Block ice shaver with tension arm and shaping device

Abstract

The disclosure extends to devices, systems and methods for producing a shaved ice product using shaved ice confection machines and processes. The disclosure also extends to a tension arm and a shaping device used in conjunction with shaved ice confection machines and processes to produce more consistent shaved ice output with a potential increase in machine life.

1 . An ice shaving machine, comprising:
 a safety cover comprising an interior facing surface and an exterior facing surface;   an ice block feeder;   a mechanical drive mechanism;   a blade assembly mechanically connected to said mechanical drive mechanism comprising a blade configured to rotate relative to a block of ice when said mechanical drive mechanism is activated; and   an ice block guide that extends outward from the interior facing surface of the safety cover;   wherein the ice block guide is configured to contact the block of ice while the block of ice is being shaved.   
     
     
         2 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 1 , wherein the ice block guide comprises an edge;
 wherein the edge of the ice block guide is configured to contact the block of ice, thereby placing a compressive force on the block of ice;   wherein the edge is oriented parallel to the block of ice during shaving, such that the block of ice travels along said edge while being shaved.   
     
     
         3 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 1 , wherein the ice block guide is a tensioning arm;
 wherein the machine further comprises a tensioning mechanism for adjusting a force that the tensioning arm exerts on the ice block, wherein the tensioning mechanism contacts a surface of the tensioning arm.   
     
     
         4 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 3 , wherein the tensioning mechanism comprises a threaded member and a crank handle that is configured to drive the threaded member. 
     
     
         5 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 4 , wherein the crank is hand operated. 
     
     
         6 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 4 , wherein the crank is driven by an electric motor. 
     
     
         7 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 3 , wherein the tensioning mechanism automatically adjusts relative to a size of the block of ice. 
     
     
         8 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 1 , wherein the ice block guide is removably attached with fasteners. 
     
     
         9 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 8 , wherein the fasteners are removable without tools. 
     
     
         10 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 1 , wherein the ice block guide is substantially rigid and made of unitary construction and material. 
     
     
         11 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 1 , wherein the ice block guide is made from a polymer material. 
     
     
         12 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 1 , wherein the ice block guide comprises a blade portion that comprises an edge that is shaped to optimally contact the block of ice. 
     
     
         13 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 12 , wherein the blade portion comprises a rounded profile. 
     
     
         14 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 12 , wherein the blade portion comprises a sharpened edge. 
     
     
         15 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 1 , wherein the blade of the blade assembly comprises a plurality of openings and a plurality of cutting surfaces adjacent to said openings for allowing ice shavings to pass therethrough, wherein said cutting surfaces and said openings are arranged on surface of said blade, and wherein said blade further comprises a plurality of attachment points; and
 a blade holder configured to detachably retain said blade at the plurality of attachment points, wherein said blade holder has a plurality of arms that radiate from a center hub;   a control mechanism for activating and deactivating said mechanical drive mechanism.   
     
     
         16 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 15 , wherein said plurality of arms comprise a pass through portion and a blade attachment portion. 
     
     
         17 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 16 , wherein said center hub is configured to mechanically couple with a drive motor, wherein said center hub portion comprises a blade support for interacting with said blade. 
     
     
         18 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 1 , wherein the machine further comprises a shaping device. 
     
     
         19 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 18 , wherein the machine further comprises a spout assembly comprising a spout and an outer shell fitting over and around said blade. 
     
     
         20 . The ice shaving machine of  claim 19 , wherein the shaping device comprises a body having an inner surface that is sized and shaped to produce a shaved ice product having a predetermined shape, such that the configuration of the inner surface of the body determines a corresponding size and shape of the shaved ice product. 
     
     
         21 - 48 . (canceled)