BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to molds for ice, and more particularly, to molds for clear ice cubes that include a stamp for making an impression in ice cubes.
Description of Related Art
Ice molds have long been used to create decorative ice cubes and shapes for drinks and beverages. Conventional ice molds typically come in fixed designs and do not offer much flexibility for customization. Users are limited to a single ice shape or design per mold, leading to repetitive and monotonous ice cubes. Additionally, existing molds lack the ability to cater to various occasions and events with specific themes or messages.
Bars and other drinking establishments are always looking for ways to improve the atmosphere and unique experience of their patrons. Traditional ice cubes often lack visual appeal, which may lead to a mundane drinking experience. One such technique is to use completely clear or transparent ice cubes in their drinks. Another technique is to use ice cubes in their drinks with difference logos, symbols, or wording. The concept of enhancing the aesthetics of beverages through visually appealing ice cubes has become increasingly popular in the hospitality industry and among beverage enthusiasts.
Accordingly, there is a need for a solution that allows users to create personalized ice designs on demand that has been recognized for quite some time. For instance, parties, celebrations, and special events often require unique and eye-catching ice cubes that align with the theme or purpose of the gathering. Traditional ice molds fail to meet this demand, leading to a gap in the market for an improved ice mold design that enables customizable ice creations.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved ice cube mold that offers variable designs and provides clear impressions.
ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is to provide a stamp for ice that is more convenient to use.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an ice mold having an easy changeable stamp therein for the convenience of the user.
A further aspect of the present invention is to enable users to easily customize ice cubes by selecting and inserting a desired stamp into the ice mold, allowing for personalized ice creations for different events and themes.
An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide a wide variety of replaceable stamps, wherein the ice mold can be used for diverse applications, such as birthdays, weddings, holidays, and corporate events.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a stamp replacement mechanism that enables simple and quick stamp interchangeability, providing a hassle-free experience for users.
The present invention reduces the need for purchasing multiple molds for different designs, as users can invest in a single ice mold with several replaceable stamps, saving money and storage space. Thus, the durable and reusable nature of the ice mold and stamps in accordance with the present invention contribute to reduced waste compared to single-use ice molds.
Other aspects of the present invention include the ability to use letter, symbol, and other image stamps for users to create personalized messages or names on ice cubes, adding a thoughtful touch to drinks. The innovative ice designs elevate the overall beverage experience, making it more delightful and memorable.
In order to achieve these aspects and others, the present invention provides an ice mold with a replaceable stamp including a body having a bottom and four side walls connected to the bottom. A stamp with an image on a first side and tabs on the opposing second side are configured to fit into a plurality of apertures in the bottom of the body for receiving the tabs to secure the stamp to the bottom of the ice mold. The ice mold preferably is constructed of a flexible material. The stamp has a planar configuration and is constructed of a flexible material. The apertures can pass through the bottom of the body in the preferred embodiment.
The present invention seeks to address the shortcomings of conventional ice molds by introducing a novel ice mold with a replaceable stamp. This inventive solution allows users to interchange different stamps within the mold, facilitating the creation of diverse ice shapes and patterns. The replaceable stamp mechanism not only enhances the aesthetics of the ice but also enhances the overall experience of beverage consumption.
The ice mold with a replaceable stamp consists of several key components, including the mold body, apertures or slots for receiving mounting tabs of the stamps, and replaceable stamps. The mold body is crafted from food-grade, durable material and features multiple stamp slots on the bottom surface. Each slot or aperture is designed to hold a replaceable stamp securely in place during the freezing process.
The replaceable stamps are constructed from flexible yet sturdy materials, such as silicone or rubber. Each stamp features a unique design, pattern, text, or visual three-dimensional image on the top surface or first surface, which is imprinted onto the ice cube when freezing occurs within the mold. The stamps can include letters, numbers, symbols, logos, and intricate patterns. The imprinted designs on the ice cubes enhance the overall presentation of beverages, making them more visually appealing and enjoyable. Users can express their creativity by choosing from a vast array of stamp designs, making every ice cube a unique work of art.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, an ice mold with a replaceable stamp is provided having a body having a bottom and four side walls connected together and to the bottom with a stamp including a three-dimensional image and sized to fit within the body against at least one of the side walls. The stamp includes a pair of curved edges on opposing edges, wherein at least one of the side walls includes curved rails sized to receive the curved edges of the stamp. The body and the stamp preferably are constructed of flexible material. The stamp preferably has a planar configuration and the pair of curved edges on opposing edges of the stamp extend longitudinally along the edges of the stamp.
The ice mold with a replaceable stamp is poised to revolutionize the way people create ice designs for various occasions. Its unique features, versatility, and advantages make it a highly desirable and marketable product in the field of kitchen accessories and beverage-related items.
The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred features of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed invention and specific embodiments as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention, and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ice mold with a replaceable stamp configured in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ice mold shown in FIG. 1 wherein the replaceable stamp is illustrated separate from the ice mold;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ice mold of FIG. 1 illustrating the replaceable stamp within the ice mold;
FIG. 4 is a top view of the ice mode shown in FIG. 1 wherein the replaceable stamp can be seen within the ice mold;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the replaceable stamp of FIG. 2 apart from the ice mold;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bottom of the replaceable stamp shown in FIGS. 1-5;
FIG. 7 is a side view of the replaceable stamp wherein the three-dimensional image includes a raised portion;
FIGS. 8a-8c are perspective views of an ice mold with replaceable stamps configured in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the replaceable stamps are being inserted into the ice mold;
FIGS. 9a-9c are perspective views of the ice mold shown in FIGS. 8a-8c, wherein a replaceable stamp is being inserted against an additional side of the ice mold;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a replaceable stamp shown in FIGS. 8a-8c and 9a-9c;
FIG. 10b is an enlarged view of the portion of the side of the stamp shown in FIG. 10 identified as portion “B”;
FIG. 10c is an enlarged view of the portion of the side of the stamp shown in FIG. 10 identified as portion “C”;
FIG. 11 is a top view of the ice mold shown in FIGS. 8a-8c and 9a-9c without the removable stamps; and
FIG. 11a is an enlarged view of the portion of the top of the ice mold shown in FIG. 11 identified as portion “A”.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mold 10 for ice cubes. The mold 10 includes a body 12 having four side walls 14, 15, 16, 17, connected together and to a bottom 18. The body 12 preferably is constructed of a flexible material, such a rubber. The mold 10 preferably is constructed to make clear ice cubes. The body 12 preferably includes two compartments 24, 25, each for molding a single ice cube, that are separated by a dividing wall 21. The top 26 of the body 12 includes a handle 28.
In accordance with the present invention, the bottom 18 of the body 12 includes a plurality of apertures, holes, or slots 20 for receiving tabs 30 (FIGS. 6 and 7) of the replaceable stamp 22 to be secured within apertures 20 on the bottom 18 of the body 12 of the mold 10. A replaceable or changeable stamp 22 includes an image, text, or design 32 on the top surface or first side 34 of the replaceable stamp 22. The visual image 32 can be cut into the top 34 of the stamp 22, or the image 32 can be a raised surface 48 (FIG. 7) above the top surface 34 of the stamp 22. Different stamps 22 can have different three-dimensional visual images 32 to accommodate specific desires or goals of the user. It should be noted that by the word “image,” this includes text, designs, numbers, or any other type of visual image.
FIG. 2 illustrates the stamp 22 removed from the body 12 of the ice mold 10. Illustrated are the side walls 14, 15, 16, 17, and the divider wall 21 between the ice molding compartments 24, 25. The stamp 22 is shown with the three-dimensional image 32 in the top surface 34. The handle 28 on the top 26 of the body 12 is shown. Also illustrated are feet 40 to elevate the bottom 18 of the body 12 above a flat surface to enable the tabs 30 (see FIGS. 6 & 7) of the stamp 22 to pass completely through the bottom 18 of the body 12. The second side or bottom surface 36 of the stamp 22 also is labeled.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cross-section of the mold 10 shown in FIG. 1. The side walls 14, 16, 17 and the bottom 18 of the body 12 are shown, as well as the handle 28 on the top 26 of the body 12 of the mold 10. The dividing wall 21 separating the compartments 24, 25 is shown. The feet 40 on the bottom 18 are further illustrated, as well as the stamp 22 in compartment 24 of the body 12.
In accordance with the present invention, the aperture 20 is shown in the bottom 18 of compartment 25. But also shown, is a raised tab, plug, or protrusion 45 on the bottom 18 of the body 12 within compartment 25 to insert into an aperture 46 (FIG. 6) in the stamp 22 and secure the stamp 22 to the bottom 18 of the body 12. The tabs 30 of the stamp 22 fitting into the apertures 20 in the bottom 18 not only function to properly position and secure the stamp 22 to the bottom 18, but also function to provide a water tight seal in the bottom 18 to prevent water from passing through the bottom 18 of the body 12 of the mold 10. Similarly, in the reverse configuration, the tabs 45 on the bottom 18 of the body 12 fit into the apertures 46 of the stamp 22 to properly position and secure the stamp 22 to the bottom 18. Both tab 30,46 configurations function to properly position the stamp 22 within the body 12 and provide a water tight seal in the bottom 18 to prevent water from passing through the bottom 18.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the body 12 of mold 10 shown in FIG. 1. A clear view is provided of the first compartment 24 including the top 34 of the stamp 22, wherein the stamp 22 is secured to the bottom 18 of the body 12. Apertures 46 can be seen in the stamp 22, and the opposite bottom side of the tabs 30 on the stamp 22 can be seen. The three-dimensional image 32 on the on the top surface 34 of the stamp 22 is shown. Also illustrated is the empty compartment 25 without a stamp 22, and a clear view of the bottom 18 including apertures 20 and tabs 45 on the bottom 18 of compartment 25 in the body 12. Also shown is the handle 28 on the top 26 of the body 12 and the divider 21 between the first and second compartments 24,25.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the first side or top surface 34 of the replaceable stamp 22 showing the three-dimensional image 32 in the top surface 34. Apertures 46 in the stamp 22 for receiving tabs 45 in the bottom 18 of the body 12 also are shown. The opposite side of the tab 30 on the stamp 22 is further shown.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second side or bottom surface 36 of the replaceable stamp 22 shown in FIGS. 1-5. Enlarged views of the tabs 30 and the apertures or slots 46 on the bottom surface 36 of the stamp 22 are shown. Sides 37 of the stamp 22 also are illustrated.
FIG. 7 is a side view of the replaceable stamp 22 shown in FIG. 6. Clearly shown are the tabs 30 on the bottom surface 36 of the replaceable stamp 22. The top surface 34 and bottom surface 36 of the stamp 22 are labeled. Additionally, an example of the embodiment wherein a three-dimensional (3D) image 48 is raised above the top surface 34 of the stamp 22 is shown, in contrast to the image 32 being embedded or engraved in the top surface 34 of the stamp 22 as shown in FIGS. 2-5. The side 37 of the stamp 22 also is illustrated.
FIG. 8a is a perspective view of an ice mold 50 configured is accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The body 52 includes two side walls 54,56 and two end walls 55,57 that are connected together to form a rectangle and a bottom 58 connected to the side walls 54,56 and end walls 55,57. A divider or dividing wall 59 separates two ice cube compartments, chambers, or receptacles 60 and 61 for making ice cubes. The top 62 of the body 52 includes a handle 64. The bottom 58 of the body 52 includes feet 63 extending from the bottom 58 to keep the bottom 58 above a table, floor, or other surface for supporting the body 52.
In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, each of the side walls 54,56 and end walls 55,57 includes a pair of opposing vertical curved rails or vertical side rails 80,82 (FIGS. 9a,9b) for receiving and guiding corresponding opposing vertical curved edges or vertical side guides 75 on the opposing vertical side edges 65 of the removable or replaceable stamps 70 into the receptacles 60,61. The top edge 68 of the replaceable stamp 70 includes a tab handle 69. The face 71 of the replaceable or removable stamp 70 includes a three-dimensional image 72 for imprinting an image and/or text onto a forming ice cube within one of the receptacles 60,61. FIG. 8a illustrates four replaceable stamps 70 above the receptacles 60,61 before being inserted into the receptacles 60,61 along the vertical side rails 80 (FIGS. 9a,9b) within the receptacles 60,61.
FIG. 8b illustrates the four removable stamps 70 shown in FIG. 8a beginning to be inserted into the receptacles 60,61 along the vertical side rails 80 on opposing side walls 54,56. The vertical side rails 80 preferably have a convex configuration and extend from the top 62 of the body 52 to the bottom 58 of the body 52. The vertical side rails 80 on opposing side walls 54,56 preferably are adjacent to perpendicular end walls 55,57 and dividing wall 59 between the receptacles 60,61. The vertical side guides 75 on the vertical side edges 65 of the replaceable stamps 70 preferably have a concave configuration. The vertical side guides 75 on the vertical side edges 65 of the replaceable stamps 70 extend from the top edge 68 to the bottom edge 67 of the replaceable stamp 70.
FIG. 8c illustrates the four removable stamps 70 shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b installed within the first and second ice receptacles 60,61. Each of the replaceable stamps 70 are held in place by the vertical side rails 80 on opposing side walls 54 and 56. The vertical side rails 80 of the side walls 54, 56 fit into the vertical side guides 75 of the replaceable stamp 70 to properly position and hold the replaceable stamp 70 in place against the end walls 55,57 and divider wall 59.
FIG. 9a illustrates the ice mold 50 shown in FIGS. 8a-8c, but one replaceable stamp 70 is about to be inserted into the receptacle 60 against the side wall 56, and another replaceable stamp 70 is about to be inserted into the receptacle 61 against the end wall 57. FIG. 9a illustrates pairs of opposing vertical side rails 80 on opposing side walls 54,56 and adjacent to end walls 55,57 and divider wall 59. Similarly, FIG. 9a illustrates pairs of opposing vertical side rails 82 on opposing end walls 55,57 and the divider wall 59. The vertical side rails 82 are adjacent to side walls 54,56. Vertical guide rails 75 on the side edges 65 of the replaceable stamps 70 are shown extending from the top edge 68 to the bottom edge 67 of the replaceable stamp 70. The vertical guide rails 75 are sized to receive the vertical side rails 80,82. The vertical guide rails 75 preferably have a concave configuration, and the vertical side rails 80,82 preferably have a convex configuration.
FIG. 9b illustrates one replaceable stamp 70 being inserted into the first receptacle 60 along the vertical side rails 82 to position the replaceable stamp 70 against the side wall 56. The three-dimensional image 72 on the face or front 71 of the replaceable stamp 70 faces inward towards the receptacle 60. The vertical guide rails 75 of the replaceable stamp 70 follow along the vertical side rails 82.
Similarly, another replaceable stamp 70 is being inserted into receptacle 61 against the end wall 57. The vertical side rails 80 fit into the vertical guide rails 75 to properly position the replaceable stamp 70 against the end wall 57. The three-dimensional image 72 on the front or first side 71 of the replaceable stamp 70 faces inward towards the receptacle 61.
FIG. 9c illustrates the two replaceable stamps 70 shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b fully inserted into the receptacles 60,61. The first replaceable stamp 70 is against side wall 56 and the other replaceable stamp 70 is against end wall 57.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the replaceable stamps 70 shown in FIGS. 8a-8c and 9a-9c. Illustrated are the front or face 71 of the replaceable stamp 70 including the three-dimensional image 72 for imprinting on an ice cube. The top edge 68 including the tab 69 for inserting and removing the replaceable stamp 70 is shown, and the bottom edge 67 also is identified.
In accordance with the present invention, the side 65 of the replaceable stamp 70 including the vertical guide rails or vertical curved edges 75 on opposing side edges are illustrated. In the preferred embodiment, the vertical guide rail 75 has a concave configuration and extends from the top edge 68 to the bottom edge 67. The vertical guide rails 75 are sized to receive the vertical side rails 80 or 82 within the receptacles 60 or 61 to properly position the replaceable stamp 70 within the body 52 of the ice mold 50. During insertion or removal of the replaceable stamp 70 into the receptacle 60 or 61, the vertical guide rails 75 receive the vertical side rails 80 or 82 as the replaceable stamp 70 is being inserted or removed from the receptacle 60 or 61.
FIG. 10b is an enlarged view of the portion “B” identified in FIG. 10. FIG. 10b provides an enlarged and clear view of the top of the vertical guide rail 75 within the side edge 65 of the replaceable stamp 70. The preferred concave configuration of the vertical guide rail 75 can be seen. A portion of the tab 69 and the face 71 of the replaceable stamp 70 also is shown.
FIG. 10c is an enlarged view of the portion “C” identified in FIG. 10. FIG. 10c provides an enlarged and clear view of the opposing side edge 65 of the replaceable stamp 70, wherein the top edge 68 includes the vertical guide rail 75 within the side edge 65. The preferred concave configuration of the vertical guide rail 75 can be seen. A portion of the top edge 68 and the three-dimensional image 72 on the face 71 of the replaceable stamp 70 also is shown.
FIG. 11 is a top view of the ice mold 50, except only the vertical side rails 80 are illustrated. FIG. 11 illustrates ice cube receptacles 60,61 showing the bottom 58. The tabs 45 and apertures 20 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention also are illustrated. The dividing wall 59, top 62, and handle 64 are further illustrated. Also shown are the top of the side walls 54,56 and the end walls 55,57 of the body 52 of the ice mold 50.
In accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention, the top of vertical side rails 80 against the side walls 54,56 in receptacles 60,61 are illustrated. The vertical side rails 80 are shown as having a preferred convex configuration.
FIG. 11a illustrates an enlarged view of the top of the vertical side rails 80 shown in the portion “A” of in FIG. 11. The vertical side rails 80 are shown in each of the ice cube receptacles 60,61 which are separated by the dividing wall 59. The vertical side rails 80 have a convex configuration and are located within the side wall 54.
While specific embodiments have been shown and described to point out fundamental and novel features of the invention as applied to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes of the form and details of the invention illustrated and in the operation may be done by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Patent Application
20250060141
