Static molds – Container-type molding device – Plural article forming mold – or molds with community feature
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-23
2001-04-03
Mackey, James P. (Department: 1722)
Static molds
Container-type molding device
Plural article forming mold, or molds with community feature
C249S121000, C249S126000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209849
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to ice cube trays, and more particularly to a device of this nature for use on moving vehicles, such as sailboats and the like.
Various forms of ice cube trays and like devices have been devised over the years. The typical tray comprises an elongated unit with a number of receptacles into which water is disposed, and the tray is placed in a freezer compartment of a refrigerator or other form of cooling device wherein the water freezes into ice cubes. Other devices of this nature include fully enclosed plastic containers which are partially filled with water, placed in the refrigerator, and once the water has frozen individual cubes can be shaken loose from the container.
These and similar types of devices serve their purpose well. However, in the case of a vehicle which moves, such as a sailboat, power boat and the like, an added problem exists; namely, the likelihood of water sloshing from an ice cube tray as the boat tips or rocks, and this also hampers freezing because of movement of the vehicle. Needless to say, if the water slouches from the tray it results in water in and around the freezing compartment and ultimately freezes, possibly causing the tray to stick, and other similar problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the concepts of the present invention, an ice cube tray device comprises a plurality of individual receptacles which are attachable to and detachable from a holding member such that the receptacles are each capped to prevent water or other liquids from sloshing therefrom in the event of movement prior to freezing of the liquid. Preferably, the containers are small plastic containers the tops of which fit within caps, much like containers for dispensing pharmaceutical pills and capsules. The caps are attached to the underside of a planar holder member in a suitable manner such as by fasteners or an adhesive, or formed integral with the planar member. In this way, one or more of the containers are supplied with water or other liquid to be frozen, and then reattached to the caps, and the device placed in a freezer compartment. When it is desired to use an ice cube or ice cubes, one or more of the containers are detached from the caps, and the resulting ice cubes are popped into the glass or other receptacle holding the liquid to be cooled. The containers can be any size, but typically they are selected to be of a size which holds one to several ounces of liquid. The holder preferably has a peripheral lip at the top to facilitate stacking of several of the ice cube trays, and has a rib or ridge to add rigidity.
The ability to detach one container to provide ice for one drink, for example, is particularly convenient and advantageous. Thus, individual molded cubes or solid cylinders of ice can be provided.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a new form of ice cube tray device.
Another object in the present invention is to provide an ice cube tray device having a plurality of containers individually detachable from a holder and wherein each container is essentially sealed into a cap on or in the underside of the holder, and each container is individually detachable for dispensing a single ice cube.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1964476 (1934-06-01), Newman
patent: 2100288 (1937-11-01), Horlacher
patent: 2166560 (1939-07-01), Schmelzer
patent: 2247018 (1941-06-01), Henning
patent: 2247019 (1941-06-01), Henning
patent: 2946207 (1960-07-01), Hulterstrum
patent: 5071331 (1991-12-01), Falco
H & D Product Development, LLC
Lyon & Lyon LLP
Mackey James P.
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