Abstract: A carriage for a food slicer; wherein the carriage includes a tray for supporting a food product. The tray has a relatively flat portion and an upstanding side portion, a food gripping portion attached to the tray and at least one handle attached to the side portion of the tray for moving the tray in a reciprocating motion past the slicing blade. Preferably, the carriage includes a second handle such that the user can grasp either handle. The tray also includes a slide rod for slidably supporting the food gripping portion. The slide rod may be optionally mounted to either side of the tray, before or after the food product.

Abstract: A food product slicing machine includes a coupling and associated interlock mechanism for connecting and disconnecting a carriage arm of the food slicing machine to and from a reciprocating carriage base mounted to the housing of the machine. The coupling includes a cylindrical mounting head which is rotatably mounted in the carriage base by a bracket. The mounting head contains a slot for slidably receiving a foot of the carriage arm, and the bracket also contains a slot with which the mounting head slot can be aligned through rotation of the mounting head within the bracket. The mounting head slot and bracket slot must be aligned in order to attach or remove the carriage arm's foot to or from the carriage base. The interlock mechanism is provided to prohibit the alignment of the slots when the gauge plate of the slicing machine is not in a safe position. Accordingly, the carriage arm may not be removed from the carriage base when the gauge plate is not in the safe position.

Abstract: The invention is a sharpener for a knife of a food slicer. The sharpener includes a base assembly and a sharpener assembly. The base assembly includes a lever mounted thereto on a pivot; the lever carrying a cam member which extends therefrom. The sharpener assembly includes a housing and a longitudinal cavity, a sharpening wheel mounted for rotation on an axle which reciprocates lengthwise in the cavity, a compression spring positioned in the cavity at the base of the axle, and an actuator which reciprocates in the cavity portion on the side of the spring opposite the axle. Upon moving the lever about its pivot, the cam contacts the actuator and moves the actuator in the direction of the axle and compresses the spring. The spring moves the plunger lengthwise within the cavity and urges the sharpening wheel against the knife.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guard which covers the periphery of the blade during use and is axially displaceable a limited distance to allow access to the rear of the blade to facilitate cleaning. The guard is mounted on the slicing machine in a fashion which prevents its removal except under condition in which the blade itself is first removed.