Container for storing and disposing of ice cubes

Abstract

To provide an ice storage container capable of directly providing ice cubes without discharging ice melting water from the container.SOLUTION: A container includes a first compartment having a bottom, a sidewall, and a dispensing opening near an upper edge. The first compartment has a total volume V1 and is suitable for containing ice cubes. The container further includes a second compartment arranged below the first compartment when the container is in its upright position, the second compartment being separated from the first compartment by the bottom portion of the first compartment, the bottom portion having a drain opening through which water can pass from the first compartment to the second compartment, a volume V2 of the second compartment arranged underneath the drain opening being at least 10% of the volume V1 and the volume V2 and the drain opening being arranged such that ice cubes can be dispensed from the first compartment of the container by tipping the container around a horizontal axis and shaking the ice cubes out of the first compartment without ice melt water leaving the volume V2 when the volume of ice melt water is less than 10% of the volume of V1 and the container is tipped 95 degrees from its upright position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container including a first compartment having a bottom, a side wall portion extending from the bottom to an upper edge portion, and a pouring opening in a first compartment near the upper edge portion, wherein the first compartment has a total volume V1 and is suitable for containing cubed ice.

Background Art

[0002] Containers used for storing cubed ice are sometimes called ice buckets or ice pails. In this specification, the term "container for storing ice" is used as being more general. In this specification, the disclosed containers are mainly intended for storing cubed ice. However, the containers of the present invention can also be used for storing crushed ice or other related products.

[0003] Containers for storing ice are well known in the art. Such containers typically have a compartment formed by a bottom and a side wall portion extending from the bottom towards a free upper edge portion, thereby forming a relatively large container with an opening for the compartment. Cubed ice can be placed inside the compartment and is usually taken out either in the form of a spoon / scoop or tongs.

[0004] Containers for storing ice come in various shapes and sizes. Some of them have insulated side walls. Some of them have lids. However, all existing containers are provided as containers designed to be placed on a flat surface such as a table, and then the cubed ice is manually taken out of the container and placed in another glass or container. This usually requires using two hands, one to hold the ice bucket and the other to hold the utensil or tongs. Otherwise, the container is made large enough to have inertia to keep the container from moving while taking out the cubed ice.

[0005] Below are some examples of more advanced containers for storing ice that have some similarities to the present invention. However, it should be noted that these prior art containers are of the traditional type, where the surface is placed and the ice is removed with a spoon / scoop or tongs.

[0006] Samples of several prior art ice buckets are provided in Patent Documents 1, 2, 3, and 4. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 0089733 [Patent Document 2] British Patent No. 2262158 [Patent Document 3] British Patent No. 691447 [Patent Document 4] British Patent No. 2300111 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is to provide a container for storing ice, as described in the opening paragraph, which allows ice cubes to be served directly without the need to touch the ice or use a spoon / utensil / tongs.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention is to provide a container for storing ice, as described in the opening paragraph, which separates ice from meltwater.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention is to provide a container for storing ice, as described in the opening paragraph, which can discharge ice cubes while retaining melted ice water inside the container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] These embodiments are a container further comprising a second compartment located below a first compartment when the container is in its upright position, the second compartment being separated from the first compartment by the bottom of the first compartment, the bottom having a drain opening through which water can pass from the first compartment to the second compartment, the volume V2 of the second compartment located below the drain opening being at least 10% of the volume V1, and the volume V2 and the drain opening are at least partially solved by the container, which is arranged such that when the container is tilted about a horizontal axis and the volume of melted ice water is less than 10% of the volume V1, the ice cubes can be poured out of the first compartment of the container by shaking the ice cubes out of the first compartment without the melted ice water leaving the volume V2. In this way, when the container is upright, the melted ice water will flow down into the second compartment through the drain opening. Next, when the container is tilted to dispense ice cubes, the second compartment will capture the melted ice water and prevent it from spilling out.

[0012] In one embodiment, volume V2 is at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, or at least 50% of volume V1.

[0013] In one embodiment, the amount of ice melt water that can be contained when the container is tilted 95 degrees from its upright position is less than 20%, less than 30%, less than 40%, or less than 50% of the volume V1.

[0014] In one embodiment, the container may include a holding portion having a horizontal cross-section with a maximum outer width of less than 11 cm, less than 10 cm, or less than 9 cm. In this way, the user holds the container by then holding the outer surface of the container. In one embodiment, the holding portion has a forward narrow portion that is narrower than the maximum outer width of the holding portion and is positioned further from the user's hand than the position of the maximum outer width of the holding portion. In one embodiment, the holding portion is a handle and the forward narrow portion is a hollow area. In one embodiment, the holding portion is fixed in an appropriate position relative to the first compartment. In one embodiment, the holding portion is a fixed handle fixed in an appropriate position relative to the first compartment.

[0015] In one embodiment, the holding portion has a shape suitable for an average-sized woman's hand to hold the container upright and tilt it using only one hand. The holding portion can be manufactured in various ways that should be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the teachings herein.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first compartment has a pouring opening with a diameter of less than 15 cm, less than 13 cm, less than 10 cm, less than 7.5 cm, or less than 5 cm. In one embodiment of the container, the upper edge of the first compartment is formed by a spout.

[0017] In one embodiment, the container comprises an outer container having a bottom and side walls extending upward from the bottom toward an upper edge, and an inner container removably disposed within the outer container, the inner container forming a first compartment, and a second compartment formed between the inner container and the outer container.

[0018] In one embodiment, the central longitudinal axis of the outer container is horizontally offset from the central longitudinal axis of the inner container when the container is in an upright position. In this way, more volume can be utilized on one side of the container than on the other. By arranging the volume in this way, the outer diameter of the container itself can be reduced without reducing the amount of melted ice water that can be placed inside the container.

[0019] In one embodiment, there is a greater distance between the outer surface of the inner container and the inner surface of the outer container on one side of the container than on the other side of the container.

[0020] In one different embodiment, the inner container and the outer container are arranged concentrically.

[0021] In one embodiment, the inner container and the outer container are separated by an air gap. This can have a heat insulation effect. In another embodiment, the outer container is covered by an insulating cover, for example, a neoprene cover or a synthethic rubber cover. In one embodiment, the air gap includes a water retention element that holds a portion of the melt water in the air gap when the container is in its upright position. In one embodiment, the air gap is disposed above the volume V2. In one embodiment, the air gap is disposed between the inner surface of the outer portion of the container and the outer surface of the first section. In one embodiment, the air gap is disposed outside the first section. In one embodiment, the air gap completely surrounds the first section.

[0022] In one embodiment, the volume V2 located below the drain opening is in fluid communication with the air gap. Thus, when the container is tilted, a portion of the melt water can flow into the air gap.

[0023] In one embodiment, when the container is rotated 95 degrees from its upright position, the volume V3 of the second section disposed below the drain opening at the bottom of the first section is at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, or at least 50% of the total volume V1 of the first section.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first compartment includes a water capture element having a volume V4. In one embodiment, the volume V4 is at least 5%, at least 10%, or at least 15% of the volume V1. In one embodiment, the water capture element is in fluid communication with the bottom of the first compartment. In one embodiment, the water capture element is disposed above the bottom of the first compartment. In one embodiment, the water capture element opens in a direction towards the bottom of the first compartment such that water flowing along the side of the first compartment is captured within the channel and includes a channel disposed along at least a portion of the outer periphery of the pour spout opening. In one embodiment, the channel is disposed along the entire outer periphery of the pour spout opening.

[0025] It should be noted that in the current set of claims, the container includes first and second compartments and the melt water is captured in the second compartment. However, it is possible to imagine a container that does not have a second compartment and has only the first compartment and a water capture element disposed to be in fluid communication with the bottom of the first compartment as described herein. In this way, when the container is tilted, the melt water can be captured by the water capture element. This may be the subject of a divisional application in the future.

[0026] In one embodiment, the drain opening includes a valve that opens in an upright position and closes when the container is tilted beyond 50 degrees, beyond 60 degrees, beyond 70 degrees, or beyond 90 degrees.

[0027] In one embodiment, when the container is tilted 95 degrees and contains ice melt water at a volume less than 10% of its volume V1, the flow rate through the bottom is less than 1 liter / minute. It should be noted that this does not, in itself, disclose the flow rate through the drain opening. For example, as shown in Figure 1, there is a single drain opening of a relatively large diameter. The flow rate through this opening can be relatively large. However, the arrangement of the drain opening in Figure 1 is chosen to prevent flow through the opening when the container is tilted 95 degrees. In other embodiments, instead of having a single drain opening positioned to be advantageous in preventing flow at the tilted position, many smaller holes could be arranged at lower flow rates.

[0028] In one embodiment, the volume of melted ice water is less than 20%, less than 30%, less than 40%, or less than 50% of the volume V1. In one embodiment, the flow rate is less than 0.75 liters / min, less than 0.5 liters / min, or less than 0.4 liters / min. In one embodiment, the flow rate is less than 0.3 liters / min, less than 0.2 liters / min, or less than 0.1 liters / min.

[0029] In one embodiment, the container contains ice cubes in a first compartment. In another embodiment, the container contains crushed ice in a first compartment.

[0030] In one embodiment, the container further includes a displaceable ice pick, which is in the form of an elongated element having a length exceeding half the height of the container or exceeding half the height of the first compartment. In this way, the ice pick can be used to push into the ice cubes to loosen them from each other. In one embodiment, the length of the ice pick exceeds 60%, 75%, or 90% of the height of the container or the first compartment.

[0031] In one embodiment, the container further includes a displaceable lid, which has at least two positions: a first position in which the lid closes the pouring opening to prevent ice cubes stored in the container from leaving the container, and a second position in which the pouring opening is open to allow ice cubes stored in the container to leave the container through the pouring opening. In this way, the thermal insulation properties of the container can be improved if the lid also reduces the airflow around the ice cubes inside the container. Similarly, the lid can be used to control the movement of ice cubes through the pouring opening.

[0032] In one embodiment, the container includes a lid displacement mechanism configured to displace the lid between a first position and a second position, and to hold the lid in the first and second positions. In one embodiment, the lid displacement mechanism allows the lid to move freely between the first and second positions. In one embodiment, the lid displacement mechanism includes a biasing mechanism that biases the lid to the first and / or second positions.

[0033] In one embodiment, the lid displacement mechanism includes a hinge that connects the lid to the container in a rotatable manner so that the lid can pivot between a first position and a second position.

[0034] In one embodiment, as described above, the ice pick is attached to the lid. By attaching the lid and ice pick together, the user can operate the ice pick and lid as a single unit, instead of having to control two separate elements.

[0035] In one embodiment, the ice pick pivots with the lid as the lid is moved from a first position to a second position.

[0036] In one embodiment, the ice pick is positioned outside the container at both a first and second position of the lid, so that the user of the container can displace the ice pick to control the position of the lid. In one embodiment, the user can pivot the ice pick. In one embodiment, the user can move the ice pick up and down. In one embodiment, the user can rotate the ice pick about its longitudinal axis.

[0037] In one embodiment, the container includes a handle offset from the outer surface of the container, and the ice pick is positioned in the gap between the outer surface of the container and the surface of the handle facing the outer surface of the container.

[0038] In one embodiment, the ice pick is placed inside the container. In another embodiment, the ice pick is placed outside the first compartment.

[0039] It should be emphasized that, as used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” and “comprised of” are used to specify the presence of a described configuration, integer, step, or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other configurations, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

[0040] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying figures. It should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are for illustrative purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that the figures are shown in a very schematic manner to illustrate the principles of the invention without providing excessive detail that would complicate the figures. Similarly, for simplicity, cross-sectional views are shown schematicly, and only elements on the cross-section are shown. In this regard, elements located behind the cross-sectional plane are not shown, even if they would normally be shown in a full cross-sectional view. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1] A schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the container according to the present invention in an upright position is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of the container. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the container rotated 95 degrees from the upright position to the pouring position. [Figure 4] A schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the container according to the present invention in an upright position is shown. [Figure 5] A schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the container according to the present invention in an upright position is shown. [Figure 6] A schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the container according to the present invention in an upright position is shown. [Figure 7] A schematic cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the container according to the present invention in an upright position is shown. [Figure 8] A schematic cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the container according to the present invention in an upright position is shown. [Figure 9] A schematic detail cross-sectional view of the partition wall of the container in Figure 8 is shown, as defined by the circular region IX in Figure 8. [Figure 10] A schematic cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the container according to the present invention in an upright position is shown. [Figure 11] A schematic detail cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the partition wall of the container in Figure 10, as defined by the circular region XI in Figure 10, is shown. [Figure 12] A schematic cross-sectional view of the eighth embodiment of the container according to the present invention in an upright position is shown. [Figure 13] Figure 11 shows a schematic top view of the container. [Figure 14] This shows the container from Figure 12 rotated 95 degrees from its upright position, in the pouring position. [Figure 15] A schematic top view of the ninth embodiment of the container according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 16] A schematic cross-sectional view of a tenth embodiment of the container according to the present invention in an upright position is shown. [Figure 17] A detailed view of region XVII in Figure 16 is shown in an upright position. [Figure 18]Figure 16 shows the same region XVII, but after the container has been rotated to the pouring position. [Figure 19] A schematic cross-sectional view of the 11th embodiment of the container according to the present invention in an upright position is shown. [Figure 20] A schematic cross-sectional view of the twelfth embodiment of the container according to the present invention in an upright position is shown. [Figure 21] A schematic cross-sectional view of the 13th embodiment of the container according to the present invention in an upright position is shown. [Figure 22] A schematic cross-sectional view of the 14th embodiment of the container according to the present invention in an upright position is shown. [Figure 23] A schematic cross-sectional view of the 15th embodiment of the container according to the present invention in an upright position is shown. [Figure 24] A schematic cross-sectional view of the 16th embodiment of the container according to the present invention in an upright position is shown. [Figure 25] Figure 24 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the inner container of the container after it has been removed from the outer container. [Figure 26] Figure 25 shows a schematic top view of the flexible flap of the inner container. [Figure 27] A schematic side view of the 17th embodiment of the container according to the present invention in an upright position is shown. [Figure 28] Figure 27 shows a schematic side view of the container with the lid removed. [Figure 29] A schematic side view of the 18th embodiment of the container according to the present invention in an upright position is shown. [Figure 30] Figure 29 shows a schematic bottom view of the lid of the container. [Figure 31] A schematic top view of the container shown in Figure 29 without a lid is provided. [Figure 32] A schematic side view of the 19th embodiment of the container according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 33] Figure 32 shows a schematic side view of the container in the pivot position where the lid is in the first position. [Figure 34] Figure 32 shows a schematic side view of the container in the pivot position where the lid is in the second position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a container according to the present invention. The container includes an outer container 2 including a bottom 4, with a side wall 6 extending upward to a free upper edge 8 that forms an opening 10 in the outer container 2. An inner container 20 is positioned inside the outer container. The inner container also includes a bottom 22, with a side wall 24 extending upward from the bottom to an upper edge 26 that forms an opening 28 in the inner container. The inner container forms a first compartment 30 having a total volume V1, as shown by the dashed line. The inner container is positioned inside the outer container and is held in the center of a predetermined position in the outer container via an O-ring gasket 32 ​​positioned between the inner and outer containers.

[0043] The user can remove the inner container from the outer container by pulling the inner container out of the outer container. The O-ring gasket forms a friction fit between the two containers. Once the inner container is removed from the outer container, the two containers can be washed to remove any liquid between the inner and outer containers.

[0044] Ribs (not shown) or other forms of spacing elements (not shown) can be placed between the inner and outer containers to properly align the containers and prevent them from displacing relative to each other during use. These ribs or spacing elements can be attached to the outer surface of the inner container and / or the inner surface of the outer container.

[0045] When the inner container is placed inside the outer container, a second compartment 34 is formed in the space between the inner surface of the inner container and the outer surface of the inner container.

[0046] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 3, a small opening 36 is provided at the bottom of the inner container. When an ice cube is placed in the first compartment, the ice will melt slowly. The meltwater will flow down the ice cube and eventually reach the bottom 22 of the inner container 20. The meltwater will then flow through the opening 36 into the second compartment 34.

[0047] As can be seen from Figure 1, the small opening 35 is located at a distance H1 from the bottom of the outer container. Thus, the volume V2 shown by the dashed line is formed below the opening 36 of the inner container 20. As long as the volume of melted ice water is less than V2, there will be no melted ice water in the first compartment, and the ice cubes in the first compartment will remain dry. As the volume of melted ice water increases, some water will remain in the first compartment.

[0048] In this embodiment, the inner container 20 and the outer container 2 have different diameters. The side wall portion 24 of the inner container has an outer diameter D2, and the side wall portion 6 of the outer container has an outer diameter D1. Since diameter D2 is smaller than diameter D1, an air gap 38 exists between the inner and outer containers. In this embodiment, this air gap is in fluid communication with a second volume V2 at the bottom of the outer container. When the container is tilted around the horizontal axis, the melted ice water that has flowed into the bottom of the outer container flows into the air gap. This is shown in Figure 3.

[0049] If the container is not rotated too much, water will accumulate in the air gap even when the container is rotated, so water will not leak out of the opening. With this configuration, the ice cubes can be easily poured out of the container by simply tilting the container and shaking them out. Even if the container is tilted more than 90 degrees, the melted ice water will remain trapped inside the container and nothing will come out. In the illustrated embodiment, the volume of the second compartment located above the opening is greater than V2, and therefore the container can be rotated a full 180 degrees without any water leaking out of the second compartment.

[0050] Experience has shown that when ice cubes are placed in a compartment, air gaps will exist between them. From experience, it has been found that if a volume V1 is randomly filled with ice cubes, when those ice cubes melt, the meltwater will account for approximately 50% of the volume V1. This is partly due to air gaps between adjacent ice cubes and the volume reduction as the ice melts.

[0051] In one embodiment, to accept the worst-case scenario in which no ice cubes are consumed and all ice cubes melt, volume V2 must be about 50% of the volume of V1.

[0052] To define the required size of the air gap between the inner and outer containers, a volume V3 is defined and shown by the dashed line in Figure 3. This volume V3 is defined as the volume between the inner and outer containers located below the opening 36 when the containers are rotated 95% around the horizontal axis from their upright position. See Figure 3. Similar to volume V2, to satisfy the worst-case scenario, volume V3 is set to 50% of V1.

[0053] However, experience shows that users often consume at least some ice cubes before all of them melt. Similarly, it has been shown that separating ice cubes from the meltwater causes them to melt much more slowly. Therefore, in many cases, volumes V2 and V3 can be less than 50% of V1. For example, in many cases, a volume of 30% or 40% of V1 would be appropriate.

[0054] The diagram is a schematic representation, and the ratios of volumes V1, V2, and V3 from the diagram should not be interpreted literally. Container designers can select the ratios of V1, V2, and V3 according to the desired function. For example, reducing V2 and V3 may result in a smaller, more effective container. However, this will reduce the amount of meltwater that can be contained before mixing with ice cubes.

[0055] If the same container is used for a large portion of the ice cubes without regularly emptying the ice meltwater, volumes V2 and V3 can be made even larger than 50% of V1. This would allow more ice cubes to melt before the first compartment is filled with water.

[0056] In one embodiment, an indicator can be placed on the side wall of the outer container around the level of the opening 36. In this way, the indicator can show when the level of melted ice water reaches a critical value, and the user will know that the melted ice water needs to be emptied.

[0057] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, the melted ice water can be emptied by removing the inner container from the outer container, pouring water into the outer container, and then reattaching the inner container to the outer container.

[0058] One particularly beneficial aspect of this embodiment is that the outer container can be positioned with a diameter that can be held by the user with one hand. In this way, the user can grasp the outer diameter of the container, turn it upside down, pour out the ice cubes, and then place the container back upright. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the outer container can be about 10 cm. Larger diameters are also possible, but they will begin to become difficult to hold, especially for people with small hands.

[0059] This type of container for storing and dispensing ice cubes can also be used in conjunction with a larger ice bucket or bowl, for example, in a bar or restaurant. The bartender can submerge the container in the ice bowl or bucket, scoop out some ice cubes into the container, and then use the ice cubes without having to frequently put them into the ice bowl.

[0060] This diagram is highly schematic, and it should be understood that the basic functions can be provided by many different structural forms. Those skilled in the art of manufacturing containers can readily provide suitable structures to meet the requirements of this invention. Therefore, details are not provided here, as this would only add unnecessary extraneous information to this specification.

[0061] Figure 4 shows another embodiment 50 of the container according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the container is largely identical to that of Figure 1, and therefore identical components will not be described in detail. However, this embodiment has a lid 52 that is pivotally connected to the upper edge 26 of the inner container 20 via a hinge 54. When the container is turned upside down around an axis parallel to the hinge axis, the lid opens when the container is rotated more than 90 degrees, thereby allowing ice cubes to be poured out of the container. When the container is rotated back to its upright position, the lid will return to its closed position.

[0062] Suitable lids can be formed in many different forms, and it is claimed that those skilled in the art can provide suitable lid configurations, so no details are provided herein. For example, in this embodiment, the lid is hinged to the inner container, but in other non-limiting embodiments, the lid may be removable or manually pivotable from a closed position to an open position. The lid may also be provided as a flexible rubber flap that deforms when the container rotates more than 90 degrees from the upright position and ice cubes attempt to push past the lid.

[0063] In this embodiment, a handle 56 is also provided. This allows the use of a container with an outer diameter larger than that suitable for holding in a hand of normal size. The handle also restricts the use of the container and allows the user to more precisely determine the axis from which to tilt the container. This can be used to optimize the dimensions of the container, as will be discussed later. In this case, the handle is a fixed handle that allows the container to be tilted with one hand. This is in contrast to some prior art containers that include pivotable handles that allow the ice bucket to swing under the handle. With containers with pivotable handles, both hands must be used to tilt the bucket. In contrast, with a fixed handle, where the handle is fixed to the outer container, the user can use only one hand to tilt the container to pour out ice cubes.

[0064] Figure 5 shows a third embodiment 60. In this embodiment, the outer container 62 and the inner container 64 are manufactured as two separate elements and then welded / joined together at the upper edges (66) to form a fully sealed unit. The plug 68 at the base of the outer container can be opened to empty the ice melt water and clean the inside of the container.

[0065] Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment 70 of the container. In this case, a single element 72, including both an outer portion 74 and an inner portion 76, is manufactured, for example, in a blow molding operation. A plug 78 is positioned at the bottom of the container to allow water to be drained and the container to be cleaned.

[0066] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the container 80. In this case, the inner container 82 and the upper part 84 of the outer container are made from a single element, and the lower part 86 of the outer container is joined to the upper part of the outer container via a threaded joint 88 or other suitable connection. If you want to remove the ice melt water from the container, the two parts can be unscrewed. In this case, there is no need to provide a plug.

[0067] Figures 1 through 7 all show relatively similar embodiments in which the ice melt water is trapped in an air gap between the inner and outer containers when the container is tilted. However, these forms of construction require an air gap with a certain volume to function. If the volume of the air gap is too small, the ice melt water will spill out through the opening at the bottom of the inner container when the container is inverted.

[0068] However, in another embodiment, instead of forming a container with an air gap, the bottom of the first compartment is formed with an opening that allows for more flow from the first compartment to the second compartment in the upright position than from the second compartment to the first compartment in the pouring position.

[0069] Figure 8 shows this first embodiment 90. In this embodiment, the diameters of the inner container 92 and the outer container 94 are closer to each other, and the air gap 96 between the containers is much smaller. The volume V2 is the same as in the first embodiment, but the air gap is sealed via a gasket 98, and melted ice water cannot accumulate in the air gap 96.

[0070] However, in this embodiment, instead of using a single opening in the bottom 98, the bottom is formed with several small holes 100 in a small recess 102 in the bottom surface. A detail diagram of one schematic embodiment of the bottom is shown in Figure 9. These recesses can be troughs or conical depressions. Thus, water flows relatively easily from the first compartment 104 to the second compartment 106, but when the container is tilted, there will be a more difficult path from the second compartment to the first compartment. A small amount of water will flow through the opening in the tilted position, but the opening can be designed so that the total flow rate is negligibly low.

[0071] In one embodiment, the bottom is formed from a deformable, flexible material. In one example, the bottom is formed from rubber or silicone material. This makes cleaning very easy, as the bottom can be easily deformed to prevent the accumulation of calcium and / or other particles. Forming the bottom from a deformable material also helps to restrict the flow through the hole. When water is placed on the top surface of the bottom, the water pushes against the depression and deforms outward, creating a hole. When the container is tilted and water is placed on the bottom surface, the water pressure forces the opening to close.

[0072] In one embodiment (not shown), the bottom of the inner container can be formed with a rigid grid element that reliably supports the weight of the ice cubes and allows essentially free water to flow through the grid element. A deformable membrane with an appropriate hole pattern can be placed beneath the grid element. In this way, the weight of the ice cubes is supported by the grid, and the flow parameters can be controlled by optimizing the flexible membrane. In one embodiment, the deformable membrane can be made removable from the grid element. In this way, the membrane element and the grid element can be cleaned more easily. Furthermore, the membrane can be replaced as needed.

[0073] Figure 10 shows another embodiment 110 similar to Figure 8, but in this case, an additional water-catching element 112 is positioned around the upper edge of the inner container 114. If there is water leaking through the bottom 116 of the first compartment 118 in an inclined position of the container, the water flows along the side 120 of the container and is caught by the water-catching element 112. Meanwhile, ice cubes simply slide over the water-catching element and exit the container without issue. Thus, any ice melt water that may be placed in the first compartment does not leak out of the first compartment but is caught by the water-catching element.

[0074] In this embodiment, the water-catching element is formed as an annular element 122 positioned along the upper edge of the inner container. The annular element has an internal volume V4 and is in fluid communication with the interior of the first compartment through an annular opening 124. The annular opening is positioned above the bottom 116 of the inner container and below the upper edge of the container. The annular opening is positioned close to the side wall of the container so that water flowing along the side wall can easily enter the volume V4. However, the annular opening is also formed so that ice cubes are not stopped by the opening and can slide over the opening and be easily poured out of the container. In the present embodiment, the annular element is positioned to extend inward from the vertical side wall. However, in another embodiment not shown, the side wall may be angled outward and the annular element may extend vertically.

[0075] The volume V4 is selected according to the amount of ice melt water expected in the first compartment. If most of the water passes through the bottom and there is little return flow when tilted, the volume V4 can be made very small. If there is a relatively large amount of return flow through the bottom, the volume V4 can be selected to be large enough to capture the expected water flow through the bottom at the tilted position.

[0076] In this type of embodiment, it should be noted that the maximum flow rate in the direction at the bottom, where the water is poured from the second compartment to the first compartment, can be imagined to be less than the flow rate required to fill the water-capturing element during a typical pouring operation.

[0077] In one embodiment, among the water-catching elements (not shown), annular elements as shown in Figure 10 can be arranged as deformable elements having a bistable effect. In this case, the annular elements can be folded into the container and then folded outwards when it is desired to clean the inside of the annular elements. In one embodiment, the lower edge of the bistable annular element in the folded position can lie flat against the inner surface of the inner container. In this case, an opening can be provided in the edge of the bistable annular element to allow water to flow through the opening into the water-catching element.

[0078] Figure 11 shows a schematic example of another embodiment of the deformable bottom 130. In this embodiment, a small water-catching flange 132 is added to the top of a small recess 134 to catch any water droplets that may settle in the recess during tilting.

[0079] As mentioned above, if the inclination axis is known, the container can be further optimized. Figures 12 to 14 show one embodiment of a container 140 that is similar to that of Figure 1, but in which the inner container 142 is offset from the axis of the outer container 144, and the inner and outer containers are not coaxial. In this way, the distance between the inner and outer containers on one side 146 is greater than that on the other side 148. This will result in a larger volume in the air gap on one side 146 of the container. This can be used to collect a large amount of melted ice water while simultaneously reducing the outer diameter of the outer container. Furthermore, the opening 150 of the bottom 152 can be moved to the side of the container where the air gap is smallest, thereby maximizing the volume V3 located below the bottom opening in the inclined position. This is shown in the figure. A spout 154 can also be provided to allow for more precise pouring of ice.

[0080] In the diagram above, the inner and outer containers are shown as cylindrical elements, but they can also be imagined as conical, rectangular, elliptical, or other shapes. Similarly, the inner and outer containers can have different shapes from each other.

[0081] Figure 15 shows an embodiment 160 of an example of such a container. In this case, the outer container 162 is formed in a more organic shape, consisting of two partial cylinders 164, 166 having two different diameters, joined together by a tangential component 168. The inner container 170 is formed in a corresponding shape, although in a smaller form. The outer diameter D1 of the first cylinder 164 is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the second cylinder 166. In this case, the outer diameter D2 of the second cylinder can be selected to be suitable for holding in a normal-sized hand, while the outer diameter of the first cylinder can be selected to be larger than appropriate. For example, D2 can be 8 cm and D1 can be 15 cm. This would provide a container that is easy to hold and use while still holding a considerable amount of ice. Many other forms of such containers with different shapes are also possible. In one embodiment, the two cylinders can have the same diameter.

[0082] Figure 16 shows one embodiment 170 of a container having a valve 172 that is open when the container is upright and closed when the container is pouring. The valve is formed by a weight element 174 that bends a flexible flap 176 downward. When the container is tilted, the weight element bends the flap inward, closing the opening 178 at the bottom 180. This is shown in detail in Figures 17 and 18.

[0083] The embodiments shown in Figures 16–18 function only when the container is pivoted around a single horizontal axis. Figure 19 shows one embodiment of a valve 182 that operates when tilted around an arbitrary axis. A rubber valve element 184 is positioned to displace up and down within the cage 186 due to gravity when the container is tilted. When the container is in its upright position, it is open, and when the container is tilted, it slides into its closed position, closing the opening 188 at the bottom 190. Many other forms of suitable valve structures can also be imagined.

[0084] Figure 20 shows another embodiment 200 in which the opening 202 of the bottom 204 has an extended pipe-like portion 206 to displace an effective opening to the bottom surface 208 of the outer container 210. In this way, the opening is freed from the ice melt water more quickly, and the volume V3 increases.

[0085] Figure 21 shows one embodiment 212, which includes a rotatable pipe-like element 214 connected to an opening 216 at the bottom 218 of the first compartment 220. A small floating element 222 is provided at the end of the pipe-like element. In this way, when the container is tilted, the end of the pipe-like element attempts to remain above the fluid, thereby causing the pipe-like element to rotate. The free end of the pipe is always positioned at the highest point of the volume V2, which will further maximize the volume V3. Instead of using a floating element, a counterweight (not shown) can be placed on an extension rod opposite the free end of the tube. In this way, the counterweight is always rotated downward by gravity, automatically pushing the free end of the tube upward to the highest point of the volume.

[0086] Figure 22 shows another embodiment 230. In this case, there is no second compartment, and the melted ice water mixes with the ice cubes. However, to capture the melted ice water inside the container when the container is inverted, there is a large annular water-catching element 232 positioned around the upper edge of the container as described above. Furthermore, there is a dispenser element 234 positioned at the opening 236 at the top end 238 of the container. The dispenser element 234 is in the form of a dispenser spiral driven by a rod 240 driven by a rotatable disc 242 positioned at the bottom of the container. The rotating seal 244 is positioned between the bottom surface of the container and the rod 240. If you want to pour ice cubes out of the container, tilt the container more than 90 degrees, then rotate the disc 242, in which case the spiral will rotate and the ice cubes will be poured out one by one from the opening. This is just one example of a dispenser element. The applicant has concurrently pending application WO2018 / 202874, incorporated by reference, which discloses several different suitable dispensing mechanisms. The embodiment shown in Figure 22 had a large water-capturing element but lacked a second compartment, while another similar embodiment with a dispenser may be provided with both a first and a second compartment, and with or without a water-capturing element.

[0087] Figure 23 shows another embodiment 250, which includes an inner container 252 positioned not coaxially with the outer container 254. The side of the container with the largest air gap 256 is higher and extends upward than the side of the container with the smallest air gap 258. In this way, a larger volume is provided for collecting ice melt water. Similarly, the opening 260 at the bottom 262 of the inner container 252 is positioned at the side of the container with the smallest air gap. The opening 260 further includes an extension tubular portion 264 to ensure that the opening is located at the highest point of the container when the container is tilted to pour out ice cubes.

[0088] Figures 24 to 26 show different diagrams of another embodiment 270 of the container according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the container 270 includes an outer container 272 and an inner container 274 disposed within the outer container 272. An air gap 276 is formed between the inner and outer containers. Similar to the previous embodiment, a first volume V1 is formed within a first compartment 278 defined by the inner surface of the inner container 274. An opening 280 is located at the bottom 282 of the inner container. A second volume V2 is provided between the inner and outer containers below the opening. The second volume and the air gap together form a second compartment 284.

[0089] The upper closure differs slightly from the previous embodiment. In this case, the outer container has an upper edge 286, and the inner container has an outward-facing flange 288 that extends beyond the upper edge 286 of the outer container. The gasket 290 is positioned between the upper edge 286 and the downward-facing surface of the outward-facing flange. Alternatively, in another embodiment (not shown), the gasket is positioned between the inner and outer surfaces of the outer and inner containers, respectively, near the upper edge of the outer container.

[0090] This embodiment further includes four flexible rubber flanges 292 positioned on the outer surface of the inner container. The rubber flanges are circular, as shown in Figure 26, and have small openings 294 positioned around the outer circumference of the flanges. Figure 26 shows four openings, but additional openings can also be provided. The outer diameter of the flanges is larger than the inner diameter of the outer container. When the inner container is inserted into the outer container, the flanges bend upward, forming a bowl-shaped reservoir. When the container is tilted, the melted ice water 296 flows into the air gap and passes through the rubber flanges via the small openings 294. When the container is again placed in its upright position, the water flows down along the air gap, and some of it is trapped inside the air gap by the flanges. In this way, some of the water will be held in the air gap instead of returning to volume V2. Thus, volume V2 can be smaller than it would be necessary to store all the melted ice water in volume V2.

[0091] The container 300 shown in Figures 27 and 28 is very similar to previously disclosed embodiments, and therefore certain details will not be described in detail. However, of particular note in this embodiment is that the container includes an ice pick 302 in the form of an elongated spear-shaped element attached to the bottom surface of the lid 304. During normal use, the lid is positioned to seal the pouring opening of the container, and the ice pick is placed in the first compartment 306 together with the ice cubes. When pouring the ice cubes from the container, the lid can be removed (Figure 28), and the ice cubes 308 can be shaken out of the first compartment. If the ice pick has been frozen together with the ice cubes, the ice pick can be used to loosen the ice cubes. Once the ice cubes have been poured out, the ice pick is pushed back into the ice cubes, and the lid is placed back on the container.

[0092] Embodiments 310 shown in Figures 29 to 31 are very similar. However, instead of storing the ice pick 312 in the first compartment 314, the ice pick is stored in the gap 316 between the first compartment and the inner surface of the outer portion 318 of the container. The ice pick is inserted into the gap through a hole or opening 319 on the top surface of the container. Thus, when the container is not in use, the ice pick is not stored in the ice cubes. However, if necessary, it is easy to remove the lid 311 from the container and expose the ice pick by pulling the ice pick upward through the hole 319.

[0093] If an ice pick is attached to the lid, the user can imagine being able to displace the ice pick and the lid attached to it to open and close the pouring opening in any way, thereby adjusting the amount of ice that can be released from the container when the container is inverted. In one embodiment (not shown), the user can move the lid up and down by displacing the ice pick up and down. In another embodiment (not shown), the user can pivot the lid around the longitudinal axis of the ice pick to again variably open and close the pouring opening. This displacement can be provided by the user manually moving the ice pick or the lid, or different suitable displacement mechanisms can be readily provided that allow the lid to be displaced up and down or rotatably. This can be combined with a handle (not shown) attached to the external part of the container.

[0094] Figures 32–34 show side views of another embodiment 320 of the container, which includes a lid 322 and an ice pick 324. The container further includes a handle 326 attached to the outer surface of the container. A gap 328 is formed between the inner surface of the handle and the outer surface of the container. As in the previous case, the ice pick is securely attached to the lid.

[0095] The lid is pivotably attached to the container via a hinge joint 330. The ice pick 324 is positioned in the gap 328 between the handle and the outer surface of the container. When the ice pick pivots, the lid also pivots. As shown in Figure 33, the ice pick is held inside or against the handle, thereby keeping the lid closed and preventing the ice cubes 332 from falling out of the container. In Figure 34, the ice pick is allowed to pivot slightly, so the lid also pivots, allowing the ice cubes to fall out of the container. The user can easily pivot the ice pick with the hand that is also holding the handle of the container. This is one example of a lid displacement mechanism. Those skilled in the art will be able to prepare other suitable lid displacement mechanisms based on the teachings herein and the general knowledge of those skilled in the art. Furthermore, it should be noted that in this embodiment, if the ice pick is needed, the lid and ice pick can be pulled upward to separate them from the container, and then the ice pick can be used to push them into the ice cubes and separate them from each other.

[0096] In the embodiments described and shown in Figures 27–34, the ice pick was attached to the lid. However, other embodiments in which the ice pick is separate from the lid can be imagined, or embodiments having only the lid or only the ice pick can also be imagined. For example, in the embodiments of Figures 32–34, the ice pick was an integral part of the lid displacement mechanism and was used to control the movement of the lid. However, it can be imagined that a separate handle / lever was provided fixed to the lid and a separate ice pick was provided separately from the lid.

[0097] It should be noted that the figures and the above description illustrate exemplary embodiments in a simple and schematic manner. Many specific mechanical details are not shown, as those skilled in the art should be familiar with these details and they would only unnecessarily complicate this description. For example, specific materials used and specific manufacturing procedures are not described in detail, as it is claimed that those skilled in the art can find suitable materials and processes for manufacturing the containers according to the present invention. Similarly, it should be noted that many different embodiments are disclosed, and each embodiment discloses individual configurations. Within the scope of this disclosure, different combinations of configurations not expressly mentioned as necessary for each other may be combined as those skilled in the art would consider appropriate.

Claims

1. A single container for storing and discharging ice cubes, the container comprising a bottom, a side wall extending from the bottom to an upper edge, and a first compartment having a dispensing opening in a first compartment near the upper edge, the first compartment having a volume V1, and the first compartment being suitable for containing ice cubes, in the container, When the container is in its upright position, the container further includes a second compartment located below the first compartment, the second compartment being separated from the first compartment by the bottom of the first compartment, the bottom of the first compartment having a drain opening through which water can pass from the first compartment to the second compartment. The aforementioned container is An outer container having a bottom and a side wall extending upward from the bottom toward the upper edge, An inner container placed inside the outer container and The inner container has a first compartment, and the second compartment is formed between the inner container and the outer container. The inner container and the outer container are separated by an air gap. The volume V2 of the second compartment located below the drain opening is at least 10% of the volume V1, and the volume V2 and the drain opening are arranged such that when the container is tilted about a horizontal axis and the volume of melted ice water is less than 10% of the volume V1, the melted ice water does not leave the volume V2 and shakes out the ice cubes from the first compartment, thereby allowing the ice cubes to be discharged from the first compartment of the container. A container characterized in that the volume V2 located below the drain opening is in fluid communication with the air gap.

2. The container according to claim 1, having a holding portion having a horizontal cross-section with a maximum outer width of less than 15 cm, less than 13 cm, less than 10 cm, or less than 9 cm.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the central longitudinal axis of the outer container is horizontally offset from the central longitudinal axis of the inner container in the upright position of the container.

4. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the container is rotated 95 degrees from its upright position, the volume V3 of the second compartment located below the drain opening at the bottom of the first compartment is at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, or at least 50% of the volume V1 of the first compartment.

5. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first compartment includes a water-capturing element having a volume V4.

6. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the drain opening is provided with a valve that opens in the upright position and closes when the container is tilted more than 50 degrees, more than 60 degrees, more than 70 degrees, or more than 90 degrees.

7. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when the container is tilted at a 95-degree angle and contains ice melt water in a volume less than 10% of the volume V1, the flow rate passing through the bottom of the container is less than 1 liter / minute.

8. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a displaceable ice pick, wherein the ice pick is in the form of an elongated element having a length exceeding half the height of the container or exceeding half the height of the first compartment.

9. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a displaceable lid, the lid having at least two positions: a first position in which the lid closes the pouring opening to prevent ice cubes stored in the container from leaving the container, and a second position in which the pouring opening is open to allow ice cubes stored in the container to leave the container through the pouring opening.

10. The container according to claim 9, characterized in that the container includes a lid displacement mechanism configured to displace the lid between a first position and a second position, and to hold the lid in the first position and the second position.

11. The container according to claim 10, wherein the lid displacement mechanism includes a hinge, the hinge connecting the lid to the container in a rotatable manner so that the lid can pivot between a first position and a second position.

12. The container according to any one of claims 9 to 11, when claim 9 references claim 8, characterized in that the ice pick is attached to the lid.

13. The container according to claim 12, referencing claim 11, characterized in that the ice pick pivots together with the lid when the lid is moved from a first position to a second position.

14. The container according to claim 13, characterized in that the ice pick is positioned outside the container at both the first and second positions of the lid so that the user of the container can pivot the ice pick to control the position of the lid.

15. The container according to claim 14, wherein the container includes a handle offset from the outer surface of the container, and the ice pick is positioned in the gap between the outer surface of the container and the surface of the handle facing the outer surface of the container.

16. The container according to claim 8 or 12, characterized in that the ice pick is placed inside the container.

17. The container according to claim 16, characterized in that the ice pick is positioned outside the first compartment.

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