US2507835A - Ice tray and grid assembly - Google Patents

Ice tray and grid assembly Download PDF

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US2507835A
US2507835A US600052A US60005245A US2507835A US 2507835 A US2507835 A US 2507835A US 600052 A US600052 A US 600052A US 60005245 A US60005245 A US 60005245A US 2507835 A US2507835 A US 2507835A
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tray
grid
walls
matter
congealed
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Richard M Storer
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    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25CPRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00Producing ice
    • F25C1/22Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds
    • F25C1/24Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds for refrigerators, e.g. freezing trays
    • F25C1/246Moulds with separate grid structure

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  • This invention relates to ice tray and grid assemblies of the type used in mechanical refrigerators, and more particularly relates to improvements in grid and tray designs of the general type shown in my co-pending application Serial No. 571,063, filed January 2, 1945, and entitled Ice tray and grid therefor, now Patent Number 2,503,306, issued April 11, 1950.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide such a grid assembly which permits an easy filling operation and which may be transported when substantially full of liquid without likelihood of spilling the contents.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide such a grid assembly which insures ready separation of the grid from matter congealing in the pan by the expansive forces of the congealing action.
  • Still another object of the invention is to provide a tray and grid assembly which will operate to free congealed matter from the grid and from the tray.
  • the present invention is based on the discovery that it is unnecessary to completely enclose or cover the spaces between all of the adjoining walls of a grid assembly of the aforesaid character, particularly when the members covering portions of such spaces are located at an elevation below the top rim of the pan in which such a grid assembly is operated.
  • an assembly of this character requires less material in its construction than would be present in the former design, and also permits simplified manufacture.
  • Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a grid and tray 2 assembly utilizing features of the present design, and shown while filled with liquid and before congealing;
  • Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 1, partially broken away to show the arrangement of grid parts in relation to the pan structure;
  • Fig. 3 is a section taken along the line 3-3, Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 4 is a section taken along the line 4- i, Fig. 1, and illustrating the relation of the parts after the liquid contents have congealed;
  • Fig. 5 is another side elevation of the assembly shown in Fig. 1 after completion of the congealing action and illustrating the operation of parts at the beginning of the grid separating movement;
  • Fig. 6 is a fragmentary section drawn to an enlarged scale and corresponding to the position shown at 56 in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the tray assembly shown in Fig. 1 after removal of the grid following completion of the congealing action, and having dotted line representations illustrating the method of separating congealed matter from the tray;
  • Fig. 8 is a fragmentary top plan view of another tray and grid assembly embodying features of the present invention.
  • Fig. 9 is a fragmentary side elevation of the assembly shown in Fig. 8, illustrating the operation of the leverage mechanism
  • Fig. 10 is another fragmentary side elevation of the assembly shown in Figure 8 illustrating another position in the operation of the leverage mechanism
  • Fig. 11 is a section through one of cam members of the assembly shown in Fig. 10, taken at approximately the position indicated by the lines llll and drawn to an enlarged scale;
  • Fig. 12 is a similar section taken at approximately the position indicated by the lines l2l 2
  • Fig. 13 is another similar section taken at approximately the position indicated by the lines ill-l3;
  • Fig. 14 is a transverse section through the assembly shown in Fig. 8 showing the relative positions of component parts when the leverage mechanism is in an inactive position;
  • Fig. 15 is a section corresponding to Fig. 1% illustrating the relative position of parts at the midpoint of the lever actuation.
  • the grid member G of the present invention is adapted to be fitted within the interior of a pan or tray T to divide said interior into a plurality of cells or compartments in which liquid is congealed to a pre determined size and shape.
  • the tray T may be of any suitable design and, as here shown, it has at one end a sloping end wall member H and two side walls l2 interconnecting a second end wall It and a bottom portion It.
  • the tray preferably is provided with a handle member M to facilitate its insertion into and withdrawal from a sharp freezing chamber of the type provided in mechanical refrigerators.
  • the handle i4 is so mounted that it functions as a lever to break the frost bond between the tray T and the surface on which it is supported.
  • I form indentations !5 or other recesses or irregularitiespnthe inner surfaces of side walls 2 .to. provide. additional adherence or bond with the congealed matter in the pan, particularly when the: expansive action isexerting and elevating component onthe grid assembly inthe manner hereinafter to bedescribed.
  • the circular indentations shown are well suited for this. purpose-and may be locatedadjacent eachof the mold compartmentsin which no cover plate is provided, although with even a lesser number, or with variations in spacing, adequate results will be obtained. If desired, at least one such indentation may be provided for each mold compartment.
  • The. grid member shown comprises a lengthwise wall member I'Land a plurality of cross walls 18 preferably formed as a rigid integral structure.
  • boththe lengthwisewall l1 and the crosswalls I8 . are wedge-shaped and may either be-solid as illustrated or hollow, if desired.
  • the. coverplates I 9 At intervals along each side of lengthwise Wall cover plates [H.extend across the enclosure defined'by two adjoining cross walls IS with the lengthwise wallmember, and when the width of the walls is ..substantially equivalent to the depth of the tray'T, the. coverplates I 9 preferably are-located at .a. substantial distance below the-tops of walls IT and l 8, aswill be best understood by reference to Figs. 2 and 3.
  • the entire grid men-1- ber comprisingthe lengthwisewall, the cross walls and said cover plates may be formed asa-n integral structure or individual plates may be attached to the grid-members.
  • One or preferably two levers 2!). are mounted on suitable pivots 2
  • the grid G is placedin tray T in the manner. shown in Fig. 1, and the tray is filled by holding it under a sink faucet or other suitable. source of supply.
  • the tray shouldbe filled atv least to the level of the cover plates [.9 and any excess liquid introduced there'- after will produce a-super-elevation inthe freezing compartments in which no cover plate is located, but will not cause the liquid to'fiowabove andon top of said plates to an appreciable degree.
  • the filled tray is placed in .a sharp freezing chamber and allowed to remain until the contents .are completely congealed.
  • the initial movement imparted to the grid as aforesaid serves to move the grid walls out of direct contact with the lower surfaces of the congealed blocks and any following movement of the blocks in this separation is effectively resisted .sbythe adherence of said blocks with indentations 15.
  • frost formation occurs in the spaces between adjoining blocks during the interval between said initial movement and the secondary or final movement previously described.
  • the grid is allowed to remain in place in the pan for a considerable interval-after the liquid has congealed, additional .frost formation will occur and while the resulting bond between the formed blocks and the grid structure is not as strong as an actual ice bond, it nevertheless requiressome force to effect withdrawal of the grid from the tray.
  • the levers 28 provide a convenient means to effect this separation, and while the actuation of one such leveralone is ample to break the frost bond, I prefer to provide two such levers asshown, to facilitate manipulation and transportation of the grid assembly.
  • the unit When it is desired to remove the congealed matter from the tray, the unit is withdrawn from the. sharp freezing container and placed on some suitable flat support such as a table top.
  • the levers are. then moved through the position shown in Fig.5 to asubstantialiy upright position and in so doing the frost bond is effectively broken inthe manner previously described.
  • the grid islifted out of the tray after which the tray 'Tmaybe bridgedat the top by the hands olthe operator and a simple squeezin or flexing of the top-side walls at the approximate positions indicated by the dottediine representations will exert a pushing movement on the blocks B, which breaks their bond with side walls l2 inclusive of indentations l5 and the bottom 46.
  • a variety of materials may be used in the construction of both the tray T'and the grid assemblyG. I prefer to use a metallic construction for the trays because of the excellent'heat conductivity of many of themetallic compositions available on' the market in sheet form. There is some advantage to using'metals in the grid structure to assist the heat exchange action, although a number of the plastic compositions now available on the market are well suited for this purpose, particularly in providing a. simple molding operation for the entire grid structure.
  • the levers may be made of any suitable composition which will provide sufficient structural strength required in applying the force required in the separating action, such as stamped metal parts, for example.
  • cover plates 59 may be resorted to in the cover plates 59, and as shown in Fig. 1, adjoining compartments on opposite sides of lengthwise wall ll may be covered or open, or an arrangement may be employed in which an alternating arrangement on opposite sides of lengthwise wall ll may be employed.
  • the tray T is provided with a series of upstanding walls interconnected by a substantially flat bottom portion 3!, all of which prefergeal for later removal as individual blocks or pieces.
  • cam surfaces are provided at opposite sides in substantial alinement lengthwise of the tray along the outer surfaces of same.
  • these surfaces are provided in individual cam members 32 which are attached to the outside of the tray walls as by welding, although if desired, the surfaces could be provided as an integral part of the tray assembly.
  • Suitable indentations 33 are formed in the side walls 39 at intervals along the length of the tray.
  • one indentation is provided for each compartment to assist in bonding matter congealing in the compartment to the tray to hold same against relative movement during actuation of the grid member in the manner to be explained hereinafter.
  • the grid member G in this form of the invention comprises a lengthwise wall at and a plurality of cross walls 35 disposed at intervals along the lengthwise wall and preferably this assembly is formed as an integral structure. Certain of the compartments defined by two consecutive cross walls 35 and the interconnecting portion of lengthwise wall 3 3 are covered by a plate 36 which preferably is disposed in a horizontal position at a lower elevation than the tops of the adjoining walls.
  • leverage mechanism comprising a handle or lever 31 is mounted on a shaft 38 which is journalled in bearings 39 supported from the tops of the cross walls 35 or lengthwise wall 34.
  • a follower member comprising an arm portion 40 attached to the shaft and a flanged follower portion 4
  • Figs. 11, 12 and 13 illustrate the contour of the cam surface which widens progressively from each end to a high point substantially midway between the ends of the recessed portion.
  • are firmly attached on shaft 38 to resist spreading and are designed to bear against the cam surface C when the lever is in the inactive position shown in Fig. 8, it will be understood that an elevating movement of the lever to the position shown in Figure 9 in dotted lines causes the followers to move into register with cam surface C and because of the greater width of this surface, the followers exert sufficient pressure to substantially flex the top walls of tray T.
  • the lever assembly imparts an initial elevating movement to grid G moving it substantially to the position indicated in Fig, 15 permitting the squeezing of the tray walls which will be readily understood by a comparison of the inclination of same in Figs. 14 and 15.
  • the initial elevating movement serves to break the bond between the grid structure and the blocks of congealed matter not already freed by the elevation of the grid under the expansive influences as previously described. Consequently, by the time the grid reaches the up position in this initial elevating movement, all bond with the congealed matter has been severed and the deformation or flexing of the tray walls serves to impart sufiicient movement to the congealed matter to break the bond between such matter and the tray.
  • the lever actuation is continued until the followers 4
  • the next action is to return the lever to the initial position by reverse rotation and thus position the followers ll adjacent the entrance to the recess portion so that the assembly may be lifted and drawn from the pan.
  • the released blocks of congealed matter being loose remain in the pan and then may be discharged into a suitable storage receptacle or taken for use to permit refilling of the pan and repetition of the operating procedure just described.
  • grid and tray ssemblies embodying features of the present invention may be produced in a variety of forms.
  • the expansive force of the congealing matter to elevate the grid structure it is only necessary to have a few of the cells or mold compartments covered at the top as by plates id or 35, as the elevating force exerted against even one such plate at each end of the grid will effectively raise the entire grid structure so long as a rigid as- 7 sembly is produced.
  • the expansion release is relied on to'separate-the grid structure from the formed blocks-and the:levers are provided'to break the bond between the blocksand the grid, as well as toprovide-a convenient means for removal of the rid'fromthe pan.
  • the indentations l5 By having surface irregularities, such as the indentations l5, the'blocks aremaintained in bonded relation'with the-pan during the expansion-release and the lever-lifting action.
  • the-grid is: removed, it is a simple manipulation to break the bond between the blocks and the pan, either by squeezing the pan orby twisting its ends. In this way, a simple andhighly efficient ice removal action is provided.
  • means including a second leverage member on one of said members positioned to act on the other said member for breaking the bond between said congealed matter and the tray.
  • a grid member comprising a lengthwise wall, a plurality of crosswise walls extending in opposite directions from the lengthwise wall at intervals through its length, and a plurality of separated cover plates disposed in a substantially horizontal position between said walls, each said plate bridging the space between two adjoining cross walls and the connecting surface of the lengthwise wall to form an enclosure closed on three sides and the top, and leverage means carried on saidgrid member in 'a position to act on a surface of the container for elevating said grid member from the container.
  • a grid member comprising a'lengthwise wall, a plurality of crosswise walls extending from the lengthwise wall at'intervals throughout its len th, and a plurality of separated cover platesdispose'd in a substantially horizontal p0- sitionbetween said walls, each said plate bridging the space between twoadjoining cross walls and the connecting surface of the lengthwise wall at a distance below the tops of said walls to form an enclosure closed onthree sides and the top, and leverage means carried on said grid member in a position to act on a surface of the container for elevating said grid member from the container.
  • a grid member comprising a rigid assembly of a lengthwise wall, a plurality of crosswise Walls extending from the lengthwise wall at intervals throughout its length, and a plurality of separated cover plates disposed in a substantially horizontal position between said walls, each said plate bridging the 'space' between two adjoining cross walls and the connecting'surface of the lengthwise wall to form an enclosure closed on three sides and the top, and leverage means carried on said grid member in a, position to act on a surface of the container for elevating said grid member from the container.
  • a grid member comprising a lengthwise wall, a plurality of crosswise walls extending from the lengthwise wall at intervals throughout its length, and a plurality of separated cover plates disposed in a substantially horizontal position between said walls, each said plate bridging the space between two adjoining cross Walls and the connecting surface of the lengthwise wall to form an enclosure closed on three sides and the top, said walls being wedge shaped, and leverage means carried on said grid member in a position to act on a surface of the container for elevating said grid member from the container.
  • a grid member comprising a lengthwise wall, a plurality of crosswise walls extending from the lengthwise wall at intervals through its length, and a plurality of separated cover plates disposed in a substantially horizontal position between said walls and collectively covering less than the entire top surface area of the grid, each said plate bridging the space between two adjoining cross walls and the connecting surface of the lengthwise wall, and leverage means carried on said grid member in a position to act on a surface of the container for elevating said grid member from the container.
  • a grid member comprising a lengthwise wall, a plurality of crosswise walls extending from the lengthwise wall at intervals through its length, and at least two cover plates disposed in a substantially horizontal position between said walls and in substantially separated relation lengthwise of the grid, each said plate bridging the space between two adjoining cross walls and the connecting surface of the lengthwise wall to form an enclosure closed on three sides and the top and being disposed at an elevation within the container at which it will be elevated by the expansive force of matter congealing in the mold, whereby the grid member will be raised relative to said congealing matter in the container.

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Description

y 6, 1950 R. M. STORER 2,507,835
ICE TRAY AND GRID ASSEMBLY Filed June 18, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet l 'llllllllIIlIllIllI/llllIII/III! "1111111111,,"
' INVEN TOR. R/cHA RD M. 5TORR ATTORNEY May 16, 1950 R. M. STORER ICE TRAY AND GRID ASSEMBLY 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 18, 1945 INVENTOR. R/C'HA RD M GTORER.
ATTORNEY.
May 16, 1950 Filed June 18, 1945 R. M. STORER ICE TRAY AND GRID ASSEMBLY 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. RICHARD M. STORER ATTURNEK May 16, 1950 R. M. sfoRER ICE TRAY AND GRID ASSEMBLY 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 18, 1945 INVENTOR. R/CHARD M STORE/2 ATTORNEY:
Patented May 16, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT GFFKCE 19 Claims.
This invention relates to ice tray and grid assemblies of the type used in mechanical refrigerators, and more particularly relates to improvements in grid and tray designs of the general type shown in my co-pending application Serial No. 571,063, filed January 2, 1945, and entitled Ice tray and grid therefor, now Patent Number 2,503,306, issued April 11, 1950. Features described but not claimed herein have been made the subject matter of claims in the aforesaid application.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple, durable and efficient grid assembly for use in the pans of mechanical refrigerators or the like to produce ice blocks or cubes, and which may be used to remove the formed blocks from the pan. 7
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a grid assembly which permits an easy filling operation and which may be transported when substantially full of liquid without likelihood of spilling the contents.
A further object of the invention is to provide such a grid assembly which insures ready separation of the grid from matter congealing in the pan by the expansive forces of the congealing action.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a tray and grid assembly which will operate to free congealed matter from the grid and from the tray.
Other objects reside in novel details of construction and novel combinations and arrangements of parts, all of which will be fully described in the course of the following description.
The present invention is based on the discovery that it is unnecessary to completely enclose or cover the spaces between all of the adjoining walls of a grid assembly of the aforesaid character, particularly when the members covering portions of such spaces are located at an elevation below the top rim of the pan in which such a grid assembly is operated. In addition to operational advantages which will be described hereinafter, an assembly of this character requires less material in its construction than would be present in the former design, and also permits simplified manufacture.
Having thus described the features of the present invention in a general way, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention. In the drawings, in the several views of which like parts have been designated similarly, Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a grid and tray 2 assembly utilizing features of the present design, and shown while filled with liquid and before congealing;
Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 1, partially broken away to show the arrangement of grid parts in relation to the pan structure;
Fig. 3 is a section taken along the line 3-3, Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is a section taken along the line 4- i, Fig. 1, and illustrating the relation of the parts after the liquid contents have congealed;
Fig. 5 is another side elevation of the assembly shown in Fig. 1 after completion of the congealing action and illustrating the operation of parts at the beginning of the grid separating movement;
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary section drawn to an enlarged scale and corresponding to the position shown at 56 in Fig. 1;
Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the tray assembly shown in Fig. 1 after removal of the grid following completion of the congealing action, and having dotted line representations illustrating the method of separating congealed matter from the tray;
Fig. 8 is a fragmentary top plan view of another tray and grid assembly embodying features of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is a fragmentary side elevation of the assembly shown in Fig. 8, illustrating the operation of the leverage mechanism;
Fig. 10 is another fragmentary side elevation of the assembly shown in Figure 8 illustrating another position in the operation of the leverage mechanism;
Fig. 11 is a section through one of cam members of the assembly shown in Fig. 10, taken at approximately the position indicated by the lines llll and drawn to an enlarged scale;
Fig. 12 is a similar section taken at approximately the position indicated by the lines l2l 2 Fig. 13 is another similar section taken at approximately the position indicated by the lines ill-l3;
Fig. 14 is a transverse section through the assembly shown in Fig. 8 showing the relative positions of component parts when the leverage mechanism is in an inactive position; and
Fig. 15 is a section corresponding to Fig. 1% illustrating the relative position of parts at the midpoint of the lever actuation.
As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the grid member G of the present invention is adapted to be fitted within the interior of a pan or tray T to divide said interior into a plurality of cells or compartments in which liquid is congealed to a pre determined size and shape. The tray T may be of any suitable design and, as here shown, it has at one end a sloping end wall member H and two side walls l2 interconnecting a second end wall It and a bottom portion It. The tray preferably is provided with a handle member M to facilitate its insertion into and withdrawal from a sharp freezing chamber of the type provided in mechanical refrigerators. Preferably, the handle i4 is so mounted that it functions as a lever to break the frost bond between the tray T and the surface on which it is supported.
In the preferred construction, I form indentations !5 or other recesses or irregularitiespnthe inner surfaces of side walls 2 .to. provide. additional adherence or bond with the congealed matter in the pan, particularly when the: expansive action isexerting and elevating component onthe grid assembly inthe manner hereinafter to bedescribed. I have found that the circular indentations shown are well suited for this. purpose-and may be locatedadjacent eachof the mold compartmentsin which no cover plate is provided, although with even a lesser number, or with variations in spacing, adequate results will be obtained. If desired, at least one such indentation may be provided for each mold compartment.
.The. grid member shown comprises a lengthwise wall member I'Land a plurality of cross walls 18 preferably formed as a rigid integral structure. As clearly shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4, boththe lengthwisewall l1 and the crosswalls I8 .are wedge-shaped and may either be-solid as illustrated or hollow, if desired. At intervals along each side of lengthwise Wall cover plates [H.extend across the enclosure defined'by two adjoining cross walls IS with the lengthwise wallmember, and when the width of the walls is ..substantially equivalent to the depth of the tray'T, the. coverplates I 9 preferably are-located at .a. substantial distance below the-tops of walls IT and l 8, aswill be best understood by reference to Figs. 2 and 3. If desired, the entire grid men-1- ber comprisingthe lengthwisewall, the cross walls and said cover plates may be formed asa-n integral structure or individual plates may be attached to the grid-members. One or preferably two levers 2!). are mounted on suitable pivots 2| supported from a bracket 22, which may be securedat an end of lengthwise wall H in-a position to cause the levers to bear against the rim 23 of tray T and thus permit elevation of the grid assembly as indicated by the position shown in Fig. 5.
In operation, the grid G is placedin tray T in the manner. shown in Fig. 1, and the tray is filled by holding it under a sink faucet or other suitable. source of supply. Preferably, the tray shouldbe filled atv least to the level of the cover plates [.9 and any excess liquid introduced there'- after will produce a-super-elevation inthe freezing compartments in which no cover plate is located, but will not cause the liquid to'fiowabove andon top of said plates to an appreciable degree. Thereafter the filled tray is placed in .a sharp freezing chamber and allowed to remain until the contents .are completely congealed. In the-congealing action, solidification'begins along the bottom l6 and adjacent side wals I2 andthereafter follows upwardly along pan wall 12 and adjoining cross walls l8 and lengthwise wall I! until final-ly-only a small liquid pocket remains centraly along'the top of the congealed body, and when this pocket in turn congeals it forms a sli ht projection or tip as shown in Figs. 4 and 7. Where a given mold or compartment is provided with the top cover plate l9 and. is initially filled to the level of said plate, the movement imparted to said plate by the congealing action is two-fold, resulting first from the expansion of the main body of solidified matter, and secondly, from the final tip formation.
The initial movement imparted to the grid as aforesaid serves to move the grid walls out of direct contact with the lower surfaces of the congealed blocks and any following movement of the blocks in this separation is effectively resisted .sbythe adherence of said blocks with indentations 15. Apparently some frost formation occurs in the spaces between adjoining blocks during the interval between said initial movement and the secondary or final movement previously described. Also, if. the grid is allowed to remain in place in the pan for a considerable interval-after the liquid has congealed, additional .frost formation will occur and while the resulting bond between the formed blocks and the grid structure is not as strong as an actual ice bond, it nevertheless requiressome force to effect withdrawal of the grid from the tray. The levers 28 provide a convenient means to effect this separation, and while the actuation of one such leveralone is ample to break the frost bond, I prefer to provide two such levers asshown, to facilitate manipulation and transportation of the grid assembly.
When it is desired to remove the congealed matter from the tray, the unit is withdrawn from the. sharp freezing container and placed on some suitable flat support such as a table top. The levers are. then moved through the position shown in Fig.5 to asubstantialiy upright position and in so doing the frost bond is effectively broken inthe manner previously described. At this stage the grid islifted out of the tray after which the tray 'Tmaybe bridgedat the top by the hands olthe operator and a simple squeezin or flexing of the top-side walls at the approximate positions indicated by the dottediine representations will exert a pushing movement on the blocks B, which breaks their bond with side walls l2 inclusive of indentations l5 and the bottom 46. .In this conneetion, I prefer tolhavc the tray '1 constructed of material possessing sufiicient resilience so that the aforesaid flexure can. be repeated many times without any. appreciable permanent deformation of thewalls of the tray. Under some circumstances, it may be preferable to have some reinforcing to provide this resilience and prevent deformation and the thicker rim23, as best seen in'Fig. 6, is provided for this purpose.
While I haveillustrated an integral construction, it maybe preferable under some circumstances to roll thin-sheet metal around resilient wire to form such a reinforcing, and while not specifically illustrated, such a construction is withincontempl-ation of the present invention.
A variety of materials may be used in the construction of both the tray T'and the grid assemblyG. I prefer to use a metallic construction for the trays because of the excellent'heat conductivity of many of themetallic compositions available on' the market in sheet form. There is some advantage to using'metals in the grid structure to assist the heat exchange action, although a number of the plastic compositions now available on the market are well suited for this purpose, particularly in providing a. simple molding operation for the entire grid structure. The levers may be made of any suitable composition which will provide sufficient structural strength required in applying the force required in the separating action, such as stamped metal parts, for example.
I have found that many variations may be resorted to in the cover plates 59, and as shown in Fig. 1, adjoining compartments on opposite sides of lengthwise wall ll may be covered or open, or an arrangement may be employed in which an alternating arrangement on opposite sides of lengthwise wall ll may be employed. I prefer to have at least one cover plate located near the opposite ends of the tray to avoid any possibility of loosening and movement at one end and binding at the other.
In addition to the aforesaid manipulation for releasing the ice from the tray or pan after removal of the grid, it is possible to hold the end wall I I with one hand and apply a twisting movement to the handle it with the other hand and thereby flex the tray and particularly its bottom it sufficiently to break the bond between the tray and the ice blocks.
It is also possible to provide mechanism for releasing the grid from the ice blocks and for flexing Or distorting the pan to release the ice therefrom, with a single assembly performing both functions, or with a separate assembly to perform each function. An assembly of this type has been illustrated in Figs. 8 through 15, the details of which will now be described.
The tray T is provided with a series of upstanding walls interconnected by a substantially flat bottom portion 3!, all of which prefergeal for later removal as individual blocks or pieces. Near the top of the side wall on the tray, cam surfaces are provided at opposite sides in substantial alinement lengthwise of the tray along the outer surfaces of same. Preferably,
these surfaces are provided in individual cam members 32 which are attached to the outside of the tray walls as by welding, although if desired, the surfaces could be provided as an integral part of the tray assembly.
Suitable indentations 33, here shown as annular recesses, one such being seen in each of Figs. 9 and 10, are formed in the side walls 39 at intervals along the length of the tray. Preferably, one indentation is provided for each compartment to assist in bonding matter congealing in the compartment to the tray to hold same against relative movement during actuation of the grid member in the manner to be explained hereinafter.
The grid member G in this form of the invention comprises a lengthwise wall at and a plurality of cross walls 35 disposed at intervals along the lengthwise wall and preferably this assembly is formed as an integral structure. Certain of the compartments defined by two consecutive cross walls 35 and the interconnecting portion of lengthwise wall 3 3 are covered by a plate 36 which preferably is disposed in a horizontal position at a lower elevation than the tops of the adjoining walls.
Intermediate the ends of the grid assembly, leverage mechanism comprising a handle or lever 31 is mounted on a shaft 38 which is journalled in bearings 39 supported from the tops of the cross walls 35 or lengthwise wall 34.
The ends of shaft 38 extend beyond the rim of tray T when the grid is in place therein and mounted on each end of the shaft is a follower member comprising an arm portion 40 attached to the shaft and a flanged follower portion 4| adapted to fit in the recess portion of cam member 32 in engaging relation to the cam surfaces thereof. Figs. 11, 12 and 13 illustrate the contour of the cam surface which widens progressively from each end to a high point substantially midway between the ends of the recessed portion. Inasmuch as the followers 4| are firmly attached on shaft 38 to resist spreading and are designed to bear against the cam surface C when the lever is in the inactive position shown in Fig. 8, it will be understood that an elevating movement of the lever to the position shown in Figure 9 in dotted lines causes the followers to move into register with cam surface C and because of the greater width of this surface, the followers exert sufficient pressure to substantially flex the top walls of tray T.
In order for such action to take place, the lever assembly imparts an initial elevating movement to grid G moving it substantially to the position indicated in Fig, 15 permitting the squeezing of the tray walls which will be readily understood by a comparison of the inclination of same in Figs. 14 and 15. The initial elevating movement serves to break the bond between the grid structure and the blocks of congealed matter not already freed by the elevation of the grid under the expansive influences as previously described. Consequently, by the time the grid reaches the up position in this initial elevating movement, all bond with the congealed matter has been severed and the deformation or flexing of the tray walls serves to impart sufiicient movement to the congealed matter to break the bond between such matter and the tray.
The lever actuation is continued until the followers 4| engage the cam surface C-2 at the end of the recess which allows the tray walls to flex back to a substantially normal position. How ever, the continued rotation of the lever causes the arms 40 to reach a point of resistance at the end of the recess portion before the lever movement is completed and the following movement exerts a thrust on the grid assembly lengthwise of tray T which serves to impart sufficient movement to the congealed matter within the tray to effectively loosen any block which might have been imperfectly released by the flexure of the tray walls.
The next action is to return the lever to the initial position by reverse rotation and thus position the followers ll adjacent the entrance to the recess portion so that the assembly may be lifted and drawn from the pan. The released blocks of congealed matter being loose remain in the pan and then may be discharged into a suitable storage receptacle or taken for use to permit refilling of the pan and repetition of the operating procedure just described.
From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that grid and tray ssemblies embodying features of the present invention may be produced in a variety of forms. In utilizing the expansive force of the congealing matter to elevate the grid structure, it is only necessary to have a few of the cells or mold compartments covered at the top as by plates id or 35, as the elevating force exerted against even one such plate at each end of the grid will effectively raise the entire grid structure so long as a rigid as- 7 sembly is produced. However, I prefer to'provide a greater number-of cover plates'for the cellsyas the tip formation on the ice blocksis not uniform and the provision of a greater number of such plates insures-maximum'lift.
In the form of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the expansion release is relied on to'separate-the grid structure from the formed blocks-and the:levers are provided'to break the bond between the blocksand the grid, as well as toprovide-a convenient means for removal of the rid'fromthe pan. By having surface irregularities, such as the indentations l5, the'blocks aremaintained in bonded relation'with the-pan during the expansion-release and the lever-lifting action. -When' the-grid is: removed, it is a simple manipulation to break the bond between the blocks and the pan, either by squeezing the pan orby twisting its ends. In this way, a simple andhighly efficient ice removal action is provided.
As previously pointed out, it is'sometimes desirable toperfOrm thesequence of release op erations manually. In the form shown in Fig ures 8 and 9, I have shown an arrangement in which-the elevating movement ofthe grid and thefiexing or deformation of the tray are both performed by a single mechanism. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that if desiredaseparate mechanism may be provided to perform each of said functions in a simiiarmanner to that shown and described.
--What I claim and desireto secure by Letters Patent is:
-1. The combination of a tray member and a gridmember in the tray for dividing matter oongealing therein into a plurality of separate bodies, and means, includinga leverage member, on one of-saidmemberspositioned to act on the other said member for initially separating the grid member 'from'the congealed matter in the tray end then breaking the bond between said congealed matter and the tray.
2. The combination of a tray member and a grid member in the tray for dividing matter congealing therein into a plurality of separate bodies, means, including a leverage member, on one of said members positioned to act on the other said member for initially separating the grid member from the congealed'matter in'the tray, i
and means including a second leverage member on one of said members positioned to act on the other said member for breaking the bond between said congealed matter and the tray.
3. The combination of a'tray member and a grid member in the tray' for dividing matter congealing therein into a plurality of separate bodies, means, including a-leverage membeiycarried by said'grid member in a positionto be acted on by matter'congealing in the mold'to elevate said member relative to the tray-member, and means including a second leverage member on one of said members positioned to act on the other said member after the grid member is so elevated for initially separating the grid member from the congealed matter in the tray and then breaking the bond between said congealed matter and the tray.
4. The combination of a tray member and a grid member in the tray for dividing matter congealing therein into a plurality of separate bodies, means including a lever mounted on one of said members positioned to act on the other said mem her for initially separating the grid member from the congealed matter in the tray and then breaking the bond between said congealed matter and the tray.
5. The combination of a tray member and a grid member in the tray for dividing matter congealing therein into a plurality of separate bodies, means including a lever mounted on one of said members positioned to act on the other said member for initially separating the grid member from the congealed matter in the tray and then breaking the bond between said congealed matter and the tray by a second movement of the lever.
6. The combination of a tray member and a grid member in the tray for dividing matter congealing therein into a plurality of separate bodies, and means including a lever mounted on one of said members in a position to act on the other said member to break the bond between said grid member and the congealed matter by an initial lever movement and to break the bond between the congealed matter and the tray by a, following lever movement.
'7. The combination of a tray member and a grid member in the tray for dividing matter congealing therein into a plurality of separate bodies, and means including a lever mounted on one of said members in a position to act on the other said member to break the bond between said grid member and the congealed matter by an initial lever movement and to break the bond between the congealed matter and the tray by fiexure of the tray walls during a following lever movement.
8. In a device of the character described of the type adapted to fit'within a container for liquids, a grid member comprising a lengthwise wall, a plurality of crosswise walls extending in opposite directions from the lengthwise wall at intervals through its length, and a plurality of separated cover plates disposed in a substantially horizontal position between said walls, each said plate bridging the space between two adjoining cross walls and the connecting surface of the lengthwise wall to form an enclosure closed on three sides and the top, and leverage means carried on saidgrid member in 'a position to act on a surface of the container for elevating said grid member from the container.
9. In a device of the character described of the type adapted to fit within a container for liquids, a grid member comprising a'lengthwise wall, a plurality of crosswise walls extending from the lengthwise wall at'intervals throughout its len th, and a plurality of separated cover platesdispose'd in a substantially horizontal p0- sitionbetween said walls, each said plate bridging the space between twoadjoining cross walls and the connecting surface of the lengthwise wall at a distance below the tops of said walls to form an enclosure closed onthree sides and the top, and leverage means carried on said grid member in a position to act on a surface of the container for elevating said grid member from the container.
10.In a device of the character described of the type adapted to fit within'a container for liquids, a grid member comprising a rigid assembly of a lengthwise wall, a plurality of crosswise Walls extending from the lengthwise wall at intervals throughout its length, and a plurality of separated cover plates disposed in a substantially horizontal position between said walls, each said plate bridging the 'space' between two adjoining cross walls and the connecting'surface of the lengthwise wall to form an enclosure closed on three sides and the top, and leverage means carried on said grid member in a, position to act on a surface of the container for elevating said grid member from the container.
11. In a device of the character described of the type adapted to fit within a container for liquids, a grid member comprising a lengthwise wall, a plurality of crosswise walls extending from the lengthwise wall at intervals throughout its length, and a plurality of separated cover plates disposed in a substantially horizontal position between said walls, each said plate bridging the space between two adjoining cross Walls and the connecting surface of the lengthwise wall to form an enclosure closed on three sides and the top, said walls being wedge shaped, and leverage means carried on said grid member in a position to act on a surface of the container for elevating said grid member from the container.
12. In a device of the character described of the type adapted to fit within a container for liquids, a grid member comprising a lengthwise wall, a plurality of crosswise walls extending from the lengthwise wall at intervals through its length, and a plurality of separated cover plates disposed in a substantially horizontal position between said walls and collectively covering less than the entire top surface area of the grid, each said plate bridging the space between two adjoining cross walls and the connecting surface of the lengthwise wall, and leverage means carried on said grid member in a position to act on a surface of the container for elevating said grid member from the container.
13. The combination of a tray member and a grid member in the tray for dividing matter congealing therein into a plurality of separate bodies, a cam member on the side of the tray, and leverage mechanism mounted on said grid, inclusive of a cam follower positioned to bear against the cam member and flex a side wall of the tray by actuation of said mechanism, whereby to release the pieces bonded to the tray.
14. The combination of a tray member and a grid member in the tray for dividing matter congealing therein into a plurality of separate bodies, cam members mounted on opposed side walls of the tray, and leverage mechanism mounted on said grid, inclusive of a cam follower positioned to bear against each said cam member and flex the surface on Which it is supported by actuation of said mechanism, whereby to release the pieces bonded to the tray.
15. In a device of the character described of the type adapted to fit within a container for liquids, a grid member comprising a lengthwise wall, a plurality of crosswise walls extending from the lengthwise wall at intervals through its length, and at least two cover plates disposed in a substantially horizontal position between said walls and in substantially separated relation lengthwise of the grid, each said plate bridging the space between two adjoining cross walls and the connecting surface of the lengthwise wall to form an enclosure closed on three sides and the top and being disposed at an elevation within the container at which it will be elevated by the expansive force of matter congealing in the mold, whereby the grid member will be raised relative to said congealing matter in the container.
16. The combination of a tray member and a grid member in the tray for dividing matter congealing therein into a plurality of separate bodies, a cam member on the tray, and leverage mechanism mounted on said grid, inclusive of means for elevating said grid member relative to congealed matter in the tray and a cam follower positioned to bear against the cam member and flex a surface of the tray by actuation of said mechanism, whereby to release the congealed pieces bonded to the tray.
17. The combination of a tray member, and a grid member fitted in the tray for dividing matter therein into a plurality of separate bodies, said grid comprising a single lengthwise wall, several cross walls extending on opposite sides of the lengthwise wall, and at least one cover plate at each side of th lengthwise wall bridging the space between two adjoining cross walls and the connecting surface of the lengthwise wall adjacent the top of said walls, the space between other adjoining walls at each side of the lengthwise wall being uncovered, and leverage means carried on the grid in a position to act on the tray to complete removal of the grid therefrom after the tray has been first elevated by the expansive force of congealing matter directed against said cover plates.
18. The combination of a tray member, and a grid member fitted in the tray for dividing matter therein into a plurality of separate bodies, said grid comprising a, single lengthwise wall, several cross walls extending on opposite sides of the lengthwise wall, and at least one cover plate at each side of the lengthwise wall bridging the space between two adjoining cross walls and the connecting surface of the lengthwise wall adjacent the top of said walls, the space between other adjoining walls at each side of the lengthwise wall being uncovered, the cover plates at opposite sides of said lengthwise wall being in side-by-side relation, and leverage means carried on the grid in a position to act on the tray to complete removal of the grid therefrom after the tray has been first elevated by the expansive force of congealing matter directed against said cover plates.
19. The combination of a tray member, and a grid member fitted in the tray for dividing matter therein into a plurality of separate bodies, said grid comprising a single lengthwise wall, several cross walls extending on opposite sides of the lengthwise wall, and at least one cover plate at each side of the lengthwise wall bridging the space between two adjoining cross walls and the connecting surface of the lengthwise wall adjacent the top of said Walls, the space between other adjoining walls at each side of the lengthwise wall being uncovered, the cover plates at opposite sides of said lengthwise wall being in staggered relation, and leverage means carried on the grid in a position to act on the tray to complete removal of the grid therefrom after the tray has been first elevated by the expansion force of congealing imatter directed against said cover plates.
RICHARD M. STORER.
REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:
UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,824,308 Storer Sept. 22, 1931 1,824,309 Storer Sept. 22, 1931 2,212,424 Miner Aug. 20, 1940 2,221,693 Miner Nov. 12, 1940 2,249,261 Storer July 15, 1941 2,251,460 Miner Aug. 5, 1941
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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2717503A (en) * 1953-03-04 1955-09-13 Servel Inc Ice maker

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1824309A (en) * 1928-09-10 1931-09-22 Richard M Storer Mold for freezing liquids
US1824308A (en) * 1928-07-02 1931-09-22 Richard M Storer Mold for frozen substances
US2212424A (en) * 1935-02-02 1940-08-20 Gen Electric Ice tray and a method of mechanically releasing ice blocks
US2221693A (en) * 1937-05-10 1940-11-12 James H Miner Ice tray
US2249261A (en) * 1938-07-05 1941-07-15 Richard M Storer Sharp freezing mold
US2251460A (en) * 1937-07-19 1941-08-05 James H Miner Ice tray

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1824308A (en) * 1928-07-02 1931-09-22 Richard M Storer Mold for frozen substances
US1824309A (en) * 1928-09-10 1931-09-22 Richard M Storer Mold for freezing liquids
US2212424A (en) * 1935-02-02 1940-08-20 Gen Electric Ice tray and a method of mechanically releasing ice blocks
US2221693A (en) * 1937-05-10 1940-11-12 James H Miner Ice tray
US2251460A (en) * 1937-07-19 1941-08-05 James H Miner Ice tray
US2249261A (en) * 1938-07-05 1941-07-15 Richard M Storer Sharp freezing mold

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2717503A (en) * 1953-03-04 1955-09-13 Servel Inc Ice maker

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