Modular blending system

Abstract

A modular blending system is shown and described. The modular blending system may include a storage device capable of storing a plurality of flavoring products, and an ice shaving mechanism removably attached to the storage device, the ice shaving mechanism including an ice dispenser. The modular blending system may also include a fluid dispensing unit in fluid communication with the flavoring products, where the fluid dispensing unit is separate from the ice dispenser.

1 - 31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . A method of cleaning a modular blending system comprising the steps of:
 attaching a cleaning system having a fixture and at least one tube with the modular blending system;   inserting an end of the tube into a cleaning solution;   initiating operation of a pump;   pumping the cleaning solution into the tube through the fixture and into the modular blending system;   soaking the modular blending system;   initiating operation of the pump; and   evacuating the cleaning solution from the modular blending system.   
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , further comprising the step of:
 operating the pump in first and second directions with the cleaning solution in the modular blending system.   
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the cleaning solution is evacuated from the modular blending system by utilizing gravity. 
     
     
         35 . A tray configured to be selectively held within a storage device, the tray comprising:
 a floor configured to be positioned within the storage device;   at least one wall extending from the floor;   an opening in the at least one wall, the opening configured to receive a receptacle spout; and   a base plate moveably secured with the floor, wherein the base plate moves relative to the floor to assist with evacuating fluid from a receptacle.   
     
     
         36 . The tray of  claim 35 , wherein the base plate is pivotally secured with the floor. 
     
     
         37 . The tray of  claim 36 , further comprising at least one biasing member, the biasing member pivotally securing the base plate with the floor. 
     
     
         38 . The tray of  claim 37 , wherein the biasing member is at least one of a leaf spring, elastic band, and torsion spring. 
     
     
         39 . The tray of  claim 37 , wherein the at least one biasing member is applies a predetermined biasing force to the base plate to pivot the base plate a predetermined amount as weight on the base plate is reduced. 
     
     
         40 . The tray of  claim 39 , further comprising a fluid receptacle received on the base plate wherein as fluid evacuates the receptacle the base plate pivots away from the floor. 
     
     
         41 . The tray of  claim 40 , wherein the amount the base plate pivots away from the floor corresponds to an amount of the fluid evacuated from the receptacle. 
     
     
         42 . A tray configured to be selectively held within a storage device, the tray comprising:
 a floor having a front portion and a rear portion;   at least one wall extending upward from the front portion of the floor;   an aperture in the at least one wall, the aperture configured to receive a receptacle spout; and   a base plate configured to pivot relative to the floor to assist with evacuating fluid from a receptacle positioned on the base plate, wherein the base plate pivots from a first position substantially parallel with the floor to a second position angled towards the front portion of the floor.   
     
     
         43 . The tray of  claim 42 , further comprising a biasing member secured between the floor and the base plate, wherein the biasing member applies a predetermined biasing force to the base plate to pivot the base plate a predetermined amount as weight on the base plate is reduced. 
     
     
         44 . The tray of  claim 43 , further comprising a fluid receptacle engaged with the base plate, wherein as weight of the receptacle is reduced the base plate pivots away from the floor. 
     
     
         45 . The tray of  claim 44 , wherein as the base plate pivots away from the floor fluid in the receptacle evacuates therefrom.