FOOD PROCESSOR FEED TUBE ASSEMBLY

• US 20140299698A1
• Filed: 04/08/2014
• Published: 10/09/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/08/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Conair LLC (Conair Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Conair Corporation
• Inventors: Zakowski, Joseph W.
• Granted Patent: US 9,498,085 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 241/100
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 43/0716 for machines with tools driven from the lower side A47J43/0727 - A47J43/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 44/00 Multi-purpose machines for preparing food with several driving units

Abstract

A food processor feed tube assembly includes a first feed tube extension and a second feed tube extension telescopically and slidably received in the first feed tube extension. The second feed tube extension is configured to be movable from a retracted position in which the second feed tube extension is substantially entirely nested within the first feed tube extension, and an extended position in which the second feed tube extension is extended from the first feed tube extension.

Claims

1. A food processor, comprising:

a base;

a motor disposed within said base;

an output shaft operatively connected to said motor and extending outwardly from said base, said output shaft being rotatable upon actuation of said motor;

a work bowl received on said base;

a lid removably received on said work bowl, said lid including a feed tube extending upwardly from said lid and defining a passageway configured to receive a food product therethrough for guiding said food product into said work bowl; and

a feed tube assembly, said feed tube assembly being telescopically and slidably received by said feed tube.

2. The food processor of claim 1, wherein:

said feed tube assembly includes a first feed tube extension and a second feed tube extension, said second feed tube extension being selectively and telescopically extendable from said first feed tube extension; and

wherein said first feed tube extension includes an annular body dimensioned to be slidably received by said feed tube, and a cover atop said body, said cover having an aperture formed therein.

3. The food processor of claim 2, wherein:

said second feed tube extension includes a substantially planar bottom portion and a stack extending upwardly from said bottom portion, said stack defining a second passageway for the passage of said food product.

4. The food processor of claim 3, wherein:

said second feed tube extension is selectively movable between a retracted position in which said second feed tube extension is substantially entirely nested within the first feed tube extension, and an extended position in which said stack of said second feed tube extension is slidably received by said aperture in said cover of said first feed tube extension and extends substantially entirely through said aperture.

5. The food processor of claim 4, wherein:

said bottom portion has an outer periphery that is dimensioned to be slidably received by interior sidewalls of said first feed tube extension.

6. The food processor of claim 5, wherein:

said second feed tube extension includes a retaining ring positioned about said stack at a distal end thereof, said retaining ring being configured to prevent decoupling of said second feed tube extension from said first feed tube extension.

7. The food processor of claim 4, wherein:

said feed tube assembly further includes a pusher member having a bottom, food contacting surface and a body dimensioned to be slidably received in said stack of said second feed tube extension.

8. The food processor of claim 7, wherein:

said pusher member includes an annular flange at a top, distal end of said pusher member, said annular flange being configured to limit an insertion depth of said pusher within said stack of said second feed tube extension.

9. The food processor of claim 7, wherein:

said feed tube assembly is selectively movable between a retracted position in which said first feed tube extension, said second feed tube extension and said pusher member are substantially nested and disposed substantially entirely within said feed tube, and an extended position in which said first feed tube extension is extended from said feed tube and said second feed tube extension is extended from said first feed tube extension.

10. The food processor of claim 1, wherein:

said feed tube includes a guide groove in an inner surface thereof; and

said first feed tube extension includes a tongue formed in an outer surface of said body and configured to be received by said guide groove.