CN114526567A

CN114526567A - Portable frozen dessert machine

Info

Publication number: CN114526567A
Application number: CN202210194474.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 卡尔·A·鲁普
Original assignee: Snowie LLC
Current assignee: Snowie LLC
Priority date: 2016-11-01
Filing date: 2017-11-01
Publication date: 2022-05-24
Also published as: CA3115950A1; WO2018085445A1; EP3535532A1; WO2018085442A4; EP3535532A4; WO2018085443A4; WO2018085443A1; CN110168296A; WO2018085442A1; CA3042508C; CA3042508A1; WO2018085445A4

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to apparatus, methods and systems for producing frozen confections and preparing ice for frozen confections. The frozen confection machine includes a hopper portion for receiving ice into the interior, and a motor configured to rotate a drive shaft, a paddle to condition the ice in the hopper during rotation of the motor. The frozen confection machine further includes a lid for selectively covering an interior of the hopper, a biasing member for biasing the lid away from the closed position, and a switch for actuating the motor in response to the lid being pressed to the closed position.

Description

Portable frozen dessert machine

The application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application with application date of 2017, 11/1, national application number of 201780081756.5(PCT application number of PCT/US2017/059587) and name of 'portable frozen dessert machine'.

Background

Frozen confections are becoming increasingly popular and desirable in an increasing number of environments. Machines for preparing ice for use in frozen confections are typically large and commercial grade to suit the commercial environment in which they are used. However, frozen confections are often required in commercial or domestic environments or small party environments where portability and storability are required. What is needed is a frozen confection machine that is portable, provides convenient operation and good performance, and is sized for easy storage.

Drawings

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. Advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a portable frozen confection machine in accordance with techniques and features of the present disclosure;

figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a portable frozen confection machine in accordance with techniques and features of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a portable frozen confection machine in accordance with techniques and features of the present disclosure;

figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of a portable frozen confection machine showing its construction angle according to techniques and features of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a blade for a portable frozen confection machine according to techniques and features of the present disclosure;

fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a kit including a portable frozen confection machine in accordance with techniques and features of the present disclosure;

fig. 7 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a blade, a lower wall of a hopper portion, and a paddle wheel of a portable frozen confection machine in accordance with techniques and features of the present disclosure;

fig. 8 illustrates a perspective rear view of an embodiment of a portable frozen confection machine in accordance with techniques and features of the present disclosure; and

fig. 9 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a portable frozen confection machine in accordance with techniques and features of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates to apparatus, methods and systems for producing frozen confections and for preparing ice for frozen confections. The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure without undue experimentation. The features and advantages of the disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure claimed.

Before the structures, systems, and methods for producing frozen confections are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular structures, configurations, processing steps, and materials disclosed herein as such structures, configurations, processing steps, and materials may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

In describing and claiming the subject matter of the present disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set forth below.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," "characterized by," and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

As used herein, the phrase "consisting of and grammatical equivalents thereof excludes any elements or steps not specified in the claims.

As used herein, the phrase "consisting essentially of, and grammatical equivalents thereof, limits the scope of the claims to the specified materials or steps and to materials or steps that do not materially affect one or more of the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed disclosure.

Referring now to the drawings, fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a frozen confection machine 100 configured to be portable. As can be seen in the figures, the machine 100 for preparing ice may include a body portion having a housing 105 and a handle portion 110 for ease of portability and positioning. The machine may further comprise a hopper 120 for receiving ice to be brewed. In one embodiment, the handle portion 110 may include a rubber material, grooves, textured surfaces, and/or the like for providing a grip for moving and holding the machine 100. The machine 100 may further include a cover 115 configured to cover the hopper 120. It should be understood that the lid 115 may include a transparent portion for monitoring ice in the hopper portion. The lid 115 may further have a catch 125 mechanism such that when the catch 125 is released, the lid 115 is allowed to pivot or rotate upward to an open position so that ice may be introduced into the hopper 120 of the machine 100. In one embodiment, the cover 115 may be made of a transparent material to enable a user to see the ice level in the hopper. In addition, the machine may include a mouth 130 and an ice shaper 135 for delivering and shaping the brewed ice into a cup or other container for receiving sliced ice products. It should be noted that the housing 105, the cover 115, the mouth 130 and the shaper 135 may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, plastic and metal.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a frozen confection machine 200. As can be seen from the figure, the motor 202 may be disposed within a housing 205 of the machine 200. The motor 202 may be electric and may be driven by DC or AC current. Embodiments having a DC motor may be powered by a battery, which may also be disposed within the housing. The housing 205 may include a base portion 206, the base portion 206 being sized and shaped to provide stability during use. The base portion 206 may include feet 207 that provide grip and may be made of a vibration dampening material to reduce noise and vibration during use.

As also shown, the machine 200 may include a handle portion 210, the handle portion 210 configured to fit in a user's hand for portability. The handle portion 210 may be aligned and configured to be held by a user during ice brewing to counteract the force generated by the motor 202 and paddle 212 while brewing ice.

In an embodiment, the motor 202 may be directly connected to the drive shaft 242, the drive shaft 242 driving the paddle 212, thereby moving the ice into the blades 213. The blade 213 may be fixed to the hopper 220 such that the blade is stationary. It should be noted that in one embodiment, the motor 202 may drive rotating blades to condition the ice. The motor 202 may be disposed within the housing 205 such that the rotational axis of the motor is generally aligned with the body of the machine 200. Further, the axis of rotation of the paddle 212 may also be generally aligned with the body of the machine 200. In an embodiment, the housing 205 may further include a door for easy access to the blade for maintenance.

An embodiment may include a motor connected indirectly to the paddle wheel through a device having a transmission or gear.

As can be seen from the figure, the machine may include a hopper 220 for receiving and holding unmodulated ice, and may include a mouth portion 230 for dispensing the modulated ice after it has been processed and moved through a portion of the body of the machine 200. The mouth 230 may be configured to deliver the brewed ice into the shaper 235 to provide a shaped top for the brewed ice within the cup or container. The shaper 235 may impart a shape to the final shaved ice product such that little or no additional shaping is required by the user. In an embodiment, additional flexible hand shaping flaps 233 can be included, which allow the user more options for shaping during use, and not have to come into contact with the edible brewed ice product. As shown, a flexible shaped flap may be attached under or near the mouth.

A cover 215 may be provided to cover the hopper 220. The cover 215 may include a latch 217 for locking the cover 215 in a predetermined position. Further, the cover 215 may be configured to facilitate operation of the switch 240, the switch 240 activating the motor, so that the machine does not operate without the cover 215 in place, or is locked in place by the latch 217. In one embodiment, the latch 217 or catch 125 may be omitted such that downward pressure provided by a user's hand and applied to the cover 215 keeps the motor rotating and operating. This may be a safety feature such that when the downward pressure or force provided by the user's hand is removed, the motor and paddle 212 stop rotating and are inoperable. The cover 215 may be a hinge 218 relative to the body of the machine 200 such that it rotates between an open position and a closed position.

For example, during use, the machine 200 may be positioned on a work surface by a user via the handle 210. Then, the user may lift the cover 215 to expose the hopper 220, and then may introduce ice into the hopper 220. The cover 215 may then be closed and compressed by the latch 217, a user's hand, or other mechanism, thereby actuating the switch 240 to activate the motor 202. The switch 240 may comprise a rocker switch that provides an upward bias using a spring or other biasing mechanism such that the cover 215 moves away from the closed or fully closed position when downward pressure is not applied and/or the latch 217 is not secured. The motor 202 then rotates the paddle 212 to drive the ice into the blade 213 (or in at least one embodiment, drive the blade 213). The ice is brewed as it moves past the blades 213 and into the mouth 230 and shaper 235. The brewed ice may then be delivered to a cup or other container as may be desired by the user and shaped by the shaper 235 and flexible hand-shaping flaps 233 so that the cup or container is filled with the brewed ice or product, which may have a shaped top that is pleasing. For example, ice within the hopper 220 may be too large to pass through the opening near the mouth 230 or the vanes 213 covering the opening. Only after the ice is conditioned (chopped, shaved, turned to "snow" or otherwise conditioned) can it be conveyed from the interior of the hopper 220 and discharged into a cup through the mouth 230.

In an embodiment, an external switch may be provided for actuating the machine. For example, the external switch may be a foot pedal or other switch for actuating the machine. After filling the cup with the brewed ice, a condiment, drink, or other edible contents may be added to the brewed ice for consumption.

Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the frozen confection machine 300. The machine may be constructed primarily from two

half shells

305a and 305b that may be joined together to hold the motor 302, paddle wheel 312 and blades 322 in an operating configuration relative to one another. The paddle wheel 312 may include a paddle located near the central axis, as shown in fig. 2, or may include a paddle located near the rim or edge, as shown in fig. 3. As can be seen, the motor 302 may be disposed within a housing 305 of the machine 300. The

housing halves

305a and 305b may include base portions sized and shaped to provide stability during use. The base portion may include feet 307 that provide grip and may be made of a vibration damping material to reduce noise and vibration during use.

As also shown in the figures, the machine 300 may include a handle portion configured to fit in a user's hand for portability. The handle portion may be aligned and configured to be gripped by a user during ice brewing to counteract the force generated by the motor 302 and paddle wheel 312 while brewing ice.

In an embodiment, the motor 302 may be directly connected to the drive shaft 332, with the drive shaft 332 driving the paddle wheel 312 to move the ice into the blades 322. It should be noted that in one embodiment, the drive shaft 332 may be connected to the paddle wheel 312 by a shaft connector 342. The motor 302 may be disposed within the housings 305a-b such that the axis of rotation of the motor is generally aligned with the body of the machine 300. Further, the axis of rotation of the paddle wheel 312 may also be generally aligned with the body of the machine 300. In an embodiment, the housing may further comprise a door for easy access to the blade for maintenance. For example, a door in the hopper or near a sidewall of the blade may be selectively opened to facilitate removal and/or replacement of the blade 322. In one embodiment, a door to access the blade is not required, and the blade may be accessed by releasing one or more fasteners (such as screws) to allow the hopper section 320 to move upward and access the blade from above.

As can be seen in the figures, the machine may include a hopper 320 for receiving unmodulated ice, and may include a mouth portion 330 for dispensing the modulated ice after being processed and moved through a portion of the body of the machine 300. The mouth 330 may be configured to deliver the brewed ice into a cup or container. The mouth may include a shaper 335 portion for providing a shaped top for the brewed ice in the cup or container.

The machine 300 may also include a lower wall 352, the lower wall 352 surrounding a lower portion of the hopper 320 or may form a portion of the wall of the hopper 320. Wall 352 may include a recess for receiving and retaining blade 322 at opening 360 in lower wall 352. For example, the blades 322 may slide down into the grooves to be positioned in front of the opening 360 such that only the brewed ice is allowed to exit the hopper 320 through the mouth 330.

A cover 315 may be provided to cover the hopper 320. The cover 315 may include a latch for locking the cover in a predetermined position. Further, the cover 315 may be configured to facilitate operation of the switch 340, the switch 340 activating the motor, such that the machine 300 does not operate without the cover 315 in place. In addition, a power cord 350 may be provided to power the machine 300. Various fasteners FF may be used to mount various components of the machine together. Foot pads 344 may be used to dampen vibrations that occur during use. A rubber grommet 346 may be used to seal an opening in the housing of the machine.

As can be seen in the figures, an embodiment may include a drive shaft 332, the drive shaft 332 directly connected to the paddle wheel 312 and directly driving the paddle wheel 312.

Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment showing the angle between the handle portion and the axis of rotation of the motor 412 and paddle 413 of the machine 400. Shown is a frozen confection machine 400 having an angle 425 between a first line 420 drawn through the handle portion 415 and generally aligned with the base portion of the machine and a second line 410, the second line 410 representing the axis of rotation of the motor 412. The angle 425 formed by the intersection of the first and

second lines

420, 410 may be selected during design to dampen or otherwise counteract the forces generated by the motor 412 and the paddle 413 as the ice is machined. In an embodiment, the motor may be disposed within the housing such that a drive shaft of the motor rotates about an axis 410, the axis 410 being fixed at an angle relative to the handle 415. It will be appreciated that in one embodiment, the angle 425 may be selected from a range between about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees. In an embodiment, the angle may be selected from a range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees. In use, a user may grasp the handle 415 to stabilize the machine during use.

The angle of the motor 412 is not perpendicular or normal to the surface on which the machine 400 rests. Thus, the base region of the hopper provided by the paddle wheel 435 is not horizontal. And the paddle wheel 435 provides a base that is inclined at an angle. The angle of the substrate may improve performance during brew and dispensing of the brewed ice. For example, paddle wheel 435 is tilted toward the position of blade 430. The inclination towards the blades 430 may improve the modulation of the ice and may also improve the exit of the modulated ice through the blades 430. The tilting may also improve the way in which forces or vibrations generated by the ice brew are absorbed. For example, with a non-horizontal angle of the base, at least some of the vibration or force is in a vertical direction. These vertical vibrations or forces may be more advantageously absorbed by the surface via the base or rubber feet than all more forces or vibrations are in the horizontal direction. The vertical portion of the vibration or force may be less likely to be absorbed by the user, thereby increasing the comfort of the user and also may result in a longer operational life of the motor 412 and/or the machine 400. Thus, the angle of the motor, paddle wheel 325, and/or the lower region of the hopper can improve performance, machine life, and user comfort.

Fig. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a vane 500, the vane 500 configured to condition ice as it is dispensed to a user. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that ice build-up on equipment can be a problem when processing ice. Shown is an embodiment of a blade 500 that resists ice build-up while providing a brewed ice suitable for confectionery use. As shown, the blade 500 may be an arched or arcuate planar sheet to match the curvature of the wall or shell, and may include a plurality of teeth 505. The teeth 505 may be configured as slots or slits in the blade 500 that allow ice to be modulated to form on the first side of the blade and through the blade 500 to the second side. In an embodiment, the teeth 505 may be uniform and regularly arranged about the blade 500. It should be understood that in an embodiment, the blade 500 may include a plurality of teeth 505 that are offset with respect to one another. For example, a tooth or slot may be vertically offset from an adjacent tooth or slot. The plurality of teeth 505 may be offset in an alternating pattern. Further, the teeth 505 may be located on the blades in the pattern shown in the figures. As can be seen from the figure, the teeth 505 alternate between an upper position and a lower position relative to a centerline 555, the centerline 555 being shown in phantom. The offset may reduce icing on the teeth 505 of the blade 500. It will be appreciated that any pattern may be employed, for example, three teeth in a row may be arranged in a lower position relative to centerline 555, with the next three teeth arranged in an upper position relative to centerline 555. This pattern can be repeated as many times as desired. It is understood that any number of teeth may be arranged in the upper position and any number of teeth may be arranged in the lower position relative to centerline 555 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The teeth may also be formed with a circular hole (similar to that of a cheese grater) or any other hole or slot shape. For example, the teeth may include square, rectangular, triangular, oval, or other shaped apertures. In one embodiment, the aperture may have a curved or convex edge that protrudes at least slightly above the surface of the planar portion to provide an edge for cutting or brewing ice. Although the blade 500 is shown as having a curved planar shape, the blade 500 may be shaped or curved or flattened in other configurations. For example, the blade 500 may include a generally flat planar shape with little or no curvature.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a kit 600 including a frozen confection making system, which includes an ice brewing machine 610 and a carrying case 615. The cassette 615 may include a carrying handle 616. Further, the kit 600 may include a cup 620 and/or ingredient container 625 that may be used to dispense a flavoring for the brewed ice, for serving the brewed ice and producing a frozen confection. In addition, the kit 600 may include additional items, such as a power cord, a battery, and a backup battery. Embodiments of the kit may include a tool 630 specifically configured for servicing the ice brewing machine 610.

FIG. 7 shows a close-up expanded view of the lower wall 702 and blades 704 of the ice brewing machine. The blade 704 may include a blade similar to the blade 500 shown in FIG. 5. The lower wall 702 may surround a lower portion of the interior of the hopper. The lower wall 702 may comprise a clear plastic so that the ice within the hopper and/or the condition of the blades 704 can be seen. In one embodiment, the lower wall 702 is integrally formed with a mouthpiece 706 that can dispense the brewed ice. An opening 708 in the wall 702 is positioned at the mouth 706. The paddle wheel 710 may be inserted and positioned at or below the bottom of the lower wall 702. The paddle wheel 710 may be secured to a drive shaft or motor using fasteners 712. The wall 702 includes a recessed or indented area bounded by a groove 714. The recessed or indented area may have dimensions that match the blade 704 such that the blade may be received into the recessed or indented area. Once positioned, the inner surface (inwardly facing surface) of the blade 704 may be further away from the axis of the lower wall 702 than the inner surface of the lower wall 702 to limit ice from striking the edges of the blade 704.

The blade 704 is positioned in conformance with the lower wall 702 and may have a curvature that matches the lower wall 702. When assembled, the blade 704 covers an opening 708 in the wall so that ice can exit the hopper or lower wall 702 only through the blade 704. Thus, only the ice to be brewed can exit through the mouth, while the rest of the ice to be brewed remains in the hopper.

The lower wall 702 also includes attachment features 716 for securing the wall to or within the housing. In one embodiment, the blade 704 is replaceable. In one embodiment, one or more fasteners securing the attachment feature 716 may be released to allow the housing or other portion of the machine to be pulled back and/or up to expose the top region of the blade. The blade 704 may then be slid upward for removal, and a new blade may be slid downward into the recess or indent. In one embodiment, once positioned, the lower portion of the blade 704 is positioned in a slot in the housing below the blade, and the upper portion of the blade is positioned between the outer lower wall 702 or mouth 706 and the upper portion of the hopper or housing. The slits or slots in the vanes 704 may remain exposed so that ice may come into contact with the vanes 704 to condition the ice.

The mouth 706 may be shaped to impart a desired domed or rounded top to the shaved ice product or snow cone. For example, the mouth 706 comprises a circular mouth having a generally circular diameter that will form a top shape for the brewed ice when the cup or container is filled. The shape of the spout 706 may be configured to provide a desired shape, such that the produced shaved ice product may require little or no shaping after the container or cup is moved away from the spout 706.

Fig. 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of a machine 800 for making ice. The machine 800 includes a base 805 for supporting the machine on a surface, and the machine 800 includes a handle 810 having a recess for providing portability and grip on the machine 800. The machine 800 includes a hopper 802 and a lid 815 for selectively covering the interior of the hopper 802. In one embodiment, the lid 815 stays in an at least partially open state, as shown in FIG. 8. For example, a biasing mechanism (such as in the form of a rocker switch) may provide an upward force on the plunger 845 to bias the cap 815 away from the closed position.

To use the machine 800, a downward force on the cap 815 may drive the plunger 845 into the rocker switch. When the plunger 845 has compressed the biasing member far enough, the switch may activate the motor to begin rotating the paddle in the hopper 820 to brew ice. In one embodiment, the switch may be activated when the lower lip 850 of the lid 815 is at approximately the same vertical height as the upper lip 855 of the hopper 820. In one embodiment, the switch may be activated when the vertical distance between the lower lip 850 and the upper lip 855 is less than the width of a child's finger (about 1/4 inches or less). The biasing and activation of the switch may reduce any possibility of injury or harm to the user. For example, when the motor is turned or otherwise operated, the user's hands cannot be in the hopper.

The machine 800 does not include a latch for holding the lid in or near the closed position. Thus, a constant downward pressure may be required to condition the ice. If the pressure is removed, the cap 815 may return to a partially open position, the switch may be open, and the motor turned off. Thus, the machine 800 may require positioning of a user's hand on the lid to brew ice, resulting in increased safety and reducing the likelihood of the machine 800 moving.

The machine 800 includes a lower wall 835 at a lower region of the hopper 820. In one embodiment, lower wall 835 and lid 815 include transparent plastic or glass to allow viewing of the modulation of ice in hopper 820.

The machine 800 includes a mouth 830 having a shaped upper portion 840. The mouth 830 has a tapered sidewall sized to accommodate a cup 860 or other sized container to receive the brewed ice. For example, the taper may allow a number of different cup sizes to be used with the machine 800. The shaped top portion 840 may include an upward projection on the mouth 830 to allow for a symmetrical domed or rounded top to be imparted to the shaved ice product. The mouth 830 includes a lower surface 865 that directs the brewed ice into the cup 860 and also imparts a shape to the top of the brewed ice in the cup 860. Thus, the user may simultaneously receive and shape the brewed ice into the cup 860.

The frozen confection machine as disclosed herein may be used for any ice making purpose. For example, ice may be brewed as part of a drink, a milkshake, a snow cone, a slush, or any other type of drink, formula, or consumable material for flavored or unflavored consumption. Frozen confection machines can also be used for portable or manually operated snow making or ice making for non-consumer purposes, such as for decorative, medical purposes, etc. For example, ice may be conditioned to produce snow or shaved ice for placement in a bag for application to a part of the body to reduce swelling. As another example, ice may be conditioned for snow or ice decoration, and the like. The portable and convenient operation provided by embodiments of the ice brewing machine presented herein, with or without a handle, may allow for the brewing of small to large quantities of ice for any purpose or at any location.

Examples of the invention

The following examples pertain to still further embodiments.

Example 1 is a frozen confection machine. The frozen confection machine comprises a housing comprising a handle portion and a hopper portion. The hopper section is configured to receive ice therein. The frozen confection machine comprises a motor comprising a drive shaft disposed within a housing. The frozen confection machine includes a blade configured to condition the ice. The frozen confection machine includes a mouth configured to dispense the brewed ice. The vanes are disposed within the housing between the hopper portion and the mouth. The motor is disposed within the housing such that a drive shaft of the motor rotates about an axis that is fixed at an angle relative to the handle portion. In example 2, the blade of example 1 is stationary relative to the housing. In example 3, the blade of example 2 includes is arcuate. In example 4, a blade as in any of examples 1-3 includes a plurality of teeth offset relative to each other. In example 5, the plurality of teeth of example 4 are offset in an alternating pattern. In example 6, the frozen confection machine of any of examples 1-5, comprising a lid configured to cover the hopper portion. In example 7, the lid as in example 6 has a transparent portion for monitoring ice in the hopper portion. In example 8, the frozen confection machine as in example 7 further comprises a flexible shaped flap attached near the mouth. In example 9, the frozen confection machine of any of examples 1-8 further comprises a paddle wheel for moving the ice against the blade. In example 10, the paddle wheel as in example 9 is in mechanical communication with a drive shaft of the motor. In example 11, the angle as in examples 1-10 is selected from a range between about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees. In example 12, the angle as in example 11 includes is selected from a range of from about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees. In example 13, the frozen confection machine of any of examples 1-12 further comprises an electrical wire. In example 14, the frozen confection machine of any of examples 1-13 further comprising a battery. In example 15, the frozen confection machine of any of examples 1-14 further comprising a foot switch. In example 16, the frozen confection machine of any of examples 1-15 further comprises a damping pad. In example 17, the lid as in any of examples 6-7 includes a latching mechanism to retain the lid in the closed position. In example 18, the frozen confection machine of any of examples 1-18 further comprising a safety switch.

Example 19 is a kit for preparing a frozen confection. A kit for making a frozen confection includes a frozen confection machine configured to be portable, a plurality of confection ingredients configured to be used with a brewed ice product of the frozen confection machine. The frozen confection machine comprises a frozen confection machine as in any one of examples 1-18. In example 20, the kit as in example 19 includes a carrying case configured to carry the frozen confection machine and the confection ingredients. In example 21, the kit of any of examples 19-20 further comprises a service container configured to hold and service a brewed ice product of a frozen confection machine. In example 22, the kit of any of examples 19-21 includes a handheld tool configured for servicing a frozen confection machine.

Example 23 is a frozen confection machine. The frozen confection machine comprises: a hopper portion for receiving ice to the interior; a motor configured to rotate the drive shaft; a blade for modulating ice in the hopper during rotation of the motor; a lid for selectively covering an interior of the hopper; a biasing member for biasing the lid away from a closed position; and a switch for actuating the motor in response to the cover being pressed to the closed position. In example 24, the biasing member of example 23 provides the biasing force, and the biasing force is greater than a force provided by a weight of the cover. In example 25, an additional downward force on the lid of any of examples 23-24 is required to actuate the switch such that the lid stays in the at least partially open position without the additional downward force. In example 26, the biasing member as in example 25 returns the lid to the at least partially open position in response to removal of the additional downward force. In example 27, the frozen confection machine of any of examples 23-26, further comprising a plunger actuated by the lid, wherein the plunger is in mechanical communication with the switch when the lid is at or near the closed position. In example 28, the frozen confection machine of any of examples 23-27 further comprising a rocker switch, wherein the rocker switch comprises a biasing member and a switch. In example 29, the hopper portion of any of examples 23-28 comprises a container rim and the lid comprises a lid rim. The closed position includes a position where the lid rim is at approximately the same height or below the container rim. In example 30, the hopper portion of any of examples 23-29 includes a receptacle rim, and the lid includes a lid rim, wherein the lid rests at a position having a non-zero vertical distance between the positions of the lid rim and the receptacle rim. In example 31, the drive shaft of any of examples 23-30 drives a paddle in an interior of the hopper.

Example 32 is a frozen confection machine. The frozen confection machine comprises: a container for receiving ice or other material; a motor for actuating paddles or blades within the vessel; a lid for selectively covering an interior of the container; a switch for actuating the motor in response to the cover being pressed to a closed position; and a biasing member for biasing the lid away from the closed position. In example 33, the biasing member of example 32 provides the biasing force, and wherein the biasing force is greater than a force provided by a weight of the cover. In example 34, an additional downward force on the lid of any of examples 32-33 is required to actuate the switch such that the lid stays in the at least partially open position without the additional downward force. In example 35, the biasing member as described in example 34 returns the lid to the at least partially open position in response to removal of the additional downward force. In example 36, the frozen confection machine of any of examples 32-35, further comprising a plunger actuated by the lid, wherein the plunger is in mechanical communication with the switch when the lid is at or near the closed position. In example 37, the frozen confection machine of any of examples 32-36 further comprising a rocker switch, wherein the rocker switch comprises a biasing member and a switch. In example 38, the hopper portion of any of examples 32-37 comprises a receptacle rim and the lid comprises a lid rim, wherein the closed position comprises a position in which the lid rim is at substantially the same height as or below the receptacle rim. In example 39, the hopper portion of any of examples 32-38 comprises a receptacle rim and the lid comprises a lid rim, wherein the lid rests at a position having a non-zero vertical distance between positions of the receptacle rim and the lid rim. In example 40, the drive shaft of any of examples 32-39 drives a paddle in an interior of the hopper.

Example 41 is a frozen confection machine. The frozen confection machine comprises: a hopper portion for receiving ice to the interior; a motor configured to rotate the drive shaft; a blade for modulating ice in the hopper during rotation of the motor; a lid for selectively covering an interior of the hopper; a biasing member for biasing the lid away from a closed position; and a switch for actuating the motor in response to the cover being pressed to the closed position. The biasing member provides a biasing force, and wherein the biasing force is greater than a force provided by the weight of the lid. An additional downward force on the cover is required to actuate the switch such that the cover stays in the at least partially open position without the additional downward force. The biasing member returns the lid to the at least partially open position in response to removal of the additional downward force. In example 42, the lid as described in example 40 is in the closed position when the lid is below a threshold position, and the lid is in a partially open or open position when the lid is above the threshold position.

Example 43 is a frozen confection machine. The frozen confection machine comprises: a housing including a hopper portion configured to receive ice into an interior; a motor for driving the drive shaft; a vane configured to condition ice during rotation of the drive shaft; and a mouth configured to dispense the brewed ice, wherein the mouth includes a shaped top portion for imparting a shape to the brewed ice. In example 44, the mouth of example 43 includes a lower portion, wherein the upper and lower portions provide a surface to shape the final shaved ice product. In example 45, the surface as described in example 44 is configured to shape the final shaved ice product into a circular dome. In example 46, the mouth of any of examples 43-45 includes a lower surface having a downward angle to direct the brewed ice into the receiving container. In example 47, the shaped top portion of any of examples 43-46 includes an upward projection having a smaller diameter of curvature than a relatively lower side of the mouth. In example 48, the shaped top portion as in any of examples 43-47 is integrally formed with the mouth. In example 49, the mouth of any one of examples 43-48 is integrally formed with at least a portion of a wall of the hopper. In example 50, the mouth of any one of examples 43-49 is tapered to accommodate receiving containers of different diameters.

Example 51 is a frozen confection machine. The frozen confection machine comprises: a housing including a hopper portion configured to receive ice into an interior of the hopper portion; a motor for driving the drive shaft; a vane configured to condition ice during rotation of the drive shaft; and a mouthpiece configured to dispense the brewed ice. The mouth includes an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper and lower portions provide a surface for shaping the final shaved ice product. In example 52, the vane of example 51 is positioned at an opening in the hopper portion between the mouth and an interior of the hopper portion. In example 53, the surface as in any of examples 51-52 is configured to shape the final shaved ice product into a circular dome. In example 54, the lower portion as in any of examples 51-53 includes a lower surface having a downward angle for directing the brewed ice into the receiving container. In example 55, the upper portion as in any of examples 51-54 has an upward projection with a smaller diameter of curvature than an opposing underside of the mouth. In example 56, the mouth as in any of examples 51-55 is integrally formed with at least a portion of a wall of the hopper. For example, the mouth and wall may be part of a single piece of molded or bonded plastic. In example 57, the mouth as in any of examples 51-56 is tapered to accommodate receiving containers of different diameters.

Example 58 is a frozen confection machine, comprising: a housing including a hopper portion configured to receive ice into an interior of the hopper portion; a motor for driving the drive shaft; a vane configured to condition ice during rotation of the drive shaft; and a mouthpiece configured to dispense the brewed ice. The mouth includes an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion provide a surface to shape the final shaved ice product. The mouth is tapered to accommodate different diameters of receiving containers. The blade is positioned between the mouth and an interior of the hopper portion at an opening in the hopper portion.

Example 59 is a frozen confection machine comprising: a housing including a hopper portion configured to receive ice into an interior of the hopper; a motor for driving the drive shaft; a mouth; and a vane configured to condition ice during rotation of the motor. The blade is positioned between the mouth and an interior of the hopper portion at an opening in the hopper portion. In example 60, the vane of example 59 includes a vane positioned near a bottom of the interior region of the hopper. In example 61, the blade as in any of examples 59-60 comprises a planar sheet having one or more holes or slits. In example 62, the planar sheet of example 61 includes a plurality of vertical slits forming a blade. In example 63, a vertical slit of the plurality of vertical slits of example 61 is vertically offset from an adjacent vertical slit. In example 64, the brewed ice as in any of examples 59-63 passes through the one or more holes or slits to exit the hopper. In example 65, the vane as in any of examples 59-64 is positioned in line with a wall of the hopper. In example 66, the wall of the hopper of example 65 comprises a groove or recess, wherein the interior surface of the planar sheet is substantially at a greater or equal distance from the center of the hopper than the interior surface of the wall. In example 67, the frozen confection machine of any one of examples 59-66 further comprising one or more paddles in the interior of the hopper driven by the drive shaft, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the paddles to move the ice relative to and against the blade to condition the ice.

Example 68 is a frozen confection machine, comprising: a housing including a hopper portion configured to receive ice into an interior of the hopper; a motor for driving the drive shaft; a mouth part; and a blade including a planar thin plate having a plurality of vertical slits, configured to condition ice during rotation of the motor. The blade is positioned between the mouth and an interior of the hopper portion at an opening in the hopper portion. The conditioned ice passes through the one or more holes or slits to exit the hopper. In example 69, the vane of example 68 is positioned near a bottom of the interior region of the hopper. In example 70, a vertical slot of the plurality of vertical slots as in any of examples 68-69 is vertically offset from an adjacent vertical slot. In example 71, the vane as in any of examples 68-70 is positioned coincident with a wall of the hopper. In example 72, the wall of the hopper of example 71 comprises a groove or recess, wherein the interior surface of the planar sheet is substantially at a greater or equal distance from the center of the hopper than the interior surface of the wall. In example 73, the frozen confection machine of any of examples 68-72 further comprising one or more paddles in the interior of the hopper driven by the drive shaft, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the paddles to move the ice relative to and against the blade to condition the ice.

Example 74 is a system or apparatus comprising means for implementing a method, system, machine, or apparatus as in any of examples 1-73.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Further, it should be noted that any or all of the aforementioned alternate embodiments may be used in any combination desired to form additional hybrid embodiments of the present disclosure.

It should be noted that the embodiments shown in the figures and described herein are intended to be exemplary and that any variation in the dimensions and relative proportions of the various components falls within the scope of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described and illustrated, the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of the present disclosure is to be defined by the appended claims, any future claims filed herewith and filed in different applications, and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A frozen confection machine comprising:

a housing comprising a hopper configured to receive ice into an interior of the hopper;

an ice modulation blade; and

a paddle wheel for moving ice into the ice modulating blade;

wherein the ice-modulating vane comprises a plurality of apertures;

wherein the plurality of apertures are offset relative to a horizontal centerline of the ice brewing blade and alternate between upper and lower positions relative to the horizontal centerline of the ice brewing blade.

2. The frozen confection machine of claim 1, wherein the plurality of holes are arranged such that the bottom edge of every other hole is higher than the bottom edge of the previous hole.

3. The frozen confection machine of claim 1, wherein the plurality of holes are arranged such that a bottom edge of two or more holes in succession is disposed at a first level and a bottom edge of a subsequent two or more holes in succession is disposed at a second level.

4. The frozen confection machine of claim 1, wherein the plurality of holes have raised edges configured to present raised edges for cutting or brewing ice.

5. The frozen confection machine of claim 1, wherein the ice-brewing blade comprises a planar sheet.

6. The frozen confection machine of claim 1, wherein the ice-brewing blade comprises an arcuate sheet.

7. The frozen confection machine of claim 1, wherein the ice-brewing blade is positioned in line with a wall of the hopper.

8. The frozen confection machine of claim 7, wherein the ice-brewing blade is positioned near a bottom of the hopper.

9. The frozen confection machine of claim 8, wherein the brewed ice passes through the plurality of holes to exit the hopper.

10. The frozen confection machine of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of holes is circular.

11. The frozen confection machine of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of holes is rectangular.

12. The frozen confection machine of claim 1, wherein the plurality of holes are configured as slits in the ice-brewing blade.

13. The frozen confection machine of claim 12, wherein the slits are oriented in a perpendicular direction relative to a horizontal centerline of the ice-brewing blade.

14. The frozen confection machine of claim 12, wherein the slits are oriented in a direction oblique to a horizontal centerline of the ice-brewing blade.

15. A portable ice brewing machine comprising:

a motor for driving the drive shaft;

a mouth; and

a blade, wherein the blade includes a plurality of slits configured to condition ice during rotation of the motor;

wherein the plurality of slits are offset relative to a horizontal centerline of the blade and alternate between upper and lower positions relative to the horizontal centerline of the blade.

16. The portable ice brewing machine of claim 15, wherein said plurality of slots are oriented vertically and are arranged such that the bottom edge of every second slot is higher than the bottom edge of the previous slot.

17. The portable ice brewing machine of claim 15, wherein said plurality of slots are vertically oriented and arranged such that the bottom edges of two or more slots in succession are disposed at a first level and the bottom edges of two or more slots in succession are disposed at a second level.

18. The portable ice brewing machine of claim 15, wherein said vane comprises a planar sheet, or wherein said vane comprises an arcuate sheet.

19. The portable ice brewing machine of claim 15, wherein said vanes are positioned in conformance with a wall of the hopper.

20. The portable ice brewing machine of claim 15, wherein said plurality of slits have raised edges configured to present raised edges for cutting or brewing ice.