Abstract: The present invention provides an ice shaver with a multi-link, self-locking, force-reduction, motion control arm or armature to press an ice block against a blade. The armature has a lever with a forward handle, an intermediate connection to the column, and a rear connection to the frame of the ice shaver. A link is coupled between the rear connection of the lever and the frame of the ice shaver to form a four-bar linkage. The armature has a raised locked configuration in which the lever and the link are oriented substantially co-linear to maintain the column in a raised position. In another aspect, joints between the lever and the column can comprise dampers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ice shaver with a power control drive system to rotate the ice block and blade with respect to one another and to press the ice block and the blade together. The power drive system includes an in-line, over-center, linear throw column extending through an opening in an enclosure and carrying a spike plate. A motor is carried by and contained with the column and movable with the column toward a shave deck with a blade. A perimeter size and shape of the column matches a perimeter size and shape of the opening. The column substantially closes the opening in the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ice shaver with a 360° splash guard and shield. The guard circumscribes a gap between a top deck and a shave deck. In one aspect, a front arcuate portion of the guard can be a door that slides open and closed around an annular track. In another aspect, another rear arcuate portion of the guard can magnetically mount to the top deck. In another aspect, a channel can be positioned under the guard as an embedded water drainage channel positioned concentrically and underneath the rear floating magnetic splash guard to capture the water droplets spun off from the ice block and direct the water to a drainage opening in the channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ice shaver with a modular, thermally-isolated and removable shave disc that carries a blade and secures the blade relative to a frame and a column pressing an ice block against the blade. The shave disc is positioned opposite a spike plate and receives the ice block thereon. The shave disc is modular with an upper metal slip disc upon which the ice block rotates, and a lower plastic isolation pad that carries the metal disc and isolates the slip disc from the frame of the ice shaver. The isolation plate can carry the blade and the blade can extend therefrom through a slot in the slip disc. The shave disc, with the isolation pad, the blade and the slip disc, can be retained in a shave deck of the frame of the ice shaver and removed without tools for ease of cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ice shaver with a modular, thermally-isolated and removable shave disc that carries a blade and secures the blade relative to a frame and a column pressing an ice block against the blade. The shave disc is positioned opposite a spike plate and receives the ice block thereon. The shave disc is modular with an upper metal slip disc upon which the ice block rotates, and a lower plastic isolation pad that carries the metal disc and isolates the slip disc from the frame of the ice shaver. The isolation plate can carry the blade and the blade can extend therefrom through a slot in the slip disc. The shave disc, with the isolation pad, the blade and the slip disc, can be retained in a shave deck of the frame of the ice shaver and removed without tools for ease of cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ice shaver with a power control drive system to rotate the ice block and blade with respect to one another and to press the ice block and the blade together. The power drive system comprises an in-line, over-center, linear throw column extending through an opening in an enclosure and carrying a spike plate. A motor is carried by and contained within the column and movable with the column toward a shave deck with a blade. A perimeter size and shape of the column matches a perimeter size and shape of the opening. The column substantially closes the opening in the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ice shaver with a multi-link, self-locking, force-reduction, motion control arm or armature to press an ice block against a blade. The armature has a lever with a forward handle, an intermediate connection to the column, and a rear connection to the frame of the ice shaver. A link is coupled between the rear connection of the lever and the frame of the ice shaver to form a four-bar linkage. The armature has a raised locked configuration in which the lever and the link are oriented substantially co-linear to maintain the column in a raised position. In another aspect, joints between the lever and the column can comprise dampers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ice shaver with a 360° splash guard and shield. The guard circumscribes a gap between a top deck and a shave deck. In one aspect, a front arcuate portion of the guard can be a door that slides open and closed around an annular track. In another aspect, another rear arcuate portion of the guard can magnetically mount to the top deck. In another aspect, a channel can be positioned under the guard as an embedded water drainage channel positioned concentrically and underneath the rear floating magnetic splash guard to capture the water droplets spun off from the ice block and direct the water to a drainage opening in the channel.

Abstract: A modular tool with improved tool interface structures may feature an adjustable wrench body (110) with tool modules (120) which fit within the jaws (114, 116) of the head of the tool. The tool body (110) (120) that serve as tools or as attachment for tool components, like tool bits or sockets. The tool features a ratcheting engagement of the jaws (162, 172) with a quick release (117) and spring bias (176) that allows for easy attachment of the modules.

Abstract: Tool grips and handles may be enhanced by the addition of modular inserts which compensate for two voids in the human hand. A first insert may fill a void in the palm of the hand while a second may fill one by the fingers. By filling the voids, a more natural, relaxed, and customizable grip may be achieved for almost any handle. Use of a plurality of inserts allows for customization according to hand size while the size of the inserts also accounts for the size, dimensions, and axes of the handle and tool in general. Meniscus-shaped inserts may be stacked on one another for optimum effect.

Abstract: Tool grips and handles may be enhanced by the addition of modular inserts which compensate for two voids in the human hand. A first insert may fill a void in the palm of the hand while a second may fill one by the fingers. By filling the voids, a more natural, relaxed, and customizable grip may be achieved for almost any handle. Use of a plurality of inserts allows for customization according to hand size while the size of the inserts also accounts for the size, dimensions, and axes of the handle and tool in general. Meniscus-shaped inserts may be stacked on one another for optimum effect.

Abstract: Tool grips and handles may be enhanced by the addition of modular inserts which compensate for two voids in the human hand. A first insert may fill a void in the palm of the hand while a second may fill one by the fingers. By filling the voids, a more natural, relaxed and customizable grip may be achieved for almost any handle. Use of a plurality of inserts allows for customization according to hand size while the size of the inserts also accounts for size and also the dimensions of the handle.

Abstract: A system and method for applying a screen protector to a handheld electronic device may provide a frame to surround the device and secure a screen protector over the device prior to final installation. The frame may provide supports to interface with screen protector cutouts to ensure a uniform fit. For rigid protectors, sets of small teeth may secure the protector to the frame and provide audible confirmation of proper mounting and eventual installation. When fitted over a device, a user may then push the screen protector downward for a perfect mounting of the protector to the device every time.

Abstract: A ski bike for recreation is disclosed. The ski bike features a frame with forward and rearward skis with improved foot mountings. The foot mountings are canted so that the rider is in a forward position over the bike's handlebars. The degree of cant is adjustable and provided stomp plates are modular for different terrain and environment. Adjustable foot bindings are also provided.

Abstract: A series of fender systems for vehicles is disclosed. Each embodiment utilizes a separate mounting assembly by which a fender assembly may be attached to a vehicle. The fender assemblies in each system reduce drag and buffeting caused by current fenders in the art.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for the application of protective films to electronic devices and a method for applying the same. The apparatus utilizes a base shoe and modular framing system that is adaptable for many devices and, when fitted with a device and installed in the shoe, precisely holds the device in a known location relative the shoe. Films are supplied on an application sheet and precisely positioned thereon in a manner such that the application sheet, when positioned on the shoe, holds the film in the exact location needed for quick and precise application of the film. The application sheet is pressed downwards against the device, successively from one edge to another, thereby the film to the device. The shoe features a raised head on a flexible arm, thus raising the film above the level of the device before application and allowing the sheet to be pressed into position.