US20100203264A1

US20100203264A1 - Cake umbrella

Info

Publication number: US20100203264A1
Application number: US12/378,245
Authority: US
Inventors: Errol Fitzroy Bennett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-02-12
Filing date: 2009-02-12
Publication date: 2010-08-12

Abstract

The “Cake Umbrella” was invented to protect (from spit) and decorate the cake. Although “The Cake Umbrella” is made and used in various combinations and designs and with a variety of materials, there are three basic versions, namely: (i) the all plastic version (top base and sides) made with transparent plastic because it provides excellent spit protection and will not conceal the decoration on the cake. When elaborately decorated it is also used for decorative purposes; (ii) utilizes the same top base but with interchangeable Velcro attached skirt (sides) made with beautifully designed fabric trimming and also provides complete protection and decoration for the cake; (iii) is made with strips and/or sheets of specially selected paper folded into beautiful ruffles and other designs and will also protect and decorate the entire cake. They (versions (i), (ii) & (iii) will all facilitate candles without compromising their protective capabilities. “The Cake Umbrella” is a novel invention.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. This invention pertains to protecting and decorating cakes. This invention fulfills two objectives: It protects a cake from the inadvertent spitting that occurs when the blowing out of candles take place at festive occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties, etc. The other objective is for decorative purposes.
2. “The Cake Umbrella” came to mind while I was attending a birthday party. Being the health conscious person that I am, I could not have helped noticing how much spit was being sprayed all over the cake while the birthday boy was in the act of blowing out the candles. I was watching everyone standing in line to get a slice of the spit-covered cake, which could have been contaminated, with a variety of germs with the potential of spreading various diseases.
3. Since there is scientific proof that Aids and other viruses can be contracted from saliva, I see this invention (“The Cake Umbrella”) as being absolutely necessary.
4. “The Cake Umbrella” when elaborately decorated, is also the perfect alternative to the traditional sugar laden icing and the additional cost for it without compromising the festive atmosphere (while decorating) when placed over any homemade or commercially baked cake. So, not only is it protective and decorative, it is also cost effective.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

1. “The Cake Umbrella” was invented to protect and decorate cakes from being sprayed with spit while one is in the act of blowing out the candles on a birthday cake or any other cake especially when kids, the elderly or the intoxicated are involved.
2. Although “The Cake Umbrella” is made and used in various combinations and designs and with a variety of materials, there are three basic versions, e.g. Version # 1 and #1A: The all plastic versions are made with light, medium or heavy transparent plastic top base and sides as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 of drawing. Plastic is used because it provides excellent protection (from sprayed spit) for the cake and also for its durability. When “The Cake Umbrella” is placed over a decorated cake it will not conceal the decorations. Although when they are elaborately decorated, they can also be used to decorate the cake instead of the traditional icing (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 6).
3. Version #2: Is made with the same plastic base top as described in version # 1 but the protective plastic sides are replaced by a decorative and protective interchangeable Velcro attached skirt (sides) made of beautifully designed fabric trimming which also provides complete protection (top and sides) and decoration for the cake.
4. Version # 3 and #3A: Are made with strips and/or sheets of specially selected paper that is artistically and strategically folded into beautiful ruffles leaving one or two holes in the middle of the top portion for candles. When opened and placed on top of and/or around the sides of the cake, this too, will provide protection and decoration for the cake (see FIG. 17).
5. Version #3B: Is constructed by simply cutting a flat piece of beautifully decorated paper to the desired size and shape and cutting specially designed holes (for candles) into it. When placed on the top of the cake it will protect and decorate that area only.
6. All three versions are equipped with holes specially designed to accommodate the candles without compromising it's protective consistency which is made possible by cutting C-shaped holes
X-shaped holes

or completely cut out holes

which are covered with brightly colored replaceable peel-off stickers, all of which makes it possible for one to open only the holes that are intended for use while the others remain closed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Shows a flat piece of plastic—(decorated, plain, transparent or otherwise)—cut to the desired size and shape (in this case, round).

FIG. 2: This illustrates a variety of specially designed holes that are cut into the piece of plastic (shown in FIG. 1) through which candles may be placed, e.g. line # 1 shows the C-cut holes

Line #2 shows the completely cut-out holes (◯). Line # 3 shows the completely cut-out holes covered with the replaceable peel-off stickers

Line #4 shows the X-cut holes

This establishes the top base (Version #1) which may be used as it is to protect the top of the cake.

FIG. 3: This illustrates an elaborately decorated Version #1 (the top base) shown in FIG. 2 which will not only protect but will also decorate the top of the cake.

FIG. 4: Shows a piece of plastic approximately 3″ to 6″ wide that was cut to fit completely around the edges of the top base (shown in FIG. 2) which will hang vertically when attached.

FIG. 5: Illustrates the piece of plastic shown in FIG. 4 attached to the top base (Version #1) shown in FIG. 2 which completes version #1A and will now provide complete protection for the cake (top and sides).

FIG. 6: Illustrates an elaborately decorated Version #1A shown in FIG. 5 which along with protecting the cake will also decorate the entire cake (top and sides).

FIG. 7: This shows a thin strip of plastic approximately ½″ to 1″ wide cut to fit around the edges of the top base—(Version #I) shown in FIG. 2 which will hang vertically when attached. This is the first step in the construction of version #2.

FIG. 8: Shows the thin strip of plastic shown in FIG. 7 with the male side of the Velcro attached.

FIG. 9: Illustrates the strip of plastic (shown in FIG. 7) with the male side of the Velcro attached as shown in FIG. 8 attached to the top base (Version # 1—shown in FIG. #2). This will now facilitate the interchangeable, decorative and protective skirts.

FIG. 10: Shows a piece of beautifully designed fabric trimming.

FIG. 11: Illustrates the piece of fabric trimming shown in FIG. 10 with the female side of Velcro attached to it creating the interchangeable decorative and protective skirt.

FIG. 12: Illustrates the interchangeable skirt shown in FIG. 11 attached to the elaborately decorated top base of Version # 1—shown in FIG. 3 which will protect and decorate the entire cake (top and sides). This completes Version #2.

FIG. 13: This illustrates strips and/or sheets of specially selected paper beautifully and strategically folded to a height of approximately ½″ to 2″ with a sturdier piece of paper attached to the ends in order to accommodate peel-off stickers which when completely opened will stick together keeping them in place to protect and decorate the top of the cake and will also accommodate one or more candles. This completes Version # 3.

FIG. 14: Illustrates FIG. 13 (Version #3) completely opened with all four ends connected showing its decorative and protective capabilities.

FIG. 14A: Shows an overhead view of FIG. 14 showing the two holes for candles.

FIG. 15: Illustrates the same type of specialty selected paper described in Fig. #13 now folded into a vertical formation and to a height of approximately 3″ to 6″ with the same slightly sturdier paper (described in FIG. 13) on both ends for the same purpose.

FIG. 16: Illustrates FIG. 15 completely opened with both ends connected. This protects and decorates the sides of the cake.

FIG. 17: Illustrates FIG. 14 & FIG. 16 combined to provide complete protection and decoration for the cake (top and sides). This completes Version #3A.

FIG. 18: Illustrates Version #3B which is a flat piece of decorative paper cut to the desired size and shape (in this case round) and equipped with a variety of holes exactly like those shown in Version #1 (shown in FIG. 2) for the same purpose (for the candles) and will protect and decorate the top of the cake.

FIG. 19: Illustrates FIG. 16 & FIG. 18 combined to provide complete protection and decoration for the cake (top and sides). This completes Version 3C.

FIG. 20, FIG. 21 & FIG. 22. These illustrate other variations of “The Cake Umbrella” which extend far and beyond the examples shown here.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

1. Although “The Cake Umbrella” is made and used in various combinations, designs, sizes, shapes and colors and with a variety of materials, there are three basic versions material wise.
2. Version #1: The all-plastic version is made from a light to medium or medium to heavy transparent plastic for the top base and sides because it provides excellent protection to the cake (from flying spit) along with its durability. And when it is placed on a decorated cake it will not conceal the decorations. It is constructed by first cutting a flat piece of plastic to the desired size and shape into which C-cut holes
X-cut holes

or completely cut out circular holes

which are made and are then covered with beautifully colored replaceable peel-off stickers.
The C-cut holes and the X-cut holes are specifically designed to be self sufficient because of the way in which they are cut into the plastic or paper, i.e. the C-cut holes are made by making circular cuts approximately ¾ of the way around the circle in order to create a flap which has to be lifted in order to place the candles while the unused holes (flaps) remain closed (flat).
The X-cut holes are made by simply cutting an X into the plastic or paper and pushing the candles directly through the middle or first placing them into small individual candle holders (as shown in FIG. 2 of drawings) while the other holes remain closed (flat).
The completely cut out holes are made by simply cutting a circular hole into the plastic or paper, covering them with beautifully colored replaceable peel-off stickers.
These specially designed holes are chosen because they provide the luxury of placing just about as many candles that are needed and in almost any desired formation without compromising its protective shield. Since the top base can be used as it is (without the skirt), it represents Version # 1 and when it is elaborately decorated (as shown in FIG. 3) it can also be used to decorate the top of the cake instead of the traditional icing.
3. Version #1A: Was constructed by simply cutting a piece of plastic approximately 3″ to 6″ wide and attaching it permanently (by stitching or gluing) or with Velcro around the edges of the top base so that it hangs vertically. This will then provide complete protection (top and sides) to the cake. Exactly like Version # 1, when it is elaborately decorated (as shown in FIG. 6), it can also be used to decorate the entire cake (top and sides) instead of the traditional icing.
4. Version #2: Is made with the same top base as described in version # 1. Attached to it (by stitching or sticking) is a long thin strip of plastic approximately ½″ to 1″ wide which is cut and faced with the male side of the Velcro which is then attached around the edges (of the base) which then makes it possible to attach a decorative, protective, interchangeable skirt (side) which is made of beautifully designed fabric trimming with the female side of Velcro already attached to it. This skirt replaces the 3″ to 6″ wide strip of plastic used in version #1A to protect around the sides of the cake. Velcro is used to connect the skirt to facilitate removal for the purpose of cleaning, easy storage, changing of designs or colors i.e. blue for boys and pink for girls or the color of one's birthstone, etc. As in the case of the elaborately decorated all plastic Version #1A, it provides complete protection (top and sides) and decorates just about any home made or commercially baked cake replacing the traditional icing.
5. Version #3: Is made with sheets and/or strips of specially selected paper which is artistically and strategically folded into beautiful ruffles and/or other designs leaving one or two holes in the middle for one or more candles. When opened and placed on top of the cake it will protect and decorate only the top of the cake.
6. Version #3A: Is constructed by now folding the same type of specially selected paper into a vertical design to a height of approximately 3″ to 6″. When opened and wrapped around the sides of the cake in combination with Version # 3 will provide complete protection and decoration to the entire cake (top and sides) which will now complete Version #3A.
7. Version #3B: Is made exactly as the top base of Version #1 (FIG. 2). The only difference is that it is made of a flat piece of decorative paper cut to the desired size and shape (in this case round) and equipped with the same variety of holes for the same purpose (for candles) and will protect and decorate the top of the cake.
8. Version #3C: is formulated by combining the vertically folded paper of Version #3A with Version #3B. This also provides protection and decoration for the entire cake (top and sides).

Claims

1. I claim that this is a new and innovative way to protect (from spit) and/or decorate birthday, anniversary, retirement or any other cake from inadvertent spit when the candles are being blown out. This invention is made of light to medium or medium to heavy transparent, plain or decorated plastic. It can also be made from a variety of materials including paper and fabric, etc. and can also be made in various combinations.

2. I claim that by cutting a flat piece of plastic to the desired size and shape and into that piece of plastic cutting C-cut holes

X-cut holes

or holes that are completely cut out and covered with removable, replaceable peel-off stickers

This will establish the top base for “The Cake Umbrella” and may be used as it is to protect the top of the cake when placed on it.

3. I claim that by choosing to utilize the above mentioned holes (C-cut, X-cut or completely cut out holes) in the top base of claim #2, it will make it possible for one to open only the holes for intended use and in almost any desired formation while leaving the unused holes closed therefore maintaining its protective consistency from spit while the candles are being blown out.

4. I claim that by using transparent plastic the decoration on the cake will not be concealed when it (the top base of claim #2) is placed on the cake.

5. I claim that when the top base of claim #2 is elaborately decorated it will not only protect the top of the cake from spit but it will also decorate the top of the cake instead of the traditional sugar filled icing.

6. I claim that by cutting a strip of the transparent plastic approximately 3″ to 6″ wide and permanently attaching it around the edges of the top base of claim #2 or making it removable by connecting it with Velcro as described in the Brief Summary of The Invention. The all-plastic Version #1A will be completed and will provide protection for the entire cake without hiding any decoration that might be on the cake.

7. I claim that by elaborately decorating the all-plastic version of claim #6 (Version #1A) it can also be used to decorate the entire cake replacing the traditional icing.

8. I claim that by facing a beautifully designed piece of fabric trimming or an elaborately decorated piece of plastic with the female side of Velcro a beautiful protective, decorative interchangeable skirt (side) will be created.

9. I also claim that by cutting a strip of plastic approximately ½″ to 1″ wide and facing it with the male side of Velcro and then attaching (stitching or gluing) it around the edges of the top base mentioned in claim #2 and claim #5, that will make it (the top base) possible to facilitate the removable, decorative, protective and interchangeable skirts (sides) of claim #8.

10. I claim that when the top base of claim #2 is elaborately decorated and anyone of the assortment of beautifully designed and festively colored interchangeable skirts of claim #8 is attached, it (“The Cake Umbrella”) will decorate and protect (from spit) the entire cake and this will represent Version #2 as described in the Brief Summary of the Invention.

11. I claim that version #2 of claim #10 will not only provide complete protection to the cake (both top and sides) but will also provide a new and innovative alternative to decorate cakes rather than the old fashion way with the expensive sugar laden icing.

12. I claim that by using Velcro to connect the skirt (the fabric trimming or decorated plastic of claim #8) to the top base as described in claim #5, it will provide the convenience and luxury to easily switch designs and/or colors e.g. blue for boys, pink for girls, the color of one's birthstone, the color theme of the occasion, etc. It will also provide easy cleaning and storage—(Version #2).

13. 1 also claim that by artistically and strategically folding sheets and/or strips of specially selected paper into beautiful ruffles and/or other designs to a height of approximately ½″-2″ while leaving openings in the middle for one or more candles when opened. When placed on top of a cake it will protect and decorate only the top of the cake. That completes Version #3.

14. I further claim that when the same strips and/or sheets of decorative paper mentioned in claim #13 are vertically folded into beautiful ruffles and/or other designs approximately 3″-6″ high and then opened and wrapped around the sides of the cake and combined with Version #3 of claim #13, together they will provide complete protection and decoration to the cake. This is another version of the paper variety (Version #3A).

15. I also claim that by cutting a flat piece of beautifully decorated full-bodied wrapping paper to desired size and shape and C-cut holes

X-cut holes

or completely cut out holes are cut into it like the ones in the top base of claim #2, it will perform the same function and for the same reasons. When placed on top of the cake it will protect and decorate the top of the cake (Version #3B) and when combined with the vertically folded paper of claim #14, will protect and decorate the entire cake (top and sides).