Refrigeration – Processes – Congealing flowable material – e.g. – ice making
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-15
2001-11-06
Doerrler, William (Department: 3744)
Refrigeration
Processes
Congealing flowable material, e.g., ice making
C099S517000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311500
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to packaging for liquids, and more particularly for packaging for water-base liquids.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Ice cubes are widely used throughout the world to chill drinks, such as water, juices, mixed drinks and alcoholic drinks. Typically, ice cubes are made by taking a tray having a plurality of trough-like compartments and filling the same with tap water from the sink. The tray is then placed into a freezer until the water freezes forming the ice cubes which can then be removed from the plurality of troughs as needed. Over the last decade, public awareness has increased about the significant health risks from contaminants such as lead and PCBs that are associated with drinking tap water. As a result, consumers are spending increasing amounts of money to purchase water bottled from natural springs and other sources free of contaminants instead of drinking tap water. The sale of bottled water is presently a billion dollar market.
Although consumers are spending significant sums to purchase bottled water, they still typically use ice cubes made form tap water to chill their drinks. Thereby defeating the purpose of purchasing and consuming healthier bottled water.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,976 to Cederroth Et. al., incorporated by reference herein discloses freezing “pure” spring water to form ice cubes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention in one embodiment provides packaging for ice cubes comprised of a plurality of non-rigid, bag like compartments which are coupled together along detachable perforated edges and which are filled with spring water, mineral water, or the like. The packaging and the water therein can be sold off the shelf in stores in liquid form at room temperature. When placed in a freezer, the water freezes and an ice cube can be removed from each compartment. Each compartment includes a clear or opaque front surface through which the liquid water of frozen ice cube can be viewed, and a foil back surface. When the water freezes, an ice cube can be individually removed from a compartment by pushing on its front surface thereby forcing the ice cube through the foil back surface. In a second embodiment, the packaging is comprised of a plurality of rigid, trough-like compartments that are coupled together along detachable perforated edges and are filled with spring water, mineral water or the like. Each compartment includes a top surface that can be removed so that the ice cube therein can be removed therefrom for use.
In another embodiment a method is provided which includes providing a mixture of distilled water and pure spring water. The mixture may be ninety percent distilled water and ten percent pure spring water. Pure spring water by itself does not freeze well. Frozen pure spring water has a charred, cloudy, jagged, and rough appearance. The mixture of distilled water and pure spring water, particularly in the combination ninety percent and ten percent, allows ice cubes to be formed which are smooth and clear. In addition after pouring a combination of spring water an distilled water into a chamber, and prior to freezing, it is beneficial to remove bacteria by for example first a nitrogen flush, and then ozination or gamma radiation. Without bacteria removal, bacteria may form on the top of the ice cubes or inside the ice cubes.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2162162 (1939-06-01), De Murguiondo
patent: 2955044 (1960-10-01), Tupper
patent: 2964920 (1960-12-01), Staebler
patent: 3783089 (1974-01-01), Hurst et al.
patent: 4813646 (1989-03-01), Fujio
patent: 4899976 (1990-02-01), Cederroth et al.
patent: 5393032 (1995-02-01), Cederroth
Ali Mohammad M.
Doerrler William
Tencza Jr. Walter J.
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