SINGLE SERVE FLOSS MACHINE AND METHODS FOR SAME

A floss machine includes a base, a head assembly, and a controller. The head assembly is associated with the base and includes a head unit, a heating element, and a motor. The head unit is rotatably coupled with the base and defines a sugar reservoir. The heating element is associated with the head unit and is configured to selectively heat the sugar reservoir. The motor is operably coupled to the head unit to facilitate selective rotation of the head unit relative to the base. The controller is electrically coupled with the heating element and the motor and is configured to operate the head assembly in one of a floss production mode and a standby mode.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to confectionery production equipment, and more specifically to a single serve floss machine for producing individual servings of cotton candy.

BACKGROUND

Cotton candy is a popular confection made from heated and spun sugar that forms a light and fluffy edible mass resembling cotton. Traditionally, cotton candy has been produced using a specialized machine with a central sugar reservoir and one or more heated spinning heads. The spinning heads heat and spin the sugar at high speeds, forcing the melted sugar through small openings and causing it to solidify into fine strands that accumulate into the recognizable fibrous cotton candy mass.

There are conventional single-serve cotton candy machines that are designed for making individual cotton candy servings on-demand. However, these types of machines typically heat the head from a cold start which can delay the production of cotton candy. This heating delay substantially reduces the convenience of being able to make fresh cotton candy quickly when desired.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is generally related to a single serve floss machine that is designed to make fresh cotton candy on demand. Single serve floss machines like these are typically implemented in smaller retail settings where large scale floss machines are cost prohibitive but where customers might still want fresh, on-demand, cotton candy. In connection with the views and examples ofFIGS.1-8, wherein like numbers indicate the same or corresponding elements throughout the views,FIGS.1and2illustrate a single serve floss machine10(hereinafter “floss machine10”) that can include a base12, a pan14that overlies the base12, and a hood16that overlies the pan14. The hood16can define an opening18that provides a user access to an interior20for gathering spun floss onto a stick or other floss collecting tool.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the floss machine10can include a head assembly22that includes a head unit24and a motor26that is operably coupled with the head unit24. The head unit24can be rotatably coupled with the base12and can include a stem28. The motor26can include a driveshaft30that rotates when the motor26is operated. A belt32can be routed around the stem28and the driveshaft30such that rotation of the driveshaft30correspondingly rotates the head unit24about a rotational axis A1via the stem28. The floss machine10can include a cord34that can be plugged into an electrical source (e.g., an electrical receptacle) to provide electrical power to the motor26and other electrical components onboard the floss machine10. It is to be appreciated, however, that the floss machine10can additionally or alternatively be powered from an onboard power source, such as a battery, which in some examples can be recharged from the cord34. The floss machine10can include a power switch36that controls the powering of the floss machine10from the cord34or other power source. The power switch36can be mounted on a faceplate38of the floss machine10and can be provided in either an “on” position or an “off” position. The power switch36is shown to be a rocker switch but can be any of a variety of other suitable switches or switching arrangements that can control the delivery of power to the floss machine10.

Referring now toFIGS.2and3, the head unit24can include a head40and a cap42that overlies the head40. The cap42can be releasably coupled to the head40with threaded fasteners44(i.e., screws) or with any of a variety of other suitable releasable fastening arrangements. As illustrated inFIG.3, the head40can define a sugar reservoir46that is configured to retain sugar (e.g., floss). The cap42can define a central opening48that allows the sugar to be introduced into the sugar reservoir46. The head40and cap42can be formed of any heat conducting material, such as aluminum, which can be individually cast, machined, stamped, or manufactured with any of a variety of suitable alternative manufacturing methods. A heating element50can be embedded into the head40adjacent the sugar reservoir46and can be selectively energized to facilitate heating of the sugar reservoir46to melt the sugar contained therein. In an alternative embodiment, the heating element50might be provided adjacent to the head40and/or provided at any of a variety of suitable alternative locations on the head40that facilitate heating of the sugar reservoir46. When the sugar is melted, the head unit24can be rotated to force the melted sugar between the head40and the cap42to form the floss strands that can be collected into a cotton candy mass. It is to be appreciated that any of a variety of suitable alternative head assembly and motor combinations are contemplated for producing cotton candy floss as further described herein.

As will be described in further detail below, the head assembly22can be operated in either a floss production mode when the floss machine10is in use or in a standby mode when the floss machine10is not in use. When the head assembly22is in the floss production mode, the motor26and the heating element50are operated at an appropriate speed and temperature, respectively, to produce cotton candy floss from the head unit24. When the head assembly22is in the standby mode, the temperature of the heating element50can be reduced to a lower temperature than the floss production mode to keep the heating element50warm without letting it cool off completely. The lower temperature of the heating element50can prevent charring and burning (e.g., carbonization) of any sugar residue in the head unit24that might otherwise occur if the heating element50remained at full power while not in use. The lower temperature of the heating element50can also allow the head assembly22to return to the floss production mode more quickly (e.g., 120 seconds) than if the heating element50were completely shut off (e.g., 4 minutes). By providing the head assembly22in the standby mode when the floss machine10is not in use, the floss machine10is better suited for on-demand production of floss (e.g., production of single servings or small batches of floss periodically) than conventional floss machines that must be turned off when not in use.

Referring again toFIGS.1and2, the floss machine10can include a mode selection switch52that is configured to facilitate manual selection between the floss production mode and the standby mode. The mode selection switch52can be mounted on the faceplate38and can be a two-position rocker switch that can be manually actuated by a user between a first position and a second position to select between the floss production mode and the standby mode, respectively. It is to be appreciated, however, that the mode selection switch52can be any of a variety of other suitable alternative switches for allowing manual control of the operating modes of the head assembly22. The floss machine10can also include two indicators54,55mounted on the faceplate38that indicate various different statuses of the floss machine10during operation in the floss production mode and the standby mode, as will be discussed in further detail below.

Referring now toFIG.4, the floss machine10can include a controller56that is configured to control the operation of the floss machine10. The controller56can be electrically coupled with the power switch36such that the controller56is selectively powered from the power switch36. The controller56can also be electrically coupled with each of the motor26and the heating element50such that, during operation, the controller56can deliver and control power to the motor26and the heating element50independently to facilitate selective operation thereof. In one embodiment, the motor26and the heating element50can be powered with A/C power. In such an embodiment, the controller56can include a pair of triacs (not shown) that are each connected to one of the motor26and the heating element50for controlling the delivery of A/C power to the motor26and the heating element50. It is to be appreciated that the controller56can include any suitable additional or alternative types of control circuitry that facilitate delivery and control of the A/C power to the motor26and the heating element50. In an alternative embodiment, the motor26and/or the heating element50can be powered with DC power. In such an embodiment, the controller56can include one or more converters, transformers, or other circuitry that facilitates delivery and control of the DC power to the motor26and/or heating element50.

The controller56can be configured to operate the head assembly22in either the floss production mode or the standby mode. The controller56can be electrically coupled with the mode selection switch52to receive indication from a user via the mode selection switch52of which mode to operate the head assembly22in. For example, a user can switch the mode selection switch52between the first position and the second position to operate the head assembly22in the floss production mode or the standby mode, respectively. In response, the controller56can operate the head assembly22in either the floss production mode or the standby mode, respectively.

When the head assembly22is provided in the floss production mode, via the mode selection switch52, the controller56, in response, can deliver enough operational power to each of the motor26and the heating element50to rotate and heat the head unit24sufficiently enough to produce cotton candy floss. The amount of operational power delivered to the heating element50can be preselected and can depend on the operating characteristics of the head unit24and the heating element50. During operation, the controller56can regulate the power delivered to the heating element50to account for inconsistencies in the line voltage to deliver a consistent amount of power thereto.

Still referring toFIG.4, a temperature sensor58can be electrically coupled with the controller56. The temperature sensor58can be coupled with the head40, or otherwise associated with the head unit24, and configured to measure the operating temperature of the head unit24. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor58can comprise a thermostat that changes state (opens or closes) at a particular temperature. In another embodiment, the temperature sensor58can be a transducer that provides a real time indication of the temperature of the head unit24. In some instances, the controller56can be configured to regulate the power delivered to the heating element50as a function of the detected operating temperature of the head assembly in order to achieve a desired operating temperature as opposed to a predefined power level. In one embodiment, the desired operating temperature can be preset in the controller56. In another embodiment, the controller56can include a temperature selector module60that is configured to enable manual selection of the desired operating temperature of the head unit24. The temperature selector module60can comprise a plurality of dip switches, a continuously variable rotary dial, a multi-position rotary dial, or any of a variety of other suitable alternative control arrangements that allow for manual selection of the operating temperature of the head unit24. The temperature selector module60is shown to be mounted onboard the controller56such that the temperature selector module60is only accessible by gaining access to the interior of the base12where the controller56is housed. However, it is to be appreciated, that the temperature selector module60can alternatively be mounted on the faceplate38such that it is readily accessible to a user during operation of the floss machine10.

In one embodiment, when the floss production mode is first initialized, such as when the floss machine10is first powered on or when the mode selection switch52is initially moved to the first position, the controller56can first provide an amount of boosted power to the heating element50that is greater than the operational power described above for producing floss. The boosted power can encourage rapid heating of the head unit24by initially heating the head unit24to an elevated temperature (e.g., 245 degrees Celsius) that exceeds the operational temperature that is suitable for producing floss (e.g., 230 degrees Celsius) thereby reducing the overall startup time of the head assembly22. By reducing the boosted power to the operational power, the control of the temperature can be much more manageable and consistent than if the heating element were left at the boosted power. In one embodiment, the boosted power can be about 1300 Watts and the operational power can be about 1100 Watts.

During application of the boosted power, the controller56can monitor the temperature of the head unit24via the temperature sensor58. When the temperature reaches the elevated temperature (e.g., a threshold temperature), the controller56can switch from powering the heating element50with the boost power to powering the heating element50with the operational power. This slight reduction in power can cause the temperature of the head unit24to return to the operational temperature. As the head unit24is being heated to the operational temperature, the indicator54can flash with a first color (e.g., green) and can then switch to a solid illumination of the same color when the temperature of the head unit24has stabilized to the operational temperature.

In one embodiment, the controller56can repeat the transition between the boost power and the operational power multiple times (e.g., 1-3 times) to ensure that the operational temperature is stabilized and is distributed consistently throughout the head40and the cap42. As illustrated inFIG.4, the controller56can include a transition selector module62that is configured to enable manual selection of the quantity of transitions between the boost power and the operational power that are to occur before the heating element50is finally powered solely by the operational power. The transition selector module62can comprise a plurality of dip switches, a multi-position rotary switch, or any of a variety of other suitable alternative control arrangements that allow for selection among different discrete quantities of transitions between the boost power and the operational power. The transition selector module62is shown to be mounted onboard the controller56such that the transition selector module62is only accessible by gaining access to the interior of the base12where the controller56is housed. However, it is to be appreciated, that the transition selector module62can alternatively be mounted on the faceplate38such that it is readily accessible to a user during operation of the floss machine10.

Once the production of floss is complete, the head assembly22can then be placed in the standby mode by switching the mode selection switch52into the second position. The controller56, in response, can reduce the power that is delivered to the heating element50. The reduced power can be less than the operational power but can still provide enough power to keep the heating element50at a standby temperature that is cool enough to prevent carbonization of residual sugar in the sugar reservoir46yet warm enough to return to the floss production mode quickly. In one embodiment, the reduced power can be about 5% of the operational power.

In one embodiment, when the standby mode is first initialized, the controller56can continue to rotate the head unit24for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 2 minutes) after the power to the heating element50has been reduced. This additional rotation of the head unit24can allow for the turbulent air generated through the head unit24to expedite cooling thereof. When the head unit24is rotating, the indicator54can flash a second color (e.g., red) to indicate that the head unit24is cooling down. Once the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the controller56can terminate operation of the motor26to stop rotation of the head unit24while still applying the reduced power to the heating element50. Once the head unit24has cooled enough to reach the standby temperature, the indicator54can be solidly illuminated with the second color (e.g., red) to indicate that the head assembly22is now in the standby mode.

The head assembly22can remain in the standby mode while not in use. As described above, when in the standby mode, the temperature of the heating element50can be maintained at the standby temperature that is cool enough to prevent carbonization of any residual sugar remaining in the head40yet warm enough to significantly reduce the startup time necessary to reach the floss production mode as compared to the heating element50being completely deenergized. When the floss machine10is ready for use, the user can move the mode selection switch52from the second position to the first position to place the head assembly22in the floss production mode which thereby activates the motor26and heats the heating element50in the manner described above to produce floss.

In one embodiment, if the head assembly22is not switched to the floss production mode after a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 60 minutes), the controller56can be configured to automatically deenergize the heating element50to effectively provide the head assembly22in a sleep mode. The controller56can also cause the indicator55to be illuminated with a different solid color (e.g., yellow) to indicate to a user that the heating element50is no longer energized and that the head assembly22is now in the sleep mode. The operation of the head assembly22can be removed from the sleep mode by either cycling the power switch36or moving the mode selection switch52into the first position. In any event, the head assembly22can be returned into the current mode that is selected by the mode selection switch52.

The floss machine10can accordingly be utilized to produce single servings or small batches of cotton candy more effectively than conventional floss machines that are required to be turned off when not in use. The floss machine10therefore provides a cost effective, easy to maintain solution that can be implemented in smaller retail settings where larger scale production of cotton candy is oftentimes too difficult, cost prohibitive, or otherwise implausible.

One method of the operation of the floss machine10will now be described. First, a user can initialize the operation of the floss machine10in the floss production mode by moving the power switch36into the “on” position and placing the mode selection switch52in the first position to place the head assembly22in the floss production mode. In response, the controller56can energize the motor26to rotate the head unit24and can apply the boost power to the heating element50to facilitate rapid heating of the head unit24. Once the temperature of the heating element50reaches the desired elevated temperature, the controller56can then deliver the operational power to the heating element50to reduce the temperature of the head unit24to the operational temperature for producing floss that is either preset or manually selected from the temperature selector module60. In embodiments of the controller56that are equipped with a transition selector module62, the controller56can repeat the transition between the boost power and the operational power according to the quantity of transitions that are selected on the transition selector module62. During the transition between the boost power and the operational power, the indicator54can generate a flashing light of a first color (e.g., green) to indicate to a user that the head unit24is in the process of reaching the operational temperature.

Once the temperature of the heating element50has stabilized to the operating temperature, the indicator54can generate a solid light of the first color (e.g., green) to indicate to the user that the floss machine10is ready to produce floss. The user can then add sugar to the sugar reservoir46to produce the cotton candy floss. When the production of floss is complete, the user can move the mode selection switch52into the second position to place the head assembly22in the standby mode. In response, the controller56can apply the reduced power to the heating element50and can rotate the head unit24for a predetermined amount of time to enhance cooling of the head unit24. Once the predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the controller56can stop rotating the head unit24but can maintain the reduced power to the heating element50. As the head unit24cools, the indicator54can generate a flashing light of a second color (e.g., red). Once the head unit24reaches the standby temperature, the indicator54can generate a solid light of the second color (e.g., red) to indicate that the head assembly22is now in the standby mode.

The head assembly22can operate in the standby mode for a predetermined amount of time. If, during that predetermined amount of time, the user desires to produce more cotton candy, the user can move the mode selection switch52into the first position to place the head assembly22in the floss production mode. In response, the controller56can operate the motor26to rotate the head unit24and can apply the boost power and the operational power to the heating element50to bring the head unit24to the desired operational temperature as described above. During the transition between the boost power and the operational power, the indicator54can generate a flashing light of the first color (e.g., green) to indicate that the head unit24is in the process of reaching the operational temperature. Once the temperature of the heating element50has stabilized to the operating temperature, the indicator54can generate a solid light of the first color (e.g., green) to indicate to the user that the floss machine10is ready to produce floss.

If, during that predetermined amount of time, the mode selection switch52is not activated, the controller56can automatically deenergize the heating element50to effectively provide the head assembly22in a sleep mode. The indicator55can generate a solid third color (e.g., yellow) to indicate to the user that the heating element50is no longer energized and that the head assembly22is now in the sleep mode. If a user desires to produce more cotton candy after the head assembly22has entered the sleep mode, the user can either cycle the power switch36or move the mode selection switch52into the first position which can cause the controller56to effectively initialize the operation of the floss machine10again.

Referring now toFIGS.5-8, the cap42of head unit24is shown in further detail in accordance with one embodiment. As illustrated inFIGS.5and6, the cap42can include a central portion70that extends between an upper end72and a lower end74of the cap42and at least partially defines the rotational axis A1. The central portion70can include a sidewall76that is routed around a circumference of the cap42and that defines the central opening48at the upper end72. The cap42can include a flange78that is disposed at the lower end74of the cap42and extends radially outwardly from the sidewall76. The flange78can define a plurality of apertures80that accommodate the threaded fasteners44that facilitate releasable coupling of the cap42to the head40. As illustrated inFIG.7, the central portion70can be substantially frustoconical shaped such that the sidewall76extends upwardly and is angled inwardly as it extends from the lower end74to the upper end72. The central portion70can be substantially hollow.

Referring now toFIG.8, the flange78can include an inner perimeter82and an outer perimeter84. The inner perimeter82can be located at the interface between the sidewall76and the flange78. The outer perimeter84can define the outermost edge of the flange78. In one embodiment, the flange78can be substantially annular shaped such that the inner and outer perimeters82,84are substantially circular. The flange78can include a planar surface86that extends between the inner and outer perimeters82,84and that interfaces with a corresponding substantially planar surface88(seeFIG.3) of the head40when secured thereto. The flange78can define a plurality of recesses90that are effectively indented relative to the planar surface86. In one embodiment, the recesses90can be inset relative to the planar surface86by about .006 inches. When the cap42is secured to the head40, the plurality of recesses90can provide small openings along the perimeter of the head unit24that are sized to allow melted floss strands to escape therethrough. The cap42can be formed of a unitary one-piece construction that can be cast, machined, or manufactured via any of a variety of other suitable processes.

The recesses90can be evenly distributed along the circumference of the flange78such that each recess90is spaced apart from adjacent recesses90by substantially the same distance. One of the recesses90is shown to be intersected by an imaginary radial line L that intersects the rotational axis A1and extends radially therefrom. That recess90will now be described as an illustrative example, but can be understood to be representative of each of the recesses90. The recess90can be spaced radially outwardly from the inner perimeter82such that a portion of the planar surface86extends between the inner perimeter82and the recess90along the imaginary radial line L. The recess90can extend to the outer perimeter84. The recess90can be symmetrical about the imaginary radial line L (e.g., the portion of the recess90that is located on one side of the imaginary radial line L is a mirror image of the portion of the recess90located on the other side of the imaginary radial line L). In one embodiment, the recess90can be substantially U-shaped.

It is noted that terms like “specifically,” “preferably,” “commonly,” and “typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present invention. It is also noted that terms like “substantially” and “about” are utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.

The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described for illustration of various embodiments. The scope is, of course, not limited to the examples or embodiments set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art. Rather, it is hereby intended that the scope be defined by the claims appended hereto. Also, for any methods claimed and/or described, regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not imply that those steps must be performed in the order presented and may be performed in a different order or in parallel.