U.S. patent application number 10/445779 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-23 for cake decorating with a substrate-supported edible material printed with an image by an ink jet printer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Jack Guttman, Inc.. Invention is credited to Stewart, Douglas R..
Application Number | 20030198720 10/445779 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22209499 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030198720 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stewart, Douglas R. |
October 23, 2003 |
Cake decorating with a substrate-supported edible material printed
with an image by an ink jet printer
Abstract
An edible film and method of using same for decorating
foodstuffs, in particular baked goods, wherein anyone can easily,
inexpensively and artistically decorate foodstuffs. The edible film
according to the present invention is composed of an edible polymer
film which is preferably releasably mounted upon a flexible
substrate to provide a reinforced edible film. The edible film is
peelably released from the substrate to provide decorations for the
foodstuff. The edible film may be decoratively prepared into
predetermined decorations prior to distribution, which may include
being pre-printed, pre-cut, colored, or being of pre-selected
opacity and sheen. Pre-printing may be accomplished by any suitable
printing process utilizing edible inks. Alternatively, the edible
film may be distributed in a not yet finalized decoration form,
wherein finalization is left up to the user. For example, the
reinforced edible film may be distributed without being pre-printed
or only partially pre-printed, wherein the user controls subsequent
printing, writing, drawing or otherwise marking upon the edible
film, such as by use of edible ink writing instruments. Further,
the user may purchase sheets of the reinforced edible film and
thereafter cut the reinforced edible film sheets into shapes
defined by the user.
Inventors: |
Stewart, Douglas R.; (Fort
Gratiot, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kurt L. Grossman
Wood, Herron & Evans, L.L.P.
2700 Carew Tower
441 Vine Street
Cincinnati
OH
45202-2917
US
|
Assignee: |
Jack Guttman, Inc.
West Chester
OH
|
Family ID: |
22209499 |
Appl. No.: |
10/445779 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10445779 |
May 27, 2003 |
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09122262 |
Jul 24, 1998 |
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09122262 |
Jul 24, 1998 |
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08471761 |
Jun 6, 1995 |
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08471761 |
Jun 6, 1995 |
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08088125 |
Jul 7, 1993 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
426/383 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23G 3/28 20130101; A21D
13/47 20170101; A23G 3/20 20130101; A23P 2020/253 20160801; A23G
3/566 20130101; A21D 13/24 20170101; A23P 20/20 20160801; A21D
13/48 20170101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/383 |
International
Class: |
A23P 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of decorating a foodstuff comprising printing a
decoration onto an edible web with an ink jet printer and
thereafter placing the edible web on the foodstuff to thereby
decorate same.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising forming the edible web
on a substrate before printing the decoration thereon, and
separating the edible web from the substrate after printing the
decoration thereon.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising printing with edible
ink.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising forming an opaque
edible web before printing the decoration thereon.
5. The method of claim 4 further comprising forming the opaqe
edible web on a substrate before printing the decoration thereon,
and separating the opaque edible web from the substrate after
printing the decoration thereon.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising marking the edible
substrate with an additional decoration after printing the
decoration thereon.
7. A method of decorating an edible material comprising printing a
decoration onto the edible material with an ink jet printer to
thereby decorate same.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising placing the edible
material on an underlying support before printing the decoration
thereon.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the edible material is an edible
web, the method further comprising separating the edible web from
the support after printing the decoration thereon.
10. The method of claim 7 further comprising printing with edible
ink.
11. The method of claim 7 further comprising forming an opaque
edible material before printing the decoration thereon.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising forming the opaqe
edible material on a support before printing the decoration
thereon.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising separating the opaque
edible material from the substrate after printing the decoration
thereon.
14. The method of claim 1 further comprising marking the edible
material with an additional decoration after printing the
decoration thereon.
15. A decorated foodstuff comprising: a foodstuff; an edible web
decorated with an edible ink image printed thereon with an ink jet
printer, the decorated web being on the foodstuff whereby to
decorate the foodstuff.
16. The decorated foodstuff of claim 15, the web being opaque.
17. An edible material decorated with an edible ink image printed
thereon with an ink jet printer.
18. The edible material of claim 17, the edible material being
opaque.
19. The edible material of claim 17 being on a support.
20. The edible material of claim 19, the edible material being
defined by a web having the printed decoration thereon, the support
being a substrate removably supporting the web.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of my copending U.S.
application Ser. Nos. 08/088,125 filed Jul. 7, 1993 and 08/471,761
filed Jun. 6, 1995 (which is a divisional of aforesaid application
Ser. No. 08/088,125), both entitled Edible Film and Method of Using
Same for Decorating Foodstuffs, and the disclosures of both of
which are hereby incorporated herein in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] I. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to devices and methods used to
decorate foodstuffs, particularly baked goods, such as for example
cakes and pies. More particularly, the present invention relates to
an edible film for decorating foodstuffs that is releasably adhered
to a substrate, wherein the edible film is peelably released from
the substrate and thereupon applied to the foodstuff. The edible
film may be pre-printed with edible inks or may be written or drawn
upon by the user such as for example by edible ink pens, may be
colored, clear or selectively opaque, may be die-cut into
pre-selected shapes or may be cut into selected shapes by the
user.
[0004] II. Description of Prior Art
[0005] Foodstuffs, particularly baked goods, such as cakes, pies,
cookies, and the like, are frequently decorated so as to present a
pleasing presentation to those who are about to enjoy eating them.
Especially on notable occasions such as a birthday, a holiday or a
major life event such as a graduation or a wedding, cakes and other
foodstuffs are ornately decorated in a manner consonant with the
theme of the occasion.
[0006] The decoration of a special occasion cake, for example,
usually involves an encompassing icing, artistic ornamentations of
icing applied thereupon, and possibly one or more appliques of
pictorialized icing. Clearly, only excellent results can be
expected if the person applying the artistic ornamentations is a
true artisan. And, the pictorialized icing is generally restricted
to only generic occasions, but not for unique occasions, such as a
person receiving a promotion at work. In any event, such
beautifully decorated foodstuffs are rather expensive, and even
more so when they are personalized.
[0007] Accordingly, it would be a significant advance in the
foodstuff decorating art if foodstuffs could be beautifully
decorated without the labor of an artisan or without expensive and
occasion limited icing appliques.
[0008] In the prior art there have been various attempts at this
noble goal, with greater and lesser degrees of success.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,852,494 to Williamson, dated Dec. 3, 1974,
discloses a method and apparatus for decorating a confectionery
item, such as a cake, wherein a stamp is vertically moved to kiss
the icing surface and thereupon transfer an edible outline to the
icing. Thereafter, an artisan manually fills-in the outline with an
edible color fill material.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,024,287 to Golchert, discloses a process for
decorating a confectionery item, such as a cake, wherein a design
is traced onto a transfer medium, such as tissue paper. The
transfer medium is then placed onto the confectionary item and a
moist sponge placed thereover to cause the design to transfer onto
the confectionary item.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,531,292 to Pastemack, dated Jul. 30, 1985,
discloses an imaging process for decorating foodstuffs, wherein an
image is received by an electronic image processor which thereupon
generates drive signals to a scribing means. The scribing means
includes a bridge that carries an electromagnetically actuated
stylus which effects to inscribably transfer edible ink from a
transfer sheet onto the foodstuff or an icing applique.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,578,273 to Krubert, dated Mar. 25, 1986,
discloses a method f or printing upon foodstuffs, wherein a hard
icing placed upon the foodstuff is color printed via a series of
printings at successive print stations, each providing a different
color.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,910,661 to Barth et al, dated Mar. 20, 1990,
discloses an automatic decorating machine for applying flowable
decorative materials to foodstuffs and other articles. A video
image may be combined with artwork or characters as an input to an
electronic circuit which then controls operation of liquid spray
applicators and icing dispensers to provide a decorated foodstuff
having decorations that are a facsimile of the input.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,394 to Macpherson et al, dated May 21,
1991, discloses a method for decorating foodstuffs, wherein an
edible base shape is screen casted upon a carrier medium and
thereafter printed upon preferably by a screen printing process. An
apparatus is used to separate the base shape from the carrier
medium so that the base shape may be thereafter applied to the
foodstuff.
[0015] The various attempts at providing improved foodstuff
decoration suffer from any or all of: reliance upon artisan labor,
excessively complicated and expensive apparatus, or applications
limitations.
[0016] Accordingly, what is needed is a universally applicable,
simplistic and inexpensive provision for foodstuff decoration,
which provision is easily and competently accessible to the average
user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention is an edible film and method of using
same for decorating foodstuffs, in particular baked goods, wherein
anyone can easily, inexpensively and artistically decorate
foodstuffs.
[0018] The edible film according to the present invention is
composed of an edible polymer film which is preferably releasably
mounted upon a flexible substrate to provide a reinforced edible
film. The edible film is peelably released from the substrate to
provide decorations for the foodstuff. The edible film may be
decoratively prepared into predetermined decorations prior to
distribution, which may include being pre-printed, pre-cut,
colored, or being of pre-selected opacity and sheen. Pre-printing
may be accomplished by any suitable printing process utilizing
edible inks. Alternatively, the edible film may be distributed in a
not yet finalized decoration form, wherein finalization is left up
to the user. For example, the reinforced edible film may be
distributed without being pre-printed or only partially
pre-printed, wherein the user controls subsequent printing,
writing, drawing or otherwise marking upon the edible film, such as
by use of edible ink pens. Further, the user may purchase sheets of
the reinforced edible film and thereafter cut the reinforced edible
film sheets into shapes defined by the user.
[0019] The reinforced edible film may be distributed in the form of
prepared decorating kits containing decorations for decorating
foodstuffs generically for common occasions, which kits may further
have provision for user modification for individualized preparation
or finalization of the decorations. The reinforced edible film may
be further made available for commercial preparation of
personalized decoratively prepared edible film decorations.
[0020] In a first version of the method according to the present
invention, an edible film is pre-printed utilizing edible inks into
decorations. The pre-printing may be based upon any pictorial or
graphic source, and may be generic or may be personalized. The user
then releases the edible film from its flexible substrate and
places the pre-printed edible film onto the foodstuff. For example,
a happy birthday design on an edible film may be placed upon the
icing at the top of a birthday cake.
[0021] In a second version of the method according to the present
invention, an edible film is not pre-printed or is only partly
pre-printed. The user places personalized markings upon the edible
film utilizing edible ink, such as from edible ink pens. The user
then releases the edible film from its flexible substrate and then
places it upon the foodstuff, as recounted immediately above.
[0022] In yet a third version of the method according to the
present invention, the user may cut the reinforced edible film into
desired shapes or may use pre-cut shapes of the edible film, which
after the edible film is released from the substrate, are then
placed at decoratively pleasing locations on a foodstuff. The
edible film may be pre-printed, colored or otherwise decorated so
as to be decoratively distinguishable when placed upon the
foodstuff .
[0023] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an edible film and method of using same for decorating a
foodstuff, wherein a user can accomplish artistically professional
results inexpensively and without training or innate talent.
[0024] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
kits for foodstuff decorations, wherein the kits contain
pre-printed and pre-cut edible film decorations which may be
applicable to generic or specific occasions.
[0025] It is another object of the present invention to provide
kits for foodstuff decorations, wherein the kits contain
non-printed or partly printed and non-cut or pre-cut edible film
sheets or portions of sheets which are finalized by a user to form
decorations which may be applicable to generic or specific
occasions.
[0026] It is an additional object of the present invention to
provide an edible film releasably adhered to a flexible substrate
so as to provide a reinforced edible film that admits of rough
handling, yet the film itself may be very delicate and
gossamer.
[0027] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a reinforced edible film having structural integrity
sufficiently suitable for printing thereupon by manual or automatic
processes, yet when the edible film is peeled from the flexible
substrate, the edible film becomes a decoration that is of such a
delicate and gossamer quality that it is able to conjoin with the
surface of the foodstuff in a manner that suggests the decoration
alone and not the edible film basis therefor.
[0028] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a foodstuff decoration which is applicable to a wide range of
foodstuff decoration situations, wherein the decoration supplies a
visual contribution thereto and may or may not contribute to the
taste and masticatory feel of the foodstuff.
[0029] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a reinforced edible film which is translucent sufficiently
to enable a user to trace onto the edible film portion of the
reinforced edible film a depiction constituting any picture,
graphic, drawing, etc. that has been placed beneath the reinforced
edible film.
[0030] These, and additional objects, advantages, features and
benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the
following specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foodstuff decorated using
the reinforced edible film and method of use therefor according to
the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a partly sectional end view of a manual forming
apparatus for providing a reinforced edible film according to the
present invention.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the manual forming apparatus
depicted in FIG. 2.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a side view of the manual forming apparatus
depicted in FIG. 2.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a side view of the reinforced edible film
according to the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the reinforced edible film
shown in the process of the edible film being peeled from the
substrate.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a side view of the reinforced edible film of FIG.
6, wherein the edible film is being peeled from its releasable
substrate.
[0038] FIG. 8 depicts pre-printed and pre-cut decorations for a
specific occasion utilizing the reinforced edible film according to
the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 9 depicts two examples of reinforced edible film: the
upper example is a colored reinforced edible film having a number
of pre-cut decorations for a generic occasion; the lower example is
a reinforced edible film having pre-cut, pre-printed decorations
for a generic occasion.
[0040] FIG. 10 depicts a blank reinforced edible film according to
the present invention which may be user marked upon and user
cut.
[0041] FIG. 11 depicts a reinforced edible film as depicted in FIG.
10, wherein the edible film is shown being custom marked upon by a
user.
[0042] FIG. 12 is a kit containing sheets of the reinforced edible
film which may be pre-printed, blank, pre-cut, uncut, colored,
clear, of selected opacity, of selected sheen, or same combination
thereof, and also including a number of edible ink writing
instruments.
[0043] FIG. 13 is a schematic of an automated forming apparatus for
providing the reinforced edible film according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0044] Referring now to the Drawings, decorations 10 made according
to the method of the present invention are shown operatively
located on the icing 12 of a foodstuff 14 in the form of a cake. In
this regard, it will be noted that the decorations 10 appear to be
integral with the icing 12 and are decoratively arranged in a
manner determined by a user. In the exemplification depicted in
FIG. 1, the user selected decorations 10 in the form of hearts 10a
which the user placed alignably around the side of the cake, and
further placed pre-printed lettering 10b which is specific to an
occasion (in this case a twenty-first birthday) to the top of the
cake.
[0045] In order to accomplish the aforesaid decorative effect on
the foodstuff 14, the user utilized a reinforced edible film 16
composed of an edible film 18 which is releasably attached to a
flexible substrate 20 (see FIG. 5). The edible film has been cut
and the- edible film printed upon to provide the decorations 10a,
10b depicted in FIG. 1. The edible film 18 is itself sufficiently
gossamer so as to unobtrusively meld into the icing 12, while the
substrate 20 provides sufficient structural integrity for the
edible film so that it may be easily and effectively processed into
a decoration, such as for example printing and cutting thereof.
[0046] The edible film 18 is preferably a water soluble polymer
film, such as that manufactured by Dow Chemical Company of Midland,
Mich. under the trademark METHOCEL. METHOCEL encompasses a range of
both methylcellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in a wide
range of viscosities, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose being
preferred. However, other kinds of edible films known in the art
may be used.
[0047] The substrate 20 is a food product compatible, flexible
sheet which has the properties of releasably adhering to the edible
film 18 in a manner that admits of hand peeling and further of
providing mechanical handling integrity for the edible film so that
the edible film may be processed, such as by printing and cutting,
into a decoration. An example of an acceptable substrate 20 is
mylar, preferably 3 mil DuPont EB-11 mylar sheet. Other food
product compatible substrates may be used.
[0048] A preferred method of preparing the preferred edible film 18
is as follows.
[0049] Firstly, a solution 21 of edible film material must be
provided. In the case of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, the
following steps are suggested by Dow Chemical Company which makes
use of the principle that hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is
insoluble in hot water: disperse in water the hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose product using {fraction (1/5)} to {fraction (1/3)}
the required total amount of water as hot water (176 to 194 degrees
F.) while agitating the water, upon thorough wetting of the
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose particles, the remaining water is
added as cold water while continuing agitation, after a smooth
solution has been obtained at less than 77 degrees F. the agitation
is continued for approximately 20 minutes. The ratio of
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose to water is predetermined to arrive
at a preselected viscosity of the resulting edible film.
[0050] Additional ingredients may now be stirred into the solution,
one at a time, so that the final properties of the edible film
formed therefrom are as desired. For example, the following
additives may be added to the solution. A plasticizer, such as
propylene glycol may be added to control elasticity of the edible
film, to control adhesion of the edible film to the substrate, and
to provide variation in surface sheen of the edible film. Starch
may be added to build edible film body, to control opacity thereof
and to provide variation of surface sheen of the edible film (it
tends to create a matte finish). A colorant in the form of an
approved food color controls the color of the edible film. A
flavoring in the form of an approved food flavor, such as for
example oils, extracts and artificial flavors, controls the taste
of the edible film.
[0051] Examples of solutions 21 for providing the preferred edible
film 18 are as follows.
EXAMPLE 1
[0052] for providing a clear edible film:
[0053] 18 grams of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose;
[0054] 1 ml of propylene glycol; and
[0055] 240 ml of water.
EXAMPLE 2
[0056] for providing a colorless and opaque edible film:
[0057] 18 grams of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose;
[0058] 1 ml of propylene glycol;
[0059] 245 ml of water; and
[0060] 12 grams of starch.
EXAMPLE 3
[0061] for providing a pink and translucent edible film:
[0062] 18 grams of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose;
[0063] 0.5 ml of propylene glycol;
[0064] 235 ml of water; and
[0065] 5 ml of food coloring composed of:
[0066] water, propylene glycol, and
[0067] FD&C Red#3.
EXAMPLE 4
[0068] for providing a black and opaque edible film:
[0069] 18 grams of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose;
[0070] 1 ml of propylene glycol;
[0071] 240 ml of water;
[0072] 4 grams of starch; and
[0073] 10 ml of food coloring composed of:
[0074] water, propylene glycol, and
[0075] FD&C Blue#1, Red#3,
[0076] Yellow#5 and Yellow#6
EXAMPLE 5
[0077] for providing a yellow and opaque, lemon flavored edible
film:
[0078] 20 grams of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose;
[0079] 1 ml of propylene glycol;
[0080] 240 ml of water;
[0081] 4 grams of starch;
[0082] 2 ml of lemon extract;
[0083] 2 grams of sweetener (aspartame); and
[0084] 10 ml of food coloring composed of:
[0085] water, propylene glycol, and
[0086] FD&C Red#40 and Yellow#5.
[0087] Next, the solution 21 is formed into a film geometry upon
the substrate 20. This is accomplished by either a manual forming
apparatus 15 (see FIGS. 2 through 4) or by an automated forming
apparatus 28 (see FIG. 13).
[0088] The manual forming apparatus 15 includes a glass base 22
which lays horizontally on a surface (not shown) such as a table.
The substrate 20 is laid upon the glass base 22 and the edges
thereof, including opposite edges 20a, 20b, are taped by a mylar
tape 24 having a non-permanent adhesive to the glass base 22. The
thickness of the tape 24 defines the thickness of the edible film
18 to be formed. Accordingly, the thickness of the edible film is
controlled by varying the tape thickness itself or by adding or
subtracting layers of the tape. A thickness range of between 0.0004
to 0.0015 inch is preferred for providing unobtrusively thin,
gossamer edible films. Thicker edible films can provide more flavor
and provide greater mechanical strength for manipulation by a user.
A glass wiper 26 is placed edgewise onto the tape 24 at each edge
20a, 20b of the substrate 20 so as to be slidable therealong. A
preselected quantity of solution 21 is poured onto the substrate 20
and starting from one end of the substrate 20, the wiper 26 is
wiped along the tape 24 in the direction indicated by arrow M while
being inclined acutely (approximately at 45 degrees to the
substrate) in the direction of the wiping movement. The speed of
movement is maintained so that the solution 21 is formed into a
uniform film geometry as the wiper 26 slides on the tape 24.
[0089] The solution 21 now having a film geometry must be dried.
Drying may take 12 to 14 hours in room temperature ambient air, but
the drying time may be shortened significantly by increasing air
temperature and circulation. The tape 24 may be removed at any
time. Upon the completion of edible film drying, the result is a
reinforced edible film 16 in the form of an edible film 18
releasably adhered to a substrate 20, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0090] The automated forming apparatus 28, shown in FIG. 13,
provides commercial quantities of the reinforced edible film 16.
The process line 28a is logically controlled, as for example by a
programmable logic controller, such as an Allen-Bradley SCL 500.
Programmability allows flexibility in adjusting sequencing, process
line speed, etc., via a personal computer and software
interface.
[0091] The substrate 20 is provided as a coil 20a and is decoiled
at a decoiler station 30. The decoiler station 30 preferably
provides two coil positions, one in a process position on-line and
one in a reload position off-line. The two positions alternate as
the decoiler station 30 is allowed to shift transverse to the
process line 28a. This effects to reduce idle manufacturing time
while reloading a new substrate coil, so that one is always in the
process position. An example of a coil 20a of substrate 20 in the
form of DuPont 3 mil EB-11 mylar film has a width of between 18 and
55 inches and a length of 6,200 feet. The decoiler station 30 is
electrically driven preferably by a DC drive and is asynchronous to
the process line drives.
[0092] A tension arm 32 provides a buffer between the coil drives
and the process drives. The tension arm 32 is structured to
maintain constant tensioning of the decoiled portion of the
substrate coming off the substrate coil 20a.
[0093] The substrate 20 is drawn up to the process line by
cushioned, spring tensioned wheels 34 which are arranged in two
opposing rows, one on either side of the substrate, so as to supply
a pinching force to the substrate as it passes thereby. The wheels
34 contact about 1 inch of the substrate surface, upper and lower.
The substrate 20 is supported between the rows of wheels 34 by a
flat teflon coated plate surface 35 to prevent sagging of the
substrate as it is transferred.
[0094] A casting station 36 is provided, consisting for example of
a 50 gallon tank 36a holding the solution 21 overhead the substrate
20. A plurality of nozzles 36b, such as for example 10 nozzles
uniformly spaced across the width of the substrate 20, are solenoid
operated to allow gravity feed of the solution 21 from the tank 36a
to the substrate 20. The solenoids are logically controlled to
meter the solution flow rate at the nozzles 36b so as to conform
with line speed as based upon the rate of rotation of the drive
wheels 34.
[0095] A plurality of casting stations may be located sequentially
along the process line 28a so as to provide ready change in the
solution formulation so as to minimize line disruption.
[0096] Trailing the casting station 36 is a forming station 38. The
forming station 38 provides for leveling, smoothing and thickness
control of the edible film 18 being formed from the dispensed
solution 21. A wiper 38a in the form, for example, of a single
plate of tempered glass is located transverse to and overhead the
substrate 20. The overhead location is controlled by finely
threaded screws with respect to a stationarily affixed mounting
bracket 38b, which overhead location relative to the substrate 20
determines the thickness of the edible film 18. The edible film 18
is formed as the substrate 20 passes beneath the wiper 38a and is
thereupon leveled and smoothed. The wiper 38a is inclined with
respect to the substrate 20 at an acute incoming angle, preferably
of around 45 degrees.
[0097] Next, a dehydration tunnel 40 provides filtered and heated
air in forced circulation adjacent the drying, newly formed edible
film 18. The temperature and rate of air circulation is controlled
to adjust to line speed and solution formulation.
[0098] After the dehydration tunnel 40, the now more-or-less dried
edible film 18 is ambiently dried and cooled at a finishing station
42, resulting in a finished reinforced edible film 16.
[0099] Lastly, the reinforced edible film 16 is either rolled or
cut to size at a final processing station 44. The edible film 18
may thereafter be die cut to provide decoration defining score
lines and/or the edible film may be imprinted at one or more
adjacent in-line stations; otherwise, the reinforced edible film 16
may be taken elsewhere for storage, shipping or further
processing.
[0100] Turning now to FIGS. 6 through 13, the method of use of the
reinforced edible film 16 will now be detailed.
[0101] FIGS. 6 and 7 show how the foodstuff 14 was decorated using
the reinforced edible film 16. FIG. 6 shows a sheet of the
reinforced edible film 16, wherein the edible film 18 has been
imprinted with the edible ink design of the top decoration 10b and
the side decorations 10a. The edible film 18 has a die cut score
10c which defines the top decoration 10b. The user removes the
edible film 18 carrying the top decoration 10b from the substrate
20 by starting peeling at the score line 10c by using his or her
fingernail, which may be facilitated by gently folding the
substrate at the score line 10c, to peel the top decoration 10b off
from the substrate 20, as shown in FIG. 7. The user then places the
top decoration 10b onto the top of the foodstuff 14 in a pleasing
placement thereupon, as shown in FIG. 1. The side decorations 10a
are provided in strips having die cut score lines 10c which define
rows of decorations that facilitate side-by-side alignment of the
decorations around the side of the foodstuff 14. The edible film
portions carrying the side decorations 10b are manually peeled off
from the substrate 20 with the initial aid of the user's fingernail
by either gently folding the substrate at the score line 10c or
starting peeling at the edge and then peeling off the edible film
from the substrate in the same manner as shown in FIG. 7. The
decoration 10b is then placed upon the side of the foodstuff 14 as
shown in FIG. 1. It will be understood that preferably the edible
film 18 is gossamer, wherein its thickness is sufficiently thin so
that it basically disappears as against the foodstuff 14, which in
this case is the icing 12 thereof. In this regard, moisture of the
foodstuff 14 transfers to the edible film 18, causing adherence of
the edible film to the surface of the foodstuff without destroying
the edible film in the process. Accordingly, an incredibly
professional foodstuff decoration has been effected independent of
the discretionary income and artistic acumen of the user.
[0102] FIGS. 8 through 12 show variations of methods of using the
reinforced edible film 16. FIG. 8 depicts a reinforced edible film
16 having a pre-printed, pre-cut (see score lines 10c) edible film
18 in the form of finalized decorations 10d for use at a specific
occasion. FIG. 9 depicts two examples of sheets of reinforced
edible film 16. The upper example depicts a sheet of reinforced
edible film 16 having a colored edible film 18 with pre-cut (see
score lines 10c) decorations 10f for use at a generic occasion. The
lower example depicts a sheet of reinforced edible film 16 having
an edible film 18 that has pre-printed, pre-cut (see score lines
10c) decorations 10e. FIG. 10 depicts a non-printed, uncut sheet of
reinforced edible film 16 for any occasion, in which the edible
film 18 is to be printed upon by a user and the reinforced edible
film cut by the user so as to provide user finalized decorations
10g, such as depicted in FIG. 11. With regard to FIG. 11, the user
is utilizing a writing instrument 46, preferably a pen of the felt
tip variety, having contained therein colored edible ink to draw
the decorations 10g. The process depicted in FIG. 11 shows the
decorations being free-hand drawn by the user. The user could also
have traced the decorations by placing the reinforced edible film
16 over some depiction, and then following the outlines or features
of the depiction visibly through the reinforced edible film.
[0103] It is also possible to supply the reinforced edible film 16
with the edible film 18 partly pre-printed, wherein the user
finalizes the decoration by marking upon it. For example, the top
decoration 10b shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 may have only the generic
words "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" and the user writes in the celebrant's age,
in this case the numeral "21".
[0104] It is also possible for sheets of reinforced edible film 16
as depicted in FIG. 10 to be utilized by printing facilities to
produce generic and/or personalized printing upon the edible film
18. The printing may include special messages, pictures and/or
drawings, other source materials or any combination thereof.
Because of the substrate 20, the printing facility can handle the
reinforced edible film 16 similarly to the way it would handle
paper, thus making available practically any printing machine and
printing method for creating decorations, provided, of course,
edible inks are used.
[0105] Finally, FIG. 12 depicts a kit 48 for use to decorate a
foodstuff, such as for example a cake. The kit 48 contains a
plurality of sheets of reinforced edible film 16, which may
include, for instance, colored, flavored, tasteless, opaque, or
clear edible films and may further include pre-printed and/or
pre-cut edible films for purposes consonant with an identified
occasion. The kit 48 optionally includes a plurality of assorted
colored edible ink writing instruments 46, which are preferably of
the felt tip pen variety for user utilization as generally depicted
in FIG. 11.
[0106] Over-all, the following advantages of the reinforced edible
film and the method of its use are:
[0107] 1. The edible film can be made very thin, on the order of
0.0004 inches, wherein it is so gossamer that it will essentially
disappear when applied to a foodstuff, yet the substrate will give
it mechanical workability while it is being fashioned into a
decoration.
[0108] 2. The edible film may be mass produced and easily stored
over long periods.
[0109] 3. The edible film may be clear, colored, opaque or anything
in between. This facilitates pre-printing and user marking upon the
edible film (such as for example by printing, writing or drawing
upon it). It also facilitates pre-cut and user cut design shapes of
the edible film being decorative in their own right.
[0110] 4. The edible film may be easily die cut to provide score
lines that at least in part define the areal definition of
decorations while the substrate is not cut. Gentle folding of the
substrate at the score line permits a user to easily use his or her
fingernail to begin the peeling of the edible film from the
substrate. Alternatively, if available, the user may use his or her
fingernail to begin peeling at the edge of the edible film.
[0111] 5. The reinforced edible film may be easily cut with
scissors or a knife by a user, and the user may even use a razor
blade or razor knife to cut through only the edible film and not
cut through the substrate when defining the areal extent of the
decorations being finalized.
[0112] 6. The edible film may be tasteless or flavored, thereby
enhancing the taste of the foodstuff, or simply unaffecting its
taste.
[0113] 7. The substrate facilitates handling of the edible film in
a manner customary of paper, yet the edible film itself may be
extremely delicate. The edible film may be placed into conventional
printing presses, pen plotters, ink jet printers, silk screen
printers, and so on, and may be hand marked upon, rubber stamped,
etc. Yet, easy manual release of the edible film from the substrate
makes the edible film itsslf simply accessible when it is time to
apply it to a foodstuff.
[0114] 8. The reinforced edible film may be supplied in sheets
wherein the substrate delivers the mechanical rigidity that is
appropriate for user defined shape cutting.
[0115] 9. The reinforced edible film may have pre-printed, partly
printed or non-printed edible film, wherein the user may add or
supply user defined marking thereupon.
[0116] 10. The reinforced edible film may be sufficiently
translucent so as to enable a user to trace onto the edible film
portion of the reinforced film a depiction constituting any
picture, graphic, drawing, etc. that has been placed beneath the
reinforced edible film.
[0117] 11. The reinforced edible film may be supplied in kit form
for a user to customize the decoration of foodstuffs, wherein the
kit may include a plurality of assorted reinforced edible film
sheets and edible ink writing instruments.
[0118] 12. The reinforced edible film may be utilized by commercial
businesses to transfer newly created or user supplied video,
photographic, computer generated images, text, graphics or other
source to the edible film and then present the decorated reinforced
film to the user customer. This can even be performed on a mail
order basis.
[0119] 13. The edible film carrying the decoration will absorb
moisture from the surface of the foodstuff upon which it is placed
and thereupon adhere to the foodstuff without the edible film being
destroyed thereby.
[0120] It is to be understood that the edible film may be used
alone without the substrate for purposes of providing foodstuff
decorations in the manner as outlined hereinabove, and that
reinforced edible films are described herein only by way of
preferred example. Further, the term "marking" is to be understood
to mean causing any kind of indicia to be placed upon the edible
film, such as, for example, by printing, writing, drawing, or any
other image transfer means, and may include causing selected
additives in the edible film solution to produce patterns in the
dried edible film.
[0121] It is to be further understood that the edible film and
method of use therefor may be used with any foodstuff, including,
but not limited to confectioneries, inclusive of candies and ice
creams. Further, foodstuffs ordinarily not having surface moisture
sufficient to adherably hold the edible film thereto may be
supplied by the user with the requisite surface moisture. For
example, spraying water upon the surface of a dry foodstuff can
supply sufficient moisture so that the edible film 18 adheres to
the surface of the foodstuff.
[0122] To those skilled in the art to which this invention
appertains, the above described preferred embodiment may be subject
to change or modification. Such change or modification can be
carried out without departing from the scope of the invention,
which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended
claims.
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