Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/184,401, filed May 5, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a system and method for the protection of food decorations during transportation and storage. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with minimally-invasive protection of delicate decorations on food items, such as cakes, which are not suitable for direct-contact with packaging material.

Background

[0003] Decorative food items, such as cakes, have been a cultural staple for decades. The complex and artistry incorporated into the decorations are reaching new heights each day. The decorations are often edible and consist of elements which are brittle, fragile, and easily destroyed if acted on by an external force. This provides problems in the storage and transportation of such food items, as they are often prepared in advance and off-site from where they are to be finally displayed and utilized for consumption. There exist persistent and long-felt frustrations regarding damage done to decorative elements during storage and transport. Solutions to this issue would need to not significantly impact or interfere with the decorative elements. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a minimally-invasive system and method for protecting decorative food items during storing and transportation.

Summary

[0004] The present invention comprises a system and method for the protection of baked goods and other food decorations. Embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention is used to protect cake and other baked goods topping and decorations from being disturbed or altered by cellophane or other coverings during storage or transportation. The device of embodiments of the present invention is inserted into the top of the food or baked goods prior to covering for transportation and / or storage. The shape, dimensions, etc. of the apparatus, in combination with the placement into the food item, provides a shelf or barrier for the item covering material, which therefore protects the food item decorations from being disturbed or altered. It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the device of the inventive concept are made with tops of varying sizes, shapes and colors (for the top and/or the entire device) to allow for a variety of aesthetics to enhance the item being protected, while at the same time provide the desired protection from the covering material.

[0005] Advantageously, the concepts, systems, and methods disclosed herein provide a solution to the issue of storage and transportation of food items with decorations.

[0006] The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of the inventive concept and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possible embodiments of the inventive concept may be made and will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof. Various features and subcombinations of inventive concept may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this inventive concept will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this inventive concept and various features thereof.

[0007] The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possible embodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof. Various features and subcombinations of invention may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention and various features thereof.

Brief Description

[0008] A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which the applicant has contemplated applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a device for protecting food decorations according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a front elevation view of the device for protecting food decorations of Fig. 1, the rear elevation view, right side elevation view, and left side elevation view being substantial mirrors thereof.

[0011] Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the device for protecting food decorations of Fig.

1

[0012] Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the device for protecting food decorations of Fig. 1.

[0013] Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of a device for protecting food decorations according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] Fig. 6 is a front elevation view of the device for protecting food decorations of Fig. 5, the rear elevation view, right side elevation view, and left side elevation view being substantial mirrors thereof.

[0015] Fig. 7 is a bottom plan view of the device for protecting food decorations of Fig. 5.

[0016] Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the device for protecting food decorations of Fig. 5.

[0017] Fig. 9 is a depiction of several devices for protecting food decorations according to some embodiments of the present invention; the devices shown inserted into an uncovered food item. [0018] Fig. 10 is a depiction of the devices and food item of Fig. 9, the food item being shown covered with a protective layer.

Detailed Description

[0019] As required, a detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0020] The present invention was created to protect cake and other baked goods topping and decorations from being disturbed or altered by cellophane or other coverings during storage or transportation.

[0021] The present invention is intended to be applicable to desserts, baked goods, cakes of various sizes and shapes but also virtually any appropriate food, consumable or other item including but not limited to casseroles, dishes, salads, etc. that has a topping which has a finish for which it is desirable not to be disturbed or altered by any food coverings during storage, transportation, etc.

[0022] The device of an embodiment of the present invention is inserted into the top of the food or baked good prior to covering for transportation and / or storage. The shape, dimensions, etc. of the apparatus of the invention design in combination with the placement into the food item provides a shelf or barrier for the item covering material, which therefore protects the food item decorations from being disturbed or altered due to the weight or placement of the covering material.

[0023] Several different embodiments of the food decoration protection method are disclosed herein, including, but not limited to, the different sizes and shapes of embodiments of a device for protecting food item decorations, such as frosting. In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventions is by way of example, and the scope of the inventions is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

[0024] Referring to Figs. 1-4, In some embodiments a device 10 for protecting frosting/icing of the inventive concept. In some embodiments, the device includes a top portion 11. In some embodiments, the top portion 11 includes an upper surface, said upper surface being substantially flat and/or planar. In some embodiments, this top surface provides a relatively a large surface area for supporting one or more protective layer, such as a cellophane or other food covering to rest easily upon. In some embodiments, the flat top also provides a surface area that is capable of being labeled for branding, custom monograms, or other various holiday prints. In this manner, some embodiments of the device add to the overall decoration of the food item. In some embodiments, the top portion is substantially circular 11, and in some embodiments the top portion 11 is shaped in a further decorative fashion to add to the overall decoration of the food item. The top portion 11 depicted in Figs. 1-4 is circular, but it is not intended to be limiting and in various embodiments is of a variety of different sizes or shapes, for aesthetics and/or for functional purposes. In some embodiments, the device 10 further includes a shaft 12. In some embodiments the shaft 12 of sufficient length to penetrate multi-layer baking goods and other food items, to provide structural integrity to stand and support the food covering. It will be appreciated that the length of the shaft 12 will vary in other embodiments of the device, depending upon the food item in which the device is intended to be inserted. In some embodiments the shaft 12 is cylindrical, while in some embodiments the shaft 12 is configured in a different geometric shape, such as triangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, or the like. It will be appreciated that the shaft 12 profile will vary in other embodiments depending on the feed item in which the device is intended to be inserted. In some embodiments, the device 10 includes a piercing element 13. In some embodiments, the piercing element 13 is a tip and/or portion of the shaft 12 which is inserted into the food item. In some embodiments, the shaft 12 and piercing element 13 are a relatively small diameter in comparison to the top portion 11, so as not to disturb or permanently alter the food item that it is inserted into. In some embodiments, the piercing element 13 is tapered, with a beginning of the taper being substantially the same geometric shape, size (diameter, width, and the like), and the like as the shaft 12 and the end of the taper being relatively smaller than the geometry of the shaft 12. In some embodiments, the end of the taper is substantially a point.

[0025] Additionally, some embodiments include an arch (as shown in Figs. 1 and 2) connecting the shaft 12 to the top portion 11 to provide additional structural integrity. Specifically, the arch between the top 11 and the shaft 12 creates a more fluid and even thickness and volume which enables more uniform and even cooling of the material during manufacturing. In particular in embodiments in which the device 10 is made of a plastic material via an injection molding process, the more uniform and even the plastic cools, the more of a strong and robust bond is created.

[0026] Referring to Figs. 5-8, in some embodiments, shows another embodiment of a device 20 for protecting icing/frosting on a baked item (such as a cake). In some embodiments, the top portion 21 is spherical, providing a surface area large enough for the food covering to rest against, but relatively small and simple (particularly compared to the previously discussed flat top embodiments) so as to not distract from the decorations on the food item being protected. In some embodiments the shaft 22 of sufficient length to penetrate multi-layer baking goods and other food items, to provide structural integrity to stand and support the food covering. It will be appreciated that the length of the shaft 22 will vary in other embodiments of the device, depending upon the food item in which the device is intended to be inserted. In some embodiments the shaft 22 is cylindrical, while in some embodiments the shaft 22 is configured in a different geometric shape, such as triangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, or the like. It will be appreciated that the shaft 22 profile will vary in other embodiments depending on the feed item in which the device is intended to be inserted. In some embodiments, the device 20 includes a piercing element 23. In some embodiments, the piercing element 23 is a tip and/or portion of the shaft 22 which is inserted into the food item. In some embodiments, the shaft 22 and piercing element 23 are a relatively small diameter in comparison to the top portion 21, so as not to disturb or permanently alter the food item that it is inserted into. In some embodiments, the piercing element 23 is tapered, with a beginning of the taper being substantially the same geometric shape, size (diameter, width, and the like), and the like as the shaft 22 and the end of the taper being relatively smaller than the geometry of the shaft 22. In some embodiments, the end of the taper is substantially a point.

[0027] Figure 9 represents a baked good item, a cake, with six prototypes of the device 20 of Fig. 5 of the present invention inserted into the cake as step one of the system and method of use of the present invention. The devices 20 are inserted around the perimeter of the cake as well as the top to provide a temporary boundary for any food covering used in the storage or transportation of the food item.

[0028] Figure 10 is a top view of the baked good with devices 20 of the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 5 inserted and the cellophane wrapped around the food item, resting against the present invention, completing the second step of the present inventions system and method. One general aspect includes a device for protecting food decorations. The device also includes a shaft; a top portion connected to a first end of the shaft, and a piercing element associated with a second end of the shaft. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding apparatus and/or devices, each configured to perform the actions of the systems and methods.

Implementations of some embodiments of the inventive concept include one or more of the following features. The device as claimed where the top portion includes a first surface, the first surface being opposed to the connection point of the top portion to the first end of the shaft, the first surface being substantially planar. The first surface is circular. The first surface includes a decorative element. The shaft is of sufficient length to penetrate a food item and extend beyond an outer layer of decorative items of the food item. The shaft is cylindrical and has a first diameter. The piercing element is cylindrical and has a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter. The piercing element includes a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the shaft and having a first piercing end diameter, the second end opposing the first and having a second piercing end diameter. The first piercing end diameter is substantially similar to the first diameter of the shaft and the second piercing end diameter is smaller than the first diameter of the shaft, the first piercing end being tapered between the first and second piercing ends. The top portion is generally spherical.

One general aspect of some embodiments of the inventive concept includes a method for protecting food decorations inserting a plurality of devices into a food item, the plurality of food devices of some embodiments each include: a shaft; a top portion connected to a first end of the shaft; and a piercing element associated with a second end of the shaft. The method also includes shrouding the food item with a protective layer, where the plurality of devices contact the protective layer without the protective layer contacting the food item. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding apparatus and/or devices, each configured to perform the actions of the systems and methods.

Implementations of some embodiments of he inventive concept include one or more of the following features. The method as claimed where the top portion includes a first surface, the first surface being opposed to the connection point of the top portion to the first end of the shaft, the first surface being substantially planar. The first surface is circular. The first surface includes a decorative element. The shaft is of sufficient length to penetrate a food item and extend beyond an outer layer of decorative items of the food item. The shaft is cylindrical and has a first diameter. The piercing element is cylindrical and has a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter. The piercing element includes a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the shaft and having a first piercing end diameter, the second end opposing the first and having a second piercing end diameter. The first piercing end diameter is substantially similar to the first diameter of the shaft and the second piercing end diameter is smaller than the first diameter of the shaft, the first piercing end being tapered between the first and second piercing ends.

[0029] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventions is by way of example, and the scope of the inventions is not limited to the exact details shown or described. [0030] Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention has been described by reference to an exemplary embodiment, and the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that certain changes, modification or variations may be made in embodying the above invention, and in the construction thereof, other than those specifically set forth herein, may be achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such changes, modification or variations are to be considered as being within the overall scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention and any and all changes, modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall with in the true spirit and scope of the underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. Consequently, the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by any attached claims, all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0031] Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the invention is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in any appended claims.

[0032] It is also to be understood that any claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.