Ice cube producing unit

Abstract

An ice cube producing unit comprising: a tray, a lid which is suitable for being mounted on the tray, and a displacing mechanism connecting the tray and the lid and having two positions: a closed position and an open position. The lid comprises a skirt portion extending away from a plane of the lid to overlap at least a portion of a side of the tray in the closed position of the lid. A flexible sealing element is arranged between a free edge of the skirt and a free edge of the tray and extending along the entire periphery of the skirt and the tray to prevent the contents of the ice cube producing unit from leaving the ice cube producing unit from a gap between the edge of the skirt and the edge of the tray. The unit further comprises a dispensing opening in the lid which is larger than an ice cube formed in an ice cube compartment to allow an ice cube formed in an ice cube compartment to leave the ice cube producing unit, and a removeable plug arranged to plug the dispensing opening to prevent the contents of the ice cube producing unit from exiting the ice cube producing unit via the dispensing opening.

Description

[0001] Ice cube producing unit

[0002] The current invention relates to an ice cube producing unit.

[0003] By ice cube producing unit is meant a unit into which water or other liquid can be filled after which it is placed in a freezer and the water or other liquid freezes. Inside the unit, at least one ice cube compartment is arranged in which the ice freezes into an ice cube. By ice cube is meant any 3D geometric shape formed of ice. In other words, ice cubes do not have to be cubes with essentially rectangular sides as known in the art, but could be any other form, for example hearts, stars, spheres, ovals, etc...

[0004] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ice cube producing unit according to the invention is a handheld unit. In the context of the invention, a “handheld” unit should be understood as a unit which is portable and which can be operated by hand. More specifically, a handheld ice cube dispensing unit according to the invention should be able to be placed in a typical household freezer. It should furthermore be possible to remove the unit from the freezer so that it can be manually operated by a user to remove ice cubes from the unit, after which it can be placed back into the freezer. In one embodiment, a handheld ice cube producing unit could be defined as being a unit which occupies a volume less than 4 Liters, less than 2,5 Liters, less than 2 liters or less than 1 ,5 liters.

[0005] It should be noted that in this specification, the term “bi-stable” element is used in regards to different embodiments. Bi-stable elements are known from other applications, for example from folding plastic bathtubs, folding plastic cups, eye glass cases, etc... It is assumed that the term bi-stable element is clear to the person skilled in the art. However, for the sake of clarity, a bistable element can be defined as an element which has two stable positions. When placed in the first stable position, the bi-stable element will rest in thatposition. The bi-stable element can then be deformed and put into a second stable position. When the bi-stable element is in the second stable position, it will also rest in that position.

[0006] Description of related art

[0007] Ice cube trays with lids are well known in the art. For example: US5188744A, US2613512A, US5196127A and US4967995A. However prior art systems are either complex to use, have lids which need to be handled separately from the tray and / or do not seal the water properly inside the unit.

[0008] Furthermore, most of the ice cube trays with lids which are available in the art, are purely designed to enable stacking of ice cube trays on top of each other or to prevent odours from getting into the ice cubes. They are not designed to seal water / liquid inside the unit.

[0009] Applicant’s own prior filed patent applications are more relevant and disclose different aspects of handheld ice cube producing units. Applicant’s first PCT application published as WO2016 / 055495 is incorporated by reference in its entirety here. Applicant’s second PCT application published as WO2018 / 202874 is also incorporated by reference in its entirety here. These prior patent applications disclose handheld ice cube producing units with lids and trays, where the tray is held connected to the lid during normal operation. However, the units specifically disclosed in these two prior patent applications are handheld ice cube producing units which rely on a displacing mechanism comprising a number of moving mechanical parts.

[0010] Applicant’s third PCT application was published as W02020 / 104698 and is also incorporated by reference in its entirety here. This third PCT applicationdiscloses an ice cube producing unit with a displacement mechanism making use of a bi-stable element.

[0011] Prior art type ice cube producing units have different advantages and disadvantages.

[0012] of the invention

[0013] It is a first aspect of the invention to provide an ice cube producing unit with additional advantages and / or alternative solutions with respect to the prior art type units.

[0014] This aspect is provided at least in part by an ice cube producing unit comprising:

[0015] a. a tray formed as an ice cube tray having multiple ice cube compartments,

[0016] b. a lid which is suitable for being mounted on the tray such that the contents of the multiple ice cube compartments are sandwiched between the tray and the lid such that the shape of the ice cubes formed in the multiple ice cube compartments are defined at least partly by the tray and the lid, and c. a displacing mechanism connecting the tray and the lid and having two positions:

[0017] i. a closed position where the lid is held in a position where it is arranged proximate to the tray and ii. an open position where the lid is held in a position where it is separated from the tray so that an ice cube formed in the tray can leave the tray,

[0018] characterized in thatd. the lid comprises a skirt portion extending away from a plane of the lid to overlap at least a portion of a side of the tray in the closed position of the lid,

[0019] e. a flexible sealing element arranged between a free edge of the skirt and a free edge of the tray and extending along the entire periphery of the skirt and the tray to prevent the contents of the ice cube producing unit from leaving the ice cube producing unit from a gap between the edge of the skirt and the edge of the tray,

[0020] f. a dispensing opening in the lid which is larger than an ice cube formed in an ice cube compartment to allow an ice cube formed in an ice cube compartment to leave the ice cube producing unit, and

[0021] g. a removeable plug arranged to plug the dispensing opening to prevent the contents of the ice cube producing unit from exiting the ice cube producing unit via the dispensing opening.

[0022] In some embodiments, an outer edge of the lid and an outer edge of the tray are arranged spaced apart from each other in the open position to form a space between the tray and the lid and in that the flexible sealing element is arranged to contribute to seal the space between the lid and the tray both in the open and the closed positions. In some embodiments, the plug is hinged to the lid. In some embodiments, the plug is hinged about an axis which is parallel to a side edge of the tray. In some embodiments, the plug is hinged about an axis which is parallel to a short side edge of the tray. In some embodiments, the plug is removeable from the opening along a path which is parallel to the plane of the lid. In some embodiments, the plug is removeable from the opening along a path which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the lid. In some embodiments, the minimum dimension between the lid and the tray along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the lid in the open position of the ice cube producing unit is greater than the maximum dimensionbetween the lid and the tray perpendicular to the plane of the lid in the closed position of the unit.

[0023] In some embodiments, the displacing mechanism comprises the flexible sealing element and in that the flexible sealing element is a bi-stable element having a first stable state when the tray and the lid are in the closed position and a second stable state when the tray and lid are in the open position. In some embodiments, a vector difference (D) between a vector (A) which connects the centre of mass of the lid and the centre of mass of the tray in the closed position and a vector (B) which connects the centre of mass of the lid and the centre of mass of the tray in the open position comprises a major component which is perpendicular to the plane of the lid. In some embodiments the vector difference forms an angle of greater than 70 degrees, greater than 80 degrees or 90 degrees to the plane of the lid.

[0024] In some embodiments, the dispensing opening is arranged at least partially in the skirt of the lid. In some embodiments, the dispensing opening is arranged at least partially in the skirt and at least partially in an upper surface of the lid such that the dispensing opening at least partially overlaps a portion of at least one ice cube compartment and in that the plug at least partially forms an upper surface of an ice cube formed in the ice cube compartment which the dispensing opening at least partially overlaps. In some embodiments, the ice cube producing unit has four side edges and the dispensing opening is arranged at least partially along a side edge which is the shortest of the side edges. In some embodiments the ice cube producing unit has a rectangular shape comprising two short side edges and two long side edges. In some embodiments, the dispensing opening is arranged at least partially along one of the short side edges.

[0025] In some embodiments, the dispensing opening is arranged to at least partially overlap one of the ice cube compartments in the tray which isarranged along a side edge of the tray. In some embodiments, the at least partially overlapped ice cube compartment is arranged along a short edge of the tray. In some embodiments, the dispensing opening is centred with regards to the side edge. In some embodiments, the at least partially overlapped ice cube compartment is arranged at a corner of the tray.

[0026] In some embodiments, the lid comprises a funnel portion with an outlet which is in fluid communication with the ice cube compartments in the closed position of the ice cube producing unit and in that a plane of the opening of the funnel defines a plane which is arranged at an angle of more than 45 degrees to the plane of the lid. In some embodiments, the angle is greater than 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle is greater than 75 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle is 90 degrees.

[0027] In some embodiments, the funnel is associated with the dispensing opening. In some embodiments, the plug is arranged to plug the opening of the funnel. In some embodiments, the opening of the funnel is large enough to allow an ice cube formed in an ice cube compartment to pass through the opening of the funnel. In some embodiments, sides of the funnel are arranged as an extension of the dispensing opening. In some embodiments, the plug has a body portion which extends in a direction away from the funnel opening and which fills a space between the dispensing opening and a surface of the funnel. In some embodiments, the funnel is separate from the dispensing opening.

[0028] In some embodiments, the lid is also formed as an ice cube tray, the lid and the tray both having multiple ice cube compartments and that in the closed position the lid and the tray are pressed together to define multiple common ice cube compartment and that in the open position, the lid and the tray are separated to allow ice cubes formed in the ice cube compartments to pass between the lid and the tray.In some embodiments, a depth of an ice cube compartment in the lid is less than a depth of an ice cube compartment in the tray. In some embodiments, the difference is at least 2 times less. In some embodiments, the depth of the ice cube compartment in the lid is less than 35%, or less than 25% of the maximum distance from the lid to the tray perpendicular to the plane of the lid in the closed position of the lid. In some embodiments, the lid and the tray are formed with complementary guide means to ensure that the lid is oriented correctly with regards to the tray in the closed position. In some embodiments, the lid and the tray are arranged such that in the closed position of the unit there is a gap and / or channel between the tray and the lid at the border between adjacent ice cube compartments to allow contents of the ice cube producing unit to move between the multiple ice cube compartments.

[0029] In some embodiments, the dispensing opening has a minimum area which is greater than the maximum cross-sectional area of the ice cube compartment. In some embodiments, the minimum dimension from an edge to an opposing edge of the dispensing opening is greater than the maximum dimension of the ice cube compartment. In some embodiments, the resealable opening is sized such that a circle can be inscribed in the opening, said circle having a diameter which is greater than the maximum distance from the inside surface of the tray to the inside surface of the lid along a vector which is perpendicular to the plane of the lid in the closed position of the displacing mechanism.

[0030] In some embodiments, the dimension of the skirt perpendicular to the plane of the lid is greater than 50% of the maximum distance between the lid and the tray perpendicular to the plane of the lid in the closed position of the ice cube producing unit. In some embodiments, the dimension of the skirt is at least 75% of said maximum distance. In some embodiments the dimension ofthe flexible sealing element perpendicular to the plane of the lid is at least 50% or at least 75% of said maximum distance.

[0031] The above discussion has disclosed a number of embodiments related to a first invention. However, the current specification further comprises additional inventions which could form the basis of one or more divisional applications. Text suitable for drafting claims directed to these extra inventions is provided below by reference to examples. For the sake of brevity, it should be mentioned that many of the features described in relation to the embodiments described above, could also be combined with the examples of the inventions described below. We maintain that the person skilled in the art will be able to make the combinations based on the combined teachings of this specification.

[0032] Second invention:

[0033] Ex. 1. An ice cube producing unit, comprising a tray with multiple ice cube compartments, each of said ice cube compartments being formed by a bottom surface and side surfaces extending upwards from the bottom surface to form the ice cube compartment, said ice cube compartments being arranged in a rectangular grid structure, characterized in that the ice cube compartments are formed such that the depth of the ice cube compartments is non uniform, such that a distance from an upper edge of the tray to a bottom surface of first of said ice cube compartments along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the tray is greater than a distance from an upper edge of the tray to a bottom surface of a second of said ice cube compartments along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the tray.Ex. 2. An ice cube producing unit according to example 1, characterized in that an upper edge of the tray is arranged on a plane.

[0034] Ex. 3. An ice cube producing unit according to example 1 or 2, characterized in that the tray has a rectangular shape with at least two rows of ice cubes, and in that the first ice cube compartment and said second ice cube compartment are arranged along one side edge.

[0035] Ex. 4. An ice cube producing unit according to example 3, characterized in that the ice cube producing unit further comprises a third ice cube compartment which has a size similar to the first compartment and a fourth ice cube compartment which has a size similar to the second compartment and in that the third and fourth compartments are arranged along an opposite side edge of the first and second compartments and in that the third and fourth compartments are arranged opposite to the first and second compartments. In this way, the tray is twisted about a diagonal axis when the corners of the tray are pressed down.

[0036] Ex. 5. An ice cube producing unit according to example 1 or 2, characterized in that the first compartment is arranged on an edge of the tray and the second compartment is arranged spaced away from the edge. In this way, the tray will bend when the centre of the tray is pressed down.

[0037] Ex. 6. An ice cube producing unit according to example 1 or 2, characterized in that the second compartment is arranged on an edge of the tray and in that the first compartment is arranged spaced away from the edge. In this way, the tray will bend when the side edges of the tray are pressed down.Ex. 7. An ice cube producing unit according to any one of examples 1 to 6, characterized in that the ice cube producing unit further comprises a removable lid.

[0038] Ex. 8. An ice cube producing unit according to example 7, characterized in that the lid comprises a filling and / or a dispensing opening as defined in this specification.

[0039] Ex. 9. An ice cube producing unit according to any one of examples 1 to 8, characterized in that the tray comprises a filling opening as defined in this specification.

[0040] Third invention

[0041] Ex. 11. An ice cube producing unit (1 ) comprising:

[0042] a. a tray (4) formed as an ice cube tray having at least one ice cube compartment (5),

[0043] b. a lid (2) which is suitable for being mounted on the tray (4) such that the contents of the at least one ice cube compartment (5) is sandwiched between the tray and the lid such that the shape of the ice cube formed in the ice cube compartment is defined at least partly by the tray and the lid,

[0044] c. a displacing mechanism (6, 8, 10) connecting the tray (4) and the lid (2) and having two positions:

[0045] i. a closed position where the lid (2) is held in a position where it is arranged proximate to the tray (4) and ii. an open position where the lid (2) is held in a position where it is separated from the tray (4) so that an ice cube (13) formed in the tray (4) can leave the tray (4)d. a flexible sealing element is arranged between a free edge of the skirt and a free edge of the tray and extending along the entire periphery of the skirt and the tray to prevent the contents of the ice cube producing unit from leaving the ice cube producing unit between the skirt and the tray, characterized in that

[0046] e. a vacuum release opening is provided in the lid and / or in the tray, in that

[0047] f. a plug is provided to plug the vacuum release opening in the closed position of the displacing mechanism, and in that g. said lid, tray, plug and vacuum release opening being arranged such that an action to move the lid away from the tray causes the plug to be withdrawn from the vacuum release opening, ensuring a vacuum inside the unit is released before or as the unit opens.

[0048] Ex. 12. An ice cube producing unit according to example 11, characterized in that the ice cube producing unit further comprising a handle displaceably connected to the lid or the tray, in that the vacuum release opening is provided in the lid or tray respectively, in that the handle comprises a plug on a surface of the handle facing the lid or tray respectively which plugs a vacuum release opening in the lid and / or the tray respectively, and in that when force is applied to the handle to pull the lid away from the tray, the plug is removed from the vacuum release opening to release vacuum in the container.

[0049] Ex. 13. An ice cube producing unit according to example 12, characterized in that a vacuum release opening is only formed in the lid and the handle is connected to the lid.Ex. 14. An ice cube producing unit according to example 12, characterized in that the handle is a first handle and in that the ice cube producing unit further comprises a second handle which is arranged non displaceably with respect to the tray or lid respectively.

[0050] Ex. 15. An ice cube producing unit according to example 11, characterized in that the lid or the tray comprises a vacuum release opening and in that the tray or lid respectively, has a plug which plugs the vacuum release opening in the closed position of the displacing mechanism.

[0051] Ex. 16. An ice cube producing unit according to example 15, characterized in that the lid comprises the vacuum release opening and the tray comprises the plug and in that the vacuum release opening in the lid is arranged at a location spaced away from a side edge of the lid, such that when force is applied to a central portion of the lid, the vacuum release opening will move away from the tray.

[0052] Ex. 17. An ice cube producing unit according to example 16, characterized in that the at least one ice cube compartment comprises at least two adjacent ice cube compartments and in that the plug is arranged on a partition of the tray between two adjacent ice cube compartments.

[0053] Fourth invention

[0054] Ex. 21. An ice cube producing unit (1 ) comprising:

[0055] a. a tray (4) formed as an ice cube tray having multiple ice cube compartments (5),

[0056] b. a lid (2) which is suitable for being mounted on the tray (4) such that the contents of the ice cube compartments (5) aresandwiched between the tray and the lid such that the shape of the ice cubes formed in the ice cube compartments are defined at least partly by the tray and the lid,

[0057] c. a sealing arrangement between the lid and the tray when the lid is mounted on the tray to seal the contents of the unit inside the unit,

[0058] d. a filling opening provided in the lid and / or in the tray, said filling opening being in fluid communication with the ice cube compartments,

[0059] e. a removeable plug for plugging the filling opening, and f. said tray, lid, sealing arrangement, filling opening and removeable plug being arranged such that when the plug plugs the filling opening, the contents inside the unit are prevented from leaking out of the unit, in any position of the unit, characterized in that

[0060] g. when the ice cube producing unit is arranged at an angle of at least 45 degrees to the horizontal, the lowermost edge of the filling opening, is arranged above a point where 80% of the contents of the ice cube producing unit are contained. According to this specification, the “lowermost edge” of the filling opening is the edge of the filling opening which is closest to the lowest part of the ice cube tray when the tray is held at an angle of 45 degrees to the horizontal.

[0061] Ex. 22. An ice cube producing unit according to example 21, characterized in that the plane of the filling opening is arranged at least 45 degrees or more to the plane of the lid / tray. According to this specification, the plane of the lid or tray is a plane which passes through the lid or the tray respectively which minimizes the average distance from the plane to the lid or tray respectively along the normal to the plane. According to this specification, the plane of the fillingopening is the plane which minimizes the average distance from the plane to the edge of the filling opening along the normal vector of the plane.

[0062] Ex. 23. An ice cube producing unit according to example 21 or 22, characterized in that the minimum horizontal dimension of the filling opening on a plane which is perpendicular to the plane of the lid when the ice cube producing unit is held at an angle of 45 degrees to the horizontal is at least 5mm. In some embodiments, the minimum horizontal dimension of the filling opening on a plane which is perpendicular to the plane of the lid is at least 5mm when the ice cube producing unit is held at an angle of at least 70 degrees to the horizontal.

[0063] Ex. 24. An ice cube producing unit according to any one of examples 21 to 23, characterized in that the sealing arrangement between the lid and the tray is arranged on a plane.

[0064] Ex. 25. An ice cube producing unit according to any one of examples 21 to 24, characterized in that the ice cube producing unit further comprises a displacing mechanism (6, 8, 10) connecting the tray (4) and the lid (2) and having two positions:

[0065] i. a closed position where the lid (2) is held in a position where it is arranged proximate to the tray (4) and ii. an open position where the lid (2) is held in a position where it is separated from the tray (4) so that an ice cube (13) formed in the tray (4) can leave the tray (4).

[0066] Ex. 26. An ice cube producing unit according to any one of examples 21 to 25, characterized in that the sealing arrangement is a flexiblesealing element arranged between an outer edge of the lid and an outer edge of the tray.

[0067] Ex. 27. An ice cube producing unit according to any one of examples 21 to 24, characterized in that the lid is detachably attached to the tray.

[0068] Ex. 28. An ice cube producing unit according to example 27, characterized in that the ice cube producing unit further comprises a snap mechanism arranged between the lid and the tray to hold the lid and the tray together when the lid is mounted on the tray.

[0069] Ex. 29. An ice cube producing unit according to example 28, characterized in that the lid comprises a rim portion which is arranged to snap onto a cooperating rim portion of the tray.

[0070] Ex. 30. An ice cube producing unit according to example 29, characterized in that lid is formed such that the rim portion of the lid has a fixed position relative to a central portion of the lid.

[0071] Ex. 31. An ice cube producing unit according to any one of examples 27 to 30, characterized in that the lid or the tray comprises a main structure formed from a first plastic material and a sub structure formed from a second plastic material, the second plastic material being softer than the first plastic material and being over-moulded onto the first plastic material.

[0072] Ex. 32. An ice cube producing unit according to any one of examples 21 to 31 , characterized in that the removeable plug, when inserted into the filling opening, is arranged to be in contact with an ice cube formed in at least one of the ice cube compartments.Ex. 33. An ice cube producing unit according to example 32, characterized in that the removeable plug is dimensioned to at least partially enter into at least one of the ice cube compartments when the removeable plug is inserted into the filling opening.

[0073] Ex. 34. An ice cube producing unit according to example 33, characterized in that the removeable plug is dimensioned so that the upper edge of the plug, when the tray is arranged horizontally, extends into the ice cube compartment, and in that the surface of the removable plug facing the inside of the ice cube compartment is arranged with a draft angle such that the removeable plug does not present any edges which will prevent the ice cube inside the compartment from leaving the compartment.

[0074] Ex. 35. An ice cube producing unit according to any one of examples 21 to 34, characterized in that the tray is formed with at least two rows of ice cube compartments.

[0075] Ex. 36. An ice cube producing unit according to example 35, characterized in that each row comprises at least three ice cube compartments.

[0076] Ex. 37. An ice cube producing unit according to any one of examples 21 to 36, characterized in that the removeable plug is hinged to the tray or the lid.

[0077] Ex. 38. An ice cube producing unit according to example 37, characterized in that an axis of rotation of the removeable plug is parallel to a side edge of the tray and / or lid respectively.Ex. 39. An ice cube producing unit according to example 37 or 38, characterized in that the filling opening is in the tray.

[0078] Fifth Invention

[0079] Ex. 41. An ice cube producing unit (1 ) comprising:

[0080] a. a tray (4) formed as an ice cube tray having multiple ice cube compartments (5), and

[0081] b. a lid (2) which is suitable for being mounted on the tray (4) such that the contents of the ice cube compartments (5) are sandwiched between the tray and the lid such that the shape of the ice cubes formed in the ice cube compartments are defined at least partly by the tray and the lid,

[0082] characterized in that

[0083] c. the lid comprises a skirt portion extending away from lid in a direction past an upper edge of the tray, a distance from the lid to a free edge of the skirt along a vector which is perpendicular to a plane of the lid is greater than 25%, greater than 30% or greater than 40% of the maximum distance between the lid and the tray perpendicular to the plane of the lid in the closed position of the ice cube producing unit.

[0084] Ex. 42. An ice cube producing unit according to example 41 , characterized in that the ice cube producing unit comprises a sealing arrangement between the lid and the tray, the tray, lid and sealing arrangement being arranged such that when the lid is on the tray and the sealing arrangement is engaged, the contents inside the unit are prevented from leaking out of the unit, in any position of the unit and in that the free edge of the skirt is arranged at a distance perpendicular to the plane of the lid from the sealing arrangement which is greater than 25%, greater than 30% or greater than 40% of the maximumdistance between the lid and the tray perpendicular to the plane of the lid in the closed position of the ice cube producing unit.

[0085] Ex. 43. An ice cube producing unit according to example 41 or 42, characterized in that the skirt extends around at least 60% of a periphery of the lid and in that an opening is formed in the skirt which is large enough for an ice cube formed in one of the ice cube compartments of the unit to pass through.

[0086] Ex. 44. An ice cube producing unit according to any one of examples 41 to 44, characterized in that the skirt comprises a plurality of slots extending from a free edge of the skirt towards the plane of the lid, said slots being arranged to reduce the stiffness of the lid.

[0087] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the definition of the filling opening defined in examples 21 to 24 could also be applied to the dispensing opening defined in the claims below. It should also be noted that the arrangement of the skirt portion according to examples 41 to 44 could be combined with any one of examples 21 to 39.

[0088] It should be noted that in some of the claims and in parts of the description where two or more ice cube compartments are described, the phrase “individually sealed” could be use used to describe how the ice cube compartments are sealed. According to this specification this should be understood as meaning that one ice cube compartment should be individually sealed with respect to an adjacent ice cube compartment. The lid should therefore seal up against a divider between adjacent ice cube compartments. It should however, be noted that air / water channels located in the divider to allow water flow between adjacent ice cube compartments should be allowed. The limitation should be in that when the ice cube tray is sealed by the lid, the ice cube tray can be arranged in any position in a freezer withoutenough ice forming in the area between adjacent ice cubes which would make it difficult to break adjacent ice cubes away from each other in the unit in a controlled manner.

[0089] While the person skilled in the art should understand this definition, some more precise definitions are provided here which might be used if necessary. One definition is that the total cross-sectional area of the air / water channels in the divider should be less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10% or less than 5% of the total surface area of the divider of the ice cube compartment in which the air / water channels are located. Furthermore, it should be noted that in certain cases a single large channel is formed in the divider between adjacent ice cube compartments while in other cases, two or more separate air or water channels could be arranged in the divider between adjacent ice cube compartments.

[0090] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises / comprising / comprised of" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0091] Brief description of the drawings

[0092] In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to embodiments shown by the enclosed figures. It should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are used for example purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention.

[0093] Figure 1 shows a perspective top view of a first embodiment of an ice cube producing unit according to the invention in a collapsed position.Figure 2 shows a perspective top view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 1 in an expanded position.

[0094] Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective top view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 1 in an expanded position.

[0095] Figure 4 shows a perspective top view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 1 in a collapsed position and with the plug removed.

[0096] Figure 5 shows a section view through the ice cube producing unit of figure 1 in a collapsed position according to the line V-V defined in figure.

[0097] Figure 6 shows a section view through the ice cube producing unit of figure 1 in a collapsed position according to the line VI-VI defined in figure 4.

[0098] Figure 7 shows a section view through the ice cube producing unit of figure 1 in an expanded position according to the line VII-VII defined in figure 2.

[0099] Figure 8 shows a section view through the ice cube producing unit of figure 1 in an expanded position according to the line VIII-VIII defined in figure 3.

[0100] Figure 9 shows a perspective top view of a second embodiment of an ice cube producing unit according to the invention in an expanded position.

[0101] Figure 10 shows a perspective bottom view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 9 also in an expanded position.

[0102] Figure 11 shows a section view through the ice cube producing unit of figure 9 according to the line XIII-XIII defined in figure 9 but in a collapsed position.Figure 12 shows a section view through the ice cube producing unit of figure 9 according to the line XIII-XIII defined in figure 9 but in a collapsed position and with the plug removed.

[0103] Figure 13 shows a section view through the ice cube producing unit of figure 9 in an expanded position according to the line XIII-XIII defined in figure 9.

[0104] Figure 14 shows a section view through the ice cube producing unit of figure 9 in an expanded position according to the line XIII-XIII defined in figure 9 but with the lid removed.

[0105] Figure 15 shows a perspective top view of a third embodiment of an ice cube producing unit according to the invention in an expanded position.

[0106] Figure 16 shows a perspective top view of a fourth embodiment of an ice cube producing unit according to the invention in an expanded position.

[0107] Figure 17 shows a perspective top view of a fifth embodiment of an ice cube producing unit according to the invention in a collapsed position.

[0108] Figure 18 shows a perspective bottom view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 17 also in a collapsed position.

[0109] Figure 19 shows a perspective top view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 17 also in a collapsed position, but with the plug pivoted into an open position.

[0110] Figure 20 shows a perspective view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 17 also in a collapsed position as it would be held during filling.Figure 21 shows a perspective view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 17 also in a collapsed position as it would be held during dispensing the ice cubes prior to expanding.

[0111] Figure 22 shows a section view through the collapsed ice cube producing unit of figure 17 according to line XXI l-XXII defined in figure 17 with the plug closed.

[0112] Figure 23 shows a section view through the collapse ice cube producing unit of figure 17 according to line XXIII-XXIII defined in figure 19 with the plug open.

[0113] Figure 24 shows a front view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 17.

[0114] Figure 25 shows a rear view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 17.

[0115] Figure 26 shows a schematic top view of an ice cube producing unit similar to the one shown in figure 17.

[0116] Figure 27 shows a schematic section view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 26 in a collapsed position and according to the line XXVII-XXVII defined in figure 26.

[0117] Figure 28 shows a schematic section view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 26 in an expanded position and according to the line XXVII-XXVII defined in figure 26.

[0118] Figure 29 shows a schematic top view of an ice cube producing unit similar to the one shown in figure 1.Figure 30 shows a schematic section view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 29 in a collapsed position and according to the line XXX-XXX defined in figure 29.

[0119] Figure 31 shows a schematic top view of a sixth schematic embodiment of an ice cube producing unit.

[0120] Figure 32 shows a schematic section view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 31 in a collapsed position and according to the line XXXII-XXXII defined in figure 31.

[0121] Figure 33 shows a schematic section view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 31 in a collapsed position and according to the line XXXIII-XXXIII defined in figure 31.

[0122] Figure 34 shows a schematic top view of a seventh schematic embodiment of an ice cube producing unit.

[0123] Figure 35 shows a schematic section view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 34 in a collapsed position and according to the line XXXV-XXXV defined in figure 34.

[0124] Figure 36 shows a schematic section view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 34 in a collapsed position and according to the line XXXVI-XXXVI defined in figure 34.

[0125] Figure 37 shows a schematic top view of an eighth schematic embodiment of an ice cube producing unit.Figure 38 shows a schematic section view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 37 in a collapsed position and according to the line XXXVII-XXXVII defined in figure 37.

[0126] Figure 39 shows a schematic top view of a ninth schematic embodiment of an ice cube producing unit.

[0127] Figure 40 shows a schematic section view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 39 in a collapsed position and according to the line XXXX-XXXX defined in figure 39.

[0128] Figure 41 shows a schematic section view of a tenth embodiment of an ice cube producing unit in a collapsed position.

[0129] Figure 42 shows a schematic top view of an eleventh schematic embodiment of an ice cube producing unit.

[0130] Figure 43 shows a schematic section view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 42 in a collapsed position and according to the line XXXXII-XXXXII defined in figure 42.

[0131] Figure 44 shows a schematic section view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 42 as in figure 43, but in a position where it is arranged at a 45 degree angle to the horizontal.

[0132] Figure 45 shows a perspective exploded view of an ice cube producing unit with a tray and detachable lid with a filling opening in the tray.

[0133] Figure 46 shows a perspective side view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 45 in a vertically arranged orientation ready for filling.Figure 47 shows an embodiment of an ice cube producing unit similar to the one of figure 45, but with a different lid and a different plug for plugging the filling opening.

[0134] Figure 48 shows an exploded view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 47.

[0135] Figure 49 shows a cross sectional view according to the line XXXXIX-XXXXIX defined in figure 47.

[0136] Figure 50 shows a perspective view of another state of the ice cube producing unit of figure 47.

[0137] Figure 51 shows a perspective view of an ice cube producing unit similar to the one shown in figure 1 in a closed state with an alternative form of vacuum release opening.

[0138] Figure 52 shows a perspective view of the ice cube producing unit of figure 51 in an open state.

[0139] Detailed description of the embodiments

[0140] It should in general be noted that the ice cube producing units I devices shown in the figures are early prototypes and / or are schematically shown embodiments / examples. As such, changes can therefore be expected in a final unit which is ready for production.

[0141] The ice cube producing unit 1, shown in figures 1-8 is a first embodiment of an ice cube producing unit according to the current invention. Figures 1 , 4, 5, 6 show the unit in a collapsed or closed position. Figures 2, 3, 7, 8 show the unit in an expanded or open position. The positions and how they are arrived at will be described in more detail later on. It is in general considered to fillthe unit with water in the closed position by removing the plug in the filling opening, arranging the unit in a vertical position and then pouring water into the unit via the filling opening until the unit is filled with water. Once the unit is filled with water, the plug is put back into the filling opening and then the unit is sealed. The unit can then be put in the freezer for filling. Once the water has frozen to ice, the unit is removed from the freezer and the unit is put into its open position by displacing the lid away from the tray. The plug is removed and then the ice cubes can be dispensed out of the unit via the filling / dispensing opening.

[0142] In more detail, the unit comprises a tray 2 with multiple ice cube compartments 4. Each ice cube compartment 4 comprises a bottom surface 6 and side surfaces 8 extending upwardly from the bottom surface to form a hollow compartment 10. A lid 12 is arranged on the tray. The lid has an upper surface 14 and a skirt 16 arranged along an edge 18 of the upper surface of the lid. The skirt 16 extends downwardly from the upper surface 14. The lid 12 is arranged to be mounted on the tray 2 to seal the contents of the tray 2 between the tray 2 and the lid 12.

[0143] When water is arranged in the compartments and the unit is placed in a freezer, the water will freeze into ice cubes. The form of the ice cubes will be determined by the shape of the ice cube compartments of the tray and the shape of the lid. It should be noted that in the current embodiment, the lid does not have any ice cube compartments. However, in other embodiments, see for example the embodiment of figure 41, the lid could also be formed with ice cube compartments which are associated with the ice cube compartments of the tray to form combined ice cube compartments when the lid is mounted on the tray. This type of embodiment is described in more detail in applicant’s co-pending patent family, with PCT application published as W02020 / 104698.A flexible sealing element 20 is arranged between the lid and the tray. The flexible sealing element is in the form of a strip of material which extends along an entire free edge 22 of the skirt and an entire free edge 24 of the tray. In this way, the flexible sealing element seals a gap between the tray and the lid. Furthermore, the flexible sealing element controls the motion of the lid with respect to the tray. The lid can displace away from the tray only the distance which the dimension of the flexible sealing element allows.

[0144] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flexible sealing element 20 is arranged as a bistable element. The bi-stable effect is formed by the geometry of the skirt 16 of the lid 12, the free edge 22 of the tray 2, and the form and geometry of the flexible sealing element 20. This form of bi-stable element is of the kind described in more detail in applicant’s co-pending application published as W02020 / 104698. Due to the bi-stable arrangement, the lid 12 will be held against the tray 2 when the lid 12 is pushed towards the tray 2. Then when the lid 12 is pulled away from the tray 2, the lid 12 will “pop” out and assume a stable position held away from the tray 2 in an essentially fixed position. Then when the lid 12 is to be closed, the lid 12 is pushed back towards the tray 2 and the lid 12 will snap back into the closed position.

[0145] An opening 30 is arranged in the lid 12. The opening 30 is arranged to allow water to be filled into the ice cube producing unit both in the open and closed positions of the unit. Hence, the opening 30 could be called a filling opening. For the sake of convenience, it is desired to allow water to be filled in the closed position and as such, this embodiment provides channels (not shown) between the ice cube compartments 10 such that water poured into the top of the unit will be able to flow towards the other ice cube compartments 10 via the channels. However, in other embodiments, it could also be imagined that the unit is arranged without channels such that water is filled into the tray 2 in an open position and then the lid 12 is closed when the water is filled into all the compartments 10. In other embodiments, instead of providing channelsbetween compartments 10, a small gap could be arranged between the lid 12 and the tray 2, so that water can flow between the compartments 10 via the gap.

[0146] The opening 30 is also sized such that the ice cubes formed in the tray 2 can leave the unit via the opening 30. Hence, the opening 30 could also be called a dispensing opening. Hence, in this embodiment, the opening is both a dispensing opening and a filling opening.

[0147] A funnel portion 40 is provided in this embodiment attached to the opening 30 in the lid 12. The funnel portion 40 allows water to be filled into the tray 2 in a more vertical position. Allowing a vertical filling position allows the water to more easily fill the tray 2 as gravity will push the water down from the top of the tray 2 towards the bottom of the tray 2. Without the funnel portion 40, water could still be filled into the unit in an almost vertical position. This is more closely described with respect to the embodiment shown in figures 17-25. The funnel portion 40 has an inside surface 42, which is in fluid communication with the inner side of the lid 12. In this embodiment, the plane 92 of the opening created by the funnel portion 40 is arranged roughly 75 degrees to the plane 80 of the I id / tray as shown in figure 6. As defined in this specification, the plane 92 corresponds to the plane that minimizes the average distance from the plane to the edge of the filling opening 30 along a normal vector to the plane. This positioning is particularly beneficial for optimizing the functionality of both filling and dispensing processes.

[0148] A plug 50 is arranged in the funnel 40 to block the opening in the lid 12. Furthermore, the plug 50 has a volume occupying portion 52 which fills out the funnel portion 40, so that ice is not formed in the funnel portion 40 during freezing. A surface 54 of the plug 50 will therefore form an upper surface of the ice cube formed in the compartments 10 which the plug 50 is in contact with. In the current embodiment, the plug 50 is formed with an outer surface56 which is arranged to fill the funnel 40 and fins / ribs 58 are arranged inside the plug 50 to hold the sides of the plug 50 outwardly against the inside surface 42 of the funnel portion 40 to prevent the plug from collapsing. It should be noted that one of the advantages of adding a funnel portion 40 (in contrast to the 3D lid disclosed in the embodiment of figures 17-25) is that the sealing interface between the plug 50 and the lid 12 can be made into a 2D planar interface 59, in contrast to the 3D sealing interface of the embodiment of figures 17-25. As shown in Fig. 5 and 6, the sealing between the plug 50 and the lid and the free edge of funnel portion is achieved through a planar interface 59, so that a flat sealing surface of the plug precisely contacts a corresponding planar surface of the lid 12 (free edge of the funnel portion).

[0149] A first handle 60 is arranged attached to the lid 12 and a second handle 62 is arranged attached to the tray 2. The handles are arranged to be pulled away from each other to “pop” the lid away from the tray. A vacuum release opening 64 is provided in the upper surface of the lid. A mini plug 66 is provided on a lower surface 68 of the first handle. When the handle is pressed against the lid, the mini plug 66 on the handle 60 fills the vacuum release opening 64 in the lid. This seals the lid and prevents water from leaving the lid via the vacuum release opening 64. However, when a user pulls on the first handle 60, the first handle 60 will displace away from the lid and the mini plug 66 will be pulled out of the vacuum release opening 64. It should be noted that when the main plug 50 is arranged in the funnel portion 40 and the mini plug 66 is arranged in the vacuum release opening 64, then the unit is completely air sealed. When a user tries to pull the lid away from the tray, then a vacuum will be formed inside the unit which will prevent the user from pulling the lid away from the tray. Hence, in prior units of a similar kind, as disclosed in applicant’s co-pending patent family with PCT application published as W02020 / 104698, it is necessary to remove the main plug 50 before it is possible to pull the lid away from the tray. However, withthe current embodiment with a mini plug 66 and a vacuum release opening 64 in the lid, when the user pulls the lid, then the mini plug 66 will be automatically removed from the vacuum release opening 64 and the vacuum will be released and it will be possible for the user to pull the lid 12 away from the tray 2. This is much easier for the user, since the vacuum will be automatically released, just by pulling on the handle. This is a logical step for the user, in contrast to having to remove the main plug 50 which is a less logical step.

[0150] Note that figures 7 and 8 do not show the second handle 62 in the figures. Also note that in the current embodiment, both the first 60 and second handles 62 are both arranged to be displaceable with respect to the tray 2 and lid 12. However, it could also be imagined that the handle 60 attached to the lid 12 was displaceable while the handle 62 attached to the tray 2 was rigid and not displaceable.

[0151] In this embodiment, the first and second handles 60,62 are connected to the lid / tray respectively via two fixed brackets 70 on the lid / tray respectively. The brackets 70 are arranged with a slot 72 which is arranged parallel to the plane 80 of the lid / tray and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the unit. The ends 74 of the handles 60,62 are formed with a narrow portion 76 and a wider portion 78. The wider portion 78 can be forced through the slot 72 to engage the handle 60,62 with the bracket 70 during manufacturing. However, since the wider portion 78 is wider than the width of the slot 72, the handle 60,62 is prevented from being pulled out of the slot 72. Furthermore, it can be seen that the narrow portion 76 is longer than the bracket 70. Hence, the end of the handle 60,62 can displace relative to the bracket 70. This construction provides a simple and inexpensive method of attaching displaceable handles to the lid / tray.

[0152] In this embodiment, the plug 50 features an attachment part 81 designed to securely connect the plug 50 to the lid when removed from the funnel portion,preventing loss and keeping it within easy reach during water filling or ice cube emptying. This attachment can take various forms, such as a barbed snap-fit connector 82 as the male part and a corresponding snap-fit socket 84 as the female part. This type of connection allows users to easily detach the plug 50 completely from the lid 12 when needed and reattach it for convenient, everyday use of the unit.

[0153] Figures 9-14 show a second embodiment of an ice cube producing unit 100 according to the current invention. In general, this embodiment is very similar to the first embodiment, hence, it will not be described in detail.

[0154] It comprises a lid 132 and a tray 112. The tray 112 has multiple ice cube compartments 104. Each ice cube compartment 104 comprises a bottom surface 106 and side surfaces 108 extending upwardly from the bottom surface to form a hollow compartment 128. A flexible sealing element 130 is arranged between the lid 132 and the tray 112.

[0155] The main difference is related to the side edge portion 110 of the tray 112 associated with the filling and dispensing opening in the lid. In this embodiment, the edge portion 110 comprises an elongated flat portion 114 which is longer than in the previous embodiment. In this way, the ice cube compartments which are located adjacent the edge of the tray 110 are further away from the edge of the tray. One of the advantages of this embodiment is to provide some larger and thinner end portions 114, 116 which the user can hold onto and twist the tray 112 to release the ice cubes. While the previous embodiment also has an end portion to twist the tray, in this embodiment, the end portions 114, 116 are larger and flatter allowing the user to hold in a different manner.

[0156] Another advantage of this embodiment, is that the main plug 120 which plugs the funnel 122 and opening 124 in the lid seals against the flat portion of thetray, rather than an ice cube surface. This will make it easier to remove the plug 120 from the funnel portion 122, since there will be no ice which will expand into the plug 120 which could deform it and make it harder to remove.

[0157] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the funnel portion 122 and the opening 124 are arranged such that they are entirely in the flat portion of the tray 112. In this way, when the plug is removed, then it will not be possible to fill water into the tray. Hence, a channel 126 is provided between the funnel portion 122 and the first compartment 128. In this way, water can pour from the funnel portion to the first compartment. Another way of allowing water to fill more easily, is to extend the funnel portion 122 slightly past the edge of the first compartment. Hence, water will be able to pour from the funnel directly to the first compartment 128 and then further on to the rest of the compartments in the tray 112.

[0158] Similar to the first embodiment, in this embodiment the opening and closing principle is the same. The two handles 160, 162 enable the lid 132 to "pop" away from the tray 112. The handles 160, 162 are attached via fixed brackets 170, allowing displacement within a slot 172. The wider portion 178 of the handle prevents detachment while permitting movement along the narrower portion 176.

[0159] Figures 15 shows a third embodiment of ice cube producing unit 200according to the current invention in a “popped” or “open” state. The concepts of the embodiment of figure 15 is essentially the same as the previous two embodiments, hence, they will not be described in more detail. The embodiment of figure 15 has a more square shape rather than an elongated rectangular shape. It comprises a tray 202 with ice cube compartments 206 and a lid 204 both in a squared shape. The size of the square can be variable. The lid 204 further comprises an upper surface 214 and a skirt 218 extending away from an edge 216 of the lid. Between the lid204 and the tray 202 there is a flexible element 230 that connects and seals both parts. The lid 204 and the tray 202 both comprises a handle 220,222 accordingly that when the lid 204 and the tray 202 are pulled away, the flexible element 230 creates this “pop” out effect. Furthermore, the lid 204 comprises an opening 240 arranged on one side with a portion on the upper surface 214 of the lid 204 and a second portion arranged on the skirt 218 of the lid 204. The opening 240 comprises a funnel portion 242 for easy filling of the unit 200 with water and dispensing of ice cubes. As in previous embodiments the unit comprises a plug 250 which is arranged to the opening 240. The plug 250 has similar properties to previous embodiments. A surface (inside the unit) of the plug 250 will therefore form an upper surface of the ice cube formed in the compartments 206 which the plug 250 is in contact with. Depending on the size of the opening 240 and plug 250 it may engage with multiple compartments 206.

[0160] Figure 16 shows a fourth embodiment of ice cube producing unit 300 according to the current invention. The ice cube producing unit 300 comprises a tray 302 with multiple ice cube compartments 306 and a lid 304, both of which adopt a squared configuration. The lid 304 features an upper surface 314 and a skirt 318 extending along its edge 316. A flexible sealing element 330 is positioned between the lid 304 and the tray 302, connecting both components while ensuring a watertight seal. This flexible element 330 plays a crucial role in facilitating the “pop-out” effect when the lid 304 and the tray 302 are pulled apart. Both the lid 304 and the tray 302 are equipped with handles 320 and 322, respectively. These handles enable easy separation of the two parts. Each handle 320, 322 can be connected via a bracket on the lid / tray and a second, complementary bracket (not shown) on the handle itself. At least one of these brackets should be removable to allow for secure interconnection and locking, ensuring sufficient clearance for handle movement.A distinguishing feature of this fourth embodiment is the placement of the filling and dispensing opening 340. Unlike previous designs where the opening was centred along one of the shorter edges of the tray, in this case, the opening 340 is positioned at one of the tray’s comers. The opening 340 includes a funnel portion 342, which facilitates the convenient filling of the unit 300 with water. It should be noted that the handles 320,322 are positioned in accordance with the opening 340 so that their longitudinal axis is aligned between the centre of the opening 340 and the corresponding opposite corner of the I id / tray . In particular, the longitudinal side is positioned between the corner of the opening 340 and the opposite corner 342 as seen from above.

[0161] The unit 300 also includes a plug 350, which is designed to fit into the opening 340. The plug 350 possesses similar properties to those found in prior embodiments. When inserted, a surface (inside the unit) of the plug 350 aligns with the upper surface of the ice cube formed within the compartments 306, maintaining a level and uniform ice cube structure. Depending on the size of the opening 340 and plug 350 it may engage with multiple compartments 306.

[0162] The embodiment 400 shown in figures 17-25 is also very similar to the previous embodiments, hence it will not be described in great detail either.

[0163] However, in this embodiment, the main difference is in the shape of the plug 402 which plugs the opening 404 in the lid 405. In this embodiment, the opening has both a vertical edge and a horizontal edge portion. Hence, the plug 402 needs to be formed in a 3D shape with a first portion 406 which seals the vertical portion 408 of the opening and a second portion 410 which seals the horizontal portion 412 of the opening. It should be noted that the terms horizontal / vertical should be interpreted in the orientation when the unit is arranged such that the plane 480of the lid / tray is arranged horizontally. Itwill be clear that when the unit is being filled in a vertical orientation or being dispensed in the reversed vertical direction, then the orientations will be different.

[0164] In order to make filling the tray easier, a filling flange 420 is provided on the upper surface of the lid 405. This will allow the unit to be held in a more vertical orientation during filling.

[0165] Another difference from the previous embodiments is that the ends 430 of the handles 432 are provided with a ridge 434 on a bottom surface 436 of the handles which makes the handles larger than the slot 438 through which they are arranged. This is again to allow the ends 430 of the handle 432 to displace with respect to the brackets 440 on the lid / tray. It is to be noted that the ridges 434 are tapered to make it easier to push the end of the handle 432 through the slot 438 than to remove it. Hence, during manufacturing, the handle 432 is inserted into the slot 438 and then the user is prevented from removing it easily form the slot during use.

[0166] Another difference from the previous embodiments is that the ice cube compartments 450 are provided with different “depths” at different locations on the tray 401. This is illustrated in the front / back views of figures 24 and 25. Here it can be seen that the forward left most compartment 452 is “deeper” than the forward right most compartment 454. The same is true for the rear right most compartment 456 which is deeper than the rear left most compartment 458 (right + left are according to the tray as defined in the front view, hence right in figure 25 is left and vice versa). As such, when the tray 401 is placed on a horizontal surface 490 with the lid / tray plane 480 in a horizontal orientation, the tray will contact the horizontal surface 490 with the “deeper” ice cube compartments 452,456, while the less deep ice cube compartments 454,458 will be floating about the horizontal surface 490. The user can then push on the comers which are “floating”, and push thesetowards the horizontal surface 490. This will cause the tray to twist. When the tray is twisted, the ice cubes in the ice cube compartments will be more easily released. The effect of twisting is well known from prior art ice cube trays. However, it is often the case that some users will have difficulty twisting the tray enough when it is frozen. Hence, but arranging the depths of the ice cube compartments differently, it will be easier for all users to twist the tray.

[0167] A plane 482 is arranged at roughly 75 degrees to the plane 480 of the lid / tray. The plane 482 corresponds to the plane of the filling opening 404, which, according to the present specification, is defined as the plane that minimizes the average distance from the plane to the edge of the filling opening along the normal vector of the plane. Given the structural configuration of the ice cube producing unit 400, where the filling opening 404 is integrated with the lid 405 and is designed to facilitate both filling and dispensing of water and ice cubes, the positioning of plane 482 ensures that water can be conveniently poured into the unit in a near-vertical orientation or in an angled orientation.

[0168] In different embodiments, instead of twisting the tray about a diagonal axis, it could be possible to arrange the centre most ice cube compartments as being deeper than the outer ice cube compartments. Then pushing on the outer portions of the unit, will cause the tray to bend about its centre. Likewise, by making the outer compartments deeper than the centre ones, the centre compartments will be floating about the horizontal surface. Therefore, pushing the centre portion will cause the tray to bend downwardly in the middle. This will also help to release the ice cubes.

[0169] Figures 26-43 show different embodiments in a more schematic manner to illustrate the concepts of the invention better. Furthermore, it should be notedthat the current specification discloses a number of different inventions. Hence, some of the examples shown in the figures are not covered by the first invention, but will be examples of other inventions disclosed herein.

[0170] Figures 26-28 schematically show an embodiment 500 which is very similar to the embodiment shown in figures 17-25. In this embodiment, the plug 520 is arranged on the edge of the lid 512. More specifically, the plug 520 is positioned within an opening 504. The opening 504 is located on the lid 512, with a first portion of the opening positioned on the skirt 516 and a second portion on the lid 512 itself. On the surface of the lid 512, surrounding the opening 504, there is a small filling funnel 506 designed to facilitate the filling of the unit with water.

[0171] A plane 590 is arranged at roughly 50 degrees to the plane 580 of the lid / tray. This plane corresponds to the plane of the filling opening, which is defined as the plane minimizing the average distance from the plane to the edge of the filling opening along the normal vector of the plane. The positioning of plane 590 ensures that the unit 500 can be conveniently filled with water while being held in a nearly vertical orientation, leveraging gravity for more efficient filling. It should be noted that there is an opening in the lid 504 and then there is a funnel 506 arranged around the opening in the lid. The filling opening according to this embodiment is defined as a combination of the free edge of the funnel and the opening in the lid.

[0172] The size of the filing opening should be sufficiently large in proportion to the size of the compartments 550, particularly if there are variable-sized compartments with deeper sections. This ensures that when the lid 512 and the tray 502 are pulled apart, the ice cubes can be easily removed from the unit 500. As demonstrated in many of the described embodiments, the "pop-out" effect is achieved through the use of a flexible sealing element 540 arranged around the entire periphery of the lid and tray. When pulled away,the sealing element 540 should allow enough space for the ice cubes to move freely within the unit 500. The sealing element 540 is securely connected to both the lid 512 and the tray 502. As can be seen from the figures, the skirt and the sealing element need to have a dimension perpendicular to the tray and lid which is at least 50% of the height of the ice cubes. If the skirt and sealing element were less than 50%, then the ice cubes would not have enough room to move between the tray and the lid in the popped out position of the lid. In this embodiment, the distance is more than 50% to give more room. It is best to find a dimension which is large enough so that the ice cubes can move freely, but small enough that the sealing element doesn’t get too large. Large sealing elements will increase the cost and material usage. Furthermore, longer sealing elements will be difficult to form reliably and more water can be trapped between the sealing element and the skirt, thereby increasing the formation of ice flakes during freezing.

[0173] Figures 29-30 schematically show an embodiment 600 very similar to the embodiment shown in figures 1-8. The unit comprises a tray 602 with multiple ice cube compartments 604. A lid 612 is mounted on the tray 602 to seal its contents. The lid 612 includes an upper surface 614 and a downwardly extending skirt 616 along its edge 618. A flexible sealing element 620 is positioned between the lid 612 and the tray 602, extending along the entire free edge 622 of the skirt 616 and the entire free edge 624 of the tray 602. This sealing element 620 prevents leakage and controls the movement of the lid 612, allowing it to snap into a stable open or closed position due to its bistable nature.

[0174] An opening 630 is provided in the lid 612, functioning as both a filling and dispensing opening. As in the previous embodiment, the opening 630 is formed at least partially in the skirt portion and at least partially in the upper surface of the lid. Water can be poured into the compartments 604 via theopening 630 while the lid 612 is in a closed position, facilitated by channels or small gaps between the compartments. A funnel portion 640 is attached to the opening 630, allowing vertical water filling, and a plug 650 is arranged in the funnel portion 640 to block the opening 630. To prevent ice formation in the funnel portion 640, a volume-occupying portion 652 is integrated into the lid 612, ensuring that the surface 654 of the plug 650 forms the upper surface of the ice cubes.

[0175] Figures 31-33 schematically show an embodiment 700 which has a dispensing opening 702 formed in the upper surface of the lid 706 and the skirt 716 of the lid 706. The unit also comprises a flexible sealing element 740 connected between lid 706 and the tray 705. A dispensing opening 702 is arranged on the lid 706 to facilitate the removal of ice cubes from the compartments 708 located on the tray 705. The dispensing opening 702 is positioned at the edge of the lid 706, with a first portion located on the skirt 716 and a second portion on the lid 706 itself. A sealing plug 720 is designed to close off the dispensing opening 702 when not in use. The plug 720 has a three-dimensional shape, with a first portion 722 sealing the more vertical section 724 in the skirt of the dispensing opening 702 and a second portion 726 sealing the horizontal section 728 of the dispensing opening 702.

[0176] In order to allow an easier filling of the unit, a separate filling opening 710 is provided on the upper surface of the lid. A plug 712 is provided to block the filling opening during freezing. As in some of the previous embodiments, the filling opening is provided with a funnel portion 714.

[0177] Figures 34-36 schematically show an embodiment 800 which has a dispensing opening 802 formed exclusively on the upper surface of the lid, in contrast to the previous embodiments where the dispensing opening was formed both in the upper surface of the lid and the skirt of the lid.A sealing plug 820 is configured to close the dispensing opening 802 when not in use. The plug 820 is shaped to fit securely within the opening 802, providing an effective seal. Unlike previous designs requiring a more complex three-dimensional plug to accommodate both vertical and horizontal edges, the plug 820 in this embodiment is optimized for a single-plane sealing mechanism. In this case, the dispensing opening is arranged at the corner of the ice cube tray so that it is easy to dispense ice cubes out of the tray.

[0178] To further facilitate ice cube removal, the unit 800 incorporates a flexible sealing element 840, which allows the tray 804 and lid 830 to separate slightly when pulled apart. This creates the necessary space for the ice cubes to move toward the dispensing opening 802. Additionally, a separate filling opening 810 is provided on the upper surface of the lid 830 and a plug 812 is provided to block the filling opening during freezing. As in some of the previous embodiments, the filling opening is provided with a funnel portion 814.

[0179] Figures 37-38 show an embodiment 900 which is provided with a single filling / dispensing opening 930 and a corresponding plug 940 arranged entirely in the upper surface 914 of the lid 912. In this case, the tray 902 can be filled by holding the tray 902 in a slight angle to the vertical so that water can be poured into the tray 902. However, it should be noted that as in the previous embodiments, the opening 930 is arranged overlapping one of the ice cube compartments 906 which are arranged at the edge 908 of the tray 902. In this way, when shaking the cubes out of the tray 902, they will be collected at the edge and it will be easier to dispense them out of the unit 900. In this case, the tray 902 has a rectangular shape with two short side edges and two longer side edges. The opening 930 in this case is arranged to partially overlap one of the ice cube compartments 906 arranged adjacent to the short edge of the tray 902. Furthermore, the opening 930 in this case isarranged at a corner of the tray 902. The corner being provided between one of the short edges and one of the long edges.

[0180] Figures 39-40 show an embodiment 1000 with lid 1002 and a tray 1004. Between the lid 1002 and the tray 1004 there is a flexible element 1040 connecting the lid 1002 and the tray 1004 in a sealable manner. The tray 1004, as in previous embodiments, comprises ice cube compartments 1006. Furthermore, the unit comprises a plug 1020 for a dispensing opening 1010 located on the upper surface 1003 of the lid 1002 with an integrated fill opening 1030 with a separate plug 1032 for the fill opening 1030. In this way, only one opening 1010 is provided in the lid 1002 of the tray 1004, but it is still possible to provide separate dispense and fill openings. When it is desired to fill the unit, the plug 1032 is removed from the fill opening 1030 and water can be filled into the unit via the funnel portion 1034 of the fill opening 1030. Then the small plug 1032 can be inserted into the fill opening 1030 and the unit frozen. When it is desired to remove the ice cubes, the big plug 1020 is removed from the dispensing opening 1010.

[0181] Figure 41 shows an alternative embodiment 1100 with a different version of a lid 1102. In this case, the lid 1102 also has small compartments 1106 which form a portion of the ice cube. In this way, it is possible to pour water directly into the unit via the opening in a vertical position. This is not possible in most of the other embodiments, since the flexible sealing element is typically in the way. As such, for most of the other embodiments, a funnel portion is provided to make filling easier. While making the flexible sealing element with a curved edge would be possible, it is typically not desired, as it would cause nonlinear folding of the flexible sealing element when moving from the collapse to the open position. Also, providing a funnel is in some cases not desired as it affects the stacking height when stacking multiple units on top of each other. Hence, using a lid with compartments will allow a smaller funnel or non at all.It should however be noted that in this embodiment, the compartments 1106 in the lid 1102 have a smaller “depth” than the compartments 1108 in the tray 1104. In this way, the skirt 1118 and flexible sealing 1140 element do not have to be so long. It could be imagined, that if the compartments 1106 in the lid 1102 and the tray 1104 were the same size, then the height of the ice cube would be twice the height of the tray 1104. Hence, the flexible sealing element 1140 and the skirt 1118 would have to be arranged to be larger than the tray 1104 so that the displacement of the lid 1102 relative to the lid 1102 would be greater than the height of the ice cube. This would typically case the skirt / flexible sealing element to be larger than the tray 1104 which would not be desired as the skirt / flexible sealing element would extend past the bottom of the tray 1104. However, by making the tray 1104 larger than the lid 1102, this can be prevented. Consider the example where the tray 1104 is 2cm and the lid 1102 is also 2cm. Then the total height of the ice cube will be 4cm. In order to make the ice cube leave the unit in an easy manner, it is often required to make the space between the lid and the tray be greater than the height of the ice cube. Hence, it would be desired to make the distance between the tray 1104 and the lid 1102 around 6cm (1,5x height). While smaller distances would work, the larger the distance, the easier the dispensing will be while also making the device larger than necessary. 1 ,5x is a good compromise, but larger / smaller could also work. If we consider the case with the distance being 6cm, then the skirt / sealing element would need to be 6cm in total length. This means that the skirt 1118 would extend past the bottom of the tray 1104 by around 1 cm. This would not be desirable from a visual perspective, a material use perspective and a stacking perspective.

[0182] However, consider the case where the tray 1104 is 3cm and the lid 1102 is 1cm. Then the total height is still 4cm and the distance should still be around 6cm. Hence, the skirt 1118 and sealing element 1140 would still be around 3cm. However, since the tray 1104 is 3cm, then the skirt 1118 would not extend past the bottom of the tray 1104.The current embodiment also comprises a plug 1120. In the current embodiment, similar to other embodiments, the plug 1120 is arranged in an opening 1130 at the corner of the lid 1102. The opening, due to the small compartment arranged on the lid 1102, 1130 has a first vertical edge 1132 and a first horizontal edge 1134 as well as a second vertical edge 1136 and a second horizontal edge 1138 arranged on the lid 1102. The plug 1120 which is shaped to fit the opening 1130 the opening and the lid have a first and second vertical 1122,1126 and horizontal edge 1124,1128 accordingly. These edges are necessary to add room for the ice compartment 1106 of the lid 1102 while the plug 1120 is present.

[0183] Figures 42-44 show another embodiment 1200. In this case, instead of providing a flexible sealing element between the lid 1202 and the tray 1204, a lid 1202 is provided which is removeable from the tray 1204 completely. A sealing element 1230 is provided on the corner edge of the tray 1204, so that when the lid 1202 comes into contact with the tray 1204, the lid gets connected to the tray in a sealable manner. The sealing element 1230 can be a gasket or any other suitable sealing element. At the end of the lid 1202 there is a small skirt 1203, which comes into contact with the tray 1204 and snaps into a locking position when connected. In this case, no dispensing opening is required, since the lid 1202 can be removed to remove the ice cubes from the tray 1204. However, a filling opening 1210 with a filling plug 1212 and a filling funnel 1216 is provided to make it easier to fill the tray in a vertical orientation.

[0184] Likewise, the depths of the ice cube compartments 1206 are adjusted to allow an easy twist of the tray to release the ice cubes in the compartments 1206. Hence, this example shows an example of the third and fourth inventions, but not the first or second inventions.Figure 44 is provided to explain some details of the claim terminology. In this case, the unit is arranged at an angle of 45 degrees to the horizontal. It could be said that the plane 1250 of the lid 1202 and the plane 1260 of the tray 1204 are arranged at an angle of 45 degrees to the horizontal. In this position, it can be seen that when water is poured into the filling opening 1210, the water can fill the unit until it is 100% filled. Hence, the lower edge 1214 of the filling opening 1210 is arranged above the point where the unit contains more than 80%. It should be imaged that if the filling opening 1210 were moved further down along the lid 1202, then at some point, its lower edge would be below the point where the unit contained 80%. While it is in general not desired to fill the tray 1204 100%, as water will expand when freezing, it is typically desired to fill more than 80%. Hence, by putting the lower edge 1214 of the filling opening 1210 above the point of 80%, it is easy to fill the tray 1204 to a suitable amount. Furthermore, when filling at an angle, the tray 1204 will fill fast due to gravity which pulls the water down into the tray 1204. While it would be possible to fill the tray 1204 in a horizontal position, to provide a faster filling, providing a more vertical filling position is desirable.

[0185] It can also be seen that the plane 1220 of the filling opening 1210 is arranged at an angle of 90 degrees to the plane of the lid. In this way, it is very easy to fill the unit in a vertical position. While other angles are also possible, in general, it is desired to make it as easy as possible for the user to fill unit. Hence, filling openings which are more perpendicular to the lid can in many cases be desired. However, as is clear from, for example the embodiment of figures 37-38, it is still possible to fill the tray effectively, by arranging the tray 1204 at an angle of for example 45 degrees. Also, since the filling opening 1210 is arranged at one end of the tray 1204, even at an angle of 45 degrees, more than 80% of the water will be contained underneath the lowest edge 1214 of the filling opening 1210.Figures 45-46 show another example of an ice cube producing unit 2000 with a tray 2002 having multiple ice cube compartments 2003 and with a detachable lid 2004. The detachable lid is formed with a snap rim 2006 which is arranged to engage with a corresponding snap rim 2008 on an upper edge of the tray. The snap rims of lid and the tray are formed to provide a cooperating sealing interface so that when the lid is engaged with the tray, the contents of the unit are sealed inside. The unit can then be put in the freezer in any orientation without water leaking out of the unit.

[0186] A filling opening 2010 is formed in a side portion of the tray whereby water can be filled into one of the ice cube compartments tray via the filling opening. Water entering into the ice cube compartment spreads out to the other compartments via channels 2012 between adjacent ice cube compartments. A removeable plug 2014 is provided which can plug the filling opening in the tray. The plug 2014 is hinged to the lid 2004.

[0187] As can be seen from figure 46, when the unit 2000 is arranged vertically and the removeable plug is removed from the opening, then the unit can be filled with water in a vertical orientation. This provides a “fill like a bottle” function which is easier to use for a user than flat filling.

[0188] Figures 47 to 50 show another example of an ice cube producing unit 2100 with a tray 2102 having multiple ice cube compartments 2103 and a detachable lid 2104 which can form a sealable connection with the tray when it is mounted on the tray. As in the previous embodiment, a filling opening 2106 is provided in a side of the tray into one of the ice cube compartments. Furthermore, as in the previous embodiment a removeable plug 2108 is provided for plugging the filling opening. However, in this embodiment, the plug is hinged to the tray.The tray in this case is provided with an over moulded sealing element 2110 (shown “exploded” away from the tray in figure 48 for understanding). The over-moulded sealing element is arranged along the upper edge 2112 of the tray and engages with the snap rim 2114 of the lid (best seen in figure 50). The over moulded sealing element also has a portion 2116 which wraps around the filling opening. This portion ensures that a good seal is formed between the filling opening and the removeable plug. In this way, the plug itself can be made out of a stiff material, allowing it to be made as a hinge and still be able to form a good seal.

[0189] As can be seen from figure 49, the plug 2106 is designed to extend at least partially into the ice cube compartment so that when ice is frozen in the ice cube compartment, no ice extends a distance D1 into the filling opening. This would otherwise prevent the ice cube from being removed from the ice cube compartment as the ice would engage with the filling opening. It should be noted that the upper edge of the plug should extend into the ice cube compartment and the draft angle of the plug should be formed to allow the ice cube to be removed from the tray. As can be seen in the current embodiment, the angle of the plug is tilted slightly away from the vertical in the upwards and outwards direction when considering the center of the ice cube. In this way, the plug does not provide any restriction to removal of the ice cube. As such, the plug can remain in the opening when removing the ice cubes.

[0190] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lid 2104 is provided with a skirt portion 2120 which extends away from the lid and past the sealing interface 2110 between the lid and the tray 2102. In this way, the ice cube producing unit can be placed upside down and then the tray pealed up and away from the lid, leaving the ice cubes arranged on the lid portion. The skirt holds the ice cubes on the lid preventing them from sliding all over the place. An opening 2122 in the skirt at one short side edge 2124 allows the ice cubes to bedispensed from one side edge of the lid in a controlled manner. Hence, a simple and effective dispensing is provided without the need to touch the ice cubes. Another feature of this embodiment, is that the skirt is provided with multiple slots 2126 in the skirt portion. The slots extend from a free edge 2128 of the skirt towards the lid. These slots ensure that the flexibility of the lid is maintained so that the tray can still be easily twisted with the lid mounted on the tray. Without the slots, the tray and lid combination would become much stiffer, preventing easy twisting. Twisting can help to release the ice cubes from the ice cube compartments of the tray.

[0191] Figures 51 and 52 schematically show an embodiment similar to the one of figures 1 and 2. The main functionality is the same as the unit of figures 1 and 2 and as such will not be described in detail here. However, instead of a vacuum release opening arranged underneath the handle and a cooperating plug arranged on a lower surface of the handle, in this embodiment two vacuum release openings 2200 are formed in the lid on an upper surface thereof. Two small plugs 2202 are formed on the tray on a partition between two adjacent ice cube compartments. The two small plugs are formed to fit into the two vacuum release openings in the closed position of the unit, as shown in figure 51. However, as soon as force is applied to the handle, the lid will deflect outwards thereby causing the lid to lift away from the tray and hence, the vacuum release openings on the lid will be released from the small plugs allow vacuum to be released, allowing the lid to be opened in an easy manner.

[0192] It is to be noted that the figures and the above description have shown the example embodiments in a simple and schematic manner. Many of the specific mechanical details have not been shown since the person skilled in the art should be familiar with these details and they would just unnecessarily complicate this description.

Claims

48Claims1. An ice cube producing unit comprising:a. a tray formed as an ice cube tray having multiple ice cube compartments,b. a lid which is suitable for being mounted on the tray such that the contents of the multiple ice cube compartments are sandwiched between the tray and the lid such that the shape of the ice cubes formed in the multiple ice cube compartments are defined at least partly by the tray and the lid, and c. a displacing mechanism connecting the tray and the lid and having two positions:i. a closed position where the lid is held in a position where it is arranged proximate to the tray and ii. an open position where the lid is held in a position where it is separated from the tray so that an ice cube formed in the tray can leave the tray,characterized in thatd. the lid comprises a skirt portion extending away from a plane of the lid to overlap at least a portion of a side of the tray in the closed position of the lid,e. a flexible sealing element arranged between a free edge of the skirt and a free edge of the tray and extending along the entire periphery of the skirt and the tray to prevent the contents of the ice cube producing unit from leaving the ice cube producing unit from a gap between the edge of the skirt and the edge of the tray,f. a dispensing opening in the lid which is larger than an ice cube formed in an ice cube compartment to allow an ice cube formed in an ice cube compartment to leave the ice cube producing unit, and49g. a removeable plug arranged to plug the dispensing opening to prevent the contents of the ice cube producing unit from exiting the ice cube producing unit via the dispensing opening.

2. Ice cube producing unit according to claim 1 , characterized in that the displacing mechanism comprises the flexible sealing element and in that the flexible sealing element is a bi-stable element having a first stable state when the tray and the lid are in the closed position and a second stable state when the tray and lid are in the open position.

3. An ice cube producing unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dispensing opening is arranged at least partially in the skirt of the lid.

4. An ice cube producing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the dispensing opening is arranged to at least partially overlap one of the ice cube compartments in the tray which is arranged along a side edge of the tray.

5. An ice cube producing unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the ice cube producing unit has a rectangular shape comprising two short side edges and two long side edges and in that the dispensing opening is arranged at least partially along one of the short side edges.

6. An ice cube producing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the lid comprises a funnel portion with an outlet which is in fluid communication with the ice cube compartments in the closed position of the ice cube producing unit and in that a plane of an opening of the funnel defines a plane50which is arranged at an angle of more than 45 degrees to the plane of the lid.

7. An ice cube producing unit according to claim 6, characterized in that the funnel is associated with the dispensing opening.

8. An ice cube producing unit according to claim 7, characterized in that the opening of the funnel is large enough to allow an ice cube formed in an ice cube compartment to pass through the opening of the funnel.

9. An ice cube producing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lid is also formed as an ice cube tray, the lid and the tray both having multiple ice cube compartments and that in the closed position the lid and the tray are pressed together to define multiple common ice cube compartment and that in the open position, the lid and the tray are separated to allow ice cubes formed in the ice cube compartments to pass between the lid and the tray.

10. An ice cube producing unit according to claim 9, characterized in that a depth of an ice cube compartment in the lid is less than a depth of an ice cube compartment in the tray.

11. Ice cube producing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the dispensing opening has a minimum area which is greater than the maximum cross-sectional area of the ice cube compartment.

12. Ice cube producing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a dimension of the skirt perpendicular to the51plane of the lid is greater than 50% of the maximum distance between the lid and the tray perpendicular to the plane of the lid in the closed position of the ice cube producing unit.

13. An ice cube producing unit according to claim 12, characterized in that the dimension of the flexible sealing element perpendicular to the plane of the lid is at least 50% of said maximum distance.

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