Abstract:
A drip tray trap divides a cavity of the drip tray into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The trap includes perforations to permit the passage of liquids, and to restrict the movement of foreign objects and ice cubes to a drip tray outlet, thereby removing the possibility the foreign objects and ice cubes clogging a drip tray drain. The trap includes at least one angled engagement surface and at least one angled engagement surface. The angle of the engagement surfaces forces the ice cubes and foreign objects to move to lowest positions of the inlet chamber. The rerouted ice cubes melt and move through the perforations of the trap, thereby entering the outlet chamber and moving to the drip tray outlet. In a second embodiment, the trap includes handling features to facilitate the insertion and removal of the trap from the cavity of the drip tray for sanitizing.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to product dispensing equipment and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to methods and an apparatus for eliminating blockages in a drip tray of a product dispenser. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In the area of beverage dispensing, product dispenser manufacturers are forced to provide drip trays in a variety of forms both to meet operator needs, as well as to meet cleanliness requirements. Dependent upon anticipated usage at a consumer location, a product dispenser is outfitted with a draining or a non-draining drip tray. Other factors may include the type of product, the stability of the product, or the availability of an operator to cleanse the drip tray of the product dispenser. However, all drip trays require maintenance to ensure a healthy environment. 
     Non-draining drip trays, at a minimum, require routine monitoring to ensure that the drip tray has not been filled with drink overflows, discarded drinks, overflowing ice, as well as unwanted drinks from a nearby dispenser. A convenience store operator must be aware of the condition of the drip tray or the drip tray will overflow, thereby causing additional problems. 
     While draining drip trays require less supervision, draining drip trays still require monitoring, assistance, as well as cleansing. Traditional drip tray drains require cleansing on a regular basis to maintain a clean environment. Further, draining drip trays are susceptible to partial clogging which reduces flow, as well as complete clogging, which may cause a flooding problem. 
     Conventional in-line strainers or traps are often utilized in draining drip trays to keep unwanted substances from entering a drain line. However, this type of strainer or trap does not account for the build up of unwanted or misdelivered ice in the drip tray. Ice cubes, or partial cubes, tend to move toward the drain, often partially entering a drain port and partially stopping the flow. 
     Further problems with the in-line strainers include the collection of foreign objects at the in-line strainer/trap. The build up of ice and foreign objects in the in-line strainer create a situation of a reduced flow through the in-line strainer/ trap, and can accumulate to the point of complete blockage, thereby creating additional issues as fluids will build up in the drip tray. 
     In cases where no strainers are utilized, the foreign objects may pass through some portions of the drain, get stuck down line, and then create a drain blockage downstream. 
     Accordingly, a drip tray trap that eliminates the issues of drip tray draining would be beneficial to beverage dispensing operators, the public, as well as beverage dispenser manufacturers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a drip tray trap divides a cavity of the drip tray into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The trap includes perforations to permit the passage of liquids, and to restrict the movement of foreign objects and ice cubes to a drip tray outlet, thereby removing the possibility the foreign objects and ice cubes clogging a drip tray drain. 
     In a first embodiment, the trap includes two angled engagement surfaces and a crest disposed between the angle engagement surfaces. The angled engagement surfaces force the ice cubes and foreign objects to move downward, and away from, the drip tray outlet. The rerouted ice cubes remain in the inlet chamber, melt, and then move through the perforations of the trap to gain access to the outlet chamber and the drip tray outlet. 
     In an extension of the drip tray trap, the trap includes a single engagement surface that spans the entire drip tray. In this extension of the preferred embodiment, the drip tray includes an outlet at one end, and the trap angles downward from above the outlet to a floor of the drip tray. 
     In a second extension of the drip tray trap, the drip tray includes a well for the collection of fluids, and an outlet disposed within the well to facilitate the removal of fluids from the drip tray. 
     In a second embodiment, the drip tray trap includes handling features to facilitate the insertion and removal of the trap from the cavity of the drip tray for sanitizing. In this second embodiment, the handling features are brackets welded to the trap. 
     In an extension of the second embodiment, the handling features are integral to the trap. 
     In a second extension of the second embodiment, the handling features are removable, and the trap includes access points for engagement with the separate handling features. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a trap tray trap for separating the drip tray into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, wherein the trap filters foreign objects and ice cubes. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide handling features for drip tray trap. 
     It is still further an object of the present invention to provide a method of filtering objects entering the drip tray to eliminate the possibility of clogging a drip tray drain. 
     It is still yet further an object of the present invention to provide a trap that is removable for sanitizing. 
     Still other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become evident to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the following. Also, it should be understood that the scope of this invention is intended to be broad, and any combination of any subset of the features, elements, or steps described herein is part of the intended scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of a product dispenser according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  provides an exploded view of a drip tray according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 3   a  provides a top view of a drip tray trap according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 3   b  provides a front view of the drip tray trap according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 4   a  provides a right side view of a drip tray according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 4   b  provides a section view of the drip tray according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  provides a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the drip tray according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 6   a  provides a side view of a drip tray according to an extension of the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 6   b  provides a section view of the drip tray according to the extension of the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 7   a  provides a side view of a drip tray according to a second extension of the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 7   b  provides an isometric view of a drip tray according to the second extension of the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 7   c  provides a section view of the drip tray according to the second extension of the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 8   a  provides a top view of a drip tray trap according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 8   b  provides a front view of the drip tray trap according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 8   c  provides a perspective view of the drip tray trap according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 8   d  provides a perspective view of a handling feature according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 8   e  provides a flowchart illustrating the method steps for utilizing the drip tray trap according the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  provides a perspective view of an integral handling feature according to first extension of the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 10   a  provides a perspective view of an access point according to a second extension of the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 10   b  provides a front view of a separate handling feature before being placed into the access point according to the second extension of the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 10   c  provides a front view of a separate handling feature being placed into the access point according to the second extension of the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 10   d  provides a front view of a separate handling feature placed in an installed position according to the second extension of the second embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is further to be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components or steps. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , a product dispenser  100  includes a housing  101  and a drip tray assembly  102 . The housing  101  includes a product dispensing circuit  103  extending from a storage chamber  111  to an external dispensing chute  113 . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many forms of components in the product dispensing circuit  103  are possible, including paddlewheels, rotating trays, and the like. In this invention, a paddlewheel utilized to move product through the product dispensing circuit. This invention is suitable for use with virtually all forms of product dispensing components. The storage chamber  111  is disposed within the housing  101 , and includes a port  125  for filling the chamber  111 . The storage chamber  111  is insulated to store and thermally isolate the product disposed within the storage chamber  111 . In this disclosure, the product utilized is ice, and the insulated walls provide prolonged ice life. The product dispenser  100  further includes a lid  112  of a size complementary to the port  125 , such that the lid  112  closes out the storage chamber  111 . The product moves to an external dispensing chute  113  substantially centrally disposed on a front of the housing  101 . The product dispenser  100  further includes an actuator  114  disposed beneath the external dispensing chute  113 , such that an operator may push on the actuator  114  with a receptacle and receive a portion of the product disposed within the storage chamber  111 . 
     The drip tray assembly  102  includes a tray  115 , a trap  116 , and a cup rest  117 . The tray  115  includes first through fourth walls  131 - 134  disposed vertically and a floor panel  135  that form a tray capable of holding fluids as well as solid products. The tray further includes a first end  141  and a second end  142 . The floor panel  135  is disposed horizontally and connects to each of the walls  131 - 134  to create a tray having an interior cavity  119  with an inlet  138 . The tray  115  may be formed from virtually any material that is compatible with beverages resists corrosion. Illustratively, in this first embodiment, the tray  115  is formed from acetal butyl styrene. The tray  115  may further include a drain port  118  disposed in a wall  133  nearest the product dispenser  100  or in the floor panel  135 . In this particular example, the drain port  118  includes a fitting for attaching to a disposal system (not shown), such as a sewer system or septic system. Accordingly, when the drain port  118  is attached to a permanent disposal system, fluids disposed within the cavity  119  of the tray  115  flow through the drain port  118  to the disposal system. 
     The tray  115  may further include cup rest supports  122 . The cup rest supports  122  are disposed within the interior cavity  119  and, in this injection-molded example, the cup rest supports  122  are integrally formed with the tray  115 , and extend upward from the floor  135  to a point in close proximity to the inlet  138  of the cavity  119 . However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the cup rest supports  122  may be formed separately from the tray  115 . The cup rest supports  122  provide support to the cup rest  117 , as well as any drink receptacles disposed on top of the cup rest  117 , and, accordingly, must be of a height suitable for registering an upper surface of the cup rest  117  at a predetermined height. 
     Alternatively, in a sheet metal version of the tray  115 , the cup rest  117  may fit on an inner ledge, and, therefore, cup rest supports  122  would not be required. 
     The trap  116  is a formed sheet metal component, and of a shape complementary to the floor panel  135 . The trap  116  includes a first end  139 , a second end  140 , a first engagement surface  127 , a second engagement surface  128 , and perforations  121 . The trap  116  is of a sheet-metal gauge sufficient to provide rigidity, thereby maintaining the formed shape. In this particular example, the trap  116  is formed from stainless steel sheet, such that the first engagement surface  127  and the second engagement surface  128  are disposed at an angle of approximately one degree, thereby creating a crest  120  substantially centrally disposed between the first and second engagement surfaces  127 - 128 , as well as between the first and second ends  139 - 140 . The first and second engagement surfaces  127 - 128  further include perforations  121  of a predetermined size disposed in a predetermined arrangement. In this particular example, the perforations  121  are apertures arranged in a repeating pattern. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a variety of shapes and shape arrangements are possible, dependent upon the application, and are considered within the scope of this invention. 
     The cup rest  117  is commonly known in the industry, and is utilized to span the inlet  138  of the cavity  119  and support drink receptacles. Accordingly, the cup rest  117  is disposed on the cup rest supports  122  in a substantially level orientation. 
     On assembly, the trap  116  is placed into the interior cavity  119  of the tray  115 , such that the crest  120  is nearest the inlet  138  of the cavity  119 . In this arrangement, the crest  120  of the trap  116  is disposed above the drain port  118 . As the trap  116  is complementary in shape to the floor panel  135 , the trap  116  divides an inner volume of the cavity  119  into two chambers. An inlet chamber  144  is disposed above the trap  116 , and an outlet chamber  145  is disposed beneath the trap  116 . On further assembly, the cup rest  117  is placed onto the cup rest supports  122  or the support ledge, as dictated by the type of material utilized in the formation of the tray  115 . At this point, the drip tray assembly  102  may be placed onto the product dispenser housing  101  such that the drain port  118  faces the housing  101  or protrudes from the floor when the tray  115  is properly registered on suitable tray supports. Once properly oriented and installed, the drain port  118  may be connected to a suitable disposal system. 
     In use, the product dispenser  100  receives a product through the port  125  of the storage chamber  111 . The product remains in the chamber  111  until a dispense signal is delivered by depressing the actuator  114 . Upon activation, the product dispensing circuit  103  delivers a portion of the product disposed within the storage chamber  111  through the external dispensing chute  113 . If an operator has placed a drink receptacle beneath the external dispensing chute  113 , the dispensed portion of the product is dispensed into the drink receptacle. If the operator has misplaced or neglected to place his receptacle beneath the external dispensing chute  113 , he may catch only a portion of the dispensed amount of product, and the balance of the dispensed portion falls onto the cup rest  117 . 
     In this particular example, the product is ice. As the cup rest  117  typically is constructed from a grating or other porous configuration sufficient for supporting a receptacle, the ice passes through the cup rest  117  and through the inlet  138  of the tray  115 , thereby entering the inlet chamber  144 . Ice dispensed onto the crest  120  is forced to move along the first and second engagement surfaces  127  and  128  towards a lowest potential energy, but remain within the inlet chamber  144 . As such, the ice particles, cubes, and shards, move away from the crest  120  to the first and second ends  139 - 140  of the trap  116  and come to rest against the walls  132  and  134  of the tray  115 . In this position, a greater amount of ice particle surface area is exposed to ambient conditions, and therefore melts at an increased rate. The ice melt moves through the perforations  121  to the outlet chamber  145  disposed beneath the trap  116 . The fluids then exit the outlet chamber  145  through the drain port  118  en route to the suitable disposal system. 
     The trap  116  further restricts the movement of foreign objects through the tray  115  and into the disposal line. The sizes of the perforations  121  forces larger objects to remain in the inlet chamber  144 . The objects move toward the first and second ends  139 - 140  of the trap  116 , thereby leaving the drain path in proximity to the crest  120  clear, as well as the drain line. Illustratively, the trap  116  ceases the flow of undesired items through the tray  115 , including gum, paper straw covers, coffee stirrers, ice cubes, and the like, never reach the outlet chamber  145 . Accordingly, the drain remains unobstructed for extended periods. 
     As shown in the method flowchart of  FIG. 5 , the process of using the trap  116  in a tray  115  commences with step  10 , wherein an operator places the trap  116  into the tray  115  of a product dispenser  100 , such that the first and second engagement surfaces  127 - 128  face toward the opening of the cavity  119 , and the crest  120  is a highest point of the trap  116 . In the installed position, the trap  116  splits the cavity  119  into an inlet chamber  144  and an outlet chamber  145 . The process continues with step  15  that provides for installing a cup rest onto the drip tray  115 . Step  20  provides for the trap  116  deflecting ice and foreign objects away from the drain path of the drip tray  115 , thereby keeping the drain path free from obstruction. 
     In this particular example, the product is ice; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that this invention is suitable for use with virtually all products. 
     In an extension of the first embodiment, a drip tray assembly  202  is similar in form and function to the drip tray assembly  102 ; however, the drip tray assembly  202  includes a drain port  218  disposed in an alternate location. As shown in  FIGS. 6   a - 6   b , the drip tray assembly  202  includes a tray  215 , a trap  216 , and a cup rest  217 . The tray  215  is similar in form and function to the tray  115  of the first embodiment; however, the drain port  218  is disposed within an end of a wall  233 . The tray  215  further includes a first end  241  and a second end  242 . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the location of the drain port  218  is flexible, and based on the design of the dispenser. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that the attributes of this invention are adaptable to various drain port configurations. 
     In this extension of the first embodiment, the drain port  218  is disposed at the first end  241  of the tray  215 , as opposed to being centrally disposed within the wall  233 . The trap  216  includes a first end  239 , a second end  240 , and a single engagement surface  227 . In this configuration, the crest of the first embodiment does not exist, because there is only one engagement surface  227 . The single engagement surface  227  is complementary in shape to a floor panel  235 . The first end  239  is disposed nearest the drain port  218 , and rests above the drain port  218  to prevent ice and foreign objects from entering the drain port  218 . The second end  240  of the trap  216  is disposed on the floor of the drip tray  215  to create an angled path. As such, the cavity  219  is now divided into two chambers. An inlet chamber  244  is disposed above the trap  216 , and an outlet chamber  245  is disposed beneath the trap  216 . The ice cubes and foreign objects fall into the inlet chamber  244 , and are forced to move down the angle of the trap  216  toward the second end  240  of the trap  216 , thereby keeping the ice and foreign objects within the inlet chamber  244 , and preventing ice from clogging the drain port  218 . 
     As the ice melts, the liquid flows through the perforations  221 , enters the outlet chamber  245 , and flows through the drain port  218  to exit the drip tray  202 . 
     The cup rest  217  is identical to the cup rest  117  disclosed in the first embodiment. 
     Operation of the product dispenser  100  utilizing the drip tray assembly  202  is substantially identical to the first embodiment, and, therefore, will not be further described. 
     In a second extension of the first embodiment, a drip tray assembly  302  is similar in form and function to the drip tray assembly  102 ; however, the drip tray assembly  302  includes draining features. As shown in  FIGS. 7   a - 7   c , the drip tray assembly  302  includes a tray  315 , a trap  316 , and a cup rest  317 . The tray  315  is similar in form and function to the tray  115  of the first embodiment; however, the floor includes a first floor panel  322  and a second floor panel  323  that are disposed at a predetermined angle relative to each other, thereby forming a well  326 . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the location of the drain port  318  is flexible, and in this configuration, the drain port  318  is centrally disposed on the wall  333 , and within the well  326  created by the first floor panel  322  and the second floor panel  323 , such that fluids pool in the well  326  and may exit the tray  315  through the drain port  318 . 
     In a second extension of the first embodiment, the trap  316  is identical to the first embodiment, and includes a first engagement surface  327 , a second engagement surface  328 , and a crest  320 . The crest  320  is disposed between the first and second engagement surfaces  327  and  328 . The first end  339  and the second end  340  of the trap  316  are disposed on the floor of the drip tray  315 , such that the crest  320  is disposed above the drain port  318 , thereby splitting the cavity  119  into an inlet chamber  344  and an outlet chamber  345 , in similar fashion to the first embodiment. As such, ice cubes and foreign objects enter the inlet chamber  344 , and are forced to move down the angled engagement surfaces  327 - 328  of the trap  316  toward the first and second ends  339 - 340  of the trap  316 . The ice cubes remaining in the inlet chamber  344  until melting. Once melted, the fluid passes through the perforations  321  of the trap  316  and enters the outlet chamber  345 , thereby preventing ice from clogging the drain port  318 . 
     Operation of the product dispenser  100  utilizing the drip tray assembly  302  is substantially identical to the first embodiment, and, therefore, will not be further described. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that the drip tray assemblies  102 ,  202 , and  302  are substantially interchangeable. 
     In a second embodiment, a drip tray trap similar in form and function to the trap  116  of the first embodiment includes handling features to aid an operator in the installation and removal of the trap from the drip tray. As shown in  FIGS. 8   a - 8   c , a trap  416  includes a first engagement surface  427 , a second engagement surface  428 , a crest  420 , perforations  421 , and at least one handling feature. In this particular example of the second embodiment, the trap  416  includes a first handling feature  429  and a second handling feature  430  symmetrically disposed on an upper surface of the trap  416 . 
     The trap  416  is substantially identical in form and construction to the trap  116 , and, accordingly, the trap  416  fits within the interior cavity  119  of the drip tray  115  of the first embodiment. In this particular example, the handling features  429 - 430  are brackets formed from sheet metal, and include a first planar segment  432 , a second planar segment  433 , and a third planar segment  434 . The first planar segment  432  includes a mounting surface  431 , and is disposed at an angle of ninety degrees relative to the second planar segment  433 . The second planar segment  433  is of rectangular shape complementary to the first planar segment  432 . The third planar segment  434  extends away from the second planar segment  433 , and is shaped like a tab. The third planar segment  434  is disposed at approximately one hundred and twenty degrees relative to a plane of the second planar segment  433 . Accordingly, when the mounting surface  431  of the handling features  429 - 430  is secured to another component, the second planar segment  433  stands substantially perpendicular to the attached component, and the third planar segment  434  similarly extends upward from the second planar segment  433 , thereby providing a tab that may be clutched by an operator. While the first through third planar segments  432 - 434  have been disclosed at particular angles, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other angle measurements are possible, and should be considered part of this disclosure. 
     In this example, the handing features  429 - 430  are permanently secured to the trap  416  utilizing a welding process. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that virtually any form of connection means is possible, including mechanical fasteners, adhesives, and the like. 
     On assembly, the first and second handling features  429 - 430  are secured to the trap  416  at a spacing complementary to a shoulder width of an operator. Accordingly, the operator is able to clutch a handling feature  429  or  430  in each hand, and lift the trap  416  and handling features  429  and  430  upward. Upon further assembly, the trap  416 , including handling features  429  and  430 , is lowered into the interior cavity  119  of the drip tray  115  in similar fashion to the first embodiment. As the trap  416  enters the interior cavity  119  first, the handling features  429 - 430  are disposed pointing upward, and within the interior cavity  119  of the drip tray  115 . The installation process follows with the insertion of a cup rest  117  into the drip tray  115 . 
     In use, the operator clutches at least one handling feature  429  or  430 , lifts the trap  416  with the at least one handling feature  429  or  430 , and inserts the trap  416  into the interior cavity  119  of the drip tray  115 . The trap  416  comes to rest on the floor panel  135  of the drip tray  115 , and the operator releases the at least one handling feature  429  or  430 . The operator then installs the cup rest  117 , if required. Once the trap  416  is installed, it deflects ice and foreign objects in similar fashion to the first embodiment. 
     After use, the operator removes the cup rest  117  to access the handling features  429 - 430  of the trap  416 . The operator then removes any foreign objects screened by trap  416 , grasps the handling features  429  and  430  and lifts the trap  416  out of the interior cavity  119  of the drip tray  115 . The operator may then sanitize the trap  416  and handling features  429 - 430 . 
       FIG. 8   e  provides a flowchart illustrating the method steps for inserting and removing a drip tray trap  416 , according to this second embodiment. Optimally, an operator grasps a handling feature  429  in each hand, as shown in step  25 . The operator then moves to step  30 , wherein the operator places the trap  416  into the interior cavity  119  of a drip tray  115 , such that the handling features  529 - 530  are disposed upward. In step  35 , the operator installs the cup rest  117  above the trap. Upon installation, the trap  416  deflects foreign objects and ice particles, as described in step  40 . After use, the operator removes the cup rest  117  to access the trap  416 , step  45 . Once the cup rest  117  has been removed, the operator removes foreign objects deflected by the trap, step  50 . Upon the successful removal of the foreign objects, the operator grasps the handling features  429  and  430 , step  55 . The operator then lifts the handling features  429  and  430 , thereby lifting the trap  416  out of the interior cavity  119 , step  60 . Upon removal from the drip tray  115 , the operator sanitizes the trap  416 , step  65 . 
     While this second embodiment has been shown with handling features that are separate components permanently mounted to the trap, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the handling features integral to the trap may be created by bending up at least one tab  440  in the sheet metal trap  416 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     Alternatively, a trap could include access points for receiving detachable handling features. As shown in  FIGS. 10   a - 10   d , a trap  516  includes an access point  535  and a detachable handling feature  529 . In this particular example, the access point  531  is a slot in the trap  516 . 
     The handling feature  529  is similar in form to the handling features  429 , and includes a first planar segment  532 , a second planar segment  533 , and a third planar segment  534 , in similar arrangement to the handling feature  429 . The handling feature  529  further includes an engagement surface  531  for engaging an underside of the trap  516  during use. 
     In use, the first planar segment  532  is passed through the access point  531 , as shown in  FIG. 10   c . The handling feature  529  is rotated as shown in  FIGS. 10   c - 10   d  such that the engagement surface  531  engages the underside of the trap  516 . An operator may then lift the handling feature  529 , thereby raising trap  516 . Once raised, the operator is able to grasp the trap  516  for removal from a drip tray. 
     All other aspects of the trap  516  are similar to the previous embodiments, and, therefore, will not be further described. 
     While this extension of the second embodiment has been shown with a handling feature formed from sheet metal and an access point in the shape of a slot, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that virtually any form of handling features is possible, including formed metals, molded resins, and the like. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that additional access points may be utilized to create a balanced trap removal system. 
     While this invention has been shown with a product dispensing circuit utilizing ice as a product, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that virtually any product circuit may be utilized in combination with this invention, including beverage circuits, beverage concentrates, and the like. 
     Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing preferred embodiment, such description has been for exemplary purposes only and, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, many alternatives, equivalents, and variations of varying degrees will fall within the scope of the present invention. That scope, accordingly, is not to be limited in any respect by the foregoing detailed description, rather, it is defined only by the claims that follow.