BEVERAGE CHILLING DEVICE AND METHOD AND KIT FOR SAME

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for chilling beverages. Background of the Invention

[0002] Typically, ice in either cubed or crushed form has been added to beverages to chill to reduce the temperature of the beverage. More recently, it has become increasingly popular to use chilled stones or metallic objects to achieve the same result. However, such known solutions for chilling beverages have many shortcomings. For example, ice floats on top of the beverage which may hinder consumption of the beverage. Additionally, plain ice, stone, or metallic objects may be unsightly and unappetizing when placed within a beverage.

[0003] It has also been known to form ice with an object, such a piece of fruit, suspended within. However, the method of making such ice may be cumbersome and inefficient as it involves a two-step layering process. Typically, a mold is first filled with 10%-20% water and placed into a freezer. Upon the water freezing, the mold is opened and the object to be suspended in ice is added. The mold is then closed once again and filled with more water to be frozen once again.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to at least partially overcome some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0005] Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a device for chilling a beverage comprising: a mold for containing a fluid during freezing; a frame having a density greater than water, at least a portion of which fits within the mold and is contained within the fluid to be frozen; wherein, after the fluid has been frozen, the at least a portion of the frame is encased in the frozen fluid forming a composite ice with a resulting composite density of the frame and the frozen fluid which is greater than water. [0006] In a further embodiment, the frame further comprises a suspension element for suspending an object to the frame in the fluid to be frozen in the mold. The resulting density of the composite ice comprising the object suspended by the suspension element of the frame, and the fluid to the frozen is greater than water.

[0007] In a further embodiment, the frame further comprises a first frame section having a first frame attaching mechanism extending therefrom, and a second frame section having a second frame attaching mechanism extending therefrom which second frame attaching mechanism releasably mates with the first frame attaching mechanism.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the suspension element extends into the frame and releasably mating the first frame attaching mechanism to the second frame attaching mechanism assembles the frame comprising the first frame section and the second frame section with the object in the frame. In a further aspect, the frame comprises at one opening through which the object is visible within the frame after the frame has been assembled.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the mold further comprises a first mold section releasably sealably connectable to a second mold section, and, an opening for adding fluid to the mold after the first mold section has been releasably sealably connected to the second mold section. The frame having the object suspended therefrom maybe completely contained within the mold after the first mold section has been releasably sealably connected to the second mold section. The opening may be used to add fluid to the mold containing the assembled frame having the object suspended therefrom and the fluid in the mold is frozen to form the composite ice comprising the assembled frame having the object suspended therefrom and the frozen fluid.

[00010] In a further preferred embodiment, the suspension element is integrally formed with the first frame attaching mechanism and the second frame attaching mechanism to suspend the object in the frame as the first frame section releasably mates with the second frame section.

[00011] In a further embodiment, the resulting composite ice has an outer surface which substantially corresponds to an inner surface of the mold. The volume of the mold is selected such that the resulting composite density of the composite ice comprising the frame and frozen fluid is greater than water.

[00012] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of forming a composite ice to chill a beverage, said method comprising: providing a frame having a density greater than water; placing the frame in a mold for holding a fluid to be frozen; adding fluid to the mold such that at least a portion of the frame is contained in the fluid; freezing the fluid with the frame in the mold to form the composite ice comprising the frozen fluid and the frame at least partially encased in the frozen fluid; wherein a resulting composite density of the composite ice is initially greater than water.

[00013] In a further embodiment, the method further comprises suspending an object from a suspension element on the frame prior to freezing the fluid in the mold; adding fluid to the mold with the object suspended from the suspension element on the frame; and freezing the fluid with the object suspended from the suspension element on the frame and the frame in the mold. The resulting composite density of the composite ice comprising the object suspended from the suspension element on the frame, the frame and the frozen fluid is greater than water.

[00014] In a further embodiment, the method further comprises providing the frame with a first frame section having a first frame attaching mechanism extending therefrom and a second frame section having a second frame attaching mechanism extending therefrom, said suspension element being integrally formed with the first frame attaching mechanism and the second frame attaching mechanism; suspending the object from the suspension element of the frame; and releasably attaching the first frame section to the second frame section with the object located therebetween to suspend the object in the frame as the first frame section releasably mates with the second frame section.

[00015] In an embodiment, the mold comprises a first mold section releasable sealably attachable to a second mold section, and, an opening for adding fluid to the mold after the second mold section has been releasably sealably connected to the second mold section. In this embodiment, the method further comprises the step of placing the frame in the mold for holding a fluid to be frozen comprises placing the assembled frame, with the first frame section attached to the second frame section, in the first mold section and releasably sealably connecting the second mold section thereto; and the step of adding fluid to the mold such that at least a portion of the frame is contained in the fluid comprises the step of adding fluid to the opening after the first mold section is releasably sealable connected to the second mold section. The fluid to be frozen within the mold to form the composite ice comprising the assembled frame with the object suspended therein and the frozen fluid.

[00016] In a further embodiment, after the freezing step, the composite ice may be placed in a beverage having a density similar to water. The composite ice is then permitted to fall vertically in the beverage as the frozen fluid melts and the resulting composite density increases.

[00017] In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a kit for making a composite ice having a density greater than water to chill a beverage, said kit comprising: a frame having a density greater than water; a mold for containing the frame and fluid during freezing, such that at least a portion of the frame is encased in the fluid after it has been frozen; wherein a resulting composite density of the composite ice comprising the frame and the frozen fluid is greater than water.

[00018] In a further embodiment, the frame of the kit comprises a suspension element for suspending an object to the frame in the fluid to be frozen in the mold. The frame with the object suspended thereto may be placed in the mold and fluid added to the mold with the object remaining suspended to the frame. The resulting density of the composite ice comprising the object suspended by the suspension element of the frame, the frame and the fluid to be frozen is greater than water.

[00019] In a further embodiment, the frame of the kit further comprises a first frame section having a first frame attaching mechanism extending therefrom; a second frame section having a second frame attaching mechanism extending therefrom which second frame attaching mechanism releasably mates with the first frame attaching mechanism. The suspension element extends into the frame and releasably mating the first frame attaching mechanism to the second frame attaching mechanism assembles the frame comprising the first frame section and the second frame section with the object in the frame. [00020] In a further embodiment, the frame of the kit may also comprise at least one opening in a wall of the frame through which the object is visible within the frame even after the frame has been assembled.

[00021] In a further embodiment, the mold of the kit may further comprise a first mold section releasably sealably connectable to a second mold section, and, an opening for adding fluid to the mold after the first mold section has been releasably sealably connected to the second mold section. The assembled frame having the object suspended therefrom is preferably completely contained within the mold after the first mold section has been releasably sealably connected to the second mold section.

[00022] In a further preferred embodiment, the kit further comprises using the opening of the mold to add fluid to be frozen to the mold containing the assembled frame having the object suspended therefrom, said fluid completely filling the mold. The fluid in the mold is then frozen to form the composite ice comprising the assembled frame having the object suspended therefrom and the frozen fluid having an outer shape substantially corresponding to an inner shape of the mold.

[00023] To at least partially overcome one or more of the disadvantages of the prior arts, the present invention, in at least one preferred embodiment, provides a reusable beverage chilling device that comprises a mold used to form a composite ice encasing at least a portion of a frame. In a preferred construction, the mold comprises two sections that may be releasably connected to one another. The two mold sections preferably form a sealing connection such that liquid does not leak from the assembled mold. Preferably, the frame comprises a suspension element capable of suspending an object within the ice. Moreover, the frame is preferably weighted so its gravitational force at least partially counteracts the buoyancy force of the ice floating within a beverage. In a preferred mode, the composite ice floats within the beverage in a floating zone defined by the bottom of the beverage container and the surface of the beverage. The applicant has appreciated that such arrangement may avoid or lessen the hindrance caused by ice floating at or above the surface of the beverage. Furthermore, it is appreciated that such an arrangement provides a more aesthetically pleasing visual presentation of the beverage. Furthermore, as the frozen fluid forming at least part of the composite ice melts, the resulting composite density, and therefore overall buoyancy, of the composite ice changes and its vertical equilibrium position in the beverage may also change.

[00024] In a further preferred embodiment, the object suspended in the composite ice may be utilized to introduce additional flavoring or colours into the beverage. For example, a piece of fruit may be suspended in the piece of ice to add fruity flavors to a beverage. In another example, flavours similar to the beverage itself may be suspended in the piece of ice such that the flavor of the beverage remains relatively consistent upon chilling, as opposed to being watered down by the melted ice. Therefore, while reference is made to water or ice, or a composite ice or composite ice cube, it is understood that the frozen fluid and resulting composite ice may be formed of any type of fluid, which may or may not include flavoring, and could also be used in any type of beverage, although reference is generally made to water.

[00025] In yet another preferred embodiment, the frame may be comprised of one, two or more sections. In cases where two or more sections are involved, the individual sections of the frame are releasably attached to one another via suitable releasable attachment mechanisms. The one or more frame sections may form any suitable shape and design. For example, the frame may form phrases, graphics, artistic designs, or designs that serve special purposes. The applicant has appreciated that such construction may further enhance the functionality and/or the aesthetic appeal of the device.

[00026] It can be readily appreciated that the suspension element of the frame for suspending an object in the frame may be of any suitable configuration. For example, suspension element may be a rod that pierces the object. In another exemplary embodiment, the suspension element may comprise two diametrically opposing pads that are capable of applying sufficient pressure to the object from diametrically opposing ends. In this way, regardless of the type of suspension element used, the object will be suspended in the frame and also in the fluid to be frozen in the mold, while the mold is filled with fluid and during the freezing process. By having the object suspended in the frame, the mold for the fluid can be completely filled with the fluid to be frozen in one step as the object is suspended in the frame at the correct location. This avoids the two step filling process of the prior art devices, where the mold is first filled with 10% - 20% water and then placed in the freezer with the mold being opened and the object to be suspended in the ice added after the initial 10% - 20% water is frozen with additional water added for a second freezing process. Accordingly, the present invention provides an advantage over the prior art in this regard.

[00027] In yet another preferred embodiment, the suspension element of the frame may also be integrally formed with the attaching mechanism to releasably attach two or more sections of the frame. Such construction may lead to decreased manufacturing cost as the frame may be formed from fewer components. For example, in the case where the suspension element is a piercing rod, the free end of the piercing rod may form a bolt which threadingly engages a corresponding threaded interior surface of a mating frame section. In yet a further preferred embodiment, the frame sections when attached form an enclosure. In a further preferred embodiment, the suspension element extends from at least one of the frame sections to the center of the enclosure, such that, the object is first suspended on the suspension element and then the frame sections are assembled around the object to encase the object in the frame. Openings in the frame permit visual inspection of the object even after the frame has been assembled. In a further preferred embodiment, the entire assembled frame and object can then completely fit within a mold cavity and fluid to be frozen added to the mold cavity. Once the fluid is frozen, the resulting composite ice comprises the assembled frame and the object suspended in the frame, all of which is encased in the frozen fluid with a resulting composite density greater than water, such that the composite ice would tend to sink rather than float in the beverage.

[00028] Further embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments thereof.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[00029] Reference may now be had to the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[00030] Figure 1 provides an exploded view of one embodiment of the beverage chilling device in accordance with the present invention; [00031] Figure 2 provides an exploded view of one preferred embodiment of the frame as shown in Figure 1 , where the frame comprises a first frame section and a second frame section;

[00032] Figure 3 provides a sketch drawing of the floating zone as defined by the bottom of the beverage container and the surface of the beverage in which a piece of ice formed using the present beverage chilling device is expected to float;

[00033] Figure 4 provides a perspective view of the frame as shown in Figure 2 in assembled form where the first frame section is releasably connected to the second frame section via a frame attachment mechanism;

[00034] Figure 5a provides a simplified sketch of a suspension element of a piercing type with the dotted line showing a potential object suspended in ice being pierced through by the suspension element;

[00035] Figure 5b provides a simplified sketch of a pressure suspension element with the dotted line showing a potential object suspended in ice by two pressure pads;

[00036] Figure 6 provides a perspective view of the beverage chilling device as shown in Figure 1 partially assembled where the assembled frame is placed within the second mold section;

[00037] Figure 7 provides a perspective view of the beverage chilling device as shown in Figure 6 after water has solidified to ice therein, encasing the frame within;

[00038] Figure 8 provides a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the piece of ice formed using the beverage chilling device as shown in Figure 1 , encasing the frame as shown in Figures 2 and 4 that suspends a strawberry in the ice;

[00039] Figure 9 provides a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the ice formed using the beverage chilling device as shown in Figure 1 , encasing the frame as shown in Figures 2 and 4 without an object being suspended.

[00040] Figures 10a and 10b has a further embodiment of a frame having a cubical or square shape. [00041] Figures 1 1a, l ib, 1 1c and l id illustrate a further preferred embodiment of the invention comprising a perspective view of a single piece frame, a perspective view of a single piece mold, a top view of the single piece mold in one cavity of the single piece frame and a perspective view of the single piece frame in one cavity of the single piece mold, respectively.

[00042] Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Drawings

[00043] In the following description, like reference numerals refer to like components.

[00044] Figure 1 depicts one preferred embodiment of the present invention where the beverage chilling device 10 comprises a mold 12 and a frame 14. Together, the mold 12 and frame 14 maybe sold and distributed as a kit, shown generally by reference numeral 13. The kit 13 may be used to make a composite ice cube to chill a beverage as discussed more fully below.

[00045] Mold 12 comprises a hemispherical first mold section 16 and a corresponding hemispherical second mold section 18. The internal surface Is of the mold 12 defines at least a part of the external shape Os of the composite ice which is to be formed therein. Although shown as being hemispherical, the mold sections may be of any suitable shape or size. The first mold section 16 and the second mold section 18 may be releasably connected via mold attachment mechanism 20. It is further understood that the mold 12 may have any internal shapes Is, such that the composite ice may have any external shape Os. In this regard, while reference is made to composite ice or composite ice cube, it is understood that the composite ice may not necessarily have a cubical shape, but could be circular or other type of shape. Also, while the preferred embodiment is described with respect to a first mold section 16 and a second mold section 18, it is understood that additional mold sections (not shown) may be used in order to have the desired external shape of the composite ice.

[00046] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, mold attachment mechanism 20 comprises a projection 22 formed along the circumference of the second mold section's 18 opening. Mold attachment mechanism 20 further comprises a mating surface corresponding to the projection 22 formed along the interior circumferential surface (not shown) of the first mold section 16. Preferably, mold attachment mechanism 20 provides a releasably sealable connection between the first mold section 16 and the second mold section 18 that would prevent liquid from leaking out of the mold 12 upon assembly. Further, the connection is preferably biased so as to prevent the two mold sections 16, 18 from being easily separated by the force of volume expansion when the fluid solidifies to form ice. A skilled person in the art would readily appreciate that other suitable constructions of the attachment mechanism 20 are possible.

[00047] Figure 1 also illustrates one embodiment of the frame 14 that comprises a first frame section 24 and a second frame section 26. The first and second frame sections 24, 26 may be releasably connected to each other via frame attaching mechanism 27. Each frame section 24, 26 may have a corresponding part of the frame attaching mechanism 27.

[00048] Figure 2 depicts the embodiment of frame 14 as shown in Figure 1. In particular, each of the first and second frame sections 24 and 26 comprises a base 28a and 28b, respectively. Extending, from the bases 28a, 28b are four curved arms 30 that terminate at a substantial circular ring 32. It is appreciated that the gap or opening 31 between successive curved arms 30 allows viewing of any potential object that might be suspended in the composite ice 100. It is readily appreciated that frame 14 may be of any suitable shape or design. Frame 14 is sized so that at least a portion, and in a preferred embodiment, the entirety, is able to fit within the cavity of the mold 12.

[00049] All, or at least a portion of the frame 14 is weighted, taking into account the buoyancy force of the frozen fluid 46 to be formed within the mold 12. The resulting composite density, and the buoyancy force, of the composite ice 100 formed within the mold 12 may be approximated by determining the volume of mold 12, the density of the frame 14 and the fluid to be frozen in the ice. The gravitational force on the weighted frame 14 would, at least in part, counteract the buoyancy force of the frozen fluid 46 of the composite ice 100 inside the beverage such that the composite ice 100 comprising the frozen fluid and frame 14 would float inside a floating zone 34 of the beverage 33 defined by the bottom of the beverage container 35 and the surface of the beverage 36 as shown in Figure 3. [00050] Furthermore, it is understood that the frame 14 has a greater density than the frozen fluid 46. Therefore, as the frozen fluid 46 melts in the beverage 33, the resulting composite density of the composite ice 100 will increase and the buoyancy of the composite ice 100 would decrease. This may result in the vertical equilibrium position of the composite ice 100 in the beverage 33 changing.

[00051] As can be seen in Figure 2, the first frame section 24 further comprises a rod member 38 extending from the interior surface of base 28a. A threaded portion 40 is formed on the distal end of rod member 38 to threadingly engage a corresponding threaded surface formed on the interior of a mating rod member 42. The mating rod member 42 is shown as extending from the interior surface of base 28b of the second frame section 26. Together, threaded portion 40 and mating rod member 42 form the frame attaching mechanism 27 is the preferred embodiment. It is to be appreciated that the frame attaching mechanism 27 may be of any suitable design, including, but not limited to, frictional fit, snap fit, screw, bolt and nut, etc. Further, the frame attaching mechanism 27 does not have to be formed from the base 28a or 28b. Suitable constructions of the frame attaching mechanism 27 may be formed on the interior surface of ring 32 of both the frame sections 26, 28 or any other location of the frame 14.

[00052] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2 and 4, rod member 38 and mating rod member 42 may also function as suspension element 44 used to suspend an object in the ice. In this way, the suspension element 44 may be integrally formed with the attaching mechanism 27. As shown in Figure 5a, the embodiment of the suspension element 44 as shown in Figure 4 would pierce through an object 45 (shown in dotted line) to be suspended in the frozen fluid 46.

[00053] Further embodiments of the suspension element 44 are contemplated. As shown in Figure 5b, the suspension element 44 is comprised of a first pad 48a and a second pad 48b, each attached to the frame 14 via a leg 49. The two pads 48a, 48b are positioned diametrically opposing one another at a distance that is similar, but less than, the size of the object 45 to be suspended. The distance between the pads may be adjusted by tightening or loosening the frame attaching mechanism 27, or other suitable means. Upon assembly of the frame 14, the two pads 48a and 48b are pressed against the object 45 at two opposing ends to apply sufficient pressure to prevent object 45 from being dislodged.

[00054] It is to be appreciated that the suspension element 44 may be of any other suitable design, such as a hook or a ring. In a preferred embodiment, the suspension element 44 extends into the frame 14. In this way, the object 45 may be contained or encased within the frame 14. Furthermore, in the embodiment where the frame 14 comprises a first frame section 24 and a second frame section 26, releasably mating the first frame attaching mechanism 27a to the second frame attaching mechanism 27b assembles the frame 14 comprising the first frame section 24 and the second frame section 26. The suspension element 44 extending into the frame 14 suspends the object 45 within the frame 14 as the frame 14 is assembled. In other words, the frame 14 may be assembled around the object 45 as the object 45 is suspended from the suspension element 44 extending into the frame 14.

[00055] Referring to Figure 6, upon assembly, frame 14 is then placed within the second mold section 18. The first mold section 16 is then releasably sealably attached to the second mold section 18, such that the cavity 15a of the first mold section 16 and the cavity 15b of the second mold section 18 completely encase the assembled frame 14. As shown, the first mold section 16 has an opening 50 formed thereon for allowing water to enter and fill mold 12. More openings (not shown) may be formed to allow faster filling. Accordingly, water or other type of fluid to be frozen is then inserted into the cavity 15 created by the first mold section 16 and second mold section 18 to envelope the assembled frame 14, and if applicable, an object 45 contained within the frame 14. The entire mold 12 may then be placed in a freezer or other low temperature environment so that the fluid may be frozen forming a composite ice 100 comprising the frame 14, the frozen fluid 46 and if applicable, an object 45 suspended within the frame 14.

[00056] Figure 7 shows the composite ice 100 comprising the frame 14 and frozen fluid 46 having been formed using an embodiment of the present beverage chilling device 10 as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4. The outer surface Os of the frozen fluid 46 of the composite ice 100 takes the shape of the interior surface Is of mold 12, in this case substantially a sphere. Further, in this embodiment, the frame 14 is completely encased within the frozen fluid 46, but it is appreciated only a portion of the frame 14 need be encased, or otherwise connected, to the frozen fluid 46.

[00057] The composite ice 100, may be extracted from mold 12, and then placed within a beverage 33 for consumption. As shown in Figure 8, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the composite ice 100 comprises an object 45, such as a strawberry 52 in this preferred embodiment, is suspended in the frame 14 and encased in the frozen fluid 46 after freezing. The gaps or openings 31 between curved arms 28 of the frame 14 enables the strawberry 52 to be visible in the frame 14 in the frozen fluid 46.

[00058] However, it is to be appreciated that it is not necessary for the present invention to suspend an object inside the ice. As shown in Figure 9, an alternate embodiment of the composite ice 100 is formed with only the frame 14 and without any object being suspended in the ice.

[00059] In yet another embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figures 10a and 10b, a cubical or square shaped frame 14 may be provided. Figure 10a shows such a frame 114 in assembled form. As shown in Figure 10b, the frame 114 comprises a first frame section 124 and a corresponding second frame section 126, where the two frame sections may be releasably connected to each other via frame attaching mechanism 127.

[00060] Each of the first and second frame sections 124 and 126 comprises a base 128a and 128b, respectively. As shown, a projection 138 with threaded surface extends vertically from base 128a of the first frame section 124. Correspondingly, a hollow rod member 142 with threaded interior surface configured to receive and threadingly engage the threaded projection 138 projects vertically from base 128b of the second frame section 126. Projection 138 and rod member 142 form the frame attaching mechanism 127. The frame attaching mechanism 127 may employ any suitable design, including, but not limited to, frictional fit, snap fit, screw, bolt and nut, etc.

[00061] As illustrated in Figures 10a and 10b, there are four vertical projections 144 extending from the four sides of the square base 128a of the first frame section 124. Similarly, four corresponding vertical projections 146 extend from the four sides of square base 128b of the second frame section 126. The projections 144 and 146 are positioned such that when the frame attaching mechanism 127 is engaged, at least a portion of one projection 144 overlaps with at least a portion of a corresponding projection 146 as shown in Figure 10a. Such arrange may improve the structural integrity of the overall frame 114. For example, the projections 144 and 146 may help to provide structural support along the outer edges of bases 128a and 128b to prevent bending under pressure of the frozen liquid. Further, the projections 144 and 146 may also provide an indication of the proper degree of engagement for the frame attaching mechanism 127. It is to be appreciated that the location, shape, and the number of projections 144 and 146 may be vary.

[00062] Figures 1 1a, l ib, 11c and 1 Id illustrate alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in Figure 11a, the frame shown generally by reference numeral 314, consist of a single piece. The single piece frame 314 has projections or arms 344 emanating from respective bases 328 to form a cube. It is understood however that the single piece frame 314 could consist of any type of shape. The single piece frame 314 also preferably comprises gaps or openings 331 to permit visual inspection of the interior of the frame 314. A suspension element (not shown) could also be used to suspend an object (not shown) in a single piece frame 314 shown in Figure 1 la, however, it is understood that in this embodiment, any object (not shown) would need to be able to enter one of the openings 331. Otherwise, the density of the single piece frame 314 must be greater than water and sufficiently large, such that any composite ice 100 comprising the single piece frame 314 has a resulting composite density which is greater than water.

[00063] Figure 1 lb shows a further preferred embodiment of a mold 312 according to a further preferred embodiment. In this case, the mold 312 is a single piece mold having four cavities, illustrated by reference numeral 314. It is understood that each of the cavities 315 may hold a corresponding frame 14, 1 14 or 314. Fluid to be frozen may then be added to the cavity 315. If an object 45 is suspended in a frame, such as frame 14, all of the fluid could be added to fill the cavity 315 at one time and separate layering would not be necessary, because the object 45 would be held or suspended within the frame 14 by the suspension element 44.

[00064] Figures 1 1c and l id illustrate preferred embodiments with the single piece frame 314 being inserted into one of the cavities 315 of the single piece mold 312. It is understood that fluid to be frozen will then be added to the cavity 315. Additional frames 14, 1 14, 314 may be placed in the other cavities 315, or, only the one cavity 315 having the single piece mold 312 may be filled with fluid to be frozen. In a still further alternative, the other cavities 315 could be filled with fluid to be frozen, whether or not a frame 14, 114 or 314 is also added.

[00065] Figure 12 shows a flow chart for making composite ice. In step 200, a frame having a density greater than the beverage in which the composite ice will be used is provided. Optionally at step 202, an object may be suspended using a suspension mechanism of the frame. If required, the frame sections may be assembled by engaging the frame attaching mechanism at step 204. At least a portion of the frame is placed within a cavity of a mold for holding a fluid to be frozen in step 206. At step 208, if required, the mold sections may be assembled by engaging the mold attachment mechanism such that the mold sections sealingly engage one another to prevent any fluid leakage. A fluid to be frozen is added to the mold at step 210 such that at least a portion of the frame is contained in the fluid. At step 212, the fluid is frozen with the frame in the mold to form composite ice comprising the frozen liquid and the frame at least partially encased in the frozen fluid. In step 214, the density of the composite ice is greater than that of the water, or other beverage in which the composite ice will be used. The composite ice sinks into the floating zone defined as between the bottom of the liquid container and the surface of the liquid in the container. As the ice in the frozen fluid of the composite ice melts over time, the density of the composite ice increases and sinks further down in the floating zone.

[00066] It is understood that the present invention has been described in terms of various preferred embodiments having a frame made of either a single piece or two sections which can be releasably attached together. It is understood that the invention is not limited to a frame having one or two pieces, but rather the present invention could operate with frames having one, two, three or more pieces that may be attached together in different configurations. In a preferred embodiment, the frame may create an enclosure for containing an object, although other embodiments are also possible.

[00067] It is also understood that in a preferred embodiment, the frame may be made from stainless steel, or steel or any other type of material which has a density greater than water. For instance, the frame may also be made from stones, such as marble, or from ceramic. It is also understood that the frame need not be made of only one type of material, but rather could comprise a combination of stone, such as marble, and stainless steel, or, ceramic and marble, or other arrangements. It is also understood that the frame could be made from a material that is plated, such as silver or gold, or, the frame could be covered with plastic, rubber, silicone, carbon fiber, or other materials. In this case, the underlying substrate could be a different, less expensive material than silver or gold and also with a higher density. Obviously, if the frame is to be used in a beverage that will be drunk, it is preferred the frame is made from the material that would not contaminate the beverage or adversely affect the user.

[00068] It is also understood that in a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in the present application, the mold may be comprised of a single piece or two pieces that are fitted together to form a cavity within which the frame may be placed and fluid to be frozen then inserted. It is also understood that the same mold may have more than one cavity for containing more than one frame, as also illustrated in the embodiments shown in Figure 1 1a, 1 lc and 1 Id.

[00069] It is understood that the type of liquids used to form the ice is not limited to water. Other suitable liquids, such as alcoholic beverage, juice, soft-drink, etc., may also be used. It is understood that in such cases, the buoyancy may differ in view of the different liquids to form the ice.

[00070] It will be understood that, although various features of the invention have been described with respect to one or another of the embodiments of the invention, the various features and embodiments of the invention may be combined or used in conjunction with other features and embodiments of the invention as described and illustrated herein.

[00071] Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to these particular embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which are functional or mechanical equivalents of the specific embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated herein.