WO2014174314A2

WO2014174314A2 - Ice articles

Info

Publication number: WO2014174314A2
Application number: PCT/GB2014/051302
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew FRITH; Michael GREGG; Charanjit Nandra; David HATRICK; David Russell; Wilbert SCHOENMAKERS; Linda Scott; James Sore
Original assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
Priority date: 2013-04-26
Filing date: 2014-04-25
Publication date: 2014-10-30
Also published as: GB201307560D0; WO2014174314A3

Abstract

The present invention provides ice articles comprising an inner core completely or partially surrounded by an outer layer, wherein the inner core comprises a stimulant or aloe vera. It also provides ice article comprising an inner core completely or partially surrounded by an outer layer, wherein the inner core comprises an agent which has a stimulating or soothing effect when ingested. Various manufacturing methods are provided. Additionally, the invention provides a method of adding an agent to a beverage by adding an ice article to said beverage, the ice article comprising an inner core completely or partially surrounded by an outer layer, wherein the inner core comprises the agent and wherein the agent has a stimulating, a soothing and/or a sensory effect.

Description

Ice Articles

Field

The present invention relates to ice articles and, more specifically, to ice articles having an inner core completely or partially surrounded by an outer layer.

Background

It is well known to add ice cubes to beverages in order to cool them. One drawback to this is that the ice cube dilutes the beverage as it melts, thereby diluting the taste. In order to avoid this, it has been proposed to encase the ice in an insoluble casing, so that the ice cube is re-usable and the melted liquid does not mix with the beverage. These items are not as effective at cooling and they require washing before they are refrozen and then reused. Other variations on the ice cube have also been disclosed. For example, GB2410998 discloses ice cubes with a core and an outer layer, where the core will alter the appearance or taste of a beverage once the outer layer has dissolved or melted. Either or both of the parts can contain additives such as food dyes or alcohol. The cubes are manufactured by forming the core and then suspending it in a solution at its freezing point, so that an outer layer is formed.

DE29917957 relates to ice bodies (in the form of cubes or balls) for adding to drinks. The ice bodies contain parts, such as an inner core surrounded by an outer layer, and at least one part of the body is not taste-neutral. At least part of the body may be formed from the same liquid (or a liquid with the same flavour) as the beverage to be cooled. The ice body preferably contains an inner core containing a flavour or alcohol, surrounded by an outer layer which is preferably ice or taste-neutral. There is no discussion of how to make these ice bodies. DE29821713 relates to ice cubes which can be in various shapes for adding to drinks. The ice cubes contain an inner core surrounded by an outer layer (preferably ice), and the inner core contains fillings such as alcohol, syrup, aroma or colourings which have a melting point below that of ice. The ice cubes are made by freezing the core in a mould which may then be inverted to provide a mould for adding the outer layer. US5958481 discloses ice cubes with inner cores surrounded by outer layers for adding to drinks. In one embodiment, the inner core is clear ice, whereas the outer layer is made of coloured ice. These ice cubes can be made by freezing the core in an ice cube tray, then freezing part of the outer layer in a different tray before adding the core and surrounding it with the solution to be frozen and to form the rest of the outer layer.

However, it has not previously been suggested to provide stimulating or soothing agents in ice articles that can transform the beverage to which they are to be added, thereby creating a completely new sensory experience and effect. This would allow the consumer to adapt a standard beverage to his or her own requirements, simply by adding one or more ice articles.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the invention, an ice article is provided comprising an inner core completely or partially surrounded by an outer layer, wherein the inner core comprises a stimulant or aloe vera.

In some embodiments, the inner core does not comprise alcohol. In some embodiments, the stimulant is a natural stimulant. In some embodiments, the stimulant may be a plant-derived stimulant. For example, the stimulant may be an extract from a plant selected from: coffee, cocoa, guarana, mate, acai, kola, tobacco, ginseng, liquorice, peppermint and gingko. In some embodiments, the stimulant is selected from the group consisting of: caffeine, theophylline, theobromine, nicotine, capsaicin, cathinone and ephedrine.

In some embodiments, the outer layer comprises frozen water. In some embodiments, the article comprises a flavourant and/ or a colorant. For example, in some embodiments, the flavourant and/ or colorant is present in the inner core and/or outer layer.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an ice article is provided comprising an inner core completely or partially surrounded by an outer layer, wherein the inner core comprises an agent which has a stimulating or soothing effect when ingested. In a preferred embodiment, the agent does not comprise alcohol.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a method of forming the ice articles of the first aspect is provided. The method comprises:

(a) freezing the material of the outer layer of the article in a mould to form an outer layer base;

(b) melting a portion of the outer layer base to form a cavity for receiving the

material of the inner core of the article; and

(c) placing the material of the inner core into the cavity and freezing said material if it is not already frozen.

Optionally, the method may further comprise forming an additional portion of outer layer, to completely encase the inner core. This may involve first shaping the frozen inner core and outer layer and then freezing additional outer layer material onto the existing frozen parts. This additional outer layer material may be frozen in the original mould and/or in a further mould.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing the ice articles according to the invention, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a mould for forming the outer layer base; and

(b) a shaping element for melting and shaping said outer layer base to form a cavity for receiving the material of the inner core.

Optionally, the apparatus includes a further shaping element for further shaping the frozen inner core and/ or outer layer. A further optional feature of the apparatus is a further mould for freezing additional outer layer material onto the existing (and optionally further shaped) outer layer and core material. According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a method of forming the ice articles is provided, the method comprising:

(a) freezing the material of the outer layer of the article in one or more moulds to form two sections of the outer layer;

(b) freezing the material of the inner core in a mould;

(c) assembling the two outer layer sections around the inner core; and

(d) bonding the parts to one another to form an ice article. According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a method of forming the ice articles is provided, the method comprising:

(a) adding the material of the outer layer of the article to a mould and positioning a conduit extending from outside the mould into the central region of the mould;

(b) partially freezing the outer layer material so that the outer portion of the

material in the mould is frozen, but the inner portion is in liquid form;

(c) extracting the liquid from the central region of the mould through the conduit;

(d) adding the material of the inner core to the central region of the mould through the conduit;

(e) removing the conduit; and

(f) optionally freezing the inner core and/ or blocking the hole in the outer layer left by the removed conduit. According to a seventh aspect of the invention, a method of forming the ice articles is provided, the method comprising:

(a) forming frozen inner core material around a cooled pin immersed in liquid inner core material;

(b) moulding or shaping the frozen inner core material on the pin to form the inner core;

(c) forming frozen outer layer material around the cooled pin immersed in liquid outer layer material, including forming the frozen outer layer material around the frozen inner core;

(d) moulding or shaping the frozen outer layer material around the frozen inner core to form an ice article; and

(e) removing the pin from the ice article.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of adding an agent to a beverage by adding an ice article to said beverage, the ice article comprising an inner core completely or partially surrounded by an outer layer, wherein the inner core comprises the agent and wherein the agent has a stimulating, a soothing and/ or a sensory effect.

In some embodiments, the agent is a stimulant or aloe vera.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figures lA and lB show illustrations of a series of steps in a first method of

manufacture according to the present invention, shown in cross-sectional view.

Figure 2 shows an apparatus for carrying out the first method of manufacture.

Figure 3 shows an illustration of a series of steps in a second method of manufacture according to the present invention, shown in cross-sectional view.

Figure 4 shows an illustration of a series of steps in a third method of manufacture according to the present invention, shown in cross-sectional view.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a series of steps in a fourth method of manufacture according to the present invention.

Figure 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D are schematic illustrations of ice articles produced according to Examples 1 to 3.

Detailed Description

The ice articles of the present invention allow the consumer to customise drinks by adding "shots" of one or more agents to the drink.

The agents included in the ice articles may be added to the drink or beverage for a variety of different purposes. For example, in some embodiments, the agents have an impact on the sensory effect of the beverage on the consumer. It is also possible for the consumer to mix and match multiple shots of one or more ingredients or agents, to increase the effect or to achieve a combination of effects. Furthermore, the ice articles may present these shots in an attractive manner, and one which allows the user to easily identify the nature of the agent or of the effect it will have (for example upon addition to a beverage), for example indicating that the ice article includes a soothing or stimulating ingredient, or the flavour conferred by the agent in the ice article.

The inner core of the ice articles and, in particular, the agents, such as soothing and stimulating agents, must be safe for general consumption. In one embodiment of the invention, the inner core and the agents contained therein are preferably palatable and/ or have a taste which is compatible with the kinds of beverages to which they are to be added.

In some embodiments, the ice articles have an inner core which includes a soothing or stimulating agent. The stimulating agents used in the present invention are, in some embodiments, stimulants. Stimulants enhance the activity of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Common effects may include increased alertness, awareness, endurance, productivity, motivation, arousal, locomotion, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as boosted energy levels and even improved mood.

In some embodiments, the stimulants included in the ice articles described herein are natural stimulants. Natural stimulants are stimulants that occur in nature. Many plants contain naturally-occurring stimulants and in some embodiments, the stimulants included in the ice articles described herein are plant-derived stimulants.

The purinergic stimulants are a small group of chemically and pharmacologically related drugs that are found in several different plants but commonly act on purine neurotransmitters such as adenosine. Caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine are collectively referred to as the methylxanthines and they are among the most commonly used stimulants in the world. Methylxanthines are found in several plants including coffee, cocoa, guarana, mate (also known as Yerba mate), acai berry and kola.

Cholinergic stimulants include nicotine, derived from tobacco.

Cathinone derived from Khat is a further plant-derived stimulant whose sale and consumption is legal in some countries. Ginseng and liquorice (or licorice) are also plant-derived stimulants. Ephedrine is an alkaloid which is used as a stimulant and is found in various plants in the genus Ephedra (family Ephedraceae).

Capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) and several related chemicals, collectively referred to as capsaicinoids, are derived from chili peppers. Capsaicin stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which is part of the peripheral nervous system and also acts as a circulatory stimulant.

There are various herbal stimulants, which include ginseng, guarana, and ginkgo (also known as gingko biloba). Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is also classified as a stimulant herb.

Whilst the stimulants discussed above are naturally derived with many being extracted from plants, chemically synthesised versions or analogues of such stimulants may also be used in the ice articles described herein. Alcohol is not considered to be a stimulant. Rather, it is a depressant and a member of the sedative-hypnotic class of psychopharmacological substances. In some

embodiments, the inner core of the ice article does not comprise alcohol or an alcoholic beverage. In some embodiments, the ice article does not comprise alcohol or an alcoholic beverage.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the stimulants included in the ice articles are non-prescription and non-illicit stimulants. As used herein, the terms "stimulating agent" and "stimulant" do not include sugar.

As used herein, the term soothing agent refers to aloe vera.

In embodiments in which the ice articles include caffeine as a stimulant, the caffeine may be included in a dose of from about lomg to about 8omg, preferably from about 30 mg to about 40 mg (which is roughly equivalent to the dose in half a cup of coffee. Caffeine can be derived from a number of natural sources, including coffee, or it may be synthetic. Chilli may be derived from the spicy fruit of plants in the genus Capsicum. One convenient source is Tabasco (registered trade mark) sauce.

In addition, other agents may be included in the ice articles, in the core and/ or in the outer layer.

In some embodiments, the ice articles have an inner core and/or outer layer which includes an agent which has a sensory effect. Optionally, the sensory agent may be included in addition to other agents, such as stimulatory or soothing agents. In some embodiments, these sensory agents may provide a visual effect. Suitable visual agents providing colour and other visual effects include colorants, such as E151, E133 (blue), E129 (red) and liquid food colouring. In some embodiments, the sensory agents may provide a freshening and/or cooling effect and suitable agents include menthol and sorbitol. In some embodiments, the sensory agents may be agents for enhancing mouth feel or providing a desired organoleptic effect, such as agar alginate. In some embodiments, the sensory agents may be flavouring agents, such as sugar, citric acid and malic acid, or nutritional agents or foodstuffs having the desired flavour. In some embodiments, at least some flavouring agents may also have the additional benefit of being well-being nutritional agents, such as vegetable juice, vitamin C and salt.

In some embodiments, the ice articles may include further ingredients to provide additional effects. Such additional ingredients may include, for example, nutritional agents, such as vitamins and minerals; energy sources such as sugar, and other additives, such as taurine and amino acids.

In some embodiments, the ice articles include a stimulating or soothing agent and one or more sensory agents. In some embodiments, the sensory agents are selected to complement the stimulating or soothing agent, for example complementing the effect of the stimulating or soothing agent. Other ingredients may also be included and these may also optionally be selected to complement the other agents in the ice articles. In other embodiments, the sensory agents are selected to complement the beverage to which the ice article is to be added.

In some embodiments, the ice articles include a stimulating or soothing agent and one or more other ingredients. In some embodiments, the other ingredients are selected to complement the stimulating or soothing agent, for example complementing the effect of the stimulating or soothing agent. For example, in some embodiments, taurine is included in an ice article including caffeine and/or high levels of sugar. In other embodiments, the other ingredients are selected to complement the beverage to which the ice article is to be added. Thus, in embodiments of the invention, the ice article may include one or more of:

Tabasco (registered trade mark) sauce; lemon juice; menthol (for example in the form of crushed mints); liquorice; guarana; yerba mate; acai; ginseng; maltodextrin; inositol; carnitine; creatine; glucuronolactone; and ginkgo biloba. Ice articles according to the present invention may be used to introduce a combination of ingredients into a beverage. In one example, the ingredients may be those that are commonly added to tomato juice, including ingredients selected from the following list: Tabasco (registered trade mark) sauce; Worcestershire sauce; lemon juice; lime juice; salt; black pepper; cayenne pepper; celery salt; and horseradish. In some embodiments, the outer layer of the ice article is tasteless. In some

embodiments, the outer layer of the ice article consists of water.

In some embodiments, the ice article is not formed around a carrying means, such as a stick or the like. In some embodiments, one or more ice articles are formed around a stick which may be used to stir a beverage.

In some embodiments, the ice articles are for addition to a beverage to change the sensations associated with consuming the beverage. The beverage may be given a stimulating or soothing effect by adding the ice article. Alternatively or in addition, the beverage may be given a different sensory effect, such as a different visual appearance, flavour, or organoleptic effect. Alternatively or in addition, the beverage may be given a different nutritional value by adding the ice article. The ice articles should be stored at a temperature at which the outer core is frozen. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the ice article will be suitable for storage at -4°C or below. Thus, the material of the outer layer is preferably selected to be frozen at this temperature. The outer layer of the ice articles preferably comprises ice (frozen water). However, other frozen liquids may also be used. In addition or alternatively, the outer layer may include additional ingredients, as mentioned above. The outer layer must be safe for general consumption. Ideally, the outer layer will be palatable and should preferably also be compatible with the kinds of beverages to which the ice articles are to be added.

Normal water will form ice with a slightly frosted or opaque appearance. For clear ice to be produced, the water must have high purity (i.e. having had as much of the dissolved minerals and contaminants removed as possible), and/or must have a low dissolved gas content. Thus, demineralised and/or boiled water will freeze to produce clearer ice. The most consistent ice in terms of clarity and quality is produced using boiled, demineralised water.

Thus, in one embodiment, demineralised and/or boiled water or normal (tap) water is used to form the outer layer, in order to get a desired appearance. In another embodiment, one portion of the outer layer may be formed from demineralised and/ or boiled water whilst another portion is made from normal water, thereby providing an additional visual effect of a split between clear and frosted (opaque) sections of the ice article.

Further improvements in the clarity and quality of the ice of the outer layer may be achieved if the ice is formed by a thin film water flow, which is similar to the process by which icicles are formed.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer layer is of a colour and opacity which allows the inner core to be seen as being a different material. This helps to provide a striking and attractive visual effect, showing that the article is not just ice but contains a special ingredient.

The inner core may be frozen or liquid upon cold storage and/ or when added to a beverage. For a liquid core, it is clearly preferable for the core to be completely surrounded by the outer layer, to prevent the core from being released before the ice article is placed in the beverage. In order for the ice article to have a liquid core, the core will have a freezing temperature which is lower than that of the outer layer. What is more, the freezing point of the inner core will also preferably be lower than the temperature at which the ice articles are stored.

For convenience, the ice articles should be capable of being stored in a conventional freezer, which will generally have a temperature of between o°C and -20°C. Thus, the inner core which is to be liquid when used in normal conditions should have a freezing point of lower than -4°C, and preferably of below -io°C, whilst the outer layer has a freezing point of between o°C and -io°C, preferably of between o°C and -4°C.

To facilitate the manufacture of an ice article having a liquid core, the processing may be carried out at a low temperature at which the inner core material freezes. Following manufacture, the ice article is stored at a temperature at which the inner core material is liquid whilst the outer layer is still frozen.

Upon use, an ice article will be taken out of its cold storage and added to a beverage. The beverage will generally have a temperature above that of the cold storage in which the ice article was stored and a temperature above o°C. In this new environment, the outer layer will melt, exposing the inner core. The inner core may have been liquid in storage, or it may melt on removal from storage and addition to a beverage. The inner core may melt at a lower or higher temperature than the outer layer. In one

embodiment, the inner core is slower to melt than the outer layer, so that the inner core is present in a solid form in the beverage without the outer layer for a period of time before it too melts. In an alternative embodiment, the inner core melts sooner than the outer core or it is already liquid before being added to the beverage. In these circumstances, as soon as the outer layer has melted to the extent that it no longer completely surrounds the inner core, the material of the inner core, and in particular the agent, will be released into the beverage. In either case, the inner core will preferably completely melt within 10 minutes and preferably within 5 minutes, so that the agent is released into the beverage without unreasonable delay and so that the consumer will not have to wait before enjoying the stimulating or soothing effect. It is also desirable that the ice articles melt to leave no solid residue in the beverage and/or its container. The ingredients must also be compatible with the beverage to which the articles may be added, to ensure that there is no unwanted reaction.

The ice articles may be formed to have approximately the same size as a conventional ice cube for a beverage. Alternatively, smaller sizes could be made (for example, cubes having a similar size to a sweet) and these articles could be comfortably placed into one's mouth, rather than being added to a drink, for a rapid and unusual in-mouth sensation. In some embodiments, the ice article may be formed to control the release of the agent(s) in the inner core. In some embodiments, the inner core is only partially surrounded by the outer layer. In such embodiments, the extent to which the inner core is not surrounded may be varied to adjust the release of the agents in the inner core. In other embodiments, the inner core is completely surrounded by the outer layer and release of the agents in the inner layer may be controlled by the thickness of the outer layer. The outer layer may have a uniform thickness or it may include one or more areas where it is thinner and therefore will melt and allow release of the agents in the inner core (via "leak paths"). Alternatively or in addition, areas of the outer layer may be provided which are prone to faster melting, for example due to their shape or the make-up of the outer layer in that area. As will be explained in greater detail below, some of the methods for manufacturing the ice articles of the present invention result in outer layers which have areas which are separately formed, which allows areas to be given different properties.

When seeking to control the timing of the release of the inner core and/or the agents in the inner core from the ice article, a balance needs to be struck between the integrity of the outer layer (which may be important for formation, storage and handling of the ice article), and rapid melting upon use. Considerations will be different depending upon whether the inner core has a liquid or solid form.

There are a number of methods that may be used to manufacture the ice articles described herein. These are now described, with reference to the figures.

In a first embodiment, the ice article 10 is formed by first making an outer layer base 1 by freezing the material of the outer layer of the ice article, preferably using a mould 11. This step may be carried out using a simple mould, for example a conventional tray mould for making ice cubes. The result is a plurality of articles of frozen outer layer material (the outer layer base) which may have a desired shape.

Next, a portion of the outer layer base 1 is melted to form a cavity 4 to receive the material of the inner core. This melting may be carried out using a pin 2, for example a pin which is on a plate 12 carrying a plurality of pins. The pin is at a temperature above the melting point of the outer layer material. More specifically, the pin may be at room temperature. Alternatively, in order to accelerate the melting, the pin may be warmer. The use of a slow melting process to form the outer layer base will allow the size and shape of the portion melted to be more accurately controlled. This may be particularly desirable where the outer layer is relatively thin following this shaping step.

The pin 2 may be made of a variety of materials, but a material which conducts heat well is preferred, such as a metal. The pin may have a variety of shapes. The shape of the pin may determine at least part of the shape of the inner core.

Next, the material which is to form the inner core 5 of the ice article is added to the cavity formed in the outer layer base. This material may be in liquid form which can then be frozen. In an optional further step, the frozen article comprising an outer layer base 3 and the frozen inner material 5 is further shaped. Once again this may be done with a pin 6 having the appropriate shape, for example on a plate 16 carrying a plurality of pins. This step may shape just the frozen inner core material 8, or just the outer layer 7, or both.

A further optional step involves the addition of more outer layer material, which is moulded to the existing outer layer and inner core material. The further outer layer material may be the same as or different to the outer layer material used to form the outer layer base. This step forms an outer layer 9 surrounding the inner core 8. This may be done using a finishing plate 14.

One or more further shaping steps may be carried out to give the outer surface of the article a desired shape or detailing. These may involve localised melting of the article, or an engraving step.

In a variation of this method, a particularly intricate shape of the inner core may be achieved by separately freezing the inner core material in an appropriate mould. The frozen inner core is then added to the cavity 4 formed by partially melting the outer layer base 1. The gap between the frozen inner core and the outer layer is then filled with further outer layer material which is frozen. Preferably, the outer layer material is cooled before it is added, to minimise any melting of the moulded and frozen inner core. In an alternative method, the ice article 20 is manufactured by first forming two moulded frozen outer layer sections 21 which have been shaped to fit around a separately moulded frozen core 22. All of these separately formed parts are then assembled and welded together, for example by a thin layer of liquid which is rapidly frozen. Preferably, the parts are moulded so that there is a small gap 23 between the parts when they are assembled. This gap is then filled by the welding material, which is preferably water, and the liquid is frozen, so that the parts are held together, forming an outer layer 24 surrounding an inner core 22. This embodiment has the benefit that the point at which the sections of the outer layer are bonded will melt first, providing a passage for the inner core material to leave the ice article. This results in a faster release of the active into the beverage upon use. In a yet further method of manufacture, the ice article 30 is formed by firstly freezing the outer layer material in a mould containing a conduit 33 which is positioned so that extends from outside the mould into the centre or central portion of the mould. The conduit may, for example, be a straw and preferably comprises a material which will resist the formation of deposits and will be easily removed from contact with the frozen material of the ice article, such as Teflon. The outer layer material in the mould will freeze from the outside towards the centre and there will be a point in the freezing process when the outer layer or wall 31 of the cube is frozen but a liquid centre 32 remains. At this point, the conduit is used to remove the liquid centre, for example it may be pumped out. This leaves a frozen outer layer 31 with a central void. The inner core material 34 is then added to the central void within the frozen outer layer, preferably via the conduit 33. This inner core material may be subsequently frozen or it may have a freezing point which means that it will remain liquid. The conduit is removed and the remaining hole 35 in the outer layer is preferably blocked, for example by filling it with a fast freezing material which may be the same as the outer layer material. Alternatively, a solid stopper may be placed in the hole, with or without a step whereby liquid is added to weld this stopper in place. Once again, this method means that there will be a "weak" spot in the outer layer of the ice article which will melt first and may allow rapid release of the inner core material into the beverage upon use.

In another method of manufacture, the ice article 46 is grown on a cooled pin 41. In the first step of this manufacturing method, the cooled pin 41 is immersed in the liquid which is to form the inner core of the ice article. A layer of frozen inner core material 42 is then grown on the surface of the pin. Next, this frozen inner core material is moulded or shaped, for example using a mould at room temperature or above. This results in the formation of a shaped inner core 43 on the pin 41. Then, the cooled pin 41 with the shaped inner core 44 is immersed in the liquid which is to form the outer layer of the ice article. A layer of frozen outer layer material 44 is then grown on the surface of the pin and around the frozen inner core 43. Next, this frozen outer layer material is moulded or shaped, for example using a mould at room temperature or above. This results in the formation of an ice article 46 with a shaped inner core 44 surrounded by a shaped outer layer 45, which is still positioned on the pin 41. Finally, the ice article 46 is removed from the pin. This removal may be facilitated by increasing the temperature of the pin, for example to bring it up to room temperature, - ι₅ - in order to allow localised melting of the ice article around the pin. The hole left by removal of the pin may be plugged or filled, if desired.

The inner core of the ice articles produced by this method will be exposed to the environment unless the hole left by removal of the pin is plugged or filled. This will speed up the release of the core material when the ice article is added to a beverage.

Examples

The present invention is illustrated in greater detail by the following specific Examples. It is to be understood that these Examples are illustrative embodiments and that this invention is not to be limited by any of the Examples.

Example ι - Tabasco Ice Articles

The inner core material for the ice articles, a "Tabasco mixture", is prepared by adding 5 ml of Tabasco (registered trade mark) sauce to 15 ml of boiled tap water to make an initial "strong solution". 5 ml of this strong solution is then added to 45 ml of boiled tap water to form a "weak solution". A couple of drops of red food colouring are added to this weak solution to form the "Tabasco mixture", which includes the stimulant capsaicin.

Ice articles according to the invention are prepared by first forming ice cubes by adding water to a tray of cube-shaped moulds. The tray of moulds is cooled which in turn cools the water within the moulds so that it freezes to form frozen outer layer bases. The water is tap water which has not been treated to remove minerals or gas.

Whilst the frozen outer layer bases remain in the moulds, a central portion of each outer layer base is melted by contact with a melt pin which is at room temperature. The pin has a rounded end which contacts the ice. This localised melting of the outer layer bases forms a rounded cavity within the ice which can receive the material of the inner core.

The Tabasco mixture is added in liquid form to the cavity formed in the outer layer bases, whilst these remain in their moulds. The amount of the Tabasco mixture used is sufficient to completely fill the cavity formed in the outer layer bases. The inner core material is then frozen. Next, the frozen inner core material is further shaped using a melting pin having a concave face which shapes the inner core material to give it a substantially spherical shape. The pin is also has a shoulder so as to shape the outer layer base. The outer layer is thereby cut back so that approximately half of the spherical frozen inner core is exposed and stands proud of the outer layer.

Next, more outer layer material is moulded onto the existing outer layer and around the shaped inner core. This outer layer is formed from boiled, demineralised water and it is moulded using the initial mould within which the ice articles have been formed.

The ice articles are frozen. Thereafter, the finished ice articles are removed from the moulds. The articles have a bright red spherical core surrounded by a cube of ice, one half of which is opaque, the other half of which is clear. An illustration of the ice articles produced is shown in Figure 6A.

Example 2 - Mint Ice Articles

The inner core material is prepared by adding six crushed mints to 15 ml of boiled tap water. A few drops of green food colouring are added. Caffeine is added in an amount of 4omg as the stimulant.

Ice articles according to the invention are prepared by first forming ice cubes by adding boiled, demineralised water to a tray of cube-shaped moulds. The tray of moulds is cooled which in turn cools the water within the moulds so that it freezes to form frozen outer layer bases.

Whilst the frozen outer layer bases remain in the moulds, a central portion of each outer layer base is melted by contact with a melt pin which is at room temperature. This localised melting of the outer layer bases forms a cavity within the ice which can receive the material of the inner core.

The mint mixture is added in liquid form to the cavity formed in the outer layer bases, whilst these remain in their moulds. The amount of the mint mixture used is sufficient to completely fill the cavity formed in the outer layer bases. The inner core material is then frozen. An illustration of the ice articles produced is shown in Figure 6B and 6C. The use of different shaped pins results in different visual effects. Example 3 - Liquorice Ice Articles

The inner core material for ice articles is prepared by adding a soft liquorice cube to 15 ml of boiled tap water, to provide a stimulating liquorice flavour, with liquorice as the stimulant. A few drops of black food colouring are added. This liquid is then frozen in moulds to produce shaped inner core articles. The moulds give the frozen inner cores an intricate shape, such as a three dimensional star.

The outer layer bases are produced by forming ice cubes by adding boiled,

demineralised water to a tray of cube-shaped moulds. The tray of moulds is cooled which in turn cools the water within the moulds so that it freezes to form frozen outer layer bases.

Whilst the frozen outer layer bases remain in the moulds, a central portion of each outer layer base is melted by contact with a melt pin which is at room temperature. This localised melting of the outer layer bases forms a cavity within the ice which can receive the frozen inner core. The cavity has a size which is greater than the size of the frozen shaped inner core article.

A frozen shaped inner core article is added to the cavity. Then boiled, demineralised water at a temperature close to freezing is added to the cavity, completely filling the cavity in the outer layer base and surrounding the frozen core article. This is then quickly frozen. The articles have a black, star-shaped core surrounded by a cube of clear ice. An illustration of the ice articles produced is shown in Figure 6D. In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for superior ice articles. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and

modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. An ice article comprising an inner core completely or partially surrounded by an outer layer, wherein the inner core comprises a stimulant or aloe vera.

2. An ice article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner core does not comprise alcohol.

3. An ice article as claimed in either of the preceding claims, wherein the stimulant is a natural stimulant.

4. An ice article as claimed in claim 3, wherein the stimulant is a plant-derived stimulant.

5. An ice article as claimed in claim 4, wherein the stimulant is an extract from a plant selected from: coffee, cocoa, guarana, mate, acai, kola, tobacco, ginseng, liquorice, peppermint and gingko.

6. An ice article as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stimulant is selected from the group consisting of: caffeine, theophylline, theobromine, nicotine, capsaicin, cathinone and ephedrine.

7. An ice article as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer layer comprises frozen water.

8. An ice article as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the article comprises a flavourant and/or a colorant.

9. An ice article as claimed in claim 8, wherein the flavourant and/or colorant is present in the inner core and/ or outer layer.

10. An ice article comprising an inner core completely or partially surrounded by an outer layer, wherein the inner core comprises an agent which has a stimulating or soothing effect when ingested.

11. A method of forming the ice articles as claimed in any one of claims l to io, the method comprising forming an ice article by:

(a) freezing material of the outer layer of the article in a mould to form an outer layer base;

(b) melting a portion of the outer layer base to form a cavity for receiving material of the inner core of the article; and

(c) placing the material of the inner core in the cavity and freezing said material if it is not already frozen.

12. A method as claimed in claim n, the method further comprising:

(d) forming an additional portion of outer layer, to completely encase the inner core.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein step (d) comprises first shaping the frozen inner core and outer layer and then freezing additional outer layer material in a further mould.

14. An apparatus for manufacturing the ice articles as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, or for use in a method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a mould for forming the outer layer base; and

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a shaping element for shaping a frozen inner core and outer layer.

16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14 or 15, further comprising a further mould for freezing additional outer layer material onto the existing outer layer and core material.

17. A method of forming the ice articles as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising forming an ice article by:

(a) freezing material of the outer layer of the article in one or more moulds to form two sections of the outer layer;

(b) freezing material of the inner core in a mould; (c) assembling the two outer layer sections around the inner core; and

(d) bonding the parts to one another to form an ice article.

18. A method of forming the ice articles as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising forming an ice article by:

(a) adding material of the outer layer of the article to a mould and positioning a conduit extending from outside the mould into the central region of the mould;

material in the mould is frozen, but the inner portion is in liquid form;

(d) adding material of the inner core to the central region of the mould through the conduit;

(e) removing the conduit; and

(f) optionally freezing the inner core and/ or blocking a hole in the outer layer left by the removed conduit.

19. A method of forming the ice articles as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising forming an ice article by:

(e) removing the pin from the ice article.

20. A method of adding an agent to a beverage by adding an ice article to said beverage, the ice article comprising an inner core completely or partially surrounded by an outer layer, wherein the inner core comprises the agent and wherein the agent has a stimulating, a soothing and/or a sensory effect.

21. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the agent is a stimulant or aloe vera.