Abstract:
A multiple tier center support stand that includes a plurality of plates each being configured to be associated with a mechanical fastener and a plurality of posts each being configured to be associated with a mechanical fastener. The mechanical fastener is arranged on at least one of the plurality of plates and the plurality of posts in order to vertically arrange the plurality of plates and the plurality of posts. At least one of the plurality of plates is configured to be disassembled in at least two pieces.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention is directed to a foodstuffs display stand and, more particularly, to a foodstuffs display stand that is customizable and also has the ability to be disassembled into a compact arrangement. 
     2. Related Art 
     Many display stands for foodstuffs have various configurations that are not typically customizable. In this regard, these display stands typically will have set designs or designs that do not create a sturdy display stand. Moreover, typical foodstuffs display stands do not have the ability to be easily disassembled and placed into a compact arrangement for storage and transport. The result is that a user of the display stand is limited in their ability to create a customizable display stand that is attractive and will display the desired arrangement of foodstuffs such as cakes and cupcakes in the desired manner. Moreover when not used, such display stands take up a great deal of storage space, are not easily transported, and therefore are likely less desirable. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a display stand for foodstuffs that is easily customizable, attractive, sturdy and configured to be easily placed into an arrangement that saves space. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention meets the foregoing need and allows for a display that is easily customizable, attractive, strong and that may be easily stored in a compact arrangement and other advantages apparent from the discussion herein. 
     Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention a multiple tier center support stand includes a plurality of plates each being configured to be associated with a mechanical fastener, and a plurality of posts each being configured to be associated with a mechanical fastener, the mechanical fastener being arranged on at least one of the plurality of plates and the plurality of posts in order to vertically arrange the plurality of plates and the plurality of posts, where at least one of the plurality of plates is configured to be disassembled in at least two pieces. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a multiple tier center support stand includes a plurality of plates each being configured with an aperture to interact with a mechanical fastener, and a plurality of posts each being configured to be associated with a mechanical fastener, the mechanical fastener being arranged on at least one of the plurality of plates and the plurality of posts in order to vertically arrange the plurality of plates and the plurality of posts, where at least one of the plurality of plates is configured to be disassembled in at least two pieces. 
     Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention and the various ways in which it may be practiced. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a foodstuffs display stand constructed according to the principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a foodstuffs display stand showing an exploded view of two of the plates constructed according to the principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows an exploded bottom view of one of the display plates and a support post constructed according to the principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows another view of the display stand showing a partial exploded view of two of the display plates constructed according to the principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows a bottom view of the display stand with a partially exploded view of two of the display plates constructed according to the principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a display stand and another display stand showing a partially exploded view of the uppermost plate constructed according to the principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  shows a partial view of a partially exploded display stand constructed according to the principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  shows a partial bottom view of the display stand showing a partially exploded view with respect to a leg of the display stand constructed according to the principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  shows an exploded view of the post arrangement of the display stand constructed according to the principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 10  shows a post of the display stand constructed according to the principles of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the invention. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a foodstuffs display stand constructed according to the principles of the invention. In particular,  FIG. 1  shows a display stand for foodstuffs  100 . The display stand for foodstuffs  100  may include a plurality of plates. The display stand for foodstuffs  100  may have any number of plates that may be desired by the user of the display stand for foodstuffs  100 . As further shown in  FIG. 1 , the display stand for foodstuffs  100  may include plates  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112 . Additionally, the display stand for foodstuffs  100  may include a plurality of posts  114  to connect the plates  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  in a vertical arrangement. The construction of the plates  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  and posts  114  may be such that the posts  114  and plates  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  may be easily connected and disconnected in order to be customizable and also to allow for a configuration that may be re-arranged for transport or easy compact storage. The connection between posts  114  and plates  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  may be that of a mechanical fastener or the like that provides for easy construction and further easy disassembly for the same. The mechanical fastener also creates a very sturdy construction. 
     The display stand for foodstuffs  100  may further include feet  118  to raise the display stand for foodstuffs  100  vertically to provide a more attractive configuration for the display of various foodstuffs. Additionally, the display stand for foodstuffs  100  may further include cap  116  on the uppermost plate, such as shown on plate  112  shown in  FIG. 1 , to provide a more attractive completed assembly of the display stand for foodstuffs  100 . In this regard, each plate may include a hole for a post  114  to extend. If a plate is to be attached above a lower plate, a further post  114  may be attached to the portion of the lower post  114  extending through the hole in the lower plate. The upper plate may then be positioned on the further post  114  and the process repeated to achieve the desired vertical arrangement. Finally, the cap  116  will cover the hole of the upper most plate. 
     Again, it should be noted that the display stand for foodstuffs  100  may include any number of foodstuffs support plates. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the display stand for foodstuffs  100  includes six plates. However, the construction of the display stand for foodstuffs  100  may be such that more than six plates may be utilized in order to create display stand for foodstuffs  100  or alternatively less than six plates may be used in order to create the display stand for foodstuffs  100 . In this regard, even a single plate, such as plate  100  may be utilized as the display stand for foodstuffs  100  with the cap  116  being located on that particular plate  102 . Similarly, the display stand for foodstuffs  100  may include two plates with the cap  116  on the uppermost plate. In a similar fashion any number of plates may be used in conjunction with posts  114  and possibly a cap  116  to provide the desired arrangement of plate sizes, number of plates and vertical height of the display stand for foodstuffs  100 . Although a varying number of plate sizes is shown in  FIG. 1 , such as shown by plates  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 , any number of plate sizes may be utilized that are bigger, smaller or the same to provide a desired arrangement. 
       FIG. 2  shows a foodstuffs display stand showing an exploded view of two of the plates constructed according to the principles of the invention. In particular,  FIG. 2  shows an arrangement of the display stand for foodstuffs  100  wherein plates  102 ,  104  may be configured to be broken down into smaller parts to enhance the ability to store and ship the display stand for foodstuffs  100 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 2 , plate  102  may be split into plate portion  202  and plate portion  206 . As such, plate  102  split into plate portions  202 ,  206  may be arranged on a plate portion support  210 . In this regard, the bottommost post  114  may be configured to connect to the plate portion support  210  with the plate portions  202 ,  206  configured to connect and be placed on top of plate support portion  210  to provide a finished look. Further, feet  118  may be connected to plate support portion  210  to again provide stability and possibly further provide a more attractive look for the display stand for foodstuffs  100 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 2 , other plates of the foodstuff support stand  100  may also have the ability to be separated and arranged in a configuration that may allow for enhanced storage such as the plate  104  that has plate portions  204 ,  208 . Similarly, plate  104  may include plate support portion  212  that may again allow connection to a support post  114  and connection to the support post  114  below it and also provide a support for plate  104  and, in particular, plate portions  204 ,  208 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the plates  104 ,  102  may be arranged as 18″ diameter plates and the plate support portions  210 ,  212  may be arranged as 16″ diameter portions. However, it is contemplated by the invention that any size support plate is contemplated and any size plate support portion is further contemplated. Further, although round plates are shown and described herein, other shapes are also contemplated. These shapes include square, rectangular, polygonal, the like. 
       FIG. 3  shows an exploded bottom view of one of the display plates and a support post constructed according to the principles of the invention. In particular,  FIG. 3  shows the plate portion  202  and plate portion  206 . Plate portions  202 ,  206  may include reinforcing rib structure as shown in  FIG. 3 . Moreover, plate support portion  210  may also include molded rib reinforcement structure along the bottom thereof to increase the rigidity and strength of the same. The plate support portion  210  may also include threaded apertures  306 . The threaded apertures  306  may allow for connection of feet  118  thereto as described in further detail below. The post  114  also includes threaded portion  304 . The threaded portion  304  of post  114  mechanically fastens to a corresponding threaded portion on top of plate support portion  210  to provide a mechanical connection thereto. Post  114  further includes an upper threaded portion  302  which may allow for a mechanical connection to a support plate portion, a plate there above and/or a post  114  arranged above. Although the threaded apertures  306  and post  114  show a particular mechanical fastener, in this regard, a threaded connection, other types of mechanical connections are contemplated by the invention herein. The plate portions  202 ,  206  may further include mechanical fasteners  308 , along the connection edge thereof. These mechanical connections  308  interact with one another to lock plate portion  202  and plate portion  206  together to provide a firmly connected plate  102 . The mechanical connections  308  may be, for example, elastic hook connections that interact with one another to provide a locking arrangement. Of course other types of mechanical connectors and no mechanical connector at all is further contemplated by the invention. 
       FIG. 4  shows another view of the display stand showing a partial exploded view of two of the display plates constructed according to the principles of the invention; and  FIG. 5  shows a bottom view of the display stand with a partially exploded view of two of the display plates constructed according to the principles of the invention. In particular,  FIGS. 4 and 5  show plate portions  202 ,  204  in the partially assembled arrangement. That is plate portions  206 ,  208  have been positioned on plate portion support  210 ,  212  and the user merely needs to now extend horizontally plate portions  204 ,  202  to connect to plate portions  206 ,  208  respectively. It should be noted that plate portion support  212  may also include apertures  306 , to allow for the connection to feet  118 . But a user does not necessarily need to use feet  118  when the plate support portion  212  is not on the bottommost level of the foodstuff support stand  100 . Of course a user does not need to include feet  118  in the display stand for foodstuffs  100  whatsoever, but they are shown in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a display stand and another display stand showing a partially exploded view of the uppermost plate constructed according to the principles of the invention; and  FIG. 7  shows a partial view of a partially exploded display stand constructed according to the principles of the invention.  FIG. 6  in particular shows a completed foodstuffs support stand  100  (right side) and a partially assembled display stand for foodstuffs  100  (left side also shown in  FIG. 7 ). As further shown in  FIG. 6 , a user may take a post  114  and mechanically attach it to the current uppermost support plate  110  and thereafter attach a further plate  112  on top of the post  114 . Thereafter the user may then attach the cap  116  on top of plate  112  to cover the opening and provide a more attractive finished look as shown by display stand for foodstuffs  100  as shown on the right. 
       FIG. 8  shows a partial bottom view of the display stand showing a partially exploded view with respect to a leg of the display stand constructed according to the principles of the invention. In particular,  FIG. 8  shows the arrangement of foot  118  prior to installation to the plate support portion  210  and, in particular, to the threaded aperture  306 . Again, it should be noted that any type of mechanical fastener is contemplated for the foot  118  to the plate support portion  210  connection. 
       FIG. 9  shows an exploded view of the post arrangement of the display stand constructed according to the principles of the invention; and  FIG. 10  shows a post of the display stand constructed according to the principles of the invention. In particular  FIGS. 9 and 10  show details of post(s)  114 .  FIG. 9  shows a stack of posts  114  prior to the posts being mechanically connected. Each post may include a threaded portion  302  and a threaded aperture  304 . The threaded aperture  304  may mechanically connect to the threaded portion  302  of a lower post. Alternatively, the threaded connection  304  may threadingly connect to a lowermost plate, such as a plate support  210 . The various support plates whether they include a plate support portion  210 ,  212  or are arranged singularly as shown in  FIG. 2  as plates  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  may rest on the flange  906  of a particular post  114 . Additionally the post  114  may include an extension  904  that may rest on top of a respective plate  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  or a respective plate support portion  210 ,  212 . In this regard, two posts may sandwich and hold firmly a particular plate or plate portion support at an intersection  908  of posts to create a sturdy construction. 
     It should be further noted that support post  114  may come in varying heights. Accordingly, a user may desire to have a taller foodstuffs stand and may choose to use a taller post  114  to provide greater distance between respective plates. Additionally, a user may combine more than one post between plates in order to provide a greater distance for taller cakes or a more attractive look. In this regard, the foodstuffs stand  100  may have highly customizable configurations. Any shape or size plate and any number of posts or any size posts may be easily and quickly connected and customized with the desired number of plates, number of posts, number of post heights, plate sizes and the like to provide a highly customizable arrangement for use in displaying foodstuffs. 
     Although the invention is generally directed to the display of any types of foodstuffs, it is particularly designed for use with cakes and cupcakes. Nevertheless any type of foodstuff may be arranged on the display stand for foodstuffs  100  including hor d&#39;oeuvres, candies, deserts, and the like. Moreover, the foodstuffs stand  100  may be used for non-food products and such is fully contemplated by the invention herein. 
     While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and scope of the appended claims. These examples given above are merely illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all possible designs, embodiments, applications or modifications of the invention.