US20210088267A1

US20210088267A1 - Mould

Info

Publication number: US20210088267A1
Application number: US16/634,269
Authority: US
Inventors: Johannes Nell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-07-27
Filing date: 2018-07-27
Publication date: 2021-03-25
Also published as: WO2019023721A1; CN111094878A; WO2019023721A4; AU2018308163A1; EP3658834A1

Abstract

According to the invention, there is provided a mould 10 which includes a separator base 12 and walls 14 extending from opposing sides 16.1 and 16.2 of the base 12 which, together with the base 12, are arranged to define a plurality of moulding zones 18 for receiving liquid (not shown) to be moulded therein.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a mould. In particular, this invention relates to a mould for moulding liquid water as it freezes into ice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a mould including: —

- a separator base; and
- walls extending from opposing sides of the base which, together with the base, are arranged to define a plurality of moulding zones for receiving liquid to be moulded therein.

The separator base may have a generally planar form and may correspond to any conventional shape. In particular, the separator base may have any suitable geometric shape of the group including circular, ovoid, rectangular, square and triangular when viewed in plan, preferably being generally rectangular.
The walls may be interconnected at their opposing edge regions so as to define discrete moulding zones therebetween. Alternatively, the opposing edge regions of the walls may be configured to be in abutment with adjacent edge regions of neighbouring walls. The walls and base may be configured to form moulding zones of any suitable three-dimensional geometric shape of the group including cuboidal, parallelepipedal, conical, frusto-conical, semi-spherical, wedge and pyramidal. For example, walls extending from a generally circular base may define generally wedge-shaped moulding zones and walls extending from a square or rectangular base may define generally parallelepipedal or cuboidal moulding zones. The walls may taper in thickness from the separator base towards their respective free edge regions. The walls may be arranged at an angle relative to the separator base so as to define moulding zones which taper from the free edge regions of the walls towards the base thereby facilitating demoulding or removal of moulded articles, preferably in the form of ice blocks, therefrom in use
The separator base and walls may be integrally formed. The separator base and walls may have a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 4 mm, preferably being 2 mm. The separator base and walls may have a thickness which may be varied according to a moulding rate of the liquid as desired by a user. The separator base and walls may be manufactured from any suitable synthetic plastics or metallic material having non-stick and/or temperature resistant properties, preferably being silicone. The separator base and walls may be manufactured from any suitable combination of synthetic plastics and metallic materials, preferably silicone and aluminium, so as to improve a moulding or freezing rate of the liquid contained in the moulding zones in operation.
Communication zones may be defined in the walls for allowing fluid communication between adjacent moulding zones. Further communication zones may be defined in the base for allowing fluid communication between moulding zones on either side of the base. The communication zones may be configured to extend between the respective moulding zones for allowing fluid to pass therebetween. The communication zones may be in the form of any one or more of the group including an aperture, notch, hole and channel for allowing fluid to pass therethrough and between respective moulding zones during filling thereof with liquid to be moulded. More particularly, the communication zones defined in the base may preferably be in the form of generally circular holes and the communication zones defined in the walls may preferably be in the form of slits. The slits defined in the walls may be configured to facilitate bending of the separator base and walls during demoulding or removal of moulded articles from the moulding zones.
A peripheral region of the walls may be profiled to facilitate receipt by and removal from any suitable conventional container. In particular, the peripheral region has a generally tapered profile for facilitating removal thereof from the container after completion of the moulding process. The peripheral region may preferably taper from an opening or filling end region of the container towards a base region thereof. The mould may be of any conventional three-dimensional geometric shape of the group including semi-spherical, spherical, cuboidal, parallelepipedal, cylindrical, conical and pyramidal, preferably being generally parallelepipedal in shape.
The container may be in the form of any suitable conventional container for receiving the mould complementally therein and allowing moulding of liquid in the moulding zones of the mould. More particularly, the container may be in the form of any one or more containers of the group including a plastic bag or packet, an ice-creme container and a yoghurt container. Preferably, the plastic bag or packet may be configured to be sealable, the ice-creme container may be in the form of a conventional 2-litre ice-creme container and the yoghurt container may be in the form of a conventional 1-litre yoghurt container. An inner compartment of the container may be tapered according to a tapered shape of the mould so as to allow the complementary fit therebetween. It is to be appreciated that the tapered shape of the inner compartment may further facilitate the removal of the mould from the container when liquid within receiving or moulding zones is moulded or frozen.
The inner compartment of the container may be sized so as to receive a plurality of bases complementally therein for allowing an increased quantity of liquid to be moulded therein and/or an increased quantity of moulded articles to be moulded therein. The plurality of bases may be received in a side-by-side or stacked configuration.
The mould may include a folding zone for allowing the base to be folded in a concertina fashion to allow free edge regions of the walls to be arranged in register with each other so as to form enlarged moulding zones therebetween.
A carrier handle may be provided allowing carrying of the mould in operation.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a moulding assembly which includes a plurality of moulds which may be capable of being arranged in a stacked or side-by-side configuration to allow free edge regions of the walls of opposing moulding zones to be arranged in register with each other so as to form enlarged moulding zones. The moulding assembly may be sized, shaped and/or configured to be received in a container in use.
A connecting member may be provided for allowing interconnection between adjacent moulds. The connecting member may be configured to allow displacement, preferably pivotal displacement, of the moulds between an operative moulding condition and an open de-moulding condition wherein the moulds are displaced away from each other for allowing moulded articles to be removed from the moulding zones. The connecting member may be in the form of a flexible web which may extend between and interconnect opposing edge regions of the moulds to allow displacement of the moulds in a concertina fashion. Communication zones, preferably in the form of apertures, may be defined in the web to facilitate fluid flow therethrough, thereby facilitating fluid flow between the moulding zones during filling thereof. In particular, the interconnected plurality of moulds may define two outer moulds and intermediate moulds between the outer moulds, which may be displaceable in a concertina fashion between the closed moulding and inoperative open conditions. The plurality of moulds may define inner enlarged moulding zones between intermediate moulds and enlarged outer moulding zones between outer moulds and intermediate moulds in the closed moulding condition. Outer walls of the outer moulds may have a generally stepped and/or corrugated form to facilitate removal of the mould from the container in use.
Alternatively, the connecting member may be in the form of complemental male and female engaging formations which may extend from and may be defined in respective opposing sides of the moulds for facilitating stacked interconnection of the moulds. The connecting member may extend between and interconnect generally central regions of moulds in a stacked condition, the moulds typically being interconnected along a central axis thereof. In particular, the male and female formations may be in the form of alternating protrusions and recesses, preferably being located towards a central region of the opposing sides of the bases. More particularly, the stacked moulds may define operative top, intermediate and bottom moulds, respectively, the top mould preferably having the male formation defined on an operative under side thereof, the intermediate mould preferably having the male and female formations defined on operative under and top sides thereof, respectively, and the bottom mould preferably having the female formation defined on an operative top side thereof. The male and female formations may be configured to allow walls of adjacent moulds to be interposed each other and to extend substantially between the bases of opposing moulds.
Handles may extend from the moulds for facilitating separation and/or displacement thereof once liquid has moulded in the moulding zones in use. In particular, the handles may further facilitate peeling and/or separation of adjacent moulds away from each other from the closed moulding condition to the open de-moulding condition.
A retaining means may be provided for retaining the plurality of moulds in the closed moulding condition. The retaining means may be in the form of any suitable retaining mechanism such as a clip, latch or push lock mechanism.
A sealing means may be provided for sealing the moulding zones so as to inhibit the flow of fluid therefrom in the closed moulding condition. The sealing means may be arranged a peripheral region of the base, typically where walls of adjacent bases meet in the closed moulding condition. The sealing means may be in the form of any suitable rubber sealing arrangement.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a mould forming kit which includes: —
a mould or moulding assembly as hereinbefore described; and
a container as hereinbefore described for receiving the mould complementally therein in use.
A closure member, preferably in the form of a lid, may be provided for closing and sealing the container in use. It is to be appreciated that the lid would typically be used when a user wishes to produce ice whilst transporting the mould.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A mould in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of the following, non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings: —

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional schematic showing a mould in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2a and 2b are side and top views, respectively, of the mould shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3a and 3b are three-dimensional schematics showing the mould in transverse and longitudinal bending conditions respectively;

FIGS. 4a to 4c are three-dimensional exploded assembly, assembly and a sectioned assembly views showing a mould forming kit in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 5a to 5c are three-dimensional schematics showing a first embodiment of a moulding assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional schematic showing a second embodiment of a moulding assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7a is a three-dimensional schematic showing an exploded assembly view of a third embodiment of a moulding assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7b is a sectioned three-dimensional schematic of the moulding assembly shown in FIG. 7a in a stacked moulding condition;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged three-dimensional sectioned view of a part of a mould shown in FIGS. 7a and 7 b;

FIGS. 9a to 9c are three-dimensional exploded assembly, assembly and a sectioned assembly views of a further mould forming kit including a moulding assembly shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional schematic showing a fourth embodiment of a moulding assembly in accordance with the present invention, the moulding assembly being in an open de-moulding condition;

FIG. 11 is a three-dimensional schematic of the moulding assembly shown in FIG. 10 in a closed moulding condition;

FIG. 12 is a sectioned three-dimensional schematic of a fifth embodiment of the moulding assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a sectioned three-dimensional schematic of the moulding assembly shown in FIG. 12 in a closed moulding condition;

FIG. 14 is a sectioned side view of the moulding assembly shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged three-dimensional schematic showing a part of a mould shown in FIGS. 12 to 14;

FIGS. 16a and 16b are three-dimensional exploded assembly and assembly views showing a further mould forming kit including a moulding assembly shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 17a to 17d are three-dimensional schematics of a sixth embodiment of a moulding assembly in accordance with the present invention, in various stages of operation;

FIGS. 18a and 18b are three-dimensional exploded assembly views of further alternatives of moulding assemblies in accordance with the present invention; and

FIGS. 19a to 19c are hand sketches of a further embodiment of the moulding assembly in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a first embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, reference numeral 10 refers generally to a mould in accordance with the present invention. The mould 10 includes a separator base 12 and walls 14 extending from opposing sides 16.1 and 16.2 of the base 12 which, together with the base 12, are arranged to define a plurality of moulding zones 18 for receiving liquid (not shown) to be moulded therein.
The base 12 has a generally planar form and corresponds to any conventional shape. In particular, the separator base 12 has any suitable geometric shape of the group including circular, ovoid, rectangular, square and triangular when viewed in plan, typically being generally rectangular as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5.
The walls 14 are interconnected at their opposing edge regions 20 so as to define discrete moulding zones 18 therebetween. The walls 14 and base 12 are configured to form moulding zones 18 of any suitable geometric shape of the group including cuboidal, parallelepipedal, conical, frusto-conical, semi-spherical, wedge and pyramidal, typically being generally parallelepipedal as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5.
For example, walls 14 extending from a rectangular base 12 defines generally parallelepipedal or cuboidal moulding zones 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, and walls 214 extending from a circular base 146 typically defines generally wedge-shaped moulding zones 218 as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9.
The separator base 12 and walls 14 are integrally formed. The base 12 and walls 14 have a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 4 mm, typically being 2 mm. The base 12 and walls 14 are manufactured from any suitable synthetic plastics material having non-stick and temperature resistant properties, typically being silicone. Although not shown, the base 12 and walls 14 can be manufactured from any suitable combination of synthetic plastics or metallic materials, such as silicone and aluminium, so as to improve a moulding or freezing rate of liquid contained in the moulding zones 18 in operation.
Communication zones 22 are defined in the walls 14 for allowing fluid communication between adjacent moulding zones 18. Further communication zones 22 are defined in the base 12 for allowing fluid communication between moulding zones 18 on either side of the base 12 during filling thereof with liquid to be moulded. The communication zones 22 are configured to extend between the respective moulding zones 18 for allowing fluid to pass therebetween. The communication zones 22 are in the form of any one or more of the group including an aperture, notch, slit, hole and channel for allowing fluid to pass therethrough and between respective moulding zones 18 during filling thereof with liquid to be moulded. More particularly and as shown in the drawings, the communication zones 22 defined in the base 12 are typically in the form of generally circular holes 24 and the communication zones 22 defined in the walls 14 are typically in the form of slits 26. The slits 26 are further configured to facilitate bending of the separator base 12 and walls 14 during removal of moulded articles (not shown) from the moulding zones 18.
A peripheral region 28 of the walls 14 are profiled to facilitate receipt by and removal from any suitable conventional container 30. In particular, the peripheral region has a generally tapered profile for facilitating removal thereof from the container after completion of the moulding process. The peripheral region typically tapers from an opening or filling end region 32 of the container 30 towards a base region 33 thereof. The mould 10 is of generally parallelepipedal shape.
The container 30 can be in the form of a conventional 2-litre ice-creme container. An inner compartment 34 of the container 30 is typically tapered according to a tapered shape of the mould 10 so as to allow the complementary fit therebetween. The tapered shape of the inner compartment 34 additionally facilitates the removal of the mould 10 therefrom when liquid received within the moulding zones 18 is moulded or frozen.
A closure member in the form of a lid 36 is provided for closing and sealing the container 30 in use. The lid 36 is typically used when a user wishes to produce ice whilst transporting the mould 10.
Referring particularly to FIGS. 4a to 4c , reference numeral 90 refers generally to a mould forming kit in accordance with the invention. The mould forming kit 82 includes a mould 10 as hereinbefore described and a container 30 as hereinbefore described.
Referring now to FIGS. 5a to 5c , reference numerals 38, 40 and 42, refer generally to moulding assemblies which include a plurality of moulds 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3, respectively, to be arranged in a side-by-side configuration. As shown in FIG. 5a , the moulding assembly 38 comprises two moulds 10.1 having a generally rectangular shape. As shown in FIG. 5b , the moulding assembly 40 comprises two moulds 10.2 having a generally square shape. As shown in FIG. 5c , the moulding assembly 42 comprises four bases 10.3 having a generally rectangular shape. Although not shown, it is to be appreciated that the moulding assemblies 38, 40 and 42 can be received by the container 30 in a side-by-side manner in use.
In use, a user typically places the mould 10 or moulds 10.1, 10.2 or 10.3 inside the container 30 and proceeds to fill the container 30 with water. Upon entry of water into the moulding zones 18, air is forced out via the communication zones 22 and allows the water to be received in each of the moulding zones 18 in the mould. It is at this point that the user would typically put the lid 36 onto the container 30, thereby preventing any spillage of water whilst placing the mould 10 or moulds 10.1, 10.2 or 10.3 into a freezer. Once the water inside the mould 10 or moulds 10.1, 10.2 or 10.3 is frozen, the user removes the mould 10 or moulds 10.1, 10.2 or 10.3 from the container 30. The user then bumps the mould 10 or moulds 10.1, 10.2 or 10.3 against a hard surface a sufficient number of times to break up the ice between the moulding zones 18. The user then bends the mould 10 or moulds 10.1, 10.2 or 10.3 with the aid of the slits 26 defined in the walls 14 of the moulding zones 18 in order to release the ice blocks from the moulding zones 18. The user typically does this action having a larger container or holder placed beneath the mould 10 or moulds 10.1, 10.2 or 10.3 so that the ice blocks are able to fall therein.
Referring now to a second embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 6, reference numeral 144 refers generally to a moulding assembly including a plurality of moulds 110 having generally circular bases 146. In this embodiment, the plurality of generally circular moulds 110 are arranged in a stacked in configuration to allow free edge regions 115 of the walls 114 of opposing moulding zones 118.1 and 118.2 to be arranged in register with each other so as to form a plurality of enlarged moulding zones 148 therebetween when the moulds 110 are arranged in an operative stacked moulding condition.
The moulding assembly 144 is of generally cylindrical shape, typically as a result of the stacked circular moulds 110. Although not shown, a connecting member can extend between and interconnect generally central regions of the moulds 110 in the stacked condition, typically being interconnected along a central axis thereof. It is to be appreciated that the moulds 110 can be integrally formed.
Referring now to a third embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, reference numeral 244 refers generally to a moulding assembly including a plurality of moulds 210 having generally circular bases 246. In this embodiment, the plurality of generally circular moulds 210 are arranged in a stacked in configuration to allow free edge regions 215 of the walls 214 of opposing moulding zones 218.1 and 218.2 to be arranged in register with each other so as to form a plurality of moulding zones 248 therebetween when the moulds 210 are arranged in an operative stacked moulding condition.
Further in this embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 7b and more clearly in FIG. 8, a connecting member in the form of complemental male and female engaging formations 250.1 and 250.2, respectively, extend from and are defined in respective opposing sides 216 of the moulds 210 for facilitating stacked interconnection of the moulds 210. In particular, the male and female formations 250.1 and 250.2 are in the form of alternating protrusions 252 and recesses 254, typically being located towards a central region 256 of the opposing sides 216 of the bases 246. More particularly, the stacked moulds 210 define top, intermediate and bottom moulds 258.1, 258.2, 258.3, respectively, the top mould 258.1 typically having the male formation 250.1 defined on an operative under side 216.1 thereof, the intermediate mould 258.2 typically having the male and female formations 250.1 and 250.2 defined on operative under and top sides 216 thereof, respectively, and the bottom mould 258.3 typically having the female formation 250.2 defined on an operative top side 216.2 thereof. As most clearly shown in FIG. 7a , the male and female formations 250.1 and 250.2 are configured to allow walls 214 of adjacent moulds 210 to be interposed each other and to extend substantially between bases 246 of opposing moulds 210.
As shown in FIG. 9, the moulding assembly 244 is sized, shaped and configured to be received complementally by a cylindrical container 230 in use. In particular, the moulding assembly 244 is of generally cylindrical shape, typically as a result of the stacked circular moulds 210. Although not shown, the moulding assembly 244 can have a generally tapered form for facilitating removal thereof from the container 230 once liquid has moulded in the moulding zones 218 in use.
The container 230 can be in the form of a conventional 1-litre yoghurt container.
A closure member in the form of a lid 236 is provided for closing and sealing the container 230 in use. The lid 236 is typically used when a user wishes to produce ice whilst transporting the mould 210.
Referring particularly to FIGS. 9a to 9c , reference numeral 290 refers generally to a mould forming kit in accordance with the invention. The mould forming kit 290 includes a moulding assembly 210 as hereinbefore described and a container 230 as hereinbefore described.
The walls 114 and 214 extending from either side 116 and 216 of the bases 146 and 246 of the moulds 110 and 210 are interconnected at a generally central region 156 and 256 of the circular bases 146 and 246 and typically extend radially away therefrom so as to form discrete, generally wedge-shaped moulding zones 118 and 218 therebetween.
In use, a user typically places the moulding assembly 244 one mould 210 at a time inside the container 230 into a stacked configuration and proceeds to fill the container 230 with water. The user typically rotates each mould 210 once received in the container 230 so as to allow walls 214 of adjacent moulds 210 to be interposed each other and to extend substantially between bases 216 of opposing moulds 210. Upon entry of water into the moulding zones 218, air is forced out via the communication zones 222 and allows the water to be received in each of the moulding zones 218 in the mould 210. It is at this point that the user would typically put the lid 236 onto the container 230, thereby preventing any spillage of water whilst placing the mould 210 into a freezer. Once the water inside the mould 210 is frozen, the user removes the moulding assembly 244 from the container 230. The user then bumps the mould 210 against a hard surface a sufficient number of times to break up the ice between the moulding zones 218. The user then twists and bends the moulding assembly 244 in order to release the ice blocks from the moulding zones 218. The user typically does this action having a larger container or holder placed beneath the mould 210 so that the ice blocks are able to fall therein.
Referring now to a fourth embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, reference numeral 360 refers generally to a moulding assembly having a pair of generally rectangular moulds 310. The generally rectangular moulds 310 are arranged so as to define a plurality of enlarged moulding zones 348 therebetween when the plurality of moulds 310 are arranged in an operative moulding condition wherein bases 362 are arranged such that walls 314 of opposing moulding zones 318.1 and 318.2 are arranged in register with each other so as to form enlarged moulding zones 348 as most clearly shown in FIG. 11.
In this embodiment, the pair of moulds 310 a connecting member in the form of a flexible web 364 is provided for allowing interconnection between the adjacent pair of moulds 310. The flexible web 364 is configured to allow displacement, typically pivotal displacement, of the moulds 310 between the operative moulding condition and an open de-moulding condition wherein the moulds 310 are displaced away from each other for allowing moulded articles 366 to be removed from the moulding zones 318.
The flexible web 364 is configured to extend between and interconnect opposing edge regions 368 of the bases 360 moulds 310 to allow displacement of the moulds in a concertina fashion.
The walls 314 typically taper in thickness away from the base 362 so as to form generally tapered moulding zones 318 so as to facilitate removal of moulded liquid therefrom in use. The walls 314 are typically shaped to form moulding zones 318 of a generally truncated square-pyramidal shape.
Further, and as shown most clearly in FIG. 10, communication zones 322 are defined in the walls 314 for allowing fluid communication between adjacent moulding zones 318. The communication zones 322 are configured to extend between the respective moulding zones 318 for allowing fluid to pass therebetween. As shown in the drawings, the communication zones 322 are typically in the form of a plurality of apertures 376 for interconnecting and allowing fluid communication between moulding zones 318. The apertures 376 are defined in walls 314, typically towards opposing edge regions 320 thereof.
Handles 370 extend from the moulds 310 for facilitating separation and displacement thereof once liquid has moulded in the moulding zones 318 in use. In particular, the handles 370 further facilitate peeling and separation of the adjacent moulds 310 away from each other from the closed moulding condition to the open de-moulding condition.
The moulding assembly 360 is of generally parallelepiped shape. The moulding assembly 360 has a generally tapered form for facilitating removal thereof from a container (not shown) once liquid has moulded in the moulding zones 318 in use. Although not shown, outer walls of the moulding assembly 360 can have a generally stepped or corrugated form for further facilitating removal from a container in use.
Referring now to a fifth embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, reference numeral 472 refers generally to a moulding assembly includes four generally rectangular moulds 410 having generally rectangular bases 462. The four moulds 410 are arranged so as to define a plurality of enlarged moulding zones 448 therebetween when the moulds 410 are arranged in an operative moulding condition wherein walls 414 of opposing inner and outer moulding zones 418 and 419, respectively, are arranged in register with each other.
In this embodiment, the four moulds 410 are interconnected by three connecting members in the form of flexible webs 464 which are configured to extend between adjacent moulds 410. The flexible webs 464 are configured to allow displacement, typically pivotal displacement, of the moulds 410 between the operative moulding condition and an open de-moulding condition wherein the moulds 410 are displaced away from each other for allowing moulded articles 466 to be removed from the moulding zones 418 and 419. The flexible webs 464 are configured to extend between and interconnect opposing edge regions 468 of the adjacent moulds 410. The webs 464 include communication zones, typically in the form of apertures or holes 474 defined therein for facilitating flow of fluid through the web and thereby facilitate fluid flow between moulding zones 418 and 419 during filling thereof. The webs 464 are configured to allow the moulds 410 to be displaceable relative to each other between the closed moulding and open de-moulding conditions in a concertina fashion. In particular, the interconnected bases 462 define two outer moulds 410.1 and intermediate moulds 410.2 between the outer moulds 410.1, which are displaceable in a concertina fashion between the closed moulding and inoperative open conditions. Inner enlarged moulding zones 448.1 are defined between intermediate moulds 410.2 and the enlarged outer moulding zones 448.2 are defined between outer moulds 410.1 and intermediate moulds 410.2 in the closed moulding condition.
Further, as shown most clearly in FIGS. 14 and 15, communication zones 422 are defined in the walls 414 for allowing fluid communication between adjacent moulding zones 418 or 419. The communication zones 422 are configured to extend between the respective moulding zones 418 or 419 for allowing fluid to pass therebetween. As shown in the drawings, the communication zones 422 are typically in the form of a plurality of apertures 476 for interconnecting and allowing fluid communication between moulding zones 418 or 419. The apertures 476 are defined in walls 414, typically towards opposing edge regions 420 thereof, of inner and outer moulding zones 418 and 419 for allowing fluid flow communication therebetween.
Further communication zones 422 are defined in the base 462 and walls 414 for allowing fluid communication between inner and outer moulding zones 418 and 419 on either side of the base 462 during filling thereof with liquid to be moulded. The further communication zones 422 are in the form of a plurality of holes 478 which are configured to extend between interconnect the apertures 476 defined in the walls 414 of the inner and outer moulding zones 418 and 419.
Handles 470 extend from the outer moulds 410.1 for facilitating separation and displacement of the moulds 410 relative each other into the open de-moulding condition once liquid has moulded in the moulding zones 418 and 419 in use.
The moulding assembly 472 is sized, shaped and configured to be received complementally by a container 430 in use. In particular, the moulding assembly 472 is of generally parallelepiped shape. The moulding assembly 472 has a generally tapered form for facilitating removal thereof from the container 430 once liquid has moulded in the moulding zones 418 and 419 in use.
An inner compartment 434 of the container 430 is tapered according to a generally tapered shape of the moulding assembly 472 so as to allow the complementary fit therebetween.
Referring particularly to FIGS. 16a and 16b , reference numeral 490 refers generally to a mould forming kit in accordance with the invention. The mould forming kit 490 includes a moulding assembly 472 as hereinbefore described and a container 430 as hereinbefore described.
In use, a user typically places the moulding assembly 472 inside the container 430 and proceeds to fill the container 430 with water. Upon entry of water into the moulding zones 418 and 419, air is forced out via the communication zones 426 and 474 and allows the water to be received in each of the moulding zones 418 and 419 in the moulding assembly 472. Once the water inside the moulding assembly 472 is frozen, the user removes the moulding assembly 472 from the container 430. The user then bumps the moulding assembly 472 against a hard surface a sufficient number of times to break up the ice between the moulding zones 418 and 419. The user then grips the handles 470 of the moulds 410 and pulls the moulds 410 apart. The action separates the moulds 410 and releases the ice blocks from the moulding zones 418 and 419. The user then bends the moulds 410 in order to release ice blocks which may have stuck to the base 462 or walls 414 of the mould 410. The user typically does this action having a larger container or holder placed beneath the moulds 410 so that the ice blocks are able to fall therein.
Referring now to a sixth embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 17a to 17d , reference numeral 580 refers generally to a moulding assembly having four separable moulds 510. In this embodiment, handles 570 extend from each of the four moulds 510 for facilitating separation and displacement thereof once liquid has moulded in the moulding zones 518 in use. In particular, the handles 570 further facilitate peeling and separation of adjacent moulds 510 away from each other from the closed moulding condition to the open de-moulding condition. It is to be appreciated that, although not shown, mould 510 can be received by container 430.
In use, once the water inside the mould 510 is frozen the user bumps the mould 510 against a hard surface a sufficient number of times to break up the ice between the moulding zones 518. The user then grips the handles 570 of the moulds 510 and proceeds to pull and peel the moulds 510 apart from each other in order to release the ice blocks from the moulding zones 518. The user typically does this action having a larger container or holder placed beneath the mould so that the ice blocks are able to fall therein.
Referring now to a seventh embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 18a , reference numeral 690 refers generally to a mould forming kit. The mould forming kit 690 includes a moulding assembly 682 having a plurality of moulds 610 with generally rectangular bases 612. The moulding assembly 682 typically includes outer and intermediate moulds 610.1 and 610.2, respectively. The outer moulds 610.1 include outer walls 684 which are generally corrugated so as to facilitate removal of the moulding assembly 682 from a container 630 once liquid has moulded or frozen within the moulds 610 of the moulding assembly 682.
Referring now to an eighth embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 18b , reference numeral 786 refers generally to a moulding assembly comprising four moulds 710 which are similar to intermediate moulds 410.2 shown in FIGS. 12 to 15.
Referring now to a ninth embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 19, reference numeral 888 refers generally to a further moulding assembly including a pair of moulds 810 in accordance with the invention.
A retaining means (not shown) is provided for retaining the plurality of moulds 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710 or 810 in the closed moulding condition. The retaining means can be in the form of any suitable retaining mechanism such as a clip, latch or push lock mechanism.
A sealing means (not shown) is provided for sealing the moulding zones 118, 218, 318, 418, 518 so as to inhibit the flow of fluid therefrom during the closed moulding condition. The sealing means (not shown) is typically arranged a peripheral region of the moulds 144, 146, 148, 250, 350, 464, 564 or 664, typically where walls 114, 214, 314, 414, 514 or 614 of adjacent moulds 144, 146, 148, 250, 350, 464, 564 or 664, respectively, meet in the closed moulding condition. The sealing means (not shown) can be in the form of any suitable rubber sealing arrangement.
The inventor believes that the mould in accordance with the present invention is advantageous in that it allows a user to produce a large quantity of ice blocks that are easily extractable. The inventor further believes the invention to be advantageous in that it facilitates efficient use of space and also reduces liquid spillage during filling. In addition, the mould is capable of being used with any conventional container such as a two-litre ice cream tub or a one-litre yoghurt container.
It is, of course, to be appreciated that the mould in accordance with the invention is not limited to the precise constructional and functional details as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings and which may be varied as desired.

Claims

1. A mould comprising:

a separator base; and

walls extending from opposing sides of the separator base which, together with the separator base, are arranged to define a plurality of moulding zones for receiving liquid to be moulded therein; and

slits defined in the walls of the moulding zones for facilitating bending of the separator base and walls during demoulding of moulded articles from the moulding zones.

2. The mould of claim 1 wherein the walls taper in thickness from the separator base towards their respective free edge regions.

3. The mould of claim 1 wherein the walls are arranged at an angle relative to the separator base so as to define moulding zones which taper from the free edge regions of the walls towards the separator base.

4. The mould of claim 1 wherein the separator base and walls are manufactured from any suitable synthetic plastics material having non-stick and temperature resistant properties.

5. The mould of claim 1 wherein the separator base and walls are manufactured from any suitable combination of synthetic plastics and metallic materials.

6. The mould of claim 1 wherein communication zones are defined in the walls for allowing fluid communication between adjacent moulding zones.

7. The mould of claim 1 wherein communication zones are defined in the separator base for allowing fluid communication between moulding zones on either side of the separator base.

8. The mould of claim 7 wherein the communication zones are in the form of any one of the group including an aperture, notch, hole, slit and, channel, for allowing fluid to pass therethrough and between moulding zones during filling thereof with liquid to be moulded.

9. The mould of claim 1 wherein a peripheral region of the walls is profiled to facilitate receipt by and removal from any suitable conventional container.

10. The mould of claim 9 wherein the peripheral region has a generally tapered profile for facilitating removal thereof from the container after completion of the moulding process.

11. The mould of claim 1 which includes a folding zone for allowing the separator base to be folded in a concertina fashion to allow free edge regions of the walls to be arranged in register with each other so as to form enlarged moulding zones therebetween.

12. The mould of claim 1 wherein free edge regions of the walls are sized, shaped and configured to facilitate in-register stacking of a plurality of moulds so as to form enlarged moulding zones therebetween.

13. (canceled)

14. A moulding assembly that comprises a plurality of moulds of claim 1 that are capable of being arranged in a stacked configuration to allow free edge regions of the walls of opposing moulding zones to be arranged in register with each other.

15. The moulding assembly of claim 22 wherein a connecting member is provided for allowing interconnection between adjacent moulds.

16. The moulding assembly of claim 15 wherein the connecting member is configured to allow relative displacement of the moulds between a moulding condition and a de-moulding condition.

17. The moulding assembly of claim 16 wherein the connecting member is in the form of a flexible web that extends between and interconnects opposing edge regions of the moulds to allow displacement of the moulds in a concertina fashion.

18. The moulding assembly of claim 17 wherein communication zones are defined in the web to facilitate fluid flow therethrough.

19. The moulding assembly claim 15 wherein the connecting member is in the form of complemental male and female engaging formations that extend from and are defined in respective opposing sides of the moulds for facilitating stacked interconnection of the moulds.

20. (canceled)

21. The mould of claim 6 wherein the communication zones are in the form of any one of the group comprising an aperture, notch, hole, slit and channel for allowing fluid to pass therethrough and between moulding zones during filling thereof with liquid to be moulded.

22. A moulding assembly that comprises a plurality of moulds of claim 1 that are capable of being arranged in a side-by-side configuration to allow free edge regions of the walls of opposing moulding zones to be arranged in register with each other.