 2 furthermore has an opening 16, through which the fluid is supplied to the blade 4. The opening 16 is formed at a surface of the basic body 2, preferably at a section contacting an end 18 of the blade 4.

[0074] Moreover, adjustment means 22 is shown in the form of an adjusting wheel at the applicator 8.

[0075] The adjustment means 22 acts upon a valve, which is disposed in the interior of the applicator 8 and is not shown, and can be adjusted infinitely. The valve serves for adjusting a flow rate of the fluid and consequently also the amount of fluid supplied to the blade 4.

[0076] FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic view of a proposed cutting tool embodiment of the invention.

[0077] FIG. 2 shows a cutting tool 1 in the form of a mandoline slicer for cutting materials. The cutting tool 1 further has a guiding surface 24, on which the material to be cut is moved back and forth and supplied to the blade 4 in a controlled manner. The blade 4 is shown as having a V shape, which is open counter to the direction of cutting 32. It is, however, also conceivable that a blade 4 has a simple cutting edge 6, which is disposed obliquely. As can furthermore be inferred from the representation in detail, the guiding surface 24 is disposed offset with respect to the blade 4 with the formation of a gap 34. This gap 34 defines the thickness of the piece cut off from the material. Furthermore, for the embodiment shown, the applicator 8 has a laterally disposed outlet opening 20. Furthermore, it is intended that the applicator 8 is pushed from a lower side 30 into a compartment, which has not been numbered and is provided in the basic body 2. For this purpose, a recess 28 is provided at the longitudinal side 26 of the basic body 2. This recess 28 fits around a connection, which is not shown, between the adjustment means 22 and the valve, so that the applicator 8 is accommodated in the interior of the basic body 2 and so that the adjustment means 22 continues to be accessible from the outside. In an alternative embodiment, at the lower side 30, the adjustment means 22 protrudes beyond the wall of the basic body 2 at the longitudinal side 26 thereof and is accessible from the lower side 30.

[0078] When the applicator 8 is inserted in the basic body 2, the outlet opening 20 preferably is aligned with the opening 16 in the basic body 2, which is provided at the corresponding longitudinal side 26. For the cutting tool 1 portrayed, it may be assumed that, for the opening 16 portrayed here, an applicator 8, which is disposed back-to-front and not shown in FIG. 2, is provided. Likewise, an opening 16, which co-operates with the applicator 8 shown, is not visible on the corresponding longitudinal side 26 of the basic body 2 and therefore has not been shown.

[0079] It is emphasized that a pump is not required in the event (not shown) that the pouch in the applicator comprises silicone. Silicone pouches, the use of which is preferred, are stretched when filled, the tension being relieved under the control of a metering device during the emptying process.

[0080] Each of the FIGS. 3a and 3b and 3c shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a proposed cutting tool 1 with a metering device 36 and an applicator 8 from different viewing angles.

[0081] The cutting tool 1, shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b and 3c, is portrayed in the form of a mandoline slicer, on the underside of which a metering device 36 is fastened for activating and/or actuating an applicator 8, which is disposed at the metering device 36. For accommodating the applicator 8, the metering device 36 has a housing body 38, at which a lever arrangement 42 and holding elements 44 are disposed. The holding elements 44 preferably serve for holding an inserted applicator 8 and securing it against unintentionally slipping out. The lever arrangement 42 serves to actuate the applicator 8, which, in particular, means an activation and metering of the fluid delivered. For this purpose, the lever arrangement 42 preferably is configured to act at least partly with a compression force on the applicator 8 actuating an outlet valve 46 of the applicator 8.

[0082] FIGS. 4a and 4b show perspective views of an embodiment of a proposed metering device 36 and an applicator 8. In FIG. 4a the metering device 36 and applicator 8 are shown separated from one another and in FIG. 4b they are shown in an assembled state.

[0083] The metering device 36, shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, has a connecting pipeline 40, with which the housing body 38 can be connected with an outlet opening 20, which is disposed at the basic body 2 of a cutting tool 1. Furthermore, the applicator 8 of FIG. 4a can be inserted in and especially clipped via the holding elements 44 of the housing body 38 of the metering device 36. The metering device 36 with the inserted applicator 8 is shown in FIG. 4b.

[0084] In accordance with a method for cutting fruit, vegetables or the like, a fluid is supplied to a blade 4 of a cutting tool 1, preferably to the cutting edge 6 of the blade 4. The advantage thereby achieved is to reduce the friction between the blade 4, which is acted upon with the fluid, and the material being cut, since the fluid itself has a lower frictional resistance with respect to the surface of the material being cut and the surface of the blade 4. The side surface of the blade 4 has a relatively high friction with respect to the material being cut and, during a cutting process, the fluid prevents retardation of the cutting motion as the blade 4 constantly penetrates further into the material being cut.

[0085] Furthermore, in embodiments, the cutting edge 6 of the blade 4 is supplied with the fluid over the whole of its length. This has the advantage of uniformly reducing friction along the cutting edge 6 of the blade 4.

[0086] Furthermore, in embodiments, while a portion of the material is being cut off, fluid is transferred by the blade 4 onto the cut surface of the piece cut off and/or transferred to the cut material, whereby the fluid acts upon and wets at least part of the cut surface. The advantage achieved here is that the fluid can be distributed easily by the material cut over the whole surface of the blade 4.

[0087] In accordance with the method, in embodiments, the fluid is or contains a liquid, especially an oil, for activating vitamins in the material cut. Furthermore, in embodiments, the fluid for cutting sugar-containing fruit contains a component, which prevents oxidation and therefore browning of the cut surface of the fruit. By these means, for example, when vegetables are being cut for the preparation of a salad, a cut surface of the material being cut is coated with an oil or the like by being pulled along the blade 4, which has been coated with the fluid. This may, for example, lead to the cut surface being sealed with oil after the severing, and the cut material being protected against oxidation or an excessive loss of water. Furthermore, when cutting meat with a cutting tool 1 in the form of a kitchen knife, due to the oil applied, the blade 4 can advantageously be pulled more easily through the meat and the meat receives an application of oil at the cut surfaces, which can be advantageous, for example, when browning the meat.

[0088] Moreover, in embodiments, a second fluid is supplied to the blade 4 of the cutting tool 1. The second fluid may be identical to or different from the first already named fluid. It is of advantage here that, in embodiments, two different fluids may be supplied, if necessary, from two separate applicators 8, or one common applicator 8, and the two fluids can each have a different effect on the cutting process and/or the material cut. An undesirable mixing of the two fluids can be prevented by providing and/or stocking the two fluids separately. Moreover, it may likewise be ensured that the one fluid makes contact with the cut material before the other fluid, for example when one fluid is supplied to the region of the cutting edge 6 and the other fluid to the region of the blade 4, which lies behind.