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  Method and apparatus for molding a reinforced, attachable ice blockUSPTO Application #: 20070022762Title: Method and apparatus for molding a reinforced, attachable ice block Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a block or sheet of ice that is resistant to breakage and can be readily attached to an external object such as a ski, sled, or other device for the purpose of sliding said objects down or along non-snowy or non-icy terrain. The ice molding apparatus consists of three, typically plastic, parts: a container, a lid, and a grate, all just large enough to fit horizontally into the freezer portion of a standard home side-by-side refrigerator/freezer. The grate is suspended from the container edges down into the container and below the lid, with a portion of the grate extending outside of the container. The lid is mounted on the grate, with the container, grate, and lid all forming a seal to prevent water from easily spilling from the mold apparatus during the ice making and freezing process. The ice that is formed encapsulates the grid that provides structural reinforcement to the ice block and makes it more resistant to breakage than comparably sized ice blocks when impacted by external physical forces. Additionally, a portion of the grate extends outside of the mold (container and lid) and contains a snap latch or other mechanism of similar purpose for attachment to a mating feature on a sled, ski, or other device. (end of abstract) Agent: Scott H. Ireland - Westminster, CO, US Inventor: Scott Howard Ireland USPTO Applicaton #: 20070022762 - Class: 062066000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Refrigeration, Processes, Congealing Flowable Material, E.g., Ice Making The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070022762. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] The primary objective of this invention is to be able to easily produce a relatively light-weight ice block or ice sheet that can be readily attached to a sled, ski, or other device for the purpose of sliding said objects down or along non-icy or non-snowy terrain. Attaching ice to the bottom of a ski or sled in order to use those devices during warmer seasons (when snow or ice is not on the ground) is not a unique practice. However, to produce ice that will not break apart under the rigors of downhill skiing or sledding normally requires that the ice be quite thick and heavy. Furthermore, in almost all instances, the method and apparatus to mold and secure the ice to the bottom of a ski or sled is cumbersome and is not something that can be inexpensively mass produced. This invention addresses each of those concerns as outlined in the following statements. (1) The ice mold apparatus is sized so that it can readily fit within a standard side-by-side refrigerator/freezer found in many homes. (2) The ice mold apparatus is constructed so that water cannot easily spill from it, and once the ice is frozen, the outside mold can easily be removed from the ice. (3) Due to an internal grid or lattice that is encapsulated in the ice as it is frozen, relatively thin ice sheets or ice blocks can be produced that are light-weight, yet resistant to breakage during handling and use. (4) The same grid that provides the ice with additional structural reinforcement also provides a means for quick attachment to a mating sled or ski or the like. (5) The design of the ice mold apparatus allows it to be inexpensively mass produced using a plastic injection molding process. [0002] The ice molding apparatus consists of three parts: a container, a grid, and a lid. These parts and their assembly are shown in FIG. 1. The grid is mounted on top of the container, such that it fits snuggly on top of the container's four sides or walls. In this position, the center portion of the grid is suspended down into the container and below the lid. After the container (with grid) is filled with water--up to a line indicating the appropriate fill level to accommodate for the expansion of the ice during freezing--the lid is mounted on top of the grid (and container), sealing the mold apparatus assembly in order to prevent water from spilling out during handling and placement into a freezer. [0003] After the water has frozen into ice and the mold apparatus is removed from the freezer, the lid and container can then be separated from the ice and grid (that is encapsulated into the ice). Running warm water over the mold assembly, or waiting for a few minutes for the outermost portion of the ice to melt, will help facilitate easy removal of the lid and separation of the container. The ice block that remains is formed around the center portion of the grid, with the outer edges of the grid being free of ice. The center portion of the grid that is encapsulated in the ice helps to provide the ice with additional reinforcement and helps it to resist breakage during use. The top, outer edge of the grid is used to mount against the bottom of a sled, ski, or the like, and the snap latch feature on the outer grid edge is used to readily secure the ice block (and grid) with a mating feature on the sled, ski, or other device. Continue reading... Full patent description for Method and apparatus for molding a reinforced, attachable ice block Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Method and apparatus for molding a reinforced, attachable ice block patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Method and apparatus for molding a reinforced, attachable ice block or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Superconducting magnet system with radiation shield disposed between the cryogenic fluid tank and a refrigerator Next Patent Application: Frozen beverages Industry Class: Refrigeration ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Method and apparatus for molding a reinforced, attachable ice block patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 5.71418 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Daimler Chrysler , DirecTV , Exxonmobil Chemical Company , Goodyear , Intel , Kyocera Wireless , |
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