Patent ID: 6194017
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: A21C,A21D

Abstract:
An apparatus for producing a plurality of openings in a dough layer, the apparatus being constructed to rest on an underlying surface, the apparatus comprising:a top portion, the top portion including an exterior surface of the apparatus;a plurality of pins supported by the top portion and substantially rigidly fixed with respect to the top portion, the plurality of pins being arranged in a fixed pattern;a base portion, the base portion defining a plurality of holes extending therethrough, the base portion holes being arranged in a fixed pattern corresponding to the fixed pattern of the plurality of pins supported by the top portion, the base portion being constructed to receive and support a dough layer over the plurality of holes;supporting structure for supporting the apparatus on the underlying surface; andstructure, operably connected to at least the top portion, to lower the top portion toward the base portion, the lowering of the top portion toward the base portion urging the pins of the top portion through the dough layer and then into the holes of the base portion to create a plurality of openings in the dough layer in a single continuous motion by separating waste dough bits from the dough layer, the dough bits passing through the plurality of holes and then being free to fall directly to the underlying surface on which the apparatus rests.