Block ice shaver

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11808509-B2
Application number	US-202117506983-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Oct 21, 2021
Priority date	Mar 7, 2012
Publication date	Nov 7, 2023
Grant date	Nov 7, 2023

Abstract

The disclosure pertains generally to shave ice confection machines and processes, and more particularly to a block ice shaving apparatus, system and method whereby an improved blade and blade assembly produce more consistent output with increase machine life.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. An ice shaving machine, comprising:
a blade that is rotatable;
an ice block feeder that moves an ice block toward the blade, the ice block feeder comprising:
a pushing member; and
one or more drive shafts attached to the pushing member and attached to a motor, wherein the pushing member is driven by the motor to actuate the pushing member toward the blade thereby moving the ice block toward the blade; and

an ice block guide configured to apply a lateral biasing force to the ice block;
wherein the pushing member applies a vertical biasing force to the ice block.

2. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the machine further comprises a blade assembly comprising the blade, wherein the blade assembly is mechanically connected to a drive mechanism.

3. The machine of claim 2 , wherein the blade comprises a plurality of attachment points; and
wherein the blade assembly further comprises a blade holder configured to detachably retain the blade at the plurality of attachment points.

4. The machine of claim 3 , wherein the blade holder couples the blade to the drive mechanism, such that when the drive mechanism is actuated the blade assembly rotates.

5. The machine of claim 3 , wherein the blade holder comprises a center hub and a plurality of arms extending outward from the center hub;
wherein each of the plurality of arms comprise a pass through portion and a blade attachment portion.

6. The machine of claim 5 , wherein the center hub comprises a support surface that supports the blade, wherein the support surface limits deflection of the blade.

7. The machine of claim 6 , wherein the support surface is disposed on the center hub at a position to contact a center of the blade.

8. The machine of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of arms of the blade holder are curved such that the plurality of arms radiates outward from the central hub.

9. The machine of claim 3 , wherein a radial measurement from a center of rotation of the blade holder to an attachment structure on the blade holder is less than a radial measurement from a center of rotation of the blade to a corresponding attachment structure of the blade, thereby causing the blade to be placed in tension when the blade is assembled to the blade holder.

10. The machine of claim 2 , wherein the drive mechanism is a drive motor located within a cabinet of the machine.

11. The machine of claim 10 , wherein the drive motor further comprises an electric motor and a gear box.

12. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the blade is made of a flexible material such that the blade deflects under tension.

13. The machine of claim 12 , wherein the blade is made of a material configured to spring back to its original, unloaded position when a load is removed from the blade.

14. The machine of claim 12 , wherein a height of a contact point between the ice block and the blade is higher than or equal to a height of an attachment structure, thereby allowing the blade to flex about a center of the blade.

15. The machine of claim 12 , wherein a height of a contact point between the ice block and the blade is lower than or equal to a height of an attachment structure, thereby allowing the blade to flex about a center of the blade.

16. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the machine further comprises a spout assembly comprising a spout and an outer shell that covers at least a portion of the blade.

17. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the machine further comprises a cabinet and a safety cover that covers the ice block feeder.

18. The machine of claim 17 , wherein the safety cover comprises a lid that is movably fastened to the safety cover, wherein the safety cover further comprises a safety switch that shuts off operation of the machine when the lid is raised.

19. The machine of claim 17 , wherein the safety cover further comprises the ice block guide that adds the biasing force laterally to prevent the ice block from spinning.

20. The machine of claim 19 , wherein the ice block guide is connected or attached to the lid.

21. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the machine comprises a control mechanism for turning the machine on and off, wherein the control mechanism comprises a foot pedal switch.

22. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the one or more drive shafts comprise two drive shafts, wherein the two drive shafts are driven by the motor.

23. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the one or more drive shafts comprise two drive shafts, wherein the two drive shafts are each driven by separate motors.

Assignees

• Snowie LLC

Inventors

• Rupp Carl A

Classifications

• F25C5/12 Primary

  Ice-shaving machines · CPC title

• A47J43/046

  with tools driven from the bottom side · CPC title

• Y10T83/647

  With means to convey work relative to tool station · CPC title