Protective Cake Cover

Abstract

A protective cover for shielding a cake or other food item from surface contamination. The protective cover is constructed from a nonporous material and is transparent for easily viewing the interior contents. An enclosure body includes a top attached to a sidewall and is open at the bottom. A plurality of candle wells penetrate an exterior surface of the top but do not penetrate through the interior surface forming holes or slots configured to retain candles. The protective cover is customizable and easily decontaminated after use. The enclosure body prevents dripping wax or germs from blowing out the candles from contaminating the cake surface while still allowing the celebrant to blow out candles with the cake still protected but visible.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a new and improved barrier for cake or other food, and more specifically to an improved protective cover configured to prevent the transmission of germs, viruses, and bacteria that is spread when blowing out candles on a birthday or other celebratory cake. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Cakes are deserts made from flour, sugar, and other ingredients, that are usually baked for celebratory occasions, such as a birthday, a retirement, a wedding, an anniversary, and the like. The link between cakes and birthday celebrations may date back to ancient Roman times. Birthday cakes are often layer cakes with frosting served with small lit candles on top representing the celebrant's age. Variations of cakes may include cupcakes, cake pops, pastries, and tarts. The celebratory cake is often decorated with birthday wishes, such as the words “Happy Birthday” and the celebrant's name and age.

These celebratory cakes are typically decorated with wax candles that represent the recipient's age. The candles are lit and the honoree attempts to blow out the lighted candles on the birthday cake as part of the celebratory ritual. Unfortunately, when the individual blows out the candles, the cake is exposed to a germs that could be present in the individual's mouth. These germs can travel to the surface of the cake via the individual's breath and saliva which may land on the surface when blowing out the candles. Accordingly, blowing out the birthday candles unfortunately also contaminates the surface of the cake. Anyone eating the cake will ingest this contamination from the blower's germs, viruses, and bacteria. People may develop serious illnesses after participating in a birthday celebration as a result.

Germs, bacteria, viruses, microbes, and other pathogens are microscopic living things that exist throughout nature. A pathogen is a type of micro-organism that has the potential to cause disease. Microbes are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Viruses are a frequent cause of many infectious diseases. Viruses are made up of one or more molecules surrounded by a protein shell. Transmission of a virus typically occurs directly from person to person. These germs, bacteria, viruses, microbes can easily exist on surfaces, such as a cake, for quite a long time.

Additionally, the wax candles can further contaminate the surface of the cake as they burn down and drip wax. Removal of the wax requires someone to scrape or pick the wax off of the cake, thereby disrupting the decorative icing. Any remaining wax may be accidentally consumed. While candle wax is considered nonpoisonous, but it may cause a blockage in the intestines if a large amount is swallowed. Further, a person who is allergic to the scent or color ingredients in the candle may have an allergic reaction from touching the candle. Symptoms may include rash or blistering of the skin, or swelling, tearing or redness of the eye if it has been touched by the fingers which had contact with the candles.

A cake cover is a device that functions as a storage container to hold a cake. Covered cake plates, which are different from covered cake pans, typically have a thin round plate that can be used as a serving plate for the cake. The plate will often have formed edges that allow the plate to be locked into the cover so that cake can be transported without having the cover shift against and damage the cake or frosting. Covered cake plates are most often made of stainless steel or plastic and may have handles on the cover to assist with carrying the cake. Cake covers are designed to enclose or protect a cake to maintain freshness and to protect the cake from external contaminants and hazards.

Existing cake covers and covered cake plates are designed to protect a cake from contaminates and ensure freshness until it is consumed. Unfortunately, they are not designed to protect a cake during the celebratory event when contamination is most likely. Once these covers are removed, the cake is now exposed to the contaminates from exhaled breath and saliva that occur when blowing out the candles. Additionally, many cake covers are opaque preventing celebrants from viewing the protected cake until the cover is removed.

Accordingly, there is a great need for a new and improved protective cover for a cake. There is also a need for a protective cover for birthday cakes and other baked goods that can receive candles. Similarly, there is a need for a protective cover that allows candles to remain exposed while the cake is still protected from contamination when blowing out candles. There is also a need for a protective cover configured to accommodate a variety of baked goods. Further, there is a need for a protective cake cover that prevents dripping wax from the candles from contaminating the cake.

In this manner, the improved protective cake cover of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, thereby providing an easy solution for protecting a celebratory cake from contamination. The present invention has the appearance of a traditional cake cover that allows individuals to view the decorated cake without removal of the cover. The present invention allows a user to protect a cake from surface contamination from saliva and breath that are exhaled while blowing out the candles. In addition, the improved cake cover also ensures that the cake is protected from dripping candle wax that could contaminate the cake surface. Finally, the improved protective cake cover of the present invention is capable of allowing individuals to blow out cake candles at a party without risking the health of other participants attending the celebration.

SUMMARY

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 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 protective cake cover. The protective cake cover is configured to protect a cake or other food retained within from contamination by saliva or breath when blowing out candles. The protective cake cover comprises an enclosure body and a plurality of candle insertion wells.

The enclosure body comprises an outer surface and an inner surface. The enclosure body is constructed from a nonporous material and is configured to prevent the transmission of contamination from penetrating the enclosure body. The enclosure body further comprises a sidewall and a top. The sidewall may be circular, square, or rectangular in shape. The sidewall may be beveled or angled with respect to the top or may be perpendicularly oriented. The enclosure body is open at a bottom and defines an interior space for enveloping the cake or other food.

The enclosure body is typically transparent or translucent so as to be able to see the enclosed cake within. An indicia element may be attached to or otherwise integrated into the outer surface. The sidewall may be corrugated or collapsible and adjustable in height. At least one handle may be attached to the sidewall. The enclosure body may further comprise a rim. The rim is attachable or integrated into to a bottom of the sidewall. The rim may be flexible to seal the enclosure body against a surface further protecting the enclosed cake.

The plurality of candle insertion wells are formed in the outer surface of the top of the enclosure body and do not penetrate the inner surface. The plurality of candle insertion wells are configured to receive and retain one or more candles. Each of the plurality of candle insertion wells may be circular, square, or rectangular in shape in any combination thereof. Further each of the plurality of candle insertion wells may be tapered or threaded to better retain a candle.

The protective cake cover may further comprise a plurality of removable candle holders and a plurality of removable plugs. The plurality of removable candle holders are shaped and configured to retain one or more of the candles. The plurality of removable candle holders are further configured to fit within the plurality of candle insertion wells. The plurality of removable plugs are also configured to fit within the plurality of candle insertion wells.

In an additional embodiment, the subject matter disclosed and claimed herein comprises a protective cake cover. The protective cake cover is configured to protect a cake retained within from contamination by saliva or breath when blowing out candles. The protective cake cover comprises an enclosure body, a plurality of candle insertion components, and a plurality of candle insertion wells.

The enclosure body comprises an outer surface and an inner surface. The enclosure body is constructed from a nonporous material and is configured to prevent the transmission of contamination from penetrating the enclosure body. The enclosure body further comprises a sidewall and a top comprising an opening. The sidewall may be circular, square, or rectangular in shape. The sidewall may be beveled or angled with respect to the top or may be perpendicularly oriented. The enclosure body is open at a bottom and defines an interior space for encapsulating the cake or other food.

The enclosure body is typically transparent or translucent so as to be able to see the enclosed cake. An indicia element may be attached to or otherwise integrated into the outer surface. The sidewall may be corrugated or collapsible and adjustable in height. At least one handle may be attached to the sidewall. The enclosure body may further comprise a rim. The rim is attachable to a bottom of the sidewall. The rim may be flexible to seal the enclosure body against a surface further protecting the enclosed cake.

Each of the plurality of candle insertion components is configured to fit and seal the opening in the top. The plurality of candle insertion wells are formed in each of the plurality of candle insertion components and typically do not penetrate the respective candle insertion component. The plurality of candle insertion wells are configured to receive and retain one or more candles. Each of the plurality of candle insertion wells may be circular, square, or rectangular in shape in any combination thereof. Further each of the plurality of candle insertion wells may be tapered or threaded to better retain a candle. Each of the plurality of candle insertion components may have a different number and orientation of the plurality of candle insertion wells allowing for further customization of the protective cake cover.

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 is 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a protective cake cover of the present invention for protecting a cake from contamination when blowing out candles in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the protective cake cover of the present invention for protecting the cake from contamination when blowing out candles in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the protective cake cover of the present invention for protecting the cake from contamination when blowing out candles in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the protective cake cover of the present invention for protecting the cake from contamination when blowing out candles in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the protective cake cover of the present invention for protecting the cake from contamination when blowing out candles in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the protective cake cover of the present invention for protecting the cake from contamination when blowing out candles in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the protective cake cover of the present invention for protecting the cake from contamination when blowing out candles in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the protective cake cover of the present invention for protecting a cupcake from contamination when blowing out candles in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a candle insertion element of the protective cake cover of the present invention for protecting a cupcake from contamination when blowing out candles in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 9B illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a candle insertion element of the protective cake cover of the present invention for protecting a cupcake from contamination when blowing out candles in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 9C illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a candle insertion element of the protective cake cover of the present invention for protecting a cupcake from contamination when blowing out candles in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 9D illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a candle insertion element of the protective cake cover of the present invention for protecting a cupcake from contamination when blowing out candles in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 9E illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a candle insertion element of the protective cake cover of the present invention for protecting a cupcake from contamination when blowing out candles in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 9F illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a candle insertion element of the protective cake cover of the present invention for protecting a cupcake from contamination when blowing out candles in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a removable candle insertion element and a plug of the protective cake cover of the present invention for protecting the cake from contamination when blowing out candles in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of a protective cake cover of the present invention for protecting the cake from contamination when blowing out candles in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or 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.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a specialized new cover for birthday cakes, cupcakes, and other similar baked goods configured to accommodate candles. The plastic cover has openings for the candles to be exposed so that the user can blow them out while protecting the cake from excess saliva, germs, viruses, and bacteria. The cover is relatively thin and transparent to still display any decorations on the enclosed baked item. Users can wash and reuse the cover as needed. Once the cover is placed over the cake/baked goods, in no way would any parts of the baked goods and cakes will be exposed to germs. A plurality of slots configured to hold the candles may be closed off between the cake and or baked goods. The candles will never touch the cake as to everything is sealed. The candles may be placed in the candle holder in a way where the candles do not touch the cake and other baked goods. No parts of the cakes and or bake goods would be exposed or not covered.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-10 illustrate a protective cake cover 100. The protective cake cover 100 is configured to protect and shield a cake 10 retained within from contamination by saliva, breath, or melting wax when blowing out candles 20. The protective cake cover 100 comprises an enclosure body 110 and a plurality of candle insertion wells 130. The candles 20 are typically wax birthday cake candles, such as, but not limited to cylindrical, spiral, shaped, numerical, novelty, sparkler, or the like.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, and 7, the enclosure body 110 comprises an outer surface 114 and an inner surface 112. The enclosure body 110 is constructed from a nonporous material and is configured to prevent the transmission of contamination from penetrating the enclosure body 110. The enclosure body 110 further comprises a sidewall 140 and a top 120. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the sidewall 140 may be circular, square, or rectangular in shape to accommodate cakes of all shapes and sizes. The sidewall 140 may be beveled or angled with respect to the top 120 as illustrated in FIG. 8 to accommodate a cupcake or another shaped desert or may be perpendicularly oriented as illustrated in FIG. 3. The enclosure body 110 is open at a bottom and defines an interior space 116 for enveloping the cake 10 or other food.

The enclosure body 110 is typically transparent or translucent so as to be able to see the enclosed cake within, however this is not meant as a limitation as it may be opaque as well. As illustrated in FIG. 3, an indicia element 170 may be attached to or otherwise integrated into the outer surface 114 of the enclosure body 110. The indicia element 170 may be a phrase such as “Happy Birthday”, a logo, a name, artwork, or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the sidewall 140 may be corrugated or collapsible and therefore adjustable in height to accommodate cakes of all heights or for storage. As illustrated in FIG. 3, at least one handle 150 may be attached to the sidewall 140. The enclosure body 110 may further comprise a rim 160 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The rim 160 is attachable to or along a bottom of the sidewall 140. The rim 160 may be a flexible gasket, foam, rubber, or similar material configured to seal the enclosure body 110 against a surface further protecting the enclosed cake 10.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the plurality of candle insertion wells 130 are formed in the outer surface 114 of the top 120 of the enclosure body 110. The plurality of candle insertion wells 130 do not penetrate the inner surface 112 of the top 120. The plurality of candle insertion wells 130 are configured to receive and retain one or more candles 10 while still protecting the enclosed cake. The plurality of candle insertion wells 130 may be of any number and configuration. Alternatively, the plurality of candle insertion wells 130 could be formed in the sidewall 140 as well. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, each of the plurality of candle insertion wells 130 may be configured in a variety of shapes to accommodate different types of candles. For example, the plurality of candle insertion wells 130 may be circular as illustrated in FIG. 9A, square as illustrated in FIG. 9D, or rectangular in shape as illustrated in FIG. 9E, or in any combination thereof. A rectangular shape would be advantageous to hold several number candles together, such as a four and a zero to indicate the age of forty. Further, each of the plurality of candle insertion wells 130 may be tapered as illustrated in FIG. 9C or threaded as illustrated in FIG. 9B to better retain a candle 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the protective cake cover 100 may further comprise a plurality of removable candle holders 180 and a plurality of removable plugs 182. The plurality of removable candle holders 180 are shaped and configured to retain one or more of the candles 10. The plurality of removable candle holders 180 are further configured to fit within the plurality of candle insertion wells 130. The plurality of removable plugs 182 are also configured to fit within the plurality of candle insertion wells 130 to fill in any wells not holding a candle for a smoother surface presentation. The plurality of removable plugs 182 may also be colored or decorated for further embellishment.

In an additional embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 11, a protective cake cover 200 is disclosed and claimed herein. The protective cake cover 200 is configured to protect and shield a cake 10 retained within from contamination by saliva or breath when blowing out candles 20. The protective cake cover 200 comprises an enclosure body 210, a plurality of candle insertion components 280, and a plurality of candle insertion wells 282.

The enclosure body 210 comprises an outer surface 214 and an inner surface (similar to 112). The enclosure body is constructed from a nonporous material and is configured to prevent the transmission of contamination from penetrating the enclosure body 210. The enclosure body 210 further comprises a sidewall 240 and a top 220 comprising an opening 230. The sidewall 240 may be circular, square, or rectangular in shape. The opening 230 may be any shape. The sidewall 240 may be beveled or angled with respect to the top 220 or may be perpendicularly oriented. The enclosure body 210 is open at a bottom and defines an interior space for enveloping the cake or other food.

The enclosure body 210 is typically transparent or translucent so as to be able to see the enclosed cake within, however this is not meant as a limitation as it may be opaque as well. An indicia element (similar to 170) may be attached to or otherwise integrated into the outer surface 214 of the enclosure body 210. The indicia element may be a phrase such as “Happy Birthday”, a logo, a name, artwork, or the like. The sidewall 240 may be corrugated or collapsible and therefore adjustable in height to accommodate cakes of all heights or for storage. At least one handle 250 may be attached to the sidewall 240. The enclosure body 210 may further comprise a rim 260 attachable to or along a bottom of the sidewall 240. The rim 260 may be a flexible gasket, foam, rubber, or similar material configured to seal the enclosure body 210 against a surface further protecting the enclosed cake 10.

Each of the plurality of candle insertion components 280 is configured to fit and seal the opening 230 in the top 220. Each of the plurality of candle insertion components 280 may comprise a pair of tabs 284 to hold the respective candle insertion components 280 in place within the opening 230. The plurality of candle insertion components 280 may be held in place by gravity or friction.

The plurality of candle insertion wells 282 are formed in each of the plurality of candle insertion components 280 and typically do not penetrate the respective candle insertion component 280. The plurality of candle insertion wells 282 are each configured to receive and retain one or more candles 20. Each of the plurality of candle insertion wells 282 may be configured in a variety of shapes to accommodate different types of candles. For example, the plurality of candle insertion wells 282 may be circular as illustrated in FIG. 9A, square as illustrated in FIG. 9D, or rectangular in shape as illustrated in FIG. 9E, or in any combination thereof. A rectangular shape would be advantageous to hold several number candles together, such as a four and a zero to indicate the age of forty. Further, each of the plurality of candle insertion wells 282 may be tapered as illustrated in FIG. 9C or threaded as illustrated in FIG. 9B to better retain a candle 20. Alternatively, the plurality of candle insertion wells 282 may comprise a cross slit in the bottom enabling a candle 20 to penetrate the candle insertion component 280. When not in use, the cross slit remains sealed or closed to remain a contamination barrier. Each of the plurality of candle insertion components 280 may have a different number and orientation of the plurality of candle insertion wells 282 allowing for easy customization of the protective cake cover 200.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the protective cake covers 100 and 200 can be any suitable size, shape, 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 shape and size of the protective cake covers 100 and 200 and their various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the protective cake covers 100 and 200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the protective cake covers 100 and 200 and their components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the protective cake covers 100 and 200 and its various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the protective cake covers 100 and 200 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to whatever the protective cake covers 100 and 200 are designed to be applied.

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.

Claims

1. A protective cake cover comprising: an enclosure body comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, a sidewall, and a top;a plurality of candle insertion wells formed within the outer surface of the top for receipt of one or more candles; andwherein the enclosure body defines an interior space for enveloping a cake.

2. The protective cake cover of claim 1, wherein the enclosure body is transparent.

3. The protective cake cover of claim 1, wherein the enclosure body further comprises at least one handle attached to the sidewall.

4. The protective cake cover of claim 1, wherein the sidewall is not perpendicular to the top.

5. The protective cake cover of claim 1, wherein the sidewall is adjustable in height.

6. The protective cake cover of claim 1, wherein the enclosure body further comprises an indicia element positioned on the outer surface.

7. The protective cake cover of claim 1, wherein the enclosure body further comprises a flexible rim attached to a bottom of the sidewall.

8. The protective cake cover of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of candle insertion wells are circular in shape.

9. The protective cake cover of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of candle insertion wells are threaded.

10. A protective cake cover comprising: an enclosure body comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, a sidewall, a top, and a flexible bottom rim attached to a bottom of the sidewall;a plurality of candle insertion wells penetrating the outer surface of the top for receipt of one or more candles; andwherein the enclosure body is transparent and defines an interior space for enveloping a cake.

11. The protective cake cover of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of candle insertion wells are tapered.

12. The protective cake cover of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of candle insertion wells are threaded.

13. The protective cake cover of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of candle insertion wells are square in shape.

14. The protective cake cover of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of candle insertion wells are rectangular slots.

15. The protective cake cover of claim 10, wherein the plurality of candle insertion wells are a combination of circular and square configurations.

16. The protective cake cover of claim 10 further comprising a plurality of removable candle holders each configured to retain one of the one or more candles and to fit within one of the plurality of candle insertion wells.

17. The protective cake cover of claim 16 further comprising a plurality of removable plugs each configured to fit within one of the plurality of candle insertion wells.

18. A protective cake cover comprising: an enclosure body comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, a sidewall, and a top, the top comprising an opening therein;a plurality of candle insertion components each configured to fit and seal the opening in the top;a plurality of candle insertion wells formed within each of the candle insertion components for receipt of one or more candles; andwherein the enclosure body defines an interior space for enveloping a cake.

19. The protective cake cover of claim 18, wherein the plurality of candle insertion wells each comprise a penetrable but sealable bottom.

20. The protective cake cover of claim 18, wherein the plurality of candle insertion wells are a combination of circular, square, and rectangular configurations.