Peppermill tree

Abstract

A peppermill includes an outer casing receiving a disposable cartridge containing a supply of peppercorns to be ground in order to dispense fresh pepper. Legs project radially from the grinding end of the cartridge into blind slots on an interior surface at a corresponding end of the casing. A cartridge cap operatively connected to a grinding element at the bottom of the bottom of the cartridge includes a dovetail shape for receiving a connector member, and the connector member includes an upstanding rim having ribs engaging slots on a depending skirt of a cap so that rotation of the cap causes rotation of the grinding element. A notch is provided in an upper rim of the casing body to permit a depending dovetail bar on the connector member to be slid into the dovetail slot of the cap when the cartridge is raised slightly from its normal operative position. Clearance is provided between an upper surface of the legs projecting radially from the cartridge and a shoulder at the closed end of the blind slots to permit the cartridge to be raised relative to the casing body. The lowering of the cartridge to its operational position results in the notch, and the rest of the upper rim of the casing body locking the dovetail bar in the dovetail groove. An extension member having ribs and grooves for mating with the knob and the connector member, respectively, may be inserted between the knob and the connector member to extend the length of the peppermill.