Food processing device

Abstract

A food processing device is disclosed. The food processing device includes a blade arranged for rotation, a feed chute ( 120 ) having an aperture arranged to receive food for processing, and a plunger ( 102 ) for urging food for processing into the feed chute and towards the blade. The feed chute includes a barrier ( 140 ) movable between a first, generally closed, position and a second, generally open, position, whereby insertion of the plunger into the feed chute causes the barrier to move from the first to the second position.

1 . A food processing device comprising: 
 (a) a blade arranged for rotation;    (b) a feed chute having an aperture arranged to receive food for processing;    (c) a plunger for urging food for processing into the feed chute and towards the blade;    (d) wherein the feed chute comprises a barrier, movable between a first, generally closed, position and a second, generally open, position, whereby insertion of the plunger into the feed chute causes the barrier to move from the first to the second position.    
   
   
       2 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein in the first position the barrier partially obstructs the feed chute.  
   
   
       3 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein in the first position the barrier completely obstructs the feed chute.  
   
   
       4 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the barrier is biased towards the first position.  
   
   
       5 . A device as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the biasing force is provided by a spring.  
   
   
       6 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the barrier comprises a hinged member.  
   
   
       7 . A device as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the hinged member is generally concave such that when in the second position, it generally conforms to an inner surface of the feed chute.  
   
   
       8 . A device as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the barrier comprises a plurality of hinged members.  
   
   
       9 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the barrier comprises an iris diaphragm.  
   
   
       10 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the plunger comprises a key member for co-operation with a lock disposed within the feed chute.  
   
   
       11 . A device as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the key member comprises a raised ridge running along at least a part of an outer surface of the plunger.  
   
   
       12 . A device as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the lock comprises a channel running along at least part of an interior surface of the feed chute, the channel including a biased member for locking the barrier in the closed position, such that insertion of the plunger causes the biased member to re-positioned and thus allowing the barrier to be moved.  
   
   
       13 . A device as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the lock member includes an elongate member anchored at one end and having a projection at a free end, the elongate member being biased towards a central axis of the feed chute by action of a spring.  
   
   
       14 . A device as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the spring is a leaf spring.  
   
   
       15 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the key member comprises a magnetic element and the lock member comprises a further magnetic element.  
   
   
       16 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein, in use, the feed chute is arranged substantially directly above the blade.  
   
   
       17 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the blade may be arranged to be replaceable by a citrus juicing element.  
   
   
       18 . A device as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the feed chute is arranged to receive citrus fruit, and the plunger is operable to urge fruit through the feed chute towards the citrus juicing element.  
   
   
       19 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the device is a juice extractor for extracting juice from various fruit or vegetables.  
   
   
       20 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the device is a food processor for chopping various foodstuffs.