U.S. patent application number 10/673086 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-04 for apparatus and method for bagging ice.
Invention is credited to James, Charles, Metzger, Mark.
Application Number | 20040216481 10/673086 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32175839 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040216481 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
James, Charles ; et
al. |
November 4, 2004 |
Apparatus and method for bagging ice
Abstract
An ice-bagging apparatus for automatically and continuously
producing, bagging and storing bags of ice without the occurrence
of bridging between the ice particles/cubes, and without the need
for manual labor and/or continuous monitoring of the machinery,
wherein a bag identification mechanism is utilized to ensure the
use of only a select type or brand of bag within the ice-bagging
apparatus.
Inventors: |
James, Charles; (Marietta,
GA) ; Metzger, Mark; (Glendale, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS & KAPLAN, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW, L.L.C.
1899 POWERS FERRY ROAD
SUITE 310
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
32175839 |
Appl. No.: |
10/673086 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10673086 |
Sep 26, 2003 |
|
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10288146 |
Nov 5, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/344 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 43/123 20130101;
F25C 5/18 20130101; F25C 5/00 20130101; F25C 5/20 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/344 |
International
Class: |
F25C 005/18 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An ice-bagging apparatus, comprising: a slider box configured to
receive ice from at least one icemaker, said slider box adapted to
slidably transport the ice for subsequent deposit of same into a
bag.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE AND PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] To the full extent permitted by law, the present
continuation-in-part application claims priority to and the full
benefit of nonprovisional patent application entitled "Apparatus
and Method For Bagging Ice", filed on Nov. 5, 2002, and having
assigned Serial No. 10/288,146.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to ice machines, and
more specifically to an ice-bagging apparatus and method thereof.
The present invention is particularly suitable for, although not
strictly limited to, automatically bagging ice for the continuous
supply thereof, wherein a bag identification mechanism is utilized
to ensure the use of only a select type or brand of bag within the
ice-bagging apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Bagged ice may be found in most grocery stores, convenience
stores, gas stations and/or superstores. These bags are typically
stored in freezers on the premises of such locations. A concern for
most vendors of these establishments is the necessity of
maintaining an adequate supply of bagged ice for their customers.
Unfortunately, most establishments are not equipped with ice-making
and bagging facilities or machinery and are thus forced to rely on
shipments of bagged ice and consequently accept the potential delay
thereof, thus adversely affecting the establishment's customer
satisfaction and profit margin.
[0004] Although some establishments may be equipped with ice-making
machinery, most are typically not equipped with efficient and
automated ice-bagging machinery. Instead, such establishments often
have on-site employees manually fill individual bags with ice and
then load the individual bags into a freezer, thus resulting in a
highly inefficient and potentially unsanitary process. Furthermore,
bags manually filled with ice are generally not immediately placed
within a freezer to maintain solid state of the ice, but are
instead allowed to sit for a period of time on the floor or in a
basket or container where bridging/fusing of the ice results as a
consequence of the ice melting. As such, a customer purchasing
manually filled bags of ice is often burdened with having to break
a large clump or block of ice into useable pieces. Bags of ice
shipped or trucked to a grocery store are also subject to bridging
during transport of the ice bags from the delivery truck to inside
the store and then into the store's freezers.
[0005] Facilities that possess presently available ice making,
bagging and storing machine are still at a disadvantage, as the
technology of prior-art machines has generally remained
inefficient, thereby adversely affecting profitability. In
particular, most prior-art machines require augers to channel and
physically transport ice produced by the icemaker to a reservoir
for subsequent bagging. As such augers are typically slow in
transporting the ice to the reservoir and fail to incorporate
drainage mechanisms to assist in the channeling away of melting
ice, unwanted bridging/fusing of ice particles results, and as
such, utilization and incorporation of such augers is
disadvantageous. Furthermore, because such machinery may bag ice
based on weight of the collected ice within the reservoir, fused
clumps of ice are often deposited into the bags when the required
weight of ice, clumped or not, has been met. Consequently, the slow
speed and inefficiency of machinery incorporating such augers
directly impacts the number of bags of ice that can be produced
and, as such, has a direct and negative impact on sales volume and
profit of the establishment utilizing the machinery.
[0006] Moreover, prior-art ice making, bagging and storing machines
that incorporate hoppers for receipt of ice from the icemaker,
typically do not possess an agitator in the hopper to assist in
breaking up and/or agitating the ice particles/cubes so as to
prevent bridging. As a result, bags of ice yielded from these prior
art machines generally contain fused clumps of ice particles/cubes,
thereby inconveniencing the purchaser/customer by requiring him/her
to break apart the chunks of ice into smaller useable pieces.
[0007] An additional concern with prior art ice making, bagging and
storing machines, and within the ice-bagging industry in general,
is the inability of original equipment manufactures to uphold
product warranties due to actions conducted on behalf of purchasers
of the ice machines. Specifically, many ice machines may require a
specific type or brand of bag to effectively and continuously
function properly, wherein such bags are often made available for
purchase through the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
However, instead of purchasing the proper bags from the OEM, many
machine purchasers typically purchase bags from a second source,
perhaps due to past dealings and/or established business
relationships therewith. Unfortunately, many such second-source
bags may not be the proper type or size of bag, and/or may not be
manufactured from the requisite material needed to withstand the
rigors and bagging process of the machine. As such, use of such
bags often results in machine malfunction, improper or defective
product (ice) bagging, and thus, the subsequent voiding of OEM
warranties. Additionally, because the livelihood and success of
many companies is often dependent upon name recognition and the
association of same with high-quality goods and/or services, many
consumers may attribute an improperly or defectively bagged ice
product to the OEM name (trademark) printed or otherwise displayed
on the machine itself, and not to the second-source manufacture
name printed on the bag, thus potentially resulting in tarnishment
of the OEM's name or trademark. As such, a decline in sales of
bagged ice may have a significant financial and future machine
sales impact on the OEM, especially in scenarios where the ice
machine has been leased and the lessee chooses not to renew the
lease based upon the decline in sales.
[0008] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for
an ice-bagging apparatus that provides an establishment with the
ability to automatically and continuously produce, bag and store
bags of ice without the occurrence of bridging between the ice
particles/cubes, and without the need for manual labor and/or
continuous monitoring of the machinery. There is a further need for
an ice-bagging apparatus that incorporates a bag identification
mechanism to ensure the use of only a select type or brand of bag
within the ice-bagging apparatus.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present
invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the
recognized need for such a device by providing an ice-bagging
apparatus and method that provides an establishment with the
ability to automatically and expeditiously produce, bag and store
bags of ice, thus maintaining a desired supply of bagged ice by
eliminating conventional methods of manual ice bagging and reducing
the likelihood of unwanted bridging of the ice particles/cubes. The
present invention further incorporates a bag identification
mechanism to ensure the use of only a select type or brand of bag
within the ice-bagging apparatus.
[0010] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the
present invention in its preferred form is an ice-bagging apparatus
having an icemaker, a hopper for receiving ice from the icemaker, a
slider box for receiving ice from the hopper and for channeling the
ice into a bag, a bagging mechanism for bagging the ice, a bag
identification mechanism, a freezer for storing the bagged ice and
a control panel for managing and monitoring said system.
[0011] More specifically, the present invention is an ice bagging
apparatus having an icemaker, a hopper for receiving ice from the
icemaker, a slider box positioned under the hopper for receiving
ice therefrom and for channeling the ice into a bag, wherein the
bag is fed through the apparatus via a bag supply mechanism. Once
filled with a desired amount of ice, the slider box slides or
travels along a slider tray and is preferably computer-programmed
or electronically controlled to position itself over the bag,
wherein ice is subsequently deposited therein. Prior to filling,
the mouth of the bag is preferably blown open via a blower/fan and
physically held open via a pivoting hatch positioned just over the
bag. The filled bag is then heat sealed via heat sealers and then
dropped into a rotator, wherein motors rotate the rotator, allowing
the bag to drop into a freezer or storage unit. The entire process
is preferably fully automated and/or computer controlled, such that
the speed of the machine can be altered according to the desired
production rate of bagged ice. The apparatus further possesses
laser eyes positioned at specified points on the apparatus for
reading the process of the apparatus at various stages, so as to
ensure proper functioning thereof.
[0012] Additionally, to ensure use of only a select type or brand
of bag, a bag identification process is preferably initiated prior
to filling each bag with ice. Specifically, a bag identification
mechanism utilizing strategically positioned laser eyes preferably
systematically detects, reads and measures the length of label
sections printed on the bag, as well as the distance between each
label section. The tabulated or measured values (i.e., relative
lengths and distances between the label sections) are compared
against a pre-programmed or set value of lengths/measurements
defined by the onboard computer of the control panel. Should the
apparatus or computer encounter a discrepancy between the measured
values and defined values, the computer may selectively deactivate
systems operations of the apparatus entirely, permit systems
operations and forward a status report of the discrepancies to the
original equipment manufacturer for management or resolution,
and/or deactivate systems operations after a series or set number
of separately detected discrepancies, wherein the latter option
accounts for possible machine-related error, identification error,
inherent defects in the bag, or the like (i.e., allows room for
error).
[0013] Should the apparatus encounter a general system malfunction,
the apparatus will attempt to correct the malfunction via computer
pre-programmed responses implemented within the control panel. If
the apparatus is unable to correct the malfunction, the control
panel sends messages or signals via modem or other communication
devices to the manufacturer of the apparatus for repair and/or to
store management depending upon the complexity of the problem.
Additionally, data can be collected and analyzed regarding the
volume of sales based on the number of bags utilized, the number of
cycles or the volume of ice produced.
[0014] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
ability to continuously and automatically produce bags of ice, thus
constantly maintaining a desired supply of bags of ice.
[0015] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
ability to send and receive computer signals for regular
maintenance and/or reporting.
[0016] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
ability to drain water so as to reduce the likelihood of bridging
or fusing of ice particles during the ice making and bagging
processes.
[0017] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
ability to function without the incorporation of augers as utilized
in prior-art machines, thus reducing the likelihood of bridging of
the ice.
[0018] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
ability to permit and police the selection of a particular type
and/or brand of bag.
[0019] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
reduced size as compared to prior-art machines, thus reducing the
necessary footprint and consequently the costs of floor space.
[0020] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
ability to physically or mechanically hold open a bag during the
process of filling the bag with ice.
[0021] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
ability to agitate the ice held within the hopper, thus reducing
the likelihood of bridging of the ice.
[0022] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
ability to function without the use of an auger as utilized in
prior art machines, thus enabling increased production rates.
[0023] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
ability to reduce the vendor's overall cost of bagged ice.
[0024] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
ability to correct and/or attempt to correct problems associated
with its components and/or machine parts, wherein problems that
require further investigation or repair are reported via a modem
and/or global networking system to a repair or servicing company,
or the like.
[0025] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from
the following description and claims when read in light of the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The present invention will be better understood by reading
the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments
with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like
reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like
elements throughout, and in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an ice-bagging
apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an ice-bagging
apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an ice-bagging
apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an ice-bagging
apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the slider box of an
ice-bagging apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the hatch and heat seal pad
of an ice-bagging apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a side view of the bagging assembly of an
ice-bagging apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a side view of the bagging assembly and the
storage of an ice-bagging apparatus according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a front view of a bag according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, showing an aspect of the
preferred bag identification process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATE
EMBODIMENTS
[0036] In describing the preferred and selected alternate
embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-9,
specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The
invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific
terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each
specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in
a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 1, the present invention in a
preferred embodiment is an apparatus 10, wherein apparatus 10 is an
ice-bagging apparatus having, in general, icemaker assembly 20,
bagging assembly 40, storage 140 and control panel 150. Preferably,
icemaker assembly 20 is positioned on and above bagging assembly
40, and bagging assembly 40 is preferably positioned on and above
storage 140. Bagging assembly 40 further preferably possesses
control panel 150 secured thereto, wherein control panel 150 is
preferably in computer or electronic communication with apparatus
10 in general, as more fully described below. One skilled in the
art would readily recognize that control panel 150 could be
positioned in any location on or near apparatus 10, wherein user
accessibility and functional communication between necessary
components is facilitated. Moreover, while the generally "stacked"
arrangement is preferred, the relative positions of icemaker
assembly 20, bagging assembly 40 and storage 140 could be
alternatively configured, wherein alternate and/or additional means
of ice transport therebetween could be incorporated, or one unit
housing icemaker assembly 20, bagging assembly 40 and storage 140
could be utilized, wherein individual housings and apertures
therebetween could be modified and/or eliminated.
[0038] Icemaker assembly 20 is preferably a conventional icemaker
as known within the art, possessing icemaker 22 enclosed within
housing 24, wherein bottom wall 26 of housing 24 preferably
possesses aperture 28, and wherein aperture 28 is preferably
aligned with hopper 42 of bagging assembly 40 so as to permit ice
produced by icemaker 22 to enter through aperture 28 for receipt by
hopper 42, as more fully described below. To ensure the highest
quality of ice produced via icemaker 22, sediment filter 25 and UV
filter 27 are preferably disposed within icemaker assembly 20
and/or in-line with the water source to preferably filter the water
prior to production of ice therefrom.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, bagging assembly 40 is
preferably enclosed within housing 41, wherein upper wall 41a of
housing 41 possesses an aperture 42a positioned over and aligned
with mouth 44 of hopper 42, and wherein hopper 42 is preferably
inverted-pyramidal-shaped to facilitate the funneling therein of
ice cubes/particles produced by icemaker 22. Aperture 42a is
further preferably aligned with aperture 28 of icemaker assembly
20, wherein ice produced by icemaker 22 preferably falls through
aperture 28 of icemaker assembly 20, through aperture 42a of
housing 41 of bagging assembly 40, and then into mouth 44 of hopper
42. Once hopper 42 is filled with a desired amount of ice as
dictated by control panel 150, ice collected within hopper 42 is
preferably channeled into slider box 60 through aperture 43 of
hopper 42, wherein slider box 60 is positioned directly beneath
hopper 42, as more fully described below.
[0040] Hopper 42 preferably possesses agitator 46, wherein agitator
46 preferably possesses a generally elongated-rectangular-shaped
arm 48 having first end 48a and second end 48b, wherein arm 48 is
preferably slidably engaged with slot 42c formed through wall 42b
of hopper 42.
[0041] Preferably formed through arm 48 is slot 50, preferably
having first end 50a and second end 50b, wherein first end 50a is
preferably positioned proximal first end 48a of arm 48, and wherein
second end 50b is preferably positioned proximal second end 48b of
arm 48. Pin 52 preferably extends through throughhole 53a of
prong-shaped support bracket 53, wherein support bracket 53 is
preferably formed on edge 69 of slider box 60, and wherein pin 52
thereafter preferably extends through slot 50 and is slidably
engaged therewith, as best depicted in FIG. 2.
[0042] Preferably formed at second end 48b of arm 48 of agitator
46, and angled outwardly therefrom, are prongs 54 and 56, wherein
prongs 54 and 56 preferably assist in the agitation of ice within
hopper 42 upon the movement of arm 48 through slot 42c of hopper
42. Specifically, upon movement of slider box 60 over slider tray
80 (for purposes more fully described below), pin 52 of arm 48 of
agitator 46 preferably leaves first end 50a of slot 50 of arm 48
and slides through the length of slot 50 until pin 52 contacts
second end 50b of slot 50, whereupon pin 52 pushes arm 48 through
slot 42c of hopper 42, thus agitating ice collected therein via
prongs 54 and 56 of arm 48, thereby reducing/eliminating the
occurrence of bridging between the ice. While arm 48 and prongs 54
and 56 are preferably utilized to agitate ice collected in hopper
42, one skilled in the art, with the benefit of the present
disclosure, would readily recognize that other shapes, agitation
means and/or mechanisms could be utilized to perform substantially
the same function without departing from the intended scope of the
present invention.
[0043] Referring now more specifically to FIG. 3-4, control panel
150 is preferably hingably connected to housing 41 of bagging
assembly 40 via hinges 151, wherein removal of spring-loaded pin
152 of control panel 150 from lock-hole 152 formed on housing 41 of
bagging assembly 40 preferably exposes hopper 42, thus permitting
the removal of hopper 42 from housing 41 via slidably removing
hopper 42 from support rails 47 and 49 positioned on and secured to
upper wall 41a of housing 41. To facilitate removal of hopper 42
from housing 41, pin 52 of arm 48 of agitator 46 is preferably
removed from throughhole 53a of support bracket 53 of slider box
60, thus permitting arm 48 to unlatch therefrom. Once removed from
housing 41, hopper 42 can then be sanitized and/or cleaned as
desired, thus further maintaining the sterility of ice deposited
therein.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 5, slider box 60 preferably possesses
a generally trapezoidal-shape and preferably has an aperture 62
formed through front area 60a of slider box 60, wherein slider tray
80 positioned under slider box 60 preferably serves as a bottom or
closure means for aperture 62, thus permitting slider box 60 to
maintain ice received from hopper 42 therein. To increase the
overall volumetric capacity of aperture 62 of slider box 60, front
wall 65 of slider box 60 is preferably slidably adjustable via
slot-and-bolt mechanisms 65a and 65b formed on side walls 60b and
60c, respectively, of slider box 60 and in communication with front
wall 65, wherein front wall 65 is preferably adjustable to enable
aperture 62 to receive 5 lbs, 10 lbs and/or 20 lbs of ice therein
for the subsequent generation of 5 lbs, 10 lbs and/or 20 lbs bags
of ice, respectively. Furthermore, front wall 65 preferably
possesses upwardly angled lip 65c formed thereon, wherein angled
lip 65c preferably abuts front edge 43c of aperture 43 of hopper 42
when slider box 60 is in a resting position, thus shunting the flow
of any vestigial ice particles from aperture 43 of hopper 42 (see
FIGS. 7-8). Although aperture 62 of slider box 60 is capable of
receiving 5 lbs, 10 lbs and/or 20 lbs of ice, it is contemplated in
an alternate embodiment that aperture 62 and/or front wall 65 could
be modified to receive any desired quantity of ice. Slider box 60
is preferably formed from a metal material, although other suitable
materials may be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only,
plastic.
[0045] Formed preferably along side walls 60b and 60c of slider box
60, proximal to angled region 60d of bottom wall 61 of slider box
60, are channels 64 and 66, respectively, wherein channels 64 and
66 preferably function to divert water and/or slurry from the ice
held within aperture 62 of slider box 60 and on slider tray 80, as
more fully described below. Additionally, formed preferably on
sides 60b and 60c of slider box 60 are rail engagers 68 and 70,
respectively, that preferably slidably engage rails 72 and 74
positioned along side walls 80a and 80b, respectively, of slider
tray 80, and ending in secured contact with front walls 80c and
80d, respectively of slider tray 80. Rail engagers 68 and 70 of
slider box 60 and respective rails 72 and 74 of slider tray 80
preferably permit slider box 60 to travel along slider tray 80 via
assistance from motor 89 (not shown) positioned under slider tray
80, thus permitting slider box 60 to deposit ice into bag 102, as
more fully described below. Furthermore, to ensure that slider box
60 slides the appropriate distance over, slider tray 80, slider box
60 preferably possesses trip bar 60e formed on side wall 60b of
slider box 60, wherein trip bar 60e preferably contacts and trips
switch 60f positioned proximal slider tray 80 and in
computer-communication with control panel 150 (see FIG. 5), and
wherein the tripping of switch 60f by trip bar 60e preferably halts
further movement of slider box 60 over slider tray 80.
[0046] Slider tray 80 is preferably substantially
rectangular-shaped and is preferably formed from a metal material,
although other suitable materials may be utilized, such as, for
exemplary purposes only, plastic. Preferably, aperture 82 is formed
through bottom wall 84 of slider tray 80, wherein
computer-activated or automated movement of slider box 60 along
rails 72 and 74 preferably results in aperture 62 of slider box 60
being aligned with and positioned over aperture 82 of slider tray
80, such that ice collected and retained within slider box 60 is
thereafter deposited through aperture 62 of slider box 60 and then
through aperture 82 of slider tray 80 for subsequent receipt by bag
102, as more fully described below. Furthermore, when slider box 60
slides over slider tray 80, flat upper surface 67 of slider box 60,
proximal aperture 62 of front area 60a, preferably becomes
positioned under aperture 43 of hopper 42, thus shunting and/or
stopping any further ice from exiting aperture 43 of hopper 42.
[0047] Preferably, slider tray 80 is positioned on mount 96,
wherein mount 96 is preferably ramp-like so that slider tray 80 and
supported slider box 60 are preferably upwardly slanted and/or
angled relative to storage 140. Such preferred slanting/angling of
slider tray 80 and supported slider box 60 gravitationally
encourages liquid and/or slurry formed within and on slider box 60
to travel downwardly and away from the ice held within aperture 62
of slider box 60 and on slider tray 80, wherein such water and/or
melting ice is preferably diverted through and down channels 64 and
66 of slider box 60 and into slider tray 80, whereupon water may be
drained therefrom via drainage spout 63 formed on slider tray 80
via assistance from attached hose 63A. This preferred configuration
reduces the likelihood of bridging or fusing of the ice cubes held
within aperture 62 due to excess water and/or melting ice.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, secured preferably to sides
96aand 96b of mount 96 are ends 95a and 97a, respectively, of rails
95 and 97, respectively, wherein opposing ends 95b and 97b,
respectively, are preferably in communication with heat seal pad
98, and wherein heat seal pad 98 is preferably any suitable heat
seal pad as known within the art. Formed preferably on front face
96c of mount 96 is heat seal strip 99, wherein computer activated
sliding of heat seal pad 98 along rails 95 and 97 preferably
enables contact of heat seal pad 98 with heat seal strip 99, thus
heat sealing the top portion of an ice-filled bag 102 positioned
therebetween, as more fully described below. Furthermore, to
prevent a heat-sealed bag of ice 102 from sticking to heat seal
strip 99, spring-loaded kick-bar 99c positioned preferably over and
around heat seal strip 99 preferably springfully kicks forward,
thus pushing the heat-sealed bag of ice 102 off heat sealer 99,
wherein kick-bar 99c is preferably initially pushed inward upon
initial heat sealing of bag 102. Heat seal pad 98 is preferably
positioned beneath bottom wall 84 of slider tray 80 so as to
prevent heat seal pad 98 from interfering with the passage of ice
from aperture 82 of slider tray 80 into bag 102 positioned
thereunder.
[0049] Bag roll 100, preferably positioned behind angled region 60d
of slider box 60, preferably supplies bags 102 for the filling of
ice therein, wherein bags 102 are preferably joined and separable
via perforations 105 formed between each bag 102. Preferably, only
one side of bag 102 is attached to a preceding bag 102, wherein the
unattached or opposing side of bag 102 is preferably freely
openable so as to expose mouth 103 of bag 102 for the placement of
ice therein and therethrough. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, bag
roll 100 is preferably supported in housing 41 of bagging assembly
40 via spool-mechanism 100a. Preferably, upon exhaustion of bags
102 from bag roll 100, spool-mechanism 100a preferably permits a
new bag roll 100 to be placed on spool pin 100b via removal of
spool plate 100c from spool pin 100b.
[0050] Specifically, bags 102 are preferably conveyed over roller
assembly 104, wherein roller assembly 104 is preferably positioned
substantially beneath slider tray 80. Bags 102 traveling over
roller assembly 104 are preferably transported through bagging
assembly 40 and an individual bag 102 is preferably halted under
aperture 82 of slider tray 80, and preferably over rotator 130 for
subsequent receipt of a filled bag of ice 102 therein, as more
fully described below. Upon bringing a bag 102 to a halt under
aperture 82, blower 106 preferably blows open bag 102 via tube 106a
and blower vent 106b, thus exposing mouth 103 for the placement of
ice therethrough and therein, wherein blower 106 is preferably a
conventional fan blower as known within the art, and wherein blower
vent 106b is preferably positioned within chute 111 and over bag
102, as more fully described below. Following the blowing open of
bag 102, control panel 150 preferably computer activates slider box
60 to slide up slider tray 80 via rails 72 and 74, resulting in
aperture 62 of slider box 60 aligning with and positioning over
aperture 82 of slider tray 80, such that ice collected and retained
within slider box 60 is thereafter deposited through aperture 62 of
slider box 60, through aperture 82 of slider tray 80, through chute
111 aligned therewith, and then through mouth 103 of bag 102 for
the collection of the ice therein.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 9, and with continued reference to
FIGS. 1-4, to enable selection of a specific make, brand, size
and/or type of bag 102, a bag identification process is preferably
initiated prior to filling each bag 102 with ice; although, such
bag identification processes may be conducted at any selected or
various stages of the bagging process described herein.
Specifically, as each bag 102 advances through bagging assembly 40,
strategically positioned laser eyes 107 preferably systematically
detect, read and measure the length of indicia or label sections
102b and 102c printed on top surface 102a of bag 102, as well as
the length or distance 102d between each label section 102b and
102c, wherein label section 102b is preferably measured first, then
distance 102d, followed by label section 102c. The tabulated or
measured values (i.e., relative lengths and distances between label
sections 102b and 102c, and distance 102d) are compared against a
pre-programmed or set value of lengths/measurements defined by the
onboard computer of control panel 150, preferably for purposes of
identifying and verifying the authenticity of bag 102 for use of
same in apparatus 10. Should the computer of control panel 150
encounter a discrepancy between the measured values and defined
values, the computer of control panel 150 may selectively
deactivate systems operations of apparatus 10 entirely, permit
systems operations and forward a status report of the discrepancies
to the original equipment manufacturer for management or
resolution, and/or deactivate systems operations after a series or
set number of separately detected discrepancies, wherein the latter
option accounts for possible machine-related error, bag-feed error,
identification error, inherent defects in bags 102, inherent
defects in the printing of label sections 102b and 102c, or the
like (i.e., allows room for error). Although it is preferred that
laser eyes 107 read and measure label section 102b first, then
distance 102d, followed by label section 102c, it should be
recognized that any order of reading or measuring of same could be
utilized, as well as any configuration, arrangement and/or number
of label sections and/or measured distances therebetween. It is
further contemplated that the bottom surface of bag 102 could also
possess label sections for bag identification purposes. It is still
further contemplated that any suitable sensing and/or bag
identification mechanism could be utilized, such as, for exemplary
purposes only, photoelectric eyes, laser technology and/or barcode
technology, for reading any suitable bag identification indicia,
such as, for exemplary purposes only, colors, barcodes, shapes,
reference characters, letters, numbers, selected distances, voids,
spaces, or the like.
[0052] Laser eyes 107 also preferably function to detect
operational and/or mechanical maintenance requirements associated
with bag 102 and/or bag roll 100, wherein such maintenance may
include detecting when bag roll 100 is on its last bag 102, and/or
detecting strands of adhesive tape typically utilized to connect
one bag roll 100 to another bag roll 100. As best illustrated in
FIGS. 1-4, laser eyes 107 preferably flank roller assembly 104.
Although laser eyes 107 are preferred, any comparable assessment
and/or data collection means could be utilized, such as, for
exemplary purposes only, infrared or ultraviolet or other scanning
means.
[0053] Referring back to FIG. 5, preferably, lever 108 is
positioned on and in pivotal communication with edge 80e of
sidewall 80b of slider tray 80, and just forward of front wall 65
of slider box 60. Attached to lever 108 is end 110a of cable 110,
wherein pivotation of lever 108 preferably causes the subsequent
tensioning of attached cable 110. End 110b of cable 110 is
preferably attached to shovelhead-shaped hatch 112, wherein hatch
112 is preferably positioned proximate to aperture 82 of slider
tray 80, and proximate to mouth 103 of bag 102, and wherein hatch
112 preferably functions as a gate over bag 102, permitting ice to
be loaded therein only when hatch 112 is opened. Preferably,
tensioning of cable 110 causes hatch 112 to flip downward relative
to slider tray 80 and manually hold open bag 102, thus widening
mouth 103 of bag 102 and facilitating the filling of ice
therethrough and therein, wherein hatch 112 further functions as a
slide, channeling ice passing thereagainst through mouth 103 and
into bag 102. Halting and filling of bag 102 is further preferably
accurately guided and controlled via laser eyes 101 that preferably
flank heat seal pad 98, as best illustrated in FIG. 6. Although
laser eyes 101 are preferred for guidance and control, one skilled
in the art would readily recognize that other means for sensory
guidance and control could be utilized, such as, for exemplary
purposes only, infrared and/or ultraviolet mechanisms.
[0054] Upon completion of filling bag 102 with ice, slider box 60
preferably returns to its resting position, thus returning lever
108 to its resting position and causing hatch 112 to close, wherein
hatch 112 is preferably springfully urged shut via attached spring
116. Thereafter, control panel 150 preferably computer activates
the movement of heat seal pad 98 along rails 95 and 97, wherein
heat seal pad 98 preferably contacts heat seal strip 99 of mount
96, thus heat sealing the top portion of an ice-filled bag 102
positioned therebetween. Preferably during heat sealing of bag 102,
tines 114 formed on edge 98a of heat seal pad 98 preferably assist
in the separation of a filled bag of ice 102 from an unfilled bag
102 via mechanically perforating bags 102 from one another along
perforations 105 of bags 102, as best illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0055] Upon separation of ice-filled bag 102 from the preceding
unfilled bag 102, ice-filled bag 102 preferably drops into rotator
130, wherein rotator 130 is preferably positioned to receive
ice-filled bag 102. Rotator 130 is preferably a basket-like
container 132 having rotating motors 134 and 136 on opposing sides
132a and 132b, respectively, of container 132. Rotating motors 134
and 136 preferably function to rotate container 132 preferably 360
degrees, thus allowing ice-filled bag 102 to drop into storage 140
via aperture 142 formed in storage 140 and into container 132,
wherein container 132 preferably rotatably returns to its resting
position to receive another ice-filled bag 102 for subsequent
deposit into storage 140. Although 360 degrees is preferred, any
measure of rotational movement less than 360 degrees could be
utilized, wherein the deposit of ice-filled bags into storage 140
could continue to be enabled. To ensure proper rotation of rotator
130, laser eyes 138 preferably flank rotator 130 and signal control
panel 150 to remedy an improperly/incompletely rotated rotator
130.
[0056] Storage 140 is preferably any conventionally available
freezer utilized to maintain freezing temperatures of bagged ice
stored therein, wherein storage 140 preferably possesses an
aperture 142 formed preferably on top surface 140a of storage 140
and preferably positioned/aligned above rotator 130 for receipt of
bagged ice 102 therefrom. It is contemplated in an alternate
embodiment that storage 140 could possesses an automated swiveling
shifter positioned proximal aperture 142, wherein the shifter would
swing from side to side as bagged ice 102 is deposited into storage
140, thus enabling bagged ice 102 to be equally distributed
throughout storage 140.
[0057] Control panel 150 is preferably affixed to bagging assembly
40 and preferably is in electronic or computer-control therewith.
Specifically, control panel 150 preferably electronically or
computer-activates and controls all operations of icemaker assembly
20, bagging assembly 40, storage 140, and apparatus 10 in general.
Moreover, upon encountering a problem/malfunction in the operations
of apparatus 10, control panel 150 preferably troubleshoots and
directs pre-programmed problem solving events to correct the
problem, whereupon the inability of control panel 150 to correct
the problem preferably results in control panel 150 sending a
message and/or signal to the original equipment manufacturer or
other appropriately authorized maintenance personnel for repair,
and/or to store management depending upon the complexity of the
problem. Control panel 150 preferably sends the signals via
computer networking, modems and/or global networking systems,
and/or via any other known messaging/signaling technologies.
Additionally, control panel 150 preferably signals store management
regarding simple maintenance issues including, but not limited to,
bag roll 100 replacement and/or replacement of sediment filters 25
and UV filters 27, wherein such signaling may be via audible
beeps/buzzers, warning lights and/or other sensory mechanisms
and/or known messaging/signaling technologies.
[0058] It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that bagging
assembly 40 of apparatus 10 could possess a plurality of bag rolls
100, wherein apparatus 10 could be further modified/altered to
facilitate the simultaneous bagging of a plurality of bags of ice
102.
[0059] It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that bagging
assembly 40 could include a substantially continuous roll of bags
having side seams only, wherein user-programmable selection of bag
size could be enabled, wherein heat sealing of two ends of the bag
could be enabled, and wherein an automated cutting mechanism could
be included to cut the newly sealed bag. Moreover, bagging assembly
40 could utilize two rolls of sealable plastic, wherein plastic
from each said roll could form one side of the ice bag, wherein the
sides and the bottom could be heat sealed to form the bag, and
wherein the bag could be subsequently cut from the rolls of
plastic.
[0060] It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that bagging
assembly 40 could utilize continuous feed bags with zipper-type
closure means incorporated thereon, wherein sealing of filled bags
could be accomplished without the application of heat.
[0061] It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that icemaker
assembly 20, bagging assembly 40 and storage 140 of apparatus 10
could be situated adjacent one another and in adjacent
communication with one another.
[0062] It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that apparatus
10 could be manufactured without storage 140, wherein storage 140
could be replaced with a receptacle, such that a customer could
utilize a keypad or the like to enter the numerical amount of
bagged ice desired, and thereafter receive freshly bagged ice
deposited into the receptacle by apparatus 10.
[0063] It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that apparatus
10 could be equipped with a volumetric drum to further assist in
the measurement and dispensing of a specified quantity of ice.
[0064] It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that apparatus
10 could be equipped with multiple icemaker assemblies 20, multiple
hoppers 40, multiple slider boxes 60 and multiple slider trays for
the simultaneous bagging of multiple bags 102 of ice thereby.
[0065] It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that apparatus
10 could be modified and/or altered to deposit ice-filled bags 102
through more than one aperture in storage 140, thus permitting
ice-filled bags 102 to be evenly distributed within storage
140.
[0066] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the
within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other
alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the
scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention
is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but
is limited only by the following claims.
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