Abstract: A vertical slicer includes a frame having a cover plate with a central opening and a hopper positioned over the opening. A carriage having a deck and a main cutting blade is attached to a spring-loaded plunger for reciprocating vertical movement within the frame. A tray collects food items cut by the main blade, which can be selectively adjusted to change a slicing thickness. A locking switch is configured to lock the plunger and carriage in a lowered locked position.

Abstract: An onion chopper includes container, a blade tray, and pivoting lid. The blade tray is removably mounted on an upper rim of the container and includes a sweeper positioned at one end of the blade tray. The sweeper is dimensioned to fit within the sidewalls forming the container to be used to clear chopped food bits from the container after they are cut by the grid of blades.

Abstract: A collapsible container consists of three parts: a rigid top rim, a flexible center band a rigid base. This combination of sections allows the container to easily collapse to about one-third of its original height. The container is also quite stable when expanded and is self-supporting. In various embodiments of the invention, for example, the upper rim may be expandable, the base may include holes or mesh to serve as a colander or strainer, or the base may be configured as a tube to function as a funnel.

Abstract: The preferred form of the present invention is a rolling pin having a hollow center portion that is sized and configured to receive and store one or more cooking implements such as a plurality of cookie cutters. The cookie cutters are configured to fit within the interior of the rolling pin. The rolling pin includes two handles, and one or both of the handles is removable to allow the cookie cutters or other implements to be either stored or removed for use.

Abstract: A peppermill includes a body having upper and lower ends and defining a cavity extending between the upper and lower ends. The body defines a gap extending therethrough substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body. A grinding mechanism is positioned within the body between the upper and lower ends. A cap rotatably secures to the body over the lower opening. A lateral opening extends through the cap in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is alignable with the gap. The cap mounts to an insert secured within the cavity near the lower opening. The insert includes an insert opening. The cap rotatably mounts to the insert and further includes an arcuate flange positioned over the insert opening when the lateral opening is not aligned with the gap.