Patent ID: 12215911

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

As used herein, the phrase “consisting of” and grammatical equivalents thereof exclude any element or step not specified in the claim.

As used herein, the phrase “consisting essentially of” and grammatical equivalents thereof limit the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic or characteristics of the claimed disclosure.

Referring now to the figures,FIG.1illustrates an implementation of a frozen confection machine100that is configured to be portable. As can be seen in the figure the machine100for conditioning ice may comprise a body portion having a housing105and a handle portion110for convenient portability and positioning. The machine may further comprise a hopper120for receiving the ice to be conditioned. In an implementation the handle portion110may comprise a rubber material for providing grip for moving and holding the machine100. The machine100may further comprise a lid115configured to cover the hopper120. It will be appreciated that the lid115may comprise a transparent portion for monitoring ice in the hopper portion, as shown inFIG.7where the interior of the hopper is visible through the transparent lid704. The lid115may further have a catch125mechanism, such that when the catch is released125, the lid115is allowed to rotate into an open position, such that ice may be introduced into the hopper120of the machine100. In an embodiment, the lid115may be made of a clear material to provide the user the ability to see the ice level in the hopper. Additionally, the machine may comprise a spout130and ice shaper135for delivering and shaping the conditioned ice into a cup or other container for receiving the shaved ice product. It should be noted that the body105, lid115, spout130and shaper135may be made from any suitable material such as for example: plastics and metals.

FIG.2illustrates a cutaway view of a frozen confection machine200. As can be seen in the figure, a motor202may be disposed within the housing205of the machine200. The motor202may be electric and may be driven by DC or AC current. An embodiment having a DC motor may be driven by a battery that may also be disposed within the housing. The housing205may comprise a base portion206that is sized and shaped to provide stability during use. The base portion206may comprise feet207that provide traction and may be made from a vibration dampening material to reduce noise and vibration during use.

As also illustrated in the figure, the machine200may comprise a handle portion210that is configured to fit a user's hand for easy portability. The handle portion210may be aligned and configured so as to be held by a user during ice conditioning to compensate for forces generated by the motor202and the paddle212while conditioning the ice.

In an embodiment, the motor202may be directly connected to a drive shaft that drives the paddle212thereby moving ice into a blade213. As illustrated inFIG.2, the blade213may be at least partially positioned or located within a wall of the housing205and in alignment with an opening between an interior of the housing205and a spout230where conditioned ice may be dispensed. It should be noted that in an embodiment the motor202may drive a blade that spins in order to condition the ice. The motor202may be disposed within the housing205, such that the motor's axis of rotation is generally aligned with the body of the machine200. Additionally, the axis of rotation of the paddle212may also be generally aligned with the body of the machine200. In an embodiment, because the blade213may be located within a wall of the housing205, the housing205may further comprise a door (not illustrated inFIG.2) for easily accessing the blade213for maintenance.

An embodiment may comprise a motor that is indirectly connected to paddle wheel through a device with a transmission or gearing.

As can be seen in the figure, the machine200may comprise a hopper220for receiving the unconditioned ice, and may comprise a spout portion230for dispensing the conditioned ice after being processed and moved throughout a portion of the body205of the machine200. As illustrated inFIG.2, hopper220has an upper portion220aand a lower portion220b, wherein the upper portion220aof hopper220tapers downwardly toward the lower portion220bof hopper220. Hopper220further comprises a sidewall223defining a hole224, located between upper portion220aand lower portion220b, where ice moves within hopper220. The spout230may be configured to deliver conditioned ice into a shaper235for providing a shaped top for the conditioned ice within a cup or container. In an implementation, and additional flexible hand shaping flap233may be included, which allows users more options for shaping during use without having to come into contact with the edible conditioned ice product. The flexible shaping flap233may be attached near the spout230as illustrated.

A lid215may be provided for covering the hopper220. The lid215may comprise a latch217for locking the lid215in a predetermined position. Additionally, the lid215may be configured so as to operate a switch240that turns on the motor so that the machine may not be operated without the lid215in place, or locked in place by the latch217. The lid may be hinged218relative to the body of the machine200so that it rotates between open and closed positions.

For example, during use the machine200may be positioned on a work surface by a user by way of the handle210. The user may then lift the lid215to expose the hopper220, and ice may then be introduced into the hopper220. The lid215may then be closed and held down by the latch217or other mechanism thereby actuating the switch240to turn on the motor202. The motor202then turns the paddle212located within the hopper220to drive ice into the blade213. The ice is conditioned as it moves through the blade213, which as illustrated inFIG.2may be located within a wall of the hopper220, and into the spout230and shaper235. The conditioned ice may then be delivered to a cup, or other container as may be desired by a user, and shaped by the shaper235, and the flexible hand shaper233, resulting in cup or container full of conditioned ice or product, which may have a pleasingly shaped top.In an implementation, an external switch may be provided for actuating the machine. For example, as seen inFIG.7, the external switch may be a foot pedal702or other switch for actuating the machine.

FIG.3illustrates an exploded view of a frozen confection machine300. The machine may be constructed primarily of two housing halves305aand305bthat may be joined together to thereby hold a motor302, paddle wheel312, and blade322in a working configuration relative to each other. As can be seen in the figure, a motor302may be disposed within the housing305of the machine300. The housing halves305aand305bmay comprise a base portion that is sized and shaped to provide stability during use. The base portion may comprise feet307that provide traction and may be made from a vibration dampening material to reduce noise and vibration during use.

As also illustrated in the figure, the machine300may comprise a handle portion that is configured to fit a user's hand for easy portability. The handle portion may be aligned and configured so as to be held by a user during ice conditioning to compensate for forces generated by the motor302and the paddle312while conditioning the ice.

In an embodiment the motor302may be directly connected to a drive shaft332that drives the paddle312thereby moving ice into a blade322. It should be noted that in an embodiment the drive shaft332may be connected to the paddle312with a shaft connector342. The motor302may be disposed within the housing305a-bsuch that the motor's axis of rotation is generally aligned with the body of the machine300. Additionally, the axis of rotation of the paddle312may also be generally aligned with the body of the machine300. In an embodiment, the housing may further comprise a door for easily accessing the blade for maintenance.

As can be seen in the figure, the machine300may comprise a hopper320for receiving the unconditioned ice, and may comprise a spout portion330for dispensing the conditioned ice after being processed and moved throughout a portion the body of the machine300. As illustrated inFIG.3, hopper320has an upper portion320aand a lower portion320b, wherein the upper portion320aof hopper320tapers downwardly toward the lower portion320bof hopper320. Hopper320further comprises a sidewall323defining a hole324, located between upper portion320aand lower portion320b, where ice moves within hopper320. The spout330may be configured to deliver conditioned ice into a shaper335for providing a shaped top for the conditioned ice within a cup or container.

A lid315may be provided for covering the hopper320. The lid315may comprise a latch for locking the lid in a predetermined position. Additionally, the lid315may be configured so as to operate a switch340that turns on the motor so that the machine300may not be operated without the lid315in place. Additionally, a power cord350may be provided to power the machine300. Various fasteners FF may be used to mount the various components of the machine together. Foot pads344may be used to dampen vibrations created during use. Rubber grommets346may be used to seal opening in the housing of the machine.

As can be seen in the figure, an embodiment may comprise drive shaft332that is directly connected to and directly drives the paddle312.

FIG.4illustrates an embodiment that emphasizes the angle between a handle portion and the axis of rotation of the motor412and paddle413. Illustrated in the figure is a frozen confection machine400having an angle425between a first line420drawn through the handle portion415and generally aligned with the base portion of the machine and a second line410that represents the axis of rotation of the motor412. The angle425formed by the intersection of the first line420and the second line410may be chosen during design to dampen or otherwise negate forces generated by the motor412and the paddle413as the machine processes ice. In an embodiment, the motor may be disposed within the housing, such that the drive shaft of the motor rotates about an axis410that is fixed at an angle relative to the handle415. It will be appreciated that in an embodiment, the angle425may be selected from a range of between about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees. In an embodiment, the angle may be selected from a range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees. In use, a user may grasp the handle415to steady the machine during use.

FIG.5illustrates an embodiment of a blade500configured for conditioning ice as it is dispensed to a user. Those in the art will know that when processing ice, ice buildup on equipment is a problem with current prior art systems. Illustrated in the figure is an embodiment of a blade500that resists ice buildup while providing conditioned ice suitable for confectionary use. As illustrated, a blade500may be arched or arcuate and may comprise a plurality of teeth505. The teeth505may be configured as slots in the blade500that allow conditioned ice to form on a first side of the blade and pass through the blade500to a second side. In an embodiment, the teeth505may be uniform and placed regularly about the blade500. It will be appreciated that in an embodiment the blade500may comprise a plurality of offset teeth505relative to each other. The plurality of teeth505may be offset in an alternating pattern. Additionally, the teeth505may be situated on the blade in a pattern as is illustrated in the figure. As can be seen in the figure, the teeth505alternate between an up position and down position relative to a center line555, which is shown as a dashed line in the figure. This may be done to reduce icing on the teeth505of the blade500. It will be appreciated that any pattern may be employed, for example, three teeth in a row may be placed in a down position relative to the centerline555, while next three teeth are placed in an up position relative to the centerline555. The pattern may repeat as many times as desired. It will be appreciated that any number of teeth may be placed in an up position and any number of teeth may be placed in a down position with respect to the centerline555without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

FIG.6illustrates an embodiment of a kit600comprising a frozen confection making system that comprises an ice conditioning machine610and a carrying case615. The case615may comprise a carrying handle616. Additionally, a kit600may comprise cups620and/or topping containers625, which may be used to dispense flavors for the conditioned ice, for serving the conditioned ice and creating the frozen confections. Additionally, a kit600may comprise additional items such as a power cord, battery and backup battery. An embodiment of a kit may include a tool630that is specially configured for maintaining the ice conditioning machine610.

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

It should be noted that embodiments shown in the figures and described herein are intended to be exemplary and that any variations in the size and the relative proportions of the individual components fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Further, although specific implementations of the disclosure have been described and illustrated, the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of the disclosure is to be defined by the claims appended hereto, any future claims submitted here and in different applications, and their equivalents.