Handheld Peeler with Removable Multi-Blade Cartridge

Abstract

The present invention is a handheld peeler with removable multi-blade cartridge for peeling, or slicing food products. The tool comprises in combination: a main handle made from steel or any other suitable tough metal or plastic, button, blade cartridge, two or more blades, a top blade holder, bottom blade holder, an axle, a retaining ring, and a knob.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates the exterior appearance of the peeler of the present invention with the peeling blade retracted;

FIG. 2 illustrates the exterior appearance of the peeler of the present invention with the peeling blade retracted;

FIG. 3 illustrates the exterior appearance of the peeler of the present invention with a peeling blade extended;

FIG. 4 illustrates the exterior appearance of the peeler of the present invention with a peeling blade retracted as viewed from the side;

FIG. 5 illustrates the exterior appearance of the peeler of the present invention with the peeling blade retracted as viewed from the top;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional views which illustrate the internal mechanisms of the peeler of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an expanded view of the handheld peeler with removable multi-blade cartridge illustrating all physical components;

FIG. 8 illustrates the blade cartridge containing multiple blades, the retaining ring, and knob of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an assembled peeling blade and attachment means of the present invention;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are expanded views of a typical blade, top holder, bottom holder, and metal spring;

FIG. 12 illustrates the outside and inside appearance of the main handle part;

FIG. 13 illustrates the outside appearance of the blade guard part; and

FIG. 14 illustrates the outside appearance of the cartridge part.

Claims

1. A handheld peeler comprising in combination: a main handle,a blade guard;a button assembly; said button assembly further consisting of: a top button,a fixing plate,a spring-loaded pin, anda spring;a blade cartridge and affixed axle;a plurality of blades;a retaining ring which can freely rotate around said axle; anda knob affixed to said axle, said knob comprised of a plurality of locating arrows and a plurality of locating blade symbols.

2. The handheld peeler of claim 1 further comprising for each blade: a blade securing pin;a top blade holder, anda bottom blade holder,wherein said bottom blade holder and the blade cartridge engage and disengage a spring finger to lock the blades in either an extended or retracted position.

3. The handheld peeler of claim 1 wherein the blade cartridge is removable from the handle.

4. The handheld peeler of claim 1 wherein the handle has an ergonomic shape;a graspable area with texture; andan extended forward portion that is u-shaped, providing a forward resting area for the blades.

5. The handheld peeler of claim 3 wherein the cartridge is released when the knob is rotated to one of the release positions marked on the knob by an arrow indicator;the spring loaded pin on the button is in line with a slot on the cartridge;applying pressure to the gripping pads; andduring the application of pressure, the knob and the internal components combined as to form the cartridge assembly, resulting in the removal of the cartridge assembly as one unit.

6. The handheld peeler of claim 3 wherein when the blades are retracted, the knob may be rotated in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction for blade selection.

7. The handheld peeler of claim 3 wherein the blade guard is secured to the blade assembly by means of a retaining ring which is permanently attached to the knob and holds the blade guard in the correct position while allowing the blade guard to rotate freely about the axle.

8. The handheld peeler of claim 3 wherein the blade cartridge is comprised of a cartridge consisting of a small spring finger; anda plurality of blade assemblies further consisting of a blade;a top blade holder; anda bottom blade holder with an attached deboss; said top blade holder and bottom blade holders are secured together around the blade;said blade assemblies are secured to a cartridge by the small spring finger of said cartridge which interacts with the deboss on the bottom blade holder to create a detent; andsaid detent provides the securing means for the blade assemblies the cartridge.

9. The handheld peeler of claim 1 wherein said handle is further comprise of a tip which is tapered to act as an eye remover to remove undesirable or spoiled areas or fruits and vegetables.

10. The handheld peeler of claim 1 wherein the blade guard is further comprised of a plurality of perforations around its diameter.