Abstract:
An apparatus for engaging and releasably retaining a fragile or brittle food product for forming a confection on the food product. The apparatus comprising an elastomeric grommet having a radially flexible body defining an aperture having an open position for receiving the food product and a closed position for engaging and releasably retaining the food product.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/027,528, filed Jul. 22, 2014, entitled Confection Extractor Apparatus And Method, and being full incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an extractor assembly for manufacturing a confection product. More specifically, the present invention relates to an extractor assembly configured to receive, grip, and release a fragile or brittle biscuit, bread, cookie or candy product for the manufacture of a confection product. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Various manual and automated production systems for manufacturing confection products have involved an extractor assembly with a clamping mechanism designed to apply a direct compression force to secure a rigid and generally incompressible wooden or plastic stick. For example, various automated confection molding machines have been used for manufacturing frozen confections formed on a stick, such as an ice cream bar. Such molding machines generally utilize a plurality of mold cups that are filled with a confection product. The molding machines also include an extractor assembly configured to receive and grip a plurality of rigid sticks. The extractor assembly is further configured such that each of the sticks is inserted into a corresponding mold cup. The mold cups are then cooled to freeze the confection, forming a frozen confection on a stick. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus configured to selectively receive, grip, and release an fragile or brittle food product such as a biscuit, bread, cookie or candy product for the manufacture of a confection product. 
         [0005]    It is a further object of the present invention to implement an apparatus configured to selectively receive, grip, and release a fragile or brittle food product such as a biscuit, bread, cookie or candy product in an automated system for manufacturing confection products. 
         [0006]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus configured to selectively receive, grip, and release a fragile or brittle food product such as a biscuit, bread, cookie or candy product for the manufacture of a frozen confection product where the edible brittle biscuit, bread, cookie or candy product functions as a stick for holding the frozen confection product. 
         [0007]    It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a relatively light weight apparatus configured to selectively receive, grip, and release a fragile or brittle food product such as a biscuit, bread, cookie or candy product for manufacturing confection products. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    These and other aspects of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a manually operated extractor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the top plate member of the extractor assembly embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of an embodiment of an elastomeric grommet for the extractor assembly embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of the elastomeric grommet shown in  FIG. 3  with a fragile or brittle biscuit, bread, cookie or candy product having a round cross-section; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the elastomeric grommet shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of an elastomeric grommet for a brittle biscuit, bread, cookie or candy product having a round cross-section; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of another alternative embodiment of an elastomeric grommet for a brittle biscuit, bread, cookie or candy product having a round cross-section; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of an embodiment of an elastomeric grommet for a brittle biscuit, bread, cookie or candy product having a diamond-shaped cross-section; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of an embodiment of an elastomeric grommet for a brittle biscuit, bread, cookie or candy product having an oval cross-section; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a plan view of an embodiment of an elastomeric grommet for a brittle biscuit, bread, cookie or candy product having a square cross-section; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of an embodiment of an elastomeric grommet for a brittle biscuit, bread, cookie or candy product having a star-shaped cross-section; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of an elastomeric grommet for a brittle biscuit, bread, cookie or candy product having a star-shaped cross-section; 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is a plan view of another alternative embodiment of an elastomeric grommet for a brittle biscuit, bread, cookie or candy product having a star-shaped cross-section; 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the extractor assembly and grommet embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  and in use with a mold for making confection products; 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an extractor assembly in an automated production system according to the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15   a  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a grommet assembly in a closed position for the extractor assembly embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15   b  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a grommet assembly in an open position for the extractor assembly embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 ; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of another embodiment of an extractor assembly for an automated production system according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    The present disclosure can provide a number of advantages depending on the particular aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0028]    According to one embodiment, the present invention may be implemented in a manually operated extractor assembly as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-14 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , this embodiment of the present invention comprises an extractor assembly  1  having a plurality of openings  15  each of which is dimensioned to receive an elastomeric grommet  20 . The extractor assembly further includes a handle  40  and a manually-operated lever  30 . The manually-operated lever  30  is movable between an open position and a closed position, and is coupled to an internal clamping mechanism having a sliding metal tab (not shown) configured to selectively apply a transverse force to each of the elastomeric grommets  20  when lever  30  is moved to the closed position. 
         [0029]    The extractor assembly  1  of the present invention is designed for use with a fragile or brittle food product such as a biscuit, bread, cookie or candy product. Due to the fragile nature of such products, the present invention employs a elastomeric grommet  20  configured to apply a transverse force exerted by the internal clamping mechanism as a compression force to securely grip the brittle product without deforming, crushing or otherwise damaging the brittle product. Preferably, grommet  20  comprises an FDA-compliant food grade elastomeric material such as rubber, urethane, or silicone. In a preferred embodiment, grommet  20  is formed of QM 122 food grade silicone material manufactured by Quantum Silicones. 
         [0030]    It will be understood that the acceptable range of compression force applied by the grommet  20  to securely grip the brittle food product without deforming, crushing or otherwise damaging the product will vary depending on the physical properties of the brittle product. For example, it has been found that compression forces ranging from about 1.5 psi to 25 psi can be used to securely grip a standard pretzel rod having a round cross-section, without deforming, crushing or otherwise damaging the pretzel rod. More specifically, it has been found that a compression force as little as about 1.5 psi to 2.0 psi is sufficient to securely grip a standard pretzel rod having a round cross-section. In addition, it has been found that a compression force as great as 25 psi will securely grip a standard pretzel rod without deforming, crushing or otherwise damaging the pretzel rod. Preferably, grommet  20  is configured to apply compression force of between about 5 psi to about 6 psi to more securely grip a standard pretzel rod product. 
         [0031]    It will be further understood that the compression force applied for gripping the brittle product will depend in part on the specific properties of the elastomeric material (e.g., compressibility, elasticity and resilience), the size and dimensions of the grommet (e.g., wall thickness), and the amount of the transverse force exerted by the internal clamping mechanism. For example, a grommet according to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  formed of QM  122  food grade silicone material having a wall thickness (W th ) of 0.025 in. in the vicinity of a transverse force of approximately 8 lbs. exerted by the extractor internal clamping mechanism will result in a compression force of about 5 psi to 6 psi to securely grip a standard pretzel rod having a length of between about 5 inches to about 7 inches and a generally round cross-section having a circumference of between about ⅜ inch and about ½ inch. 
         [0032]    As further shown with reference to  FIG. 3 , grommet  20  has an opening  25  dimensioned to receive the brittle product, and configured to distribute the transverse force exerted by the internal clamping mechanism in a manner to apply a compression force to the outside surface of the brittle product. Grommet  20  may be integrally formed within opening  15 . Alternatively, grommet  20  may be removably coupled within opening  15  to allow for ease of replacement with a new grommet or substitution with a grommet having a different opening  25  shape, dimension and/or configuration. 
         [0033]    In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , grommet opening  25  has a first surface  25   a  generally dimensioned to conform to the cross-sectional shape of the brittle product  50  when subjected to a transverse force. Grommet opening  25  further comprises a second surface  25   b  and two channels  25   c.  The second surface  25   b  is configured to contact and apply a compression force to only a portion of the adjacent surface of the brittle product when subjected to the transverse force exerted by the internal clamping mechanism so as to accommodate any imperfections or irregularities in the cross-sectional shape of the brittle product  50 . Channels  25   c  do not contact the adjacent outside surface of the brittle product  50  when grommet  20  is subjected to the transverse force exerted by the internal clamping mechanism. Instead, channels  25   c  are designed to collapse and prevent the grommet from buckling and thereby enable first surface  25   a  and second surface  25   b  to contact and apply a gripping force to the outside surface of brittle product  50  when the grommet is subjected to the transverse force exerted by the internal clamping mechanism. The channels  25   c  are also designed to open and enable the grommet to revert to its original configuration to facilitate the release of the brittle product  50  when lever  30  moved to the open position and grommet  20  is not subjected to a transverse force exerted by the internal clamping mechanism. To this end, grommet  20  is generally configured to have channels  25   c  or low stress points oriented at positions perpendicular to the transverse force exerted on the grommet  20  by the internal clamping mechanism. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , grommet opening  25 , and particularly first surface  25   a  and portions of second surface  25   b  are configured to apply a compression force to securely grip a brittle product  50  having a round cross-section. In this instance, for example, the brittle product may be a pretzel rod, a bread stick, or a candy cane. As shown in  FIG. 5 , grommet  20  includes a middle section  26  disposed between opposing flanges  28 . Grommet  20  is dimensioned to be received within opening  15  of extractor plate  10 . Flanges  28  include a groove for receiving extractor plate  10 . In the embodiment depicting in  FIG. 5 , flange  28  has a width W FL  of approximately 1.5 in. and a height of approximately 0.27 in, and middle section  26  has a width W MS  of approximately 0.95 in. and a height H MS  of approximately 0.45 in. 
         [0035]    It will be understood that grommet opening  25 , and particularly first surface  25   a , may have alternative configurations depending on the cross-sectional shape of the brittle product. Illustrative examples of different grommet embodiments with alternative cross-sectional openings  25  are shown in  FIGS. 6-13 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 14  shows an embodiment of the present invention comprising an extractor assembly  1  utilized in connection with a plurality of mold cups filled with a confection product. 
         [0037]    In operation, when the brittle product  50  is inserted into the grommet opening  25  and the lever  30  is moved to the closed position, a tab applies a transverse force to the side of grommet  20 . With regard to grommet  20  shown in  FIG. 4 , the transverse force may be applied on the side of the grommet aligned with the point of second surface  25   b  of grommet opening  25 . Alternatively, it will be understood that the transverse force may be applies to the side of the grommet  20  opposite the side aligned with the point of the second surface  25   b  of grommet opening  25 . Application of such a transverse force will cause the grommet to deform and provide a gripping surface along grommet first surface  25   a  and portions of the second surface  25   b.  Channels  25   c  collapse slightly and do not provide a gripping surface with brittle product  50 . 
         [0038]    According to another embodiment, the present invention may be implemented in an automated production system such as a vitaline or versaline having various different extractor assembly configurations. For example, as shown in  FIG. 15 , grommet assemblies  120  may be implemented in an automatic extractor assembly  100  having a series of sets of lever arms  140 ,  141  that are separately movable between an open position and a closed position. With reference to  FIGS. 15   a  and  15   b , a grommet assembly  120  is disposed on the distal ends of each set of separately movable extractor lever arms  140 ,  141 . Each grommet assembly  120  comprises a first section  130  having a surface  130   a  generally dimensioned to conform to the cross-sectional shape of the food product  150  and a second section  135  having a surface  135   a  configured to only contact and apply a compression force to certain portions of the adjacent outside surface of the food product  150  so as to be able to accommodate any irregularities or imperfections in the cross-sectional shape of food product  150 . Each set of lever arms  140 ,  141  and respective grommet first sections  130  and section sections  135  is movable between an open position and a closed position. When the extractor lever arms are in the open position as illustrated in  FIG. 15   b , a food product may be received into surface  130   a  of grommet assembly  120 . The lever arms  140 ,  141  may then be moved to the closed position as illustrated in  FIG. 15   a  such that a compression force is applied by surface  130   a  of grommet first section  130  and surface  135   a  of grommet second section  135  to contact and securely engage the food product. As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , corresponding sections of neighboring grommet assemblies  120  may be linked together by a cross-bar member for purposes of stabilizing the alignment of each of the grommet assemblies  120 . 
         [0039]    By way of further example, as shown in  FIG. 16 , grommet assemblies  120  may be implemented in an automatic extractor assembly  100  having a row of grommet assemblies  120  designed to simultaneously receive and securely engage multiple food products. Each grommet assembly  120  comprises a first section  130  having a surface  130   a  generally dimensioned to conform to the cross-sectional shape of the food product  150 . Each grommet assembly further comprises a second section  135  having a surface  135   a  configured to only contact and apply a compression force to certain portions of the adjacent outside surface of the food product  150  so as to be able to accommodate any irregularities or imperfections in the cross-sectional shape of food product  150 . The sets of complimentary grommet first sections  130  and section sections  135  are disposed on the distal ends of extractor lever arms  140 ,  141 , which are movable between an open position and a closed position. When the extractor lever arms are in the open position, food products may be received into surface  130   a  of each grommet assembly  120 . The loading of the food products into surface  130   a  of each grommet assembly  120  may be achieved through the use a food product loader tray  160 . After the food product is received in surface  130   a  of each grommet assembly, the lever arms  140 ,  141  may be moved to the closed position such that a compression force is applied by surface  130   a  of grommet first section  130  and surface  135   a  of grommet second section  135  to contact and securely engage the food product  150 . 
         [0040]    According to one aspect of the present invention, grommet sections  130 ,  135  having different shaped and/or dimensioned surfaces  130   a,    135   a  may be coupled to the distal ends of lever arms  140 ,  141 , respectively, to accommodate a plurality of different food products having varying cross-sectional shapes and/or dimensions. To this end, grommet sections  130 ,  135  may be removably coupled to the distal ends of lever arms  140 ,  141 , respectively, to allow for the interchangeable use of grommet sections  130 ,  135  having different shaped and/or dimensioned surfaces  130   a,    135   a.    
         [0041]    A number of variations and modifications of the embodiments disclosed herein fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, it will be understood that the automated production system may be configured to implement the single piece grommet  20  described above with reference to the manually operated extractor assembly. Similarly, it will be understood that the manually operated extractor assembly may be configured to implement the two-piece grommet assembly  120  described above with reference to the automated production system. 
         [0042]    The foregoing detailed description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the embodiments disclosed herein. In the foregoing description, for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure. 
         [0043]    Moreover, though the description has included a description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.