Preparation and transfer sheet

Abstract

A thin polypropylene sheet is extruded flat, with a thickness in the range of 0.008 to 0.060 inches with a Rockwell hardness between 72 and 90 and a flexural modulus between 55,000 psi and 200,000 psi. The resultant surface may be utilized for cutting and chopping foods. A sharp knife will penetrate, but not perforate, the sheet material to not dull the knife while maintaining the integrity of the surface. When flexed around its longitudinal centerline, the sheet material develops substantial cantilever beam strength, so as to transport food articles after preparation into an appropriate container. The questions raised in reexamination request No. 90/004,752, filed Sep. 17, 1997, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CRF 1.570(e).

I claim: 
     
       1. A .Iadd.method for using a .Iaddend.flexible sheet for cutting and handling .Iadd.food .Iaddend.articles thereon, comprising: .Iadd.providing .Iaddend.a sheet of flexible resilient plastic material having lay-flat characteristics, a width greater than 6 inches and a length greater than 10 inches;   said plastic material having a Rockwell hardness between 72 and 90;   said plastic material having a thickness between .[.0.008.]. .Iadd.0.010 .Iaddend.inches and .[.0.060.]. .Iadd.0.030 .Iaddend.inches;   said sheet having sufficient cantilever beam strength when flexed around the longitudinal centerline and held proximate a first end to support an article spaced at least 10 inches from said first end and weighing at least 5 ounces.Iadd.;   placing said sheet on a flat surface;   placing a food article on said sheet;   cutting said food article on said sheet using a knife to produce cut pieces;   flexing said sheet to define an arcuate trough shape;   lifting said sheet in said arcuate trough shape off said flat surface to support said cut pieces; and   funneling said cut pieces off said sheet in said arcuate trough shape.Iaddend..   
     
     
       2. The .[.sheet.]. .Iadd.method .Iaddend.of claim 1, wherein: said plastic material is comprised of extruded amorphous polypropylene co-polymer.   
     
     
       3. The .[.sheet.]. .Iadd.method .Iaddend.of claim 1, wherein: said thickness is .[.between 0.008 inches and 0.030.]. .Iadd.0.010 .Iaddend.inches.   
     
     
       4. The .[.sheet.]. .Iadd.method .Iaddend.of claim 1, wherein: said plastic material is transparent.   
     
     
       5. The .[.sheet.]. .Iadd.method .Iaddend.of claim 1, wherein: said material having a Rockwell hardness in the range of 75-90.   
     
     
       6. A .Iadd.method for using a .Iaddend.flexible cutting sheet for food preparation, comprising: .Iadd.providing .Iaddend.a sheet of plastic sheet material having a thickness .[.of less than.]. .Iadd.in the range of 0.010 to .Iaddend.0.030 inches and a flexural modulus in the range of 75,000 to 200,000 psi;   said sheet having a Rockwell hardness in excess of 72.Iadd.;   placing said sheet on a flat surface;   placing a food article on said sheet;   cutting said food article on said sheet using a knife to produce cut pieces;   flexing said sheet to define an arcuate trough shape;   lifting said sheet in said arcuate trough shape off said flat surface to support said cut pieces; and   funneling said cut pieces off said sheet in said arcuate trough shape.Iaddend..   
     
     
       7. A .[.flexible cutting sheet for food preparation.]. .Iadd.method .Iaddend.according to claim 6, wherein: said sheet having a first dimension in excess of 6 inches and a second dimension, transverse to said first dimension, in excess of 10 inches.   
     
     
       8. A .[.flexible cutting sheet for food preparation.]. .Iadd.method .Iaddend.according to claim 7, wherein: said sheet having a Rockwell hardness in the range of 75-90.   
     
     
       9. A .[.flexible cutting sheet for food preparation.]. .Iadd.method .Iaddend.according to claim 6, wherein: said plastic sheet material comprises extruded amorphous polypropylene co-polymer.