Apparatus for making, storing and minimizing melting of spherical pieces of ice
US9677808B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C2500/02
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ice support and storage tray includes one or more cavities having upwardly facing spherical surface portions that support spherical pieces of ice. The tray is preferably made of a material having a low thermal conductivity to reduce melting of the spherical pieces of ice. The spherical support surfaces minimize melting points that could otherwise cause the spherical pieces of ice to melt and develop irregular surface shapes. The ice tray may be used in a freezer having an ice maker that transports spheres of ice to the ice support cavities. The ice storage tray may be configured to permit removal of spheres of ice without tipping the tray upside down and/or twisting/deforming the tray.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.