Abstract:
An illuminated display system or assembly. In particular, the illuminated system is designed to display various food items such as wedding cakes, hors d&#39;oeuvres, buffets, pies, and the like. The assembly includes a plurality of plates and sheets adapted to be engaged to form enclosures for lighting. Lighting is secured to the sheets within the enclosures. The assembly further includes one or more pillars each adapted to engage the plates and to house additional lighting. The invention also includes methods of assembling the display system and methods of displaying and illuminating the various food items.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to illuminated display stands for food items, particularly baked goods and hors d&#39;oeuvres, and more particularly tiered wedding cakes. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   A wedding celebration is a momentous occasion, not only for the bride and groom, but also for the families, friends, and acquaintances of the married couple. The importance of the event is marked in numerous ways: the distinctive garb of the wedding party, the provision of music, dancing, floral arrangements, table decorations, food and drink. Pride of place among the table decorations and ornaments is accorded the wedding cake. The wedding cake, in addition to serving as a conclusion to the wedding meal, stands as a prominent symbol of the event, usually in full view of the participants, throughout the time prior to and during the consumption of the wedding lunch or dinner. 
   Because of its importance, significant care and expense are invested in providing a wedding cake which is not only satisfying to eat, but attractive to look upon. Regardless of the quantity of cake required to satisfy the guests, the symbolic importance of of the cake often requires that it extend vertically above the tabletop to serve as an eye-catching centerpiece. Various cake supports and cake stands have been devised to separate the layers of the cake into an imposing structure. These cake supports may be formed of metal or plastic and, in addition to adding structural rigidity to a multilayer cake, also increase the visual volume of the cake assembly without unduly adding to the number of servings. Modular cake stands provide for rapid assembly of the cake and convenient transportation from the bakery to the reception hall. Cake trays formed of molded transparent plastic to simulate the appearance of cut glass may have downwardly protruding legs which support the tray on the tabletop or on tubular plastic pillars. 
   The importance of the wedding cake calls for prominent lighting. However, the overhead lighting within a banquet hall cannot always be accurately controlled. Furthermore, because the cake is an edible product, usually iced with sugar-based frosting, it should be protected from elevated temperatures, such as might be generated by the long-term directing of a spotlight. Wax candles with their flickering flames have been a traditional way of calling attention to a cake. However, burning candles require supervision, and present a potential fire hazard in crowded locations. Moreover, wax from the candles may drip onto the cake surface or the surfaces of the serving plates causing an unsightly mess. 
   Thus, there exists a need for a display capable of elevating and illuminating a wedding cake (or other food items), securely supporting the cake layer, and displaying the cake in a manner that draws visual attention. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One aspect of the invention is an illuminated assembly for displaying a food item, such as a wedding cake, hors d&#39;oeuvres, pie, other buffet items and the like. The assembly includes first and second plates, at least one hollow pillar, the first and second plates adapted to engage the at least one hollow pillar, a third plate adapted to engage the first plate defining a first enclosure, a first sheet including a plurality of fasteners, the first sheet adapted to reside within the first enclosure, a fourth plate adapted to engage the second plate defining a second enclosure, a second sheet adapted to reside within the second enclosure, and, a continuous string of a plurality of electric lights. A first portion of the lights is affixed to the second sheet, a second portion of the lights comprises one or more loops, each loop having respective proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion of each loop resides suspended within a corresponding hollow pillar. The distal portion of each loop of lights are removably fastened in the plurality of fasteners. The pillars can be fixedly engaged to the first and second plates by adhesive. The first portion of lights can be affixed to the second sheet by a hot melt adhesive. The hollow pillar(s) define a pathway for the continuous string of lights between first and second enclosures. The first sheet has at least one opening. The second sheet also has at least one opening. The first and second sheet openings are in registry with each corresponding hollow pillar and pathway for the continuous string of lights between the first and second enclosures. The illuminated displays of the present invention are very impressive to the observers such that many users prefer to leave the display illuminated even when the food items are removed. 
   In another aspect of the invention, the assembly includes at least 3 hollow pillars, wherein the second portion of lights includes at least 3 loops of lights, and wherein a proximal portion of each loop of lights resides suspended in a corresponding hollow pillar and the distal portion of each loop of lights are fastened to the plurality of fasteners. The plurality of fasteners may be a plurality of resilient clips affixed to the first sheet. The fasteners can be fixedly engaged to the first sheet by adhesive. 
   Another aspect of the invention relates to structures adapted to engage the third plate, first sheet and first plate. The third plate includes 3 or more tapered members, the first sheet includes 3 or more holes, and the first plate includes 3 or more receptacles. The tapered members are adapted to engage the holes and receptacles to secure the third plate, first sheet and first plate assembly. 
   Similarly, the invention includes structures adapted to engage the fourth plate, second sheet and second plate. The fourth plate includes 3 or more tapered members adapted to engage the second sheet and the second plate. The second sheet includes 3 or more holes, and the second plate includes 3 or more receptacles. The tapered members are adapted to engage the holes and receptacles to secure the fourth plate, second sheet and second plate assembly. 
   The first, second, third and fourth plates and pillars may be constructed from a polyacrylic. The first and second sheets and resilient clips may also be constructed from a polyacrylic. 
   Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of assembling the illuminated assembly. The method includes affixing the first and second plates to the at least one hollow pillar, and, threading each loop of lights through a corresponding pillar. Each loop comprises proximal and distal portions of lights, whereby the proximal portion resides within the hollow pillar and the distal portion resides in the upper enclosure. The method further includes fastening the distal portion of the lights to the first sheet, engaging the third plate, first sheet and first plate, and, engaging the fourth plate, second sheet and second plate. 
   Another aspect of the invention is assembling the illuminated assembly, wherein the assembly includes at least 3 pillars. After the first and second plates are affixed to the at least 3 hollow pillars, each loop of lights are threaded through a corresponding pillar, whereby each loop comprises proximal and distal portions. The distal portion of each loop is fastened to the first sheet. The proximal portion is suspended within the pillar. The third plate, first sheet and first plate are engaged, and the fourth plate, second sheet and second plate are engaged. 
   Another aspect of the invention is directed to a subassembly for use in a cake display assembly. The subassembly includes a first sheet, a second sheet, a plurality of fasteners affixed to the second sheet, and, a string of a plurality of lights. A first portion of the plurality of lights are affixed to the first sheet. A second portion of the plurality of lights includes one or more loops. The proximal portion of each loop is suspended between the first and second sheets within corresponding pillars. The distal portion of each loop is adapted to be fastened to the second sheet. The fasteners may be resilient clips. The first portion of the plurality of lights may be affixed to the first sheet by hot melt adhesive. The first and second sheets and resilient clips may also be constructed from a polyacrylic. 
   Still another aspect of the invention is a method of displaying a food item. The method includes providing one or more food items and providing one or more display assemblies, and contacting the one or more food items with one or more of the displays in a predetermined arrangement. The displays are illuminated by powering the string of lights. The string of lights can be powered by a wall outlet, a battery or another suitable power source. The food item may be wedding cake, hors d&#39;oeuvres, pie or the like. 
   Still another aspect of the invention is a method of assembling the illuminated display assembly whereby first and second plates affixed to the at least one hollow pillar are provided. Another step includes threading each loop of the lights through a corresponding pillar. Each loop of lights comprises proximal and distal portions, which are threaded through corresponding pillars. Other steps include fastening the distal portion of the lights to the first sheet; engaging the third plate, first sheet and first plate; and, engaging the fourth plate, second sheet and second plate. 
   Further objects, features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention being an unassembled display assembly having 4 hollow pillars for displaying a wedding cake. 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the display shown in  FIG. 1  assembled and including a string of lights incorporated within the display to illuminate the display assembly. 
       FIG. 3  shows a partial perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention whereby lights are affixed to one of the sheets with hot melt adhesive. 
       FIG. 4  shows a partial sectional side view of one embodiment of an assembled display assembly of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention being a subassembly. 
       FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention being a friction fit having an abutment between the pillar and the upper or lower plates. 
   

   The instant invention is not limited to the figures or drawings which are provided merely to illustrate some of the preferred embodiments of the invention. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the display  10  for a wedding cake  12  includes several components. The display  10  can also be placed on top of another layer of cake  13  whereby a tiered wedding cake is displayed and illuminated by the present invention (see  FIG. 4 ). All or most of the components in the display  10  may be constructed from a clear, transparent polyacrylic which provides a crystal-like appearance, particularly when illuminated. The components may also be made from other suitable plastic materials, such as polystyrene, polycarbonate or other suitable plastics. The plastic components may be made from the same material or different materials. The plastic material may be clear or tinted. The plastic material may also be transparent, translucent or partially transparent/translucent, which described materials are all referred to herein as “light transmitting.”. The plastic components may be made by injection molding or other suitable processes. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , an upper cake plate  14  having four tapered legs  16  provides a surface to place the wedding cake  12 . The upper cake plate  14  also includes a serrated and faceted rim edging  18  that provides a crystal-like appearance and accents to the illumination, such as sparkles and twinkles. The upper cake plate  14  engages an upper sheet  22  having hole openings  20 ,  24  therein. The tapered legs  16  engage holes  20  which are sized to engage the tapered portion of legs  16  (see also  FIG. 4 ). 
   Similarly as shown in  FIG. 1 , the display  10  includes a lower cake plate  30  having four tapered legs  32  and a serrated and faceted rim edging  34  that also provides a crystal-like appearance and accents upon illumination. The lower cake plate  30  engages a lower sheet  36  having hole openings  38 ,  40  therein. The tapered legs  32  engage holes  38  which are sized to engage the tapered portion of legs  32  (see also  FIG. 4 ). For a given display, the upper and lower cake plates  14 ,  30  may be identical and interchangeable; and, the upper and lower sheets  22 ,  36  may also be identical and interchangeable. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the display  10  further includes a column assembly  42  to be situated between the upper and lower cake plates  14 ,  30  and sheets  22 ,  36 . The column assembly  42  shown in  FIG. 1  includes four pillars  44  affixed between an upper column plate  46  and a lower column plate  48 . The pillars  44  can be affixed to the column plates  46 ,  48  at hollow openings  52  with an adhesive  47  (see  FIG. 4 ). It can be envisioned that a single pillar could be used where the diameter of the pillar is sufficient for stability. It can further be envisioned that two pillars could be employed so long as they have sufficient diameter for stability. It can still further be envisioned that 3, 4, 5, etc. pillars could be employed in the column assembly  42  whereby stability is achieved without necessarily enlarged pillar diameter. The upper column plate includes four boss  50  receptacle structures affixed thereto and aligned with the holes  20  and tapered legs  16  for engagement (see  FIG. 4 ). The lower column plate  48  also includes four boss  49  receptacle structures (shown in  FIG. 2 ) affixed thereto and similarly situated so as to engage holes  38  and tapered legs  32  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
   Similarly, hollow openings  52  in the upper and lower (shown in  FIG. 1 ) column plates are aligned with pillars  44  and provide a means for threading a loop  80  (see  FIG. 5 ) in the string of lights  60  through the column assembly  42 . To that end, holes  24 , 40  in the upper and lower sheets  22 ,  36  are also aligned with the hollow openings  52  to permit threading of the loop  80  in a string of lights  60  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). Preferably, the column assembly  42  is symmetrical such that it can be inverted (as shown) and still engage the upper and lower cake plates  14 ,  30  and sheets  22 ,  36 . The display  10  provides a stable support for the wedding cake  12  due, in part, to engagement between the cake plates  14 ,  30  and the column assembly  42  which prevents slipping and sliding. At least three tapered legs  16 ,  32  are needed to prevent tipping. The volume between the upper cake plate  14  and the upper column plate  46  defines an upper enclosure  100  of limited height (see  FIG. 4 ). Similarly, the volume between the lower cake plate  30  and the lower column plate  48  defines a lower enclosure  102  of limited height (see  FIG. 4 ). As further shown in  FIG. 4 , the plastic sheets  22  and  36  are of limited thickness sufficient to secure the affixed fasteners and lights on the sheets in pre-selected positions when the sheets are respectively positioned within the upper and lower enclosures  100  and  102 , without such thickness occupying a significant portion of the height of the enclosures  100 ,  102 , and do not significantly reduce the volume of the enclosures  100  and  102 . 
   Shown in  FIG. 2  is an assembled display  11  having a string of lights  60  fastened and threaded throughout the display  10  to provide illumination. The string  60  includes male  62  and female  64  electrical connectors for connection into a conventional wall socket (at, e.g., 110 volts), extension cord or the like, and a plurality of lights  66 . Electrical power to the string of lights  60  may also be provided by one or more batteries or other suitable electrical power sources and associated electrical connectors. The wires  67  along the string of lights  66  is shown as a single wire for visual ease, however, most commercial string lighting is double-wired. Most commercial string lighting is also equally-spaced between the individual lights  66 .  FIGS. 2-5  show the individual lights  66  as being approximately equally-spaced. 
   The string of lights  60  is threaded through and fastened within the display  10 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the lights  66  are affixed to the lower sheet  36  by hot melt adhesive. Preferably, a dollop  68  of hot melt adhesive is located between the light  66  and the lower sheet  36 , and a band  70  of hot melt adhesive lays over the light  66  and affixes to the lower sheet  36 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , each light  66  is removably fastened to the upper sheet  14  by a plastic resilient clip  72 . The plastic clip  72  is affixed to the upper sheet  22  by an adhesive. It is also appreciated that because the assembled display  11  is symmetrical, the assembled display  11  can be inverted such that the sheet  36  having lights  66  affixed thereto by hot melt adhesive is situated above the sheet  22  having lights  66  removably fastened thereto. For ease of assembling and disassembling the string of lights  60  within the display  10 , however, one of the sheets is adapted to fixedly attach the lights while the other sheet is adapted to removably attach the lights. 
   As shown in  FIG. 5 , another aspect of the invention is an assembled subassembly  13  comprising the two sheets  22 ,  36  having the string of lights  60  fixedly attached to sheet  36  and removably fastened to sheet  14 . Preferably, the subassembly  13  is provided with the lights unfastened to sheet  14 . Thus, the subassembly  13  could be provided separate from the column assembly  42  and cake plates  14 ,  30 . 
   To assemble the display  11 , the subassembly  13  is provided with the string of lights  60  unfastened from the top sheet  14 . The lights  66  are affixed to the lower sheet  36  such that a loop  80  of lights  66  is provided for each pillar  44 . The affixed lights  66  reside in the lower enclosure  102 . In this embodiment, there are four loops  80  to be threaded through the four pillars  44 . The loops  80  are threaded through the four pillars  44  whereby the proximal portion of each loop  80  resides within the pillar  44 , and whereby the distal portion of each loop  80  resides in the upper enclosure  100 . The individual lights  66  on the distal portion of each loop  80  are fastened within the nearby resilient clips  72  in an arrangement dictated by the lengths of the wire  67  between the lights  66 . The length of the string of lights  60 , the number of lights, and the spacing between lights is selected in accordance with the size of the display, the number of pillars and the desired degree of illumination as well as other suitable considerations. 
   While the displays  10 ,  11 ,  13  are shown to be circular in shape, it is appreciated that other embodiments of the invention include any other suitable shape, such as square, rectangular, oval, trapezoidal, triangular, etc. The sheets may be polyacrylic PETG discs having a thickness of 0.030 inch and obtainable from Laser Excel of Green Lake, Wis. The adhesive used to glue the pillars to the column plates; to glue the resilient clips to the upper sheet; and to glue the boss structures to the column plates may be a methyl methacrylic-based solvent cement such as Weld.On 3 obtainable from IPS Corporation of Gardena, Calif. The resilient clips may be polyacrylic clips obtainable from Emerald Innovations of Butler, Pa. The string of lights may be 110 volt end to end 50 white lights on a 20 ft white double-stranded white wire obtainable from Flora-Lite Company of Clearwater, Fla. The hot melt adhesive is obtainable from McMaster Carr of Chicago, Ill. under the product name Surebonder™. 
   As shown in  FIG. 5 , the pillar  44  (which defines the hollow opening  52 , may also be fitted in frictional and mechanical engagement with the upper and/or lower plates  46 , 48 . An abutment surface  51  further mechanically secures the pillar  44  preventing it from sliding through the upper and/or lower plates  46 , 48 . A receptacle collar  53  may also be affixed  55  (e.g., by acrylic glue) to the upper and/or lower plates  46 , 48  to further secure the pillar  44  by frictional and/or mechanical engagement. It is understood that the receptacle collar  53  and other like/suitable components included herein may be integrally molded with an adjoining component or molded separately and affixed with, for example, glue or the like. This friction fitted embodiment may be preferred where disassembly of the column assembly  42  is desirable. This friction fitted embodiment is particularly preferred where a single pillar  44  is employed. 
   The invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above. However, various alternatives, modifications, variations, substitutions and/or equivalents (whether known, foreseeable or unforeseeable) apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the claimed invention so long as such does not depart from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.