Patent Application
20230184436
The present invention relates generally to the field of birthday cake blower devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved birthday cake blower device that allows users to blow out birthday cake candles without transferring germs, viruses, pathogens, etc. onto the cake. The device comprises a small, narrow tube with an enlarged base and a mouthpiece with a built-in filter. The device also comprises a button-activated UV light. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, birthday, holiday, and other special occasion cakes are often decorated with designs displaying a particular motif or theme to commemorate a particular event. The cakes are meant to be visually pleasing and appealing and then the cake is sliced for serving. Further, candles are frequently placed on cakes to help commemorate the event being celebrated. After the candles are lit, by a match or other means, the users involved in the commemoration are then asked to blow the candle or candles out to extinguish the same.
To some, the act of blowing out the candles raises concerns about the transmission of germs, particularly if the birthday boy or girl is sick. With one forceful blow, a sick individual can contaminate an entire cake. If it weren't for the sentimental attachment that the public has with this tradition, and the focus and emphasis placed on the birthday girl or boy (or man or woman for that matter) to blow out the candles, users would realize that the act of blowing out the candles on a cake causes germs, bacteria, viruses, pathogens, etc., to spread onto the cake. There is a need, therefore, for a device or the like for blowing out candles on a cake without jeopardizing the health of the users and future consumers of the cake.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a birthday cake blower device that minimizes the spread of bacteria, pathogens, viruses, and germs that cause infection. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a birthday cake blower device that provides a handheld horn-like device for blowing out candles on birthday cakes. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a birthday cake blower device that includes a filtered mouthpiece and internal button-activated UV light for killing bacteria and other germs. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that features a body with a plurality of birthday-related colors, designs, and indicia. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a birthday cake blower device that offers a fun and easy-to-use sanitary tool for any occasion and for users of all ages. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a birthday cake blower device that offers a way for all users to enjoy blowing out their birthday candles without risk of spreading germs.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a birthday cake blower device. The device is designed to minimize the spread of bacteria, pathogens, viruses, and germs that cause infection. The device comprises a small, narrow plastic tube with an enlarged circular base at the end. Further, the device comprises a mouthpiece positioned at the opposite end of the circular base, with a built-in filter and an internal button-activated UV light. The body of the device is decorated in different party designs and colors. A user then blows into the mouthpiece and points the circular base towards the birthday candles. Thus, the device effectively stops the spread of infection when expelling air, along with whatever else comes out of a user's mouth, when trying to blow out candles on a cake.
In this manner, the birthday cake blower device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that minimizes the spread of bacteria, pathogens, viruses, and germs that cause infection. The device includes a filtered mouthpiece which allows a user to safely blow out candles on their birthday cake without spreading germs. The device offers a fun and easy-to-use sanitary tool for any occasion and for users of all ages.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a birthday cake blower device. The device is designed to minimize the spread of bacteria, pathogens, viruses, and germs that cause infection. The device comprises a small, narrow plastic tube with an enlarged circular base at the end. Further, the device comprises a mouthpiece positioned at the opposite end of the circular base, with a built-in filter and an internal button-activated UV light. The body of the device is decorated in different party designs and colors. A user then blows into the mouthpiece and points the circular base towards the birthday candles. Thus, the device effectively stops the spread of infection when expelling air, along with whatever else comes out of a user's mouth, when trying to blow out candles on a cake.
In one embodiment, the birthday cake blower device comprises a body component in the shape of a cone or funnel, or any other suitable shape as is known in the art, wherein the body component comprises a small, narrow plastic tube with an enlarged circular base and a mouthpiece.
In one embodiment, the body component comprises a decorative cover or indicia displayed directly on the body component, such as a birthday, wedding, graduation, etc. messages, a variety of designs, such as, but not limited to, a face, a star, or lips, as well as other designs, shapes and themes are contemplated to accommodate a variety of potential uses.
In an embodiment wherein a decorative cover is employed, the decorative cover tends to have the same shape as the body component. However, while it is preferred, it is not necessary that the decorative cover and the body component have the same general shape. In one embodiment, the decorative cover is a lightweight cardboard or chipboard wrapper that functions as a printable surface for various themes and occasions (including, but not limited to, Birthdays, Bar Mitzvahs, graduations, generic designs, etc.), generic and licensed characters, and the like. In other embodiments, the cover could be a lightweight plastic sleeve, a cling wrap label, a sticker made of various materials, such as paper, plastic, foil and the like. Printing many different themes on removable covers, wrappers and the like can be more cost effective than printing many different themes directly onto the body component, for example. This method of decorating the cover also results in increased print quality and flexibility with respect to designs, design changes, personalization, etc. The themes do not only have to concern specific occasions, but can also reflect certain color schemes and logos from schools and universities, professional teams, businesses and corporate logos, national flags, movie logos and licensed characters, and the like. This feature allows for extreme diversity in a product line, particularly with respect to the party industry where licensed characters and themes are so prevalent. In one embodiment, the decorative cover is preferably further adorned with a message that is indicative of a particular theme or occasion, such as a birthday, wedding, graduation, etc. Other designs, shapes and themes are contemplated to accommodate a variety of potential uses.
In one embodiment, the filter is preferably disposed within the mouthpiece and has an inlet and an outlet, the inlet receiving air through the filter and the outlet being positioned in the direction of the candle or candles to be extinguished. The outlet is preferably hidden by the enlarged circular base, although it could preferably be flush with or extend slightly beyond the end of the circular base. The filter is preferably a thin piece or disc of flexible material or fabric that is sandwiched between the inlet and the outlet of the mouthpiece and functions to remove germs and the like without impeding airflow and without detrimentally affecting the acoustics of a sound generator. Specifically, the filter partially wraps around the outlet when the inlet is attached into the mouthpiece. In one embodiment, a material formed from a nylon and spandex blend is used due to its breathability and other desirable properties as noted above. While a nylon and spandex blend is disclosed, other materials are contemplated, as long as such materials do not restrict the airflow too much to extinguish a candle and do not negatively affect the sound resonator acoustics. For example, a variety of filter constructions are contemplated, including a chemical cartridge filter or filters comprising charcoal, activated charcoal, wool, paper, plastic, glass, cellulose, or combinations thereof. The main function of the filter is to remove or neutralize contaminants, particles, germs, bacteria, etc., from the air stream and the user, such that a person using the device to blow out candles on a birthday cake, for example, will not contaminate the cake and perpetuate the spread of germs, disease, sickness, etc. The filter is preferably designed to function in a single direction from the mouthpiece to the outlet, although the filter medium should preferably not impede the air flow too much, such that the user has to exert considerable force while blowing. In this regard, the mouthpiece is preferably between two to four inches long to prevent a considerable reduction in blowing force at the outlet.
In one embodiment, the birthday cake blower device comprises an internal ultraviolet (UV) light which acts to kill bacteria, pathogens, and viruses to aid in decreasing the spread of germs. The UV light can be positioned at any suitable place within the body component of the device, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. In one embodiment, the UV light is positioned within the small, narrow plastic tube, such that the UV light would be visible from the end of the device, where the air is expelled, to add to its festive nature. The UV light would be controlled via an external switch, which a user can activate by pressing. Further, the UV light comprises circuitry to allow for communication with the external switch.
In one embodiment, a sound generator or resonator is preferably positioned in front of the filter, such that a user can make a pleasing sound or musical tune while using the device. Of course, placement of the sound generator would be acceptable anywhere along the user's blow path, i.e., from the mouthpiece to the circular base. The sound generator could be a separate element and attached to the filter at the point of manufacture, or the sound generator and filter could be manufactured as a single, integrated component. The sound generator is preferably inexpensive in the nature of a reed or whistle device, although more expensive options that require electronics or circuitry are certainly contemplated.
In one embodiment of the device assembly, with the filter section attached to the mouthpiece and the mouthpiece attached to the narrow plastic tube, and the narrow plastic tube attached to the enlarged circular base, the sections can be independent and secured together or manufactured as one integrated piece. For example, the filter section could be threaded to cooperatively mate with a threaded section on the mouthpiece, while the sound generator could have a similar mating relationship with the mouthpiece. Alternatively, all pieces of the device could be attached by a force fit, or alternatively, by a more permanent fit created at the point of manufacture. The entire device is preferably disposable and designed for a single use, and therefore the materials used to form the mouthpiece, narrow plastic tube, and enlarged circular base should be relatively inexpensive. For example, the mouthpiece, narrow plastic tube, and enlarged circular base could be formed from plastic, paper, cardboard or combinations of the same. Other materials and constructions are contemplated as well.
In one embodiment, the body component provides a handgrip for the user during operation of the device. For example, the body component could additionally be provided with a textured outer surface and/or molded finger portions (not shown) to facilitate gripping. Furthermore, the body component could be formed in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, textures, materials, etc., to commemorate any occasion.
Operation of the birthday cake blower device, which, in one embodiment, looks like a party horn and sounds like a noisemaker, is relatively straightforward. A user first places the device in proximity to the candles to be extinguished and turns on the UV light. Then the user places his/her mouth on the mouthpiece and blows air through the opening and through the filter with the filtered air escaping through the outlet and through the enlarged circular base until the candle or candles is/are extinguished. The filter and UV light effectively block germs and spittle from being able to pass from the user's mouth onto the cake. During such time, a sound generator generates a pleasing sound or musical tune, such as, for example, the first couple of notes of “Happy Birthday” or the entire song. Further, the user may employ a sweeping motion while blowing as is traditional when trying to extinguish more than one candle. After all of the candles are extinguished, the device is discarded or cleaned for additional uses.
In one embodiment, the entire device is preferably disposable and designed for a single use, and therefore the materials used to form all of the components should be relatively inexpensive. While the entire birthday cake blower device is preferably discarded after a single use, a multi-use embodiment may be commercialized where only certain elements are disposable. For example, if the filter is effective for up to ten uses, then it might be desirable to have only a disposable mouthpiece. Alternatively, both the mouthpiece and the narrow plastic tube and the enlarged circular base might be disposable if the type of filter used is comparatively inexpensive. For example, in one embodiment, all of the components may be washable including the filter. Alternatively, the filter may be a single-use, disposable filter. A variety of disposable and non-disposable options are contemplated to address a particular environment, user, event, or marketing price point.
In yet another embodiment, the birthday cake blower device is manufactured from a material that is flame retardant and/or resistant.
In yet another embodiment, a method of blowing out birthday candles without spreading germs on a birthday cake is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a birthday cake blower device comprising an enlarged circular base, a narrow plastic tube, and a mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a filter and an internal UV light. The method also comprises positioning the device in front of the lit candles on the birthday cake. Further, the method comprises turning on the external switch to activate the UV light. Further, the method comprises blowing into the mouthpiece of the device, such that the filter and the UV light stops the spread of infection when expelling air onto the birthday cake. Finally, enjoying the birthday cake without worry of germs, bacteria, pathogens, or viruses on the cake.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a birthday cake blower device that minimizes the spread of bacteria, pathogens, viruses, and germs that cause infection. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a birthday cake blower device that provides a handheld horn-like device for blowing out candles on birthday cakes. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a birthday cake blower device that includes a filtered mouthpiece and internal button-activated UV light for killing bacteria and other germs. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that features a body with a plurality of birthday-related colors, designs, and indicia. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a birthday cake blower device that offers a fun and easy-to-use sanitary tool for any occasion and for users of all ages. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a birthday cake blower device that offers a way for all users to enjoy blowing out birthday candles without risk of spreading germs.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel birthday cake blower device that comprises a small, narrow plastic tube with an enlarged circular base at the end. Further, the device comprises a mouthpiece positioned at the opposite end of the circular base, with a built-in filter and an internal button-activated UV light. A user then blows into the mouthpiece and points the circular base towards the birthday candles. Thus, the device effectively stops the spread of infection when expelling air, along with whatever else comes out of a user's mouth, when trying to blow out candles on a cake. The present invention also includes a novel method of blowing out birthday candles without spreading germs on the cake. The method includes the steps of providing a birthday cake blower device comprising a body and mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a filter and an internal UV light. The method also comprises positioning the device in front of the lit candles on the birthday cake. Further, the method comprises blowing into the mouthpiece of the device, such that the filter and the UV light stops the spread of infection when expelling air onto the birthday cake. Finally, enjoying the birthday cake without worry of germs, bacteria, pathogens, or viruses on the cake.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Generally, the birthday cake blower device 100 comprises a body component 116 in the shape of a cone or funnel, or any other suitable shape as is known in the art, wherein the body component 116 comprises the small, narrow plastic tube 102 with an enlarged circular base 104 and a mouthpiece 108. Further, with regards to assembly of the body component 116, with the mouthpiece 108 attached to the narrow plastic tube 102 and the narrow plastic tube 102 attached to the enlarged circular base 104, the sections 102, 104, and 108 can be independent and secured together or manufactured as one integrated piece. For example, the mouthpiece 108 could be threaded to cooperatively mate with a threaded section on the narrow tube 102, while the enlarged circular base 104 could have a similar mating relationship with the opposite end of the narrow tube 102. Alternatively, all pieces of the device 100 could be attached by a force fit, or alternatively, by a more permanent fit created at the point of manufacture. The entire device 100 is preferably disposable and designed for a single use, and therefore the materials used to form the mouthpiece 108, narrow plastic tube 102, and enlarged circular base 104 should be relatively inexpensive.
For example, the mouthpiece 108, narrow plastic tube 102, and enlarged circular base 104 could be formed from plastic, paper, cardboard or combinations of the same. Other materials and constructions are contemplated as well. For example, the birthday cake blower device 100 could typically be manufactured from heat-sealable plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any other suitable material as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc. Generally, the birthday cake blower device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is flame retardant and/or flame resistant, or the body component 116 comprises a coating that is flame resistant and/or flame retardant.
Specifically, the filter 112 partially wraps around the outlet 202 when the inlet 200 is attached into the mouthpiece 108. In one embodiment, a material formed from a nylon and spandex blend is used, due to its breathability and other desirable properties as noted above. While a nylon and spandex blend is disclosed, other materials are contemplated, as long as such materials do not restrict the airflow too much to extinguish a candle and do not negatively affect the sound resonator 206 acoustics. For example, a variety of filter constructions are contemplated, including a chemical cartridge filter or filters comprising charcoal, activated charcoal, wool, paper, plastic, glass, cellulose, or combinations thereof. The main function of the filter 112 is to remove or neutralize contaminants, particles, germs, bacteria, etc., from the air stream and the user, such that a person using the device 100 to blow out the candles on a birthday cake, for example, will not contaminate the cake and perpetuate the spread of germs, disease, sickness, etc. The filter 112 is preferably designed to function in a single direction from the mouthpiece 108 to the outlet 202, although the filter medium should preferably not impede the air flow too much, such that the user has to exert considerable force while blowing. In this regard, the mouthpiece 108 is preferably between two to four inches long to prevent a considerable reduction in blowing force at the outlet 202.
In another embodiment, the birthday cake blower device 100 comprises an internal ultraviolet (UV) light 114 which acts to kill bacteria, pathogens, and viruses to aid in decreasing the spread of germs. The UV light 114 can be positioned at any suitable place within the body component 116 of the device 100, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. In one embodiment, the UV light 114 is positioned within the small, narrow plastic tube 102, such that the UV light 114 would be visible from the end 204 of the device 100, where the air is expelled, to add to its festive nature. In one embodiment, the UV light 114 bulbs can be replaced as needed. Further, the UV light 114 would be controlled via an external switch 208, which a user can activate by pressing, flipping, etc. Further, the UV light 114 comprises circuitry (not shown) to allow for communication with the external switch 208.
In one embodiment, a sound generator 206 or resonator is preferably positioned in front of the filter 112, such that a user can make a pleasing sound or musical tune while using the device 100. Of course, placement of the sound generator 206 would be acceptable anywhere along the user's blow path, i.e., from the mouthpiece 108 to the circular base 104. The sound generator 206 could be a separate element and attached to the filter 112 at the point of manufacture, or the sound generator 206 and filter 112 could be manufactured as a single, integrated component. The sound generator 206 is preferably inexpensive in the nature of a reed or whistle device, although more expensive options that require electronics or circuitry are certainly contemplated.
In an embodiment wherein a decorative cover 500 is employed, the decorative cover 500 tends to have the same shape as the body component 116. However, while it is preferred, it is not necessary that the decorative cover 500 and the body component 116 have the same general shape. In one embodiment, the decorative cover 500 is a lightweight cardboard or chipboard wrapper that functions as a printable surface for various themes and occasions (including, but not limited to, Birthdays, Bar Mitzvahs, graduations, generic designs, etc.), generic and licensed characters, and the like. In other embodiments, the cover 500 could be a lightweight plastic sleeve, a cling wrap label, a sticker made of various materials, such as paper, plastic, foil and the like. Printing many different themes on removable covers 500, wrappers and the like can be more cost effective than printing many different themes directly onto the body component 116, for example. This method of decorating the cover 500 also results in increased print quality and flexibility with respect to designs, design changes, personalization, etc. The themes do not only have to concern specific occasions but can also reflect certain color schemes and logos from schools and universities, professional teams, businesses and corporate logos, national flags, movie logos and licensed characters, and the like. This feature allows for extreme diversity in a product line, particularly with respect to the party industry where licensed characters and themes are so prevalent. In one embodiment, the decorative cover 500 is preferably further adorned with a message that is indicative of a particular theme or occasion, such as birthday, wedding, graduation, etc. Other designs, shapes and themes are contemplated to accommodate a variety of potential uses.
In one embodiment, the body component 116 provides a handgrip component 504 for the user during operation of the device 100. For example, the body component 116 could additionally be provided with a textured outer surface 506 and/or molded finger portions (not shown) to facilitate gripping. Furthermore, the body component 116 could be formed in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, textures, materials, etc., to commemorate any occasion.
In another embodiment, the entire device 100 is preferably disposable and designed for a single use, and therefore the materials used to form all of the components should be relatively inexpensive. While the entire birthday cake blower device 100 is preferably discarded after a single use, a multi-use embodiment may be commercialized where only certain elements are disposable. For example, if the filter 112 is effective for up to ten uses, then it might be desirable to have only a disposable mouthpiece 108. Alternatively, both the mouthpiece 108 and the narrow plastic tube 102 and the enlarged circular base 104 might be disposable if the type of filter 112 used is comparatively inexpensive. For example, in one embodiment, all of the components may be washable, including the filter 112. Alternatively, the filter 112 may be a single-use, disposable filter 112. A variety of disposable and non-disposable options are contemplated to address a particular environment, user, event, or marketing price point.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “birthday cake blower device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the birthday cake blower device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the birthday cake blower device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the birthday cake blower device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/287,566, which was filed on Dec. 9, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63287566 | Dec 2021 | US |
