IPC分类号：
A47J43/07 | A47J43/044 | A47J19/00
国民经济行业分类号：
C3531 | C3854 | C3381
当前申请(专利权)人：
GOODNATURE PRODUCTS, INC.
原始申请(专利权)人：
GOODNATURE PRODUCTS, INC.
当前申请(专利权)人地址：
Buffalo, NY, US
发明人：
WETTLAUFER, ERIC | WETTLAUFER, DALE | HEYDEN, THOMAS
代理机构：
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR, LLP
摘要：
Various juicing devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. The juicing device has a removable grinder assembly. The removable grinder assembly can be quickly and conveniently decoupled into individual components. The juicing device has a removable press chamber that can be quickly and conveniently removed from the juicing device.
技术问题语段：
Some juicing devices have detrimental effects on juice quality or other drawbacks.|However, centrifugally spinning the pulp against a screen, and other methods that shred and press at the same time, result in heating of the juice, aerating the juice, and/or introducing significant particulates in the juice.|This decreases the quality of the juice and/or misses an opportunity for self-filtration.|Other juicing devices are time-consuming, complicated to assemble, and/or difficult to clean.|Still other juicing devices are inconveniently configured to produce large quantities of juice and/or require large quantities of food during juice production, such as more than would reasonably be used to produce a single serving of juice.|Some juicing devices can have holes, slots, crevices, corners, and/or anchor points onto which food fibers, particulates, and/or juices are retained which can result in the same residual color and flavor issues or even health concerns.|This residual flavor and/or color can be problematic as the juicing device is required to produce a variety of different juices that are expected to have a specific flavor and/or color.|Removing the residual color and/or flavor can take significant time as significant scrubbing, washing, and/or caustic may be needed, which can be costly and inconvenient at a busy juice bar or other setting.|Many juicing devices are not well suited for use with a variety of foods, which each bring unique demands and challenges.|For example, hard root vegetables, like carrots and beets, are used in juicing and put a very high load on the juicing device, causing juicing devices to overheat, jam, and/or grind so inefficiently that little juice is extracted.|Unlike foods with higher specific densities (e.g., apples), a juicing device may be unable to use the inertia of the leafy greens to move the leafy greens around the grinder, which can inhibit proper processing of the leafy greens.
技术功效语段：
[0008]Certain implementations of the juicing devices disclosed herein can produce single serving juices (e.g., less than or equal to about 16 fluid ounces) cleanly, easily, and at a high quality. The juicing devices disclosed herein can employ a cold pressing method. The resulting juice can be smooth, nutritionally dense and close in color and flavor to the food from which the juice was extracted. The food can be cleaned, such as before being loaded into the juicing device. The food can be shredded and pressed in separate mechanisms, resulting in a high-quality juice.
[0058]In some variants, the press box can include one or more retaining flanges disposed opposite the front box wall that can help retain the movable platen within the press box.
权利要求：
1. A device for grinding food, comprising:
a hopper having an inner cavity defined, at least in part, by an inner surface, wherein a plurality of fixed teeth are formed into the inner surface such that the plurality of fixed teeth circumferentially surround a portion of the inner cavity;
a grinder plate unit rotatable relative to the hopper, the grinder plate unit comprising a grinder plate and a drive grip, the grinder plate having a plurality of teeth, wherein a gap is present between the plurality of teeth of the grinder plate and the plurality of fixed teeth of the hopper; and
a motor unit comprising a drive tip configured to automatically lock to and automatically unlock from the drive grip, the motor unit configured to drive the grinder plate unit about an axis of rotation;
wherein the drive grip of the grinder plate unit automatically unlocks from the drive tip of the motor unit to facilitate removal when the motor unit is not driving the grinder plate unit about the axis of rotation; and
wherein the drive grip of the grinder plate unit automatically locks to the drive tip of the motor unit to inhibit removal when the motor unit is driving the grinder plate unit about the axis of rotation.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein:
the drive grip is coupled to the grinder plate, the drive grip having a receiving region and a plurality of grip protrusions circumferentially distributed around the receiving region;
the drive tip is configured to fixedly couple to a drive shaft of the motor unit, the drive tip having a plurality of drive protrusions circumferentially positioned about the drive tip;
the drive tip is configured to be inserted into the receiving region of the drive grip such that the plurality of drive protrusions of the drive grip extend into gaps between adjacent grip protrusions of the drive grip; and
the plurality of drive protrusions are configured to engage with the plurality of grip protrusions as the motor unit drives the grinder plate unit about the axis of rotation inhibiting the drive grip of the grinder plate unit from being decoupled from the drive tip of the motor unit.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of grip protrusions and the plurality of drive protrusions are rounded such that the plurality of drive protrusions are guided into the gaps between the adjacent grip protrusions as the drive tip is inserted into the receiving region of the drive grip.
4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a grinder housing having a bottom wall with an opening and sidewalls having a gap defining a food exit ramp, wherein the bottom wall is spaced below the plurality of teeth and the grinder plate such that food passing through the hopper and by the grinder plate falls toward the bottom wall.
5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a press chamber having a press box with a bottom box wall, opposing box side walls, and front box wall, wherein the bottom box wall has a drain configured to direct fluid out of the press chamber.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the grinder plate has an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion configured to extend partially into the inner cavity and the lower portion having the plurality of teeth.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the grinder plate has a lopper with a cutting edge, wherein the cutting edge is facing a direction of rotation of the grinder plate.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the grinder plate has a wiper positioned on a lower portion of the grinder plate, and wherein the hopper further comprises a wall extending therefrom that is configured to at least partially surround the lower portion of the grinder plate, the wall comprising the plurality of teeth, wherein the wiper is configured to push food against the plurality of teeth.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth extend radially outward from the axis of rotation.
10. A device for grinding food, comprising:
a hopper having an inner cavity defined, at least in part, by an inner surface, wherein a plurality of fixed teeth are formed into the inner surface such that the plurality of fixed teeth circumferentially surround a portion of the inner cavity;
a grinder plate rotatable relative to the hopper, the grinder plate having a plurality of teeth, wherein a gap is present between the plurality of teeth of the grinder plate and the plurality of fixed teeth of the hopper;
a motor unit configured to drive the grinder plate about an axis of rotation;
a drive grip coupled to the grinder plate, the drive grip having a receiving region and a plurality of separate grip protrusions circumferentially distributed around the receiving region; and
a drive tip configured to fixedly couple to a drive shaft of the motor unit, the drive tip having a plurality of separate drive protrusions circumferentially positioned about the drive tip;
wherein the drive tip is configured to be inserted into the receiving region of the drive grip such that the plurality of separate drive protrusions of the drive grip extend into separate gaps between adjacent grip protrusions of the plurality of separate grip protrusions of the drive grip; and
wherein the plurality of separate drive protrusions are configured to engage with the plurality of separate grip protrusions as the motor unit drives the grinder plate about the axis of rotation inhibiting the grinder plate from being decoupled from the motor unit.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of separate grip protrusions are tapered in a longitudinal direction parallel to the axis of rotation.
12. The device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of separate drive protrusions are tapered in a longitudinal direction parallel to the axis of rotation.
13. The device of claim 10, wherein apexes of the plurality of separate drive protrusions are disposed between the grinder plate and apexes of the plurality of separate grip protrusions with the drive tip inserted into the receiving region of the drive grip.
14. The device of claim 10, wherein the drive grip is configured to be disposed between the grinder plate and the motor unit.
15. The device of claim 10, wherein the separate gaps are separately accessible from a same axial direction.
16. The device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of separate drive protrusions comprise longitudinal ridges extending along a length of the plurality of separate drive protrusions, the length parallel to the axis of rotation.
17. The device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of separate drive protrusions comprises four separate drive protrusions and the plurality of separate grip protrusions comprises four separate grip protrusions.
18. The device of claim 10, wherein the separate gaps comprise four separate gaps separately accessible from a same axial direction.
19. A device for grinding food, comprising:
a hopper having an inner cavity defined, at least in part, by an inner surface, wherein a plurality of fixed teeth are formed into the inner surface such that the plurality of fixed teeth circumferentially surround a portion of the inner cavity;
a grinder plate rotatable relative to the hopper, the grinder plate having a plurality of teeth, wherein a gap is present between the plurality of teeth of the grinder plate and the plurality of fixed teeth of the hopper;
a motor unit configured to drive the grinder plate about an axis of rotation;
a drive grip that is coupled to the grinder plate and is positioned between the grinder plate and the motor unit, the drive grip having a receiving region; and
a drive tip configured to fixedly couple to a drive shaft of the motor unit and to be inserted into the receiving region of the drive grip;
wherein the drive tip is configured to rotate to engage with the drive grip to retain the drive grip on the drive tip as the motor unit drives the grinder plate about the axis of rotation to inhibit the drive grip from being decoupled from the drive tip; and
wherein the drive grip is configured to be removably coupled to the drive tip when the motor unit is not driving the grinder plate about the axis of rotation to facilitate removing the drive grip.
20. The device of claim 19, wherein the drive tip comprises a plurality of drive protrusions and the drive grip comprises a plurality of grip protrusions, each of the plurality of drive protrusions tapered in a longitudinal direction from an apex, and each of the plurality of grip protrusions tapered in the longitudinal direction from an apex, wherein the apexes of the plurality of drive protrusions are configured to be disposed between the apexes of the plurality of grip protrusions and the grinder plate with the drive tip inserted into the receiving region of the drive grip.
21. The device of claim 19, wherein the grinder plate comprises a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a cutting edge located on the top surface, the drive grip coupled to the bottom surface.
技术领域：
[0002]This disclosure relates to juicing devices, such as cold press juicing devices with removable grinder assemblies and press chambers.
发明内容：
[0003]Juice is a natural way to provide not only a delicious beverage but also valuable nutrition to the human body. For example, juice can provide essential minerals, vitamins, and other beneficial compounds. Because different foods produce different kinds of juice, each with a unique flavor and nutritional profile, there is a demand for juice produced from an increasingly wide assortment of foods, such as fruits, spongy greens, hard root vegetables, and others. Indeed, consumers are increasingly demanding a diverse assortment of high-quality juices, preferably in single serving sizes (e.g., less than or equal to about 16 fluid ounces).
[0004]Some juicing devices have detrimental effects on juice quality or other drawbacks. For example, some juicing devices produce juice using centrifugal force by spinning pulp against a screen. However, centrifugally spinning the pulp against a screen, and other methods that shred and press at the same time, result in heating of the juice, aerating the juice, and/or introducing significant particulates in the juice. This decreases the quality of the juice and/or misses an opportunity for self-filtration. Other juicing devices are time-consuming, complicated to assemble, and/or difficult to clean. Still other juicing devices are inconveniently configured to produce large quantities of juice and/or require large quantities of food during juice production, such as more than would reasonably be used to produce a single serving of juice.
[0005]Furthermore, some juicing devices that rely on a screen, cloth, and/or similar device can retain food particulate or juice, which leaves residual color and flavor in the juicing device. Some juicing devices can have holes, slots, crevices, corners, and/or anchor points onto which food fibers, particulates, and/or juices are retained which can result in the same residual color and flavor issues or even health concerns. This residual flavor and/or color can be problematic as the juicing device is required to produce a variety of different juices that are expected to have a specific flavor and/or color. Accordingly, the juicing device must be cleaned to remove the residual color and/or flavor. Removing the residual color and/or flavor can take significant time as significant scrubbing, washing, and/or caustic may be needed, which can be costly and inconvenient at a busy juice bar or other setting.
[0006]Many juicing devices are not well suited for use with a variety of foods, which each bring unique demands and challenges. For example, hard root vegetables, like carrots and beets, are used in juicing and put a very high load on the juicing device, causing juicing devices to overheat, jam, and/or grind so inefficiently that little juice is extracted. Certain heterogeneous fibrous foods, like ginger or celery, contain long fibers that tend to snag on holes, slots, crevices, corners, and/or anchor points. Some juicing devices utilize a cheese grater style blade that fiber hooks onto and lays over the cutting edges of the blade holes. This can blunt the blades and inhibit the movement of food through the blade holes. Fleshy and fragile produce, such as cucumber, watermelon, and apples, can deteriorate, separate out in juice, froth, and/or introduce foam if over processed. Spongy leafy greens, like kale, can be squished down into a tough but flexible mass that will skim over teeth or blades such that the kale will continue to build up inside a juicer until the juicing device jams. Leafy greens can also have a low specific density compared to other foods. Unlike foods with higher specific densities (e.g., apples), a juicing device may be unable to use the inertia of the leafy greens to move the leafy greens around the grinder, which can inhibit proper processing of the leafy greens.
[0007]Various juicing devices are disclosed herein that address one or more of the problems detailed above, or other problems.
[0008]Certain implementations of the juicing devices disclosed herein can produce single serving juices (e.g., less than or equal to about 16 fluid ounces) cleanly, easily, and at a high quality. The juicing devices disclosed herein can employ a cold pressing method. The resulting juice can be smooth, nutritionally dense and close in color and flavor to the food from which the juice was extracted. The food can be cleaned, such as before being loaded into the juicing device. The food can be shredded and pressed in separate mechanisms, resulting in a high-quality juice.
[0009]The juicing devices disclosed herein can employ a disposable filter, such as a screen, cloth, or similar device. The filter can be separate from (e.g., readily removable from and/or not permanently attached to) the juicing device and/or can be readily replaceable. The disposable filter can reduce or eliminate issues with residual color and/or flavor from previous pressings. The disposable filter can be single use, eliminating the need to wash and sanitize bags altogether.
[0010]Certain implementations of the juicing devices disclosed herein can enable “self-filtration” of the juice. In self-filtration, fibers of the food from which juice is being extracted form a network of fibers that act as a filter for juice passing though the network. This can provide an initial and/or additional filter compared to any filters of the juicing device itself. The juicing device of the present disclosure can be configured to promote the formation of such a network and/or to maintain the network (e.g., by substantially not disturbing the network) during processing. This can enable the network to filter juice being extracted from the food material during the pressing operation. This is in contrast to other methods, such as centrifugal spinning with a screen, which can inhibit the network from forming and/or disturb the network and thus fail to benefit from self-filtration.
[0011]The juicing devices disclosed herein can be free or substantially free of features upon which food fibers, particulates, and/or juice can be retained or stuck. For example, in some embodiments, during operation of the juicing device to process a commercially reasonable amount of ginger for at least a single serving of juice, substantially no ginger fibers stick to or wrap around a cutting mechanism and/or other feature of the device.
[0012]In several implementations, even when cleaning is necessary, all components of the juicing devices that contact food and/or juice are easily removable. This can facilitate transporting the components to a cleaning area, such as a sink. In certain variants, the grinder assembly, while still assembled as a sub-assembly, can be removed from the juicing device as one unit and/or transported (e.g., to a cleaning area for cleaning) separately from the rest of the juicing device. This can reduce or eliminate the need to disassemble the entire grinder assembly to its components.
[0013]In some variants, the grinder assembly can quickly and efficiently be decoupled, which can enable washing of individual pieces separately. In some embodiments, the juicing devices disclosed herein shred and press in a closed process, which can reduce the mess that is frequently created when using other juicing devices.
[0014]In some embodiments, the juicing devices disclosed herein can effectively process a wide variety of foods (such as the foods detailed above). For example, some embodiments have a grinder assembly that is configured with teeth, and/or a motor with enough speed and power, to enable the processing of large chunks of root vegetables.
[0015]In some embodiments, the juicing devices are free from holes, slots, crevices, corners, and/or anchor points in the pathway of the processed food. The juicing devices can provide a path out of the juicing device.
[0016]In some embodiments, the juicing devices are configured to grind the food material slowly enough, and/or have large enough components and/or be configured to be gentle enough, to preserve fragile produce.
[0017]In some embodiments, the juicing devices have no shoulders under which fibers and particulate can build up (e.g., in the pathway of the food in the device).
[0018]In some embodiments, the juicing devices are configured to mechanically clear an infeed or outfeed section and/or to not rely on gravity or centrifugal force to clear the infeed or outfeed.
[0019]In some variants, a device for grinding food is disclosed herein. The device can include a hopper having an inner cavity. The inner cavity can be defined, at least in part, by an inner surface. A plurality of cutting implements (e.g., fixed teeth) can be formed into (e.g., molded with) the inner surface. In some embodiments, the plurality of fixed teeth circumferentially surround a portion of the inner cavity.
[0020]The device can include a grinder plate. The grinder plate can be movable (e.g., rotatable) relative to the hopper. The grinder plate can have a plurality of cutting implements, such as teeth. A gap can be present between the plurality of teeth of the grinder plate and the plurality of fixed teeth of the hopper. The device can include a motor unit that can drive the grinder plate about an axis of rotation. The grinder plate can be removably coupled to the motor unit when the motor unit is not driving the grinder plate about the axis of rotation. The grinder plate can be fixedly coupled to the motor unit when the motor unit is driving the grinder plate about the axis of rotation.
[0021]In some variants, the device can include a drive grip coupled to the grinder plate. The drive grip can have a receiving region and a plurality of grip protrusions circumferentially distributed around the receiving region. The device can include a drive tip that can fixedly couple to a drive shaft of the motor unit. The drive tip can have a plurality of drive protrusions circumferentially positioned about the drive tip. The drive tip can be inserted into the receiving region of the drive grip such that the plurality of drive protrusions of the drive grip extend into gaps between adjacent grip protrusions of the drive grip. The plurality of drive protrusions can engage with the grip protrusions as the motor unit drives the grinder plate about the axis of rotation inhibiting the grinder plate from being decoupled from the motor unit.
[0022]In some variants, the plurality of grip protrusions and the plurality of drive protrusions can be rounded such that the drive protrusions can be guided into the gaps between adjacent grip protrusions as the drive tip is inserted into the receiving region of the drive grip.
[0023]In some variants, the receiving region can be defined, at least in part, by an annular structure.
[0024]In some variants, the device can include a grinder housing that can have a bottom wall with an opening and sidewalls having a gap defining a food exit ramp. The bottom wall can be spaced below the plurality of grinder teeth and the grinder plate such that food passing through the hopper and by the grinder plate can fall toward the bottom wall.
[0025]In some variants, the device can include a press chamber that can have a press box with a bottom box wall, opposing box side walls, and front box wall. The bottom box wall can have a drain that can direct fluid out of the press chamber.
[0026]In some variants, the grinder plate can have an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion can extend partially into the inner cavity and the lower portion can have the plurality of teeth.
[0027]In some variants, the upper portion can have a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the lower portion. The upper portion can have a height that is larger than a height of the lower portion.
[0028]In some variants, the device can have a pusher that can extend into the inner cavity of the hopper. The pusher can have a handle and a helical face that can engage with food in the hopper.
[0029]In some variants, the grinder plate can have a lopper with a cutting edge. The cutting edge can face the direction of rotation of the grinder plate.
[0030]In some variants, the grinder plate can have a wiper positioned on a lower portion of the grinder plate.
[0031]In some variants, the hopper can have a wall extending therefrom that can at least partially surround the lower portion of the grinder plate. The wall can include cutting ledges disposed on an inner surface of the wall. The wiper can push food against the cutting ledges.
[0032]In some variants, the at least one tooth of the fixed teeth of the hopper can include a projection that divides the at least one tooth.
[0033]In some variants, a device for grinding food is disclosed herein. The device can include a chute that can have a ring of fixed teeth. The device can include a grinder plate that can be rotatable relative to the fixed teeth. The grinder plate can have an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion can extend into the chute and the lower portion can have a plurality of teeth. A gap can be present between the plurality of teeth of the grinder plate and the plurality of fixed teeth of the chute. The device can include a coupling structure, such as an annular structure. The annular structure can be coupled to the lower portion of the grinder plate. The annular structure can have an internal surface with internal protrusions circumferentially distributed thereon. The device can include a drive cap coupled to a motor unit. The motor unit can drive the grinder plate, such as about an axis of rotation. The drive cap can have a body (e.g., a cylindrical body) with first mating features (e.g., external protrusions) circumferentially distributed thereon. The drive cap can be mated with the annular structure, such as by being inserted into a tube of the annular structure. The first mating features can engage with the second mating features (e.g., internal protrusions). This can retain the annular structure on the drive cap as the motor unit drives the grinder plate about the axis of rotation. The annular structure can be removed from the drive cap as the motor unit does not drive the grinder plate about the axis of rotation.
[0034]In some variants, a wall of the chute can include the fixed teeth.
[0035]In some variants, the device can include a grinder housing having a bottom wall with an opening and sidewalls having a gap defining a food exit ramp. The bottom wall can be spaced below the plurality of grinder teeth and the grinder plate.
[0036]In some variants, the chute can releasably couple to the grinder housing. In some variants, the motor unit only drives the grinder plate about the axis of rotation with the chute coupled to the grinder plate.
[0037]In some variants, a magnetic switch can detect if the chute is coupled to the grinder housing.
[0038]In some variants, the grinder housing can releasably couple to the motor unit. In some variants, the motor unit only drives the grinder plate about the axis of rotation with the grinder housing coupled to the motor unit.
[0039]In some variants, a magnetic switch can detect if the grinder housing is coupled to the motor unit.
[0040]In some variants, the device can include a press chamber that can have a press box with a bottom box wall, opposing box side walls, front box wall, and rear retaining tabs. The bottom box wall can have an opening that can direct fluid out of the press chamber.
[0041]In some variants, the device can include a drip tray that can be positioned under the drain of the bottom box wall. The drip tray can partially cover a pair of support legs and housing of the device.
[0042]In some variants, the device can include a pusher that can extend into the chute. The pusher can have a handle and a helical face that can engage with food in the chute.
[0043]In some variants, the grinder plate can have an agitator with an apex. The agitator can deflect food radially outward from the apex.
[0044]In some variants, the grinder plate can have a lopper with a cutting edge. The cutting edge can face the direction of rotation of the grinder plate.
[0045]In some variants, the grinder plate can have a wiper positioned on a lower portion of the grinder plate.
[0046]In some variants, the chute can have a wall extending therefrom that can at least partially surround the lower portion of the grinder plate. The wall can include cutting ledges disposed on an inner surface of the wall. The wiper can push food against the cutting ledges.
[0047]In some variants, the at least one tooth of the fixed teeth of the chute can include a projection that divides the at least one tooth.
[0048]In some variants, a device for pressing food is disclosed herein. The device can include a press box with a bottom box wall, opposing box side walls, and front box wall. The press box can receive ground food material from a device for grinding food. The movable platen can be displaced toward the front box wall to press food material therebetween. The movable platen can include a drip shield that can catch food material flowing from the device for grinding food as the movable platen is displaced toward the front box wall.
[0049]In some variants, the drip shield can be oriented substantially perpendicular relative to a front face of the movable platen.
[0050]In some variants, the drip shield can prevent food material from falling onto a piston that can displace the movable platen.
[0051]In some variants, the front face of the movable platen can include elongate grooves that can direct fluid pressed from the food material toward the bottom box wall.
[0052]In some variants, the bottom box wall can include surfaces that can direct fluid pressed from the food material toward a drain.
[0053]In some variants, the device can include a front comb disposed between the front box wall and the moveable platen.
[0054]In some variants, the front comb can include a plurality of elongate fluid passages that can direct fluid pressed from the food material toward the bottom box wall.
[0055]In some variants, the device can include a bottom comb that can be supported by the bottom box wall. The front comb and bottom comb can be coupled at a hinge.
[0056]In some variants, the bottom comb can include a plurality of fluid passages that can allow fluid pressed from the food material to pass through the bottom comb.
[0057]In some variants, the device can include a bottom comb that can be supported by the bottom box wall. The bottom comb can include at least one tab that can mate with a notch disposed in the press box to aid a user in properly orienting the bottom comb in the press box.
[0058]In some variants, the press box can include one or more retaining flanges disposed opposite the front box wall that can help retain the movable platen within the press box.
[0059]Neither the preceding summary nor the following detailed description purports to limit or define the scope of protection. The scope of protection is defined by the claims.
具体实施方式：
[0098]Although certain embodiments and examples are described below, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any particular embodiments described below.
Juicing Device Overview—FIGS. 1A and 1B
[0099]Various embodiments and configurations of a juicing device 100 are disclosed herein. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example of the juicing device 100. The juicing device 100 can process food to extract juices. Food can include any consumable or food that has a consumable juice. The juicing device 100 can include a grinder assembly 200, a press chamber 300, and/or a drip tray 400.
[0100]The grinder assembly 200 can be configured to receive and grind food. The grinder assembly 200 can have a hopper 202 to receive food for processing. The hopper 202 can receive food through an opening 203 that leads to an inner cavity 205. A cover 206 can obstruct the opening 203, thereby inhibiting or preventing access to the inner cavity 205 and/or inhibiting or preventing food from escaping through the opening 203. The cover 206 can pivot up or down about a cover joint 214, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. A pusher 208 can be used to push food down through the chute or hopper 202.
[0101]The hopper 202 can be releasably coupled to the grinder housing 210 such that a user can remove the hopper 202, cover 206, and/or a pusher 208 quickly and conveniently. The hopper 202 can be releasably coupled to the grinder housing 210 with a twist-lock connection. This can be advantageous for cleaning as the user can remove the hopper 202 to carry over to a cleaning area, such as a sink. In some embodiments, the motor unit 216, which can include a motor and a housing, will not drive the grinder plate unless the hopper 202 is releasably coupled to the grinder housing 21, which can be detected by a magnetic switch. The grinder housing 210 can be releasably coupled to motor unit 216 such that a user can remove the grinder housing 210 from the motor unit 216 quickly and conveniently, which can be advantageous for cleaning. The grinder housing 210 can be releasably coupled to the motor unit 216 with a twist-lock connection. In some embodiments, the motor unit 216 will not drive the grinder plate unless the grinder housing 210 is releasably coupled to the motor unit 216, which can be detected by a magnetic switch.
[0102]As described in more detail below, the pusher 208 can push food down through the chute or hopper 202 and into a grind plate. The grind plate can be housed within a grinder housing 210 and rotated by a motor unit 216. The grind plate can include a lopper that is configured to cut food and/or an agitator to distribute food away from a center of the grind plate. The rotation of the grind plate can cause food to be thrown radially, relative to the axis of rotation of the grinder plate. The food can be thrown toward a grinding area. The grinding area can include a plurality of fixed teeth (such as a ring of fixed teeth formed into an inner surface of the chute or hopper 202 or cut into a wall of the chute or hopper 202) and a plurality of spinning teeth (such as on a lower portion of the grinder plate) for grinding. The ground food can fall into the grinder housing 210.
[0103]The grinder assembly 200 can be configured to deliver ground food to the press chamber 300 (e.g., directly). The grinder housing 210 can have a food exit ramp through which ground food can exit the grinder housing 210 and enter the press chamber 300 via an opening 310. In various embodiments, the grinder assembly 200 can be rotated to different positions about the grinder assembly joint or hinge 218. For example, in FIG. 1A, the grinder assembly 200 is shown rotated upward to a first position relative to the press chamber 300 (e.g., to a position in which the exit ramp is spaced apart from the press chamber 300). As another example, in FIG. 1B, the grinder assembly 200 is shown rotated downward to a second position relative to the press chamber 300 (e.g., to a position in which the exit ramp is aligned and/or in engagement with the press chamber 300). The grinder assembly 200 can be rotated by hand and/or with a motor.
[0104]The press chamber 300 can be configured to press the ground food to extract juice. The press chamber 300 can be supported by one or more (e.g., a pair of) front arms 106 of a frame 102 such that the press chamber 300 is positioned over the drip tray 400. The opening 310 can, as shown in FIG. 1B, be covered by hopper support flanges 212 and/or grinder housing support flange 204 when the grinder assembly 200 is rotated to the second position. In some implementations, the motor unit 216 will not operate if the grinder assembly 200 is not in the second position (e.g., the hopper support flanges 212 and/or grinder housing support flange 204 are not closing the opening 310), which can be detected by a magnetic switch.
[0105]The ground food can pass through the opening 310 into a press box 302. A disposable filter, such as a single-use bag, can be placed through the opening 310 and into the press box 302. Food exiting the grinder housing 210 can be directed into the disposable filter. The disposable filter can inhibit or prevent particulate from being included in the finished juice for drinking.
[0106]A moveable platen 304 can be positioned in the press box 302 and used to press the ground food to extract juices. The moveable platen 304 can move toward a front wall of the press box 302, a front comb 308, and/or a fixed platen 116. The front comb 308 can be positioned between the movable platen 304 and the fixed platen 116. In some embodiments, the fixed platen 116 can be coupled to the pair of front arms 106. The arms 106 and/or fixed platen 116 can be configured to inhibit or prevent movement of the press box 302 as the moveable platen 304 moves toward the front wall of the press box 302, front comb 308, and/or fixed platen 116.
[0107]Fluid extracted by compression within the press chamber 300 can flow down to the drip tray 400. The extracted fluid can be collected by a vessel placed on the drip tray 400. The drip tray 400 can collect spilled fluid or food to enable a user to conveniently and quickly clean after use. The drip tray 400 can be removably secured between one or more (e.g., a pair of) fixed front legs 108 of the frame 102 such that the drip tray 400 can be removed and carried to a cleaning area without requiring movement of the entire juicing device 100.
[0108]As mentioned above, the frame 102 can support the various features and components of the juicing device 100, such as the press chamber 300. The frame 102 can include front legs 108, back legs 110, front arms 106, and back arms 104 that extend away from a central support 118. The frame 102 can support a housing 112 that can house electronics, motors, and/or other components used to operate the juicing device 100.
[0109]The juicing device 100 can include a user interface 114 that can enable a user to control the juicing device 100. The user interface 114 can include a plurality of input devices, such as buttons, switches, electronic screens, or otherwise. The illustrated embodiment includes a shred button 124, press button 126, and stop button 128. The shred button 124 can cause the motor unit 216 to drive, which can in turn cause a grinder plate 222 to rotate as will be described in more detail below. In some implementations, the shred button 124 can cause the motor unit 216 to drive at a single speed, such as a single speed that is configured to process a variety of foods. The press button 126 can cause the press chamber 300 to press the food to extract juice. For example, a shaft 312 (e.g., a rod), as will be described in more detail below, can extend to push or move the movable platen 302 toward the front wall of the press box 302, front comb 308, and/or fixed platen 116 to press ground food. The stop button 128 can stop operation of the device 100, such as by stopping the juicing device 100 from driving the motor unit 216 and/or stopping the shaft 312 from moving movable platen 304. In various embodiments, in response to a user pushing the shred button 124, the juicing device 100 will operate automatically to grind the food, move the ground food from the grinder to the press box, press the ground food in the press box, and collect the extracted juice.
[0110]In various embodiments, all the components of the juicing device that contact food or juice can be quickly and easily disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled between juicing operations with negligible carryover of flavor and color between juicing. For example, in some embodiments, the disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling can be accomplished in less than about 2 minutes, about 1 minute, about 30 seconds, or otherwise. The various components of the juicing device can be manufactured using a variety of techniques. For example, certain components can be made by injection molding, additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing), machining, and/or other manufacturing processes. The various components described herein can be made from a variety of materials, which can at least include polymers, such as plastic (e.g., polypropylene, high density polyethylene, etc.), metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), and/or metal alloys.
[0111]Grinder Assembly—FIG. 2
[0112]FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the grinder assembly 200. As described above, the grinder assembly 200 can include the hopper 202. The hopper can include a chute configured to receive and hold food to be ground. The hopper 202 can include a plurality of first mating elements (e.g., receiving pockets 234) positioned around a circumference thereof. The receiving pockets 234 can interface with a corresponding plurality of second mating elements (e.g., tabs 236) positioned around a circumference of the grinder housing 210. In some embodiments, the receiving pockets 234 of the hopper 202 can engage (e.g., twist over) the plurality of tabs 236 of the grinder housing 210 such that the hopper 202 is securely coupled to the grinder housing 210.
[0113]As illustrated, the grinder assembly 200 can include a grinder plate 222. The grinder plate 222 can be configured to grind the food and/or to radially fling the ground food, as discussed in more detail below. The grinder plate 222 can be fixedly coupled to a drive coupling 500 such that rotation of the drive coupling 500 results in the rotation of the grinder plate 222. The drive coupling 500 can be an annular structure. The hopper 202 and grinder housing 210 can at least partially enclose the grinder plate 222 and the drive coupling 500.
[0114]The cover 206 can couple to the grinder housing 210. The cover pivot joint 220 of the cover 206 can interface with the pivot joint protrusion 224 of the grinder housing 210 to form the cover joint 214 described in reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, enabling the cover 206 to rotate up or down to cover and uncover the opening 203 of the hopper 202. The cover 206 can have an aperture (e.g., groove) 221 through which the pusher 208 can extend such that the pusher 208 is coupled to the cover 206 and/or can be moved in the inner cavity 205 of the hopper 202 while the cover 206 is covering the opening 203.
[0115]The drive coupling 500 can extend through an opening 282 of the grinder housing 210 to engage with a drive tip 600. The drive tip 600 can be part of or coupled to (e.g., a cap on) a drive shaft 228 of the motor unit 216, such that rotation of the drive shaft 228 causes rotation of the drive tip 600. The drive coupling 500 can engage with the drive tip 600 such that the drive coupling 500 is retained on the drive tip 600 when the drive shaft 228 of the motor unit 216 is rotating. The drive coupling 500 can be decoupled from the drive tip 600 when the motor unit 216 is not rotating the drive shaft 228 and drive tip 600. The drive tip 600 can be at least partially positioned within an opening 230 of the motor unit 216. As described below, the drive coupling 500 and drive tip 600 can be configured to facilitate operative engagement.
[0116]A shaft seal 229, which can be a bearing, can be positioned around the drive tip 600. The shaft seal 229 can be positioned between the drive tip 600 and an inner surface of the opening 230 of the motor unit 216. The shaft seal 229 can be a double lipped and/or resistant to oil. The shaft seal 229 can help to inhibit or prevent misalignment of the drive tip 600 while allowing for the rotation thereof.
[0117]The grinder housing 210 can have a plurality of first mating features (e.g., receiving pockets 238) positioned around a circumference thereof. The receiving pockets 238 can interface with a plurality of second mating features (e.g., tabs 240) positioned around a circumference of the motor unit 216. The receiving pockets 238 of the grinder housing 210 can engage with (e.g., twist over) the plurality of tabs 240 such that the grinder housing 210 is coupled to the motor unit 216 and/or at least partially enclosing the drive tip 600.
[0118]In certain implementations, the hopper 202, pusher 208, cover 206, grinder plate 222, drive coupling 500, and grinder housing 210 are together called the hopper unit. In some embodiments, the hopper unit can be removed from the motor unit 216 and/or other components of the juicing device 100. This can facilitate convenient cleaning of the hopper unit. In some embodiments, removal of the hopper unit is accomplished by decoupling the receiving pockets 238 of the grinder housing 210 from the plurality of tabs 240 of the motor 240. In some variants, the hopper 202, pusher 208, and cover 206 can be decoupled from the juicing device 100 for cleaning as a combined unit. This can be accomplished by decoupling the receiving pockets 234 from the plurality of tabs 236 of the grinder housing 210.
[0119]In various embodiments, the juicing device 100 is configured to not operate when the hopper 202 is disconnected. For example, in some embodiments, the juicing device 100 is configured such that the motor unit 216 will not drive the drive shaft 228 (or the drive tip 600, drive coupling 500, and/or grinder plate 222) if the hopper 202 is decoupled from the grinder housing 210 and/or if the grinder housing 210 is decoupled from the motor unit 216, which can increase safety of use. Coupling of the hopper 202 to the grinder housing 210 and/or the grinder housing 210 to the motor unit 216 can be detected via a magnetic switch or other mechanism. In some embodiments, opening of the cover 206, which can include the configuration shown in FIG. 1A, can cause the motor unit 216 to not drive the drive shaft 228. In some embodiments, closing the cover 206, which can include the configuration shown in FIG. 1B, can enable automatic restarting of the motor unit 216 to drive the drive shaft 228.
Pusher—FIGS. 3A and 3B
[0120]FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example of the pusher 208. As described above, the pusher 208 can push food through the hopper 202. The pusher 208 can include a handle 244 that can be grasped by a user. The handle 244 can be ergonomic, such as having contours to fit a human hand. The pusher 208 can have a shaft 248. The shaft 248 can extend between a retainer 246 and a face 250. The retainer 246 can inhibit or prevent the pusher 208 from extending into the hopper 202 such that the face 250 engages with the grinder plate 222. The retainer 246 can be larger than the aperture (e.g., groove) 221 of the cover 206, thereby inhibiting or preventing further movement of the face 250 toward the grinder plate 222. The retainer 246 can have a periphery that is circular or another shape, such as polygonal, irregular, or others. The shaft 248 can have a length to position the face 250 proximate the grinder plate 222.
[0121]As illustrated, the face 250 can be helical in shape. A helical shape can enable a user to apply pressure to different parts of the food as it is being ground up. A helical shape can allow a user to rotate the pusher 208 relative to the hopper 202 and/or the food. This can enable the face 250 to exert different pressures to the food (e.g., depending on which part of the helical face is in contact with a particular portion of the food). In some embodiments, the helical face can aid a user in moving the food within the hopper 202 and/or the grinder plate 222. The ability to apply varying pressure and/or to move the food can be especially advantageous if the food bridges or jams. The face 250 can have a periphery that is circular or another shape, such as polygonal, irregular, or others. In some variants, the face 250 is generally flat, which can facilitate applying even, or substantially even, pressure to food. The face 250 can be sized to extend to or proximate an inner surface 233 of the hopper 202, substantially filling a cross-section of the inner cavity 205.
[0122]The face 250 and/or the pusher 208 can be made of a polymer, such as silicone (e.g., food or medical grade silicone) and/or rigid plastic. In certain variants, the face 250 can be removably attached to the shaft 248. This can enable the face 250 to be replaced and/or the pusher 208 to be decoupled from the shaft 248. The face 250 can be coupled to the shaft 248 with a threaded connection, snap-fit, press-fit, set-screw, and/or with other techniques.
Cover—FIGS. 4A and 4B
[0123]FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an example of the cover 206. The cover 206 can obstruct the opening 203 that provides access to an inner cavity 205 of the hopper 202. The cover 206 can include one or more cover pivot joints 220. The pair of cover pivot joints 220 can each have a receiving region into which the pivot joint protrusions 224 can be retained. The pair of cover pivot joints 220, as explained above, can rotatably couple to a pivot joint protrusion 224 of the grinder housing 210, thereby enabling the cover 206 to rotate between open and closed positions as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively. In the open position, food can be inserted through the opening 203 into the hopper 202.
[0124]The cover 206 can include an aperture (e.g., groove) 221 through which the shaft 248 of the pusher 208 extends. The aperture 221 can enable the pusher 208 to be moved within the hopper 202 when the cover 206 is in the closed position (e.g., with the cover 206 covering the opening 203). The aperture 221 can be circular, polygonal, irregular, and/or other shapes. The cover 206 can include one or more support edges 223 that interface with the periphery of the opening 203 such that the cover 206 covers the opening 203. In some embodiments, the cover 206 includes flanges 227 (e.g., curves). The flanges 227 can extend from the support edges 223, such as toward outward outer edges 225. The outer edges 225 can extend around at least a portion of the hopper 202 when the cover 206 is covering the opening 203.
[0125]As shown in FIG. 1, the shaft 248 of the pusher 208 can be retained in the cover even when the cover 206 is in the open position. This can position the pusher in a location that is convenient yet still allows insertion of food into the hopper 202. As illustrated, the aperture 221 can be bounded by a wall (e.g., a substantially continuous wall) on at least the bottom side. The wall can support and/or retain the pusher 208, such as when the cover 206 is in the open position.
Hopper—FIG. 5A-5C
[0126]FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate an example of the hopper 202. As mentioned above, the hopper 202 can have the opening 203 that allows access into the inner cavity 205. The hopper 202 can have one or more support edges 211. The support edges 211 can define a portion of the opening 203. The support edges 211 can engage with the support edges 223 of the cover 206 to position (e.g., orient) the cover 206 over the opening 203. As detailed above, opening and/or closing of the cover 206 can cause the motor unit 216 to engage and/or disengage. A recess 209 can define a portion of the opening 203. The recess 209 can provide the pusher 208 increased area to move such that the cover 208 has an increased ability to rotate without being limited by the pusher 208 when the pusher 208 remains in the inner cavity 205. A lower wall 207 (e.g., a curved wall) can define a portion of the opening 203. The lower wall 207 can receive a portion of the pusher 208 and/or can accommodate a portion of the cover 206 surrounding the aperture 221.
[0127]The inner cavity 205 can extend through the entirety of the hopper 202 such that food entering through the opening 203 can continue out via an exit 213 (e.g., the end of the chute). The exit 213 can be positioned opposite the opening 203. The inner cavity 205 can be defined or surrounded by a wall or inner surface 233 of the hopper 202. The wall or inner surface 233 can extend between the opening 203 and the exit 213.
[0128]The hopper 202 can include food grinding features, such as a plurality of hopper teeth 252. In various embodiments, the hopper teeth 252 comprise a ring of teeth. The hopper teeth 252 can be positioned at or adjacent the exit 213. The exit 213 can be the portion of the hopper 202 at which food exits the hopper 202 and/or an end of the hopper 202 that is opposite the opening 203. The exit 213 can be the opening (e.g., outlet) through which food exits the hopper 202. The exit 213 can be the opening (e.g., outlet) of the inner cavity 205. The hopper teeth 252 can be cut and/or formed into the wall or inner surface 233 of the hopper 202. The hopper teeth 252 can be integral with the hopper 202. The hopper 202 and the hopper teeth 252 can be monolithically formed as a unit. A configuration in which the hopper teeth 252 and hopper 202 are combined can be advantageous, as compared to having separate components, because it can be more convenient to clean and quicker to assemble. The hopper teeth 252 can circumferentially surround a portion of the inner cavity 205. The hopper teeth 252 can be configured such that food is pulled through the grinder assembly 200 and/or hopper 202 as the grinder plate 222 rotates relative to the hopper 202. The shape of the openings (e.g., gaps) in the hopper teeth 252 can cause food to deflect downward and outward, toward the lower portion 263 and/or plurality of teeth 256 of the grinder plate 222, from the force imparted when food contacts the grinder plate 222. This can be in contrast to having a shape in the openings (e.g., gaps) in the hopper teeth 252 that imparts a force that causes food to deflect immediately reverse the direction of contact (e.g., direction of rotation). The openings (e.g., gaps) in the hopper teeth 252 can increase in the longitudinal direction (e.g., in the opening 203 to exit 213 direction), reducing the likelihood that food (e.g., a seed, hard food material, and/or carrot) will get jammed in the openings (e.g., gaps) in the hopper teeth 252. Stated differently, the openings (e.g., gaps) in the hopper teeth 252 can increase the further the food travels through the hopper teeth 252. This can be advantageous over hopper teeth 252 designs that have uniform vertical profiles, which can have a higher likelihood of food jamming in the openings (e.g., gaps) in the hopper teeth 252. In some implementations, the hopper teeth 252 can have at least one side that is at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the hopper 202. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the hopper teeth 252 can be generally trapezoidal and/or have lateral sides that are angled (e.g., less than or equal to about 45°) relative to the longitudinal axis of the hopper 202. The angled sides can be configured such that food flung against the teeth 252 can be deflected at least partly downwardly and/or toward the exit 213.
[0129]The hopper 202 can include features to facilitate assembly with the grinder housing 210. A fillet 251 can be positioned proximate the exit 213. The fillet 251 can help to guide the hopper 202 into the grinder housing 210 when coupling them together. A curve 253 can be positioned proximate the fillet 251 and assist in interfacing the hopper or chute 202 with the grinder housing 210.
[0130]As described above, the hopper 202 can have a plurality of receiving pockets 234. The plurality of receiving pockets 234 can be used to couple the hopper 202 to the grinder housing 210. The receiving pockets 234 can be disposed circumferentially around the hopper 202. The receiving pockets 234 can be positioned proximate the exit 213. In some embodiments, the plurality of receiving pockets 234 includes two, three, four, five, six or more receiving pockets 234.
[0131]FIG. 5C shows an enlarged view of one of the receiving pockets 234.
[0132]The receiving pocket 234 includes a cavity 235 into which a tab can be received. The receiving pocket 234 can include an opening 245 enabling a user to visually verify that a tab is positioned in the receiving pocket 234, indicating that the hopper 202 is coupled to the grinder housing 210. In some embodiments, the device 100 is configured such that the motor unit 216 will not operate unless one or more (e.g., all) of the plurality of receiving pockets 234 has received a tab, indicating that the hopper 202 is coupled to grinder housing 210. This can be detected using a magnetic switch or similar mechanism. Other locking mechanisms can be used to couple the hopper 202 to the grinder housing 210 and/or couple other components described herein, which may or may not be twist-lock couplings.
Grinder Plate—FIG. 6A-6D
[0133]FIGS. 6A-6D show an example of the grinder plate 222. As shown, the grinder plate 222 can have an upper portion 262, a lower portion 263, and an axis of rotation 271. During operation of the device 100, the grinder plate 222 can rotate about the axis of rotation 271. As is discussed in more detail below, in several implementations, the device 100 is configured such that food is ejected radially outward (e.g., generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation 271) from the grinder plate 222, such as when food exits the hopper 202.
[0134]The lower portion 263 of the grinder plate 222 can have a plurality of teeth 256. The plurality of teeth 256 can extend radially outward from the grinder plate 222. The plurality of teeth 256 can extend radially outward from the axis of rotation 271 of the grinder plate. Each of the plurality of teeth 256 can have an end 258. The end 258 can be a surface that is generally parallel to the axis of rotation 271. The end 258 can be substantially flat. The end 258 can have a shape that is rectangular, circular, polygonal, irregular, and/or other shapes. A gap 260 can extend between two of the adjacent plurality of teeth 256. The gap 260 can be partially defined by a curve extending between two of the adjacent plurality of teeth 256. In some embodiments, the lower portion 263 can include a continuous annular structure around the circumference of the lower portion 263. The continuous annular structure can lack circumferential gaps. In some embodiments, the lower portion 263 can have an annular structure (e.g., solid surface) that includes one or more gaps therein that may be equally or unequally disturbed around the circumference of the lower portion 263. In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth 256 can include one or more teeth that are equally or unequally distributed around the circumference of the lower portion 263. In some embodiments, the lower portion 263 can have one or more portions that is/are a solid annular structure with or without gaps and/or the lower portion 263 can have one or more teeth that are equally or unequally distributed around a portion of the circumference of the lower portion 263.
[0135]The lower portion 263 can couple to the drive coupling 500. The lower portion 263 can have a recess 270 that receives a portion of the drive coupling 500. A plurality of grooves (e.g., apertures) 266 can extend along or through the grinder plate 222. The plurality of grooves 266 can be used to couple grinder plate 222 to the drive coupling 500 with screws, bolts, or other similar devices. As shown in FIG. 6A, a recess 264 can surround each of the plurality of grooves 266. The recess 264 can receive some or all of the screw head, bolt head, nut, or other similar device, thereby enabling the maintenance of a low profile.
[0136]In some embodiments, the lower portion 263 includes a wiper 272. In some embodiments, the lower portion 263 can include one or more wipers 272. The wiper 272 can be positioned opposite the upper portion 262. The wiper 272 can be positioned on a bottom surface of the lower portion 263. During operation of the device 100, the wiper 272 can be configured to push food that is positioned under the grinder plate 222. For example, the wiper 272 can push food positioned between the grinder plate 222 and a bottom wall of the grinder housing 210, such as towards a food exit ramp, described is in more detail below. The wiper 272 can be a protrusion of a portion of the grinder plate 222. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the wiper 272 can be a protrusion having a circumferential width that is approximately the size of two of the teeth 256 and a radial width of about half of the radius of the lower portion 263. The wiper 272 can have a generally flat surface, angled surface, and/or curved surface facing in the direction of rotation 273. The wiper 272 can have one or more curved corners 274 (e.g., radially inwardly and/or outwardly facing corners), which can decrease the likelihood that the food fibers will stick to or become tangled on the wiper 272. The curved corners 274 can allow the wiper 272 to be positioned proximate the walls of the grinder housing 210 as the grinder plate 222 rotates such that it is less likely that food fibers will get stuck in the grinder housing 210.
[0137]The upper portion 262 can have a circular periphery that is raised from the lower portion 263. The upper portion 262 can have a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the lower portion 263. In some embodiments, the upper portion 262 is axially offset from the lower portion 263, such as at least an amount equal to the axial thickness of the teeth 256.
[0138]The upper portion 262 can have a lopper 232. The lopper 232 can be configured to push and/or cut food as the grinder plate 222 rotates. The lopper 232 can be an elongate structure. The lopper 232 can be straight, curved, or angled. As seen in FIG. 6A, the lopper 232 can have a cutting edge 275. The cutting edge 275 can face circumferentially and/or in the direction of rotation 273 of the grinder plate 222. As seen in FIG. 6C, the lopper 232 can have a curved front profile 280 and/or a curved back profile 281 that come together at the cutting edge 275. In some embodiments, the curved front profile 280 is straight or angled and/or the curved back profile 281 is straight or angled. The curved front profile 280 and/or the curved back profile 281 can inhibit or prevent buildup and/or tangling of food fibers as the lopper 232 rotates.
[0139]The upper portion 262 can have an agitator 226. The agitator 226 can be positioned at or adjacent the center of the grinder plate 222. In some implementations, the agitator 226 is asymmetrically configured relative to the center of the grinder plate 222. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, a radially inner end of the agitator 226 can be positioned at approximately the center of the grinder plate 222 and a radially outer end of the agitator 226 can be positioned closer to the teeth 26. As shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D, the agitator 226 can have an apex 278. The apex 278 can be configured to deflect food delivered through the hopper 202 radially outward so that the food is less likely to remain stuck in the center of the grinder plate 222. The agitator 226 can have a straight front profile 276 and/or a curved back profile 277 that meet at the apex 278. A curve 279 can extend from a top surface of the upper portion 262 to the straight front profile 276, which can reduce the likelihood of food getting stuck. The agitator 226 can help to deflect food into the path of the lopper 232 for cutting and/or pushing. As shown in FIG. 6A, in some embodiments, the agitator 226 is aligned with the lopper 232. For example, a diameter of the grinder plate 222 can pass through the agitator 226 and the lopper 232. In some embodiments, the agitator 226 is on one side of the center of the grinder plate 222 and the lopper 232 is on the other side of the center of the grinder plate 222. In some variants, the different feature(s) and/or surface(s) of the grind