1. Field of the Invention
The invention is directed to a tray mold. More particularly, the invention is directed to a tray mold capable of molding, for example, ice cubes, candies, and food stuffs into two- and three-dimensional representations.
2. Background of the Related Art
There are commercially available ice trays that produce two- and three-dimensional novelty ice cube items, such as golf balls, footballs, football helmets, and other similar novelty items. However, these ice trays are limited to producing ice cubes and do not have the capability of readily producing acceptable items in other materials.
Further, currently available ice trays are limited in their ability to reproduce accurate and precise representations. Typically, ice cubes produced from these trays exhibit excess material around the “part line” or juncture of the halves. This presents a ragged and esthetically objectionable appearance that often renders the ice cube product unrecognizable.
An object of the invention is to solve at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described hereinafter.
The invention is directed to a tray mold. More particularly, the invention is directed to a tray mold capable of molding, for example, ice cubes, candies, and food stuffs into two- and three-dimensional representations.
Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained as particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
The invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein:
The present invention is directed to a tray mold. The tray mold according to embodiments of the invention can be used to mold, for example, ice cubes, candies, and other food stuff. The tray mold according to one embodiment of the invention is capable of molding a two-dimensional representation of an object with precision. Further, the tray mold according to embodiments of the invention is configured to prevent nesting between multiple tray molds. Additionally, the tray mold according to another embodiment of the invention is capable of molding a full three-dimensional representation of an object with precision, as opposed to partial or two-dimensional representations provided by conventional tray molds. Furthermore, the tray mold according to embodiments of the invention may be compartmentalized, allowing one to produce, for example, ice cubes, candies, and other food stuffs, from different materials in one tray mold simultaneously and/or store such products as desired. In the present application, the drawings are directed to molding a two-dimensional or full three-dimensional representation of a hand grenade; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that embodiments of the invention may be utilized to mold, for example, ice cubes, candies, and other food stuffs into any shape, size, design, and/or two- or three-dimensional representation of an object.
As set forth above, in the embodiment of
In such an embodiment, a tray mold may be configured to include, for example, ten emblem molds as shown in
The tray mold 100 shown in
Additionally, reinforcing bars 155 may be provided between mold portions 130. The reinforcing bars 155 function to reinforce the tray mold 100 as well as assist in the removal of the molded product from the tray mold 100. The reinforcing bars 155 additionally aid in stacking the multiple tray molds 100 by preventing nesting of the tray molds 100.
In one embodiment, the top and side walls 115A, 115B of the tray mold 100 have a thickness J less than a thickness K of the bottom wall 115C of the mold portions 130 (see
For example, referring to
As shown in
The base tray 200A includes a base member 215A in which a plurality of compartments 240A are formed. In each compartment 240A, one or more mold portions 230A are formed. Each mold portion 230A provides a portion, for example, one half of a three-dimensional representation of an object, in this embodiment a hand grenade, and is provided in only a portion of the compartment 240A, such that a portion 245A of the compartment remains open. As will be further discussed below, the open portions 245A of the compartments 240A are configured to receive a complementary mold portion 230B to form the three-dimensional representation as the top tray insert 200B is coupled to the base tray 200A.
The top tray insert 200B also includes a plurality of compartments 240B. In each compartment, one or more complementary mold portions 230B are formed in complement to the one or more mold portions 230A formed in each compartment 240A of the base tray 200A. The base tray 200A and top tray insert 200B may both be formed out of polypropylene or other similar materials. The desired contour of the top tray insert mating surface may be, for example, ˜0.010 to 0.015 inch convex.
The coupling capability of the tray mold 200A, 200B allows products, such as, for example, ice cubes, candies, and other food stuffs to be molded with precision. Further, the tray mold 200A, 200B creates a clean, air-tight environment configured to protect molded products, from, for example, spillage or damage until needed. The optional locking capabilities of the tray mold 200A, ?OOB discussed further below provide added protection.
Furthermore, the plurality of compartments 240A, 240B provided in the base tray 200A and top tray insert 200B limit and effectively control the distortion characteristics inherent in thermoplastic molding materials. Additionally, the plurality of compartments 240A, 240B permit the selective removal and use of products, such as, for example, ice cubes, candies, and other food stuffs, molded by the tray mold 200A, 200B. That is, unused products may be left in the tray mold in a clean, air-tight, protected environment. Also, the plurality of compartments 240A, 240B allow multiple products to be made out of different materials in the same tray mold. For example, ice cubes, candies, chocolates, sherbets, and/or butter may be molded simultaneously in the same tray mold.
The base tray 200A may include one or more latches 235 which are used to lock the top tray insert 200B to the base tray 200A. The latches 235 may be integrally molded with the base tray 200A. As shown in
Additionally, the base tray 200A may include one or more grooves 260 configured to mate with one or more protrusions 265 provided on the top tray insert 200B, as shown in
The top tray insert 200B may also include one or more warpage control bars 255 provided in between mold portions 230B, as shown in
Further, as shown in
As set forth above, these embodiments of the invention are shown as configured to mold a three-dimensional representation of a hand grenade. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that embodiments of the invention may be utilized to mold, for example, ice cubes, candies, and other food stuffs into any shape, size, design, and/or two- or three-dimensional representation of an object.
In use, the top tray insert 200B is inserted into the base tray 200A. Latches 235, which in the embodiment of
For ice cubes, the tray base 200B may be first filled with water and the top tray insert 200B then pressed down into the base tray 200A. Excess water may then be evacuated through vent/fill holes 250 and vents 270. The water retained in the three-dimensional mold formed by mold portions 230A, 230B can then be frozen. Because the water will expand upon freezing, the ice will extend into the space in the mold portions 230B in the top tray insert 200B. This procedure ensures a 100% complete and faithful reproduction in each cavity.
For candies and other suitable food stuffs, the top tray insert 200B may be inserted into the base tray 200A. The candies or other suitable foodstuffs may then be injected into the three-dimensional mold formed by mold portions 230A, 230B through the vent/fill holes 250 with, for example, a suitable food or pastry injector. After the three-dimensional mold formed by mold portions 230A, 230B are filled, the side latches 235 may be secured for each pair of complementary compartments 240A, 240B. Excess material may then be evacuated through the vent/fill holes 250 and vents 270. This procedure ensures a 100% complete and faithful reproduction in each cavity.
Embodiments of the invention have at least the following advantages.
Embodiments of the invention are capable of producing unique two- and three-dimensional, for example, ice cubes, candies, and other suitable food stuffs for use, for example, at parties, dinners, reunions, banquets, and special and commercial events.
Further, embodiments of the invention are capable of producing accurate, precise representations of, for example, unique, historic, military, and commercial products, and other items of special and significant interest.
Furthermore, embodiments of the invention represent significant improvements and departure from the currently available commercial tray products.
Additionally, as set forth above, embodiments of the invention provide a clean, air-tight, protected environment for molding with precision three-dimensional products, such as ice cubes, candies, and other suitable foodstuffs. The optional locking capabilities provide added protection.
Further, embodiments of the invention provide a compartmentalized tray that limits and effectively controls distortion characteristics inherent in thermoplastic molding materials. Further, the compartmentalized tray according to embodiments of the invention permits the selective removal and use of, for example, ice cubes, candies, and other suitable foodstuffs. Unused products may be stored in an optionally locked, clean, air-tight environment, protected from, for example, spillage or damage until needed.
Furthermore, the compartmentalized tray according to embodiments of the invention permits production of multiple three-dimensional products, such as ice cubes, candies, and other suitable foodstuffs in the same tray. For example, ice cubes, candies, chocolates, sherbets, and/or butter can be molded in the same tray simultaneously.
Also, the compartmentalized tray according to the invention permits ease of use for producing three-dimensional ice cubes. Additionally, the compartmentalized tray permits ease of use for producing three-dimensional candies and other suitable foodstuffs.
In addition, because each mold perimeter is surrounded by a continuous, precise protrusion and groove detail, an accurate part line registry for the mating base tray and top tray insert is provided. This system eliminates the esthetically objectionable mismatch normally encountered on commercially available tray molds.
Further, the top tray insert may contain multiple vent/fill holes that vent into the top tray insert interior. This vent system may be used to evacuate any residual liquids or materials that may enter the protrusion and groove detail during pouring or filling of the molds. The vent system may be used to efficiently evacuate liquids and other materials.
The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. The description of the invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional application No. 60/683,802 filed May 24, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
60683802 | May 2005 | US |