Abstract:
An edible film and method of using same for decorating foodstuffs, in particular baked goods, wherein anyone can easily, inexpensively and artistically decorate foodstuffs. The edible film according to the present invention is composed of an edible polymer film which is preferably releasably mounted upon a flexible substrate to provide a reinforced edible film. The edible film is peelably released from the substrate to provide decorations for the foodstuff. The edible film may be decoratively prepared into predetermined decorations prior to distribution, which may include being pre-printed, pre-cut, colored, or being of pre-selected opacity and sheen. Pre-printing may be accomplished by any suitable printing process utilizing edible inks. Alternatively, the edible film may be distributed in a not yet finalized decoration form, wherein finalization is left up to the user. For example, the reinforced edible film may be distributed without being pre-printed or only partially pre-printed, wherein the user controls subsequent printing, writing, drawing or otherwise marking upon the edible film, such as by use of edible ink writing instruments. Further, the user may purchase sheets of the reinforced edible film and thereafter cut the reinforced edible film sheets into shapes defined by the user.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of my U.S. application Ser. No. 10/445,779, filed May 27, 2003, which is a continuation of my U.S. application Ser. No. 09/122,262, filed Jul. 24, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,897, which is a continuation of my U.S. application Ser. No. 08/471,761, filed Jun. 6, 1995, now abandoned, which was a divisional of my U.S. application Ser. No. 08/088,125, filed Jul. 7, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,958, and the disclosures of all of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entireties. 
     
    
       [0002]    I. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to devices and methods used to decorate foodstuffs, particularly baked goods, such as for example cakes and pies. More particularly, the present invention relates to an edible film for decorating foodstuffs that is releasably adhered to a substrate, wherein the edible film is peelably released from the substrate and thereupon applied to the foodstuff. The edible film may be pre-printed with edible inks or may be written or drawn upon by the user such as for example by edible ink pens, may be colored, clear or selectively opaque, may be die-cut into pre-selected shapes or may be cut into selected shapes by the user. 
         [0004]    II. Description of Prior Art 
         [0005]    Foodstuffs, particularly baked goods, such as cakes, pies, cookies, and the like, are frequently decorated so as to present a pleasing presentation to those who are about to enjoy eating them. Especially on notable occasions such as a birthday, a holiday or a major life event such as a graduation or a wedding, cakes and other foodstuffs are ornately decorated in a manner consonant with the theme of the occasion. 
         [0006]    The decoration of a special occasion cake, for example, usually involves an encompassing icing, artistic ornamentations of icing applied thereupon, and possibly one or more appliques of pictorialized icing. Clearly, only excellent results can be expected if the person applying the artistic ornamentations is a true artisan. And, the pictorialized icing is generally restricted to only generic occasions, but not for unique occasions, such as a person receiving a promotion at work. In any event, such beautifully decorated foodstuffs are rather expensive, and even more so when they are personalized. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, it would be a significant advance in the foodstuff decorating art if foodstuffs could be beautifully decorated without the labor of an artisan or without expensive and occasion limited icing appliques. 
         [0008]    In the prior art there have been various attempts at this noble goal, with greater and lesser degrees of success. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,852,494 to Williamson, dated Dec. 3, 1974, discloses a method and apparatus for decorating a confectionery item, such as a cake, wherein a stamp is vertically moved to kiss the icing surface and thereupon transfer an edible outline to the icing. Thereafter, an artisan manually fills-in the outline with an edible color fill material. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,024,287 to Golchert, discloses a process for decorating a confectionery item, such as a cake, wherein a design is traced onto a transfer medium, such as tissue paper. The transfer medium is then placed onto the confectionary item and a moist sponge placed thereover to cause the design to transfer onto the confectionary item. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,531,292 to Pasternack, dated Jul. 30, 1985, discloses an imaging process for decorating foodstuffs, wherein an image is received by an electronic image processor which thereupon generates drive signals to a scribing means. The scribing means includes a bridge that carries an electromagnetically actuated stylus which effects to inscribably transfer edible ink from a transfer sheet onto the foodstuff or an icing applique. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,578,273 to Krubert, dated Mar. 25, 1986, discloses a method f or printing upon foodstuffs, wherein a hard icing placed upon the foodstuff is color printed via a series of printings at successive print stations, each providing a different color. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,910,661 to Barth et al, dated Mar. 20, 1990, discloses an automatic decorating machine for applying flowable decorative materials to foodstuffs and other articles. A video image may be combined with artwork or characters as an input to an electronic circuit which then controls operation of liquid spray applicators and icing dispensers to provide a decorated foodstuff having decorations that are a facsimile of the input. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,394 to Macpherson et al, dated May 21, 1991, discloses a method for decorating foodstuffs, wherein an edible base shape is screen casted upon a carrier medium and thereafter printed upon preferably by a screen printing process. An apparatus is used to separate the base shape from the carrier medium so that the base shape may be thereafter applied to the foodstuff. 
         [0015]    The various attempts at providing improved foodstuff decoration suffer from any or all of: reliance upon artisan labor, excessively complicated and expensive apparatus, or applications limitations. 
         [0016]    Accordingly, what is needed is a universally applicable, simplistic and inexpensive provision for foodstuff decoration, which provision is easily and competently accessible to the average user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    The present invention is an edible film and method of using same for decorating foodstuffs, in particular baked goods, wherein anyone can easily, inexpensively and artistically decorate foodstuffs. 
         [0018]    The edible film according to the present invention is composed of an edible polymer film which is preferably releasably mounted upon a flexible substrate to provide a reinforced edible film. The edible film is peelably released from the substrate to provide decorations for the foodstuff. The edible film may be decoratively prepared into predetermined decorations prior to distribution, which may include being pre-printed, pre-cut, colored, or being of pre-selected opacity and sheen. Pre-printing may be accomplished by any suitable printing process utilizing edible inks. Alternatively, the edible film may be distributed in a not yet finalized decoration form, wherein finalization is left up to the user. For example, the reinforced edible film may be distributed without being pre-printed or only partially pre-printed, wherein the user controls subsequent printing, writing, drawing or otherwise marking upon the edible film, such as by use of edible ink pens. Further, the user may purchase sheets of the reinforced edible film and thereafter cut the reinforced edible film sheets into shapes defined by the user. 
         [0019]    The reinforced edible film may be distributed in the form of prepared decorating kits containing decorations for decorating foodstuffs generically for common occasions, which kits may further have provision for user modification for individualized preparation or finalization of the decorations. The reinforced edible film may be further made available for commercial preparation of personalized decoratively prepared edible film decorations. 
         [0020]    In a first version of the method according to the present invention, an edible film is pre-printed utilizing edible inks into decorations. The pre-printing may be based upon any pictorial or graphic source, and may be generic or may be personalized. The user then releases the edible film from its flexible substrate and places the pre-printed edible film onto the foodstuff. For example, a happy birthday design on an edible film may be placed upon the icing at the top of a birthday cake. 
         [0021]    In a second version of the method according to the present invention, an edible film is not pre-printed or is only partly pre-printed. The user places personalized markings upon the edible film utilizing edible ink, such as from edible ink pens. The user then releases the edible film from its flexible substrate and then places it upon the foodstuff, as recounted immediately above. 
         [0022]    In yet a third version of the method according to the present invention, the user may cut the reinforced edible film into desired shapes or may use pre-cut shapes of the edible film, which after the edible film is released from the substrate, are then placed at decoratively pleasing locations on a foodstuff. The edible film may be pre-printed, colored or otherwise decorated so as to be decoratively distinguishable when placed upon the foodstuff. 
         [0023]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an edible film and method of using same for decorating a foodstuff, wherein a user can accomplish artistically professional results inexpensively and without training or innate talent. 
         [0024]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide kits for foodstuff decorations, wherein the kits contain pre-printed and pre-cut edible film decorations which may be applicable to generic or specific occasions. 
         [0025]    It is another object of the present invention to provide kits for foodstuff decorations, wherein the kits contain non-printed or partly printed and non-cut or pre-cut edible film sheets or portions of sheets which are finalized by a user to form decorations which may be applicable to generic or specific occasions. 
         [0026]    It is an additional object of the present invention to provide an edible film releasably adhered to a flexible substrate so as to provide a reinforced edible film that admits of rough handling, yet the film itself may be very delicate and gossamer. 
         [0027]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a reinforced edible film having structural integrity sufficiently suitable for printing thereupon by manual or automatic processes, yet when the edible film is peeled from the flexible substrate, the edible film becomes a decoration that is of such a delicate and gossamer quality that it is able to conjoin with the surface of the foodstuff in a manner that suggests the decoration alone and not the edible film basis therefor. 
         [0028]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a foodstuff decoration which is applicable to a wide range of foodstuff decoration situations, wherein the decoration supplies a visual contribution thereto and may or may not contribute to the taste and masticatory feel of the foodstuff. 
         [0029]    It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a reinforced edible film which is translucent sufficiently to enable a user to trace onto the edible film portion of the reinforced edible film a depiction constituting any picture, graphic, drawing, etc. that has been placed beneath the reinforced edible film. 
         [0030]    These, and additional objects, advantages, features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a foodstuff decorated using the reinforced edible film and method of use therefor according to the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a partly sectional end view of a manual forming apparatus for providing a reinforced edible film according to the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the manual forming apparatus depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the manual forming apparatus depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the reinforced edible film according to the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the reinforced edible film shown in the process of the edible film being peeled from the substrate. 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the reinforced edible film of  FIG. 6 , wherein the edible film is being peeled from its releasable substrate. 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  depicts pre-printed and pre-cut decorations for a specific occasion utilizing the reinforced edible film according to the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  depicts two examples of reinforced edible film: the upper example is a colored reinforced edible film having a number of pre-cut decorations for a generic occasion; the lower example is a reinforced edible film having pre-cut, pre-printed decorations for a generic occasion. 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  depicts a blank reinforced edible film according to the present invention which may be user marked upon and user cut. 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  depicts a reinforced edible film as depicted in  FIG. 10 , wherein the edible film is shown being custom marked upon by a user. 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  is a kit containing sheets of the reinforced edible film which may be pre-printed, blank, pre-cut, uncut, colored, clear, of selected opacity, of selected sheen, or same combination thereof, and also including a number of edible ink writing instruments. 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  is a schematic of an automated forming apparatus for providing the reinforced edible film according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0044]    Referring now to the Drawings, decorations  10  made according to the method of the present invention are shown operatively located on the icing  12  of a foodstuff  14  in the form of a cake. In this regard, it will be noted that the decorations  10  appear to be integral with the icing  12  and are decoratively arranged in a manner determined by a user. In the exemplification depicted in  FIG. 1 , the user selected decorations  10  in the form of hearts  10   a  which the user placed alignably around the side of the cake, and further placed pre-printed lettering  10   b  which is specific to an occasion (in this case a twenty-first birthday) to the top of the cake. 
         [0045]    In order to accomplish the aforesaid decorative effect on the foodstuff  14 , the user utilized a reinforced edible film  16  composed of an edible film  18  which is releasably attached to a flexible substrate  20  (see  FIG. 5 ). The edible film has been cut and the edible film printed upon to provide the decorations  10   a,    10   b  depicted in  FIG. 1 . The edible film  18  is itself sufficiently gossamer so as to unobtrusively meld into the icing  12 , while the substrate  20  provides sufficient structural integrity for the edible film so that it may be easily and effectively processed into a decoration, such as for example printing and cutting thereof. 
         [0046]    The edible film  18  is preferably a water soluble polymer film, such as that manufactured by Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Mich. under the trademark METHOCEL. METHOCEL encompasses a range of both methylcellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in a wide range of viscosities, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose being preferred. However, other kinds of edible films known in the art may be used. 
         [0047]    The substrate  20  is a food product compatible, flexible sheet which has the properties of releasably adhering to the edible film  18  in a manner that admits of hand peeling and further of providing mechanical handling integrity for the edible film so that the edible film may be processed, such as by printing and cutting, into a decoration. An example of an acceptable substrate  20  is mylar, preferably 3 mil DuPont EB-11 mylar sheet. Other food product compatible substrates may be used. 
         [0048]    A preferred method of preparing the preferred edible film  18  is as follows. 
         [0049]    Firstly, a solution  21  of edible film material must be provided. In the case of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, the following steps are suggested by Dow Chemical Company which makes use of the principle that hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is insoluble in hot water: disperse in water the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose product using ⅕ to ⅓ the required total amount of water as hot water (176 to 194 degrees F.) while agitating the water, upon thorough wetting of the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose particles, the remaining water is added as cold water while continuing agitation, after a smooth solution has been obtained at less than 77 degrees F. the agitation is continued for approximately 20 minutes. The ratio of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose to water is predetermined to arrive at a preselected viscosity of the resulting edible film. 
         [0050]    Additional ingredients may now be stirred into the solution, one at a time, so that the final properties of the edible film formed therefrom are as desired. For example, the following additives may be added to the solution. A plasticizer, such as propylene glycol may be added to control elasticity of the edible film, to control adhesion of the edible film to the substrate, and to provide variation in surface sheen of the edible film. Starch may be added to build edible film body, to control opacity thereof and to provide variation of surface sheen of the edible film (it tends to create a matte finish). A colorant in the form of an approved food color controls the color of the edible film. A flavoring in the form of an approved food flavor, such as for example oils, extracts and artificial flavors, controls the taste of the edible film. 
         [0051]    Examples of solutions  21  for providing the preferred edible film  18  are as follows. 
       EXAMPLE 1 
     For Providing a Clear Edible Film 
       [0052]    18 grams of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; 
         [0053]    1 ml of propylene glycol; and 
         [0054]    240 ml of water. 
       EXAMPLE 2 
     For Providing a Colorless and Opaque Edible Film 
       [0055]    18 grams of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; 
         [0056]    1 ml of propylene glycol; 
         [0057]    245 ml of water; and 
         [0058]    12 grams of starch. 
       EXAMPLE 3 
     For Providing a Pink and Translucent Edible Film 
       [0059]    18 grams of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; 
         [0060]    0.5 ml of propylene glycol; 
         [0061]    235 ml of water; and 
         [0062]    5 ml of food coloring composed of:
       water, propylene glycol, and   FD&amp;C Red #3.       
 
       EXAMPLE 4 
     For Providing a Black and Opaque Edible Film 
       [0065]    18 grams of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; 
         [0066]    1 ml of propylene glycol; 
         [0067]    240 ml of water; 
         [0068]    4 grams of starch; and 
         [0069]    10 ml of food coloring composed of:
       water, propylene glycol, and   FD&amp;C Blue #1, Red #3,   Yellow #5 and Yellow #6.       
 
       EXAMPLE 5 
     For Providing a Yellow and Opaque, Lemon Flavored Edible Film 
       [0073]    20 grams of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; 
         [0074]    1 ml of propylene glycol; 
         [0075]    240 ml of water; 
         [0076]    4 grams of starch; 
         [0077]    2 ml of lemon extract; 
         [0078]    2 grams of sweetener (aspartame); and 
         [0079]    10 ml of food coloring composed of:
       water, propylene glycol, and   FD&amp;C Red #40 and Yellow #5.       
 
         [0082]    Next, the solution  21  is formed into a film geometry upon the substrate  20 . This is accomplished by either a manual forming apparatus  15  (see  FIGS. 2 through 4 ) or by an automated forming apparatus  28  (see  FIG. 13 ). 
         [0083]    The manual forming apparatus  15  includes a glass base  22  which lays horizontally on a surface (not shown) such as a table. The substrate  20  is laid upon the glass base  22  and the edges thereof, including opposite edges  20   a ,  20   b , are taped by a mylar tape  24  having a non-permanent adhesive to the glass base  22 . The thickness of the tape  24  defines the thickness of the edible film  18  to be formed. Accordingly, the thickness of the edible film is controlled by varying the tape thickness itself or by adding or subtracting layers of the tape. A thickness range of between 0.0004 to 0.0015 inch is preferred for providing unobtrusively thin, gossamer edible films. Thicker edible films can provide more flavor and provide greater mechanical strength for manipulation by a user. A glass wiper  26  is placed edgewise onto the tape  24  at each edge  20   a ,  20   b  of the substrate  20  so as to be slidable therealong. A preselected quantity of solution  21  is poured onto the substrate  20  and starting from one end of the substrate  20 , the wiper  26  is wiped along the tape  24  in the direction indicated by arrow M while being inclined acutely (approximately at 45 degrees to the substrate) in the direction of the wiping movement. The speed of movement is maintained so that the solution  21  is formed into a uniform film geometry as the wiper  26  slides on the tape  24 . 
         [0084]    The solution  21  now having a film geometry must be dried. Drying may take 12 to 14 hours in room temperature ambient air, but the drying time may be shortened significantly by increasing air temperature and circulation. The tape  24  may be removed at any time. Upon the completion of edible film drying, the result is a reinforced edible film  16  in the form of an edible film  18  releasably adhered to a substrate  20 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0085]    The automated forming apparatus  28 , shown in  FIG. 13 , provides commercial quantities of the reinforced edible film  16 . The process line  28   a  is logically controlled, as for example by a programmable logic controller, such as an Allen-Bradley SCL 500. Programmability allows flexibility in adjusting sequencing, process line speed, etc., via a personal computer and software interface. 
         [0086]    The substrate  20  is provided as a coil  20   a  and is decoiled at a decoiler station  30 . The decoiler station  30  preferably provides two coil positions, one in a process position on-line and one in a reload position off-line. The two positions alternate as the decoiler station  30  is allowed to shift transverse to the process line  28   a . This effects to reduce idle manufacturing time while reloading a new substrate coil, so that one is always in the process position. An example of a coil  20   a  of substrate  20  in the form of DuPont 3 mil EB-11 mylar film has a width of between 18 and 55 inches and a length of 6,200 feet. The decoiler station  30  is electrically driven preferably by a DC drive and is asynchronous to the process line drives. 
         [0087]    A tension arm  32  provides a buffer between the coil drives and the process drives. The tension arm  32  is structured to maintain constant tensioning of the decoiled portion of the substrate coming off the substrate coil  20   a.    
         [0088]    The substrate  20  is drawn up to the process line by cushioned, spring tensioned wheels  34  which are arranged in two opposing rows, one on either side of the substrate, so as to supply a pinching force to the substrate as it passes thereby. The wheels  34  contact about 1 inch of the substrate surface, upper and lower. The substrate  20  is supported between the rows of wheels  34  by a flat teflon coated plate surface  35  to prevent sagging of the substrate as it is transferred. 
         [0089]    A casting station  36  is provided, consisting for example of a  50  gallon tank  36   a  holding the solution  21  overhead the substrate  20 . A plurality of nozzles  36   b , such as for example  10  nozzles uniformly spaced across the width of the substrate  20 , are solenoid operated to allow gravity feed of the solution  21  from the tank  36   a  to the substrate  20 . The solenoids are logically controlled to meter the solution flow rate at the nozzles  36   b  so as to conform with line speed as based upon the rate of rotation of the drive wheels  34 . 
         [0090]    A plurality of casting stations may be located sequentially along the process line  28   a  so as to provide ready change in the solution formulation so as to minimize line disruption. 
         [0091]    Trailing the casting station  36  is a forming station  38 . The forming station  38  provides for leveling, smoothing and thickness control of the edible film  18  being formed from the dispensed solution  21 . A wiper  38   a  in the form, for example, of a single plate of tempered glass is located transverse to and overhead the substrate  20 . The overhead location is controlled by finely threaded screws with respect to a stationarily affixed mounting bracket  38   b , which overhead location relative to the substrate  20  determines the thickness of the edible film  18 . The edible film  18  is formed as the substrate  20  passes beneath the wiper  38   a  and is thereupon leveled and smoothed. The wiper  38   a  is inclined with respect to the substrate  20  at an acute incoming angle, preferably of around 45 degrees. 
         [0092]    Next, a dehydration tunnel  40  provides filtered and heated air in forced circulation adjacent the drying, newly formed edible film  18 . The temperature and rate of air circulation is controlled to adjust to line speed and solution formulation. 
         [0093]    After the dehydration tunnel  40 , the now more-or-less dried edible film  18  is ambiently dried and cooled at a finishing station  42 , resulting in a finished reinforced edible film  16 . 
         [0094]    Lastly, the reinforced edible film  16  is either rolled or cut to size at a final processing station  44 . The edible film  18  may thereafter be die cut to provide decoration defining score lines and/or the edible film may be imprinted at one or more adjacent in-line stations; otherwise, the reinforced edible film  16  may be taken elsewhere for storage, shipping or further processing. 
         [0095]    Turning now to  FIGS. 6 through 13 , the method of use of the reinforced edible film  16  will now be detailed. 
         [0096]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show how the foodstuff  14  was decorated using the reinforced edible film  16 .  FIG. 6  shows a sheet of the reinforced edible film  16 , wherein the edible film  18  has been imprinted with the edible ink design of the top decoration  10   b  and the side decorations  10   a.  The edible film  18  has a die cut score  10   c  which defines the top decoration  10   b.  The user removes the edible film  18  carrying the top decoration  10   b  from the substrate  20  by starting peeling at the score line  10   c  by using his or her fingernail, which may be facilitated by gently folding the substrate at the score line  10   c,  to peel the top decoration  10   b  off from the substrate  20 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . The user then places the top decoration  10   b  onto the top of the foodstuff  14  in a pleasing placement thereupon, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The side decorations  10   a  are provided in strips having die cut score lines  10   c  which define rows of decorations that facilitate side-by-side alignment of the decorations around the side of the foodstuff  14 . The edible film portions carrying the side decorations  10   b  are manually peeled off from the substrate  20  with the initial aid of the user&#39;s fingernail by either gently folding the substrate at the score line  10   c  or starting peeling at the edge and then peeling off the edible film from the substrate in the same manner as shown in  FIG. 7 . The decoration  10   b  is then placed upon the side of the foodstuff  14  as shown in  FIG. 1 . It will be understood that preferably the edible film  18  is gossamer, wherein its thickness is sufficiently thin so that it basically disappears as against the foodstuff  14 , which in this case is the icing  12  thereof. In this regard, moisture of the foodstuff  14  transfers to the edible film  18 , causing adherence of the edible film to the surface of the foodstuff without destroying the edible film in the process. Accordingly, an incredibly professional foodstuff decoration has been effected independent of the discretionary income and artistic acumen of the user. 
         [0097]      FIGS. 8 through 12  show variations of methods of using the reinforced edible film  16 .  FIG. 8  depicts a reinforced edible film  16  having a pre-printed, pre-cut (see score lines  10   c ) edible film  18  in the form of finalized decorations  10   d  for use at a specific occasion.  FIG. 9  depicts two examples of sheets of reinforced edible film  16 . The upper example depicts a sheet of reinforced edible film  16  having a colored edible film  18  with pre-cut (see score lines  10   c ) decorations  10   f  for use at a generic occasion. The lower example depicts a sheet of reinforced edible film  16  having an edible film  18  that has pre-printed, pre-cut (see score lines  10   c ) decorations  10   e.    FIG. 10  depicts a non-printed, uncut sheet of reinforced edible film  16  for any occasion, in which the edible film  18  is to be printed upon by a user and the reinforced edible film cut by the user so as to provide user finalized decorations  10   g,  such as depicted in  FIG. 11 . With regard to  FIG. 11 , the user is utilizing a writing instrument  46 , preferably a pen of the felt tip variety, having contained therein colored edible ink to draw the decorations log. The process depicted in  FIG. 11  shows the decorations being free-hand drawn by the user. The user could also have traced the decorations by placing the reinforced edible film  16  over some depiction, and then following the outlines or features of the depiction visibly through the reinforced edible film. 
         [0098]    It is also possible to supply the reinforced edible film  16  with the edible film  18  partly pre-printed, wherein the user finalizes the decoration by marking upon it. For example, the top decoration  10   b  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 6  may have only the generic words “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” and the user writes in the celebrant&#39;s age, in this case the numeral “21”. 
         [0099]    It is also possible for sheets of reinforced edible film  16  as depicted in  FIG. 10  to be utilized by printing facilities to produce generic and/or personalized printing upon the edible film  18 . The printing may include special messages, pictures and/or drawings, other source materials or any combination thereof. Because of the substrate  20 , the printing facility can handle the reinforced edible film  16  similarly to the way it would handle paper, thus making available practically any printing machine and printing method for creating decorations, provided, of course, edible inks are used. 
         [0100]    Finally,  FIG. 12  depicts a kit  48  for use to decorate a foodstuff, such as for example a cake. The kit  48  contains a plurality of sheets of reinforced edible film  16 , which may include, for instance, colored, flavored, tasteless, opaque, or clear edible films and may further include pre-printed and/or pre-cut edible films for purposes consonant with an identified occasion. The kit  48  optionally includes a plurality of assorted colored edible ink writing instruments  46 , which are preferably of the felt tip pen variety for user utilization as generally depicted in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0101]    Over-all, the following advantages of the reinforced edible film and the method of its use are: 
         [0102]    1. The edible film can be made very thin, on the order of 0.0004 inches, wherein it is so gossamer that it will essentially disappear when applied to a foodstuff, yet the substrate will give it mechanical workability while it is being fashioned into a decoration. 
         [0103]    2. The edible film may be mass produced and easily stored over long periods. 
         [0104]    3. The edible film may be clear, colored, opaque or anything in between. This facilitates pre-printing and user marking upon the edible film (such as for example by printing, writing or drawing upon it). It also facilitates pre-cut and user cut design shapes of the edible film being decorative in their own right. 
         [0105]    4. The edible film may be easily die cut to provide score lines that at least in part define the areal definition of decorations while the substrate is not cut. Gentle folding of the substrate at the score line permits a user to easily use his or her fingernail to begin the peeling of the edible film from the substrate. Alternatively, if available, the user may use his or her fingernail to begin peeling at the edge of the edible film. 
         [0106]    5. The reinforced edible film may be easily cut with scissors or a knife by a user, and the user may even use a razor blade or razor knife to cut through only the edible film and not cut through the substrate when defining the areal extent of the decorations being finalized. 
         [0107]    6. The edible film may be tasteless or flavored, thereby enhancing the taste of the foodstuff, or simply unaffecting its taste. 
         [0108]    7. The substrate facilitates handling of the edible film in a manner customary of paper, yet the edible film itself may be extremely delicate. The edible film may be placed into conventional printing presses, pen plotters, ink jet printers, silk screen printers, and so on, and may be hand marked upon, rubber stamped, etc. Yet, easy manual release of the edible film from the substrate makes the edible film itself simply accessible when it is time to apply it to a foodstuff. 
         [0109]    8. The reinforced edible film may be supplied in sheets wherein the substrate delivers the mechanical rigidity that is appropriate for user defined shape cutting. 
         [0110]    9. The reinforced edible film may have pre-printed, partly printed or non-printed edible film, wherein the user may add or supply user defined marking thereupon. 
         [0111]    10. The reinforced edible film may be sufficiently translucent so as to enable a user to trace onto the edible film portion of the reinforced film a depiction constituting any picture, graphic, drawing, etc. that has been placed beneath the reinforced edible film. 
         [0112]    11. The reinforced edible film may be supplied in kit form for a user to customize the decoration of foodstuffs, wherein the kit may include a plurality of assorted reinforced edible film sheets and edible ink writing instruments. 
         [0113]    12. The reinforced edible film may be utilized by commercial businesses to transfer newly created or user supplied video, photographic, computer generated images, text, graphics or other source to the edible film and then present the decorated reinforced film to the user customer. This can even be performed on a mail order basis. 
         [0114]    13. The edible film carrying the decoration will absorb moisture from the surface of the foodstuff upon which it is placed and thereupon adhere to the foodstuff without the edible film being destroyed thereby. 
         [0115]    It is to be understood that the edible film may be used alone without the substrate for purposes of providing foodstuff decorations in the manner as outlined hereinabove, and that reinforced edible films are described herein only by way of preferred example. Further, the term “marking” is to be understood to mean causing any kind of indicia to be placed upon the edible-film, such as, for example, by printing, writing, drawing, or any other image transfer means, and may include causing selected additives in the edible film solution to produce patterns in the dried edible film. 
         [0116]    It is to be further understood that the edible film and method of use therefor may be used with any foodstuff, including, but not limited to confectioneries, inclusive of candies and ice creams. Further, foodstuffs ordinarily not having surface moisture sufficient to adherably hold the edible film thereto may be supplied by the user with the requisite surface moisture. For example, spraying water upon the surface of a dry foodstuff can supply sufficient moisture so that the edible film  18  adheres to the surface of the foodstuff. 
         [0117]    To those skilled in the art to which this invention appertains, the above described preferred embodiment may be subject to change or modification. Such change or modification can be carried out without departing from the scope of the invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.