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WO2009098645A1 - Bac à glaçons - Google Patents

Bac à glaçons Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009098645A1
WO2009098645A1 PCT/IB2009/050449 IB2009050449W WO2009098645A1 WO 2009098645 A1 WO2009098645 A1 WO 2009098645A1 IB 2009050449 W IB2009050449 W IB 2009050449W WO 2009098645 A1 WO2009098645 A1 WO 2009098645A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ice cube
tray
top surface
flexible cover
compartments
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IB2009/050449
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Uri Wolf
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2009098645A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009098645A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • F25C1/22—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds
    • F25C1/24—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds for refrigerators, e.g. freezing trays

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to kitchen utensils, more particularly an ice cube tray.
  • ice cube tray After filling an ice cube tray with water or another liquid, some of the liquid may be spilled when being transported from a filling location, e.g. a kitchen sink, to the freezer and while it is placed in a freezer.
  • a filling location e.g. a kitchen sink
  • covered ice cube trays have been designed. Such covers are also helpful for limiting or preventing issues such as: (a) evaporation (dehydration / sublimation) in the freezer; (b) absorption of odors from food in the freezer; and (c) contamination from food particles or other items.
  • Ice cube trays designs include those with covers that: are fitted (e.g. snap fitted) over the tray; slide over the tray between grooved edges; open and close via a hinge-like mechanism, or; are disposable heat sealed covers designed for one-time use. Some of such covers comprise an inlet for filling.
  • the present invention relates to an ice cube tray designed to prevent or at least greatly limit spillage of liquid during transport of the tray to the freezer after the tray is filled and during insertion of the tray into the freezer; as well as prevent or at least greatly limit sublimation in the freezer.
  • the ice cube tray design further facilitates the full or nearly full filling of the tray (i.e. the individual ice cube compartments of the tray). Ice cube trays may be filled with liquids such as juice or the like to produce flavored frozen cubes, however, ice cube trays are typically filled with water and, as such, the terms water and liquid may be used interchangeably herein the specification and claims and should be understood in their broadest context.
  • the present ice cube tray comprises, or has associated therewith, a flexible cover for placing over the top surface of the tray that seals the water within the tray (i.e. within the individual ice cube compartments thereof).
  • the flexible cover can be a separate, non- integral, piece; or may be attached, by any appropriate means, to a portion of the ice cube tray, typically at the top surface of one end of the tray. The cover typically adheres to the tray's top surface when the cover is laid flat thereupon and continues to adhere to the top surface even when the tray is held at an angle.
  • the filled and cover tray can be stored in the freezer at an angle without dehydration and only a minimum of water spillage, if at all.
  • the present invention provides an ice cube tray comprising a tray portion with at least one ice cube compartment, for receiving a liquid to be frozen.
  • the ice cube compartment(s) are arranged in the tray portion, which has a substantially planar top surface and surrounds the at least one ice cube compartment.
  • a flexible cover is attached to or associated with the tray portion and generally corresponds to the substantially planar top surface, whereby the flexible cover substantially seals the ice cube compartments when laid upon the top surface.
  • the cover of the ice cube tray comprises a plurality of small apertures corresponding to the cube compartments wherethrough small sticks can be inserted, whereby ice cube or frozen snacks such as lollipops (commonly called Popsicles) can be made.
  • the cover may also have flaps which define the apertures, or else cover the apertures.
  • the present invention provides an ice cube tray kit that comprises the aforementioned ice cube tray with a second flexible cover having at least one aperture generally corresponding to the at least one ice cube compartments; and may further include lollipop type sticks.
  • the invention provides a method of filling an ice cube tray, comprising the steps of: filling at least one ice cube compartment of an ice cube tray with a liquid, the tray comprising an essentially planar top surface adjacent the ice cube compartments; and laying a flexible cover on the essentially planar top surface to cover the at least one ice cube compartment.
  • Fig. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an ice cube tray in accordance with the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a top view of the ice cube tray of Fig. 1 showing water being drained therefrom;
  • Fig. 3 is an exploded isometric view of another embodiment of the ice cube tray of the present invention.
  • Fig. 4 is a side view of the ice cube tray of Fig. 3 showing removal of a frozen lollipop ("Popsicle") therefrom.
  • Popsicle frozen lollipop
  • Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an ice cube tray comprising a plurality of ice cube compartments 10; a tray top 12 having a top surface 14 abutting and surrounding the ice cube compartments; and a flexible cover 16 typically corresponding in shape to the area of the tray's top surface.
  • Flexible cover 16 can be made of or comprise any suitable material, however, it is believed that an elastomeric material, typically a thermoplastic elastomer (although potentially a thermoset elastomer), such as silicone and natural or synthetic rubber, would constitute a preferable cover material. It is further believed that the side of flexible cover interfacing with top surface 14 be preferably substantially flat.
  • flexible cover 16 comprises a symbol or word written therein (e.g. a logo or a child's name, etc) corresponding to the location of cube compartments 10 so that such symbol/word appears in a corresponding ice cube.
  • the word can be formed by a projecting portion or a recess (neither shown) of flexible cover 16.
  • ice cube compartments 10 are integrally formed with tray top 12; while in other embodiments, they are non-integrally formed and attached to each other, for example by fusion welding an adhesive or any other appropriate attaching means. If integrally formed with tray top 12, ice cube compartments 10 are most conveniently made of the same material; however, the ice cube compartments and tray top can be either made of the same material or different materials. When non-integrally formed, ice cube compartments 10 may be made of a softer, resilient material, which may ease removal of the ice cubes, in particular, one cube at a time as may be desired.
  • Top surface 14 of tray top 12 is substantially planar, preferably smooth and the tray top is typically generally rigid.
  • tray top 12 can be flexible upon stress, for example, upon a bending or twisting movement that may be used to facilitate removal of ice cubes. It should be understood that by substantially planar, top surface 14 could none-the-less be slightly concave or curved, typically in the longitudinal direction of the tray, which may ease filling of the tray.
  • tray top 12 comprises elongated rails 18 at the sides thereof and projecting upward from top surface 14. Such rails 18 can be useful to help direct excess water, if any, into the ice cube compartments 10 during filling and from the ice cube tray during draining (as shown in Fig. 2) after filling.
  • ice cube tray of the present invention flexible cover 16 is peeled back away from top surface 14 and water (or other liquid) is poured into ice cube compartments 10.
  • ice cube compartments 10 may be partially filled, it is a particular advantage of the invention that the ice cube compartments can be completely filled in a convenient manner. As such, ice cube compartments 10 are filled (even to overflowing) and flexible cover 16 is laid over top surface 14; and if appropriate, the ice cube tray is tilted at an angle whereby any excess water drains from the tray. As such, it can be understood that flexible cover 16 performs a wiper effect; and furthermore eliminates or greatly reduces the commonly undesirable phenomenon wherein ice cubes are frozen together.
  • Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the ice cube tray in which flexible cover
  • ice cube compartments 10 comprises a plurality of apertures 20 whose location corresponds to ice cube compartments 10, typically the center of the ice cube compartments.
  • Such a design offers the option of inserting (Popsicle/ frozen lollipop) sticks 22 (five illustrated) through apertures 20, to facilitate the making of ice cube sized Popsicles; however ice cube compartments 10 can designed to have relatively large recesses for the making of larger, or typically sized Popsicles.
  • Such Popsicles can be made from juice and the like and offer an inexpensive, fun and healthy snack.
  • Sticks 22 can be either disposable, or re-useable and can be included with the ice cube tray (e.g. in a kit, together with flexible cover 16 having apertures 20), or not included.
  • apertures 20 are sized to correspond to sticks 22; and flaps 24 define the apertures, i.e. the periphery of the apertures. Flaps 24 are formed by way of cuts such as cuts 26 in flexible cover 16, which can be in a variety of configurations.
  • apertures 20 are sized so that water will not flow therethrough.
  • flaps 24 cover the apertures 20 and the flaps are peeled back when sticks 22 are disposed in the apertures.
  • flexible cover 16 is made of a material and/or thickness that allows sticks 22 to penetrate the cover. In such case, flexible cover 16 typically comprises a plurality of marks, such as dots (not shown), corresponding to the location, typically the center, of ice cube compartments 10 to indicate where sticks 22 can be inserted.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un bac à glaçons (12) comportant une partie formant bac pourvue d'une pluralité de compartiments à glaçons (10) et recevant un liquide en vue de sa réfrigération. La partie formant bac présente une surface supérieure sensiblement plane entourant les compartiments à glaçons. Un couvercle souple est attaché ou associé à ladite partie formant bac et correspond généralement à ladite surface supérieure à laquelle, généralement, il adhère; ledit couvercle souple, lorsqu'il est posé sur ladite surface supérieure, ferme ainsi de manière sensiblement étanche lesdits compartiments à glaçons. Le couvercle souple peut comporter une pluralité d'ouvertures (20) correspondant aux compartiments à glaçons; des bâtonnets (22) peuvent ainsi être insérés dans lesdites ouvertures afin de fabriquer des en-cas surgelés. Le couvercle peut également posséder des rabats (24) qui délimitent les ouvertures ou recouvrent lesdites ouvertures. L'invention concerne aussi un procédé de remplissage dudit bac à glaçon.
PCT/IB2009/050449 2008-02-05 2009-02-04 Bac à glaçons Ceased WO2009098645A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US2619208P 2008-02-05 2008-02-05
US61/026,192 2008-02-05

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009098645A1 true WO2009098645A1 (fr) 2009-08-13

Family

ID=40601424

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2009/050449 Ceased WO2009098645A1 (fr) 2008-02-05 2009-02-04 Bac à glaçons

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2009098645A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012040812A1 (fr) * 2010-02-10 2012-04-05 Browne & Co. Moules à sucettes congelées détachables
WO2018111123A3 (fr) * 2016-11-24 2018-08-30 Ernesto Victorio Lima Bac à glaçons

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1931053A (en) * 1931-12-21 1933-10-17 Inland Mfg Co Freezing tray
US2049902A (en) * 1932-02-15 1936-08-04 Albert C Fischer Ice tray
US2674862A (en) * 1952-02-21 1954-04-13 Joseph G Nigro Tray means for the production of frangible, chippable, and flakable artificial icicle elements
US2724539A (en) * 1953-05-25 1955-11-22 Schenk Peter Packages for frozen pops
US2736656A (en) * 1952-02-11 1956-02-28 Kraft Foods Co Method of packaging
EP0341467A2 (fr) * 1988-04-29 1989-11-15 Arctic Icewater, Inc. Bac à glaçons jetable
US5196127A (en) * 1989-10-06 1993-03-23 Zev Solell Ice cube tray with cover
DE9301613U1 (de) * 1993-02-05 1993-06-09 Gervais Danone AG, 8000 München Dessert-Set
WO2000008395A2 (fr) * 1998-08-05 2000-02-17 Fleurfontein Mountain Estates (Proprietary) Limited Appareil a glaçons

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1931053A (en) * 1931-12-21 1933-10-17 Inland Mfg Co Freezing tray
US2049902A (en) * 1932-02-15 1936-08-04 Albert C Fischer Ice tray
US2736656A (en) * 1952-02-11 1956-02-28 Kraft Foods Co Method of packaging
US2674862A (en) * 1952-02-21 1954-04-13 Joseph G Nigro Tray means for the production of frangible, chippable, and flakable artificial icicle elements
US2724539A (en) * 1953-05-25 1955-11-22 Schenk Peter Packages for frozen pops
EP0341467A2 (fr) * 1988-04-29 1989-11-15 Arctic Icewater, Inc. Bac à glaçons jetable
US5196127A (en) * 1989-10-06 1993-03-23 Zev Solell Ice cube tray with cover
DE9301613U1 (de) * 1993-02-05 1993-06-09 Gervais Danone AG, 8000 München Dessert-Set
WO2000008395A2 (fr) * 1998-08-05 2000-02-17 Fleurfontein Mountain Estates (Proprietary) Limited Appareil a glaçons

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012040812A1 (fr) * 2010-02-10 2012-04-05 Browne & Co. Moules à sucettes congelées détachables
WO2018111123A3 (fr) * 2016-11-24 2018-08-30 Ernesto Victorio Lima Bac à glaçons

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