The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 03, 1998
Filed:
Jun. 04, 1997
Todd J Tunzi, Newton, IA (US);
Maytag Corporation, Newton, IA (US);
Abstract
A stackable ice tray and bin assembly includes an ice cube forming tray having an annular outer rim with an associated upper ledge, as well as a matrix of ice cube defining cavities arranged within the confines of the annular outer rim. Each of the cavities is defined by a base and upstanding side walls, with the side walls of adjacent cavities being formed with a generally V-shaped passage that fluidly interconnects the adjacent cavities. Positioned within the passage is a dam member over which fluid from one cavity must flow to reach the adjacent cavity. The bottom of the tray is formed with a plurality of seating units, each of which includes inner and outer shift limiting elements and an abutment member. The seating units enable the tray to be stacked upon an identically constructed, lower tray with the abutment member of the upper tray resting upon the upper ledge of the lower tray and the inner and outer shift limiting elements extending about the annular outer rim of the lower tray. The bin incorporated in the present invention includes similarly constructed seating units which enable the bin to be stacked atop one or more of the identically constructed trays wherein easy access to a storage area defined by the bin is provided.