Abstract:
An ice cream maker and method for using the same is provided. In one embodiment, an ice cream maker includes a barrel assembly which may be attached to a bicycle, stroller or other wheeled vehicle. In one mode of operation, the barrel assembly may be rotated as the wheeled vehicle is operated, by example and not by limitation, by contact with the wheel of a bicycle.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    Embodiments of the invention generally relate to an ice cream maker suitable for use with bicycles, among other recreational apparatus. 
         [0003]    2. Background 
         [0004]    Biking and other recreational activities are fun. These activities are more enjoyable with ice cream. 
         [0005]    Therefore, there is a need for an ice cream maker adapted for use with a bicycle and other recreational apparatus. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Embodiments of the invention generally relate to an ice cream maker and method for using the same. Generally, embodiments of the invention allow making of ice cream while pursuing recreational activities, such as walking, skateboarding, pushing a stroller, pulling a wagon, bicycling and the like. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, an ice cream maker includes an outer housing, an inner housing and a base. The outer and inner housings have sealable interior volumes. The base has a mounting portion configured to secure the base to a wheeled vehicle. The base holding the outer housing in a manner that allows rotation of the outer housing relative to the base. The inner housing is dimensioned as to allow ice to be packed between the inner housing and the outer housing when the inner housing is disposed in the outer housing. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, a method for making ice cream is provided. In one embodiment, a method for making ice cream includes sealing ingredients for making ice cream in an inner housing, placing the inner housing in an outer housing, placing ice in the space between the inner and outer housings, securing the outer housing to a base such that the outer housing is free to rotate relative the base, and turning the outer housing using human energy expended during an recreational activity for a sufficient time to turn the ingredients into ice cream. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a bicycle equipped with one embodiment of an ice cream maker of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  depicts a top view of one embodiment of a vehicle mounting portion of the ice cream maker of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a bicycle equipped with another embodiment of an ice cream maker; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a partial side view of vehicle mounting portion of the ice cream maker of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the ice cream maker of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 6-7  are sectional views of one embodiment of a barrel assembly; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a bicycle equipped with another embodiment of an ice cream maker; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a partial sectional view of the ice cream maker of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a side view of another embodiment of an ice cream maker; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 11A-B  are side and top views of one embodiment of an ice cream maker; and 
           [0020]      FIGS. 12A-B  are side and top views of one embodiment of an ice cream maker. 
       
    
    
       [0021]    To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation. 
         [0022]    It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    Embodiments of the present invention generally provide an ice cream maker that is powered by a bicycle or other wheeled vehicle. The energy needed for turning the ice cream maker is obtained from the rotational motion of wheel of the vehicle. Alternatively, the ice cream maker may be driven directly by a mechanism engaged with the chain or gearing of the pedal or rear wheel. In this manner, a pleasant ride on the bicycle may be rewarded with delicious homemade ice cream generated during the ride. In other embodiments, the ice cream maker may be coupled to a recreational object such as a skateboard, stroller, wagon or stick, wherein the ice cream maker is rotated by contact with the ground (including streets, sidewalks, paths, parks, beaches, boardwalks, fields, etc.) as the object is propelled by human energy. The term ice cream utilized throughout this document is intended to include gelato, French ice cream, soft ice cream, frozen custard and other frozen deserts made by stirring a liquid while chilling until frozen. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a bicycle  102  equipped with one embodiment of an ice cream maker  100  of the present invention. The ice cream maker  100  is powered by a wheel  104  of the bicycle  102 . Although  FIG. 1  depicts the ice cream maker  100  attached to a bicycle  102 , it is contemplated that the ice cream maker of the present invention may be configured to be driven by wheels of other vehicles, configured to roll behind or ahead of a wheel of vehicle, be pushed or dragged while walking and the like. 
         [0025]    The ice cream maker  100  generally includes a barrel assembly  106  and a base  108 . The barrel assembly  106  is coupled to and rotatable on the base  108 . The base  108  includes a vehicle mounting portion  110  and a barrel mounting portion  112 . The vehicle mounting portion  110  is configured to securely couple the ice cream maker  100  to the bicycle  102 . In one embodiment, the vehicle mounting portion  110  is configured to removably couple ice cream maker  100  to a seat post  114  that extends from a frame  118  of the bicycle  102  to support a seat  116  so that the barrel assembly  106  is driven by the rear wheel of the bicycle  102 . It is also contemplated that the vehicle mounting portion  110  may be configured to removably couple ice cream maker  100  to a front portion of the frame  118  or steering fork assembly  132  so that the barrel assembly  106  is driven by the front wheel of the bicycle  102 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  depicts a top view of one embodiment of the vehicle mounting portion  110 . The vehicle mounting portion  110  includes a clamp base  202  coupled to a clamp jaw  204  by a hinge  206 . The clamp base  202  and the clamp jaw  204 , when closed, are configured to clamp the seat post  114  therebetween. The clamp base  202  and the clamp jaw  204  may be secured by any suitable manner, for example, by fastener. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the clamp base  202  and the clamp jaw  204  are secured by an over-center clamp  208 . The over-center clamp  208  includes a lever  210  coupled to a cam  212 . The cam  212  is coupled to a rod  214  which is treaded into a retainer  216 . The rod  214  extends though slots or holes (not shown) formed through lips  218 ,  220  projecting from the clamp base  202  and the clamp jaw  204 . When the lever  210  is moved toward the clamp jaw  204 , the cam  212  is rotated. The shape of the cam  212  displaces the rod  214  and retainer  216  towards the clamp jaw  212 , thereby tightly sandwiching the lips  218 ,  220  between the cam  212  and the retainer  216  and clamping the seat post  114  between the clamp base  202  and the clamp jaw  204 . 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a flange  222  of the mounting portion  110  extends from the clamp base  202  and is pivotably coupled with a fork  224  of the base  108 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the flange  222  and fork  224  are coupled by a pin  226 , such as a clevis pin or other suitable pivot shaft, which allows the portion of the barrel mounting portion  112  of the base  108  to pivot in a vertical plane relative to the seat post  114  and wheel  104 . Thus, gravity allows the weight of the barrel assembly  106  cause the barrel assembly  106  to come in contact with the wheel  104  so that the barrel assembly  106  rotates while the bicycle is ridden. 
         [0028]    Alternatively, the barrel assembly  106  may be driven by a chain or gear assembly  302  which transfers the rotational motion of the wheel  104  or pedal  120  to the barrel assembly  106  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of the flange  222  and fork  224  of the base  108 . The flange  222  may include a second hole  402  which aligns with a hole  404  formed in the fork  224  when the barrel assembly  106  is at a predefined position rotated clear of the wheel  104 . A securing member  406 , such as a threaded shaft and knob, clamp, clevis, fast pin and the link, may be inserted through the aligned holes  402 ,  404  so that the barrel assembly  106  is secured in a spaced apart relation relative to the wheel  104  so that the bicycle may be ridden without turning the barrel assembly  106  when desired. 
         [0030]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , the barrel mounting portion  112  of the base  108  is coupled to the barrel assembly  106  in a manner that allows the barrel assembly  106  to, in one embodiment, rotate when in contact with the wheel  104 . The barrel mounting portion  112  is also configured to allow the barrel assembly  106  to be readily detached from the base  108  so that the barrel assembly  106  (portion) of the ice cream maker  100  may be easily removed from bicycle  102 . 
         [0031]    Referring additionally to the top view of the ice cream maker  100  depicted in  FIG. 5 , the barrel mounting portion  112  includes a fork  122  having two fingers  124 . Each finger  124  of the fork  122  includes an axis element  126  for allowing the barrel assembly  106  to rotate between the fork  126 . The axis element  126  may be a shaft, rod, pin or other suitable element which allows the barrel to rotate. In one embodiment, the axis element  126  is a spring pin  128  that extends into the area between the fingers  124  when engaged with a hole  130  formed in the fingers  124 . The ends of the spring pin  128  are configured to engage a blind hole  134  formed in the barrel assembly  106  and provide an axis upon which the barrel assembly  106  rotates. The ends of the spring pin  128  may be selectively retracted from the blind hole  134  to allow removal of the barrel assembly  106  from the fork  122 . It is contemplated that the barrel assembly  106  may be coupled to the barrel mounting portion  112  in a number of different suitable manners which allow rotation and selective removal of the barrel assembly  106  from the barrel mounting portion  112 . 
         [0032]    Referring additionally to sectional view of the barrel assembly  106  depict in  FIG. 6 , the barrel assembly  106  has two disk-shaped end caps  502 . Each end cap  502  has one of the blind holes  134  formed therein. The blind hole  134  is configured to accept the portion of the axis element  126  when the axis element  126  is in its normal state extending through the finger  124 . The blind hole  134  is sized to allow the barrel assembly  106  to rotate about the axis of the spring pin  128 . Optionally, a bushing  506  fabricated from a bearing material, such as DELRIN® may be disposed in the blind hole  134  to further facilitate rotation of the barrel assembly  106  about the spring pin  128 . 
         [0033]    Referring now primarily to  FIG. 6 , the barrel assembly  106  includes an inner housing  602  and an outer housing  604 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 , both the inner and outer housings  602 ,  604  are cylindrical in form, although other shapes may be utilized. The inner housing  602  is dimensioned to fit within an interior volume of the outer housing  604 . The dimensions of the inner housing  602  and outer housing  604  are selected such that the interstitial space between the housings  602 ,  604  may be packed with an amount of ice sufficient make ice cream in the inner housing  602 . In one embodiment, the difference between an outer diameter of the inner housings  602  and an inner diameter of the outer housing  604  is at least about 2 inches to allow of packing of ice in the interstitial space. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the outer housing  604  includes a shell  608  disposed between the end caps  502 . The outer housing  604  is configured such that at least one of the end caps  502  may be detached from or moved relative to the shell  608  to expose an interior volume of the outer housing  604 . In one embodiment, a first one of the end caps  502  is fastened, bonded or otherwise secured to the shell  608  is a substantially leak-free manner. The second one of the end caps  502  is secured to the shell  608  by at least one latch  606 , three of which are contemplated in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 . The end cap  502  which is removable includes a boss  610  which extends into the shell  608 . The boss  608  includes a seal gland  612  for housing a seal  614 , such as a gasket or o-ring, which provides a seal between the end cap  502  and the shell  608 . 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, the end caps  502  and shell  608  may be fabricated from a polymer, wood or metallic material. At least one of end caps  502  and/or shell  608  may also be insulated. For example, the shell  608  may be fabricated from a doubled-wall cylinder having an insulating material disposed between the walls of the cylinder. 
         [0036]    Referring to the sectional view of  FIG. 7 , the shell  608  may optionally include one or more inwardly extending ribs  716 . The inwardly extending ribs  716  serve to maintain the housings  602 ,  604  in a substantially concentric orientation when the inner housing  602  is disposed inside the outer housing  604  while leaving space for ice. 
         [0037]    The shell  608  may also include one or more ribs or other external surface feature  718  generally extending parallel to the axis of rotation. The external surface feature  718  is configured to cause the axis of rotation of the barrel assembly  106  to move relative to a rotational axis of the wheel  104  as the barrel assembly rotates in contact with the wheel. The external surface feature  618  may also cause the barrel assembly  106  to “jump” on the wheel  104  or other surface upon which the barrel assembly  106  rotates. It is believed that the movement of the axis of rotation of the barrel assembly  106  relative to the wheel  104  may assist in mixing the contents of the inner housing  602 . 
         [0038]    Referring back to  FIG. 6 , the inner housing  602  is generally a hollow member which may be opened to load the ingredients for making ice cream and for assessing the ice cream one made. In one embodiment, the inner housing is a canister  620  having a cap  622 . The cap  622  is utilized to seal the canister  620 . In one embodiment, the canister  620  is fabricated from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum or other suitable metal. It is also contemplated that the canister  620  may be fabricated from a polymer. The canister  620  is fabricated or coated with a material suitable for holding the ice cream without contamination. 
         [0039]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a bicycle  102  equipped with another embodiment of an ice cream maker  800 . The ice cream maker  800  is similar to the ice cream makers described above, except that the rotation of the ice cream maker  800  is driven by the gear assembly  802  which turns the barrel assembly  106  of the ice cream maker  500  in a substantially vertical orientation. The gear assembly  802  may be driven by contact with the wheel  104 , or by the pedal or chain of the bicycle. 
         [0040]      FIG. 9  is partial sectional view of one embodiment of the ice cream maker  800  of  FIG. 8 . The ice cream maker  800  includes a base  804  that is coupled to the bike  102 . The base  804  has a bracket  806  that removably secures the barrel assembly  106  to the base  804 . When installed in the base  804 , the barrel assembly  106  is engaged with the gear assembly  802 . The gear assembly  802  includes a drive wheel  808  that may be selectively brought in contact with the wheel  104  of the bicycle  102 . The drive wheel  808  is coupled by a shaft  810  to a first gear  812 . The first gear  812  is engaged with a second gear  814 . The second gear  814  has a shaft  816  extending therefrom which includes a feature (such as a flat, hex, key or the like) which engages with a mating feature of the barrel assembly  106  such that rotational motion of the drive wheel  808  is transmitted to the barrel assembly  106  when the bicycle  102  is ridden. 
         [0041]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of one embodiment of an ice cream maker  1000 . The ice cream maker  1000  includes a base  1004  that is coupled to a rolling object  1002 , such as skateboard, stroller, scooter or wagon, among others. The base  1004  has a clamp  1006  that removably secures base to the edge of the object  1002 . The end of the base  1004  opposite the clamp  1006  includes a fork  122  for removably securing a barrel assembly  106  to the base  1004 . The barrel assembly  106  may optionally include one or more sleeves  1010  which protect the barrel assembly  106  from contact with the ground  1012 . The sleeve  1010  may be a polymer ring, and is one embodiment is a tire. When installed in the base  1004 , the barrel assembly  106  rolls along the ground as it is towed by the object  1002  as the object  1002  is propelled forward by the rider, pusher or puller of the object. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 11A-B  are side and top views of one embodiment of an ice cream maker  1100 . The ice cream maker  1100  includes a base  1104  that is coupled to a rolling object  1102 , such as bicycle, scooter or stroller, among others. In one embodiment, the base  1104  has a first fork  1106  and a second fork  1114 . The first fork  1106  removably secures base  1104  to a front wheel  1110  of the object  1102 . In one embodiment, coupling of the first fork  1106  to the front wheel  1110  of the object  1102  may be accomplished by securing the first fork  1106  inside the axle nuts  1112  of the front wheel  1110 . It is contemplated that the first fork  1106  may alternatively be coupled to the rear wheel of the rolling object  1102 . 
         [0043]    The second fork  1114  is on the end of the base  1104  opposite the first fork  1106 . The second fork  1114  is configured similar to the fork  122  described above for removably securing a barrel assembly  116  to the base  1104 . 
         [0044]    The barrel assembly  116  may optionally include one or more sleeves  1116  which protect the barrel assembly  116  from contact with the ground  1118 . When installed in the base  1104 , the barrel assembly  116  rolls along the ground as it is pushed (or pulled) by the object  1102  as the object  1102  is propelled forward by its rider, pusher or puller of the object. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 12A-B  are side and top views of one embodiment of an ice cream maker  1200 . The ice cream maker  1200  includes a base  1204  includes a handle  1206  at one end and a fork  1214  at the end of the base  1204  opposite the handle  1206 . The handle  1206  is generally long enough to allow the operator of the ice cream maker  1200  to comfortably push the barrel assembly  106  along the ground  1218  as the operator walks. The fork  1214  is configured similar to the fork  122  described above for removably securing a barrel assembly  126  to the base  1204 . 
         [0046]    The barrel assembly  126  may optionally include one or more sleeves  1216  which protect the barrel assembly  126  from contact with the ground  1218 . When installed in the base  1204 , the barrel assembly  126  rolls along the ground as it is pushed (or pulled) by the object  1202  as the object  1202  is propelled forward by its rider, pusher or puller of the object. 
         [0047]    Operation of one embodiment of the ice cream maker is now described primarily with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . In operation, the inner housing  302  is loaded with ice cream making ingredients while the barrel assembly  106  is removed from the bicycle. Recipes for making home-made ice cream may be found in numerous publications, including those available the internet. The inner housing  302  containing the ice cream making ingredients is sealed. The inner housing  302  is then set on a bed of salted ice disposed in the bottom of the outer housing  304 . The interstitial space between the outer and inner housings  302 ,  304  is packed with more salted ice. Once the outer housing  304  is filled with salted ice surrounding the inner housing  304 , the outer housing  304  is sealed. 
         [0048]    The sealed barrel assembly  106  is then mounted to the barrel mounting portion  112  of the base  108 . The sealed barrel assembly  106  is allowed to contact the wheel  104  of the bicycle  102 . 
         [0049]    The bicycle  102  is then ridden so that the sealed barrel assembly  106  is rotated the wheel  104  of the bicycle  102 . Embodiments of the barrel assembly  106  having external ribs will “jump” on the wheel  104  to assist mixing. It will take about  30  minutes or so for the ice cream making ingredients within the barrel assembly  106  to turn into ice cream. Riding the bicycle  102  quickly will inject more air into the ice cream formed within the barrel assembly  106 , resulting in ice cream having a “soft-serve” consistence. A slower, more leisurely ride will result in a denser ice cream product. 
         [0050]    Once the bicycle has been ridden for sufficient time to allow for the ice cream to form, the inner housing  302  may be removed from the outer housing  304  and opened to allow access to the ice cream. Optionally, the barrel assembly  106  may be lifted and secured spaced above the wheel  104  so mixing stops and the ice cream may be enjoyed later. Once ice cream making is completed, the barrel assembly  106  may be lifted and secured spaced above the wheel  104  so that the bicycle  102  may be ridden unencumbered by the barrel assembly  106  contacting the wheel  104 . 
         [0051]    The other embodiments operate similarly by pushing a stroller, pulling a wagon, skateboarding, operating a scooter, pushing the barrel assembly while walking and the like. Enjoy. 
         [0052]    Although various embodiments which incorporate the teachings of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiment that still incorporate these teachings.