ICE SHAVER SAFETY BLADE CARTRIDGE FOR BEVERAGE BLENDER

Abstract

An ice shaver assembly includes an ice hopper and a blade cartridge having a blade and a body in which the blade is permanently affixed. The body has an upper surface above which the blade protrudes so as to shave ice passing along the upper surface. The body further has fastener-less mounting features configured to mount the blade cartridge on the ice hopper within an opening of the ice hopper.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of Disclosure

[0002] The present disclosure relates to ice shaver blades used in beverage preparation equipment, such as smoothie blenders. Aspects of embodiments relate to assemblies which facilitate the maintenance of ice shavers in such blenders, during which worn blades are exchanged for fresh blades.

[0003] 2. Discussion of Related Art

[0004] An example of a conventional ice shaver from a smoothie blending machine is shown in FIG. 1. An example of a conventional ice shaver, generally indicated at 100, is shown in relevant part in FIG. 1. Cubed or crushed ice is received into a hopper or receptacle having an inverted cone shape 101. A rotating stirrer (not shown, interior of hopper) moves the ice past an opening 102 through the wall of the cone in which is mounted a cartridge 103 holding a sharp blade 104. The blade shaves the ice into numerous chips, which when small enough fall past the blade (direction A) into a chute which directs them into a blender cup for further processing.

[0005] As further shown in FIG. 1, the opening through the wall of the cone-shaped receptacle receives the cartridge 103 holding the ice shaving blade 104. The cartridge is fixed into the opening using thumb screws, wing screws, screws requiring a tool to apply and remove, or the like, together indicated at 105. This removable design is used because the ice shaver blade 104 wears and becomes dull with use. It therefore needs replacement at intervals, dependent on use.

[0006] Access to the blade cartridge 103 for replacement is obtained by disassembling and removing the ice receptacle and shaver apparatus from the beverage blender machine because it was previously found desirable to keep the fasteners 105 for the blade cartridge on the outside (below the receptacle chamber), rather than inside where they would contact the ice, which is a food product that must meet cleanliness standards, and which is in periodic motion that could create mechanical problems for the fasteners, such as wear and particle infiltration. First, a cover 106 is removed by removing several cover fasteners each indicated at 107. The hopper 101 is then unbolted from the machine in which it resides, so access can be obtained to the blade cartridge fasteners 105. This results in an assembly requiring substantial disassembly for maintenance, and exposing the maintenance worker to a sharp, exposed edge on the blade cartridge 103.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One aspect of the disclosure is directed to an ice shaver assembly comprising an ice hopper and a blade cartridge including a blade and a body in which the blade is permanently affixed. In one embodiment, the body has an upper surface above which the blade protrudes so as to shave ice passing along the upper surface. In another embodiment, the body further has fastener-less mounting features configured to mount the blade cartridge on the ice hopper within an opening of the ice hopper.

[0008] Embodiments of the ice shaver assembly are further directed to the blade cartridge including a sliding rail mount. The sliding rail mount includes a rail defining an alternating sequence of rail portions and gaps defined between rail sections, constructed and arranged to mate with a rail of the ice hopper having a complementary sequence of rail sections and gaps. The sliding rail mount further includes an outrigger rail defined at an end of a spring arm arranged to provide pressure in a direction approximately perpendicular to a sliding direction of the sliding rail mount. The blade cartridge further includes a blade guard over the blade. The blade guard is configured to protect an operator while handling the blade cartridge. The blade guard includes a hook that covers a sharpened edge of the blade, and a barbed spring latch arranged to prevent the cover unhooking from the sharpened edge of the blade. The blade guard further includes a feature preventing closure of a cover of the ice shaver assembly when the blade guard is attached to the blade cartridge. The blade guard further includes a feature preventing operation of the ice shaver when the blade guard is attached to the blade cartridge.

[0009] Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to an ice shaver safety blade cartridge comprising a blade and a body in which the blade is permanently affixed, the body having an upper surface above which the blade protrudes so as to shave ice passing along the upper surface, the body further having fastener-less mounting features configured to mount the blade cartridge on the ice hopper within an opening of the ice hopper.

[0010] Embodiments of the blade cartridge are further directed to a sliding rail mount. The sliding rail mount includes a rail defining an alternating sequence of rail portions and gaps defined between rail sections, constructed and arranged to mate with a rail of the ice hopper having a complementary sequence of rail sections and gaps. The sliding rail mount includes an outrigger rail defined at an end of a spring arm arranged to provide pressure in a direction approximately perpendicular to a sliding direction of the sliding rail mount. The blade cartridge further comprises a blade guard over the blade, the blade guard being configured to protect an operator while handling the blade cartridge. The blade guard includes a hook that covers a sharpened edge of the blade, and a barbed spring latch arranged to prevent the blade guard from unhooking from the sharpened edge of the blade. The blade guard further includes a feature preventing closure of a cover for the ice hopper when the blade guard is attached to the blade cartridge. The blade guard further includes a feature preventing operation of an ice shaver when the blade guard is attached to the blade cartridge.

[0011] Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to an ice shaver assembly comprising an ice hopper and a blade cartridge including a blade and a body in which the blade is permanently affixed. In one embodiment, the body has an upper surface above which the blade protrudes so as to shave ice passing along the upper surface. In another embodiment, the body further has means for mounting the blade cartridge on the ice hopper within an opening of the ice hopper without a fastener. In a certain embodiment, the means for mounting the blade cartridge on the ice hopper within the opening further includes a sliding rail mount.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an ice shaver hopper with blade and blade cartridge, showing the assembly thereof;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an ice shaver assembly of an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIGS. 3 and 4 are top perspective views of the ice shaver assembly of FIG. 2 showing the removal of a cover from a hopper of the ice shaver assembly;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the ice shaver assembly showing a blade cartridge secured to the hopper of the ice shaver assembly;

[0017] FIG. 6 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the ice shaver assembly similar to FIG. 5 showing the cover removed from the hopper;

[0018] FIGS. 7 and 8 are exploded bottom perspective views of the ice shaver assembly showing the removal of the blade cartridge from the hopper;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view the blade cartridge;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the blade cartridge;

[0021] FIGS. 11 and 13 are perspective views of a blade guard of the blade cartridge; and

[0022] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the blade guard removed from the blade cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] According to aspects of an embodiment of the disclosure, an ice shaver safety blade cartridge mounts to an ice hopper wall using a fastener-less, mount that is easily dismounted when desired. The ice shaver safety blade cartridge can optionally include a removable or fixed blade guard that protects from cuts a person changing the blade or performing other maintenance operations. Further, when the guard is in a position to protect the person, a feature prevents the ice hopper from being fully closed and operational, further enhancing the safety of operators and maintainers of the equipment.

[0024] An exemplary embodiment of an ice shaver assembly having a safety blade cartridge in accordance with the teachings provided herein is now described. First, the major components of the ice shaver assembly are described without the blade cartridge; next the blade cartridge, itself, is described without the blade guard; next the blade cartridge is described with the blade guard; and, finally the mounting of the blade cartridge to and dismounting of the blade cartridge from the hopper is described.

[0025] Hopper and Cover

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an ice shaver assembly generally indicated at 200. As shown, the ice shaver assembly 200 includes a hopper 202 having an inverted cone shape and a cover 204 that is configured to be secured to the hopper. As with ice shaver 100, cubed or crushed ice is received into the hopper 202 of the ice shaver assembly 200 and a rotating stirrer (not shown) moves the ice past an opening 206 that enables the ice to enter the ice shaver assembly. In FIG. 2, the cover 204 is illustrated as being secured to the hopper 202.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates the ice shaver assembly 200 in which the cover 204 is in the process of being removed from the hopper 202. Specifically, the cover 204 is secured to the hopper 202 by placing the cover over the hopper and rotating the cover counterclockwise so that interlocking features 208 of the cover are received within or otherwise engaged by corresponding interlocking features 210 of the hopper. The cover 204 includes a tab 212, which engages portions of the hopper 202 to secure the cover to the hopper after rotating the cover counterclockwise. To remove the cover 204, the tab 212 is moved inboard toward the center of the cover and the cover is rotated clockwise to disengage the interlocking features of the cover and the hopper 202. The tab 212 is constructed of suitable material, such as plastic, so that the cover 204 can flex an appropriate amount or distance to disengage from the hopper 202.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates the cover 204 being lifted away from the hopper 202 so as to expose the interior regions of the hopper.

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a blade cartridge assembly, generally indicated at 214, of the ice shaver 214 that is secured to the hopper 202 so that the blade cartridge projects outwardly from the underside of the hopper. The blade cartridge 214 is positioned so that it is received within the opening 206 formed in the hopper 202. As shown, the blade cartridge 214 includes a safety blade guard 216 that prevents the cover 204 from being secured to the hopper 202 when the safety blade guard is provided.

[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates the hopper 202 having the blade cartridge 214 with the cover 204 being spaced from the hopper.

[0031] Blade Cartridge

[0032] FIGS. 7-9 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the blade cartridge having a body 218 that permanently secures a blade 220 at an angle with respect to the body. A sharp edge of the blade 220 extends through an opening 222 formed in an upper surface 224 of the body 218. The body 218 of the blade cartridge 214 further includes a sliding mount to attach the body of the blade cartridge to a wall 226 of the hopper 202 to enable fastener-less mounting of the body of the blade cartridge to the hopper. The sequence of operation for dismounting the body 218 of the blade cartridge 214 will be explained as follows. The sliding mount of the blade cartridge 214 includes a pair of rails 228, one on each side of the blade cartridge, that engage corresponding rails 230 formed on the hopper 202, one on each side of the opening 206 into which the blade cartridge is mounted. In order to reduce the distance over which the blade cartridge 214 must be slid in order to engage the rails 228 of the blade cartridge with the rails 230 of the hopper 202, each rail includes plural rail portions that are separated from each other by gaps. The rail portions match in approximate length and pass through corresponding gaps in the rails 230 of the hopper 202 to which the blade cartridge 214 is mounted. Likewise, each rail 230 of the hopper 202 includes plural rail portions that are separated from each other by gaps. The arrangement is such that the rail portions of each rail 230 of the hopper 202 match in approximate length and pass through the gaps in the rails 228 of the blade cartridge 214, which correspond.

[0033] The blade cartridge 214 is installed by aligning the rail portions of the rails 228 of the blade cartridge 214 with the gaps of the rails 230 of the hopper 202. Once aligned, the body 218 of the blade cartridge 214 is slid into place so that the rails 228 of the blade cartridge 214 engage the rails 230 of the hopper 202.

[0034] The structures of the rails 228, 230 of the blade cartridge 214 and the hopper 202, respectively, are arranged to recess the blade cartridge into the wall 226 of the hopper, so as to result in a flush finish between the inside surface of the hopper wall and the inside surface of the blade cartridge. For example, as shown, the rails 228 of the blade cartridge 214 can be positioned along parallel edges of the blade cartridge, and the rails 230 of the hopper 202 can be positioned along parallel edges defining the opening 206 in the hopper wall into which the blade cartridge is mounted.

[0035] In an alternate embodiment, the blade cartridge can have a round shape for mounting in a round hole in the ice hopper wall. In that case, the edge of the blade cartridge and the hole in the ice hopper wall can have features defining a bayonet mount. The bayonet mount features should be on the edges of the opening and the blade cartridge, so as to produce a flush inside surface to the hopper, as explained in connection with the first embodiment described.

[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates the exemplary blade cartridge 214 incorporating features for maintaining the blade cartridge in a well-sealed position against the wall 226 of the hopper 202 once mounted. As shown, two bearing surfaces 232 are formed at the ends of spring arms 234, so as to pull the rails of the blade cartridge against the rails of the hopper, when the blade cartridge is in the mounted position. The provision of the spring arm 234 having the bearing surface 232 may sometimes be referred to as an outrigger rail.

[0037] Blade Guard

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 9-14, and more particularly to FIGS. 9 and 10, the blade guard 216 of the blade cartridge 214 is provided to perform several functions. The primary function of the blade guard 216 is to protect the maintenance person from accidental contact with the exposed sharp edge of the blade 220. The blade guard 216 also provides greater surfaces for gripping the blade cartridge 214 during maintenance operations. Features of the blade guard 216 prevent improper installation of the blade guard, and also prevent assembly and operation of the ice shaver assembly 200 while the blade guard is in place.

[0039] The blade guard 216, illustrated by itself in FIGS. 11 and 13, can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic. The blade guard 216 is constructed to include a body 236 having a hooked cover feature 238 that hooks onto the sharp edge of the blade 220. The hooked cover feature 238 is disposed at the end of a hard, springy sheet of plastic, molded in a generally "U"-shape. The body 236 of the blade guard 218 has a shape that fits uniquely in a recess in the bottom of the blade cartridge 214. The blade guard 216 further has an extended finger 240 that projects in a direction so as to block installation of the cover 204 of the ice shaver assembly 200 while the blade guard is in place, thereby preventing potentially dangerous operation of the ice shaver assembly with the blade guard in place.

[0040] FIG. 12 illustrates the removal of the blade guard 216 from the blade cartridge 214. In order to remove the blade guard 216 from the blade cartridge 214, a tongue 242 and a rear wall 244 of the blade guard are compressed (moved toward each other), and while the tongue is compressed, the hook 238 covering the blade 220 is retracted from the blade. This allows the blade guard 216 to be removed by moving the blade guard in a downward direction. Another feature 246 prevents the blade guard 216 from being installed in a reverse or backwards direction.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, the blade guard can be constructed and arranged to be applied from the working side of the blade cartridge. With this construction, a ridge covers the sharp edge of the blade. A hooked latch feature disposed at the end of a hard, springy sheet of plastic, molded in a generally "U"-shape, catches a ridge interior to the blade cartridge. The body of the blade guard has a shape including an extended finger that projects in a direction so as to block backwards installation of the blade cartridge. The body of the blade guard further extends in a direction so as to block installation of the cover of the ice shaver assembly while the blade guard is in place, thereby preventing potentially dangerous operation of the ice shaver assembly with the blade guard in place.

[0042] Operation

[0043] To remove and replace a worn blade 220 from the ice shaver assembly 200, the cover 204 is removed from the hopper 202 by moving the tab 212 of the cover inboard toward the center of the cover and rotating the cover in a clockwise direction to disengage the interlocking features 208, 210 of the cover and the hopper, respectively. Once the cover 204 is removed, the sliding mount of the blade cartridge 214 enables the blade cartridge to be slid out of the rails 230 of the hopper 202 defining the opening 206 and moved away from the hopper once the rails 228 of the blade cartridge 214 clear the rails of the hopper. A new blade cartridge 214 having a fresh or new blade 220 is provided with the blade guard 216 to protect the installer from contact with the sharp edge of the blade. The new blade cartridge 214 is installed by aligning the rail portions of the rails 228 of the blade cartridge with the recesses of the rails 230 of the hopper 202. Once aligned, the body 218 of the blade cartridge 214 is slid into place so that the rails 228 of the blade cartridge engage the rails 230 of the hopper 202.

[0044] Once the blade cartridge 214 is installed on the hopper 202, the blade guard 216 is removed by compressing the tongue 242 and the rear wall 244 of the blade guard. While compressing the tongue 242 and the rear wall 244, the hook 238 covering the blade 220 is retracted from the blade. This movement allows the blade guard 216 to be removed by moving the blade guard in a downward direction.

[0045] Once the blade cartridge 214 is secured to the hopper 202, the cover 204 may be secured to the hopper by placing the cover over the hopper and rotating the cover counterclockwise so that interlocking features 208 of the cover are received within or otherwise engaged by the corresponding interlocking features 210 of the hopper.

[0046] This disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The ice shaver assembly disclosed herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," "involving," and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0047] Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this disclosure, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

Claims

1. An ice shaver assembly comprising: an ice hopper; and a blade cartridge including a blade, and a body in which the blade is permanently affixed, the body having an upper surface above which the blade protrudes so as to shave ice passing along the upper surface, the body further having fastener-less mounting features configured to mount the blade cartridge on the ice hopper within an opening of the ice hopper.

2. The ice shaver assembly of claim 1, wherein the blade cartridge further includes a sliding rail mount.

3. The ice shaver assembly of claim 2, wherein the sliding rail mount includes a rail defining an alternating sequence of rail portions and gaps defined between rail sections, constructed and arranged to mate with a rail of the ice hopper having a complementary sequence of rail sections and gaps.

4. The ice shaver assembly of claim 2, wherein the sliding rail mount further includes an outrigger rail defined at an end of a spring arm arranged to provide pressure in a direction approximately perpendicular to a sliding direction of the sliding rail mount.

5. The ice shaver assembly of claim 1, wherein the blade cartridge further includes a blade guard over the blade, the blade guard being configured to protect an operator while handling the blade cartridge.

6. The ice shaver assembly of claim 5, wherein the blade guard includes a hook that covers a sharpened edge of the blade, and a barbed spring latch arranged to prevent the cover unhooking from the sharpened edge of the blade.

7. The ice shaver assembly of claim 6, wherein the blade guard further includes a feature preventing closure of a cover of the ice shaver assembly when the blade guard is attached to the blade cartridge.

8. The ice shaver assembly of claim 6, wherein the blade guard further includes a feature preventing operation of the ice shaver when the blade guard is attached to the blade cartridge.

9. An ice shaver safety blade cartridge comprising: a blade; and a body in which the blade is permanently affixed, the body having an upper surface above which the blade protrudes so as to shave ice passing along the upper surface, the body further having fastener-less mounting features configured to mount the blade cartridge on the ice hopper within an opening of the ice hopper.

10. The blade cartridge of claim 9, further comprising a sliding rail mount.

11. The blade cartridge of claim 10, wherein the sliding rail mount includes a rail defining an alternating sequence of rail portions and gaps defined between rail sections, constructed and arranged to mate with a rail of the ice hopper having a complementary sequence of rail sections and gaps.

12. The blade cartridge of claim 10, wherein the sliding rail mount includes an outrigger rail defined at an end of a spring arm arranged to provide pressure in a direction approximately perpendicular to a sliding direction of the sliding rail mount.

13. The blade cartridge of claim 9, further comprising a blade guard over the blade, the blade guard being configured to protect an operator while handling the blade cartridge.

14. The blade cartridge of claim 13, wherein the blade guard includes a hook that covers a sharpened edge of the blade, and a barbed spring latch arranged to prevent the blade guard from unhooking from the sharpened edge of the blade.

15. The blade cartridge of claim 14, wherein the blade guard further includes a feature preventing closure of a cover for the ice hopper when the blade guard is attached to the blade cartridge.

16. The blade cartridge of claim 13, wherein the blade guard further includes a feature preventing operation of an ice shaver when the blade guard is attached to the blade cartridge.

17. An ice shaver assembly comprising: an ice hopper; and a blade cartridge including a blade, and a body in which the blade is permanently affixed, the body having an upper surface above which the blade protrudes so as to shave ice passing along the upper surface, the body further having means for mounting the blade cartridge on the ice hopper within an opening of the ice hopper without a fastener.

18. The ice shaver assembly of claim 17, wherein the means for mounting the blade cartridge on the ice hopper within the opening further includes a sliding rail mount.

19. The ice shaver assembly of claim 18, wherein the sliding rail mount includes a rail defining an alternating sequence of rail portions and gaps defined between rail sections, constructed and arranged to mate with a rail of the ice hopper having a complementary sequence of rail sections and gaps.

20. The ice shaver assembly of claim 18, wherein the sliding rail mount further includes an outrigger rail defined at an end of a spring arm arranged to provide pressure in a direction approximately perpendicular to a sliding direction of the sliding rail mount.