CA2253645A1 - Ice cube tray and filling device - Google Patents
Ice cube tray and filling device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2253645A1 CA2253645A1 CA002253645A CA2253645A CA2253645A1 CA 2253645 A1 CA2253645 A1 CA 2253645A1 CA 002253645 A CA002253645 A CA 002253645A CA 2253645 A CA2253645 A CA 2253645A CA 2253645 A1 CA2253645 A1 CA 2253645A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- trays
- compartments
- rack
- walls
- tray
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C1/00—Producing ice
- F25C1/22—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds
- F25C1/25—Filling devices for moulds
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C1/00—Producing ice
- F25C1/22—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds
- F25C1/24—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds for refrigerators, e.g. freezing trays
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C2400/00—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
- F25C2400/06—Multiple ice moulds or trays therefor
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Table Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
Apparatus for making and storing ice cubes includes a plurality of like trays divided into compartments and having overflow drainage holes to limit the level of water therein and permit excess water to flow to like trays stacked beneath. The apparatus also provides a rack to contain a stack of said trays providing a reservoir at the bottom and openings in the walls to allow finger access to the trays. The apparatus also provides a trough which mounts on the top of the trays within the rack having perforations to allow water to pour into the compartments of the trays below.
Description
This application relates to improvements in ice cube trays and apparatus for filling same. In particular, it relates to an improved design which allows for the filling of a plurality of ice cube trays and for the efficient handling and storage of same.
Ice cube trays per se are well known and have been in existence for a long time, mostly of the conventional variety in which about a dozen cube compartments are formed together in a single rectangular tray so that separate individual cubes or blocks of ice can be formed and easily removed separately. Modern trays are generally formed of plastic which allows for the flexible deformation after the ice cubes have frozen.
Numerous trays of this type have been disclosed and in use with various configurations which would allow one tray to rest in a level position on top of another similar tray without dropping into the lower ice cube cavity.
Nevertheless, ice cube trays remain an awkward appliance which present some difficulty with splashing when they are being filled, with spillage when they are being carried by hand from the water tap to the refrigerator freezer and with tipping and spilling when they are placed in the freezer next to other articles which have to be removed.
Each tray has to be filled separately and placed carefully in the freezer and the danger of spillage is exaggerated when the ice cubes consist of coloured liquid such
Ice cube trays per se are well known and have been in existence for a long time, mostly of the conventional variety in which about a dozen cube compartments are formed together in a single rectangular tray so that separate individual cubes or blocks of ice can be formed and easily removed separately. Modern trays are generally formed of plastic which allows for the flexible deformation after the ice cubes have frozen.
Numerous trays of this type have been disclosed and in use with various configurations which would allow one tray to rest in a level position on top of another similar tray without dropping into the lower ice cube cavity.
Nevertheless, ice cube trays remain an awkward appliance which present some difficulty with splashing when they are being filled, with spillage when they are being carried by hand from the water tap to the refrigerator freezer and with tipping and spilling when they are placed in the freezer next to other articles which have to be removed.
Each tray has to be filled separately and placed carefully in the freezer and the danger of spillage is exaggerated when the ice cubes consist of coloured liquid such
2 as frozen juice or coloured or flavoured beverage.
It is therefore the purpose of this invention to provide a system whereby a number of ice cube trays may be readily filled at once with increased convenience and a minimum of risks from spillage or tipping.
These objectives and other advantages are sought to be achieved by the present invention which comprises a plurality of ice cube trays, each having a plurality of ice cube compartments; a rack having rectangular sides and a bottom capable of holding a vertical stack of trays within said four walls; and a trough adapted to fit within the perimeter of said rack above the stack of said trays having at least one perforation therein to conduct fluid from said trough to said ice cube tray compartments.
Ideally, the system will have a rack which fits snugly against the trays to hold them in position and will have an opening along at least one wall to permit access to the trays to free them from the rack.
Preferably, the trough will have a series of perforations located directly above the horizontal location of the compartments in the trays so that water may pass directly therethrough to fill the underlying ice cube tray compartments.
It is therefore the purpose of this invention to provide a system whereby a number of ice cube trays may be readily filled at once with increased convenience and a minimum of risks from spillage or tipping.
These objectives and other advantages are sought to be achieved by the present invention which comprises a plurality of ice cube trays, each having a plurality of ice cube compartments; a rack having rectangular sides and a bottom capable of holding a vertical stack of trays within said four walls; and a trough adapted to fit within the perimeter of said rack above the stack of said trays having at least one perforation therein to conduct fluid from said trough to said ice cube tray compartments.
Ideally, the system will have a rack which fits snugly against the trays to hold them in position and will have an opening along at least one wall to permit access to the trays to free them from the rack.
Preferably, the trough will have a series of perforations located directly above the horizontal location of the compartments in the trays so that water may pass directly therethrough to fill the underlying ice cube tray compartments.
3 In order to permit the filling of a plurality of trays, each tray will have perforations in the side walls thereof to limit the water level in each tray and to permit water to cascade from each tray above to fill the trays below.
The invention may be better understood by the following description with reference to the accompany drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the system incorporating the present invention assembled;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the invention with the ice cube trays removed for clarity;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled embodiment of Figure 1 in the process of being filled;
Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the assembled apparatus in Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the details of one of the trays in one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of two of the plurality of trays.
The invention may be better understood by the following description with reference to the accompany drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the system incorporating the present invention assembled;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the invention with the ice cube trays removed for clarity;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled embodiment of Figure 1 in the process of being filled;
Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the assembled apparatus in Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the details of one of the trays in one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of two of the plurality of trays.
4 In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, a plurality of trays 2, 4, 6, and 8 are vertically stacked one above the other within a rack 20 and surmounted by a filling trough 30.
For clarity of illustration, Figure 2 illustrates the apparatus without the plurality of trays and showing the rack 20 having a bottom 22, side walls 24, end walls 26 and an open top.
In the illustrated embodiment each end wall has a vertically elongated opening 28 which extends from the lowermost to the uppermost tray and provides for finger access to the trays for easy manipulation and removal. Preferably the openings 28 stop short of the bottom so as to provide a watertight reservoir in the bottom of the rack; and stop short of the top so as to maintain the lateral strength of the rack at the top level.
Also illustrated in Figure 2 is the filling trough 30 which has side walls 32, end walls 34, and a bottom 36.
The bottom in the illustrated embodiment has a plurality of perforations 38, each of which is positioned over a corresponding compartment in the ice cube trays as illustrated in Figures 1, 3 and 4.
Figure 3 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention in use. It will be noted that the trays 2, 4, 6 and 8 rest horizontally on top of each other and are confined snugly within the dimensions of the rack 20 so that there is very little lateral movement of the trays relative to one another.
For clarity of illustration, Figure 2 illustrates the apparatus without the plurality of trays and showing the rack 20 having a bottom 22, side walls 24, end walls 26 and an open top.
In the illustrated embodiment each end wall has a vertically elongated opening 28 which extends from the lowermost to the uppermost tray and provides for finger access to the trays for easy manipulation and removal. Preferably the openings 28 stop short of the bottom so as to provide a watertight reservoir in the bottom of the rack; and stop short of the top so as to maintain the lateral strength of the rack at the top level.
Also illustrated in Figure 2 is the filling trough 30 which has side walls 32, end walls 34, and a bottom 36.
The bottom in the illustrated embodiment has a plurality of perforations 38, each of which is positioned over a corresponding compartment in the ice cube trays as illustrated in Figures 1, 3 and 4.
Figure 3 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention in use. It will be noted that the trays 2, 4, 6 and 8 rest horizontally on top of each other and are confined snugly within the dimensions of the rack 20 so that there is very little lateral movement of the trays relative to one another.
5 The trough 30 also rests snugly within the perimeter of the rack 20 and is supported on the top tray 8.
The ice cube trays are filled by introducing water, as shown at 40, into the trough where it fills to a level as shown at 42 and percolates through the openings 38 into the uppermost tray of the ice cube compartments, all of which are collectively identified by the reference numeral 10.
As each compartment of the upper trays fills, it will eventually reach the ports 12 located along the side wall 13 of each tray and best seen in Figure 4. These ports 12 serve two purposes; one to limit the water level in each ice cube compartment so that it does not rise high enough to freeze to the bottom of the tray above; and secondly, to permit excess water flow to run down the outside of the respective compartments and drip into the compartments of the tray below thereby filling the next tray in turn.
The details of the individual trays are shown in perspective in Figure 5 and comprise surrounding skirt 14 which is shown in Figure 3 to fit snugly against the walls of the rack 20. The individual compartment 10 of the illustrated
The ice cube trays are filled by introducing water, as shown at 40, into the trough where it fills to a level as shown at 42 and percolates through the openings 38 into the uppermost tray of the ice cube compartments, all of which are collectively identified by the reference numeral 10.
As each compartment of the upper trays fills, it will eventually reach the ports 12 located along the side wall 13 of each tray and best seen in Figure 4. These ports 12 serve two purposes; one to limit the water level in each ice cube compartment so that it does not rise high enough to freeze to the bottom of the tray above; and secondly, to permit excess water flow to run down the outside of the respective compartments and drip into the compartments of the tray below thereby filling the next tray in turn.
The details of the individual trays are shown in perspective in Figure 5 and comprise surrounding skirt 14 which is shown in Figure 3 to fit snugly against the walls of the rack 20. The individual compartment 10 of the illustrated
6 tray are defined by the walls 16 which have an upper edge 18.
As seen at 17 the conjunction of the adjacent walls is lowered to allow water flowing into one compartment to flow past the walls and fill the next adjacent compartment thereby spreading the water evenly to all of the trays. On the bottom of the trays are support devices 15 which enable each tray to rest on the upper edge 18 of the internal compartment walls 16 of the tray below.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the ports 12 are located opposite the lower portion of the dividing wall 16 so that once the compartments are filled to the level of the lower portion of the wall illustrated at 17 any excess water will flow out through the ports to the tray below.
In Figure 6 a modified embodiment is illustrated in which the ports 12 are located at the same level but in the middle of the outside walls of each compartment. This conf iguration has the advantage that water f lowing out through the ports will tend, by virtue of surface tension, to run down the outer surface of the compartment, which is inwardly sloping, and will therefore drip or fall well within the confines of the corresponding compartment in the tray below.
In this respect it is advantageous that the design of the trays be such that the skirt 14 fit closely against the walls of the rack 20 to maintain vertical alignment and that
As seen at 17 the conjunction of the adjacent walls is lowered to allow water flowing into one compartment to flow past the walls and fill the next adjacent compartment thereby spreading the water evenly to all of the trays. On the bottom of the trays are support devices 15 which enable each tray to rest on the upper edge 18 of the internal compartment walls 16 of the tray below.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the ports 12 are located opposite the lower portion of the dividing wall 16 so that once the compartments are filled to the level of the lower portion of the wall illustrated at 17 any excess water will flow out through the ports to the tray below.
In Figure 6 a modified embodiment is illustrated in which the ports 12 are located at the same level but in the middle of the outside walls of each compartment. This conf iguration has the advantage that water f lowing out through the ports will tend, by virtue of surface tension, to run down the outer surface of the compartment, which is inwardly sloping, and will therefore drip or fall well within the confines of the corresponding compartment in the tray below.
In this respect it is advantageous that the design of the trays be such that the skirt 14 fit closely against the walls of the rack 20 to maintain vertical alignment and that
7 the outside walls of the compartments 10 be sloped downwardly and inwardly from the upper edge of the skirt as close as possible to the side walls of the rack so that most, if not all, water dripping from the tray above will fall into and be contained in the compartments below. To accomplish this, each compartment has an inwardly sloping upper edge 11 as best seen in Figure 3.
In use, the apparatus of the present invention has several advantages.
First of all to fill the compartment several trays may be put into the rack and the filling trough 30 inserted above them. This permits all trays to be handled at once instead of each one separately.
Then a measured quantity of water is introduced into the trough 30 by a faucet or pitcher without the spraying or splashing which frequently happens when a stream of water is directed into the compartments directly. Since the trough has drainage holes, it is preferable to use a measured container with a volume equal to the trays to be filled.
The water from the trough is allowed to percolate through the perforations 38 to fill the compartment of the uppermost tray until the level of the water causes it to overflow through the ports 12 into the next compartment beneath. If it is desirable to fill only one or two
In use, the apparatus of the present invention has several advantages.
First of all to fill the compartment several trays may be put into the rack and the filling trough 30 inserted above them. This permits all trays to be handled at once instead of each one separately.
Then a measured quantity of water is introduced into the trough 30 by a faucet or pitcher without the spraying or splashing which frequently happens when a stream of water is directed into the compartments directly. Since the trough has drainage holes, it is preferable to use a measured container with a volume equal to the trays to be filled.
The water from the trough is allowed to percolate through the perforations 38 to fill the compartment of the uppermost tray until the level of the water causes it to overflow through the ports 12 into the next compartment beneath. If it is desirable to fill only one or two
8 compartments, those trays at the top will fill first and when the ice cubes have frozen the cubes will be available from the uppermost tray first.
Since the trays are all contained within a rack, they are easier to transport without spilling than a single tray which is light and easier to tip or jar and cause spilling.
Furthermore, if the trays are over filled, or for some reason water splashes out of the compartments, it will be contained by the side walls of the rack and will be collected at the bottom of the rack in the reservoir.
When the assembly is placed in a freezer the trays are all held in a single stack and therefore the movement of frozen food articles next to the trays is less likely to cause them to be tipped over or spilled. Again, if spillage takes place, it will be contained within the rack.
The vertical openings 28 in the end walls of the rack provide finger access so that the trays may be manipulated when they are inserted and may be pulled loose and lifted up for removal when the ice cubes are frozen.
Because the rack is substantially the same shape and dimension as the trays, the arrangement does not take up significantly more room in the refrigerator.
Since the trays are all contained within a rack, they are easier to transport without spilling than a single tray which is light and easier to tip or jar and cause spilling.
Furthermore, if the trays are over filled, or for some reason water splashes out of the compartments, it will be contained by the side walls of the rack and will be collected at the bottom of the rack in the reservoir.
When the assembly is placed in a freezer the trays are all held in a single stack and therefore the movement of frozen food articles next to the trays is less likely to cause them to be tipped over or spilled. Again, if spillage takes place, it will be contained within the rack.
The vertical openings 28 in the end walls of the rack provide finger access so that the trays may be manipulated when they are inserted and may be pulled loose and lifted up for removal when the ice cubes are frozen.
Because the rack is substantially the same shape and dimension as the trays, the arrangement does not take up significantly more room in the refrigerator.
9 Since the filling trough 30 is not built into the assembly but can be removed, it may be stored else where if space in the freezer is limited.
When the ice cubes have been frozen the rack 20 may be used as an ice cube bucket or container.
All of the foregoing features and advantages can be accomplished with an apparatus which is relatively simple, inexpensive to manufacture and easy to operate.
It will, of course, be realized that numerous modifications and variations of the illustrated embodiment may be employed without departing from the inventive concept herein.
When the ice cubes have been frozen the rack 20 may be used as an ice cube bucket or container.
All of the foregoing features and advantages can be accomplished with an apparatus which is relatively simple, inexpensive to manufacture and easy to operate.
It will, of course, be realized that numerous modifications and variations of the illustrated embodiment may be employed without departing from the inventive concept herein.
Claims (7)
1. Apparatus for making and storing ice cubes comprising:
- a plurality of like trays having surrounding side walls and being divided into compartments by internal walls;
- said trays having a plurality of drain holes in the walls of said compartments to limit the water level therein;
- said drain holes being positioned to allow excess water to pass to a compartment of a tray below.
- a plurality of like trays having surrounding side walls and being divided into compartments by internal walls;
- said trays having a plurality of drain holes in the walls of said compartments to limit the water level therein;
- said drain holes being positioned to allow excess water to pass to a compartment of a tray below.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which said drain holes are located opposite the internal walls of said compartments.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which said drain holes are located in the side walls of said compartments between the internal walls of said compartment and said side walls are downwardly and inwardly inclined.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 3 including a rectangular rack having vertical side walls and end walls and a bottom with a watertight seal to said side walls and open at the top dimensioned to allow said trays to be fitted snugly therein in vertical stacks.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which at least one wall of said rack has an opening to allow finger access to said trays, said opening commencing at a position spaced above the bottom and terminating at a position below the top of said wall.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claims 4 and 5 including a trough having side walls and a perforated bottom and adapted to fit within said rack above said trays;
- said perforations being positioned to allow fluid to pass into the compartments of trays below.
- said perforations being positioned to allow fluid to pass into the compartments of trays below.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claims 4, 5 and 6 including a skirt surrounding said tray and adapted to fit snugly against the wall of said rack and having an upper edge sloping downwardly and inwardly towards the compartments of said tray.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002253645A CA2253645A1 (en) | 1998-11-04 | 1998-11-04 | Ice cube tray and filling device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002253645A CA2253645A1 (en) | 1998-11-04 | 1998-11-04 | Ice cube tray and filling device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2253645A1 true CA2253645A1 (en) | 2000-05-04 |
Family
ID=29425624
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002253645A Abandoned CA2253645A1 (en) | 1998-11-04 | 1998-11-04 | Ice cube tray and filling device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2253645A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2453188A3 (en) * | 2010-11-11 | 2013-07-10 | Vestel Beyaz Esya Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S. | An ice making unit for cooling devices |
| WO2014053356A1 (en) * | 2012-10-04 | 2014-04-10 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | A refrigerator |
| US9869503B1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2018-01-16 | Robert Winston Saeks | Tray for forming frozen solids |
| JP2021046966A (en) * | 2019-09-18 | 2021-03-25 | アクア株式会社 | Ice making device and refrigerator comprising ice making device |
-
1998
- 1998-11-04 CA CA002253645A patent/CA2253645A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2453188A3 (en) * | 2010-11-11 | 2013-07-10 | Vestel Beyaz Esya Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S. | An ice making unit for cooling devices |
| WO2014053356A1 (en) * | 2012-10-04 | 2014-04-10 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | A refrigerator |
| US9869503B1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2018-01-16 | Robert Winston Saeks | Tray for forming frozen solids |
| US10054351B1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2018-08-21 | Robert Winston Saeks | Tray for forming frozen solids |
| JP2021046966A (en) * | 2019-09-18 | 2021-03-25 | アクア株式会社 | Ice making device and refrigerator comprising ice making device |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |