Ice dispensing apparatus

Abstract

An ice dispensing apparatus is described which is capable of dispensing free ice or ice in a sealed bag. The apparatus has an ice manufacturing zone capable of converting incoming water to ice. An ice storage zone receives the ice from the ice manufacturing zone. An ice distribution zone has a distributor capable of receiving the ice from the ice storage zone and distributing the ice to a free ice chute or an ice bagging station wherein the free ice chute discharges ice to an exterior receptacle. The ice bagging station has a bag funnel capable of receiving ice and passing the ice in a downward flow of predetermined size. A bag storage device stores multiple bags prior to use. A bag grabbing device removes a bag from the bag storage device and bag filling hold the bag with a mouth opened to a size which is at least as large as the predetermined size whereby the ice passing through the bag funnel is collected in the bag. Bag closing pins hold the bag with the mouth in an orientation for sealing. A sealer converts the mouth of the bag to a seal.

1 . An ice dispensing apparatus comprising:
 an ice manufacturing zone capable of converting incoming water to ice;   an ice storage zone capable of receiving said ice from said ice manufacturing zone;   an ice distribution zone comprising a distributor capable of receiving said ice from said ice storage zone and distributing said ice to a free ice chute or an ice bagging station wherein said free ice chute discharges ice to an exterior receptacle; and   wherein said ice bagging station comprises:   a bag funnel capable of receiving said ice and passing said ice in a downward flow of predetermined size;   a bag storage device capable of storing multiple bags prior to use;   a bag grabbing device capable of removing a bag from said bag storage device;   bag filling pins capable of holding said bag with a mouth opened to a size which is at least as large as said predetermined size whereby said ice passing through said bag funnel is collected in said bag;   bag closing pins capable of holding said bag with said mouth in an orientation for sealing;   a sealer capable of converting said mouth of said bag to a seal.   
     
     
         2 . The ice dispensing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said distributor comprises an angled floor comprising a peak and a downward slope on each side of said peak wherein one downward slope directs said ice to said free chute and one said downward slope directs said ice to said bag funnel. 
     
     
         3 . The ice dispensing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said ice storage zone comprises an agitator. 
     
     
         4 . The ice dispensing apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said agitator comprises an auger. 
     
     
         5 . The ice dispensing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said filling pins separate thereby opening said mouth. 
     
     
         6 . The ice dispensing apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a conveyor between said ice manufacturing zone and said ice storage zone. 
     
     
         7 . A method for providing ice comprising:
 converting water to ice in an ice manufacturing zone;   transporting said ice from said manufacturing zone to an ice dispensing zone;   moving a director to a position selected from a free ice dispense position and a bagged ice dispense position wherein when said director is in a free ice dispense position said ice passes through said director to a free ice chute;   wherein when said director is in a bagged ice position said ice passes through said director into a bag wherein said bag has an open mouth which is held open by bag filling pins and sealing said bag.   
     
     
         8 . The method for providing ice of  claim 7  further comprising inserting bag sealing pins in said mouth prior to said sealing. 
     
     
         9 . The method for providing ice of  claim 7  further comprising transporting said ice from said ice manufacturing zone to an ice storage zone prior; 
     
     
         10 . The method for providing ice of  claim 7  further comprising transporting said ice by an auger. 
     
     
         11 . The method for providing ice of  claim 7  wherein said sealing said bag comprises thermally sealing said bag. 
     
     
         12 . The method for providing ice of  claim 7  further comprising agitating said ice. 
     
     
         13 . The method for providing ice of  claim 7  further comprising passing said ice from said director to a distributor wherein said distributor has a floor with a peak and a downward slope on either side of said peak.