BR112017007073B1 - PORTABLE ICE CUBE PRODUCTION UNIT - Google Patents

Abstract

PORTABLE ICE CUBE PRODUCTION UNIT. An ice cube making unit comprising an ice cube tray having at least two ice cube compartments, a lid which is suitable to be fitted to the tray to seal water or other liquid within said at least two ice cube compartments, ice cubes. Said production unit for ice cubes further comprises a displacement arrangement connecting the tray and the lid and having two positions: a first position in which the lid is held, a position in which it supports the tray for ice cubes to seal the contents of at least two ice cube compartments within the compartment and a second position in which the lid is held in a position in which it is separated from the tray so that ice cubes formed in the tray can exit the tray.

Description

[001] The present specification describes at least five separate inventions which are described separately, but which are related as they all relate to ice cube production units.

First Invention

[002] The first invention relates to an ice cube production unit comprising an ice cube tray having at least one ice cube compartment and a lid that is suitable to be mounted on the tray to seal off water or another liquid within said at least one ice cube compartment.

[003] By ice cube production unit is meant a unit that can be filled with water or other liquid after which it is placed in a freezer and the water or other liquid freezes. Inside the unit, at least one ice cube compartment is arranged in which ice freezes into an ice cube shape. By ice cube is meant any 3D geometric shape of ice. In other words, the ice cubes don't have to be right angle cubes, but can be hearts, stars, spheres, etc.

[004] In a preferred embodiment of the first invention, the ice cube production unit according to the first invention is a portable unit. In the context of the first invention, a "portable" unit is to be understood as a unit which is portable and which can be manually operated. More specifically, a portable ice cube dispensing unit according to the first invention must be capable of being placed in a typical home freezer. It must additionally be possible to remove the unit from the freezer so that it can be manually operated by a user, after which it can be placed back in the freezer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNIQUE

[005] Ice cube trays with lids are well known in the art. For example, US 5,188,744 A, US 2,613,512 A, US 5,196,127 A and US 4,967,995 A. However, prior art systems are complex to use, have covers that need to be handled separately from the tray and/or do not seal the water inside the unit.

[006] Additionally, most ice cube trays with lids that are available in the art are designed to allow stacking of ice cube trays on top of each other. They are not designed to seal water/liquid inside the unit.

SUMMARY OF THE FIRST INVENTION

[007] It is therefore a first aspect of the first invention to provide an ice cube production unit that is better than prior art solutions.

[008] This aspect is provided by the invention according to the characterizing part of claim 1a. Additional advantageous features are described in the dependent claims.

[009] In the claims, it is mentioned that the cover is "held in one position". According to the current specification this should be understood so that the unit itself holds the cover in the specified position. It is not necessary for a user to manually hold the lid in the specified position.

[010] It should be noted that in the claims the phrase "individually sealed" is used to describe how the ice cube compartments are sealed. In accordance with this specification, this is to be understood to mean that an ice cube compartment must be sealed individually with respect to an adjacent ice cube compartment. The lid, therefore, must seal against a divider between the ice cube compartments. It should, however, be noted that air and water channels located in the divider to allow water flow between adjacent compartments for ice cubes must be allowed. The limitation should be that when the ice cube tray is sealed by the lid, the ice cube tray can be arranged in any position in a freezer without sufficient ice forming in the area between adjacent ice cubes, which would make it difficult to the breaking of ice cubes adjacent to each other in the unit. While those skilled in the art should understand this definition, some more precise definitions are provided here and can be used if necessary. One definition is that the cross-sectional area of the air/water channels in the sidewall must be less than 20% of the total surface area of the sidewall of the ice cube compartment where the air/water channels are located. Another definition is that the cross-sectional area of the air/water channels in the sidewall must be less than 15% of the total surface area of the sidewall of the ice cube compartment where the air/water channels are located. Additional settings of less than 10% and less than 5% can also be used.

[011] It should also be noted that the claims also use the term "accommodation". The term housing must be understood as an element that unites the lid, the tray and the displacement arrangement. The housing in one embodiment is enclosed such that the tray, lid and displacement mechanism are all disposed within the housing. However, in another embodiment, the housing is open and only provides a way of connecting different elements. Additionally, in one embodiment, the housing is attached directly to the displacement arrangement, while the tray and lid are attached directly to the displacement arrangement without any direct connection to the housing. However, within the scope of the present specification, the housing in this situation still joins the lid, tray and displacement arrangement.

[012] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising/understood of" when used in this specification is considered to specify the presence of mentioned characteristics, elements, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements , characteristics, stages, components or groups thereof.

SECOND INVENTION

[013] The second invention relates to a portable unit for dispensing ice cubes. In particular, the second invention relates to a portable ice cube dispensing unit of the type which is arranged to dispense a limited number of ice cubes at a time from an ice cube container. In a preferred embodiment, the unit is arranged to dispense a single ice cube at a time.

[014] In the context of the second invention, a "portable" unit is to be understood as a unit that is portable and can be operated manually. More specifically, a portable ice cube dispensing unit according to the second invention should be capable of being placed in a typical home freezer. It must additionally be possible to remove the unit from the freezer so that it can be manually operated by a user, after which it can be placed back in the freezer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNIQUE

[015] Prior art examples of ice cube dispensers are typically large mechanical units that are designed to be incorporated into refrigerators/beverage machines, etc. For example, see $6,607,096 and $649,984. In general, "portable" ice cube dispensers are not known in the prior art.

[016] Ice cube trays are known in the art that can dispense ice cubes, but most available ice cube trays are not arranged to dispense a certain limited number of ice cubes at a time. Those that can dispense a limited number of ice cubes at a time have a complicated mechanism that is difficult to operate. Some examples are provided in FR 2,852,088, US 5,261,468, US 5,188,744, US 5,044,600, US 4,967,995, EP 0362112, EP 0279408 and US 3565389.

[017] Many forms of dispensers are known in the patent literature. However, these dispensers are usually associated with small items such as pills, candy and the like. Ice cubes are very different from typical small items as ice cubes are generally quite large and more difficult to handle than a dry solid element such as candy and pills.

SUMMARY OF THE SECOND INVENTION

[018] It is therefore a first aspect of the second invention to provide a portable dispenser for ice cubes that is capable of dispensing a limited number of ice cubes at a time in a simple and efficient manner.

[019] This aspect is provided by a unit according to claim 1b. Additional advantageous features and embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[020] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising/understood of" when used in this specification is used to specify the presence of mentioned characteristics, elements, steps or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more others elements, characteristics, stages, components or groups thereof. For example, in the claims for the second invention, it is mentioned that the mechanism comprises two positions. However, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the mechanism should not be limited to just two positions, but that it should be limited to having at least two positions.

THIRD INVENTION

[021] The third invention relates to a sealed ice cube tray unit comprising an ice cube tray having at least two ice cube compartments and a removable lid that is disposed on said ice cube tray to seal individually the contents of at least two ice cube compartments.

[022] According to this specification, a sealed ice cube tray unit shall be understood as an ice cube tray and a removable lid which together provide a sealed compartment for forming at least one ice cube.

[023] According to the current specification, a supply opening with a plug shall be understood as an opening which in a first mode is opened to allow water or other liquid to be introduced into the sealed compartment and which in a second mode is sealed through the plug to prevent water or other contents in the sealed compartment from escaping the sealed compartment.

[024] Additionally, in accordance with the present specification, the phrase "individually sealed" shall be understood to mean that an ice cube compartment shall be individually sealed with respect to an adjacent ice cube compartment. The lid must therefore seal against a divider between adjacent ice cube compartments. It should, however, be noted that the air/water channels located in the divider must be allowed to allow water flow between adjacent ice cube compartments. The limitation should be that when the ice cube tray is sealed by the lid, the ice cube tray can be arranged in any position in a freezer without sufficient ice forming in the area between adjacent ice cubes which would make it difficult to break. of ice cubes adjacent to each other in the unit. While those skilled in the art should understand this definition, some more precise definitions are provided here which can be used if necessary. One definition is that the total cross-sectional area of the air and/or water channels in the sidewall must be less than 20% of the total surface area of the sidewall of the ice cube compartment where the air and/or water channels are located. . Another definition is that the total cross-sectional area of the air and/or water channels in the sidewall must be less than 15% of the total surface area of the sidewall of the ice cube compartment where the air and/or water channels are located. . Additional settings of less than 10% and less than 5% can also be used.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNIQUE

[025] In general, sealed ice cube trays with filling openings are not well known in the prior art. Sealed ice cube trays with fill openings and plugs are known, however these are typically supplied with large volumes of empty space within the sealed tray. See, for example, DE 8,608,582 U1, EP 2,530,413 A2 and GB 1,588,108 A. Due to the large volumes of empty space, when the ice cube tray unit is placed in the freezer, it is necessary to arrange the level of the tray, otherwise ice will form in the empty space instead of the ice cube compartments.

[026] There are examples of sealed ice cube trays where the contents of the individual ice cube compartments are individually sealed. See, for example, FR 2,649,190 B3, US 3,135,101 A and US 4,432,529 A. However, in known embodiments, the fill openings are provided in the lid of the ice cube tray. As such, when water is poured into the tray, it is necessary to keep the tray level, otherwise the tray will not be filled properly. There will be a lot of water on one side and very little water on the other side.

SUMMARY OF THE THIRD INVENTION

[027] It is therefore a first aspect of the third invention to provide a sealed tray unit for ice cubes that is easier to fill through a fill opening than prior art units.

[028] This is provided at least in part by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1c. Additional advantageous features are provided in the dependent claims.

[029] It should be noted that in the claims, a "supply opening having a central axis" is used. This is to be understood as the supply opening having an axis which is called the central axis. In the case where the supply opening is an elongated channel, the central axis shall be defined as a center axis of the central part of the elongated channel. If the elongated channel is straight, then the center axis is the same as the longitudinal axis of the channel. In the case where the supply opening is not a channel, but instead just an opening in a flat surface, then the central axis must be defined as a vector normal to a plane comprising the supply opening. If the supply opening is not planar, then the central axis should be defined as a normal vector of a plane comprising most of the supply opening. In general, the center axis will also be aligned with the average direction in which water is discharged into the supply opening.

[030] The claims additionally mention "the direction of the average direction of movement of the ice cube when the ice cube is removed from the tray". This should be interpreted as the direction in which an ice cube formed in the tray will be removed from the tray. Typically, the ice cube tray is formed with ice cube compartments having an opening. Ice cubes are normally removed normal to the opening area. Ice cubes can often be moved in many different directions, but in general the average movement of the ice cube needs to follow a certain vector. This is discussed in more detail below with reference to figures 21c and 22c.

[031] The claims also mention a "flexible material". By flexible material is meant a material that is flexible enough to deform when pressure is applied to it. It should be clear to those skilled in the art that all materials deform when sufficient pressure is applied, however, as per the current specification, the pressures that should be used are those that can be applied by a human user to a plastic unit.

[032] The claims also use the terms internal, external, superior and inferior. According to this specification, the terms internal and external shall be used to describe the direction that is parallel to the plane of the lid. The inner side is the side that is closer to the center of the ice cube compartment while the outer term is farther from the center. The terms top and bottom should be used to describe the direction that is perpendicular to the cap. The upper term should be closer to the lid and the lower term should be farther from the lid.

[033] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising/understood of" when used in this descriptive report is used to specify the presence of mentioned characteristics, elements, steps or components, but does not prevent the presence or addition of one or more among characteristics, elements, stages, components or groups thereof.

FOURTH INVENTION

[034] The fourth invention relates to a sealed ice cube tray unit having a liquid supply opening, said ice cube tray unit comprising at least two individually sealed ice cube compartments, said opening a liquid supply means being associated with one of said at least two individually sealed ice cube compartments so that water introduced into the sealed ice cube tray unit through the liquid supply opening enters said ice cube compartment, said ice cube tray unit further comprising a divider between the at least two separately sealed compartments for ice cubes and where at least a first opening is provided in said divider to allow water and/or air to flow between the said at least two ice cube compartments.

[035] According to the current specification, a sealed ice cube tray unit shall be understood as an ice cube tray and a removable lid which together provide a sealed compartment for the formation of at least one ice cube.

[036] Additionally, in accordance with the present specification, the phrase "individually sealed" shall be understood to mean that an ice cube compartment must be individually sealed with respect to an adjacent ice cube compartment. The lid must therefore seal against a divider between adjacent ice cube compartments. It should, however, be noted that air/water channels located in the divider that allow water to flow between adjacent ice cube compartments must be permitted. The limitation should be that when the ice cube tray is sealed by the lid, the ice cube tray can be arranged in any position in a freezer without sufficient ice forming in the area between adjacent ice cubes, which would make it difficult to Breaks adjacent ice cubes from others in the unit. While those skilled in the art should understand this definition, some more precise definitions are provided here which can be used if necessary. One definition is that the total cross-sectional area of the air and/or water channels in the sidewall must be less than 20% of the total surface area of the sidewall of the ice cube compartment where the air and/or ice channels are located. . Another definition is that the total cross-sectional area of the air and/or water channels in the sidewall must be less than 15% of the total surface area of the sidewall of the ice cube compartment in which the air and/or water channels are located. located. Additional definitions of less than 10% and less than 5% should also be used.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNIQUE

[037] Ice cube trays with water distribution channels are well known in the art. Typically, ice cube trays are arranged with a number of ice cube compartments arranged in a 2D grid with each ice cube compartment having an upward facing opening. Water is normally poured into the ice cube tray through the open top surface, thus filling the ice cube compartments. In order to facilitate filling, it is often the case that small channels are provided in the walls dividing adjacent ice cube compartments so that water can flow from one ice cube compartment to another.

[038] In cases where no channel is provided, it is often the case that too much water is poured into the tray and the water flows over the dividers between the ice cube compartments. In this way ice bridges are formed between adjacent ice cubes which can make it difficult to remove the ice cubes from the tray as the ice cubes adhere so tightly to each other. The use of channels also results in a bridge between adjacent compartments, but the size of the bridges can be controlled so that they are retained small enough that they are easily broken when removing the ice cubes from the tray.

[039] The use of water channels between adjacent ice cube compartments is well known. See, for example, US. 3,620,497 A. Ice cube trays which are arranged with individually sealed compartments for ice cubes and which are filled through a sealing opening are, however, not as well known. Some examples are provided in WO 2005054761 A1 and US 4,432,529 A. In these examples, water channels are also provided between adjacent ice cube compartments.

[040] It should be noted that there are a large number of ice cube trays where the ice cube tray is sealed, but where the individual compartments for ice cubes are not individually sealed. For example, DE 8,608,582 U1, EP 1,307,694 B1, EP 2,530,413 A2, GB 1,588,108 A, US 4,883,251 A, USD 669,102 S1 and US 2,011,278,430 A1 all describe ice cube trays where water is poured into the tray through an opening until the water reaches a predetermined supply line. Once the water reaches this line, a lid is placed on the ice cube tray. The ice cube tray is then laid out in a level position, after which it is placed in a freezer in that level position. If the ice cube tray is not placed in the freezer in a level position, water will flow around the container and one large ice cube will form instead of multiple separate ice cubes in the tray. These types of ice cube trays can be described as sealed ice cube trays, but not as sealed ice cube trays with individually sealed ice cube compartments.

[041] Sealed ice cube trays of the prior art type with separately sealed ice cube compartments have never been commercially successful. This is usually because prior art solutions have not realized that filling the sealed ice cube tray through a fill opening is difficult as the air stored in the sealed ice cube tray needs to escape before the water can be placed in the compartments.

SUMMARY OF THE FOURTH INVENTION

[042] It is therefore a first aspect of the fourth invention to provide an ice cube tray as mentioned in the opening paragraph that is easy to fill.

[043] This aspect is provided at least in part by the features of claim 1d. Additional advantageous features are provided in the dependent claims.

[044] The claims use the term "central axis of the supply opening". This refers to a vector that is either perpendicular to the area of the supply opening if the supply opening is a very thin opening, or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the supply opening if the supply opening has a certain length.

[045] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising/understood of", when used in this specification, must specify the presence of mentioned characteristics, elements, steps or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the characteristics, elements, stages, components or groups thereof. For example, in the claims, two individually sealed compartments for ice cubes are mentioned. This should be understood as at least two ice cube compartments.

FIFTH INVENTION

[046] The fifth invention relates to a sealed ice cube tray unit comprising an ice cube tray and a lid, said ice cube tray comprising two adjacent ice cube compartments, where each of said ice cube compartments two ice cube compartments have a bottom and a side wall, the side wall being arranged such that the upper edge of the side wall defines an opening through which an ice cube formed in the compartment can be removed and where said lid is mounted on said ice cube tray and arranged to individually seal water or other liquid within said ice cube compartments.

[047] According to the current specification, a sealed ice cube tray unit shall be understood as an ice cube tray and a removable lid which together provide a sealed compartment for the formation of at least one ice cube.

[048] Additionally, according to the current specification, the phrase "individually sealed" should be understood to mean that an ice cube compartment must be individually sealed with respect to an adjacent compartment for ice cubes. The lid must therefore seal against a divider between adjacent ice cube compartments. It should, however, be noted that air/water channels located in the divider to allow water flow between adjacent ice cube compartments must be permitted. The limitation should be that when the ice cube tray is sealed by the lid, the ice cube tray can be arranged in any position in a freezer without sufficient ice forming in the area between adjacent ice cubes which would make it difficult to break. of adjacent ice cubes from each other in the unit. While those skilled in the art should understand this definition, some more precise definitions are provided here which can be used if necessary. One definition is that the total cross-sectional area of the air and/or water channels in the sidewall must be less than 20% of the total surface area of the sidewall of the ice cube compartment where the air and/or water channels are located. . Another definition is that the total cross-sectional area of the air and/or water channels in the sidewall must be less than 15% of the total surface area of the sidewall of the ice cube compartment where the air and/or water channels are located. . Additional settings of less than 10% and less than 5% can also be used.

DEFINITIONS OF THE PRIOR ART

[049] Prior art ice cube trays are usually provided with multiple ice cube compartments arranged in a grid-like structure. More often than not, ice cube trays are supplied without lids and are open to the environment. Because of this, it is necessary to place ice cube trays in a freezer in a level position to prevent water or other liquid stored in the ice cube tray from escaping.

[050] There are examples of ice cube trays with lids that seal the contents of the ice cube tray. One such example is GB 1,588,108 A. However, in prior art examples such as these, it is still necessary to arrange the ice cube tray unit in a level position in the freezer since otherwise the water will not be disposed properly in the ice cube compartments, but will instead collect at one end of the unit and form a large chunk of ice that will be impossible to remove.

[051] Ice cube tray units where the ice cube compartments are individually sealed are known from the prior art. One example is US 3,135,101 A and another example is DE 10135206 C2. However, common to these prior art solutions is that no adequate consideration has been made that takes into account the expansion of water when it freezes. As the liquid freezes in the prior art examples, the ice will push against the lid thereby deforming the lid. In the case of US 3,135,101 A, the cap may be difficult to remove. In the case of DE 10135206 C2, the lid will deform allowing the ice to form a bridge between two adjacent ice cubes. This will make it difficult to remove the ice cubes from the tray as individual ice cubes. Two other examples of sealed ice cube trays are provided in US 4,432,529 A and WO 2005054761 A1.

SUMMARY OF THE FIFTH INVENTION

[052] It is therefore a first aspect of the fifth invention to provide a sealed ice cube tray unit as mentioned in the opening paragraph which is better than prior art solutions.

[053] This is provided by an ice cube tray unit as claimed in claim 1e. Additional advantageous features are provided in the dependent claims.

[054] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising/understood of" when used in this specification is considered to specify the presence of mentioned characteristics, elements, steps or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other characteristics, elements, stages, components or groups thereof. For example, in the claims it is mentioned that the ice cube tray comprises two ice cube compartments. According to this specification, this should be interpreted as at least two ice cube compartments. The same is true for two parts of expansion absorption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[055] In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated by the attached figures. It should be emphasized that the illustrated embodiments are used for exemplary purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention.

[056] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of an ice cube production unit according to the invention in a closed position.

[057] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the ice cube production unit of figure 1 in a supply position.

[058] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the ice cube production unit of Figure 1 in a dispensing position.

[059] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the ice cube production unit of figure 1.

[060] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the ice cube production unit in Figure 1 where some of the components have been removed to simplify the design.

[061] Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the ice cube production unit of figure 1 in a closed position where some of the components have been removed to simplify the design.

[062] Fig. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the ice cube production unit of Figure 1 in a closed position.

[063] Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the ice cube production unit of figure 1 in a supply position where some of the components have been removed to simplify the design.

[064] Fig. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the ice cube production unit of Figure 1 in a supply position.

[065] Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the ice cube production unit of figure 1 in a distribution position where some of the components were hidden to simplify the design.

[066] Fig. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the ice cube production unit of Figure 1 in a dispensing position.

[067] Fig. 12 illustrates a detailed exploded perspective view of the ice cube tray component with the tray lid of the ice cube production unit of figure 1.

[068] Fig. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the flexible sheet of figure 12 from a different viewing angle.

[069] Fig. 14 illustrates a front view of the ice cube tray of the ice cube production unit in figure 1.

[070] Fig. 15 illustrates a schematic view of the tray and tray lid with sealing ribs.

[071] Fig. 16 illustrates an approximate cross-sectional view of the supply opening in a closed position according to the detailed view XVI defined in figure 7.

[072] Fig. 17 illustrates an approximate cross-sectional view of the supply opening in an open position according to the detailed view XVII defined in figure 9.

[073] Fig. 18-20 illustrate views in different perspectives of the supply arrangement of the ice cube production unit of figure 1.

[074] Fig. 21a illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an ice cube compartment with a lid having an ice cube retention device.

[075] Fig. 22a illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an ice cube production unit according to the first invention.

[076] Fig. 21b illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an ice cube dispensing unit according to the second invention in a closed position.

[077] Fig. 22b illustrates a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an ice cube dispensing unit according to the second invention in a closed position.

[078] Fig. 23b illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an ice cube dispensing unit according to the second invention in a closed position.

[079] Fig. 24b illustrates two schematic cross-sectional views of a fifth embodiment of an ice cube dispensing unit according to the second invention in a closed and open position.

[080] Fig. 21c and 22c illustrate schematic views of an ice cube tray with a supply opening and a plug.

[081] Fig. 23c schematically illustrates another embodiment of a supply opening and a plug.

[082] Fig. 24c schematically illustrates another embodiment of a supply opening and a plug.

[083] Fig. 25c and 26c illustrate another embodiment of a supply opening and a plug in two different positions.

[084] Fig. 27c illustrates another embodiment of a supply opening and a plug.

[085] Fig. 21d schematically illustrates another embodiment of a sealed tray unit for ice cubes according to the fourth invention.

[086] Fig. 22d schematically illustrates another embodiment of a sealed tray unit for ice cubes according to the fourth invention.

[087] Fig. 23d schematically illustrates a modification of the sealed tray unit for ice cubes in figure 22d.

[088] Fig. 24d and 25d schematically illustrate two views of another embodiment of a sealed tray unit for ice cubes according to the fourth invention.

[089] Fig. 26d to 28d schematically illustrate three views of another embodiment of a sealed tray unit for ice cubes according to the fourth invention.

[090] Fig. 21e schematically illustrates another embodiment of a sealed tray unit for ice cubes according to the fifth invention.

[091] Fig. 22e schematically illustrates another embodiment of a sealed tray unit for ice cubes according to the fifth invention.

[092] Fig. 23e schematically illustrates another embodiment of a sealed tray unit for ice cubes according to the fifth invention.

[093] Fig. 24e schematically illustrates another embodiment of a sealed tray unit for ice cubes according to the fifth invention. Detailed Description of Modalities

[094] Figures 1-20 illustrate different views of an embodiment of an ice cube production/distribution unit at different stages of operation. The ice cube maker of figures 1-20 has a number of unique features which will be described in detail below. It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that different features need not all be used together. Other devices can be developed that make use of one or more of the separate features described below. The scope of protection of this application shall be determined by the claims of this application.

[095] It should be noted that the present application is one of a set of applications, all filed by the applicant on 6 October 2014 with the Danish Patent and Trademark Office. The contents of all five orders are incorporated herein by reference. The requests referred to are:

[096] First invention: DK PA201470616 - filed on October 6, 2014.

[097] Second invention: DK PA201470615 - filed on October 6, 2014.

[098] Third invention: DK PA201470617 - filed on October 6, 2014.

[099] Fourth invention: DK PA201470619 - filed on October 6, 2014.

[100] Fifth invention: DK PA201470618 - filed on October 6, 2014.

[101] The embodiment of the ice cube production unit 1 illustrated in the figures comprises a housing 2, a lid 3, a dispenser 4, two ice cube trays 5a, 5b, two tray covers 6a, 6b for the trays of ice cube and an activation mechanism. The activation mechanism will be described in more detail below.

[102] Figure 1 illustrates the unit in a closed position. In this position the ice cube trays 5a, 5b are sealed by the tray lids 6a, 6b and no water/ice can enter the trays or leave the trays.

[103] Figure 2 illustrates the unit in a fueling position. In this position, cover 3 has been rotated through 90 degrees to reveal supply ports 71, 72 (figure 18) on top of the unit. In this position, water can be poured into the unit until it is full. Details of how the fueling process works are provided below.

[104] After filling the unit completely, cover 3 can be turned 90 degrees back again to bring the unit into its closed position (figure 1). The unit is then completely sealed and no water can then leave the unit. The unit can then be placed in a freezer in any position without water running out of the device. Once the unit is in the freezer, water can freeze in individual compartments of the ice cube tray.

[105] Figure 3 illustrates the device in a "distribution" position. In that position, lid 3 was turned a number of times, thus activating the opening mechanism. As the lid is rotated, the ice cube trays 5a, 5b are moved outwards, thus separating them from their respective tray lids 6a, 6b. Once the ice cube trays have been moved out far enough, the ice cubes are released and fall into the interior of the unit. Additional details of the opening mechanism are provided below.

[106] In this embodiment, an additional rotation of the lid activates the dispenser which dispenses one ice cube at a time through the bottom of the unit. The operation is similar to a pepper grinder. Additional distributor details are provided below.

[107] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the unit where all the different components can be seen. In figure 5, the leftmost tray with its associated tray cover, the frontmost housing panel, and the frontmost distributor panel have been removed to make the mechanism easier to understand.

[108] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the unit in its closed position, figures 8 and 9 illustrate the unit in its filling position, and figures 10 and 11 illustrate the unit in its dispensing position.

[109] The unit, in greater detail, comprises (see figure 4), a first side housing panel 11, a second side housing panel 12, an upper housing part 13, a cover 3, a first distribution panel 21, a second distribution panel 22, a spiral element 23, a distributor clutch element 24, a first tray 5a, a first tray cover 6a, a second tray 5b, a second tray cover 6a, a first guide plate 31 , a second guide plate 32, a cover clutch element 33, a hexagonal drive shaft 34, a bushing or bearing 35, a sliding nut 36 and a threaded drive shaft 37. The interaction between these elements will be described below.

[110] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the first and second tray lids 6a, 6b are made from a flexible sheet element 50 and a frame element 51. The flexible sheet element is attached to the structure as will be described in more detail later. The flexible sheet element is illustrated separate from the frame element in the figures for purposes of illustration, however in the actual device the two elements must be fastened together to form a single unit.

[111] During assembly, the sliding nut 36 is attached to an upper recess 52 in the frame element 51 of the second tray lid 6b. The sliding nut is prevented from turning or shifting with respect to the frame member. Additionally, the bushing 35 is located in a second recess 53 in the frame element of the second tray lid 6b. The bushing 35 can rotate with respect to the structure element of the cover, but it cannot move with respect to the cover. This is due to the two tabs 45 on each side of the bushing 35 which interpose a part of the frame element. The opposing tray lid frame member 6a is then positioned adjacent the second tray lid frame member 6b, thereby interposing the slide nut and bushing within the two tray lids. The two caps are each formed with a snap-fit mechanism 54 which allows the two caps to snap-fit together, thereby ensuring that the bushing 35 and sliding nut 36 do not fall out of their recesses.

[112] The lid frame elements also have vertical extension tabs 55 on each side of the tray lid. These tabs 55 are arranged in a vertical partition 40 arranged in the guide plates 31, 32. Press fit elements 56 arranged parallel to the tabs 55 are arranged to press fit the partition 40 in the guide plate 31, 32 to retain the plates. guide and covers together. This way, when the caps are shifted, then the guide plates are also shifted in the same direction and by the same amount.

[113] From figure 4, it can also be seen that the guide plates have an elongated protrusion 41 around the periphery of the partition 40. This protuberance fits into a partition 14 in the first and second housing plates 11, 12. The partition 14 on the housing plates is longer than the protrusion 41 on the guide plates which allows the lids + guide plates assembly to slide up and down in the housing along the partition 14. It should be noted that other embodiments also can be provided. For example, in one solution, instead of having an elongated protrusion 41 that fits a partition, the guide plate 31, 32 can be formed with a limited number of pins that fit the partition 14 in the housing. That way, any water trapped in the partition would be easily able to drain. If water is trapped during freezing, the pins will easily break the ice.

[114] In order to control the movement of the tray cover + guide plate assembly, the threaded drive shaft 37 is provided with an external thread that engages an internal thread on the sliding nut 36. As the threaded drive shaft is turned, the slide nut is forced to move up or down relative to the threaded drive shaft depending on the direction of rotation of the threaded drive shaft. The top threaded drive shaft 38 is press fit into an opening 15 in the top housing part 13. The top housing part is attached to the first and second housing panels 12, 13. Due to the arrangement of the top part of the shaft threaded drive shaft, the threaded drive shaft cannot be displaced relative to the housing panels and the top of the housing, it can only rotate. As it turns, it will therefore force the cover + guide plate assembly to move up or down with respect to the housing. A drive shaft (not shown) below the cover 3 engages the top of the threaded drive shaft 37, so that when the cover is turned, the threaded drive shaft is also turned. Therefore, by rotating the upper cover 3, the cover + guide plate assembly is displaced with respect to the housing.

[115] The ice cube trays 5a, 5b are each provided with three guide pins 61 on each side of the ice cube tray. Guide pins 61 are disposed in guide partitions 42 on guide plates and guide partitions 16 on housing panels. The guide partitions in the housing panels have a vertical part 17 towards the center of the housing panels and a horizontal part 18 running from the center of the housing panels towards the outer periphery of the housing panels. The guide partitions 42 in the guide plates 31, 32 are generally arranged at an angle to the vertical. In the current modality, the angle is about 40 degrees.

[116] Ice cube trays 5a, 5b start in a slightly pressed position against their respective tray lids 6a, 6b. The tray guide pins 61 are at the top of the vertical portion of the guide partitions 17 on the housing panels and the innermost position on the guide partitions 42 on the guide plates 31, 32. As the tray cover + guide plate assembly is pushed downwards by rotating the cover 3, the guide pins are also pushed down into the vertical part 17 of the guide partitions 16 in the housing panels while remaining stationary with respect to the partitions in the guide plates. Once the guide pins reach the horizontal part, the guide pins will start to move outward due to the angle of the guide partitions on the guide plates. As the lid + guide plate assembly moves downward, the ice cube trays move horizontally outward. When the lid + guide plate assembly reaches the bottom of its travel, the external thread of the threaded drive shaft 37 releases the sliding nut and the lid + guide plate assembly stops moving down and the ice cube trays stop moving. out.

[117] When it is desirable to retract the ice cube trays, the lid is turned in the opposite direction thus pulling the sliding nut up again and the movement of the trays and guide pins is reversed.

[118] Once the tray cover + guide plate assembly reaches its lowest position, the lowest part of the bushing 35 which is formed as a clutch element 33 engages with a complementary clutch element 24 formed on the spiral 23. Once the threaded drive shaft 37 is no longer in engagement with the sliding nut, the threaded drive shaft can rotate freely without any further displacement of the tray cover + guide plate assembly. The hex drive shaft 34 is attached to one end of the threaded drive shaft and rotates together with the threaded drive shaft. The bushing 35 is arranged with an internal recess that matches the shape of the hex shafts while still allowing the bushing to slide along the hex shaft. In this way, as the cover + guide plate assembly is moved downwards, the bushing slides along the hexagonal axis, but rotates along with the hexagonal axis. Therefore, when the bottom of the bushing engages with the scroll clutch element, rotation of the cap will cause the scroll to rotate. The function of the spiral will be described in more detail later.

[119] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the distribution position in greater detail. As can be seen especially from figure 11, the ice cube trays have been moved outwards so that they are completely disconnected from the lids. Ice cubes are now free to fall into the open area between ice cube trays and tray lids. Effectively there are two separate ice cube compartments, one on each side of the tray lid assembly in the center of the unit. The dispenser arrangement at the bottom of the device can be described as a unit having four openings, two openings 90, 91 at the top and two openings 92, 93 at the bottom. Effectively the two openings at the bottom are joined into one opening, however one can imagine two separate openings.

[120] In the position illustrated in Figure 11, an ice cube will fall through the leftmost opening 90 and land on the bottom of the spiral 23a. Likewise, an ice cube will fall through the rightmost opening 91 and land on top of the spiral 23b. The spiral will prevent the ice cubes from falling out of the dispenser. As the spiral rotates, the ice cube on the left and the ice cube on the right will slowly move downwards. When the end of the spiral is reached into the left opening, the ice cube on the left side will fall through the bottom opening 92 on the left side. Further rotation of the spiral will then allow the ice cube on the right to fall through the lower opening 93 on the right side. This cycle can be repeated by further rotating the spiral.

[121] In this embodiment, this effect is provided by having a spiral. However, a similar effect can be provided by two covering elements offset from each other. In a first position, a cover plate covers the bottom opening while a second cover plate does not cover the top opening. In this position, an ice cube can fall through the upper opening and land on the lower cover plate. The rotation of the cover plates then covers the upper opening while opening the lower opening. The ice cube can then fall through the bottom opening. Additional rotation closes the lower aperture and opens the upper aperture. This can be repeated as many times as desired.

[122] While a spiral as such does not have a distinct upper and lower cover plate, in effect, the upper part of the spiral acts as an upper cover plate and the lower part of the spiral acts as a lower cover plate for purposes of this specification. Additionally, the spiral can be formed with a gentle slope as illustrated in the figures, or it can be provided with a staggered slope if desired.

[123] Figures 12-15 illustrate some different detailed views of the ice cube trays 5 and the tray lids 6. As mentioned previously, the tray lids 6 are, in the current embodiment, made of a frame member 51 and a flexible sheet member 50. In the current embodiment, the frame member is made through a plastic injection molding process and the flexible sheet member is injected together directly into the frame member with a rubber material. In this way, tray lids are formed as a single component in a single production process.

[124] On the tray-facing side of the flexible sheet element 50, sealing ferrules 57 are formed. Figure 15 shows a schematic view of the sealing ferrules to better illustrate how they work. The sealing ferrules extend a short distance into the ice cube bin along the top edge of the ice cube bin. Sealing ferrules serve two purposes. A first purpose is to provide a better seal that can absorb a given amount of extension of the flexible sheet element when the ice in the compartment expands without the water in the ice cube flowing through the edges of the ice cube compartment. In order to enhance the sealing effect of the sealing ferrules, additional ridges or tabs can be formed on the outer sides of the sealing ferrules so that a better seal is provided between the sealing ferrules and the inner surface of the ice cube compartment. .

[125] A second purpose is to help pull the ice cube out of the ice cube compartment when the tray is pulled away from the tray lid. When ice freezes in the ice cube compartment, the ice will freeze around the sealing ferrules which have a slight inward slope. When the tray is pulled away from the tray lid, the sealing ferrules will attempt to grip the ice cube, thereby pulling it out of the tray. When the sealing ferrules pass over the top edge of the tray, they flex outwards, thus releasing the ice cube.

[126] Depending on how hard the sealing ferrules must grip the ice cube, the sealing ferrules can be formed into different shapes and sizes. It can also be seen that due to the movement of the trays and lids, as the trays come straight out, the tray lids come down. Therefore, in the case where the ice cubes are retained in the lid via the sealing ferrules, the downward movement of the tray lids with respect to the trays will force the trays into contact with the ice cubes, thereby rotating the ice cubes. and forcing them to fall away from the tray lids.

[127] As can be seen especially from figure 12 and 14, the ice cube tray 5 has a number of channels 58, 59 in dividers 60 between adjacent ice cube compartments. Additionally, it can be seen that dividers between the small channel A 58 are provided at the upper end of the divider and a larger channel 59 is provided at the lower end of the divider. Due to the tilt divider, as water is poured into the ice cube tray through the fill opening 64, water will flow into one side of the ice cube tray through the larger opening 59 while air is allowed to escape. through the smaller channels at the upper end of the dividers. This way, the water flow will be arranged on the right side of the tray while the air flow will be arranged on the left side of the tray. Due to the separation of airflow and waterflow to the left and right sides respectively, air bubbles in the waterflow will be avoided, thus allowing faster and easier filling of the water cube tray.

[128] It can also be noted that the frame member 51 is arranged with an outer frame 51a which presses the flexible sheet against the outer periphery of the ice cube tray. Additionally, the frame member 51 is arranged with dividers 51b which press the flexible sheet against the upper edge of the dividers of the ice cube compartments. This way, a tight seal is provided between the flexible sheet and the top edge of the ice cube tray. Additionally, it can be seen that the frame element is hollow between the outer frame and the dividers. That way, as the water in the ice cube compartments freezes, the flexible sheet will be able to extend into the hollow between the outer frame and the dividers.

[129] As previously mentioned, in order to fill the unit with water, the unit can be placed in a filling position by rotating the lid 90 degrees. Likewise, it was mentioned that by rotating the lid back 90 degrees, the unit can be sealed to prevent water from running out of the unit. The closed position can be better observed in the cross section of figure 7 and in the detailed view of figure 16. Likewise, the filling position can be better observed in figure 9 and in the detailed view of figure 17. Additional details of the arrangement supply can be seen in figures 18 to 20.

[130] In general, the upper housing part 13 is provided with two supply openings 71, 72 and two air vent openings 73, 74. A set of supply openings 71 and air vent opening 73 is associated with a supply port 62 and an air vent 63 in the first tray 5a and the second assembly of a supply port 72 and an air vent 74 is associated with a supply port 64 and an air vent 65 from the second tray 5b. Water can then be poured into the unit through the fill openings and vents air out through the air vents.

[131] A sealing member 75, 76, 77, 78 associated with each opening in the upper housing part 13 is provided and can be inserted into the respective tray opening. When the unit is in its filling position, the sealing elements are retracted as shown in figure 17. Water flow is illustrated by the arrow marked W. When the unit is in its closed position, the sealing elements are pressed in down into the openings in the trays, thus sealing the openings in the trays. See figure 16.

[132] It should be noted that in the closed position of the sealing elements, the sealing element is arranged so that it fills most of the supply opening. That way, when the ice cube is about to be removed from the tray, there is no part of the ice cube sticking out of the tray so that it cannot be removed from the tray. While a small portion of the ice cube in this embodiment is outside the supply port, that portion of the ice cube is still located within the outermost edge 79 of the supply port due to the taper in the side wall of the ice cube compartment.

[133] It should also be noted that in the current embodiment, two O-rings (not shown) are provided on the sealing member, one at the bottom in the recess provided for this purpose and one at the top, again in the recess provided for this purpose. goal. It can be seen that in the closed position, both O-rings are in engagement with the opening. In contrast, in the fill position, the bottom O-ring is free of engagement while the top O-ring is still engaged with the opening. In this way, water poured into the fill opening is directed into the tray and not into the internal mechanism of the unit.

[134] It should be noted that by rotating the lid through 90 degrees, the threaded drive shaft 37 causes the trays and tray lids to shift down enough to disengage the sealing elements from the supply and vent openings.

[135] As previously mentioned, the current application relates to at least five major inventions relating to an ice cube production/distribution unit. In the above description, a specific modality has been described in detail. However, in the following description, some other embodiments of an ice cube production/distribution unit will be described very schematically in greater detail with respect to the five main inventions of this specification.

[136] It should be noted that in the sections below, the numerical references used will, in certain cases, overlap between sections referring to different inventions. However, it should be clear from the description to which the figure is referring. All figures are subscripted a, b, c, d or e to refer to figures relating to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth major inventions, respectively.

FIRST INVENTION

[137] Figure 21a illustrates another schematic example of an ice cube tray 5 with a lid 50, 51 according to the invention. Like the previous embodiment, the lid is made of a frame member 51 and a flexible sheet member 50. And like the previous embodiment, sealing ferrules 100 are provided on the underside of the lid. Like the previous embodiment, the sealing ferrules 100 act both as sealing ferrules and as an ice cube retention means where the ice cube is positively engaged with the lid sealing ferrules so that when the lid is opened and away from the ice cube tray, the ice cube will follow the lid. In this embodiment, the sealing ferrules 100 are formed with protrusions on the inner side of the sealing ferrule to more positively engage the ice cube. Seal ferrules can be formed in many different ways. For example, by making the ferrules very flexible, as soon as the ice cube is pulled just slightly out of the tray, the sealing ferrules disengage from the ice cube and the cube is free of the lid. By making the sealing ferrules more rigid and/or with more means of positive engagement, then the ice cube will be more difficult to separate from the lid. In general, the sealing ferrules can be arranged as flexible sealing elements that are arranged to positively engage an upper surface of an ice cube formed in the ice cube compartment. In this case, the sealing function and the retention function are combined in one element.

[138] However, it may also be possible to arrange the retaining elements away from the edge of the ice cube bins without any sealing ferrules. For example, small engaging elements, for example small flexible barbs, can be disposed in the center of each ice cube compartment. Or one can imagine sealing ferrules without any retention function. For example, if the sealing ferrules do not have positive engagement with the ice cube, then opening the tray lid would only pull the sealing ferrules out of engagement with the ice cube.

[139] Figure 22a illustrates a second embodiment of an ice cube production unit according to the present invention. This is a much simpler modality than previously illustrated. In that case, the unit comprises an ice cube tray 120 and a lid 121. The lid and the ice cube tray are joined together by a flexible rubber element 122 which can be bent around its upper edge 123 and its edge. bottom 124. The flexible rubber element is formed as a bistable element having the two positions illustrated in Figure 22a. When in its lower position, the lid seals against the tray and when in its upper position, the lid is away from the tray. The ice cubes can then be shaken out of the tray and exit through the opening 126. In this embodiment, the displacement arrangement can be understood as the flexible rubber element 122 and its edges 123, 124. Additionally, in this embodiment, the "housing" " can be understood as the combination of lid, flexible rubber element and ice cube tray.

[140] In another embodiment, not illustrated, the magnets can be used to retain the position of the cover in its first and second positions, respectively. In the first position, the magnets can hold the lid against the tray to seal the tray's contents. In the second position, magnets located externally of a suitable housing can hold the lid away from the tray so that the ice cubes can be removed.

SECOND INVENTION

[141] Figure 21b illustrates a second embodiment of an ice distribution unit that is very similar to the one described above with respect to figures 1 to 20. However, in contrast to this embodiment, the hexagonal axis 34 is extended to directly engage the spiral. In this way, the clutch elements of the previous embodiments can be avoided. It can be seen that in the former embodiment, the bushing 35 still slides on the hexagonal shaft 34, however, it is no longer necessary to have a clutch element at the bottom of the bushing.

[142] Figure 22b illustrates a slightly different embodiment. Instead of the hex shaft 34 extending all the way down the spiral, a second hex shaft 34a is connected to the spiral and engages with the bushing 35. As the hex shaft 34 rotates, the bushing 35 rotates, which also rotates. rotates the second hexagonal shaft 34a. In this way, the entire distribution unit 4 can be removed from the bottom of the unit without any shafts protruding from the housing.

[143] Figure 23b illustrates a schematic view of a low-cost dispensing unit 100 that can be attached to a profiled container 101 of ice cubes 102, for example, a plastic bottle filled with ice cubes. In this schematic example, the bottle is circular in diameter and the dispensing unit is also circular in diameter. The inner rim of the container can be formed with an internal thread and the dispensing unit can be formed with an external thread that can be threaded into the container. Instead of a thread, a press-fit arrangement can be provided.

[144] A lower cover plate 103 and an upper cover plate 104 are attached to a rotor 105. The rotor is activated by the rotation of a manipulator 106. The upper cover plate 104 is arranged to cover an upper opening 107 in the dispenser and the bottom cover plate 103 is arranged to cover a bottom opening 108.

[145] It can also be seen from the figure that the manipulator 106 can be attached to an axle 109 that extends through the body of the container. Stirring elements 110 in the form of small rods are attached to the shaft 109. As the manipulator is turned, the shaft rotates and the small rods are driven through the ice cubes to stir them. This prevents ice cubes from freezing together. In another embodiment, instead of small rods, the shaft can be formed with a spiral element on the shaft so that when rotated, the spiral element will slowly move the ice cubes in the container. Due to the spiral shape, it will be easier to turn the shaft than in a rod situation. In the situation where the ice cubes must freeze together, stirring elements are also used to break and separate the ice cubes.

[146] This mechanism can be called an ice cube stirring mechanism. In another example, the stirring mechanism can be moved up and down instead of being rotated. Said stirring mechanism may be a shaft extending at least part of the way through the housing and where stirring elements may be connected to the shaft such that when the shaft is displaced, for example rotated or moved up and down down, the stirring elements stir the ice cubes in the housing.

[147] In another embodiment (not shown) a unit very similar to the unit in figure 23b can be provided, but where the manipulator is arranged at the top of the unit instead of at the bottom as in figure 23b. Additionally, in another embodiment (not shown), a shaft can be attached to the container 101. The dispensing part can then be rotated with respect to the container which would cause the openings 107 and 108 to rotate with respect to the cover plates.

[148] In the previously illustrated embodiments, the cover plates/spiral are rotated. However, in another embodiment, the cover plates can be linearly displaced. Figure 24b illustrates an example of a linear displacement distribution assembly 120. In this example, the ice cubes are disposed in a rectangular housing 121, similar to one illustrated in the first embodiment described here. The left and right figures illustrate the two positions of the dispensing mechanism. Like the previous embodiment, the distribution assembly has an upper opening 123, a lower opening 124, an upper cover plate 125 and a lower cover plate 126. A displacement mechanism 127 pushes the cover plates to the left to discover the top opening, thus adding an ice cube to the dispensing assembly. When the displacement mechanism is released, the ice cube drops from the dispensing assembly.

[149] In the embodiment illustrated in figure 24b, no stirring mechanism is illustrated. However, the housing itself may be formed from a flexible plastic material that can be twisted and flexed by the user. For example, a thick rubber material that holds its shape well but allows the housing to twist. When the housing is flexed and twisted, the ice cubes will be stirred thereby breaking any frozen bonds between the ice cubes.

THIRD INVENTION

[150] Figures 21c and 22c illustrate a single ice cube compartment 100 and a supply opening 101 on the side of the ice cube compartment. A plug 102 is disposed in the opening to occlude the opening. The two figures illustrate two V vectors that illustrate two directions in which the ice cube can be removed from the tray. Other directions are also possible as will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The supply opening and the plug must be arranged such that the plug completely supplies the volume of the supply opening which is arranged outside of a plane A comprising a vector starting at the outermost edge 103 of the supply opening and pointing in the direction of the average direction of motion V of the ice cube when the ice cube is removed from the tray. As can be seen from figure 21c, this is not achieved whereas in figure 22c, it is achieved. According to the claims, it is not necessary that the condition is met for each direction of movement, only for one direction of movement. It can be additionally observed from figure 21c, that when trying to remove the ice cube from the compartment along the V direction, then the ice that is formed in the volume outside plane A would collide with the outermost edge of the opening of supply and would prevent the ice cube from being removed from the tray. However, in figure 22c, there are no problems, since no ice is formed outside plane A.

[151] Figure 23c illustrates an example of a plug 110 that completely fills a supply opening 111 in a side wall 112 of an ice cube tray. When the plug is removed from the opening, no ice remains in the opening. This ensures that it is easy to remove the ice cube from the tray once the plug is removed. As can be seen, the inside of the plug is tapered to ensure that the plug is easy to remove from the fill opening.

[152] Figure 24c also illustrates an example of a plug 120 that completely fills a supply opening 121 and a side wall 122 of an ice cube tray. In this case, the plug is a sphere. The supply opening is also formed to accommodate the sphere. Instead of a complete sphere, a plug with a rounded inner surface can also be used.

[153] In the embodiments of Figures 23c and 24c, it would be beneficial to form the innermost surface of the plugs with a flexible material, for example, rubber. In this way, the surface of the plug would deform against the innermost edge of the fill opening, thereby increasing the sealing effect of the plug.

[154] Figures 25c and 26c illustrate another embodiment of a supply opening 130 and a plug 131. The supply opening, in this case, is formed as an elongated channel. The plug is formed with a first sealing surface 132 and a second sealing surface 133. A channel 134 is provided in the plug between the first and second sealing surfaces. In the first position illustrated in Figure 25c, the first and second sealing surfaces seal against the inner surfaces of the elongated channel. However, in Figure 26c, the plug has been slightly offset in the supply opening. In this case, the second sealing surface is still in contact with the inner surface of the elongated channel, but the first sealing surface is no longer in contact with the inner surface of the elongated channel. Because of this, water can be poured into channel 134 in the plug which flows through the plug. Where the second sealing surface is not in place, then water poured into the channel in the plug can run upwards over the sides of the elongated channel and into the unit.

[155] Figure 27c illustrates another version of the plug of figures 24c and 26c where the inner part 135 of the plug is made of a flexible material, for example, rubber. The inside of the plug therefore deforms when pressed against the filling opening, thus ensuring a proper seal.

[156] Figure 28c illustrates another embodiment of a supply opening 140 and plug 141. In previous embodiments, the plug has been pushed into the supply opening from outside the ice cube compartment. In the embodiment of figure 28c, the opposite is true. When it is desirable to open the supply opening, the plug 141 is pushed into the ice cube compartment. When it is desirable to close the opening, the plug is pushed into the opening. In this case, it is important that the plug does not protrude into the ice cube tray in such a way that the plug interferes with removing the ice cube from the tray.

FOURTH INVENTION

[157] Fig. 21d illustrates a sealed ice cube tray unit 100 according to the present invention in a very schematic manner. The unit consists of ten individually sealed ice cube compartments 101. The ice cube compartments are arranged in a grid structure two ice cube compartments wide and five deep. Other arrangements are also possible. A water supply opening 102 is arranged in association with the upper right ice cube compartment and an air vent 103 is associated with the upper left ice cube compartment. As can be seen from the figure, the tray unit is loaded in a straight or vertical orientation. This is opposed to prior art trays which were filled in a horizontal position. Fueling in a vertical position has a great advantage in that it is easier to hold an elongated element in a vertical position than it is to hold an elongated element in a horizontal position. Small misalignments in the horizontal position will have big effects on how the water is distributed in the tray. However, small misalignments in the vertical position will have little effect on how the water is distributed in the tray.

[158] In the present embodiment, it can be said that the central axis of the supply opening has a component that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tray.

[159] In general, it can be seen from the figure that the water flow and the air flow in the unit have been separated into two separate flow paths. Typically, water runs down the rightmost column of the ice cube bins until the lower right bin is filled. The water then flows into the leftmost column through the opening 104 in the divider 105 between the left and right ice cube compartments. It can also be seen that while the lower right ice cube compartment is being filled with water through the water opening 106, air already present in the ice cube compartment can easily escape from the compartment through the opening 104.

[160] Once the lower left ice cube bin is completely filled, the ice cube bins will fill slowly from the bottom. Air in the rightmost column will always be able to enter the leftmost column through openings 104. Air in the leftmost column will always be able to exit the top of the ice cube compartment through openings 107 in the top of the compartment. of ice cube.

[161] It can be seen that the opening 104 in the divider between the left and right ice cube compartments is disposed at the top of the ice cube compartments. Therefore, it is only when the ice cube compartment is completely filled that no additional air can escape through this opening. In general, the top of the air opening 104 can be said to be located at the same level as the bottom of the water opening 106. This way, air can exit the compartment until the compartment is completely filled. If the top of the air opening 104 were located lower than the bottom of the water opening 106, then at some point the air opening 104 would be completely blocked by water. This would force air out through the opening 106 at the top of the compartment or out through the side opening 104 despite being filled with water. This should slow down the fueling process.

[162] It can also be said that in the case of the lower right ice cube compartment, that the ice cube compartment located above it is a first volume 108 connected to the ice cube compartment through the first opening 106 and that the left ice cube compartment is a second volume 109 connected to the ice cube compartment through the second opening 104. It can also be seen that air can escape through the second opening 104 until the ice cube compartment is completely filled. stocked with water.

[163] It can also be seen that, in general, unless a lot of water is poured through the water supply opening 102, then the water and air flows will always follow the same path. Water will always supply an ice cube compartment through a first opening and air will always leave the ice cube compartment through a second opening. It is true that at the end of the filling process of an ice cube compartment, a small amount of water is also poured through the second opening. In the case of the air vent 103, this can be used as a signal that the tray is full.

[164] It should also be mentioned that it is possible to size the openings so that it is possible to more precisely control the flow of water. For example, by forming the water supply opening as illustrated in figures 1 to 20, the flow of water into the supply opening is stopped and water is prevented from entering the chambers with too high a flow and/or pressure. . Then, by balancing the openings 106 at the bottom of the ice cube compartments, the flow through the system can be controlled. For example, if the openings 106 in the bottom of the ice cube compartment are smaller than the openings in the top of the ice cube compartment, then flow will begin to back up in the system. But by balancing the sizes of the openings, the flow can be controlled.

[165] Additional openings can also be provided to provide even greater water flow. For example, an opening (not shown) in the bottom of the divider between the left and right ice cube compartments can be provided.

[166] Figure 22d illustrates another embodiment 120. In this embodiment, instead of having two columns of ice cubes, only one column of ice cube compartments is provided. This is similar to the arrangement illustrated in the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 20. In the embodiment of figures 1 to 20, angular dividers were used so that the first opening was arranged under the second opening. In this way, a volume of water can be placed above the first opening while the second opening is still free. This can also be said to be a way of separating air and water flows. 22d, instead of arranging the first opening below the second opening, a small partial divider 121 has been introduced between the first and second openings. In this way, water poured into the water supply opening 122 will be stored in the volume 123 to the right of the divider and above the first opening 124. However, the volume 125 to the left of the divider will remain free of water and air can escape. from the lower ice cube compartment through the second opening without having to pass through a volume of water.

[167] As with the previous embodiment, a water supply opening and a separate air vent 126 are provided in the uppermost compartment for ice cubes. However, depending on how the water supply opening is arranged, it may not be necessary to have a separate opening for air ventilation. As long as air can escape through the water supply opening while filling the tray with water through the water supply opening, then it should be possible to still have the benefits of the present invention. This is illustrated in figure 23d. Obviously, if the user pours water into the opening so that half of the water ends up on the left side of the divider and half of the water ends up on the right side of the divider, then the advantages will not be present, but if the user pours the water correctly then it will be easy to fill the unit.

[168] It should be noted that with the embodiments of figures 21d to 23d, the description shows that openings are provided in the dividers between adjacent compartments for ice cubes. However, the dividers can be formed completely by the ice cube tray, or the dividers can be formed by a combination of an ice cube tray part and a lid part. For example, tabs may be disposed on the lid extending downwardly from the lid to engage the upper edges of the ice cube compartments. In that case, openings can be provided in a part of the lid, i.e. in the flaps of the lid.

[169] Figure 24d illustrates another embodiment 140 of a sealed tray unit for ice cubes according to the present invention. In this case, the unit is the type that is laid out horizontally during fueling. Water is poured into opening W and air is vented through opening A. As you can see there is only one path for water to flow through the ice cube tray. Water will flow from the ice cube bin with the fill opening upwards and then counterclockwise around the ice cube tray until it reaches the ice cube bin with the air vent A. Channels small 141 are provided between dividers between adjacent ice cube compartments. However, channels are not provided on all dividers as this would result in uncontrolled fluid flow and there could be a risk that one compartment could still be supplied with air while all adjacent compartments are already completely filled with water.

[170] Figure 26d illustrates another example of a horizontal ice cube tray unit. In that case, water channels in the tray portion are provided on all dividers to allow water to flow between adjacent ice cube compartments. Additionally, an air channel and an air vent can be arranged in the lid of the ice cube tray unit. Since the air channel is arranged above the water channels with respect to the center axis vector of the fill opening, air will be able to exit the ice cube compartments at all times as long as the tray is held completely horizontal.

[171] In the above description of figures 21d to 28d, the water supply openings and air vents have always been shown open. However, it is clear that the tray may additionally comprise a plug for sealing the water supply opening and/or a plug for sealing the air vent.

FIFTH INVENTION

[172] The embodiment of Figure 21e illustrates an ice cube tray 100 and a lid 101. The lid comprises a frame part 102 and flexible sheet elements 103. The frame part is arranged as a ribbed grid structure 104 which are formed to match the shape of the top edges of the ice cube tray. The frame part is also provided with hollow sections 105. In each hollow section, a flexible sheet 103 is disposed. As the ice cube expands in the ice cube compartment, the ice will press against the flex sheet and may expand. The flexible sheet element and frame portion are designed so that as the ice expands, the flexible sheet element absorbs the expansion without the frame portion deforming significantly.

[173] It should also be noted that in the former embodiment, the flexible sheet element was disposed between the frame part and the tray. However, in that embodiment, the flexible sheet element is disposed purely on the frame part. It is therefore the frame part that is in contact with the upper edges of the tray and not the flexible sheet element. Additionally, it can be seen that the flexible sheet element is disposed at a distance from the top edge of the ice cube tray. Depending on how the ice cube tray is filled, it may be possible to fill the tray with water so that it extends beyond the top edge of the tray.

[174] Figure 22e illustrates another embodiment of an ice cube tray unit according to the present invention. The concept is very similar to the embodiments of figure 12 and figure 21e, and as such will not be described in detail here. However, as can be seen from the figure, the upper edges of the tray are not all arranged in a single plane.

[175] Figure 23e illustrates another embodiment of an ice cube tray unit according to the present invention. The unit comprises an ice cube tray 120 having four ice cube compartments 121 and a lid 122. The lid comprises a frame portion 123 and four expansion absorbing portions 124, each being associated with one of the four ice cube compartments. ice Cube. In the present embodiment, the expansion absorbing portions are formed from a compressible material, for example foam, which compresses as the ice expands. Once the ice is removed from the ice cube tray unit, the material expands again.

[176] Figure 24e illustrates another embodiment of an ice cube tray unit according to the invention. This embodiment is very similar to the embodiment of figure 21e, however, instead of providing a lid that applies pressure only directly to the upper edges of the ice cube compartments, in the present embodiment, pressure is also applied to the inner sides of the ice cube compartments. of ice around the top edges of the ice cube compartments through the sealing elements. In this way, an even better seal is formed. Additionally, in the event that the frame part deforms slightly and is slightly lifted up and away from the tray, the seal will still be retained due to the sealing elements protruding into the ice cube compartments. Figure 25e is an even more demonstrative example of this idea. In this mode, no pressure is applied to the top edge of the ice cube tray. The sealing elements are just pushed into the ice cube bins where they snap into place against the inner surface of the ice cube bins near the top edge of the ice cube bin.

[177] It should be noted that the above figures and description have illustrated the illustrative embodiments in a simple and schematic way. Many specific mechanical details have not been illustrated/described in detail as those skilled in the art would be familiar with such details and they would only unnecessarily complicate this description. For example, the different processes used to manufacture the components have not been discussed here as those skilled in the art will be able to provide suitable processes. Additionally, the specific materials used have not been described in detail, as many different types of suitable materials will be known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, additional details are illustrated in the figures which are clear to those skilled in the art. Many of these features were not described in detail in the specification, but these details also form a part of this order's description. Additionally, in the above specification, more often water is used as the liquid which is frozen. However, those skilled in the art should understand that liquids other than water may also be used in the unit.

Claims (10)

1. Portable ice cube making unit (120, 121), comprising: a. an ice cube tray (120) having at least two ice cube compartments, b. a lid (121) which is suitable to be fitted to the tray (120) to seal water or other liquid within said at least two ice cube compartments, c. a displacement arrangement (122, 123, 124) connecting the tray (120) and the cover (121) and having two positions: i. a first position where the displacement arrangement (122, 123, 124) connects the lid (121) and the tray (120) and where the lid (121) is held in a position where it rests on the ice cube tray (120 ) to seal the contents of the at least two ice cube compartments within the compartments, and ii. a second position where the displacement arrangement (122, 123, 124) connects the lid (121) and the tray (120) and where the lid (121) is held in a position where it is separated from the tray (120) so that the ice cubes formed in the tray (120) can leave the tray (120), d. characterized in that the cover (121), in the second position, is held in a position that is parallel to the tray (120). 2. Ice cube production unit (120, 121), according to claim 1, characterized in that said lid (121) and said ice cube tray (120) are arranged so that in the In the first position, each of said at least two ice cube compartments is individually sealed. 3. Ice cube production unit (120, 121), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said unit additionally comprises a housing (120, 121, 122, 123, 124) that engages the tray (120), lid (121) and displacement arrangement (122, 123, 124). 4. Ice cube production unit (120, 121), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the displacement arrangement (122, 123, 124) is arranged to displace the lid (121 ) in a direction relative to the tray (120) having a vector component that is perpendicular to the plane of the lid (121) through at least a portion of the movement of the lid (121). 5. Ice cube production unit (120, 121), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the displacement arrangement (122, 123, 124) is arranged to displace the lid (121 ) in a direction with respect to the tray (120) having a vector component that is parallel to the plane of the lid (121) for at least a portion of the movement of the lid (121). 6. Ice cube production unit (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the lid (6) is arranged with ice cube retention means (57) that improve the retention between the lid and a frozen ice cube formed in the tray (5). 7. Ice cube production unit (1), according to claim 6, characterized in that the ice cube retention means (57) are flexible sealing elements (100) arranged around the periphery of the top edge of the ice cube compartment. 8. Ice cube production unit (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said displacement arrangement (122, 123, 124) comprises a mechanism comprising a dual partition mechanism (16 , 42), a threaded rod mechanism (37), an inclined mechanism (42) or other suitable mechanism to move and retain the lid (6) with respect to the tray (5). 9. Ice cube production unit (120, 121), according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said displacement arrangement (122, 123, 124) comprises a bistable mechanism (122, 123, 124) where the first and second positions are the two bistable positions. 10. Ice cube production unit (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said displacement arrangement (122, 123, 124) comprises a double pin arrangement (61) running on a partition (16).