Abstract: A lid and adaptor assembly capable of being used with at least two food containers such as baking pans having different external dimensions. A pair of clasps are rotatably disposed on opposite side of the lid, each clasp capable of being rotated from an open position to a closed position. A pair of adaptors are provided for connection to the clasps in a first orientation and a second orientation, and each adaptor has a first surface capable of engaging a first food container when the adaptor is in the first orientation, and a second surface capable of engaging a second food container when the adaptor is in the second orientation. A pair of flexible fingers may also be used on the clasp to act as the adaptors to enable use with food containers having different external dimensions.

Abstract: A food processing tool is provided with a base forming an operative surface disposed above a work surface. A first blade is disposed adjacent and generally parallel to the operative surface. A main body has a sidewall forming a chamber with front and rear openings. A rotatable rod extends into the chamber, and an external handle rotates the rod. A pusher element is attached to the rod and includes a set of pins extending from its lower surface to engage a food item. A second blade may be mounted in a slot adjacent the work surface and have a plurality of cutting points extending upwardly from a central spine, generally perpendicular to the first blade. A cover is removably attachable to the operative surface to cover the blades. A top face of the cover has a pin receiving structure to assist in removing the pusher from the rod.

Abstract: A drive assembly for driving an implement is provided. The drive assembly includes a gear drive mechanism comprising a first drive gear rotatable about a first axis of rotation; a second drive gear rotatable about a second axis of rotation and engaged to the first drive gear; a driven member driven by the second drive gear, engaged to the implement, and rotatable about a third axis of rotation; a lobe; and a flexible link engaged to the first drive gear and the lobe, the flexible link comprising a first loop engaged to the lobe and a second loop engaged to the first drive gear. The drive assembly also includes a handle member engaged to the gear drive mechanism and configured to drive the lobe. The implement is rotated about the third axis of rotation as the handle member is moved from an unfired position to a fired position.

Abstract: A food processing tool is provided with a base forming an operative surface disposed above a work surface. A first blade is disposed adjacent and generally parallel to the operative surface. A main body has a sidewall forming a chamber with front and rear openings. A rotatable rod extends into the chamber, and an external handle rotates the rod. A pusher element is attached to the rod and includes a set of pins extending from its lower surface to engage a food item. A second blade ma be mounted in a slot adjacent the work surface and have a plurality of cutting points extending upwardly from a central spine, generally perpendicular to the first blade. A cover is removably attachable to the operative surface to cover the blades. A top face of the cover has a pin receiving structure to assist in removing the pusher from the rod.

Abstract: A food cutting apparatus has an upper plate housing connected to a lower plate housing and capable of being moved from an open position to a closed position where the upper plate housing is adjacent to the lower plate housing. The lower plate housing includes a base capable of being supported on a flat surface. A floating upper plate is disposed in the upper plate housing and the upper plate is capable of moving within the upper plate housing. A floating lower plate is similarly disposed in the lower plate housing and the lower plate is capable of moving within the lower plate housing.

Abstract: A drive assembly for driving an implement is provided. The drive assembly includes a gear drive mechanism comprising a first drive gear rotatable about a first axis of rotation; a second drive gear rotatable about a second axis of rotation and engaged to the first drive gear; a driven member driven by the second drive gear, engaged to the implement, and rotatable about a third axis of rotation; a lobe; and a flexible link engaged to the first drive gear and the lobe, the flexible link comprising a first loop engaged to the lobe and a second loop engaged to the first drive gear. The drive assembly also includes a handle member engaged to the gear drive mechanism and configured to drive the lobe. The implement is rotated about the third axis of rotation as the handle member is moved from an unfired position to a fired position.

Abstract: A drive assembly is provided. The drive assembly includes a gear housing comprising a support surface for a hand of a user, a gear drive mechanism disposed within the gear housing, and a handle member disposed on the gear housing proximate to the support surface. The gear drive mechanism includes a first drive gear rotatable about a first axis of rotation and engaged to the handle member, a second drive gear rotatable about a second axis of rotation, and a driven member engaged to the implement and driven by the second drive gear about a third axis of rotation that extends through the support surface. The driven member is disposed at least partially outside of the gear housing and is driven only when the handle member is moved from an unfired position to a fired position. The handle member does not cross the third axis of rotation during such movement.

Abstract: A food preparation tool includes a single loop of flexible material having a generally ovoid shape with a first end joined to a second end by two sides. The sides and ends form a continuous single loop having a continuous, uninterrupted outer surface and a continuous, uninterrupted inner surface. The tool further includes a. cutting surface formed on each end. The first end has a generally semicircular shape with a first radius and a first arc length. The second end has a generally semicircular shape with a second radius that is less than the first radius and a second arc length that is less than the first are length, when the tool is in a non-flexed state. A user may grip the tool at either end, causing the two sides adjacent the gripped end to flex and change the radius of that end.

Abstract: A device for storing food and displaying food for service includes a base with a side wall extending upwardly from the base and a puck assembly removably disposed therein. The puck assembly has a generally flat plate surface on one side and a functional surface with a plurality of food receptacles formed thereon on the opposite side, a sealed cavity disposed between the plate surface and the functional surface, and a cooling substance disposed in the sealed cavity. A food tray is disposed proximate the puck assembly, and a lid shaped to alternatively fit on the top surface of the wall of the base and to fit on the external surface of the bottom of the base such that the base can nest in the lid.

Abstract: A drive assembly is provided. The drive assembly includes a gear housing comprising a. support surface for a hand of a user, a gear drive mechanism disposed within the gear housing, and a handle member disposed on the gear housing proximate to the support surface. The gear drive mechanism includes a first drive gear rotatable about a first axis of rotation and engaged to the handle member, a second drive gear rotatable about a second axis of rotation, and a driven member engaged to the implement and driven by the second drive gear about a third axis of rotation that extends through the support surface. The driven member is disposed at least partially outside of the gear housing and is driven only when the handle member is moved from an unfired position to a fired position. The handle member does not cross the third axis of rotation during such movement.