Apparatus for making and storing shaped ice

Abstract

An ice bucket apparatus having bucket sidewalls and a bucket base. The sidewalls and the base are interconnected to define a bucket chamber. The apparatus includes a number of spaced apart cups that are sized and shaped to receive an amount of a fluid for freezing at a fluid freezing temperature and also a fluid passageway that fluidly interconnects the cups. The passageway has a fluid inlet opening and a fluid stop end that is located away from the opening. The fluid opening is sized and shaped to receive the fluid.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR MAKING AND STORING SHAPED ICE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present generally concerns ice buckets, and in particular an ice bucket apparatus for preparing and storing shaped ice.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Ice cube trays are well known and widely used in most households to prepare ice cubes and store them in a freezer until they are ready for use. While the use of an ice cube tray is seemingly straightforward, they do however suffer from a number of disadvantages. Specifically, the ice cube trays, which are typically made from plastic material, may develop cracks over time because to remove the ice cubes, a user typically will need to either bang the tray against a hard surface, or twist and bend the tray. Furthermore, over time some plastic material can become brittle if either stored at sub-zero temperatures or repeatedly removed, emptied and refilled using water, usually at or just below ambient temperature. Also, once the ice cubes are loosened, the user must then remove the cubes using their fingers. This can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, unhygienic. Moreover, ice cubes, which are located adjacent the edge of the ice tray are the most difficult to remove, often requiring the use of a fingernail or knife to remove. This of course can be hazardous.

[0006] A number of ice cube bucket designs are currently available which include a bucket having a smaller bucket located inside where water can be poured. In this design, the user is required to push down the inside bucket so that water pressure moves around the outer bucket. This has a number of drawbacks, one of which is that this operation creates a bulky ice block underneath the inside bucket. The ice block makes it difficult to remove the inside bucket because it too is frozen. Moreover, to remove the formed bucket the user needs to squeeze it, which causes the formed ice cubes to typically fall off in the middle.

[0007] Also, ice cube trays are generally available in different materials and designs. However, these must be small enough to fit into a standard freezer.

[0008] Thus, there is a need for an inexpensive and easy-to-use ice bucket in which shaped ice can be prepared and removed without damage to the tray or injury to the fingers. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0009] We have significantly reduced, or essentially eliminated, the problems associated with conventional ice buckets and ice trays by designing a novel and unobvious hexagonally-shaped ice bucket apparatus which has a number of fluid passageways fluidly interconnecting a plurality of compartmentalized ice trays. The ice trays include a plurality of shaped indents (ice cups) which are used to produce shape ice. A portion of the ice trays project outwardly from the bucket sidewalls to permit a user to apply a releasing force thereagainst to release the shaped ice, which then falls into the bucket. In one example, a quick-release tongued mechanism temporarily connects each pair of trays and permits a select amount of ice to be released into the bucket._Not only does this permit shaped ice to be prepared and quickly removed without damaging the ice tray, the design advantageously permits removal of one tray while the other five trays remain contained in their respective compartments. A food grade temperature-sensitive thermal indicator is impregnated in one of the ice trays to alert the user that the ice has reached a frozen temperature and that it is ready for use. Various ice shapes may be produced including conventional ice cubes and ice spheres.

[0010] The bucket is constructed using silicone which is both flexible at low temperatures, but also includes a food grade thermal indicator material disposed therein. The indicator provides a visual indication as to when optimal ice making had occurred. Advantageously, the user can choose to use either one ice tray or more while the remainders are kept in their compartment and can be used another time. Once selected, the ice cubes then can easily fall off into the middle of the bucket by removing the plastic cover and squeezing the silicone bucket. Furthermore, a shovel scoop is attached to a bucket lid to remove the ice when needed. The empty tray compartment(s) can be refilled with water again even if other compartments already have frozen ice cubes.

[0011] Accordingly, in one embodiment there is provided an ice bucket apparatus having a plurality of bucket sidewalls and a bucket base, the bucket sidewalls and the bucket base being interconnected to define a bucket chamber, the apparatus comprising: a first plurality of spaced apart cups sized and shaped to receive therein an amount of a fluid for freezing at a fluid freezing temperature; and a first fluid passageway fluidly interconnecting the first plurality of spaced apart cups, the first fluid passageway having a first fluid inlet opening and a first fluid stop end located away from the first fluid opening, the first fluid opening being sized and shaped to receive therein the fluid.

[0012] In one example, the apparatus further including: a second plurality of spaced apart cups sized and shaped to receive therein the fluid for freezing at the fluid freezing temperature; and a second fluid passageway fluidly interconnecting the second plurality of spaced apart cups, the second fluid passageway having a second fluid inlet opening and a second fluid stop end located away from the second fluid inlet opening, the plurality of cups and the fluid passageways defining a first freezing zone.

[0013] In one example, the first plurality of spaced apart cups, the first fluid passageway, the second plurality of cups and the second fluid passageway being arranged in two substantially parallel rows. The first and second plurality of cups extend away from the bucket sidewall. The first and second plurality of spaced apart cups each having a cup opening disposed inwardly towards the bucket chamber.

[0014] In one example, the apparatus further includes a slidably removable cover plate sized and shaped to cover the cup openings of the spaced apart cups, the slidably removable cover plate being mounted on a guide member located on an inner bucket sidewall face and disposed towards the bucket chamber. The guide member includes guide rails sized and shaped to slidably engage the slidably removable cover plate, the slidably removable cover plate being sealingly engageable with the stop ends of the first and second fluid passageways. The slidably removable cover plate is mounted away from the cup openings and defines a gap therebetween. The slidably removable cover plate includes a finger grip.

[0015] In one example, the first and second plurality of cups are integral with the bucket sidewall. In one example, the first and second plurality of cups includes a first row of six cups and a second row of six cups.

[0016] In one example, the first and second plurality of cups are cuboid shaped.

[0017] In one example, the bucket base includes a bucket drain opening.

[0018] In one example, the apparatus further includes a cover lid sized and shaped for a snug interference fit with the bucket sidewalls.

[0019] In another example, the apparatus includes six bucket sidewalls interconnected to defines a hexagonally shaped bucket.

[0020] In one example, the apparatus includes six slidably removable cover plates.

[0021] In one example, the bucket sidewalls include a temperature-sensitive colored dye. The temperature sensitive dye changes color from colorless to blue, the blue color being indicative of a temperature of from o degrees Celsius to minus 5 degrees Celsius.

[0022] In one example, the bucket sidewall includes a plurality of spaced apart sidewall openings sized and shaped to snuggly receive therein the plurality of the first and second spaced apart cups. A first ice tray includes a plurality of first, spaced apart cups sized and shaped to snuggly engage the plurality of spaced apart sidewall openings, the plurality of first, spaced apart cups each having a first cup opening disposed towards the bucket chamber. A second ice tray includes a plurality of second spaced apart cups each having second cup opening sized and shaped to cover the first cup opening, the first and second ice trays being releasably connectable to each other. The first ice tray includes a tongue receiving opening and the second tray includes a resilient tongue member, the tongue member being releasably connectable with the tongue receiving opening. The first ice tray is made from a resilient material. The resilient material is silicone. The silicone material the bucket sidewalls include a temperature-sensitive colored dye. The temperature sensitive dye changes color from colorless to blue, the blue color being indicative of a temperature of from o degrees Celsius to minus 5 degrees Celsius. The second ice tray is made from a plastic material. The first and second plurality of cups includes a first row of five cups and a second row of five cups. In one example, the apparatus includes six bucket sidewalls interconnected to define a hexagonally shaped bucket.

[0023] In another example, a first bucket sidewall includes cuboid-shaped cups and a second bucket sidewall located adjacent to the first bucket sidewall includes spherical shaped cups. The bucket sidewalls include alternating different shaped cups

[0024] In one example, the bucket base includes a bucket drain opening.

[0025] In another example, the apparatus further includes a cover lid sized and shaped for a snug interference fit with the bucket sidewalls.

[0026] Accordingly, in another embodiment there is provided a bucket apparatus for ice shaped ice, the apparatus comprising six bucket sidewalls each having a plurality of spaced apart openings located therein, the spaced apart openings being arranged in two substantially parallel rows, a bucket base interconnecting the six bucket sidewalls to define a bucket chamber; each of the bucket sidewalls includes a first ice tray having located therein a first plurality of spaced apart cups sized and shaped for snug location in the spaced apart openings, and a second ice tray releasably connected to the first ice tray, the second ice tray having a second plurality of spaced apart cups; each of the first and second plurality of spaced apart cups including first and second fluid passageways fluidly interconnecting the spaced apart cups, the fluid passageways being sized and shaped to receive therein an amount of a fluid to be frozen at a fluid freezing temperature

[0027] In one example, the first ice tray includes a tongue receiving opening and the second tray includes a resilient tongue member, the tongue member being releasably connectable with the tongue receiving opening.

[0028] In another example, the first ice tray is made from a resilient material. The resilient material is silicone. The silicone include a temperature-sensitive colored dye. The temperature sensitive dye changes color from colorless to blue, the blue color being indicative of a temperature of from o degrees Celsius to minus 5 degrees Celsius. In another example, the second ice tray is made from a plastic material.

[0029] In another example, the first and second plurality of cups includes a first row of five cups and a second row of five cups.

[0030] In one example, the apparatus includes six bucket sidewalls interconnected to define a hexagonally shaped bucket.

[0031] In another example, a first bucket sidewall includes cuboid-shaped cups and a second bucket sidewall located adjacent to the first bucket sidewall includes spherical shaped cups. The bucket sidewalls include alternating different shaped cups.

[0032] In another example, the first and second plurality of cups are cuboid shaped.

[0033] In another example, the bucket base includes a bucket drain opening.

[0034] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] These and other features of that described herein will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

[0036] Fig. i is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hexagonally-shaped ice bucket with a cover lid removed;

[0037] Fig. 2 is a perspective worm’s eye view of the ice bucket of Fig. i showing a drainage opening;

[0038] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the ice bucket of Fig. i showing a slidable cover plate partially removed from the ice bucket;

[0039] Fig. 4 is a perspective top view of the ice bucket of Fig. 3 with a slidable cover plate completely removed;

[0040] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the ice bucket showing a plurality of sidewall ice cups and guide rails;

[0041] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an ice bucket apparatus with a cover lid in place and two sets of shaped ice cups; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the ice bucket apparatus of Fig. 6 with the cover lid removed;

[0042] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the ice bucket apparatus of Fig. 6 with the cover lid removed showing an internal bucket chamber;

[0043] Fig. 9 is a plan view of the ice bucket apparatus of Fig. 6 with the cover lid removed showing a hexagonal sidewall configuration;

[0044] Fig. io is a perspective worm’s eye view of the hexagonal ice bucket apparatus showing shaped openings located in the ice bucket sidewalls and showing a drain opening in the bucket base;

[0045] Fig. ii is a close-up view of an upper portion of a silicone ice tray showing two fluid passageways with two sets of ice cups;

[0046] Fig. 12 is a close-up partial perspective side view of a plastic ice tray showing a connecting tongue; and

[0047] Fig. 13 is a close-up partial perspective view of a connecting tongue connecting a plastic ice tray and a silicone ice tray showing the location of square-shaped ice cups.

[0048] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Definitions

[0050] Unless otherwise specified, the following definitions apply:

[0051] The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include corresponding plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0052] As used herein, the term “comprising” is intended to mean that the list of elements following the word “comprising” are required or mandatory but that other elements are optional and may or may not be present.

[0053] As used herein, the term “consisting of’ is intended to mean including and limited to whatever follows the phrase “consisting of’. Thus, the phrase “consisting of’ indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory and that no other elements may be present.

[0054] Referring to FIGs 1 through 4, there is shown generally at 10 a first embodiment of a hexagonal shaped bucket apparatus for preparing and storing ice cubes. The bucket 10 includes six walls 12, a first upper end portion 14, a second lower end portion 16, which forms a bucket base 18 and a hexagonal-shaped lid 20. The bucket base 18 includes a drainage opening 22 for excess water to run out. An optional scoop 24 is located in the lid 20 and is maintained in a snug fit using a snap latch 26. The lid 20 is hexagonal shaped and is sized for a snug interference fit in the first upper end portion 14 of the bucket 10. A hexagonal lip 28 extends generally orthogonally from the first upper end portion 14 and is connected thereto so as to receive the lid 20. Generally speaking, the location of the lid 20 provides thermal insulation so that ice cubes once formed are maintained in a frozen state. Each of the six walls 12 of the bucket 10 are essentially identical in size and shape. Each of the six walls 12 are connected to an adjacent wall at an angled junction 28, the internal angle being 120 degrees.

[0055] Referring more specifically to Figs 3, 4 and 5, broadly speaking each of the six walls 12 includes a resilient tray member 30, a guide member 32, and a cover sheet (also referred to as a cover plate) 34. The tray member 30 includes a plurality of idents (or wells / cups) 36 located therein. The indents 36 are arranged along two substantially parallel rows 38, 40 and spaced apart from each other. In one example, the tray member 30 includes six independent indents 36 which are arranged along the spaced apart rows 38, 40 thereby providing twelve ice cube containing indents 36 located in each wall 12. A person skilled in the art will recognize that although six indents 36 are illustrated in the examples given, the number of indents may be greater than six or less than six, depending on the needs of the user. The indents 36 are generally cuboid in shape. Typically, the ice bucket 10 has a total of sixty ice cubes (2 x 2 cm each ice cube). The six walls 12 form an ice chamber 37 into which the ice cubes fall once they are released. So as to permit filling with water prior to freezing, each of the indents 36 in the rows 38, 40 is in fluid communication with an adjacent indent. First and second fluid pathways 42, 44 fluidly interconnect the independent indents 36 to permit water to fill the indents 36. In the examples illustrated, the number of indents is six per row. However, five indents per row is also possible depending on the needs of the user. Referring specifically to Figs. 3 and 4, the guide member 32 is connected to the resilient tray member 30 and extends between the first and the second end portions 14, 16 and into the ice chamber 37. The cover sheet 34 is slidably connected to the guide member 32 and is sized and shaped to cover the indents 36 and spaced apart therefrom to define a gap 46 therebetween, which in turn defines an ice-making compartment 48. The cover sheet 34 is sealingly engaged with the second lower end portion 16 of the resilient tray member 30 in an ice making configuration.

[0056] As best seen in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, the guide member 32 includes first and second spaced apart guide rails 50, 52. The cover sheet 34 includes first and second side connector edges 54, 56 for slidably engaging the respective first and second guide rails 50, 52. The cover sheet 34 includes a first sheet end 58, a second sheet end 60, an inwardly disposed panel 62 and an outwardly disposed panel 64. The cover sheet includes a finger grip 66 connected to the first sheet end 58. The finger grip 66 is disposed generally orthogonal relative to the cover sheet 34. During a filling operation, the cover sheet 34 is sealingly engaged with the guide rails 50, 52.

[0057] The resilient tray member 30 is made from silicone with an amount of a food grade thermochromic pigment dispersed in the silicone. The pigment colour is changeable from transparent to blue over a predetermined time. The pigment is transparent at ambient temperature and blue at between about zero degrees Celsius to about minus five degrees Celsius.

[0058] Referring to FIGs 6 through 13, there is shown generally at 100 a second embodiment of a hexagonal shaped bucket apparatus for preparing and storing ice cubes and ice spheres. The design of the second embodiment 100 is essentially identical to the first embodiment 100. The bucket 100 includes six walls 102, a first upper end portion 104, a second lower end portion 106, which forms a bucket base 108 and a hexagonalshaped lid no. The bucket base 108 includes a drainage opening 112 for excess water to run out. The lid no is hexagonal shaped and is sized for a snug interference fit in the first upper end portion 104 of the bucket 100. The bucket 100 includes six rounded joints 114 that interconnect each of the six walls 102, which define an internal angle of 120 degrees between adjacent walls. A contiguous base joint 116 interconnects the six walls 102 at the base no. When viewed from the side, the apparatus 100 is generally trapezoidal such that the first upper end portion 104 forms a boundary 118 of a bucket opening 120 that is larger than the base 108.

[0059] The lid no includes a connecting portion 122 that forms the snug interference fit with the first upper end portion 104 of the bucket 100. When in place, the lid no provides thermal insulation so that, once formed, ice cubes / ice spheres are maintained in a frozen state. Each of the six walls 102 of the bucket 100 are essentially identical in size and shape.

[0060] Referring now specifically to Figs 6 and 11, the six walls 102 each include a row of openings 124 therein. In the example shown, two substantially parallel rows 126, 128 each includes five shaped openings 130 extending from the base 108 to the upper edge portion 104. The parallel openings 130 define an ice-making zone 132. One zone 134 includes a plurality of circular openings 136. Another zone 138 adjacent to the first zone 134, includes a plurality of square-shaped openings 140. This pattern is repeated so that each wall includes a different zone of openings.

[0061] As best seen in Figs 7 to 13, the bucket sidewalls 102 are designed to include an ice forming enclosure 142 located on an inner portion 144 of the bucket. Each of the ice forming enclosures 142 includes a first ice tray 146 and a second ice tray 148. The first ice tray 146 and the second ice tray 148 are connected to each other to define fluid passageways 150, 151 therebetween. When engaged with each other a fluid charging opening 152 is defined at an upper end 154 of the enclosure 142 to permit fluid to be added into the enclosure 142. In the examples used herein, the fluid is water, although other water-based fluids are also contemplated such as juices and the like.

[0062] Each one of the first ice tray 146 is sized and shaped to be registrable with the openings in the walls. In all, there are six first ice trays, three of which include semi-circular indents 156 and three of which include square-shaped (cuboid) indents 158. In the examples shown, the first ice trays are arranged such that the semicircular indent trays are adjacent the squared shaped indents so that there is an alternating arrangement of tray patterns. A first plurality of ice trays 142 are sized and shaped for snug engagement with each of the openings 130 in the bucket sidewalls 102. The ice trays 142 include two rows of spaced apart shaped indents which complement the openings in each of the freezing zones. Thus, as illustrated each of the first plurality of ice trays includes ten indents, one set being semi-circular to register with the circular openings. Another ice tray includes ten indents that are square shaped to register with the square shaped openings. The first plurality of ice trays are constructed from silicone. The silicone material is selected because of its resilience, even at temperatures below zero degrees Celsius.

[0063] As specifically illustrated in Figs 12, 13 and 14, the first and second ice trays 146, 148 are releasably connected using a quick-release tongue and opening configuration 160. A resilient tongue member 162 is located on an upper portion of the first tray and is engageable with an opening 164 located on an upper portion of the second tray. The user can, once, the fluid is frozen, release a desired tray to release the shaped ice into the bucket chamber

[0064] Advantageously, the ice bucket 100 allows the use of six (6) ice cube / ice sphere trays which produce sixty (60) ice cubes / ice spheres in total. For an aesthetically pleasing end product, the dimensions of the ice cubes / spheres measure 2 cm each. Using the fluid passageways and a small funnel, the ice cube / ice sphere trays are easy to fill with water. They fill separately with no waste or mess, and are thus highly efficient.

[0065] Furthermore, in freezers that may have little or no light, or indeed to help a user to determine when the ice is ready, the color-changing dye in which the trays turn dark blue indicating zero-degree temperature readiness. In addition to the colourchanging technology, the ice trays are made from material that permits easy to “pop out” ice cubes, which allow the application of gentle pressure to remove as many units as needed. From a versatility perspective, the ice bucket is also a stand-alone ice bucket. Furthermore, the color-changing indicator that gradually changes from their original shade to a dark blue color once the ice cubes and ice balls become ready, and then reverts to the initial color when the bucket reaches room temperature. Operation

[0066] In both embodiments of the ice bucket, the operation is essentially identical. Referring to Figs, i, 3 and 4, as an example, water (as a first fluid state at ambient temperature) is poured into the gap between the cover sheets and the resilient tray members of the bucket 10. The user then locates the bucket in a freezer. After the water has frozen solid (as a second fluid state), the user can easily release the ice cubes from one or more of the resilient tray members. To do so, the user slides one or more of the cover sheets away from the base and then applies a release force against the tray member. The resilience of the wall permits the ice cubes to release from the tray and fall into the ice collection chamber 37. The user can then, if desired, remove the scoop from the lid and scoop the ice cubes from the chamber. Once the desired amount of ice cubes are removed, the user may then replace the lid. Advantageously, a user may replenish the empty indents by adding water via the gap at the upper end so that that the empty indents are filled with water and the bucket can then be placed in the freezer until such time as the user needs ice.

[0067] Furthermore, the finger grip is located to permit easy access to a finger to allow the user to slide the cover sheet up and away from the base. The ice cubes are removed by squeezing the bucket and the ice cubes will fall in the middle of the bucket.

[0068] The six separate compartments permits the user to select one or more trays while the other ice cube trays are intact in their compartment and could be used another time. Moreover, when the ice bucket is in the freezer the colour of the bucket will eventually change to a different colour indicating when it has reached a temperature sufficiently cold, typically to minus 5°C. If the temperature around the bucket decreases to less than minus 5°C, the bucket will return to its original colour. Thus, if there are trays that already have frozen ice and other trays that are newly refilled with water, the user will be able to distinguish between them by the colour of the bucket.

[0069] Also, the bucket will be made of silicone material and the slidable cover can be made of rigid plastic to seal the water which is on the sidewall.

[0070] The silicone tray changes color to blue once the water reaches zero-degree temperature, indicating it is read. This indicates that the plastic tray(s) can be released and removed, allowing the ice cubes or ice spheres to fall into the bucket chamber. The resilient cups which extend away from the bucket sidewall can be pushed using the fingers to seamlessly release the shaped ice as needed. Other Embodiments

[0071] From the foregoing description, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein to adapt it to various usages and conditions.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat Is Claimed Is:

1. An ice bucket apparatus having a plurality of bucket sidewalls and a bucket base, the bucket sidewalls and the bucket base being interconnected to define a bucket chamber, the apparatus comprising: a first plurality of spaced apart cups sized and shaped to receive therein an amount of a fluid for freezing at a fluid freezing temperature; and a first fluid passageway fluidly interconnecting the first plurality of spaced apart cups, the first fluid passageway having a first fluid inlet opening and a first fluid stop end located away from the first fluid opening, the first fluid opening being sized and shaped to receive therein the fluid.

2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, further including: a second plurality of spaced apart cups sized and shaped to receive therein the fluid for freezing at the fluid freezing temperature; and a second fluid passageway fluidly interconnecting the second plurality of spaced apart cups, the second fluid passageway having a second fluid inlet opening and a second fluid stop end located away from the second fluid inlet opening, the plurality of cups and the fluid passageways defining a first freezing zone.

3. The apparatus, according to claim 2, in which the first plurality of spaced apart cups, the first fluid passageway, the second plurality of cups and the second fluid passageway being arranged in two substantially parallel rows.

4. The apparatus, according to claim 3, in which the first and second plurality of cups extend away from the bucket sidewall.

5. The apparatus, according to claim 2, in which the first and second plurality of spaced apart cups each having a cup opening disposed inwardly towards the bucket chamber.

6. The apparatus, according to claim 5, further includes a slidably removable cover plate sized and shaped to cover the cup openings of the spaced apart cups, the slidably removable cover plate being mounted on a guide member located on an inner bucket sidewall face and disposed towards the bucket chamber.

7. The apparatus, according to claim 6, in which the guide member includes guide rails sized and shaped to slidably engage the slidably removable cover plate, the slidably removable cover plate being sealingly engageable with the stop ends of the first and second fluid passageways.

8. The apparatus, according to claim 6, in which the slidably removable cover plate is mounted away from the cup openings and defines a gap therebetween.

9. The apparatus, according to claim 7, in which the slidably removable cover plate includes a finger grip.

10. The apparatus, according to claim 2, in which the first and second plurality of cups are integral with the bucket sidewall.

11. The apparatus, according to claim 2, in which the first and second plurality of cups includes a first row of six cups and a second row of six cups.

12. The apparatus, according to claim 2, in which the first and second plurality of cups are cuboid shaped.

13. The apparatus, according to claim 1, in which the bucket base includes a bucket drain opening.

14. The apparatus, according to claim 1, further includes a cover lid sized and shaped for a snug interference fit with the bucket sidewalls.

15. The apparatus, according to claim 1, includes six bucket sidewalls interconnected to define a hexagonally shaped bucket.

16. The apparatus, according to claim 15, includes six slidably removable cover plates.17- The apparatus, according to claim 15, in which the bucket sidewalls include a temperature-sensitive colored dye.

18. The apparatus, according to claim 17, in which the temperature sensitive dye changes color from colorless to blue, the blue color being indicative of a temperature of from o degrees Celsius to minus 5 degrees Celsius.

19. The apparatus, according to claim 2, in which the bucket sidewall includes a plurality of spaced apart sidewall openings sized and shaped to snuggly receive therein the plurality of the first and second spaced apart cups.

20. The apparatus, according to claim 19, in which a first ice tray includes a plurality of first, spaced apart cups sized and shaped to snuggly engage the plurality of spaced apart sidewall openings, the plurality of first, spaced apart cups each having a first cup opening disposed towards the bucket chamber.

21. The apparatus, according to claim 20, in which a second ice tray includes a plurality of second spaced apart cups each having second cup opening sized and shaped to cover the first cup opening, the first and second ice trays being releasably connectable to each other.

22. The apparatus, according to claim 21, in which the first ice tray includes a tongue receiving opening and the second tray includes a resilient tongue member, the tongue member being releasably connectable with the tongue receiving opening.

23. The apparatus, according to claim 20, in which the first ice tray is made from a resilient material.

24. The apparatus, according to claim 23, in which the resilient material is silicone.

25. The apparatus, according to claim 24, in which the silicone material the bucket sidewalls include a temperature-sensitive colored dye.

26. The apparatus, according to claim 25, in which the temperature sensitive dye changes color from colorless to blue, the blue color being indicative of a temperature of from o degrees Celsius to minus 5 degrees Celsius.

27. The apparatus, according to claim 20, in which the second ice tray is made from a plastic material.

28. The apparatus, according to claim 21, in which the first and second plurality of cups includes a first row of five cups and a second row of five cups.

29. The apparatus, according to claim 20, includes six bucket sidewalls interconnected to define a hexagonally shaped bucket.

30. The apparatus, according to claim 29, in which a first bucket sidewall includes cuboid-shaped cups and a second bucket sidewall located adjacent to the first bucket sidewall includes spherical shaped cups.

31. The apparatus, according to claim 28, in which the bucket sidewalls include alternating different shaped cups32. The apparatus, according to claim 1, in which the bucket base includes a bucket drain opening.

33. The apparatus, according to claim 1, further includes a cover lid sized and shaped for a snug interference fit with the bucket sidewalls.

34. A bucket apparatus for ice shaped ice, the apparatus comprising six bucket sidewalls each having a plurality of spaced apart openings located therein, the spaced apart openings being arranged in two substantially parallel rows, a bucket base interconnecting the six bucket sidewalls to define a bucket chamber; each of the bucket sidewalls includes a first ice tray having located therein a first plurality of spaced apart cups sized and shaped for snug location in the spaced apart openings, and a second ice tray releasably connected to the first ice tray, the second ice tray having a second plurality of spaced apart cups; each of the first and second plurality of spaced apart cups including first and second fluid passageways fluidly interconnecting the spaced apart cups, the fluid passageways being sized and shaped to receive therein an amount of a fluid to be frozen at a fluid freezing temperature35- The apparatus, according to claim 34, in which the first ice tray includes a tongue receiving opening and the second tray includes a resilient tongue member, the tongue member being releasably connectable with the tongue receiving opening.

36. The apparatus, according to claim 34, in which the first ice tray is made from a resilient material.

37. The apparatus, according to claim 36, in which the resilient material is silicone.

38. The apparatus, according to claim 36, in which the silicone include a temperature-sensitive colored dye.

39. The apparatus, according to claim 38, in which the temperature sensitive dye changes color from colorless to blue, the blue color being indicative of a temperature of from o degrees Celsius to minus 5 degrees Celsius.

40. The apparatus, according to claim 35, in which the second ice tray is made from a plastic material.

41. The apparatus, according to claim 34, in which the first and second plurality of cups includes a first row of five cups and a second row of five cups.

42. The apparatus, according to claim 34, includes six bucket sidewalls interconnected to define a hexagonally shaped bucket.

43. The apparatus, according to claim 34, in which a first bucket sidewall includes cuboid-shaped cups and a second bucket sidewall located adjacent to the first bucket sidewall includes spherical shaped cups.

44. The apparatus, according to claim 34, in which the bucket sidewalls include alternating different shaped cups45. The apparatus, according to claim 41, in which the first and second plurality of cups are cuboid shaped.

46. The apparatus, according to claim 34, in which the bucket base includes a bucket drain opening.

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