CN114126983A

CN114126983A - Container for storing and dispensing ice cubes

Info

Publication number: CN114126983A
Application number: CN202080040750.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马克·闵采尔; 金·简森; 佩尔·克罗曼
Original assignee: Tuobingzhe International Co ltd
Current assignee: Tuobingzhe International Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-01
Filing date: 2020-04-01
Publication date: 2022-03-01
Anticipated expiration: 2040-04-01
Also published as: US20220187002A1; CN118494964A; CA3135817A1; CN114126983B; JP2022527974A; EP3947192A1; AU2020252246A1; WO2020201394A1

Abstract

A container comprising a first compartment having a bottom, a sidewall portion extending from the bottom to an upper edge, and a dispensing opening in the first compartment proximate the upper edge, the first compartment having a total volume V1, and the first compartment being adapted to contain ice pieces. When the container is in its upright position, the container further comprises a second compartment arranged below the first compartment, said second compartment being separated from the first compartment by a bottom of the first compartment, said bottom having a discharge opening through which water can flow from the first compartment to the second compartment, the volume V2 of the second compartment arranged below the discharge opening being at least 10% of the volume V1, and said volume V2 and said discharge opening being arranged such that ice pieces can be dispensed from said first compartment of said container by tilting said container about a horizontal axis and shaking the ice pieces out of said first compartment without the ice melt water leaving said volume V2 when the ice melt water volume is less than 10% of the volume V1 and the container is tilted 95 degrees from its upright position. In this way a simple and easy way of dispensing ice cubes is provided without risking that unwanted ice-melt water leaves the container.

Description

Container for storing and dispensing ice cubes

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a container comprising a first compartment having a bottom, a side wall portion extending from the bottom to an upper edge, and a dispensing opening in said first compartment adjacent said upper edge, said first compartment having a total volume V1 and said first compartment being adapted to contain ice pieces.

Background

Containers for storing ice are sometimes referred to as ice cups or ice buckets. In this specification, the term "container for storing ice" is used because it is more general. In this specification, the container is disclosed primarily for storing ice. However, the container of the present invention may also be used to store crushed ice or other related products.

Containers for storing ice are well known in the art. Such containers are typically relatively large containers having a compartment formed with a bottom and side wall portions extending from the bottom towards a free upper edge, thereby forming an opening of the compartment. The ice cubes can be disposed within the compartment and are typically removed by a spoon/scoop or pliers.

Containers for storing ice come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of which have insulated sidewalls. Some have a lid. However, all existing containers are provided as containers designed to be placed on a flat surface such as a table, and then the ice pieces are manually removed from the container and placed in another glass or container. This typically requires the use of two hands, one holding the ice bucket and one holding the appliance or pliers. In other cases, the container is made large enough to have inertia to prevent the container from moving when the ice cubes are removed.

Examples of more advanced containers for storing ice are provided below with some similarities to the present invention. It should be noted, however, that these prior art containers are of the conventional type, which are placed on a surface and the ice is removed with a spoon/scoop or pliers.

Some exemplary prior art ice buckets are provided in EP0089733, GB2262158, GB691447 and GB 2300111.

Disclosure of Invention

A first aspect of the invention is to provide a container for storing ice cubes as described in the opening paragraph, from which the ice cubes can be supplied directly without touching the ice cubes or without using a spoon/vessel/pliers.

A second aspect of the invention is to provide a container for storing ice as described in the opening paragraph, which separates the ice from any ice-melting water.

A third aspect of the invention is to provide a container for storing ice as described in the opening paragraph from which ice cubes can be dispensed while retaining any ice melt within the container.

These problems are at least partially solved by the feature that the container further comprises a second compartment arranged below the first compartment when said container is in its vertical position, said second compartment being separated from the first compartment by a bottom of the first compartment, said bottom having a discharge opening through which water can flow from the first compartment to the second compartment, the volume V2 of the second compartment arranged below the discharge opening being at least 10% of the volume V1, and said volume V2 and said discharge opening being arranged such that ice pieces can be dispensed from said first compartment of said container by tilting said container about a horizontal axis and shaking the ice pieces out of said first compartment without ice pieces leaving said volume V2 when the volume of ice water is less than 10% of said volume V1 and the container is tilted 95 degrees from its vertical position. Thus, when the container is upright, any ice-melt water will drain downwardly through the drain opening and into the second compartment. The second compartment will then collect the ice melt and prevent the ice melt from being poured out when the container is tipped to provide ice cubes.

In one embodiment, the volume V2 is at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, or at least 50% of the volume V1.

In one embodiment, the volume of ice melt water that can be blocked is less than 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of the volume V1 when the container is tilted 95 degrees from its vertical position.

In one embodiment, the container may comprise a grip portion having a horizontal cross-section with a maximum outer width of less than 11cm, less than 10cm or less than 9 cm. In this way, the user can grip the container by gripping the outer surface of the container. In one embodiment, the grip portion has a narrow front portion that is disposed further from the user's hand than the location of the grip portion having the maximum outer width, the narrow front portion being narrower than the maximum outer width of the grip portion. In one embodiment, the gripping portion is a handle and the front narrow portion is a hollow area. In one embodiment, the grip is fixed in position relative to the first compartment. In one embodiment, the grip is a fixed handle fixed in position relative to the first compartment.

In one embodiment, the gripping portion is shaped to accommodate a medium-sized woman's hand holding the container upright and tilting it with only one hand. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein how to manufacture the grip portion in different ways.

In one embodiment, the first compartment has a dispensing opening with a diameter of less than 15cm, less than 13cm, less than 10cm, less than 7.5cm, or less than 5 cm. In one embodiment of the container, the upper edge of the first compartment is formed with a dispensing spout.

In one embodiment, the container has an outer container having a bottom and a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom to an upper edge, and an inner container removably disposed within the outer container, the inner container forming the first compartment and the second compartment being formed between the inner and outer containers.

In one embodiment, in the upright position of the container, the central longitudinal axis of the outer container is horizontally offset from the central longitudinal axis of the inner container. In this way the available volume on one side of the container will be greater than the available volume on the other side. By arranging the volume in this way, the outer diameter of the container itself can be reduced without reducing the amount of ice-melt water that can be contained in the container.

In one embodiment, the distance between the outer surface of the inner container and the inner surface of the outer container is greater on one side of the container than on the other side of the container.

In a different embodiment, the inner and outer containers are arranged concentrically.

In one embodiment, the inner and outer containers are separated by an air gap. This may serve as thermal insulation. In another embodiment, the outer container is covered by an insulating lid, such as a neoprene or snowy (insulating) lid. In one embodiment, the air gap is provided with a water retaining member which retains some of the ice melt water in the air gap when the container is in its upright position. In one embodiment, the air gap is disposed above the volume V2. In one embodiment, an air gap is disposed between an inner surface of the container exterior and an outer surface of the first compartment. In one embodiment, the air gap is arranged outside the first compartment. In one embodiment, the air gap completely surrounds the first compartment.

In one embodiment, the volume V2 located below the discharge port is in fluid communication with the air gap. Thus, when the container is tilted, some of the ice melt water can flow into the air gap.

In one embodiment, the volume V3 of the second compartment arranged below the discharge opening at the bottom of the first compartment is at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40% or at least 50% of the total volume V1 of the first compartment when the container is rotated 95 degrees from its vertical position.

In one embodiment, the first compartment comprises a water capture element having a volume V4. In one embodiment, the volume V4 is at least 5%, at least 10%, or at least 15% of the volume V1. In one embodiment, the water capture element is in fluid communication with the bottom of the first compartment. In one embodiment, the water capture element is disposed above the bottom of the first compartment. In one embodiment, the water catching element comprises a channel opening in the direction of the bottom of the first compartment, said channel being arranged along at least a part of the outer circumference of the dispensing opening such that water flowing along the side of the first compartment will be captured in the channel. In one embodiment, the channel is arranged along the entire outer circumference of the dispensing opening.

It should be noted that in the current claims, the container comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the ice melt water is captured in the second compartment. However, it is conceivable to have a container without the second compartment, but only the first compartment, and then with a water capture element arranged in fluid communication with the bottom of the first compartment as described herein. In this way, the water capture element can capture ice melt water when the container is tilted. This may be the subject of future divisional applications.

In one embodiment, the discharge opening is provided with a valve which is open in the vertical position and closed when the container is tilted over 50, 60, 70 or 90 degrees.

In one embodiment, the flow rate through the bottom is less than 1 liter/minute when the container is tilted at 95 degrees and when the container contains less than 10% of the volume of ice-melt water by volume V1. It should be noted that this does not disclose the flow rate through the discharge opening per se. In the case shown in the example of fig. 1, there is a discharge opening with a relatively large diameter. The flow rate through the opening can be relatively large. However, the location of the discharge outlet in FIG. 1 was selected to prevent water flow through the opening when the container was tilted to 95 degrees. In other embodiments, as an alternative to providing a single vent at strategic locations to prevent flow in an inclined position, a number of smaller orifices having lower flow rates may be provided.

In one embodiment, the volume of ice-melt water is less than 20%, 30%, 40% or 50% of the volume V1. In one embodiment, the flow rate is less than 0.75 liters/minute, less than 0.5 liters/minute, or less than 0.4 liters/minute. In one embodiment, the flow rate is less than 0.3 liters/minute, less than 0.2 liters/minute, or less than 0.1 liters/minute.

In one embodiment, the container contains ice in the first compartment. In one embodiment, the container contains crushed ice in the first compartment.

In one embodiment, the container further comprises a movable ice pick in the form of an elongated element having a length greater than half the height of the container or half the height of the first compartment. Thus, the ice cone can be inserted into the ice blocks to loosen the ice blocks. In one embodiment, the length of the ice pick is greater than 60%, 75% or 90% of the height of the container or first compartment.

In one embodiment, the container further comprises a movable lid having at least two positions: a first position in which the lid closes the dispensing opening to prevent ice cubes stored in the container from exiting the container; and a second position in which the dispensing opening is open to allow ice cubes stored in the container to exit the container through the dispensing opening. In this way, the insulating properties of the container can be improved if the lid also reduces the airflow around the ice cubes in the container. Also, the cover can be used to control the movement of ice cubes through the dispensing opening.

In one embodiment, the container comprises a lid moving mechanism arranged to move the lid between the first and second positions and to hold the lid at the first and second positions, respectively. In one embodiment, the lid movement mechanism allows free movement between the first and second positions of the lid. In one embodiment, the lid moving mechanism comprises a biasing mechanism that biases the lid to the first position and/or the second position.

In one embodiment, the lid moving mechanism includes a hinge that pivotally connects the lid to the container such that the lid can pivot between the first and second positions.

In one embodiment, the ice pick is attached to the lid, as described above. By attaching the cover and the ice pick together, the user can operate the ice pick and the cover together as a unit without having to control both elements.

In one embodiment, the ice pick pivots with the cover when the cover is moved from the first position to the second position.

In one embodiment, the ice pick is disposed outside the container when the cover is in the first position and when the cover is in the second position, such that a user of the container can move the ice pick to control the position of the cover. In one embodiment, the user may pivot the ice pick. In one embodiment, the user may move the ice pick up and down. In one embodiment, the user may rotate the ice pick about its longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, the container includes a handle offset from an outer surface of the container, wherein the ice pick is disposed in a gap between the outer surface of the container and a surface of the handle facing the outer surface of the container.

In one embodiment, the ice pick is disposed within the container. In another embodiment, the ice pick is disposed outside the first compartment.

It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising/comprises/having" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Drawings

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. It should be emphasized that the illustrated embodiments are for exemplary purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. It should be noted, moreover, that the drawings are shown in a very schematic manner to illustrate the principles of the invention, without providing too much detail that would unduly complicate the drawings. Also, for the sake of simplicity, the cross-sectional views are schematically shown and only the elements on the cross-section are shown. In this respect, elements located behind the cross-section are not shown, even though they would normally be shown in a true cross-sectional view.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a container according to the invention in a vertical position.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic top view of the container of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the container of fig. 1 rotated 95 degrees from an upright position to a dispensing position.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a container according to the invention in a vertical position.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a container according to the invention in an upright position.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a container according to the invention in an upright position.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a container according to the invention in an upright position.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a container according to the invention in an upright position.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic detailed sectional view of the partition wall of the container of fig. 8 defined by the circular area IX in fig. 8.

Fig. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of a container according to the invention in a vertical position.

Fig. 11 shows a schematic detailed cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the partition wall of the container of fig. 10 defined by the circular area XI in fig. 10.

Fig. 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment of a container according to the invention in a vertical position.

Fig. 13 shows a schematic top view of the container of fig. 11.

Fig. 14 shows the container of fig. 12 rotated 95 degrees from the upright position of fig. 12 to a dispensing position.

Fig. 15 shows a schematic top view of a ninth embodiment of a container according to the invention.

Fig. 16 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a tenth embodiment of a container according to the invention in an upright position.

Fig. 17 shows a detailed view of the region XVII in fig. 16 in a vertical position.

Figure 18 shows a detailed view of the same section XVII of figure 16 after the container has been rotated to the dispensing position.

Fig. 19 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an eleventh embodiment of a container according to the invention in an upright position.

Fig. 20 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a twelfth embodiment of a container according to the invention in an upright position.

Fig. 21 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a thirteenth embodiment of a container according to the invention in an upright position.

Fig. 22 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourteenth embodiment of a container according to the invention in an upright position.

Fig. 23 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fifteenth embodiment of a container according to the invention in a vertical position.

Fig. 24 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a sixteenth embodiment of a container according to the invention in an upright position.

Fig. 25 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the container of fig. 24 with the inner container removed from the outer container.

Fig. 26 shows a schematic top view of the flexible flap of the inner container of fig. 25.

Fig. 27 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a seventeenth embodiment of a container according to the invention in an upright position.

Fig. 28 shows a schematic side view of the container of fig. 27 with its lid removed from the container.

Fig. 29 shows a schematic side view of an eighteenth embodiment of a container according to the invention in an upright position.

Fig. 30 shows a schematic bottom view of the lid of the container of fig. 29.

Fig. 31 shows a schematic top view of the container of fig. 29 without the lid.

Fig. 32 shows a schematic side view of a nineteenth embodiment of a container according to the invention.

Fig. 33 shows a schematic side view of the container of fig. 32 in a pivoted position and its lid in a first position.

Fig. 34 shows a schematic side view of the container of fig. 32 in a pivoted position and its lid in a second position.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment 1 of a container according to the invention. The container comprises an outer container 2 comprising a bottom 4, a side wall portion 6 extending upwardly to a free upper edge 8, said free upper edge 8 forming an opening 10 in the outer container 2. An inner container 20 is disposed within the outer container. The inner container also includes a bottom portion 22, a sidewall portion 24 extending upwardly from the bottom portion to an upper edge 26, the upper edge 26 forming an opening 28 in the inner container. As shown in dashed lines, the inner container forms a first compartment 30 having a total volume V1. The inner container is arranged within the outer container and is secured in a central position within the outer container by an O-ring seal 32 arranged between the inner and outer containers.

The user may remove the inner container from the outer container by pulling the inner container from the outer container. The O-ring forms a friction fit between the two containers. Once the inner container is removed from the outer container, both containers can be cleaned and any liquid located between the inner and outer containers can be purged.

Ribs (not shown) or other forms of spacer elements (not shown) may be provided between the inner and outer containers to properly align the inner and outer containers and prevent the inner and outer containers from moving relative to each other during use. These ribs or spacer elements may be attached to the outer surface of the inner container and/or the inner surface of the outer container.

When the inner container is placed within the outer container, a second compartment 34 is formed in the space between the inner surface of the outer container and the outer surface of the inner container.

As shown in fig. 1 and 3, the bottom of the inner container is provided with a small opening 36. When ice cubes are placed in the first compartment, the ice will slowly melt. The ice melt will flow down the ice pieces and eventually onto the bottom 22 of the inner container 20. The ice melt water will then flow through the opening 36 into the second compartment 34.

As shown in fig. 1, the small opening 36 is at a distance H1 from the bottom of the outer container. Thus, a volume V2, shown in phantom, is formed in the inner container 20 below the opening 36. As long as the volume of ice melt water is less than V2, there will be no ice melt water in the first compartment and the ice cubes located in the first compartment will remain dry. If the volume of ice melt water increases, some water will remain in the first compartment.

In the present embodiment, inner container 20 and outer container 2 have different diameters. The side wall portion 24 of the inner container has an outer diameter D2 and the side wall portion 6 of the outer container has an outer diameter D1. Diameter D2 is smaller than diameter D1, and therefore, there is an air gap 38 between the inner and outer containers. In this embodiment, the air gap is in fluid communication with a second volume V2 at the bottom of the outer vessel. When the container is tilted about a horizontal axis, ice melt water that has flowed into the bottom of the outer container flows into the air gap. This is shown in figure 3.

If the container is not rotated too much, water will not flow out of the opening even if the container is rotated, since water will be arranged in the air gap. Due to this feature, ice cubes can be easily dispensed from the container by simply tilting the container and shaking the ice cubes out of the container. Even if the container is inclined more than 90 degrees, ice-melt water remains in the container and nothing comes out. In the embodiment shown, the volume of the second compartment above the opening is greater than V2, so the container can be rotated fully 180 degrees without any water leaving the second compartment.

Experience has shown that when ice cubes are placed in the compartments, there are air gaps between the ice cubes. It has been found empirically that if the volume V1 is randomly filled with ice cubes, then as the ice cubes melt, the ice melt water will occupy around 50% of the volume V1. This is due in part to the air gap between adjacent ice pieces and to the reduction in volume as the ice melts.

In one embodiment, to account for the worst case scenario where no ice is consumed and all ice melts, the volume V2 must be about 50% of the volume V1.

To define the size of the air gap required between the inner and outer containers, a volume V3 is defined and is indicated by the dashed line in fig. 3. Referring to fig. 3, the volume V3 is defined as the volume between the inner and outer containers below the opening 36 when the container is rotated 95 degrees about a horizontal axis from a vertical position. As with the volume V2, the volume V3 is set to 50% of V1 to satisfy the worst case.

However, as a rule of thumb, the user will consume at least some of the ice until all of the ice has melted. Also, studies have shown that by separating ice from ice melt water, the ice melt rate can be much slower. Thus, in most cases, the volumes V2 and V3 may be less than 50% of V1. For example, in many cases, a volume of 30% or 40% of V1 is suitable.

The figures are schematically drawn, and the proportions of the volumes V1, V2 and V3 in the figures should not be understood to scale as drawn. The designer of the container will be able to select the ratio of V1, V2, V3 depending on the desired function. For example, if V2 and V3 are reduced, a smaller, more efficient container may be provided. However, this will reduce the amount of ice-melt water that can be contained before the water begins to mix with the ice cubes.

If the same container is used to hold a number of ice cubes without periodic emptying of the ice melt water, the volumes V2 and V3 may even be more than 50% of V1. This will allow more ice to melt before the first compartment has water.

In one embodiment, the indicator may be disposed in the sidewall of the outer container near the level of the opening 36. Thus, when the level of ice melt reaches a threshold value, an indicator will be displayed and the user will know that the ice melt should be emptied.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 3, the ice melt water can be emptied by removing the inner container from the outer container, pouring the water out of the outer container, and then replacing the inner container into the outer container.

A particularly advantageous aspect of this embodiment is that the outer container may be arranged to have a diameter that a user can hold with one hand. In this way, the user can grasp the container around its outer diameter, tilt it, dispense the ice, and then place the container again in its upright position. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the outer container may be about 10 cm. Larger diameters are possible, but then they will start to be difficult to grip, especially for persons with small hands.

Such containers for storing and dispensing ice may also be used with larger ice buckets or bins, such as in bars or restaurants. The bar server can dip the container into an ice chute or bucket, scoop out some of the ice into the container, and then use the ice without having to enter the ice chute as often.

It should be understood that the description herein is very schematic and that the basic functionality may be provided in a number of different configurations. It is believed that one skilled in the art of container manufacture will be readily able to provide suitable configurations to meet the requirements of the present invention. Therefore, no more detailed information will be provided here, as they would only add unnecessary additional material to the present description.

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment 50 of a container according to the invention. In this embodiment, the container is largely identical to that of figure 1 and therefore the same features will not be described in detail. However, this embodiment has a lid 52 that is pivotally connected to upper edge 26 of inner container 20 by a hinge 54. Once the container is rotated more than 90 degrees, the lid will open when the container is tilted about an axis parallel to the hinge axis, allowing ice cubes to be dispensed from the container. When the container is rotated back to its upright position again, the lid will return to its closed position again.

Suitable lids may be formed in many different forms and further details will not be provided herein as a person skilled in the art will be able to provide a suitable lid arrangement. For example, in this embodiment the lid is hinged to the inner container, however in other non-limiting embodiments the lid may be detachable or may be manually pivoted from a closed position to an open position. The lid may also be provided as a flexible rubber-like flap which will deform when the container is rotated over 90 degrees from the upright position and the ice tries to push the lid open.

In this embodiment, a handle 56 is also provided. This allows the use of containers having an outer diameter larger than a size suitable for gripping by a normal sized hand. Furthermore, the use of the handle will limit the way the container is used, it will be possible to more accurately determine the axis about which the container is tilted by the user. This can be used to optimize the size of the container, as will be discussed later. In this case, the handle is a fixed handle that allows the container to be tilted with one hand. This is in contrast to some prior art containers that include a pivotable handle that allows the ice bucket to swing under the handle. A container with a pivotable handle requires two hands to flip the ice bucket. In contrast, with the handle fixedly secured to the outer container, the user can tilt the container to dispense ice using only a single hand.

Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment 60. In this embodiment, the outer container 62 and the inner container 64 are manufactured as two separate elements and then welded/connected 66 at the upper edge to form a completely sealed unit. The plug 68 in the bottom of the outer container can be opened to empty the ice melt and clean the interior of the container.

Fig. 6 shows a fourth embodiment 70 of the container. In this case, a single element 72, for example manufactured in a blow molding operation, comprises an outer portion 74 and an inner portion 76. A plug 78 is provided in the floor of the container to allow drainage and cleaning of the container.

Fig. 7 shows another embodiment 80 of the container. In this case, the inner container 82 and the upper portion 84 of the outer container are made from a single element, and the lower portion 86 of the outer container is connected to the upper portion of the outer container by a threaded joint 88 or other suitable form of connection. The two parts can be unscrewed from each other when it is desired to remove ice-melt water from the container. In this case, the plug need not be provided.

Fig. 1 to 7 each show a relatively similar embodiment in which ice melt water is arranged to be captured in the air gap between the inner and outer containers when the container is tilted. However, these configurations require a volume of air gap to operate. If the volume of the air gap is too small, ice melt water will spill through the opening in the bottom of the inner container when the container is tilted.

However, in another embodiment, rather than forming the container with an air gap, the bottom of the first compartment is formed with an opening that allows a greater flow from the first compartment to the second compartment in the upright position than from the second compartment to the first compartment in the dispensing position.

A first example 90 of such an implementation is shown in fig. 8. In this embodiment, the inner vessel 92 and outer vessel 94 are closer in diameter and there is a much smaller air gap 96 between the vessels. The volume V2 is similar to the volume V2 of the first embodiment, but the air gap is sealed by a gasket 98 and ice melt water cannot be disposed in the air gap 96.

However, in this embodiment, rather than using a single opening in the bottom 98, the bottom has a plurality of smaller holes 100 formed in a plurality of small recesses 102 in the bottom surface. A detailed view of one exemplary embodiment of the base is shown in fig. 9. These grooves may be either slotted or tapered recesses. Thus, water will flow relatively easily from the first compartment 104 to the second compartment 106, but when the container is tilted, the water will have a more difficult path from the second compartment to the first compartment. Although in the inclined position a small amount of water will flow through the openings, the openings may be designed such that their total flow is negligibly low.

In one embodiment, the base is formed from a deformable flexible material. In one example, the base is formed from a rubber or silicone material. This will make it very easy to clean, as the bottom can be easily deformed to prevent calcium and/or other particles from accumulating. Forming the base from a deformable material will further help to restrict flow through the orifice. When water is present on the top surface of the bottom, the water will press the recesses to deform them outwards, thereby opening the holes. When the container is tilted and water is on the bottom surface of the bottom, the water pressure will force the opening to close.

In one embodiment (not shown), the bottom of the inner container may be formed with a stiff grate element that will support the weight of the ice cubes in a safe manner and allow water to flow substantially freely through the grate element. A deformable membrane with an appropriate pattern of holes may be provided under the grid element. In this way, the weight of the ice cubes is supported by the grid, and the flexible membrane can be optimized to control the flow parameters. In one embodiment, the deformable membrane is detachable from the grille element. In this way, the membrane elements and the grid elements are easier to clean. Further, the film may be replaced if necessary.

Fig. 10 shows another embodiment 110 similar to fig. 8, however, in this case an additional water capture element 112 is arranged around the upper edge of the inner container 114. If any water leaks through the bottom 116 of the first compartment 118 in the inclined position of the container, then the water will flow along the sides 120 of the container and be captured by the water capture element 112. On the other hand, the ice will simply slide over the water catching element and then leave the container without problems. Thus, any ice melt water that may be located in the first compartment will not leak from the first compartment, but will be captured by the water capture element.

In this embodiment, the water capture element is formed as an annular element 122 disposed along the upper edge of the inner vessel. The annular element has an internal volume V4 and is in fluid communication with the interior of the first compartment through an annular opening 124. The annular opening is disposed above the bottom 116 of the inner container and below the upper rim of the container. The annular opening is disposed proximate the sidewall of the container such that water flowing along the sidewall readily enters the volume V4. However, the annular opening is also formed so that ice cubes are not blocked by the opening and can be slid through the opening for easy dispensing from the container. In the present embodiment, the annular element is arranged to extend inwardly from the vertical sidewall portion. However, in another embodiment, not shown, the side wall portion may have an angle inclined outwardly and the annular element may extend vertically.

The volume V4 is selected according to the amount of ice melt that can be expected in the first compartment. If most of the water passes through the bottom and there is little backflow when tilted, the volume V4 can be made very small. If the return flow through the bottom is relatively high, the volume V4 may be selected to be large enough to capture the expected water flow through the bottom in an inclined position.

It should be noted that in this type of embodiment it is conceivable that the bottom has a maximum flow rate in the direction from the second compartment to the first compartment in the dispensing position that is less than the flow rate required to fill the water catch element during a typical dispensing operation.

In one embodiment of the water capture element (not shown), the ring element as shown in fig. 10 may be arranged as a deformable element with a bi-stable effect. In this case, the ring element may be folded into the container and then folded outwardly when it is desired to clean the interior of the ring element. In one embodiment, the lower edge of the bi-stable annular member in the folded down position may be against the inner surface of the inner container. In this case, the edge of the bistable annular element may be provided with openings to allow water to flow through the openings and into the water capture element.

Fig. 11 shows a schematic example of another embodiment of the deformable bottom 130. In this embodiment, a small water catching flange 132 has been added to the upper portion of the small groove 134 to catch any water droplets that may be disposed in the groove during the tilting operation.

As mentioned before, the container can be further optimized if the tilting axis is known. In fig. 12-14, an embodiment of a container 140 is shown that is similar to the embodiment of fig. 1, but in which the inner container 142 is offset from the axis of the outer container 144 such that the inner and outer containers are not coaxial. Thus, the distance between the inner and outer containers on one side 146 is greater than the distance on the other side 148. Thus, there will be a greater volume in the air gap on the side 146 of the container. This can be used to collect a greater amount of ice melt water while reducing the outer diameter of the outer vessel. Further, the opening 150 in the bottom 152 may be moved to the side of the container having the smallest air gap, thereby maximizing the volume V3 below the opening in the bottom when in the tilted position. This is illustrated in the figure. A pour spout 154 may also be provided to allow more precise dispensing of the ice.

It should be noted that in the above figures the inner and outer containers are shown as cylindrical elements, but it is also conceivable that the inner and outer containers are conical, rectangular, oval, etc. Also, the inner and outer containers may have different shapes from each other.

Fig. 15 illustrates one example embodiment 160 of such a container. In this example, the outer container 162 has a more organic shape formed by two

partial cylinders

164, 166 of two different diameters joined together by a cut-out 168. The inner container 170 is formed with a correspondingly smaller shape. The outer diameter D1 of first cylinder 164 is greater than the outer diameter D2 of second cylinder 166. In this case, the outer diameter D2 of the second cylinder may be selected to be suitable for gripping with a normal sized hand, while the outer diameter of the first cylinder may be selected to be larger than the diameter suitable for gripping as described above. For example, D2 can be made 8cm and D1 can be made 15 cm. This will provide a container that is easy to handle and use, while still containing a large amount of ice. Many other such containers of different shapes are possible. In one embodiment, the two cylinders may have the same diameter.

Fig. 16 shows an embodiment 170 of a container having a valve 172 that is open in the vertical position of the container and closed in the dispensing position of the container. The valve is formed by a weight element 174 which causes a flexible flap 176 to flex downwardly. When the container is tilted, the weight member causes the flap to flex inwardly to close the opening 178 in the base 180. This is illustrated in the detailed views of fig. 17 and 18.

The embodiment of fig. 16-18 only works when the container is pivoted about one horizontal axis. Fig. 19 shows an embodiment of a valve 182 that functions when tilted about any axis. The rubber valve element 184 is arranged to move up and down in the holder 186 due to gravity when the container is tilted. When the container is in its upright position, the rubber valve element will open and when the container is tilted, the rubber valve element will slide into its closed position to close the opening 188 in the bottom 190. Many other forms of suitable valve structures are also envisioned.

Fig. 20 shows a further embodiment 200, wherein the opening 202 in the bottom 204 is provided with an extended tubular portion 206 to displace the effective opening to the bottom surface 208 of the outer container 210. Thus, the opening will be freed from the ice melt earlier and the volume V3 will increase.

Fig. 21 shows an embodiment 212 in which a rotatable tubular element 214 is connected to an opening 216 in the bottom 218 of a first compartment 220. At the end of the tubular element, a small floating element 222 is provided. Thus, when the container is tilted, the end of the tubular element will try to rest above the top of the fluid, thereby rotating the tubular element. This will further maximize the volume V3, since the free end of the conduit will always be arranged at the highest point in the volume V2. As an alternative to using a floating element, a counterweight (not shown) may be arranged on the extension rod opposite the free end of the tube. Thus, the counterweight will always rotate downwards due to gravity and automatically push the free end of the tube upwards to the highest point of the volume.

Fig. 22 shows another embodiment 230. In this example, there is no second compartment and the ice melt water will mix with the ice cubes. However, there is a large annular water capture element 232 arranged around the upper edge of the container as previously described to capture any ice-melt water in the container when the container is tipped over. Furthermore, a distributor element 234 is arranged in an opening 236 at an upper end 238 of the container. The dispenser element 234 is in the form of a dispenser screw driven by a rod 240 driven by a rotatable disc 242 arranged at the bottom of the container. A rotary seal 244 is provided between the bottom surface of the container and the stem 240. When it is desired to dispense ice pieces from the container, the container is tilted more than 90 degrees and then the disk 242 is rotated, which causes the auger to rotate so that the ice pieces will be discharged one by one from the opening. This is just one example of a distributor element. The applicant has a co-pending application WO2018/202874, incorporated by reference into the present application, which discloses a number of different suitable dispensing mechanisms. While the embodiment shown in fig. 22 has no second compartment and has a large water capture element, another similar embodiment with a dispenser may be provided with first and second compartments and with or without a water capture element.

Fig. 23 shows another embodiment 250 in which the inner container 252 is arranged non-coaxially with the outer container 254. The side of the container having the largest air gap 256 extends upwardly above the side of the container having the smallest air gap 258. In this way, a greater volume for collecting ice-melt water is provided. Likewise, the opening 260 of the bottom 262 of the inner container 252 is disposed at the side of the container having the smallest air gap. The opening 260 is also provided with an extended tubular portion 264 to ensure that the opening will be at the highest point in the container when the container is tipped to dispense ice.

Fig. 24-26 show different views of another embodiment 270 of a container according to the invention. In this embodiment, the container 270 includes an outer container 272 and an inner container 274 disposed within the outer container 272. An air gap 276 is formed between the inner and outer containers. As in the previous embodiment, the first volume V1 is formed in a first compartment 278 defined by the inner surface of the inner container 274. The opening 280 is disposed in the bottom 282 of the inner container. A second volume V2 is provided between the inner and outer containers below the opening. The second volume and the air gap together form a second compartment 284.

The upper closure structure is slightly different from the previous embodiment. In this example, the outer container has an upper edge 286 and the inner container has an outwardly directed flange 288 extending beyond the upper edge 286 of the outer container. A gasket 290 is disposed between the upper edge 286 and the downwardly facing surface of the outwardly directed flange. Or in another embodiment (not shown), a gasket is disposed between the inner surface of the outer container and the outer surface of the inner container near the upper edge of the outer container.

This embodiment also has four flexible rubber flanges 292 disposed on the outer surface of the inner container. As shown in fig. 26, the rubber flange is circular and has small openings 294 disposed around the periphery of the flange. Fig. 26 shows four openings, but additional openings may be provided. The outer diameter of the flange is greater than the inner diameter of the outer container. When the inner container is inserted into the outer container, the flanges will bend upwardly to form a trough-shaped reservoir. When the container is tilted, ice melt water 296 will flow into the air gap and through the rubber flange through the small opening 294. When the container is again set in its vertical position, water will flow down the air gap and some of it will be trapped by the flange in the air gap. Thus, some water will remain in the air gap, rather than returning to volume V2. For this reason, the volume V2 may be smaller than if all of the ice melt water would be stored in the volume V2.

The container 300 shown in fig. 27 and 28 is very similar to the previously disclosed embodiments and therefore, specific details will not be described in detail. Of particular note in this embodiment, however, is that the container includes an ice pick 302 that is attached to the bottom surface of the cover 304 in the form of an elongated spear-like element. During normal use, the lid is arranged to seal the dispensing opening of the container. An ice pick is disposed in the first compartment 306 along with ice pieces. When ice is to be dispensed from the container, the cover is removed (fig. 28) and the ice 308 can be shaken out of the first compartment. If the ice pieces are frozen together, the ice cone can be used to pry the ice pieces loose by inserting the cone between the ice pieces. When the ice is dispensed, the ice cone is pushed back into the ice and the lid of the container is replaced.

The embodiment 310 shown in fig. 29-31 is very similar to that described above. However, rather than storing the ice pick 312 in the first compartment 314, the ice pick is stored in a gap 316 between the first compartment and an inner surface of the container exterior 318. The ice pick is inserted into the gap through a hole or opening 319 in the upper surface of the container. In this way, the ice pick will not be stored in ice when the container is not in use. However, if desired, by pulling the ice pick up upwardly from the aperture 319, it is easy to expose the ice pick when the cover 311 is removed from the container.

In the case of an ice pick attached to a cover, it is contemplated that a user may move the ice pick and cover attached thereto to variably open and/or close the dispensing opening to adjust the amount of ice that may exit the container when the user tips the container. In one embodiment (not shown), the user may move the cover up and down by moving the ice pick up and down. In another embodiment (not shown), the user may pivot the lid about the longitudinal axis of the ice pick to also variably open and close the dispensing opening. Such displacement may be provided by the user manually moving the ice pick or cover, or may be readily achieved by providing a different suitable movement mechanism that may move the cover up and down or in a rotatable manner. This may be combined with a handle (not shown) attached to the outside of the container.

Fig. 32-34 show side views of another embodiment 320 of a container having a lid 322 and an ice pick 324. The container also includes a handle 326 attached to the outer surface of the container. A gap 328 is formed between the inner surface of the handle and the outer surface of the container. As in the previous case, the ice pick is fixed to the cover in a secure manner.

The lid is pivotably attached to the container via a hinge joint 330. The ice pick 324 is disposed in a gap 328 between the handle and the outer surface of the container. When the ice pick is pivoted, the cover is also pivoted. As shown in fig. 33, the ice pick is held inside or against the handle, thereby keeping the lid closed and preventing ice pieces 332 from leaving the container. In fig. 34, the ice pick has been allowed to pivot slightly, allowing the cover to also pivot and allow the ice pieces to exit the container. The user can easily pivot the ice pick with the hand also simultaneously grasping the handle of the container. This is one example of a cover moving mechanism. Those skilled in the art will be able to prepare other suitable lid moving mechanisms based on the teachings of this specification and his or her general knowledge. Further, it should be noted that in this embodiment, when an ice pick is required, the cover and the ice pick can be pulled upwardly away from the container, and then the ice pick can be used to insert ice and pry the ice away from each other.

In the embodiment described and illustrated in fig. 27-34, the ice pick is attached to the lid. However, other embodiments are also conceivable in which the ice pick is separate from the cover, or embodiments with only a cover or only an ice pick are also conceivable. For example, in the embodiment of fig. 32-34, the ice pick is an integrally formed component of the cover movement mechanism and is used to control the movement of the cover. However, it is conceivable to provide another handle/lever fixed to the cover and to provide a separate ice pick separate from the cover.

It is to be noted that the figures and the above description have shown exemplary embodiments in a simple and schematic manner. Many specific mechanical details are not shown, as those skilled in the art should be familiar with these details, and they would only unnecessarily complicate this description. For example, the specific materials used and the specific manufacturing procedures have not been described in detail as it is believed that one skilled in the art would be able to find suitable materials and suitable processes for manufacturing containers according to the present invention. Also, it should be noted that many different embodiments have been disclosed, each disclosing individual features. Within the scope of the present disclosure, different combinations of features not explicitly mentioned as being essential to each other may be combined as deemed appropriate by the person skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A container comprising a first compartment having a bottom, a side wall portion extending upwardly from the bottom to an upper edge, and a dispensing opening in the first compartment near the upper edge, the first compartment having a total volume V1 and being adapted to contain ice cubes, characterized in that the container further comprises a second compartment arranged below the first compartment when the container is in its upright position, the second compartment being separated from the first compartment by the bottom of the first compartment, the bottom having a discharge opening through which water can flow from the first compartment to the second compartment, the volume V2 of the second compartment arranged below the discharge opening being at least 10% of the volume V1, and the volume V2 and the discharge opening being arranged such that when the volume of ice melt water is less than 10% of the volume V1 and the container is tilted 95 degrees from its upright position it is possible to melt the water when the ice melt water is less than 10% of the volume V1 and the container is tilted 95 degrees from its upright position Dispensing ice from the first compartment of the container without exiting the volume V2 by tilting the container about a horizontal axis and shaking the ice out of the first compartment.

2. The container of claim 1 having a grip with a horizontal cross section having a maximum outer width of less than 15cm, less than 13cm, less than 10cm, or less than 9 cm.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container has an outer container having a bottom and a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom to an upper rim, and an inner container removably disposed in the outer container, the inner container forming the first compartment and the second compartment being formed between the inner container and the outer container.

4. The container according to claim 3, wherein in the vertical position of the container, the central longitudinal axis of the outer container is horizontally offset from the central longitudinal axis of the inner container.

5. The container according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the inner and outer containers are separated by an air gap.

6. The container according to claim 5, wherein the volume V2 below the discharge opening is in fluid communication with the air gap.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein a volume V3 of the second compartment disposed below the discharge opening in the bottom of the first compartment when the container is rotated 95 degrees from its vertical position is at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, or at least 50% of a total volume V1 of the first compartment.

8. A container according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first compartment comprises a water capture element having a volume V4.

9. A container according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the discharge opening is provided with a valve which opens in an upright position and closes when the container is tilted more than 50 degrees, more than 60 degrees, more than 70 degrees or more than 90 degrees.

10. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the flow rate through the bottom is less than 1 liter per minute when the container is tilted at 95 degrees and when the container is filled with a volume of ice-melt water that is less than 10% of the volume V1.

11. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a movable ice pick in the form of an elongate element having a length greater than half the height of the container or half the height of the first compartment.

12. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a removable lid having at least two positions: a first position in which the lid closes the dispensing opening to prevent ice cubes stored in the container from exiting the container; and a second position in which the dispensing opening is open to allow ice cubes stored in the container to exit the container through the dispensing opening.

13. A container according to claim 12, comprising a lid moving mechanism arranged to move the lid between the first and second positions and to hold the lid at the first and second positions respectively.

14. The container of claim 13, wherein the lid-moving mechanism comprises a hinge that pivotally connects the lid to the container such that the lid is pivotable between the first position and the second position.

15. The container of claim 11 and any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the ice pick is attached to the lid.

16. The container of claims 14 and 15, wherein the ice pick pivots with the cover when the cover is moved from the first position to the second position.

17. The container of claim 16, wherein the ice pick is disposed outside of the container when the cover is in the first position and when the cover is in the second position, such that a user of the container can pivot the ice pick to control the position of the cover.

18. The container of claim 17, comprising a handle offset from an outer surface of the container, the ice pick being disposed in a gap between the outer surface of the container and a surface of the handle facing the outer surface of the container.

19. The container according to claim 11 or 15, wherein the ice pick is arranged inside the container.

20. The container of claim 19, wherein the ice pick is disposed outside of the first compartment.