Apparatus for producing clear ice cubes in a freezer

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed towards apparatuses for producing ice cubes. In particular, embodiments of the present invention are directed to trays for making ice cubes in a manner that allows for ice to be produced with a clear or semi-clear transparency through the elimination of gaseous water during the freezing process.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for producing ice cubes that are clear or semi-clear in transparency, said apparatus comprising:
 a tray formed with one or more cube molds, wherein each of said cube molds is configured with one or more holes that permit gaseous water to exit said cube molds of said tray;   a base defining a well that is adapted to receive said tray and retain liquid water, wherein said tray has a free edge that does not fit closely with a corresponding wall of said well; and   an insulating overhang adapted to cover at least a portion of said liquid water in an open area between said free edge of said tray and said corresponding wall of said well.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said insulating overhang is a handle for said tray. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said handle is formed integrally with said tray. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said insulating overhang is a ledge formed on a rim edge of said well. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said open area provides a pressure release. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said cube molds have side walls that are configured with ridges. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said base comprises one or more insulated walls filled with an insulating material. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said insulated walls are coated with a durable shell that protects said insulating material. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said tray is formed from a flexible material. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said tray has side edges that are tapered. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said well need not be more than twice as deep as said tray. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus for producing ice cubes that are clear or semi-clear in transparency, said apparatus comprising:
 a tray comprising,
 a handle that extends from a free edge of said tray and serves as an insulating overhang, and 
 one or more cube molds configured with one or more holes that permit gaseous water to exit said cube molds of said tray; and 
   a base defining a well that is adapted to receive said tray and retain liquid water, wherein said free edge of said tray does not fit closely with a corresponding wall of said well and said handle covers at least a portion of said liquid water in an open area between said free edge of said tray and said corresponding wall of said well.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein said open area provides a pressure release. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein said cube molds have side walls that are configured with ridges. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein said tray is formed from a flexible material. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus for producing ice cubes that are clear or semi-clear in transparency, said apparatus comprising:
 a tray formed with one or more cube molds, wherein each of said cube molds is configured with one or more holes that permit gaseous water to exit cube molds of said tray; and   a base comprising,
 one or more walls that define a well that is adapted to receive said tray and retain liquid water, wherein said tray has a free edge that does not fit closely a corresponding wall of said well, and 
 an insulating overhang that is a ledge formed on a rim edge of one of said walls, wherein in said insulating overhang is adapted to cover at least a portion of said liquid water in an open area between said free edge of said tray and said corresponding wall of said well. 
   
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein said open area provides a pressure release. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein said cube molds have side walls that are configured with ridges. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein said base comprises one or more insulated walls filled with an insulating material. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein said ledge is formed on one of said insulated walls that is more highly insulated than any other of said insulated walls.