US20130126650A1 - Ice shaver safety blade cartridge for beverage blender - Google Patents
Ice shaver safety blade cartridge for beverage blender Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130126650A1 US20130126650A1 US13/303,297 US201113303297A US2013126650A1 US 20130126650 A1 US20130126650 A1 US 20130126650A1 US 201113303297 A US201113303297 A US 201113303297A US 2013126650 A1 US2013126650 A1 US 2013126650A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- blade
- ice
- blade cartridge
- hopper
- rail
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J47/00—Kitchen containers, stands or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass; Cutting-boards, e.g. for bread
- A47J47/01—Kitchen containers, stands or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass; Cutting-boards, e.g. for bread with dispensing devices
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
- A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
- A47J43/0716—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools for machines with tools driven from the lower side
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
- A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
- A47J43/0716—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools for machines with tools driven from the lower side
- A47J43/0722—Mixing, whipping or cutting tools
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
- A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
- A47J43/075—Safety devices
- A47J43/0761—Safety devices for machines with tools driven from the lower side
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L2/00—Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Their preparation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D3/00—Cutting work characterised by the nature of the cut made; Apparatus therefor
- B26D3/28—Splitting layers from work; Mutually separating layers by cutting
- B26D3/283—Household devices therefor
- B26D2003/286—Household devices therefor having a detachable blade that is removable attached to the support
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to ice shaver blades used in beverage preparation equipment, such as smoothie blenders. Aspects of embodiments relate to assemblies which facilitate the maintenance of ice shavers in such blenders, during which worn blades are exchanged for fresh blades.
- FIG. 1 An example of a conventional ice shaver from a smoothie blending machine is shown in FIG. 1 .
- An example of a conventional ice shaver, generally indicated at 100 is shown in relevant part in FIG. 1 .
- Cubed or crushed ice is received into a hopper or receptacle having an inverted cone shape 101 .
- a rotating stirrer (not shown, interior of hopper) moves the ice past an opening 102 through the wall of the cone in which is mounted a cartridge 103 holding a sharp blade 104 .
- the blade shaves the ice into numerous chips, which when small enough fall past the blade (direction A) into a chute which directs them into a blender cup for further processing.
- the opening through the wall of the cone-shaped receptacle receives the cartridge 103 holding the ice shaving blade 104 .
- the cartridge is fixed into the opening using thumb screws, wing screws, screws requiring a tool to apply and remove, or the like, together indicated at 105 .
- This removable design is used because the ice shaver blade 104 wears and becomes dull with use. It therefore needs replacement at intervals, dependent on use.
- Access to the blade cartridge 103 for replacement is obtained by disassembling and removing the ice receptacle and shaver apparatus from the beverage blender machine because it was previously found desirable to keep the fasteners 105 for the blade cartridge on the outside (below the receptacle chamber), rather than inside where they would contact the ice, which is a food product that must meet cleanliness standards, and which is in periodic motion that could create mechanical problems for the fasteners, such as wear and particle infiltration.
- a cover 106 is removed by removing several cover fasteners each indicated at 107 .
- the hopper 101 is then unbolted from the machine in which it resides, so access can be obtained to the blade cartridge fasteners 105 . This results in an assembly requiring substantial disassembly for maintenance, and exposing the maintenance worker to a sharp, exposed edge on the blade cartridge 103 .
- an ice shaver assembly comprising an ice hopper and a blade cartridge including a blade and a body in which the blade is permanently affixed.
- the body has an upper surface above which the blade protrudes so as to shave ice passing along the upper surface.
- the body further has fastener-less mounting features configured to mount the blade cartridge on the ice hopper within an opening of the ice hopper.
- Embodiments of the ice shaver assembly are further directed to the blade cartridge including a sliding rail mount.
- the sliding rail mount includes a rail defining an alternating sequence of rail portions and gaps defined between rail sections, constructed and arranged to mate with a rail of the ice hopper having a complementary sequence of rail sections and gaps.
- the sliding rail mount further includes an outrigger rail defined at an end of a spring arm arranged to provide pressure in a direction approximately perpendicular to a sliding direction of the sliding rail mount.
- the blade cartridge further includes a blade guard over the blade. The blade guard is configured to protect an operator while handling the blade cartridge.
- the blade guard includes a hook that covers a sharpened edge of the blade, and a barbed spring latch arranged to prevent the cover unhooking from the sharpened edge of the blade.
- the blade guard further includes a feature preventing closure of a cover of the ice shaver assembly when the blade guard is attached to the blade cartridge.
- the blade guard further includes a feature preventing operation of the ice shaver when the blade guard is attached to the blade cartridge.
- an ice shaver safety blade cartridge comprising a blade and a body in which the blade is permanently affixed, the body having an upper surface above which the blade protrudes so as to shave ice passing along the upper surface, the body further having fastener-less mounting features configured to mount the blade cartridge on the ice hopper within an opening of the ice hopper.
- Embodiments of the blade cartridge are further directed to a sliding rail mount.
- the sliding rail mount includes a rail defining an alternating sequence of rail portions and gaps defined between rail sections, constructed and arranged to mate with a rail of the ice hopper having a complementary sequence of rail sections and gaps.
- the sliding rail mount includes an outrigger rail defined at an end of a spring arm arranged to provide pressure in a direction approximately perpendicular to a sliding direction of the sliding rail mount.
- the blade cartridge further comprises a blade guard over the blade, the blade guard being configured to protect an operator while handling the blade cartridge.
- the blade guard includes a hook that covers a sharpened edge of the blade, and a barbed spring latch arranged to prevent the blade guard from unhooking from the sharpened edge of the blade.
- the blade guard further includes a feature preventing closure of a cover for the ice hopper when the blade guard is attached to the blade cartridge.
- the blade guard further includes a feature preventing operation of an ice shaver when the blade guard
- an ice shaver assembly comprising an ice hopper and a blade cartridge including a blade and a body in which the blade is permanently affixed.
- the body has an upper surface above which the blade protrudes so as to shave ice passing along the upper surface.
- the body further has means for mounting the blade cartridge on the ice hopper within an opening of the ice hopper without a fastener.
- the means for mounting the blade cartridge on the ice hopper within the opening further includes a sliding rail mount.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an ice shaver hopper with blade and blade cartridge, showing the assembly thereof;
- FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an ice shaver assembly of an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIGS. 3 and 4 are top perspective views of the ice shaver assembly of FIG. 2 showing the removal of a cover from a hopper of the ice shaver assembly;
- FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the ice shaver assembly showing a blade cartridge secured to the hopper of the ice shaver assembly;
- FIG. 6 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the ice shaver assembly similar to FIG. 5 showing the cover removed from the hopper;
- FIGS. 7 and 8 are exploded bottom perspective views of the ice shaver assembly showing the removal of the blade cartridge from the hopper;
- FIG. 9 is a top perspective view the blade cartridge
- FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the blade cartridge
- FIGS. 11 and 13 are perspective views of a blade guard of the blade cartridge.
- FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the blade guard removed from the blade cartridge.
- an ice shaver safety blade cartridge mounts to an ice hopper wall using a fastener-less, mount that is easily dismounted when desired.
- the ice shaver safety blade cartridge can optionally include a removable or fixed blade guard that protects from cuts a person changing the blade or performing other maintenance operations. Further, when the guard is in a position to protect the person, a feature prevents the ice hopper from being fully closed and operational, further enhancing the safety of operators and maintainers of the equipment.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an ice shaver assembly generally indicated at 200 .
- the ice shaver assembly 200 includes a hopper 202 having an inverted cone shape and a cover 204 that is configured to be secured to the hopper.
- a rotating stirrer (not shown) moves the ice past an opening 206 that enables the ice to enter the ice shaver assembly.
- the cover 204 is illustrated as being secured to the hopper 202 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates the ice shaver assembly 200 in which the cover 204 is in the process of being removed from the hopper 202 .
- the cover 204 is secured to the hopper 202 by placing the cover over the hopper and rotating the cover counterclockwise so that interlocking features 208 of the cover are received within or otherwise engaged by corresponding interlocking features 210 of the hopper.
- the cover 204 includes a tab 212 , which engages portions of the hopper 202 to secure the cover to the hopper after rotating the cover counterclockwise. To remove the cover 204 , the tab 212 is moved inboard toward the center of the cover and the cover is rotated clockwise to disengage the interlocking features of the cover and the hopper 202 .
- the tab 212 is constructed of suitable material, such as plastic, so that the cover 204 can flex an appropriate amount or distance to disengage from the hopper 202 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates the cover 204 being lifted away from the hopper 202 so as to expose the interior regions of the hopper.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a blade cartridge assembly, generally indicated at 214 , of the ice shaver 214 that is secured to the hopper 202 so that the blade cartridge projects outwardly from the underside of the hopper.
- the blade cartridge 214 is positioned so that it is received within the opening 206 formed in the hopper 202 .
- the blade cartridge 214 includes a safety blade guard 216 that prevents the cover 204 from being secured to the hopper 202 when the safety blade guard is provided.
- FIG. 6 illustrates the hopper 202 having the blade cartridge 214 with the cover 204 being spaced from the hopper.
- FIGS. 7-9 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the blade cartridge having a body 218 that permanently secures a blade 220 at an angle with respect to the body.
- a sharp edge of the blade 220 extends through an opening 222 formed in an upper surface 224 of the body 218 .
- the body 218 of the blade cartridge 214 further includes a sliding mount to attach the body of the blade cartridge to a wall 226 of the hopper 202 to enable fastener-less mounting of the body of the blade cartridge to the hopper.
- the sequence of operation for dismounting the body 218 of the blade cartridge 214 will be explained as follows.
- the sliding mount of the blade cartridge 214 includes a pair of rails 228 , one on each side of the blade cartridge, that engage corresponding rails 230 formed on the hopper 202 , one on each side of the opening 206 into which the blade cartridge is mounted.
- each rail includes plural rail portions that are separated from each other by gaps. The rail portions match in approximate length and pass through corresponding gaps in the rails 230 of the hopper 202 to which the blade cartridge 214 is mounted.
- each rail 230 of the hopper 202 includes plural rail portions that are separated from each other by gaps. The arrangement is such that the rail portions of each rail 230 of the hopper 202 match in approximate length and pass through the gaps in the rails 228 of the blade cartridge 214 , which correspond.
- the blade cartridge 214 is installed by aligning the rail portions of the rails 228 of the blade cartridge 214 with the gaps of the rails 230 of the hopper 202 . Once aligned, the body 218 of the blade cartridge 214 is slid into place so that the rails 228 of the blade cartridge 214 engage the rails 230 of the hopper 202 .
- the structures of the rails 228 , 230 of the blade cartridge 214 and the hopper 202 are arranged to recess the blade cartridge into the wall 226 of the hopper, so as to result in a flush finish between the inside surface of the hopper wall and the inside surface of the blade cartridge.
- the rails 228 of the blade cartridge 214 can be positioned along parallel edges of the blade cartridge
- the rails 230 of the hopper 202 can be positioned along parallel edges defining the opening 206 in the hopper wall into which the blade cartridge is mounted.
- the blade cartridge can have a round shape for mounting in a round hole in the ice hopper wall.
- the edge of the blade cartridge and the hole in the ice hopper wall can have features defining a bayonet mount.
- the bayonet mount features should be on the edges of the opening and the blade cartridge, so as to produce a flush inside surface to the hopper, as explained in connection with the first embodiment described.
- FIG. 9 illustrates the exemplary blade cartridge 214 incorporating features for maintaining the blade cartridge in a well-sealed position against the wall 226 of the hopper 202 once mounted.
- two bearing surfaces 232 are formed at the ends of spring arms 234 , so as to pull the rails of the blade cartridge against the rails of the hopper, when the blade cartridge is in the mounted position.
- the provision of the spring arm 234 having the bearing surface 232 may sometimes be referred to as an outrigger rail.
- the blade guard 216 of the blade cartridge 214 is provided to perform several functions.
- the primary function of the blade guard 216 is to protect the maintenance person from accidental contact with the exposed sharp edge of the blade 220 .
- the blade guard 216 also provides greater surfaces for gripping the blade cartridge 214 during maintenance operations.
- Features of the blade guard 216 prevent improper installation of the blade guard, and also prevent assembly and operation of the ice shaver assembly 200 while the blade guard is in place.
- the blade guard 216 can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic.
- the blade guard 216 is constructed to include a body 236 having a hooked cover feature 238 that hooks onto the sharp edge of the blade 220 .
- the hooked cover feature 238 is disposed at the end of a hard, springy sheet of plastic, molded in a generally “U”-shape.
- the body 236 of the blade guard 218 has a shape that fits uniquely in a recess in the bottom of the blade cartridge 214 .
- the blade guard 216 further has an extended finger 240 that projects in a direction so as to block installation of the cover 204 of the ice shaver assembly 200 while the blade guard is in place, thereby preventing potentially dangerous operation of the ice shaver assembly with the blade guard in place.
- FIG. 12 illustrates the removal of the blade guard 216 from the blade cartridge 214 .
- a tongue 242 and a rear wall 244 of the blade guard are compressed (moved toward each other), and while the tongue is compressed, the hook 238 covering the blade 220 is retracted from the blade. This allows the blade guard 216 to be removed by moving the blade guard in a downward direction.
- Another feature 246 prevents the blade guard 216 from being installed in a reverse or backwards direction.
- the blade guard can be constructed and arranged to be applied from the working side of the blade cartridge.
- a ridge covers the sharp edge of the blade.
- a hooked latch feature disposed at the end of a hard, springy sheet of plastic, molded in a generally “U”-shape, catches a ridge interior to the blade cartridge.
- the body of the blade guard has a shape including an extended finger that projects in a direction so as to block backwards installation of the blade cartridge.
- the body of the blade guard further extends in a direction so as to block installation of the cover of the ice shaver assembly while the blade guard is in place, thereby preventing potentially dangerous operation of the ice shaver assembly with the blade guard in place.
- the cover 204 is removed from the hopper 202 by moving the tab 212 of the cover inboard toward the center of the cover and rotating the cover in a clockwise direction to disengage the interlocking features 208 , 210 of the cover and the hopper, respectively.
- the sliding mount of the blade cartridge 214 enables the blade cartridge to be slid out of the rails 230 of the hopper 202 defining the opening 206 and moved away from the hopper once the rails 228 of the blade cartridge 214 clear the rails of the hopper.
- a new blade cartridge 214 having a fresh or new blade 220 is provided with the blade guard 216 to protect the installer from contact with the sharp edge of the blade.
- the new blade cartridge 214 is installed by aligning the rail portions of the rails 228 of the blade cartridge with the recesses of the rails 230 of the hopper 202 . Once aligned, the body 218 of the blade cartridge 214 is slid into place so that the rails 228 of the blade cartridge engage the rails 230 of the hopper 202 .
- the blade guard 216 is removed by compressing the tongue 242 and the rear wall 244 of the blade guard. While compressing the tongue 242 and the rear wall 244 , the hook 238 covering the blade 220 is retracted from the blade. This movement allows the blade guard 216 to be removed by moving the blade guard in a downward direction.
- the cover 204 may be secured to the hopper by placing the cover over the hopper and rotating the cover counterclockwise so that interlocking features 208 of the cover are received within or otherwise engaged by the corresponding interlocking features 210 of the hopper.
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Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of Disclosure
- The present disclosure relates to ice shaver blades used in beverage preparation equipment, such as smoothie blenders. Aspects of embodiments relate to assemblies which facilitate the maintenance of ice shavers in such blenders, during which worn blades are exchanged for fresh blades.
- 2. Discussion of Related Art
- An example of a conventional ice shaver from a smoothie blending machine is shown in
FIG. 1 . An example of a conventional ice shaver, generally indicated at 100, is shown in relevant part inFIG. 1 . Cubed or crushed ice is received into a hopper or receptacle having an invertedcone shape 101. A rotating stirrer (not shown, interior of hopper) moves the ice past anopening 102 through the wall of the cone in which is mounted acartridge 103 holding asharp blade 104. The blade shaves the ice into numerous chips, which when small enough fall past the blade (direction A) into a chute which directs them into a blender cup for further processing. - As further shown in
FIG. 1 , the opening through the wall of the cone-shaped receptacle receives thecartridge 103 holding the ice shavingblade 104. The cartridge is fixed into the opening using thumb screws, wing screws, screws requiring a tool to apply and remove, or the like, together indicated at 105. This removable design is used because theice shaver blade 104 wears and becomes dull with use. It therefore needs replacement at intervals, dependent on use. - Access to the
blade cartridge 103 for replacement is obtained by disassembling and removing the ice receptacle and shaver apparatus from the beverage blender machine because it was previously found desirable to keep thefasteners 105 for the blade cartridge on the outside (below the receptacle chamber), rather than inside where they would contact the ice, which is a food product that must meet cleanliness standards, and which is in periodic motion that could create mechanical problems for the fasteners, such as wear and particle infiltration. First, acover 106 is removed by removing several cover fasteners each indicated at 107. Thehopper 101 is then unbolted from the machine in which it resides, so access can be obtained to theblade cartridge fasteners 105. This results in an assembly requiring substantial disassembly for maintenance, and exposing the maintenance worker to a sharp, exposed edge on theblade cartridge 103. - One aspect of the disclosure is directed to an ice shaver assembly comprising an ice hopper and a blade cartridge including a blade and a body in which the blade is permanently affixed. In one embodiment, the body has an upper surface above which the blade protrudes so as to shave ice passing along the upper surface. In another embodiment, the body further has fastener-less mounting features configured to mount the blade cartridge on the ice hopper within an opening of the ice hopper.
- Embodiments of the ice shaver assembly are further directed to the blade cartridge including a sliding rail mount. The sliding rail mount includes a rail defining an alternating sequence of rail portions and gaps defined between rail sections, constructed and arranged to mate with a rail of the ice hopper having a complementary sequence of rail sections and gaps. The sliding rail mount further includes an outrigger rail defined at an end of a spring arm arranged to provide pressure in a direction approximately perpendicular to a sliding direction of the sliding rail mount. The blade cartridge further includes a blade guard over the blade. The blade guard is configured to protect an operator while handling the blade cartridge. The blade guard includes a hook that covers a sharpened edge of the blade, and a barbed spring latch arranged to prevent the cover unhooking from the sharpened edge of the blade. The blade guard further includes a feature preventing closure of a cover of the ice shaver assembly when the blade guard is attached to the blade cartridge. The blade guard further includes a feature preventing operation of the ice shaver when the blade guard is attached to the blade cartridge.
- Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to an ice shaver safety blade cartridge comprising a blade and a body in which the blade is permanently affixed, the body having an upper surface above which the blade protrudes so as to shave ice passing along the upper surface, the body further having fastener-less mounting features configured to mount the blade cartridge on the ice hopper within an opening of the ice hopper.
- Embodiments of the blade cartridge are further directed to a sliding rail mount. The sliding rail mount includes a rail defining an alternating sequence of rail portions and gaps defined between rail sections, constructed and arranged to mate with a rail of the ice hopper having a complementary sequence of rail sections and gaps. The sliding rail mount includes an outrigger rail defined at an end of a spring arm arranged to provide pressure in a direction approximately perpendicular to a sliding direction of the sliding rail mount. The blade cartridge further comprises a blade guard over the blade, the blade guard being configured to protect an operator while handling the blade cartridge. The blade guard includes a hook that covers a sharpened edge of the blade, and a barbed spring latch arranged to prevent the blade guard from unhooking from the sharpened edge of the blade. The blade guard further includes a feature preventing closure of a cover for the ice hopper when the blade guard is attached to the blade cartridge. The blade guard further includes a feature preventing operation of an ice shaver when the blade guard is attached to the blade cartridge.
- Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to an ice shaver assembly comprising an ice hopper and a blade cartridge including a blade and a body in which the blade is permanently affixed. In one embodiment, the body has an upper surface above which the blade protrudes so as to shave ice passing along the upper surface. In another embodiment, the body further has means for mounting the blade cartridge on the ice hopper within an opening of the ice hopper without a fastener. In a certain embodiment, the means for mounting the blade cartridge on the ice hopper within the opening further includes a sliding rail mount.
- The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an ice shaver hopper with blade and blade cartridge, showing the assembly thereof; -
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an ice shaver assembly of an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIGS. 3 and 4 are top perspective views of the ice shaver assembly ofFIG. 2 showing the removal of a cover from a hopper of the ice shaver assembly; -
FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the ice shaver assembly showing a blade cartridge secured to the hopper of the ice shaver assembly; -
FIG. 6 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the ice shaver assembly similar toFIG. 5 showing the cover removed from the hopper; -
FIGS. 7 and 8 are exploded bottom perspective views of the ice shaver assembly showing the removal of the blade cartridge from the hopper; -
FIG. 9 is a top perspective view the blade cartridge; -
FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the blade cartridge; -
FIGS. 11 and 13 are perspective views of a blade guard of the blade cartridge; and -
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the blade guard removed from the blade cartridge. - According to aspects of an embodiment of the disclosure, an ice shaver safety blade cartridge mounts to an ice hopper wall using a fastener-less, mount that is easily dismounted when desired. The ice shaver safety blade cartridge can optionally include a removable or fixed blade guard that protects from cuts a person changing the blade or performing other maintenance operations. Further, when the guard is in a position to protect the person, a feature prevents the ice hopper from being fully closed and operational, further enhancing the safety of operators and maintainers of the equipment.
- An exemplary embodiment of an ice shaver assembly having a safety blade cartridge in accordance with the teachings provided herein is now described. First, the major components of the ice shaver assembly are described without the blade cartridge; next the blade cartridge, itself, is described without the blade guard; next the blade cartridge is described with the blade guard; and, finally the mounting of the blade cartridge to and dismounting of the blade cartridge from the hopper is described.
- Hopper and Cover
-
FIG. 2 illustrates an ice shaver assembly generally indicated at 200. As shown, theice shaver assembly 200 includes ahopper 202 having an inverted cone shape and acover 204 that is configured to be secured to the hopper. As withice shaver 100, cubed or crushed ice is received into thehopper 202 of theice shaver assembly 200 and a rotating stirrer (not shown) moves the ice past anopening 206 that enables the ice to enter the ice shaver assembly. InFIG. 2 , thecover 204 is illustrated as being secured to thehopper 202. -
FIG. 3 illustrates theice shaver assembly 200 in which thecover 204 is in the process of being removed from thehopper 202. Specifically, thecover 204 is secured to thehopper 202 by placing the cover over the hopper and rotating the cover counterclockwise so that interlocking features 208 of the cover are received within or otherwise engaged by corresponding interlocking features 210 of the hopper. Thecover 204 includes atab 212, which engages portions of thehopper 202 to secure the cover to the hopper after rotating the cover counterclockwise. To remove thecover 204, thetab 212 is moved inboard toward the center of the cover and the cover is rotated clockwise to disengage the interlocking features of the cover and thehopper 202. Thetab 212 is constructed of suitable material, such as plastic, so that thecover 204 can flex an appropriate amount or distance to disengage from thehopper 202. -
FIG. 4 illustrates thecover 204 being lifted away from thehopper 202 so as to expose the interior regions of the hopper. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a blade cartridge assembly, generally indicated at 214, of theice shaver 214 that is secured to thehopper 202 so that the blade cartridge projects outwardly from the underside of the hopper. Theblade cartridge 214 is positioned so that it is received within theopening 206 formed in thehopper 202. As shown, theblade cartridge 214 includes asafety blade guard 216 that prevents thecover 204 from being secured to thehopper 202 when the safety blade guard is provided. -
FIG. 6 illustrates thehopper 202 having theblade cartridge 214 with thecover 204 being spaced from the hopper. - Blade Cartridge
-
FIGS. 7-9 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the blade cartridge having abody 218 that permanently secures ablade 220 at an angle with respect to the body. A sharp edge of theblade 220 extends through anopening 222 formed in anupper surface 224 of thebody 218. Thebody 218 of theblade cartridge 214 further includes a sliding mount to attach the body of the blade cartridge to awall 226 of thehopper 202 to enable fastener-less mounting of the body of the blade cartridge to the hopper. The sequence of operation for dismounting thebody 218 of theblade cartridge 214 will be explained as follows. The sliding mount of theblade cartridge 214 includes a pair ofrails 228, one on each side of the blade cartridge, that engage correspondingrails 230 formed on thehopper 202, one on each side of theopening 206 into which the blade cartridge is mounted. In order to reduce the distance over which theblade cartridge 214 must be slid in order to engage therails 228 of the blade cartridge with therails 230 of thehopper 202, each rail includes plural rail portions that are separated from each other by gaps. The rail portions match in approximate length and pass through corresponding gaps in therails 230 of thehopper 202 to which theblade cartridge 214 is mounted. Likewise, eachrail 230 of thehopper 202 includes plural rail portions that are separated from each other by gaps. The arrangement is such that the rail portions of eachrail 230 of thehopper 202 match in approximate length and pass through the gaps in therails 228 of theblade cartridge 214, which correspond. - The
blade cartridge 214 is installed by aligning the rail portions of therails 228 of theblade cartridge 214 with the gaps of therails 230 of thehopper 202. Once aligned, thebody 218 of theblade cartridge 214 is slid into place so that therails 228 of theblade cartridge 214 engage therails 230 of thehopper 202. - The structures of the
rails blade cartridge 214 and thehopper 202, respectively, are arranged to recess the blade cartridge into thewall 226 of the hopper, so as to result in a flush finish between the inside surface of the hopper wall and the inside surface of the blade cartridge. For example, as shown, therails 228 of theblade cartridge 214 can be positioned along parallel edges of the blade cartridge, and therails 230 of thehopper 202 can be positioned along parallel edges defining theopening 206 in the hopper wall into which the blade cartridge is mounted. - In an alternate embodiment, the blade cartridge can have a round shape for mounting in a round hole in the ice hopper wall. In that case, the edge of the blade cartridge and the hole in the ice hopper wall can have features defining a bayonet mount. The bayonet mount features should be on the edges of the opening and the blade cartridge, so as to produce a flush inside surface to the hopper, as explained in connection with the first embodiment described.
-
FIG. 9 illustrates theexemplary blade cartridge 214 incorporating features for maintaining the blade cartridge in a well-sealed position against thewall 226 of thehopper 202 once mounted. As shown, two bearingsurfaces 232 are formed at the ends ofspring arms 234, so as to pull the rails of the blade cartridge against the rails of the hopper, when the blade cartridge is in the mounted position. The provision of thespring arm 234 having the bearingsurface 232 may sometimes be referred to as an outrigger rail. - Blade Guard
- Referring to
FIGS. 9-14 , and more particularly toFIGS. 9 and 10 , theblade guard 216 of theblade cartridge 214 is provided to perform several functions. The primary function of theblade guard 216 is to protect the maintenance person from accidental contact with the exposed sharp edge of theblade 220. Theblade guard 216 also provides greater surfaces for gripping theblade cartridge 214 during maintenance operations. Features of theblade guard 216 prevent improper installation of the blade guard, and also prevent assembly and operation of theice shaver assembly 200 while the blade guard is in place. - The
blade guard 216, illustrated by itself inFIGS. 11 and 13 , can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic. Theblade guard 216 is constructed to include abody 236 having a hookedcover feature 238 that hooks onto the sharp edge of theblade 220. The hookedcover feature 238 is disposed at the end of a hard, springy sheet of plastic, molded in a generally “U”-shape. Thebody 236 of theblade guard 218 has a shape that fits uniquely in a recess in the bottom of theblade cartridge 214. Theblade guard 216 further has an extendedfinger 240 that projects in a direction so as to block installation of thecover 204 of theice shaver assembly 200 while the blade guard is in place, thereby preventing potentially dangerous operation of the ice shaver assembly with the blade guard in place. -
FIG. 12 illustrates the removal of theblade guard 216 from theblade cartridge 214. In order to remove theblade guard 216 from theblade cartridge 214, atongue 242 and arear wall 244 of the blade guard are compressed (moved toward each other), and while the tongue is compressed, thehook 238 covering theblade 220 is retracted from the blade. This allows theblade guard 216 to be removed by moving the blade guard in a downward direction. Anotherfeature 246 prevents theblade guard 216 from being installed in a reverse or backwards direction. - In an alternative embodiment, the blade guard can be constructed and arranged to be applied from the working side of the blade cartridge. With this construction, a ridge covers the sharp edge of the blade. A hooked latch feature disposed at the end of a hard, springy sheet of plastic, molded in a generally “U”-shape, catches a ridge interior to the blade cartridge. The body of the blade guard has a shape including an extended finger that projects in a direction so as to block backwards installation of the blade cartridge. The body of the blade guard further extends in a direction so as to block installation of the cover of the ice shaver assembly while the blade guard is in place, thereby preventing potentially dangerous operation of the ice shaver assembly with the blade guard in place.
- Operation
- To remove and replace a
worn blade 220 from theice shaver assembly 200, thecover 204 is removed from thehopper 202 by moving thetab 212 of the cover inboard toward the center of the cover and rotating the cover in a clockwise direction to disengage the interlocking features 208, 210 of the cover and the hopper, respectively. Once thecover 204 is removed, the sliding mount of theblade cartridge 214 enables the blade cartridge to be slid out of therails 230 of thehopper 202 defining theopening 206 and moved away from the hopper once therails 228 of theblade cartridge 214 clear the rails of the hopper. Anew blade cartridge 214 having a fresh ornew blade 220 is provided with theblade guard 216 to protect the installer from contact with the sharp edge of the blade. Thenew blade cartridge 214 is installed by aligning the rail portions of therails 228 of the blade cartridge with the recesses of therails 230 of thehopper 202. Once aligned, thebody 218 of theblade cartridge 214 is slid into place so that therails 228 of the blade cartridge engage therails 230 of thehopper 202. - Once the
blade cartridge 214 is installed on thehopper 202, theblade guard 216 is removed by compressing thetongue 242 and therear wall 244 of the blade guard. While compressing thetongue 242 and therear wall 244, thehook 238 covering theblade 220 is retracted from the blade. This movement allows theblade guard 216 to be removed by moving the blade guard in a downward direction. - Once the
blade cartridge 214 is secured to thehopper 202, thecover 204 may be secured to the hopper by placing the cover over the hopper and rotating the cover counterclockwise so that interlocking features 208 of the cover are received within or otherwise engaged by the corresponding interlocking features 210 of the hopper. - This disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The ice shaver assembly disclosed herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
- Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this disclosure, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/303,297 US20130126650A1 (en) | 2011-11-23 | 2011-11-23 | Ice shaver safety blade cartridge for beverage blender |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/303,297 US20130126650A1 (en) | 2011-11-23 | 2011-11-23 | Ice shaver safety blade cartridge for beverage blender |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20130126650A1 true US20130126650A1 (en) | 2013-05-23 |
Family
ID=48425863
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/303,297 Abandoned US20130126650A1 (en) | 2011-11-23 | 2011-11-23 | Ice shaver safety blade cartridge for beverage blender |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20130126650A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2015061364A1 (en) * | 2013-10-21 | 2015-04-30 | Snowie LLC | Portable frozen confection machine |
US20160108528A1 (en) * | 2014-10-16 | 2016-04-21 | Hsin-Yung Lin | Gas generator |
USD785417S1 (en) * | 2016-01-27 | 2017-05-02 | Progressive International Corporation | Handheld spiralizer |
US20170215647A1 (en) * | 2016-02-03 | 2017-08-03 | Conair Corporation | Food processor having indexing storage containers |
US20170224165A1 (en) * | 2016-02-08 | 2017-08-10 | Betty Bossi Ag | Device and method for processing foods |
USD827397S1 (en) * | 2017-03-16 | 2018-09-04 | Progressive International Corporation | Hand held spiralizer |
US10405701B2 (en) | 2015-04-17 | 2019-09-10 | Koolatron Corporation | Apparatus for making mixed beverages |
US10443916B2 (en) | 2013-10-21 | 2019-10-15 | Snowie LLC | Portable frozen confection machine |
US10638884B2 (en) * | 2016-02-04 | 2020-05-05 | Conair Corporation | Food processor and sidewall cleaning mechanism therefor |
CN116558220A (en) * | 2023-05-16 | 2023-08-08 | 广东美科冷链科技有限公司 | Control system and control method for making smoothie |
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US4718610A (en) * | 1985-09-17 | 1988-01-12 | Gallaher Harold D | Ice shaver |
US20040149108A1 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-08-05 | Fiskars Brands, Inc. | Craft trimmer assembly |
US20060053994A1 (en) * | 2004-09-13 | 2006-03-16 | Carrillo Gregory J | Rotary trimming apparatus |
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2011
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US4718610A (en) * | 1985-09-17 | 1988-01-12 | Gallaher Harold D | Ice shaver |
US20040149108A1 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-08-05 | Fiskars Brands, Inc. | Craft trimmer assembly |
US20060053994A1 (en) * | 2004-09-13 | 2006-03-16 | Carrillo Gregory J | Rotary trimming apparatus |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10794624B2 (en) | 2013-10-21 | 2020-10-06 | Snowie LLC | Portable frozen confection machine |
WO2015061364A1 (en) * | 2013-10-21 | 2015-04-30 | Snowie LLC | Portable frozen confection machine |
US11519650B2 (en) | 2013-10-21 | 2022-12-06 | Snowie LLC | Portable frozen confection machine |
US11441832B2 (en) | 2013-10-21 | 2022-09-13 | Snowie LLC | Portable frozen confection machine |
US10443916B2 (en) | 2013-10-21 | 2019-10-15 | Snowie LLC | Portable frozen confection machine |
US10801769B2 (en) * | 2013-10-21 | 2020-10-13 | Snowie LLC | Portable frozen confection machine |
US20160108528A1 (en) * | 2014-10-16 | 2016-04-21 | Hsin-Yung Lin | Gas generator |
US10405701B2 (en) | 2015-04-17 | 2019-09-10 | Koolatron Corporation | Apparatus for making mixed beverages |
USD785417S1 (en) * | 2016-01-27 | 2017-05-02 | Progressive International Corporation | Handheld spiralizer |
US20170215647A1 (en) * | 2016-02-03 | 2017-08-03 | Conair Corporation | Food processor having indexing storage containers |
US10694895B2 (en) * | 2016-02-03 | 2020-06-30 | Conair Corporation | Food processor having indexing storage containers |
US10638884B2 (en) * | 2016-02-04 | 2020-05-05 | Conair Corporation | Food processor and sidewall cleaning mechanism therefor |
US20170224165A1 (en) * | 2016-02-08 | 2017-08-10 | Betty Bossi Ag | Device and method for processing foods |
USD827397S1 (en) * | 2017-03-16 | 2018-09-04 | Progressive International Corporation | Hand held spiralizer |
CN116558220A (en) * | 2023-05-16 | 2023-08-08 | 广东美科冷链科技有限公司 | Control system and control method for making smoothie |
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