Ice distribution tube

Abstract

An ice chute for ice disbursement comprises a ramp designed to receive and direct ice downward towards a flared end. The chute comprises two longitudinal side walls, each with a proximal and distal end, terminating at the flared end of the ramp. The flared end comprises two opposing triangular surfaces, each with a base and an apex. The bases are connected to the ramp at the distal ends of the side walls, while the apexes converge at a convex midpoint at the distal end of the ramp. The triangular surfaces flare upwardly from their bases and converge at the convex midpoint, forming one or more angles, thereby facilitating efficient ice disbursement.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to a distribution chute, and more particularly, a chute for distributing ice with improved lateral disbursement.BACKGROUND

[0002] Ice distribution systems are integral to various industries, including hospitality, food service, and commercial kitchens, where the demand for ice is constant and substantial. Traditional ice chutes often encounter challenges such as inefficient ice flow, blockages, and uneven disbursement, which can lead to operational delays and increased maintenance efforts. These issues are frequently attributed to the design limitations of existing chutes, which may not adequately guide the ice or prevent clumping and blockages. Existing systems typically lack the flexibility to adjust the flow and direction of ice, limiting their adaptability to different operational requirements and spatial constraints.SUMMARY

[0003] A device and system for distributing ice via a chute component is provided. For example, the chute includes a ramp and two side walls, culminating in a uniquely designed flared end. This flared end comprises two opposing triangular surfaces, or bifurcated base regions, that flare upwardly and converge at an adjustable, convex peak corresponding to one or more apexes of the ramp. The adjustability of the range of angles defining the convex peak and the apex of the two surfaces and / or regions is a key innovation, enabling the system to optimize lateral ice disbursement based on specific requirements. This design not only enhances the efficiency of ice distribution but also integrates seamlessly into existing ice making systems, offering a comprehensive solution for improved ice handling.

[0004] In an aspect, an ice chute for ice disbursement may include a ramp configured to receive and guide ice downward toward a flared end of the central ramp. The ramp may include two side walls extending longitudinally along the central ramp, each side wall having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of each of the two side walls may terminate at the flared end of the central ramp. The flared end of the central ramp may include two opposing triangular surfaces, each having a base and an apex. The bases of the opposing triangular surfaces may be connected to the central ramp at distal ends of the side walls. The apexes of the opposing triangular surfaces may be oriented at a convex midpoint at a distal end of the central ramp. The opposing triangular surfaces may flare upwardly from the bases and converge at the convex midpoint of the central ramp between the apexes of the triangular surfaces at one or more angles.

[0005] In some implementations of the ice chute, the one or more angles may be particularized to facilitate lateral disbursement of the ice as the ice exits the ice chute. The distal ends of the side walls at the flared end of the ramp may be configured to facilitate lateral disbursement of the ice as the ice exits the ice chute. The ramp and two side walls may be uncovered to facilitate lateral disbursement of the ice as the ice exits the ice chute.

[0006] In some implementations, the one or more angles at which the bases flare upwardly from the ramp to the apexes and the angles between the bases and the apexes may be adjustable to accommodate different ice disbursement requirements. The one or more angles at which the bases flare upwardly from the ramp to the apexes may range from 35 to 47 degrees relative to the ramp. The one or more angles between the bases and the apexes may range from 4 to 13 degrees relative to the ramp.

[0007] In some implementations, the ice chute may include a tube connected to a proximal end of the ramp. The tube may be configured to receive ice from an external source and direct the ice into the ramp. The external source may include a funnel connected to a proximal end of the tube. The funnel may be configured to receive ice from a second external source and direct the ice into the tube. The flared end of the ice chute may be positioned above a bin that is configured to receive ice disbursed from the flared end of the ice chute.

[0008] According to another aspect, an ice disbursing system is disclosed. The ice disbursing system may include an ice chute for ice disbursement. The ice chute may include a ramp configured to receive and guide ice downward toward a flared end of the central ramp. The ramp may include two side walls extending longitudinally along the central ramp, each side wall having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of each of the two side walls may terminate at the flared end of the central ramp. The flared end of the central ramp may include two opposing triangular surfaces, each having a base and an apex. The bases of the opposing triangular surfaces may be connected to the central ramp at distal ends of the side walls. The apexes of the opposing triangular surfaces may be oriented at a convex midpoint at a distal end of the central ramp. The opposing triangular surfaces may flare upwardly from the bases and converge at the convex midpoint of the central ramp between the apexes of the triangular surfaces at one or more angles. The ice disbursing system may further include a tube connected to a proximal end of the ramp. The tube may be configured to receive ice and direct the ice into the ramp. The ice disbursing system may further include a funnel connected to a proximal end of the tube. The funnel may be configured to receive ice from an external source and direct the ice into the tube.

[0009] In some implementations of the ice disbursing system, the external source may be further configured to produce ice and direct the ice into the ramp of the ice chute. The one or more angles may be particularized to facilitate lateral disbursement of the ice as the ice exits the ice chute. The distal ends of the side walls at the flared end of the ramp may be configured to facilitate lateral disbursement of the ice as the ice exits the ice chute. The ramp and two side walls may be uncovered to facilitate lateral disbursement of the ice as the ice exits the ice chute.

[0010] In some implementations of the ice disbursing system, the one or more angles at which the bases flare upwardly from the ramp to the apexes and the angles between the bases and the apexes may be adjustable to accommodate different ice disbursement requirements. The one or more angles at which the bases flare upwardly from the ramp to the apexes may range from 35 to 47 degrees relative to the ramp. The one or more angles between the bases and the apexes may range from 4 to 13 degrees relative to the ramp. The flared end of the ice chute may be positioned above a bin that is configured to receive ice disbursed from the flared end of the ice chute.

[0011] According to an aspect, an alternative ice chute for ice disbursement is disclosed. The ice chute may include a spine configured to receive and guide ice downward toward a distal end of the spine. The ice chute may include two side walls extending longitudinally along the spine, each side wall having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of each of the two side walls may terminate at the flared end of the spine. The spine may gradually increase at a bifurcated base region as the spine descends toward the distal end to comprise a convex peak that flares upwardly from the bifurcated base region.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is an exemplary exploded diagram of a configuration of the ice-disbursing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2A is an exemplary diagram of a configuration of the ice chute of the ice-disbursing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2B is an exemplary particularized view diagram of a configuration of the ice chute of the ice-disbursing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 3A-3E are exemplary schematic diagrams of configurations of the ice chute of the ice-disbursing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIGS. 4A and 4B are exemplary particularized view diagrams of an alternative configuration of the ice chute of the ice-disbursing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram of a configuration of the ice-disbursing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In describing preferred aspects illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed herein for the sake of clarity. However, this disclosure 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. In addition, a detailed description of known functions and configurations is omitted from this specification when it may obscure the inventive aspects described herein.

[0020] The devices and systems relate to improving the distribution of ice. The present disclosure pertains to devices and systems that include an ice chute designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of ice disbursement from ice-making / disbursing machines. For example, the present disclosure provides devices and systems that enhance the efficiency of ice flow, ensure even disbursement, and maintain the quality of the ice through adjustable flow mechanisms. This disclosure can thereby improve the overall functionality and reliability of ice distribution systems, while offering a more effective means of delivering ice in various commercial and industrial settings.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows schematically a disbursing system 100 for improving the distribution of ice. System 100 may be configured to receive ice from an external source at funnel 180 within a broader ice-making / disbursing machine system, or act itself as an external source to funnel 180 in providing ice. Tube 170 can be included to mediate the transfer of ice from funnel 180 to ice chute 110. In some implementations, upper chute adaptor 112 is distally affixed to funnel 180 to facilitate a connection between funnel 180 and tube 170. Similarly, lower chute adaptor 114 may be present on the proximal side of ice chute cover 116 to facilitate the affixing of tube 170 to ice chute cover 116 and the associated guiding of ice to chute 110. Lower chute adaptor 114 may be affixed to ice chute cover 116 at a raised opening, as shown in FIG. 1, via threading, for example. In some implementations, lower chute adaptor 114 is adjustable for length. This raised opening of ice chute cover 116 can thereby facilitate the transfer of ice to chute 110, and subsequently, to where the ice collects in reservoir 190 of bin 195. The reservoir 190 and bin 195 may be constructed with insulating materials to maintain the ice's temperature and prevent melting. While system 100 relates to ice distribution in some exemplary implementations, other liquid and / or solid materials can be similarly disbursed in line with the features described herein.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, ice chute 110 may be disposed within ice chute box 118, which can be covered by ice chute cover 116. Access cover 122 may be present and operationally configured opposite to ice chute 110 and ice chute cover 116 to allow access to ice within reservoir 190 while secured to bin 195, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. For example, access cover 122 may be slid towards and / or to a slot within casing 144 to facilitate user access of ice within reservoir 190. A sensor (not shown) may be present within capillary tube 130 and secured to ice chute box 118 to detect the level of ice within reservoir 190. Capillary tube 130 may be secured to ice chute box 118 via capillary bracket 132 and / or capillary cord grip 134, for example. In some implementations, two capillary tubes 130 and / or coils may be present, and spaced apart from chute 110 to ensure reliable sensor operation. The sensor may be designed to turn off when ice touches the coils of capillary tube 130 within reservoir 190 and remain off until the ice is no longer in contact.

[0023] FIGS. 2A and 2B show schematically views 200 and 250 of ice chute 110 within the ice-disbursing system 100 of FIG. 1 for improving the distribution of ice. FIG. 2A details ice chute 110 within ice chute box 118, which is itself positioned above reservoir 190 of bin 195. Ice chute 110 may be secured at an incline via brackets 146 within ice chute box 118 to facilitate the guidance of ice more readily into reservoir 190. In some examples, the length of ice chute 110 may range between 6-7 inches. In some examples, ice chute box 118 may be between 3-4 inches tall, with a 8-9 inch length and 8-9 inch width. Ice chute box 118 may be secured to a quadrant of bin 195 at edge 142. In some implementations, edge 142 encircles the entirety of the proximal surface of bin 195 and provides a surface to which casing tray 148 and casing 144 may be secured to bin 195. Casing tray 148 may serve as a drip tray for a vending station associated with system 100, while also being operationally secured to bin 195 via casing 144 to permit access to ice within reservoir 190.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2B, ice chute 110 includes a ramp, such as central ramp 115, which is configured to receive and guide ice downward towards flared end 120 of the central ramp 115. This ramp 115 can be flanked by two side walls 152a and 152b, each extending longitudinally along the ramp. Each of the side walls 152a and 152b include a proximal end 154a and 154b and a distal end 156a and 156b, respectively, with the distal ends 156a and 156b terminating at the flared end 120 of the central ramp 115. In some implementations, side walls 152a and 152b may include one or more openings to more readily facilitate air flow during the passage of ice through ice chute 110. In some implementations, these openings serve as a securing means to ice chute 110. Central ramp 115 and side walls 152a and 152b may be uncovered, as illustrated via the present disclosure, to further enhance the lateral disbursement of ice. In general, side walls 152a and 152b are structurally configured to direct the ice down the central ramp 115 towards the flared end 120 of the central ramp 115.

[0025] Also shown in FIG. 2B, the flared end 120 of the central ramp 115 is characterized by two opposing triangular surfaces 158a and 158b. Each triangular surface 158a and 158b has a base 162a, 162b, and an apex 164a, 164b. The bases 162a, 162b of triangular surfaces 158a and 158b may be connected to (or integrally formed with) the central ramp 115 at the distal ends 156a and 156b of the side walls 152a and 152b. The apexes 164a, 164b may define a convex apex surface swooped up from and oriented away from the central ramp 115, and the triangular surfaces 158a and 158b flare upwardly from the bases 162a, 162b to converge at a midpoint 166 of the central ramp 115 between the apexes 164a, 164b at one or more angles. As previously discussed, flared end 120 of the central ramp 115 can be positioned above a bin 195 that is configured to receive ice disbursed from the flared end 120 of the ice chute 110. The bin 195 may be part of the overall ice-disbursing system 100, which can also include the sensor (within capillary tube 130) configured to detect one or more levels of ice within the reservoir 190 and adjust the operation of the ice-disbursing system 100 based on the detected levels. These components of system 100 may be produced from similar and / or dissimilar materials, which may include, for example, stainless steel, PVC piping, rubber, and / or one or more polymer blends.

[0026] As shown in exemplary schematic views 310-350 of FIGS. 3A-3E, these one or more angles of the opposing triangular surfaces 158a and 158b, along with other previously introduced components, may be particularized and structurally configured in varying dimensions to facilitate the lateral disbursement of ice as it exits the ice chute 110 into reservoir 190. More specifically, FIGS. 3A-3E include particularized dimensions of exemplary angles and / or dimensions in inches according to exemplary aspects. However, it should be appreciated that these exemplary configurations may be varied depending upon settings, manufacturing requirements, user preference, and / or other relevant considerations.

[0027] For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the length of ice chute 110 may be between 7.5-8 inches, with opposing side walls 152a and 152b having same or similar lengths. As illustrated in FIG. 3D, the exemplary dimensions of ice chute 110 may include a length of 2×4.52 (+ / −0.03) inches, and a width of 3.26 (+ / −0.03) inches. As opposing triangular surfaces 158a and 158b flare upwardly, the distal ends 156a and 156b terminating at the flared end 120 of the central ramp 115 may be longer than the proximal ends 154a and 154b by 2×0.41 (+ / −0.05) inches, respectively.

[0028] Moreover, in an exemplary aspect, the side walls 152a and 152b may each include 2×0.4-inch width components, as illustrated in exemplary FIG. 3A, and may extend 2.19 inches outward at a 45-degree angle from the surface of central ramp 115, as shown in FIG. 3E. In some implementations, these width components may include brackets 146. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, central ramp 115 may be at a 3-degree angle from ice chute cover 116 and include opposing 0.07-inch features connecting proximal ends 154a and 154b of ice chute 110 to ice chute cover 116.

[0029] As further illustrated in FIG. 3B, central ramp 115 may include a welded component on its posterior surface, which may enable connectivity with and / or be affixed as ice chute 110 may be secured at an incline via brackets 146 within ice chute box 118 to facilitate the guidance of ice more readily into reservoir 190. These brackets 146 may be 2×0.28 inches, as shown in FIG. 3B. This welded component may include a 1.798-inch length along the posterior of central ramp 115. As shown in FIG. 3A, opposing triangular surfaces 158a and 158b flare upwardly from the bases 162a, 162b to converge at a midpoint 166 of the central ramp 115 between the apexes 164a, 164b at an 11-degree angle. The midpoint 166 may be approximately 0.04 inches. In some implementations, opposing triangular surfaces 158a and 158b are welded together, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3C, and 3D, or may include a slight gap at midpoint 166 extending proximally toward central ramp 115. Alternatively, surfaces 158a and 158b may be integrally formed from a single metal sheet or the like and, thus, there is no gap at midpoint 166. As shown in FIG. 3E, the point at which the bases 162a, 162b flare upwardly from central ramp 115 to apexes 164a, 164b may be at a 42-degree angle, with a 9-degree angle between the bases 162a, 162b and apexes 164a, 164b. In this exemplary implementation, the 42-degree and 9-degree angles of FIG. 3E may be adjusted to optimize the launch of ice, as the larger the angle of the convex surface of apexes 164a, 164b (i.e., the closer the angle of degree approaches 9-degrees) from bases 162a, 162b, the higher and farther the ice can be launched via ice chute 110. Similarly, the larger the angle of the convex surface of apexes 164a, 164b (i.e., the closer the angle of degree approaches 42-degrees) from central ramp 115, the higher and farther the ice can be launched via ice chute 110. In some implementations, this adjustment range includes + or −5 degrees. For example, the one or more angles in FIG. 3E at which the bases 162a, 162b flare upwardly from the ramp 115 to the apexes 164a, 164b may range from 35 to 47 degrees relative to the ramp 115. According to another example, the one or more angles in FIG. 3E between the bases 162a, 162b and the apexes 164a, 164b may range from 4 to 13 degrees relative to the ramp 115.

[0030] In some implementations, these angles at which the bases 162a, 162b flare upwardly from central ramp 115 to apexes 164a, 164b and / or the angles between the bases 162a, 162b and apexes 164a, 164b may be adjustable to accommodate different ice disbursement requirements, ranging from 0 to 90 degrees relative to the central ramp 115. In some implementations, these angles are adjustable to accommodate different ice disbursement requirements ranging from 30 to 60 degrees relative to the central ramp 115. For example, these different ice disbursement requirements may be guided by user demand, the dimensions of reservoir 190 and / or bin 195, and / or the current volume of ice in reservoir 190 as dictated by a sensor within capillary tube 130, or otherwise. In some implementations, these one or more angles may be particularized during manufacturing, or via user interaction. In this way, these one or more angles of the opposing triangular surfaces 158a and 158b may be particularized to provide flexibility to meet various operational needs for ice distribution in commercial and industrial settings.

[0031] FIGS. 4A and 4B are exemplary particularized view diagrams 425 and 450 of an alternative configuration of an ice chute 410 of the ice-disbursing system 400 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Ice chute 410 may disburse ice similarly to ice chute 110, but may alternatively include a bisected pipe design, as shown in 425 and 450, via which ice is disbursed. In some implementations, the bisected pipe may include a metal, a PVC material, or other polymer compound, pipe or the like. Ice chute 410 may include spine 415, like ramp 115, configured to receive and guide ice downward toward a distal end 420 of the spine 415. Ice chute 410 may include two side walls 452a, 452b extending longitudinally along its spine 415. Each side wall 452a, 452b may have a proximal end 454a and 454b and a distal end 456a and 456b, respectively, with the distal ends 456a and 456b terminating at the distal end 420 of the spine 415, which functions similarly to ramp 115. At the point in which spine 415 begins to increase (e.g., in height or in the thickness vertical direction), it bifurcates, i.e., separates into two base regions 462a, 462b. The base regions 462a, 462b may have a curved (e.g., convex) shape as shown in FIG. 4A or may have a planar or flat shape in an alternative aspect.

[0032] As further shown, spine 415 gradually increases as it descends chute 410 and up from base regions 462a, 462b, until it culminates at a convex peak 458 at apex region 464. Distal end 420 includes convex peak 458. The convex peak 458 may include apex region 464. The convex peak 458 flares upwardly from the base regions 462a, 462b and converges at the apex region 464 at one or more angles to distribute ice in a similar fashion as ice chute 110. In some implementations, these angles at which base regions 462a, 462b flare upwardly from spine 415 to apex region 464 and / or the angles between base regions 462a, 462b and apex region 464 may be adjustable to accommodate different ice disbursement requirements, ranging from 0 to 90 degrees relative to spine 415. This may be similar to the disbursement properties described in relation to FIGS. 3A-3E.

[0033] FIG. 5 shows a diagram 500 of ice chute 110 within the ice-disbursing system 100 of the present disclosure for improving the distribution of ice. As previously discussed, the design of the central ramp 115 and side walls 152a and 152b may also be optimized and / or particularized to minimize friction and facilitate a steady flow of ice 510. As ice progresses from chute 110 into bin 195, the particularized angles and / or dimensions of flared end 120 permit ice to be more uniformly distributed throughout reservoir 190, in order to maximize fill efficiency of bin 195 and / or particular placement / filling of ice. In some implementations, a sensor via capillary tube 130 can monitor the collection of ice 510 in reservoir 190 and communicate with ice-disbursing system 100 to adjust the production of ice accordingly. As shown in FIG. 5, vending station 520 may be disposed as part of and / or above bin 195, to which ice 510 is supplied. In some implementations, vending station 520 is part of and communicates with a sensor and / or ice-disbursing system 100 to utilize ice 510 produced as described herein. While system 100 and chute 110 are provided as exemplary implementations, system 400 and chute 410 may similarly engage with reservoir 190, bin 195, and vending station 520.

[0034] While the described embodiment provides a comprehensive solution for ice disbursement, potential modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, the materials used for the chute and flared end can be varied to suit specific environmental conditions or aesthetic preferences. Additionally, the integration of advanced sensors and automation technologies can further enhance the system's functionality and user experience.

[0035] The use of “at least one of” or “one of” in the disclosure is intended to include any one or a combination of the recited elements. For example, references to at least one of A, B, or C; at least one of A, B, and C; at least one of A, B, and / or C; and at least one of A to C are intended to include only A, only B, only C or any combination thereof. References to one of A or B and one of A and B are intended to include A or B or (A and B). The use of “one of” does not preclude any combination of the recited elements when applicable, such as when the elements are not mutually exclusive.

Claims

1. An ice chute for ice disbursement, comprising:a ramp configured to receive and guide ice downward toward a flared end of the ramp; andtwo side walls extending longitudinally along the ramp, each side wall having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of each of the two side walls terminate at the flared end of the ramp;wherein the flared end of the ramp comprises two opposing triangular surfaces, each having a base and an apex, wherein the bases of the opposing triangular surfaces are connected to the ramp at distal ends of the side walls, and the apexes of the opposing triangular surfaces are oriented at a convex midpoint at a distal end of the ramp, and wherein the opposing triangular surfaces flare upwardly from the bases and converge at the convex midpoint of the ramp between the apexes of the triangular surfaces at one or more angles.

2. The ice chute of claim 1, wherein the one or more angles are particularized to facilitate lateral disbursement of the ice as the ice exits the ice chute.

3. The ice chute of claim 1, wherein the distal ends of the side walls at the flared end of the ramp are configured to facilitate lateral disbursement of the ice as the ice exits the ice chute.

4. The ice chute of claim 1, wherein the ramp and two side walls are uncovered to facilitate lateral disbursement of the ice as the ice exits the ice chute.

5. The ice chute of claim 2, wherein the one or more angles at which the bases flare upwardly from the ramp to the apexes and the angles between the bases and the apexes are adjustable to accommodate different ice disbursement requirements.

6. The ice chute of claim 5, wherein the one or more angles at which the bases flare upwardly from the ramp to the apexes range from 35 to 47 degrees relative to the ramp.

7. The ice chute of claim 5, wherein the one or more angles between the bases and the apexes range from 4 to 13 degrees relative to the ramp.

8. The ice chute of claim 1, further comprising a tube connected to a proximal end of the ramp, the tube being configured to receive ice from an external source and direct the ice into the ramp.

9. The ice chute of claim 8, wherein the external source comprises a funnel connected to a proximal end of the tube, the funnel being configured to receive ice from a second external source and direct the ice into the tube.

10. The ice chute of claim 1, wherein the flared end is positioned above a bin that is configured to receive ice disbursed from the flared end of the ice chute.

11. An ice disbursing system, comprising:an ice chute for ice disbursement, the ice chute comprising:a ramp configured to receive and guide ice downward toward a flared end of the ramp; andtwo side walls extending longitudinally along the ramp, each side wall having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of each of the two side walls terminate at the flared end of the ramp;wherein the flared end of the ramp comprises two opposing triangular surfaces, each having a base and an apex, wherein the bases of the opposing triangular surfaces are connected to the ramp at distal ends of the side walls, and the apexes of the opposing triangular surfaces are oriented at a convex midpoint at a distal end of the ramp, and wherein the opposing triangular surfaces flare upwardly from the bases and converge at the convex midpoint of the ramp between the apexes of the triangular surfaces at one or more angles;a tube connected to a proximal end of the ramp, the tube being configured to receive ice and direct the ice into the ramp; anda funnel connected to a proximal end of the tube, the funnel being configured to receive ice from an external source and direct the ice into the tube.

12. The ice disbursing system of claim 11, wherein the external source is further configured to produce ice and direct the ice into the ramp of the ice chute.

13. The ice disbursing system of claim 11, wherein the one or more angles are particularized to facilitate lateral disbursement of the ice as the ice exits the ice chute.

14. The ice disbursing system of claim 11, wherein the distal ends of the side walls at the flared end of the ramp are configured to facilitate lateral disbursement of the ice as the ice exits the ice chute.

15. The ice disbursing system of claim 11, wherein the ramp and two side walls are uncovered to facilitate lateral disbursement of the ice as the ice exits the ice chute.

16. The ice disbursing system of claim 13, wherein the one or more angles at which the bases flare upwardly from the ramp to the apexes and the angles between the bases and the apexes are adjustable to accommodate different ice disbursement requirements.

17. The ice disbursing system of claim 16, wherein the one or more angles at which the bases flare upwardly from the ramp to the apexes range from 35 to 47 degrees relative to the ramp.

18. The ice disbursing system of claim 16, wherein the one or more angles between the bases and the apexes range from 4 to 13 degrees relative to the ramp.

19. The ice disbursing system of claim 11, wherein the flared end is positioned above a bin that is configured to receive ice disbursed from the flared end of the ice chute.

20. An ice chute for ice disbursement, comprising:a spine configured to receive and guide ice downward toward a distal end of the spine; andtwo side walls extending longitudinally along the spine, each side wall having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of each of the two side walls terminate at a flared end of the spine;wherein the spine gradually increases at a bifurcated base region as the spine descends toward the distal end to comprise a convex peak that flares upwardly from the bifurcated base region.

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