Unitary protective food cover

Abstract

A protective food product cover includes a hollow sidewall that is covered at one end by a support member to create an enclosure. The support member is formed with cross-slits. Further, the sidewall is engageable with a tray to protect the food product (e.g. a cake) from contamination, while it is carried on the tray in the enclosure. A plastic sheet is affixed to the support member to create a hermetic seal for the cover. In use, the plastic sheet is removed to expose the cross-slits on the support member. Candles are then inserted into the cross-slits and lit for a celebration. Subsequently, the sidewall, support member and candles are removed from the tray for access to the food product.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Application Ser. No. 10/453,153, filed Jun. 3, 2003, which is currently pending. The contents of Application Ser. No. 10/453,153 are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention pertains generally to food storage items. More particularly, the present invention pertains to covers which can be used for commercially prepared food products when the food products are to be subsequently decorated with celebratory candles. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful for protecting a food product (e.g. a cake) from contamination as burning celebratory candles presented with the food product are blown out by the consumer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A well known, enjoyable and meaningful tradition that is associated with occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays involves the placement of lighted candles on cakes or pastries. Specifically, this is frequently done when the cake is being presented to an honoree(s) during a celebration. Typically, as part of the celebration, after the cake has been presented the honoree blows out the lighted candle(s). Although this is normally harmless, with the increased awareness of communicable airborne diseases, and for other obvious reasons, the act of "blowing out" candles on a cake may raise concerns among those who wish to subsequently eat the cake.

[0004] In recent years, advancements in food preparation techniques have allowed a wide variety of commercial food products to be prepared and packaged for mass consumption. Included here are food items such as anniversary and birthday cakes. Importantly, the procedures and techniques for packaging such food items have developed to the point where both the integrity and freshness of the food product can be protected for extended periods of time, prior to sale. Heretofore, whenever pre-baked cakes have been presented at parties or celebrations with lighted candles, it has been necessary to somehow remove the cake from the packaging.

[0005] In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a protective food product cover that protects the food product (cake) from contamination as lighted candles held on the cover are being "blown out". Another object of the present invention is to provide a protective food product cover for preserving the freshness of the food product prior to its celebratory presentation with lighted candles. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a protective food product cover for supporting celebratory candles on the food product which is easy to use, simple to manufacture, and comparatively cost effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with the present invention, a protective food product cover is used to support at least one candle when the food product is presented at a celebration. As intended for the present invention, the cover includes a hollow sidewall having a top end and a bottom end, and it also has a support member that covers the top end of the sidewall to create an enclosure. Importantly, the support member is formed with a plurality of cross-slits. Specifically, these cross-slits are dimensioned to receive a candle therethrough, and to then hold the candle on the support member during the celebration, as desired.

[0007] Also included in the present invention is a tray that is provided for carrying the food product. In combination, the bottom end of the sidewall is engageable with the tray to confine the food product within the enclosure that is created by the sidewall and the support member. With this engagement, the food product is protected from contamination while it is in the enclosure.

[0008] An additional component of the present invention is a sealing sheet that is removably affixed to the support member. Specifically, the sealing sheet preferably includes an adhesive that will hold the sheet against the support member to cover the cross-slits. Thus, the sealing sheet provides an hermetic seal for the food product in the enclosure until it (the sealing sheet) is removed.

[0009] For an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the food product cover is provided with a base member. Specifically, for this embodiment, the base member is connected to the sidewall in a manner that positions the base member between the support member and the enclosure. Also, the base member is positioned substantially parallel to the support member with a distance between the base member and the support member that is only about one eighth of an inch. With this structure, in addition to providing an hermetic seal, the base member will also provide a platform for supporting candles while they are held in the cross-slits. Further, it will be appreciated that the sealing sheet can also be used with this embodiment.

[0010] As an additional feature for the food product cover of the present invention, the cover can include a plurality of tubular shaped sleeves. In detail, these sleeves will each have a respective lumen for receiving a portion of a candle. The sleeve on the candle will then prevent any shaving of the candle that might otherwise be caused when the candle is inserted into one of the cross-slits in the support member.

[0011] In another alternate embodiment of the present invention, rather than having the cross-slits mentioned above, the cover can have a substantially flat surface that is formed with a plurality of depressions. Specifically, these depressions can be either square or circular in shape and be of varying dimensions. This may be done in order to accommodate candles of different sizes and shapes. Further, the depressions can be arranged in the form of a symbol, figure or word. As intended for the present invention, the depressions may also be tapered in order to provide an interference fit between the candles and the cover when the candle is inserted into the depression.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the food product cover of the present invention, shown with a cake (food product) positioned in its enclosure, and with burning candles being presented with the cake for a celebration;

[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention showing its constituent components;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the food product cover showing a partially removed hermetic sealing sheet;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a food product cover as seen along the line 4-4 in FIG. 2;

[0017] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a candle with a protective sleeve;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a cover for the present invention; and

[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cover as seen along the line 7-7 in FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Referring initially to FIG. 1 a party presentation that incorporates the present invention is shown, and generally designated 10. In detail, by cross referencing FIG. 1 with FIG. 2, it will be seen that the presentation 10 includes a food product cover 12 that is dimensioned to shelter and protect a cake (food product) 14 while the cake (food product) 14 is being held or carried on a tray 16. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of candles 18 can be selectively engaged with the cover 12. The candles 18a, 18b and 18c, however, are only exemplary for, as we know, the number of candles 18 that may be required for a birthday celebration may far exceed only three. The details of the cover 12 will, perhaps, be best appreciated with reference to FIG. 2.

[0021] In FIG. 2 it can be seen that the cover 12 includes a sidewall 20 that is integrally connected to a support member 22. Typically, the sidewall 20 will be shaped to conform with the shape of the cake (food product) 14. Thus, the sidewall 20 may be circular, or rectangular, or otherwise shaped, as desired. Accordingly, the support member 22 will be shaped to conform with the sidewall 20. Further, as shown, the support member 22 is formed with a plurality of cross-slits 24, of which the cross-slits 24a, 24b and 24c are only exemplary. As intended for the present invention, these cross-slits 24 are made by cuts that extend through the support member 22, and are dimensioned so that a candle 18 can be inserted through the cross-slit 24. The portions of the cross-slit 24 that are deflected by the inserted candle 18 then urge against the candle 18 to hold it on the support member 22.

[0022] As also shown in FIG. 2, the support member 22 is connected to the top end 26 of the sidewall 20. This creates an enclosure 28 that is dimensioned for receiving the cake (food product) 14 therein as the cake (food product) 14 is being held or carried on the tray 16. Still referring to FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that the bottom end 30 of the cover 12 can be engaged with the tray 16. Specifically, this engagement may be made in any manner well known in the pertinent art that will establish an hermetic seal between the cover 12 and the tray 16.

[0023] To help establish an hermetic seal for the enclosure 28, FIG. 3 shows that a flexible plastic sheet 32 can be placed on the support member 22 to cover the cross-slits 24. Preferably, as indicated in FIG. 3, this sheet 32 includes an adhesive (not shown) which will hold the sheet 32 in place on the support member 22 until the removal of the sheet 32 is desired. Upon removal of the sheet 32, the cross-slits 24 are then exposed to receive the candles 18 as mentioned above.

[0024] For an alternate embodiment for the present invention (shown in FIG. 4), a cover 12' is provided which includes a base member 34. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the base member 34 is integrally connected to the sidewall 20 and is positioned inside the enclosure 28 substantially parallel to the support member 22. Further, the base member 34 is preferably located at a distance 36 below the support member 22 that is only about one eighth of an inch. With this combination, in addition to creating an hermetic seal by isolating the cross-slits 24 from the enclosure 28, the base member 34 also provides a platform that will help stabilize the candles 18 after they have been inserted into, and are being held by, the cross-slits 24. Additionally, the base member 34 will prevent shavings off the candles 18 from falling into the enclosure 28 and onto the cake (food product) 14 as the candles 18 are being inserted into their respective cross-slits 24. Although the base member 34, itself, can establish an hermetic seal for the enclosure 28, it will be appreciated that the plastic sheet 32 can also be employed with the cover 12' for this purpose.

[0025] An accessory for use with the present invention is a sleeve 38, shown in FIG. 5. Specifically, in use, the sleeve 38 can be positioned around the candle 18 at the base of its shaft 40. Preferably, the sleeve 38 is tubular shaped and is formed with a lumen 42 for receiving the shaft 40 of candle 38. With the sleeve 38 in place on the candle 18, the combination can be inserted into a cross-slit 24 without creating unwanted shavings from the candle 18 that could otherwise fall onto the cake 14.

[0026] In use, the cake 14 is initially positioned on the tray 16, inside the enclosure 28, with the cover 12 engaged to the tray 16. The sheet 32 is then removed from the support member 22 to expose the cross-slits 24. If used, sleeves 38 are then respectively positioned on the shaft 40 of respective candles 18. The candles 18 are then inserted into the cross-slits 24 of support member 22 and lit. After the honoree has "blown out" the candles 18, the entire cover 12 is removed from the tray 16 and appropriately discarded. The cake 14 can then be consumed by the party goers.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of a cover 50 for the present invention is shown. For this embodiment, the cover 50 includes a substantially cylindrical shaped sidewall 52 which has an end 59 that is covered by a support member 54. In detail, the support member 54 has a substantially flat surface 56 that is formed with a plurality of depressions 58, of which the depressions 58a, 58b and 58c are exemplary. It will be appreciated that the end 60 of cover 50 is open for receiving a cake 14, or some other food product, therein.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 7, the depressions 58a-c are shown in cross-section. In particular, it is to be appreciated that the depressions 58 can be circular shaped (e.g. see FIG. 6), or they may have some other shape (e.g. a square). Regardless of shape, however, each depression 58 is characterized by a respective dimension that can be measured on the surface 56. For example, in FIG. 7 the depression 58a has a circular shape characterized by a diameter "d.sub.1". The depression 58b, on the other hand, has a circular shape that is characterized by a diameter "d.sub.2". In this example, "d.sub.2" is greater than "d.sub.1". The purpose for varying the size and shape of the depressions 58 is to accommodate a variety of different celebratory candles 18 that have a dimension corresponding to the particular depression 58. Further, using the depression 58c shown in FIG. 7 as an example, each depression 58 will have a dimension "d" on the surface 56 of the support member 54, and a dimension "d*" at the bottom 62 of the depression 58. As intended for the present invention, the dimension "d*" will be at a depth 64 from the surface 56 and the dimension "d*" will be less than the dimension "d". Accordingly, the depression 58 is formed with a decreasing taper from "d" to "d*" that will provide for a stabilizing interference fit whenever a candle 18 is inserted into the depression.

[0029] In all important respects, the cover 50 is functionally similar to the cover 12 disclosed above. Further, the cover 50, like the cover 12, can be formed with an edge 66 that is engageable with the tray 16 to provide a hermetic seal for any cake 14 (food product) that is placed within the enclosure 28 of the respective cover 12, 50. In accordance with the present invention, the cover 50, with its depressions 58, can be manufactured by any manner well known in the pertinent art, such as by blow molding or thermo-forming.

[0030] While the particular Unitary Protective Food Cover as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A protective food product cover for supporting at least one celebratory candle which comprises: a hollow sidewall having a top end and a bottom end; a support member covering the top end of said sidewall to create an enclosure, said support member being formed with at least one depression for receiving a candle therein to support the candle on said support member; and a tray for carrying the food product, the bottom end of said side wall being engageable with said tray to confine the food product in the enclosure to protect the food product from contamination while the food product is in the enclosure.

2. A protective food product cover as recited in claim 1 wherein said support member has a substantially flat surface with a plurality of depressions formed into said surface.

3. A protective food product cover as recited in claim 2 wherein each depression has a characteristic dimension measured on said surface of said support member.

4. A protective food product cover as recited in claim 3 wherein said characteristic dimension is a diameter.

5. A protective food product cover as recited in claim 4 wherein the diameter of each depression is a same diameter.

6. A protective food product cover as recited in claim 4 wherein at least one said depression has a diameter "d.sub.1" and at least one said depression has a diameter "d.sub.2", and further wherein "d.sub.1" is greater than "d.sub.2".

7. A protective food product cover as recited in claim 1 wherein said sidewall has a circular configuration.

8. A protective food product cover as recited in claim 1 wherein said sidewall has a rectangular configuration.

9. A protective food product cover as recited in claim 1 wherein the food product is a birthday cake.

10. A protective food product cover for supporting at least one celebratory candle which comprises: a means for enclosing the food product in an enclosure, wherein said enclosing means is formed with at least one depression for receiving a candle therein to support the candle; and a sealing means to provide an hermetic seal for the food product in the enclosure.

11. A protective food product cover as recited in claim 10 wherein said enclosing means comprises: a hollow sidewall having a top end and a bottom end; a support member covering the top end of said sidewall, said support member being formed with the at least one depression; and a tray for carrying the food product, said tray being engageable with said support member to create the enclosure.

12. A protective food product cover as recited in claim 11 wherein said sealing means comprises an edge at the bottom end of said sidewall, said edge being engageable with said tray to confine the food product in the enclosure to protect the food product from contamination while the food product is in the enclosure.

13. A protective food product cover as recited in claim 11 wherein said support member has a substantially flat surface with a plurality of depressions formed into said surface.

14. A protective food product cover as recited in claim 13 wherein each depression has a characteristic dimension measured on said surface of said support member.

15. A protective food product cover as recited in claim 14 wherein said characteristic dimension is a diameter.

16. A protective food product cover as recited in claim 13 wherein each said depression has a substantially conical-shaped wall, with an open end of diameter "d" at the surface of said support member, and a closed end of diameter "d*" at a depth from the surface of said support member, wherein "d" is greater than "d*".

17. A protective food product cover as recited in claim 11 having a plurality of depressions formed as a word.

18. A protective food product cover as recited in claim 11 having a plurality of depressions formed as a figure.

19. A method for manufacturing a protective food product system for supporting at least one celebratory candle which comprises the steps of: forming a food product cover having a hollow sidewall with a top end and a bottom end, with a support member covering the top end of said sidewall, and wherein said support member is formed with at least one depression for receiving a candle therein to support the candle; and shaping said food product cover with an edge at the bottom end of said sidewall, said edge being engageable with a tray to create an enclosure to confine the food product in the enclosure and protect the food product from contamination while the food product is in the enclosure.

20. A method as recited in claim 19 wherein said forming step and said shaping step are accomplished by a blow molding process.