Food processor
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorDavid J. Wanat
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention relates to a food processor of the slicer/shredder type having a power base L-shaped housing with a second feed chute housing rotatably attached to the L-shaped housing to extend above it in an operative position over the L with the chute foldable in a box-like position for compact and convenient storage. In this general combination, a simple clutch structure is disposed between the housing and chute to provide a rotatable function whereby the chute is rotated into one position for removal for cleaning, into a second upright position where food is inserted into cutters and discharged, and into a third position opposite the second whereby the chute is secured and locked into a compact low box-like profile for easy storage.
Claims5
A food processor of the slicer/shredder type having an L-shaped upstanding base housing with a top and an electric motor therein, a rotatable generally horizontal shaft in the upper housing portion drivingly connected with said motor and with its axis aligned to extend centrally over the L, a separate chute offset from the upstanding base and operatively locked to extend above and long enough to substantially fill the space over the L to said base top, a cylindrical hollow cutter disposed in one end of said chute, a driving connection between said shaft and cutter, an axially aligned outlet in said chute at and adjacent said cutter, a clutch around said shaft rotatably connecting said chute and housing, said clutch comprising,
- an annular collar having an inner periphery and fixed in said one chute end opposite said chute outlet,
- said driving connection extending through said collar to drive said cutter,
- plural segmented openings around the inner collar periphery,
- one of said openings having a radial notch at one end thereof,
- peripheral spaced stops on the cutter side of said collar,
- a protruding ring on said base,
- radial tabs including a finger for said notch disposed on said ring and dimensioned to match said segments,
- control lock means connecting said chute and housing adjacent said clutch so the chute may be partly rotated in one direction from vertical whereby a stop engages one side of said finger and
- said segments and tabs line up for chute removal and
- the chute may be rotated in the other direction into vertical operative position and locked by said control means, and
- may be further rotated beyond substantially 180.degree. from vertical whereby a stop engages the other side of said finger for aligning and locking said chute and housing together box-like for compact inoperative storage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.