SEGMENTED ICE FORMING CONTAINER

Abstract

Embodiments relate to methods and containers for forming ice units. Embodiments relate to a container for forming ice units, the container including an elongated, enclosed body portion for receiving fluid. The body portion including an exterior wall defining an interior volume; one or more compartments along the length of the body, one or more constricted sections along the length of the body and separating compartments; a first end; and a second end opposite the first end, wherein at least one of the first and second ends are in fluid communication with at least one of the compartments.

Description

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/459,499 filed Dec. 14, 2010, the complete subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to ice trays and containers. More particularly, embodiments relate to an ice forming container that is easy to fill, easy to use, easy to transport, and does not require careful placement inside standard freezer compartments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, available ice tray designs comprise a plurality of separate compartments connected by one or more joints. Such current trays are difficult to fill uniformly, difficult to transport when filled and require careful placement inside standard freezers compartments to avoid spilling. Further, such conventional trays are generally fixed in size taking up a large amount of space in a freezer, and are unsuitable for use in coolers. During cube dispensing, the formed cubes are often difficult to remove as non-uniform ice formations can cause build up and uneven collection of ice in certain areas of the tray.

For the foregoing reasons, it would be desirable to provide an ice tray that is easy to fill, easy to use, easy to transport, and does not require careful placement inside standard freezer compartments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments relate to a container for forming ice units, the container including an elongated, enclosed body portion for receiving fluid. The body portion including an exterior wall defining an interior volume; one or more compartments along the length of the body, one or more constricted sections along the length of the body and separating compartments; a first end; and a second end opposite the first end, wherein at least one of the first and second ends are in fluid communication with at least one of the compartments.

Yet other embodiments relate to a non-rigid, closed volume container for forming ice units, the container including an elongated, enclosed body portion for receiving a fluid. The body portion includes an exterior wall defining an interior volume; a plurality of compartments in fluid communication, each compartment having a selected maximum internal perimeter and unexpanded maximum cross-sectional area; a plurality of constricted sections, each constricted section having a selected minimum internal perimeter and unexpanded minimum cross-sectional area; an open end in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of compartments; and a closed end opposite the open end in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of compartments.

A method of forming and dispensing ice units using a container, the container including an elongated body portion for receiving a fluid, the body portion including an exterior wall defining an interior volume; a plurality of compartments in fluid communication, each compartment having selected maximum internal perimeter and unexpanded maximum cross-sectional area; a plurality of constricted sections, each constricted section having a selected minimum internal perimeter and unexpanded minimum cross-sectional area; an open end in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of compartments; and a closed end opposite the open end in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of compartments. The method includes applying a pressure to the exterior wall and/or load transition member resulting in the synchronous expansion of the plurality of compartments and the constricted sections; flowing a liquid into at least one of the plurality of compartments; removing the pressure from the exterior wall resulting in synchronous contraction of the plurality of compartments and the constricted sections; and sealing the closed end.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not to scale. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention rather than limiting, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates isometric views of different embodiments of a container in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a container in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the container of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate top and bottom portions of the container of FIG. 2-3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top and side view of the container of FIG. 2-3;

FIGS. 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4 illustrate the container of FIG. 5 taken along line A-A illustrating at least one compartment in an unexpanded and expanded positions respectively;

FIGS. 5B1, 5B2, 5B3, and 5B4 illustrate the container of FIG. 5 taken along line B-B illustrating at least one constricted section in an unexpanded and expanded position respectively;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top and side view of a container similar to that of FIG. 2-3;

FIGS. 6A1, 6A2, 6B1, and 6B2 illustrate the container of FIG. 6 taken along line A-A and line B-B, illustrating at least one compartment and constricted section in an unexpanded position respectively;

FIG. 7A illustrates a top and side view of a container in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 7B illustrates top and cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 7 taken along line A-A illustrating at least one compartment segment in unexpanded and expanded positions respectively;

FIG. 8 illustrates an elevation view of the container of FIG. 2-3 manipulated by a user;

FIG. 9 illustrates a elevation view of the container of FIG. 8 manipulated by a user illustrating at least one end in an open or expanded position;

FIG. 10 illustrates an elevation view of the container of FIG. 8-9 illustrating filing the container using the at least one open end;

FIG. 11 illustrates an elevation view of the container of FIG. 8-11 being sealed;

FIG. 12 illustrates the container of FIG. 2-3 being bent or flexed;

FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 12 illustrating ice units being broken within the container;

FIG. 14 illustrates the container dispensing at least one ice unit;

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow chart depicting one method of forming and dispensing ice units in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow chart depicting one method of forming and dispensing ice units in accordance with another embodiment.

Throughout the various figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a container for forming ice units and a method of forming ice units using the container as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 1 depicts different embodiments of the container having different shaped compartments. In at least one embodiment, the container 10 includes at least one compartment 18, at least one constricted section 20, first end 22 and second end 24 opposite the first end 22. One other embodiment relates to container 110 including at least one compartment 118, at least one constricted section 120, first end 122 and second end 124 opposite the first end 122. The container 210 includes at least one sphere-like compartment 218, at least one constricted section 220, first end 222 and second end 224 opposite the first end 222. Further, container 310 includes at least one cube-like compartment 318, at least one constricted section 320, first end 322 and second end 324 opposite the first end 322. While the different shapes including sphere-like and cube-like compartments are illustrated, any shape is contemplated including stars, moons, vehicles and the like.

More particularly, the container 10 illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 includes an elongated, enclosed body portion 12 through which a fluid may flow, the body portion 12 including an exterior wall 14 defining an interior volume 16 (best viewed in FIGS. 4A-4B). The fluid may include water, flavored liquid, or any re-freezable and/or re-usable material having thermal properties similar to water, in that a heat is relinquished or given up as the material changes state from liquid to solid, In at least one embodiment, the body portion 12 defines one or more ice-forming compartments 18 (seven compartments 18 are illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 although more or less compartments 18 are contemplated). FIGS. 2-3 further illustrate one or more constricted or crimped sections 20 (six sections 20 are illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 although more or less constricted sections 20 are contemplated).

In at least one embodiment, at least one of the compartments is adapted to contain at least one ice unit, while one or more constricted sections create a stress concentration along one or more portions of a continuous ice unit block, enabling the ice unit block to be fractured along the stress concentration, thus forming individual ice units. Further, the container includes at least one constricted section communicating with at least one compartment and adapted to move at least one ice unit between adjacent compartments and/or first or second end. In at least one embodiment, the container 10 includes a first end 22 and a second end 24 opposite the first end 22. The container 10 may be manufactured as a single unit or a plurality of units permanently or detachably joined or connected together. FIGS. 2-3 illustrate that first end 22 may be an open or closed end and in fluid communication with at least one compartment 18 or at least one constricted section 20 and enabling a fluid to flow into or be received by at least one compartment 18. Similarly, second end 24 may be an open or closed end and in fluid communication with at least one compartment 18 or at least one constricted section 20 and enabling a fluid to flow into at least the one compartment 18. In at least one embodiment the container 10 may include a sealing member 26 forming a liquid-tight seal located proximate first end 22, proximate second end 24 or proximate both the first end 22 and second end 24.

FIGS. 2-3 illustrate that both first end 22 and second end 24 are open, having sealing member 26 located proximate to both ends 22, 24. Embodiments are contemplated in which one end is open (first end 22 for example), having a sealing member 26 located proximate thereto and the other end is closed (second end 24 for example). Embodiments are contemplated in which the closed end may include a sealing member 26 located proximate thereto.

Embodiments are contemplated in which the sealing member 26 includes a closure mechanism selected from the group including adhesives, heat sealed tabs, tape, pressure sensitive material, zippers, snaps, or combinations thereof and the like.

The container 10 may be manufactured from any suitable material selected from the group including a flexible material, semi-flexible material, biodegradable material, and non-biodegradable material, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, santoprene, silicone, nylon, or some combination thereof, and the like. The container 10 may be manufactured from a material enabling it to be flexed or bent prior to cooling, enabling the container 10 to be cooled in a small, compact space in a cooling device or bent or flexed after cooling to facilitate ice unit removal. Further, the container 10 may be flexed or bent during cooling, facilitating use in a portable cooler (an Igloo™ cooler or lunchbox for example).

FIG. 4A depicts one embodiment of the container 10 formed of two halves or portions, first or top portion 12A having first and second top ends 22A and 24A defining top compartment 18A and top constricted section 20A; and second or bottom portion 12B having first and second bottom ends 22B and 24B defining bottom compartment 18B and bottom constricted section 20B. FIG. 4A illustrates one load transition member 17 internal or integral to exterior wall 14 and extending in a longitudinal direction along at least a portion or all of the container 10. The load transition member 17 connects or couples two or more constricted sections 20 and/or compartments 18, providing load distribution. Any force or load applied to load transition member 17 is transmitted to one or more of the constricted sections 20 (applied to exterior wall 14 for example) and one or more of the compartments.

FIG. 4A illustrates top portion 12A and bottom portion 12B defining interior volume 16 adapted to receive a fluid. In at least one embodiment, portions 12A and 12B are bonded or joined together at opposing longitudinal ends forming container 10 having body portion 12 as illustrated in FIG. 4C. FIG. 4B depicts an enlarged portion of FIG. 4A, illustrating one load transition member 17 internal or integral to exterior wall 14 and extending in a longitudinal direction along at least a portion or all of the container 10, providing load distribution. While only one load transition member 17 is illustrated, more than one load transition member 17 is contemplated positioned on the same or opposite sides. Further, while the load transition member 17 is shown integral or internal to the exterior wall 14, it may be located external thereto. In one embodiment, portions 12A and 12B are bonded together by any conventional means known in the art, including co-extrusion, extrusion coating, lamination, solvent coating, emulsion coating, suspension coating, adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, heat sealing, thermal lamination, welding, some combination thereof or the like.

FIG. 5 depicts top and side views of the container 10 illustrating at least one constricted section 20 and compartment 18. FIG. 5A1 and 5A3 illustrate cross sectional views of at least one compartment 18 taken along line A-A perpendicular to the length of the container 10. FIG. 5A1 depicts the at least one compartment 18 in a closed or unexpanded position, while FIG. 5A3 depicts the at least one compartment 18 in an open or expanded position (such as when a pressure is applied to the exterior wall 14 and/or load transition member 17). FIGS. 5A2 and 5A4 illustrate that compartment 18 has a selected maximum internal perimeter P_COMP and selected initial unexpanded or closed maximum internal cross-section area A_COMP,CLOSED.

FIGS. 5B1 and 5B3 illustrate cross sectional views of at least one constricted section 26 taken along line B-B perpendicular to the length of the container 10. FIG. 5B1 illustrates the at least one constricted section 20 in a closed or unexpanded position, while FIG. 5B3 illustrates the at least one constricted section 20 in an open or expanded position (such as when a pressure is applied to the exterior wall 14 and/or load transition member 17). FIGS. 5B2 and 5B4 illustrate that constricted section 20 has a selected minimum internal perimeter P_CONS and selected initial unexpanded or closed minimum internal cross-section area A_{CONS, CLOSED}.

In at least one embodiment, the internal perimeters and cross-sectional areas of the at least one constricted section 20 and compartment 18 are in a sized relationship. More specifically, P_CONS and P_COMP are in a sized relationship, such that:

P_CONS≧P_COMP

In at least one embodiment, A_COMP,CLOSED and A_CONS,CLOSED are in a sized relationship, such that:

A_COMP,CLOSED>A_CONS,CLOSED

FIG. 5A2 and FIG. 5A4 illustrate the compartment 18 having a selected flexible maximum internal cross-section area A_COMP adapted to move between a first unexpanded or closed maximum internal cross-sectional area A_COMP,CLOSED and a second expanded or open maximum internal cross-sectional area A_COMP,OPEN. In at least one embodiment A_COMP,CLOSED and A_COMP,OPEN are in a sized relationship, such that:

A_COMP,CLOSED≧A_COMP,OPEN

FIG. 5B2 and FIG. 5B4 illustrate the constricted section 20 has a selected flexible minimum internal cross-section area A_CONS adapted to move between a first unexpanded or closed minimum internal cross-sectional area A_CONS,CLOSED and a second expanded or open minimum internal cross-sectional area A_CONS,OPEN. In at least one embodiment A_CONS,CLOSED and A_CONS,OPEN are in a sized relationship, such that:

A_CONS,CLOSED≧A_CONS,OPEN

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the container 110, similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1 for forming ice units. The container 110 includes body portion 112 through which a fluid may flow, the body portion 112 including exterior wall 114 defining an interior volume 116 (best viewed in FIG. 6B2). It is contemplated that body portion 112 could be manufactured as a single continuous, elongated, tubular structure as opposed to separated halves or portions as illustrated in FIG. 4A. In at least one embodiment, the body portion 112 defines one or more compartments 118 (six compartments 118 are illustrated although more or less compartments 118 are contemplated). FIG. 6 further illustrates one or more constricted or crimped sections 120 (five constricted sections 120 are illustrated although more or less constricted sections are contemplated).

In at least one embodiment, the container 110 includes a first end 122 and a second end 124 opposite the first end 122. First end 122 may be an open or closed end and in fluid communication with at least one compartment 118 or at least one constricted section 120 and enabling a fluid to flow into or be received by at least one compartment 118. Similarly, second end 124 may be an open or closed end and in fluid communication with at least one compartment 118 or at least one constricted section 120 and enabling a fluid to flow into at least the one compartment 118. In at least one embodiment the container 110 may include a sealing member 126 forming a liquid-tight seal located proximate first end 122, proximate second end 124 or proximate both the first end 122 and second end 124. FIG. 6A1 illustrates a cross sectional view of at least one compartment 118 taken along line A-A perpendicular to the length of the container 110 while FIG. 6B1 illustrates a cross-section view of the constricted section 120 taken along line B-B perpendicular to the length of the container 110.

FIG. 6A1 depicts the at least one compartment 118, while FIG. 6B1 depicts the at least one constricted section 120 in a closed or unexpanded position. While not shown, it should be understood that the at least one constricted section 120 moves between the closed or unexpanded position as illustrated in FIG. 6A1 and an open or expanded position (such as when a pressure is applied to the exterior wall 114 and/or load transition member 17. In at least one embodiment, the internal perimeters and cross-sectional areas of the at least one constricted section 120 and compartment 118 are in a sized relationship. More specifically, P_CONS and P_COMP are in a sized relationship, such that:

P_CONS≧P_COMP

In at least one embodiment, A_COMP and A_CONS,CLOSED are in a sized relationship, such that:

A_COMP>A_CONS,CLOSED

FIG. 6B2 illustrates the constricted section 120 having a selected flexible internal cross-section area A_CONS adapted to move between a first unexpanded or closed minimum internal cross-sectional area A_CONS,CLOSED and a second expanded or open minimum internal cross-sectional area A_CONS,OPEN. In at least one embodiment, A_CONS,CLOSED, and A_{CONS, OPEN} are in a sized relationship, such that:

A_CONS,CLOSED≧A_CONS,OPEN

FIG. 7A depicts an embodiment of the container, generally designated 410, similar to any of the containers illustrated previously. In the illustrated embodiment, container 410 includes at least one compartment 418, at least one constricted section 420, first end 422 and second end 424 opposite the first end 422. FIG. 7A further depicts the container 410 having one or more fins, obstructions, or protuberances 432, grooves 442, and/or gaps 446 (best viewed in FIG. 7B) located proximate to one or more compartments and or constricted sections. FIG. 7A illustrates one possible example of this feature where a fin or protuberance extends along the length of each compartment. The one or more fins 432 allow for the release of a created vacuum during dispensing ice units 430 by creating a pathway for air to move from the front to the rear of the container (along gaps 446 and/or grooves 442 formed by the fins 432 for example) as ice is dispensed.

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the container 10 of FIG. 2-3 grasped or manipulated by a user 30, depicting at least open end 22 in an open or unexpanded position. FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the container 10 of FIG. 8. As illustrated, pressure or force is applied by the user 30 to the exterior wall 14 along the line indicated by the arrows such that the at least one constricted section 20 and compartment 18 are moved to an open or expanded position. In at least one embodiment, applying pressure to the exterior wall 14, applies pressure to the at least one load transition member 17, enabling the pressure or load to be transmitted or applied to more than one constricted section 20 and/or compartment 18. FIG. 10 is an elevation view of the container of FIG. 8-9 illustrating the user 30 flowing a liquid into the container 10 filling at least one compartment 18. While not shown, the pressure is removed from the exterior wall 14 and load transition member 17, such that the at least one constricted section 20 and compartment 18 are moved to the closed or unexpanded position allowing for excess fluid to be removed from the container. FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the container 10 illustrating the container 10 being sealed by the user 30 at the open end 22 using sealing member 26, forming a liquid-tight seal proximate first end 22.

FIG. 12 illustrates the container 10 of FIG. 2-3 being bent or flexed, while FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 12 illustrating ice units being broken inside the container 10. FIG. 12 illustrates the constricted section where the reduction in cross-sectional area creates a stress concentration facilitating the fracturing of the continuously formed ice unit block into individual ice units. More specifically, the container 10 bent or flexed as illustrated in FIG. 12 allows for the fracturing of any solid formed within the constricted section 20 (illustrated in FIG. 13). This enables ice units or solids in the compartment 18 to be released, moving through the container 10 (through the constricted section 20 and compartment 18) when pressure or force is applied to exterior wall 14. One or more embodiments relate to a method of forming and dispensing ice units using any of the containers 10/110/210/310. FIG. 14 illustrates the user 30 dispensing one or more ice units 40 into a container 50, a cup for example.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart depicting one method, generally designated 500, of forming and dispensing ice units in accordance with one embodiment. The method 500 includes applying a pressure to the exterior wall 14 resulting in the synchronous expansion of the at least one of constricted sections 26 and compartments 18, block 410. In one embodiment, applying pressure to the exterior wall 14 expands a plurality of compartments 18 and constricted sections 26. A liquid is flowed into the container 10/110/210/310, into the constricted sections 26 and compartments 18, block 512. The pressure is removed from the exterior wall 14 and/or load transition member resulting in synchronous contraction of the compartments 18 and the constricted sections 26, block 514. At least one end, the open end for example, is sealed, block 516.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart depicting one method of forming and dispensing ice units, generally designated 60, in accordance with another embodiment. The method 500 includes applying a pressure to the exterior wall 14 resulting in the synchronous expansion of the at least one of constricted sections 20 and compartments 18, block 610. In one embodiment, applying pressure to the exterior wall 14 expands a plurality of compartments 18 and the constricted sections 20. A liquid is flowed into the container 10/110/210/310, into the constricted sections 20 and compartments 18, block 512. Excess liquid is removed from the container 10/100/210/310, block 614, either by spilling, siphoning, or contracting withheld fluid creating overflow, or otherwise removing the liquid. The pressure is removed from the exterior wall 14 resulting in synchronous contraction of the compartments 18 and the constricted sections 20, block 616. At least one end, the open end for example, is sealed, block 618.

Method 500 further comprises forming ice units, block 620. In at least one embodiment, this comprises cooling the container 10/110/210/310 by placing it in a freezer, or otherwise cooling the container. In at least one embodiment, the container 10/110/210/310 is bent in at least one of a convex or concave fashion at least one time, block 622. This may include bending the container 10/110/210/310 to move the liquid into the compartments, to better fit in a freezer or cooler, to loosen ice units prior to removing or any combination thereof. The method 600 further comprises applying a pressure to the exterior wall 14 or load transition member 17 resulting in the synchronous expansion of the plurality of compartments and the constricted sections to the exterior wall, releasing or dispensing the ice units, block 624. In one or more embodiments, any vacuum created during cooling or dispensing the ice units is released using one or more fins, obstructions, or protuberance.

While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presently considered to be preferred, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A container for forming ice units, the container comprising:

an elongated, enclosed body portion for receiving fluid, the body portion comprising an exterior wall defining an interior volume;

one or more compartments along the length of the body, one or more constricted sections along the length of the body and separating compartments a first end; and

a second end opposite the first end, wherein at least one of the first and second ends are in fluid communication with at least one of the compartments.

2. The container of claim 1 further including one or more compartments comprising a separated, enclosed volume portion allowing for one or more individual ice units to be formed along the length of the body.

3. The container of claim 1 further comprising at least one of the constricted sections creating a stress concentration in at least a portion of a formed ice unit block, enabling the ice unit block to be fractured into individual ice units under applied pressure.

4. The container of claim 1 further comprising at least one constricted section communicating with at least one compartment and adapted to move at least one ice unit between adjacent compartments and/or first or second end.

5. The container of claim 1 wherein the exterior wall includes at least one or more load transition members coupling more than one constricted section extending along at least a portion of container in a longitudinal direction.

6. The container of claim 1 further including one or more load transition members coupling two or more constricted sections and/or compartments, thereby simultaneously distributing an applied load to the two or more constricted sections and/or compartments.

7. The container of claim 1 wherein at least one of the compartments or constricted sections includes a fin, protrusion, or groove adapted to release a created vacuum during the dispensing process.

8. A non-rigid container for forming ice units, the container comprising:

an elongated, enclosed body portion for receiving a fluid, the body portion comprising an exterior wall defining an interior volume;

a plurality of compartments in fluid communication, each compartment having a selected maximum internal perimeter and unexpanded or closed maximum internal cross-sectional area;

a plurality of constricted sections, each constricted section having a selected minimum internal perimeter and unexpanded or closed minimum internal cross-sectional area;

an open end in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of compartments; and

a closed end opposite the open end in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of compartments.

9. The container of claim 8 wherein at least one of the constricted sections has a selected internal perimeter PCONS and unexpanded or closed internal cross-sectional area ACONS, CLOSED and at least one of the compartments has a selected internal perimeter PCOMP and unexpanded or closed internal cross-sectional area ACOMP,CLOSED where PCONS and PCOMP are in a sized relationship such that: and ACOMP,CLOSED and ACONS,CLOSED are in a sized relationship, such that:

PCONS≧PCOMP

ACOMP,CLOSED>ACONS,CLOSED

10. The container of claim 8 further including at least one load transition member coupling more than one compartment and one constricted section extending along at least a portion of the container in a longitudinal direction.

11. A method of forming and dispensing ice units using a container, the container comprising:

an elongated body portion for receiving a fluid, the body portion comprising: an exterior wall defining an interior volume; a plurality of compartments in fluid communication, each compartment having selected maximum internal perimeter and unexpanded maximum internal cross-sectional area; a plurality of constricted sections, each constricted section having a selected minimum internal perimeter and unexpanded minimum internal cross-sectional area; an open end in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of compartments; and a closed end opposite the open end in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of compartments;

the method comprising: applying a pressure to the exterior wall and/or load transition member resulting in the synchronous expansion of the plurality of compartments and the constricted sections; flowing a liquid into at least one of the plurality of compartments; removing the pressure from the exterior wall resulting in synchronous contraction of the plurality of compartments and the constricted sections; and sealing the closed end.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising removing excess fluid from the container.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising cooling the container thus creating a continuous ice formation within the container

the ice formation following the internal contour of the container.

14. The method of claim 132 comprising bending the container in at least one of a convex or concave fashion at least one time thereby fracturing the ice formation into individual ice units.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising applying a pressure to the exterior wall resulting in deformation of at least one of the compartments and/or constricted sections enabling ice units to be dispensed individually.

16. The method of claim 15, comprising releasing a created vacuum during dispensing the ice units using at least one fin, protrusion, or groove formed in at least one of the compartments and/or constricted sections.

17. The method of claim 11 wherein at least one of the constricted sections is adapted to move between an unexpanded or closed position and an expanded or open position, the at least one constricted section having a selected unexpanded or closed minimum internal cross-sectional area ACONS,CLOSED and an expanded or open minimum internal cross-sectional area ACONS,OPEN, where the at least one constricted section moves between ACONS,CLOSED and ACONS,OPEN;

represented by: ACONS,CLOSED≧ACONS,OPEN

18. The method of claim 11 wherein at least one of the compartments is adapted to move between an unexpanded or closed position and an expanded or open position, the at least one compartment having a selected unexpanded or closed maximum internal cross-sectional area ACOMP,CLOSED and an expanded or open minimum internal cross-sectional area ACOMP,OPEN, where the at least one constricted section moves between ACOMP, CLOSED and ACOMP,OPEN;

represented by: ACOMP,CLOSED≧ACOMP,OPEN

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising moving the compartment between an unexpanded or closed position and an expanded or open position facilitates movement of formed ice units through the elongated body.

20. The method of claim 18 further comprising moving the compartment between an unexpanded or closed position and an expanded or open position releases a created vacuum during dispensing of the ice units.