FOOD PRODUCT SLICER HAVING AN INTERLOCK MECHANISM

摘要

An interlock mechanism for a food product slicer (10) that prevents the carriage support (52) of a reciprocating carriage (50) from removal from the slicer housing (20) unless the gauge plate (40) of the slicer is closed and the carriage is positioned along a predetermined portion of the reciprocating path of the carriage. The interlock mechanism includes a pivoting interlock plate (200) and a stationary bar (150) covering the rest of the reciprocating path and blocking pivoting or removal of the support when in the covered path. The interlock plate extends along the predetermined portioned path and cooperates with a gauge plate adjustment control mechanism such that when the gauge plate is adjusted to an open position, the interlock plate pivots to a blocking position with blocks pivoting and removal of the support, and when the gauge plate is in a closed position, the interlock plate pivots to a free position which permits such pivoting and removal.