EP0279408B1 - Ice cube maker - Google Patents

Ice cube maker Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0279408B1
EP0279408B1 EP88102221A EP88102221A EP0279408B1 EP 0279408 B1 EP0279408 B1 EP 0279408B1 EP 88102221 A EP88102221 A EP 88102221A EP 88102221 A EP88102221 A EP 88102221A EP 0279408 B1 EP0279408 B1 EP 0279408B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
freezer
lid
ice
compartments
freezing
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP88102221A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0279408A2 (en
EP0279408A3 (en
Inventor
Levedag Henner
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
HP HAUSHALTPRODUKTE GMBH TE MONTABAUR, BONDSREPUBL
Original Assignee
HP Haushaltprodukte GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by HP Haushaltprodukte GmbH filed Critical HP Haushaltprodukte GmbH
Priority to AT88102221T priority Critical patent/ATE61869T1/en
Publication of EP0279408A2 publication Critical patent/EP0279408A2/en
Publication of EP0279408A3 publication Critical patent/EP0279408A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0279408B1 publication Critical patent/EP0279408B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an ice maker of the type specified in the preamble of claim 1.
  • Ice cube makers consist of a usually rectangular, flat and open container made of metal or plastic, in which cup-shaped freezer compartments are arranged next to and behind one another or in which a corresponding honeycomb grid made of metal or plastic is inserted to form corresponding freezer compartments.
  • the container or freezer compartments are filled with water and placed in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator. If the water is frozen, you can either remove the honeycomb grid with the ice cubes stuck in it from the container and detach the individual cubes from the honeycomb grid, or you can hold the honeycomb grid with the ice cubes stuck in it or the freezer bowl with freezer compartments under it under running water, to be able to quickly remove the ice cubes.
  • DE-A-20 52 153 discloses a freezer mold with a lid for devices for freezing food, in which the lid is attached to the freezer mold in a horizontally displaceable manner.
  • the known freezing mold has guide rails on two opposite side walls, into which cams attached to the cover engage.
  • the known freezer with lid is used for freezing food in slideway freezer tunnels, such as those used on factory ships.
  • an ice cube maker which consists of a bowl-shaped container receiving a honeycomb insert, on the longitudinal edges of which a cover which is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the container is guided.
  • the lid is provided with a handle and has depressions on its edges which engage with the longitudinal edges of the container, which depressions correspond to corresponding depressions snap into the longitudinal edges of the container. As a result, the lid can be moved into positions defined relative to the container.
  • the interior of the container is divided into compartments arranged side by side and one behind the other thanks to the honeycomb insert.
  • the lid itself has inwardly curved side edges which are shaped such that when the ice cube container is defrosted, two ice cubes are released by moving the lid in one direction or the other. Moving the lid further releases two more ice cubes located outside the center of the ice cube container, etc. As a result of the bulging of the lid, a certain number of ice cubes are always free, which means that when the ice cube maker is placed in a refrigerator, the ice cubes are slightly foreign Can accept odors from other storage items.
  • a container for storing and dispensing tablets which consists of a rectangular inner part with side by side and one behind the other compartments for receiving tablets and and an outer part enclosing the inner part.
  • the outer part has a lid function and is longitudinally displaceable relative to the inner part.
  • the outer part On one end, the outer part is provided with a step-like recess that is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the compartments.
  • the inner part of the container is at one end with a rectangular stop provided, which positively engages in the recess on the end face of the outer part.
  • the compartments arranged side by side in two rows are all closed by the outer part.
  • the compartments can now be opened individually or in groups by longitudinally displacing the outer part relative to the inner part to remove the tablets.
  • the outer part is moved so far relative to the inner part that one of them is completely released and the outer edge of the recess is flush with an edge of the compartment.
  • the compartment arranged in the second row next to the opened compartment is half covered by the part of the front edge protruding from the recess by the outer part.
  • the present invention has for its object to provide an ice cube maker of the type mentioned that simple, clean and hygienically flawless manufacture and storage and filling of ice cubes from the freezer bowl covered by a longitudinally movable lid in a serving container or directly into a drinking vessel permitted with slight lid displacements.
  • both ends of the lid are provided with recesses whose width is equal to the width of a row of freezer compartments and whose length is equal to the product of the reciprocal of the rows of freezer compartments and the length of a freezer compartment.
  • the solution according to the invention enables simple, clean and hygienically perfect production and storage and filling of ice cubes from the freezer bowl covered by a longitudinally displaceable lid into a serving container or directly into a drinking vessel with only slight lid displacements.
  • the lid is to be moved by the middle position, so that ice cubes can be dispensed from both sides of the freezer bowl, thus ensuring that the lid never has to be moved more than half the length of the freezer bowl, thereby avoiding the lid disengaged from the edge of the freezer bowl or a groove correspondingly provided on the edge of the freezer bowl.
  • An advantageous embodiment of the solution according to the invention is characterized in that detents are provided in the slideway of the lid, which detents are provided, into which the lid engages to release at least one piece of ice.
  • a desired number of ice cubes is released in the slide in the lid.
  • the freezer tray 1 shown in a top view in FIG. 1 has two hollow moldings lying next to one another and six consecutive, formed in the freezer tray 1, as freezer compartments 2.
  • the freezer compartments 2 have an essentially square surface opening and can optionally be continued in the form of a cube or a truncated pyramid, so that corresponding ice cube shapes result.
  • the end walls 13, 14 of the freezer tray 1 can be provided with handles, which are not numbered in more detail, which enable simplified and hygienic handling of the freezer tray 1.
  • a lid 3 is arranged horizontally, which according to the invention has on both ends 31, 32 a rectangular recess 41, 41 ', the width of which is equal to half the width of the freezer tray 1 and the length of half the length L of one Freezer compartment 2 corresponds.
  • the left row of the adjacent freezer compartments 2 is covered in half, while the freezer compartment 2 adjacent to the end wall 13 of the freezer tray 1 is free from the row of the two adjacent freezer compartments 2, which is on the right in plan view. If the lid 3 is shifted horizontally, the freezer compartment adjacent to the one end wall 13 of the freezer tray 1 of the row of freezer compartments on the left in plan view is released, while the right freezer compartment lying next to it remains covered by about half due to the recess.
  • the lid 3 is shifted horizontally by half a freezer compartment length L and then, for example when the freezer compartment 1 is made of plastic, by pressing on the bottom of the freezer compartment 2 in question Removed ice cubes.
  • the Freezer tray 1 made of metal, for example aluminum, tap water can be directed to the bottom of the freezer tray 1 and thus the relevant ice cube located in the respective freezer compartment 2 can be removed.
  • markings or grids 6 can be applied, which are each spaced apart by half the length of a freezer compartment 2.
  • the position of the lid 3 for releasing an ice cube can be fixed or visually indicated that one of the two ice cubes is exposed for removal.
  • ice cubes can be removed from the freezer compartments 2 without the lid 3 being moved horizontally in only one direction. This prevents the lid 3 from being moved too far, since the ice cubes can be removed from both sides.
  • Fig. 2 is a cross section through the freezer 1 according. Fig. 1 shown along the line A-A.
  • the freezer tray 1 consists of a plastic freezer tray, each with two mold cavities 22, 23 arranged next to one another to form the freezer compartments 2.
  • the upper edge of the side walls 11, 12 is angled and forms webs 14, 16 for receiving and guiding the lid 3
  • the side edges 33, 34 of the lid 3 are bent around the webs 15, 16 of the side walls 11, 12 of the freezer bowl and slide along horizontal displacement of the lid 3 along these webs 15, 16 of the side walls 11, 12 of the freezer tray 1.
  • the bottom of the left or right freezer compartment 22 or 23 is pressed, and thus, in particular as a result of the truncated pyramid shape of the individual freezer compartments 22, 23, the ice cube in question is removed.
  • the freezer compartment 21 below the recess 41 is completely closed, so that when the lid 3 completely covers the freezer tray 1 in the storage state, no freezer compartment is exposed.
  • the cover 3 horizontally one after the other the freezer compartments of the left and then the right row of the freezer tray 1 are released. Since the lid has cutouts on both end faces, the corresponding freezer compartment on the other side of the freezer tray 1 is formed in a closed manner.
  • FIG. 4 shows a further exemplary embodiment in which the problem of a part of a freezer compartment 2 which is exposed in the closed state is solved in that the outer contour of the freezer tray 1 has a step-shaped recess 19 analogous to the recess in the cover 3.
  • the outer contour of the freezer tray 1 is provided with a recess offset by half a freezer compartment length, so that when the lid is closed the lid 3 is flush with the opening of the freezer tray 1.
  • the lid 3 By moving the lid 3 horizontally the length of a freezer compartment 2, the upper freezer compartment of the left row of freezer compartments is released, while the freezer compartment of the second row of the right row of freezer compartments is half covered.
  • the freezer compartments of the right and left row of freezer compartments are released in succession by further horizontal displacement of the cover 3 by one freezer compartment length each.
  • freezer compartments 2 shown with a square opening area can also freezer compartments with, for example, a circular opening area are provided and the recesses in the cover 3 are formed accordingly.
  • the step-shaped recesses of the cover 3 can of course be rounded without the function of releasing an ice cube from the freezer compartments 2 being impaired.
  • a further embodiment of the present invention consists in that the lid 3 is provided with a handle or a recessed grip on the outer surface of the lid 3 for easier handling.

Abstract

In an ice cube maker for making pieces of ice, which has a freezing tray (1), in which freezing compartments (2) are provided arranged next to and behind one another, and a lid (3) which can be displaced horizontally over the opening of the freezing tray (1), one or more recesses (41, 42, 43), which are staggered in a stepped manner, are provided in at least one end side (31) of the lid (3). <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Eiswürfelbereiter der im Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 angegebenen Art.The invention relates to an ice maker of the type specified in the preamble of claim 1.

Es sind Eiswürfelbereiter bekannt, die aus einem üblicherweise rechteckigen, flachen und offenen Behälter aus Metall oder Kunststoff bestehen, in dem neben- und hintereinander angeordnete, napfförmige Gefrierfächer ausgebildet sind oder in dem ein entsprechendes Wabengitter aus Metall oder Kunststoff zur Bildung entsprechender Gefrierfächer eingelegt wird.Ice cube makers are known which consist of a usually rectangular, flat and open container made of metal or plastic, in which cup-shaped freezer compartments are arranged next to and behind one another or in which a corresponding honeycomb grid made of metal or plastic is inserted to form corresponding freezer compartments.

Der Behälter bzw. die Gefrierfächer werden mit Wasser gefüllt und in das Gefrierfach eines Kühlschranks gestellt. Ist das Wasser gefroren, so kann man entweder das Wabengitter mit den darin haftenden Eiswürfeln aus dem Behälter entnehmen und die einzelnen Würfel aus dem Wabegitter lösen oder man hält das Wabengitter mit den darin haftenden Eiswürfeln bzw. die Gefrierschale mit darin ausgebildeten Gefrierfächern unter fließendes Wasser, um die Eiswürfel schnell herauslösen zu können.The container or freezer compartments are filled with water and placed in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator. If the water is frozen, you can either remove the honeycomb grid with the ice cubes stuck in it from the container and detach the individual cubes from the honeycomb grid, or you can hold the honeycomb grid with the ice cubes stuck in it or the freezer bowl with freezer compartments under it under running water, to be able to quickly remove the ice cubes.

Bei dem Herauslösen der Eiswürfel aus den Gefrierfächern bzw. aus dem Wabengitter besteht die Gefahr, daß die Eiswürfel zerbrechen und unkontrolliert aus der Form herausspringen. Dadurch gelangen Eisstücke, Eiswürfel oder Feuchtigkeit in die Umgebung des Arbeitsbereiches, beispielsweise eines Handwaschbeckens, was eine anschließende Reinigung des Arbeitsplatzes erforderlich macht und darüber hinaus mit einer mangelnden Hygiene bei der Behandlung der Eiswürfel verbunden ist.When the ice cubes are removed from the freezer compartments or from the honeycomb grid, there is a risk that the ice cubes will break and jump out of the mold in an uncontrolled manner. As a result, pieces of ice, ice cubes or moisture get into the environment of the work area, for example a hand wash basin, which makes subsequent cleaning of the work place and above necessary poor hygiene in the treatment of ice cubes.

Ein weiterer Nachteil bekannter Eiswürfelbereiter besteht darin, daß die mit Wasser gefüllte Gefrierschale offen in das Gefrierfach eines Kühlschrankes eingestellt wird, wodurch sich aufsteigender Wasserdampf an Innenteilen des Gefrierschrankes niederschlägt und dort zu einer beschleunigten Eisbildung beiträgt und zum anderen die Eiswürfel auf Grund anderer im Kühlschrank befindlicher Lebensmittel Gerüche annehmen, die zu einer geschmacklichen Beeinträchtigung der Eiswürfel führen.Another disadvantage of known ice cube makers is that the freezer bowl filled with water is placed openly in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator, as a result of which rising steam is deposited on the inner parts of the freezer and there contributes to accelerated ice formation and, on the other hand, the ice cubes due to others in the refrigerator Food take on odors that affect the taste of the ice cubes.

Aus der DE-A-20 52 153 ist eine Gefrierform mit Deckel für Einrichtungen zum Gefrieren von Lebensmitteln bekannt, bei der der Deckel an der Gefrierform horizontal verschiebbar angebracht ist. Zu diesem Zweck weist die bekannte Gefrierform an zwei gegenüberliegenden Seitenwänden Führungsschienen auf, in die am Deckel angebrachte Nocken eingreifen. Die bekannte Gefrierform mit Deckel dient jedoch zum Einfrieren von Lebensmitteln in Gleitbahnen-Gefriertunneln, wie sie beispielsweise auf Fabrikschiffen eingesetzt werden.DE-A-20 52 153 discloses a freezer mold with a lid for devices for freezing food, in which the lid is attached to the freezer mold in a horizontally displaceable manner. For this purpose, the known freezing mold has guide rails on two opposite side walls, into which cams attached to the cover engage. However, the known freezer with lid is used for freezing food in slideway freezer tunnels, such as those used on factory ships.

Aus der US-A-2 503 693 ist ein Eiswürfelbereiter bekannt, der aus einem einen Wabeneinsatz aufnehmenden schalenförmigen Behälter besteht, auf dessen Längsrändern ein in Behälterlängsrichtung verschiebbarer Deckel geführt ist. Der Deckel ist mit einem Handgriff versehen und weist an seinen mit den Längsrändern des Behälters in Eingriff stehenden Rändern Vertiefungen auf, die in entsprechende Vertiefungen in den Behälterlängsrändern einrasten. Hierdurch ist der Deckel in gegenüber dem Behälter definierte Positionen verschiebbar. Durch den Wabeneinsatz ist der Behälterinnenraum in nebeneinander und hintereinander angeordnete Fächer unterteilt.From US-A-2 503 693 an ice cube maker is known which consists of a bowl-shaped container receiving a honeycomb insert, on the longitudinal edges of which a cover which is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the container is guided. The lid is provided with a handle and has depressions on its edges which engage with the longitudinal edges of the container, which depressions correspond to corresponding depressions snap into the longitudinal edges of the container. As a result, the lid can be moved into positions defined relative to the container. The interior of the container is divided into compartments arranged side by side and one behind the other thanks to the honeycomb insert.

Der Deckel selbst weist einwärts gebogene Seitenränder auf, die so geformt sind, daß beim Entfrosten des Eiswürfelbehälters durch eine Bewegung des Deckels in der einen oder anderen Richtung zwei Eiswürfel freigegeben werden. Durch eine Weiterbewegung des Deckels werden weitere zwei, außerhalb der Mitte des Eiswürfelbehälters angeordnete Eiswürfel freigegeben usw. Infolge der Auswölbungen des Deckels liegt stets eine bestimmte Anzahl von Eiswürfeln frei, was bei der Unterbringung des Eiswürfelbereiters in einem Kühlschrank dazu führt, daß die Eiswürfel leicht fremde Gerüche von anderem Aufbewahrungsgut annehmen können.The lid itself has inwardly curved side edges which are shaped such that when the ice cube container is defrosted, two ice cubes are released by moving the lid in one direction or the other. Moving the lid further releases two more ice cubes located outside the center of the ice cube container, etc. As a result of the bulging of the lid, a certain number of ice cubes are always free, which means that when the ice cube maker is placed in a refrigerator, the ice cubes are slightly foreign Can accept odors from other storage items.

Aus der US-A-3 397 770 ist ein Behälter zum Aufbewahren und zur Abgabe von Tabletten bekannt, der aus einem quaderförmigen Innenteil mit nebeneinander und hintereinander angeordneten Fächern zur Aufnahme von Tabletten und und einem das Innenteil umschließenden Außenteil besteht. Das Außenteil hat eine Deckelfunktion und ist gegenüber dem Innenteil in Längsrichtung verschiebbar.From US-A-3 397 770 a container for storing and dispensing tablets is known, which consists of a rectangular inner part with side by side and one behind the other compartments for receiving tablets and and an outer part enclosing the inner part. The outer part has a lid function and is longitudinally displaceable relative to the inner part.

An einer Stirnseite ist das Außenteil mit einer stufenförmig versetzten Aussparung versehen, die der Querschnittsform der Fächer angepaßt ist. Das Innenteil des Behälters ist an einer Stirnseite mit einem rechteckförmigen Anschlag versehen, der formschlüssig in die Aussparung an der Stirnseite des Außenteils eingreift.On one end, the outer part is provided with a step-like recess that is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the compartments. The inner part of the container is at one end with a rectangular stop provided, which positively engages in the recess on the end face of the outer part.

In dieser Position sind die nebeneinanderliegend in zwei Reihen angeordneten Fächer sämtlich durch das Außenteil verschlossen. Die Fächer können nun einzeln oder in Gruppen durch Längsverschieben des Außenteils gegenüber dem Innenteil zur Entnahme der Tabletten geöffnet werden. Zur Entnahme einer einzelnen Tablette wird das Außenteil soweit gegenüber dem Innenteil verschoben, daß eins davon vollständig freigegeben wird und die Außenkante der Aussparung mit einem Rand des Faches bündig abschließt.In this position, the compartments arranged side by side in two rows are all closed by the outer part. The compartments can now be opened individually or in groups by longitudinally displacing the outer part relative to the inner part to remove the tablets. To remove a single tablet, the outer part is moved so far relative to the inner part that one of them is completely released and the outer edge of the recess is flush with an edge of the compartment.

Dabei ist das in der zweiten Reihe neben dem geöffneten Fach angeordnete Fach zur Hälfte durch den gegenüber der Aussparung vorspringenden Teil des Stirnrands vom Außenteil verdeckt. Durch weiteres Verschieben des Außenteils um ein Maß, das dem halben Mittenabstand zweier in einer Reihe angeordneter Fächer entspricht, können nacheinander alle Fächer zur Abgabe einer einzelnen Tablette geöffnet werden. Durch eine Verschiebung um ein Vielfaches dieses Maßes kann eine entsprechend größere Anzahl von Tabletten entnommen werden.The compartment arranged in the second row next to the opened compartment is half covered by the part of the front edge protruding from the recess by the outer part. By further moving the outer part by an amount that corresponds to half the center distance of two compartments arranged in a row, all compartments can be opened one after the other for dispensing a single tablet. A correspondingly larger number of tablets can be removed by shifting by a multiple of this dimension.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen Eiswürfelbereiter der eingangs genannten Gattung zu schaffen, der eine einfache, saubere und hygenisch einwandfreie Herstellung und Lagerung sowie Abfüllung von Eiswürfeln aus der durch einen in Längsrichtung verschiebbaren Deckel abgedeckten Gefrierschale in einen Servierbehälter oder unmittelbar in ein Trinkgefäß bei geringfügigen Deckelverschiebungen gestattet.The present invention has for its object to provide an ice cube maker of the type mentioned that simple, clean and hygienically flawless manufacture and storage and filling of ice cubes from the freezer bowl covered by a longitudinally movable lid in a serving container or directly into a drinking vessel permitted with slight lid displacements.

Diese Aufgabe wird nach dem kennzeichnenden Merkmal des Anspruchs 1 dadurch gelöst, daß beide Stirnseiten des Dekkels mit Aussparungen versehen sind, deren Breite gleich der Breite einer Gefrierfachreihe und deren Länge gleich dem Produkt aus dem Kehrwert der Gefrierfachreihen und der Länge eines Gefrierfaches ist.This object is achieved according to the characterizing feature of claim 1 in that both ends of the lid are provided with recesses whose width is equal to the width of a row of freezer compartments and whose length is equal to the product of the reciprocal of the rows of freezer compartments and the length of a freezer compartment.

Die erfindungsgemäße Lösung ermöglicht eine einfache, saubere und hygenisch einwandfreie Herstellung und Lagerung sowie Abfüllung von Eiswürfeln aus der durch einen in Längsrichtung verschiebbaren Deckel abgedeckten Gefrierschale in einen Servierbehälter oder unmittelbar in ein Trinkgefäß beinur geringfügigen Deckelverschiebungen.The solution according to the invention enables simple, clean and hygienically perfect production and storage and filling of ice cubes from the freezer bowl covered by a longitudinally displaceable lid into a serving container or directly into a drinking vessel with only slight lid displacements.

Dabei ist der Deckel jeweils um die Mittellage zu verschieben, so daß beidseitig Eiswürfel aus der Gefrierschale abgegeben werden können und damit gewährleistet wird, daß der Deckel nie mehr als bis zur Hälfte der Länge der Gefrierschale verschoben werden muß, wodurch vermieden wird, daß der Deckel außer Eingriff mit dem Rand der Gefrierschale bzw. einer entsprechend am Rand der Gefrierschale angebrachten Nut gelangt.The lid is to be moved by the middle position, so that ice cubes can be dispensed from both sides of the freezer bowl, thus ensuring that the lid never has to be moved more than half the length of the freezer bowl, thereby avoiding the lid disengaged from the edge of the freezer bowl or a groove correspondingly provided on the edge of the freezer bowl.

Eine vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Lösung ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in der Gleitbahn des Deckels optische Markierungen enthaltene Rasten vorgesehen sind, in die der Deckel zur Freigabe mindestens eines Eisstückes einrastet.An advantageous embodiment of the solution according to the invention is characterized in that detents are provided in the slideway of the lid, which detents are provided, into which the lid engages to release at least one piece of ice.

Diese Weiterbildung der erfindungsgemäßen Lösung stellt sicher, daß durch Einrasten des Deckels in entsprechendeThis development of the solution according to the invention ensures that by snapping the cover into corresponding

Rasten in der Gleitbahn des Deckels eine gewünschte Anzahl Eiswürfel freigegeben wird.A desired number of ice cubes is released in the slide in the lid.

Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen gekennzeichnet bzw. werden nachstehend zusammen mit der Beschreibung der bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung anhand der Figuren näher dargestellt.Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are shown below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures.

Es zeigen:

  • Figur 1 eine Draufsicht auf eine Gefrierschale mit zwei nebeneinander angeordneten Gefrierfächern und einem Deckel, der an beiden Stirnseiten mit Aussparungen versehen ist;
  • Figur 2 einen querschnitt durch die Gefrierschale mit Deckel gem. Fig. 1 entlang der Linie A-A;
  • Figur 6 eine Draufsicht auf einen Teil einer Gefrierschale mit einem geschlossenen Gefrierfach und
  • Figur 7 eine Draufsicht auf eine Gefrierschale mit versetzter Außenkontur.
Show it:
  • FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a freezer bowl with two freezer compartments arranged next to one another and a lid which is provided with cutouts on both end faces;
  • Figure 2 shows a cross section through the freezer with lid. 1 along the line AA;
  • Figure 6 is a plan view of part of a freezer bowl with a closed freezer and
  • Figure 7 is a plan view of a freezer bowl with an offset outer contour.

Die in Fig. 1 in Draufsicht dargestellte Gefrierschale 1 weist jeweils zweinebeneinanderliegende und sechs hintereinanderliegende, in der Gefrierschale 1 ausgebildete Formhohlkörper als Gefrierfächer 2 auf. Die Gefrierfächer 2 haben eine im wesentlichen quadratische Oberflächenöffnung und können wahlweise würfelförmig oder pyramidenstumpfförmig nach unten fortgesetzt sein, so daß sich entsprechende Eiswürfelformen ergeben.The freezer tray 1 shown in a top view in FIG. 1 has two hollow moldings lying next to one another and six consecutive, formed in the freezer tray 1, as freezer compartments 2. The freezer compartments 2 have an essentially square surface opening and can optionally be continued in the form of a cube or a truncated pyramid, so that corresponding ice cube shapes result.

Die Stirnwände 13, 14 der Gefrierschale 1 können mit nicht näher bezifferten Handgriffen versehen sein, die eine vereinfachte und hygienische Handhabung der Gefrierschale 1 ermöglichen.The end walls 13, 14 of the freezer tray 1 can be provided with handles, which are not numbered in more detail, which enable simplified and hygienic handling of the freezer tray 1.

Auf der oberen Öffnungsseite der Gefrierschale 1 ist horizontal verschiebbar ein Deckel 3 angeordnet, der erfindungsgemäß an beiden Stirnseiten 31, 32 eine rechteckförmige Aussparung 41, 41′ aufweist, deren Breite gleich der halben Breite der Gefrierschale 1 ist und deren Länge der halben länge L eines Gefrierfachs 2 entspricht.On the upper opening side of the freezer tray 1, a lid 3 is arranged horizontally, which according to the invention has on both ends 31, 32 a rectangular recess 41, 41 ', the width of which is equal to half the width of the freezer tray 1 and the length of half the length L of one Freezer compartment 2 corresponds.

In diesem Zustand ist die linke Reihe der nebeneinanderliegenden Gefrierfächer 2 hälftig zugedeckt, während von der in Draufsicht rechten Reihe der beiden nebeneinanderliegenden Gefrierfächer 2 das der Stirnwand 13 der Gefrierschale 1 benachbarte Gefrierfach 2 frei ist. Wird der Deckel 3 horizontal verschoben, so wird zunächst das der einen Stirnwand 13 der Gefrierschale 1 benachbarte Gefrierfach der in Draufsicht linken Gefrierfachreihe freigegeben, während auf Grund der Aussparung das danebenliegende rechte Gefrierfach etwa zur Hälfte abgedeckt bleibt.In this state, the left row of the adjacent freezer compartments 2 is covered in half, while the freezer compartment 2 adjacent to the end wall 13 of the freezer tray 1 is free from the row of the two adjacent freezer compartments 2, which is on the right in plan view. If the lid 3 is shifted horizontally, the freezer compartment adjacent to the one end wall 13 of the freezer tray 1 of the row of freezer compartments on the left in plan view is released, while the right freezer compartment lying next to it remains covered by about half due to the recess.

Zum Herauslösen eines Eiswürfels aus der Gefrierschale 1 bzw. aus dem jeweiligen Gefrierfach 2 wird der Deckel 3 um jeweils eine halbe Gefrierfachlänge L horizontal verschoben und anschließend beispielsweise bei einer Ausbildung der Gefrierschale 1 aus Kunststoff durch Drücken auf den Boden des betreffenden Gefrierfaches 2 der darin befindliche Eiswürfel herausgelöst. Bei einer Ausgestaltung der Gefrierschale 1 aus Metall, beispielsweise aus Aluminium, kann Leitungswasser auf den Boden der Gefrierschale 1 geleitet werden und damit der betreffende, in dem jeweiligen Gefrierfach 2 befindliche Eiswürfel herausgelöst werden.To remove an ice cube from the freezer tray 1 or from the respective freezer compartment 2, the lid 3 is shifted horizontally by half a freezer compartment length L and then, for example when the freezer compartment 1 is made of plastic, by pressing on the bottom of the freezer compartment 2 in question Removed ice cubes. In one embodiment of the Freezer tray 1 made of metal, for example aluminum, tap water can be directed to the bottom of the freezer tray 1 and thus the relevant ice cube located in the respective freezer compartment 2 can be removed.

Auf der Oberfläche der Gefrierschale 1 im Bereich einer der beiden Seitenwände 11, 12 können Markierungen oder Rasterungen 6 angebracht werden, die jeweils um die halbe Länge eines Gefrierfaches 2 voneinander beabstandet sind. Durch Einrasten des Deckels 3 in entsprechende Rasterungen kann die Lage des Deckels 3 zur Freigabe jeweils eines Eiswürfels fixiert bzw. optisch angezeigt werden, daß einer der beiden Eiswürfel zum Herauslösen freigelegt ist.On the surface of the freezer tray 1 in the area of one of the two side walls 11, 12, markings or grids 6 can be applied, which are each spaced apart by half the length of a freezer compartment 2. By snapping the lid 3 into corresponding grids, the position of the lid 3 for releasing an ice cube can be fixed or visually indicated that one of the two ice cubes is exposed for removal.

Auf diese Weise können Eiswürfel aus den Gefrierfächern 2 entnommen werden, ohne daß der Deckel 3 in nur einer Richtung horizontal verschoben wird. Dadurch läßt sich ein zu weites Verschieben des Deckels 3 vermeiden, da die Eiswürfel von beiden Seiten her entnommen werden können.In this way, ice cubes can be removed from the freezer compartments 2 without the lid 3 being moved horizontally in only one direction. This prevents the lid 3 from being moved too far, since the ice cubes can be removed from both sides.

In Fig. 2 ist ein Querschnitt durch die Gefrierschale 1 gem. Fig. 1 entlang der Linie A-A dargestellt.In Fig. 2 is a cross section through the freezer 1 according. Fig. 1 shown along the line A-A.

Die Gefrierschale 1 besteht in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel aus einer Kunststoff-Gefrierschale mit jeweils zwei nebeneinander angeordneten Formhohlräumen 22, 23 zur Bildung der Gefrierfächer 2. Der obere Rand der Seitenwände 11, 12 ist abgewinkelt und bildet Stege 14, 16 zur Aufnahme und Führung des Deckels 3. Die Seitenränder 33, 34 des Deckels 3 sind zu diesem Zweck um die Stege 15, 16 der Seitenwände 11, 12 der Gefrierschale herumgebogen und gleiten bei horizontaler Verschiebung des Deckels 3 entlang dieser Stege 15, 16 der Seitenwände 11, 12 der Gefrierschale 1.In this exemplary embodiment, the freezer tray 1 consists of a plastic freezer tray, each with two mold cavities 22, 23 arranged next to one another to form the freezer compartments 2. The upper edge of the side walls 11, 12 is angled and forms webs 14, 16 for receiving and guiding the lid 3 For this purpose, the side edges 33, 34 of the lid 3 are bent around the webs 15, 16 of the side walls 11, 12 of the freezer bowl and slide along horizontal displacement of the lid 3 along these webs 15, 16 of the side walls 11, 12 of the freezer tray 1.

Zum Herausdrücken jeweils eines freigelegten Eiswürfels wird auf den Boden des jeweils linken oder rechten Gefrierfaches 22 bzw. 23 gedrückt und damit, insbesondere in Folge der Pyramidenstumpfförmigen Form der einzelnen Gefrierfächer 22, 23 der betreffende Eiswürfel herausgelöst.To push out an exposed ice cube in each case, the bottom of the left or right freezer compartment 22 or 23 is pressed, and thus, in particular as a result of the truncated pyramid shape of the individual freezer compartments 22, 23, the ice cube in question is removed.

Da bei dem vorstehend beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiel im geschlossenen Zustand jeweils zumindest ein Teil eines oder mehrerer Gefrierfächer 2 freiliegt und damit die Gefahr, besteht, daß die darin befindlichen Eiswürfel berührt werden können bzw. fremde Gerüche annehmen, muß entweder der Deckel 3 so weit über die jeweilige Stirnwand 13, 14 des Gefrierfaches 1 hinaus verlängert, werden, daß auch die im Bereich der Aussparung liegenden Gefrierfächer 2 im geschlossenen Zustand abgedeckt sind oder es müssen gesonderte Maßnahmen ergriffen werden, wie biespielsweise eine Klappe in Bereich der Aussparung vorzusehen, so daß im Aufbewahrungszustand die Klappe die Aussparung und damit den darunter befindlichen Eiswürfel zudeckt. Obwohl auch eine solche Lösung im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt, werden nachstehend swei Lösungen angegeben, die einen anderen Weg beschreiten.Since in the above-described embodiment in the closed state at least a part of one or more freezer compartments 2 is exposed and there is a risk that the ice cubes located therein can be touched or accept foreign smells, either the lid 3 must be so far above the respective one The end wall 13, 14 of the freezer compartment 1 is also extended, so that the freezer compartments 2 lying in the area of the recess are covered in the closed state or separate measures must be taken, such as providing a flap in the region of the recess, so that the storage state Fold the recess and cover the ice cube underneath. Although such a solution is also within the scope of the present invention, two solutions are given below which take a different route.

Gemäß Fig. 3 ist das unterhalb der Aussparung 41 liegende Gefrierfach 21 vollständig geschlossen, so daß bei einem im Aufbewarhrungszustand die Gefrierschale 1 vollständig abdeckender Deckel 3 kein Gefrierfach freiliegt. Durch horizontales Verschieben des Deckels 3 werden nacheinander jeweils die Gefrierfächer der linken und anschließend der rechten Reihe der Gefrierschale 1 freigegeben. Da der Deckel Aussparungen auf beiden Stirnseiten aufweist wird analog das entsprechende Gefrierfach auf den anderen Seite der Gefrierschale 1 geschlossen ausgebildet.According to FIG. 3, the freezer compartment 21 below the recess 41 is completely closed, so that when the lid 3 completely covers the freezer tray 1 in the storage state, no freezer compartment is exposed. By moving the cover 3 horizontally one after the other the freezer compartments of the left and then the right row of the freezer tray 1 are released. Since the lid has cutouts on both end faces, the corresponding freezer compartment on the other side of the freezer tray 1 is formed in a closed manner.

In Fig. 4 ist ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel dargestellt, bei dem das Problem eines im geschlossenen Zustand freiliegenden Teils eines Gefrierfaches 2 dadurch gelöst wird, daß die Außenkontur der Gefrierschale 1 eine stufenförmige Aussparung 19 analog zur Aussparung des Deckels 3 aufweist.4 shows a further exemplary embodiment in which the problem of a part of a freezer compartment 2 which is exposed in the closed state is solved in that the outer contour of the freezer tray 1 has a step-shaped recess 19 analogous to the recess in the cover 3.

In dem in Fig. 4 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel mit zwei nebeneinander angeordneten Gefrierfachreihen ist die Außenkontur der Gefrierschale 1 mit einer um eine halbe Gefrierfachlänge versetzten Aussparung versehen, so daß im geschlossenen Zustand der Deckel 3 bündig über der Öffnung der Gefrierschale 1 liegt. Durch horizontales Verschieben des Deckels 3 um die Länge eines Gefrierfaches 2 wird das obere Gefrierfach der linken Gefrierfachreihe freigegeben, während das Gefrierfach der zweiten Reihe der rechten Gefrierfachreihe zur Hälfte bedeckt ist. Durch weiteres horizontales Verschieben des Deckels 3 um jeweils eine Gefrierfachlänge werden nacheinander die Gefrierfächer der rechten und linken Gefrierfachreihe freigegeben.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 with two rows of freezer compartments arranged side by side, the outer contour of the freezer tray 1 is provided with a recess offset by half a freezer compartment length, so that when the lid is closed the lid 3 is flush with the opening of the freezer tray 1. By moving the lid 3 horizontally the length of a freezer compartment 2, the upper freezer compartment of the left row of freezer compartments is released, while the freezer compartment of the second row of the right row of freezer compartments is half covered. The freezer compartments of the right and left row of freezer compartments are released in succession by further horizontal displacement of the cover 3 by one freezer compartment length each.

An Stelle der dargestellten Gefrierfächer 2 mit quadratischer Öffnungsfläche Können auch Gefrierfächer mit beispielsweise kreisrunder Öffnungsfläche vorgesehen und entsprechend die Aussparungen des Deckels 3 ausgebildet werden.In place of the freezer compartments 2 shown with a square opening area can also freezer compartments with, for example, a circular opening area are provided and the recesses in the cover 3 are formed accordingly.

Um scharfe Kanten zu vermeiden, können selbstverständlich die stufenförmigen Aussparungen des Deckels 3 gerundet werden, ohne daß die Funktion der Freigabe jeweils eines Eiswürfels aus den Gefrierfächern 2 beeinträchtigt wird.In order to avoid sharp edges, the step-shaped recesses of the cover 3 can of course be rounded without the function of releasing an ice cube from the freezer compartments 2 being impaired.

Eine weitere Ausgestaltung der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht darin, daß zur erleichterten Handhabung der Deckel 3 mit einem auf der Außenfläche des Deckels 3 angebrachten Griff oder einer Griffmulde versehen wird.A further embodiment of the present invention consists in that the lid 3 is provided with a handle or a recessed grip on the outer surface of the lid 3 for easier handling.

Claims (3)

1. An ice-cube maker for producing pieces of ice, with a freezing dish, in which freezing compartments of equal size are provided arranged next to each other and behind each other, and with a lid with recesses at the ends which can be moved horizontally over the opening of the freezing dish, characterised in that both ends (31, 32) of the lid (3) are provided with recesses (41; 42, 43), the width of which is equal to the width of a row of freezing compartments and the length of which is equal to the product of the reciprocal value of the rows of freezing compartments and the length of a freezing compartment (2).
2. An ice-cube maker according to Claim 1, characterised in that the recesses (41; 42, 43) on the ends are arranged laterally reversed relative to each other.
3. An ice-cube maker according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that notches (6) containing visual markings are provided in the sliding track of the lid (3), into which notches the lid (3) engages for releasing at least one piece of ice.
EP88102221A 1987-02-17 1988-02-16 Ice cube maker Expired - Lifetime EP0279408B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT88102221T ATE61869T1 (en) 1987-02-17 1988-02-16 ICE CUBE MAKER.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE8702578U DE8702578U1 (en) 1987-02-17 1987-02-17
DE8702578U 1987-02-17

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0279408A2 EP0279408A2 (en) 1988-08-24
EP0279408A3 EP0279408A3 (en) 1989-03-08
EP0279408B1 true EP0279408B1 (en) 1991-03-20

Family

ID=6804950

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88102221A Expired - Lifetime EP0279408B1 (en) 1987-02-17 1988-02-16 Ice cube maker

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0279408B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE61869T1 (en)
DE (2) DE8702578U1 (en)
ES (1) ES2021767B3 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU2015330055A1 (en) 2014-10-06 2017-05-11 Icebreaker Nordic Aps Ice cube producing unit
US10753666B2 (en) 2014-10-06 2020-08-25 Icebreaker Nordic Aps Ice cube producing unit
US10254033B2 (en) * 2015-12-03 2019-04-09 Eric Geller Ice cube dispensing apparatus

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE426202A (en) *
US2164832A (en) * 1934-05-26 1939-07-04 Squibb & Sons Inc Slide-cover container
US2063556A (en) * 1934-09-21 1936-12-08 Continental Can Co Tablet dispensing box
US2341700A (en) * 1941-01-25 1944-02-15 Samuel L Diack Ice tray
US2411471A (en) * 1943-07-05 1946-11-19 Sherman Lab Display and dispensing package for tablets
US2503693A (en) * 1945-11-21 1950-04-11 Gustav J Van Lennep Ice tray and cover
US3135101A (en) * 1962-09-17 1964-06-02 Joseph G Nigro Flexible tray assembly for freezing, storing and dispensing ice chips, flakes and the like
US3397770A (en) * 1967-08-28 1968-08-20 Charles S. Howard Dispensing container
DE2003551A1 (en) * 1970-01-27 1971-08-12 Krogh Johannes Christoffel Ice bowls for refrigerators

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE61869T1 (en) 1991-04-15
EP0279408A2 (en) 1988-08-24
DE8702578U1 (en) 1987-06-19
DE3862041D1 (en) 1991-04-25
ES2021767B3 (en) 1991-11-16
EP0279408A3 (en) 1989-03-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE2930720C2 (en) Storage and serving containers
DE2213024C3 (en) Dispenser for razor blade units
DE6603778U (en) CABINETS AND A CABINET UNIT FOR IT
EP0306800B1 (en) Disposable piece of cutlery, in particular a spoon
EP0279408B1 (en) Ice cube maker
DE640407C (en) Container with device for dispensing a certain number of pills, tablets or similar objects
DE3013866A1 (en) DEVICE FOR DEPOSITING A VARIETY OF THE SAME-SHAPED GOODS AND FOR PRESENTING THE GOODS AS INDIVIDUAL PIECES FOR THE REMOVAL
EP1244560B1 (en) Paintbox comprising exchangeable paint dishes
EP2494281B1 (en) Refrigeration device and corresponding ice maker
EP2376849B1 (en) Ice cube container of an ice maker for household purposes, and refrigeration appliance comprising such an ice cube container
DD207686A1 (en) BOTTLE BASKET
DE704664C (en) Divider insert for ice chest
EP2494289B1 (en) Ice maker
DE1751378B1 (en) Device with ice box and receptacle for pieces of ice
EP2494285B1 (en) Refrigeration device comprising an ice maker
CH478699A (en) Container with a push-out device for sweets
WO2008046883A1 (en) Refrigeration device comprising a removable refrigerated product carrier
DE877460C (en) Insert for freezer bowls
DE3208540A1 (en) Device for storing foods, in particular drinks filled into containers, in a refrigerator
DE440473C (en) Conveyor chain fitted with bottle holders for bottle soaking machines
DE938731C (en) Ice box used for making ice cubes in the freezer compartment of refrigerators
AT384355B (en) Meal set, in particular for use in aircraft
DE3047203C2 (en)
DE8025537U1 (en) DEVICE FOR PRODUCING ICE CUBES
DE2729971C2 (en) Chute arranged so that it can be pulled out of a housing

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE ES FR GB IT LI LU NL

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE ES FR GB IT LI LU NL

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19890811

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19891030

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE ES FR GB IT LI LU NL

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 61869

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19910415

Kind code of ref document: T

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3862041

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19910425

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: HP HAUSHALTPRODUKTE GMBH

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: MODIANO & ASSOCIATI S.R.L.

ET Fr: translation filed
GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)
NLT2 Nl: modifications (of names), taken from the european patent patent bulletin

Owner name: HP HAUSHALTPRODUKTE GMBH TE MONTABAUR, BONDSREPUBL

BECN Be: change of holder's name

Effective date: 19910320

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: HP HAUSHALTPRODUKTE GMBH

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Effective date: 19920216

Ref country code: AT

Effective date: 19920216

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19920217

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Effective date: 19920228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19920229

Ref country code: LI

Effective date: 19920229

Ref country code: CH

Effective date: 19920229

26N No opposition filed
BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: HP HAUSHALTPRODUKTE G.M.B.H.

Effective date: 19920228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Effective date: 19920901

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee
NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Effective date: 19921030

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 19990201

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19990401

Year of fee payment: 12

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20001201

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20050216