Food processor feed tube assembly
View Patent ↗A feed tube assembly for a food processor is provided. The feed tube assembly includes a first member having a channel therethrough configured to be slidably received in a feed tube of a food processor, and a second member slidably received in the channel of the first member. The first member also includes a flat spring that extends into the channel to secure food items within the channel.
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 first pusher member configured to be slidably received by said feed tube, said first pusher member having a body having a channel formed therein, a bottom surface for contacting said food product, and a retaining member extending from an internal wall of said channel into said channel, said retaining member being configured to retain said food product within said channel; and
a second pusher member having a body and a bottom surface, said second pusher member being configured to be slidably received in said channel of said first pusher member.
2. The food processor of claim 1 , wherein:
said first pusher member is sized and shaped so as to be closely received by internal sidewalls of said feed tube.
3. The food processor of claim 1 , wherein:
said retaining member is selectively movable between a retaining position, in which said retaining member extends into said channel, and a pass-through position, in which said retaining member is urged against a wall of said channel by said second pusher member.
4. The food processor of claim 3 , wherein:
said retaining member is a flat spring.
5. The food processor of claim 1 , wherein:
said body of said second pusher member includes at least a first sidewall having a peripheral shape that corresponds to a shape of a sidewall defining said channel of said first pusher member, and at least a second sidewall having a peripheral shape that corresponds to a shape of an inner surface of said feed tube.
6. The food processor of claim 1 , wherein:
said first pusher member includes a top surface opposed to said bottom surface and substantially enclosing said body.
7. The food processor of claim 1 , wherein:
said feed tube and said body of said first pusher member are substantially annular in shape.
8. The food processor of claim 1 , wherein:
said work bowl is removably received on said base.
9. The food processor of claim 1 , wherein:
said channel is substantially U-shaped.