PATENT APPLICATION

TITLE: BLADE ASSEMBLY FOR ICE CUTTING AND SCRAPI NG

Dave van EijI, Elgin, Minnesota, Paul J. van EijI, Fountain City, Wisconsin and Chad Axley,

Elgin, Minnesota

SPECI FICATION

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/503,511 filed 09 May 2017 to the above named inventors, and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

[0003] Not Applicable FI ELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a n improved blade shape, design, and configuration for cutting and scraping an ice surface.

BACKGROUN D OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A traditional ice-resurfacing machine as is found in the prior a rt is generally constructed on a vehicle chassis and operated by a user. The ice-resurfacing vehicle typically has a large storage area for collected ice shavings and includes an ice- resurfacing unit dragged behind the vehicle around the ice sheet needing to be resurfaced. This resurfacing unit includes a blade, augers, and a watering unit. I n use, the ice-resurfacing vehicle is driven onto the rink, the ice-resurfacing unit is lowered and the vehicle is driven along areas of ice needing to be resurfaced or reconditioned. I n operation, as the vehicle is driven, the ice resurfacing unit blade shaves the ice surface with the augers collecting the shaved ice and depositing it within the storage area while the watering unit applies fresh water to the newly shaved ice surface.

[0006] The blade of a standard ice resurfacing machine typically extends the width of the machine and is often found in sizes greater than 77 inches. This typical blade is generally constructed out of Carbon Steel and includes a straight cutting knife edge along the length of the blade and having a bevel greater than 25 degrees. Typically this blade is large, heavy, a nd difficult to cha nge a nd manipulate. A typical blade may weigh upwa rds of fifty pounds.

[0007] Due to the large cutting edge of a traditional blade and the friction required to move the blade across the ice surface, the resurfacing machine is generally required to have a large size and increased horsepower. Typically, a standard ice resurfacing vehicle is often the size of a large automobile.

[0008] As ice resurfacing machines are evolving into newer, smaller, and automated devices, the traditional blade assembly is not amenable to application on newer devices. Therefore, there is a need within the market for an improved and more efficient ice resurfacing blade assembly. Preferably this assembly allows for easier and more efficient operation, easier maintenance, and decreases the coefficient of friction required to move the blade across the ice surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A new and improved ice resurfacing blade is disclosed. The blade is generally comprised of cutting edge configured with at least two distinctly positioned leading edges that are aligned askew. Preferably, the blade includes at least two cutting edges arranged in a stepped configuration. Accordingly, the cutting edges generally radiate angularly outward from a central position on a length of the blade in a general V-shape, wherein the leading edge of the blade is generally tapered from a position on the outermost opposed edges of the blade length to the central position on the blade length. Alternately, the V-shaped configuration of the blade can be reversed, wherein the leading edge of the blade is generally tapered from a central position on the blade length to a position on the outermost opposed edges of the blade length.

[0010] Preferably, the blade assembly is comprised of six distinct cutting edges in a stepped configuration. Accordingly, this configuration allows for the use of smaller knife edges that can be easily changed. Further, the blades may be even be utilized in a disposable configuration or sided, wherein the opposed sides of the blade may each have a cutting edge.

BRI EF DESCRI PTION OF THE SEVERAL VI EWS OF THE DRAWI NG (S)

[0011] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understa nding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to further explain the principles of the invention. Other aspects of the invention and the advantages of the invention will be better appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the Detailed Description when considered in conjunction with accompanying drawings, and wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1 is an isometric right side view of the blade assembly, according to the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a top side view of a preferred embodiment of the blade assembly, according to the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 3 is an isometric left side view of the blade assembly of Fig. 2, according to the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 4 is an isometric right side view of an alternate embodiment of the blade assembly, according to the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 5 is an isometric right side view of an alternate embodiment of the blade assembly, according to the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 6 is an isometric right side view of an alternate embodiment of the blade assembly, according to the present invention; and [0018] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the blade assembly on a vehicle, according to the present invention.

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as "examples," are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0021] Before the present invention is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein.

[0022] Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.

[0023] References in the specification to "one embodiment" indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0024] The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.

[0025] As used herein, the term "and/or" refers to any one of the items, any

combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated.

[0026] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] As used herein, the terms "include," "for example," "such as," and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0028] As used herein, the terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. [0029] Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

[0030] As used herein, the term "coupled" means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature and/or such joining may allow for the flow of fluids, electricity, electrical signals, or other types of signals or communication between two members. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0031] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

[0032] The present disclosure generally provides an improved blade assembly for using in shaving ice for resurfacing. The blade assembly is configured for attachment onto a vehicle and generally propelled along and across an ice surface for resurfacing and reconditioning. [0033] Referring now to FIG. 1-7, various views of a blade assembly for placement on a vehicle 1 for resurfacing an ice sheet according to the present disclosure are shown. The blade assembly 10 of the present invention is provided with at least two cutting edges 110, 111 positioned in an a ngular configuration orientated outward from a central position 104 forming a vertex along a length of the blade assembly 10 (Fig. 1) for generally resembling a V-shape, wherein a leading edge of the cutting edges 110, 111 are aligned directionally towards each other. The blade assembly 10 includes a mounting bracket 100 extending the length of the assembly 10 and having a pair of opposed edges 101 and 102 defining the blade assembly 10 length. The assem bly 10 includes a plurality of apertures 103 positioned along the length and allowing for mounting to an ice resurfacing machine or vehicle for movement across an ice surface for cutting, shaping, and resurfacing.

[0034] The cutting edges 110, 111 of the blade assembly 10 are provided with a beveled knife edge for contacting an ice surface.

[0035] The positioning of the cutting edges 110, 111 is provided to reduce the coefficient of friction required to move the blade 10 across the ice surface. Accordingly, the cutting edges 110, 111 are positioned to incrementally scrape, cut, and shave the ice surface as the blade assembly 10 is moved across the ice surface.

[0036] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the angular configuration of the cutting edges is stepped, wherein the cutting edges 110, 111 are generally placed in distinct regions across the length. Preferably, the blade assembly 10 utilizes at least six cutting edges 1101, 1102, 1103, 1111, 1112, 1113 positioned across the blade assembly 10 length in a stepped pattern. The positioning of the cutting edges 1101- 1103; 1111-1113 generally forms two halves to form the singular blade assembly 10 with each of the halves being mirror images of each other emanating from the central position 104 to align with the cutting edges 110, 111. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment each cutting edge 110, 111 has three separate blades 1101-1103; 1111- 1113 in a stepped or fluted configuration, wherein the cutting edges of the blades 1101- 1103; 1111-1113 are positioned at a different position sequentially across a width of the blade assembly 10 to generally stagger the leading cutting edge 110, 111 across the blade assembly 10 length.

[0037] In the preferred assembly a first cutting edge 1101 is positioned on the outermost edge of the of the length and width of the blade assembly 10 adjacent to the edge 102; a second cutting edge 1102 is positioned at an interior position and towards the central position 104 of the blade assembly 10 relative to the first cutting edge 1101; a third cutting edge 1103 is positioned interior and towards the central position 104 of the blade assembly 10 relative to the second cutting edge 1102; a fourth cutting edge 1111 is generally configured to abut an edge of the third cutting edge 1103 in an angular V-shape outward from the centra l position 104 and wherein the abutment between the third cutting edge 1103 and fourth cutting edge 1111 represents the central position 104; a fifth cutting edge 1112 is a mirror of the second cutting edge 1102; and a sixth cutting edge 1113 is a mirror of the first cutting edge 1101 and positioned adjacent to edge 101 opposed to edge 102 of the length of the blade assem bly 10. [0038] Preferably, the cutting edges 110, 111 are removable and reversible with a cutting edge 110, 111 on each side, wherein the edge 110, 111 can easily be removed, flipped, and reinsta lled. Alternately, the cutting edges 110, 111 may be comprised of standard knife edges as are found within the prior art in the form of resurfacing, jointing, or planning blades for use in wood working tools and wherein the blades are sided and allow for reinstallation on an opposed side.

[0039] Although the preferred embodiment has been presented in a stepped blade assem bly with a plurality of distinct cutting edges 1101-1103; 1111-1113 in the form of separate and distinct cutting edges, the blade assembly 10 can utilize a single V-shaped blade 105 between the opposed edges 101, 102 across the length of the blade assembly 10 (Fig. 4) to form the distinct cutting edges 110, 111. Alternately, the cutting edge 110, 111 of this V-shaped blade assembly 105 can be provided from several separate blades 1501-1506 aligned in a sequential configuration end to end across the cutting edges 110, as is seen in Fig. 5. The separate blades 1501-1506 removable and reversible with a cutting edge 150 on each side of the blade 105, wherein the blades 1501-1506 can easily be removed, flipped, and reinstalled. These blades 1501-1506 may be comprised of standard knife edges as are found within the prior art in the form of resurfacing, jointing, or planning blades for use in wood working tools and wherein the blades are sided and allow for reinstallation on an opposed side.

[0040] Alternate to the blade assembly 10 at least two cutting edges 110, 111 positioned in an angular configuration orientated outward from a central position 104 along a length of the blade assembly 10, the at least two cutting edges 110, 111 can be provided in an angula r configuration orientated inward from a central position 104 along a length of the blade assembly 10 between the opposed edges 101, 102 (Fig. 6). Accordingly, the centra l portion 104 is positioned at a distance distal from the mounting bracket 100 with the cutting edges 110, 111 generally trailing to a position proximal to the mounting bracket at the opposed edges 101, 102. The cutting edges 110, 111 may be provided in a single blade or a plurality of blades aligned to form this alternate shape. This alternate assembly may additionally utilize a stepped assembly similar to the preferred embodiment, and wherein the V-shape is generally reversed.

[0041] Although, a straight blade is preferred is preferred to shape and shave the ice due to simplicity, it is understood that a powered blade or rotational cutter could be utilized with a similar askew configuration. The powered blade generally anticipated to be a plurality of rotating blades or cutters, as is seen in Fig. 7. Accordingly, a plurality of rotation cutters 200 may be received on the vehicle 1 and generally positioned in this angular a nd V-shaped configuration. The rotational cutters 200 are generally received on an axle and rotated about a central axis perpendicular to an ice surface, wherein a sharpened blade on the cutters is configured to contact the ice surface to remove material. This embodiment will utilize at least two rotation cutting assemblies 210, 211 positioned in an angular configuration orientated outward from a central position 204 forming a vertex along a length of the cutting assembly 200 for generally resembling a V-shape, wherein a leading edge of the cutting edges 210, 211 are aligned directionally towards each other. [0042] While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the a rt that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) but that the invention will include all embodiments falling with the scope of the appended claims.