Abstract:
A lollipop ball is formed to a lollipop ball engagement mechanism and the lollipop ball engagement mechanism extends outward from the lollipop ball to releasably engage a proximal end of a lollipop stick. Alternatively, a lollipop ball is formed to a lollipop ball engagement mechanism that defines a cavity inside the sphere of the lollipop ball and the proximal end of the lollipop stick releasably engages the cavity located in the interior of the lollipop. Alternatively, the lollipop itself can be formed to define the cavity such that no lollipop ball engagement mechanism is required to releasably engage the proximal end of the lollipop stick. The lollipop stick can also include one or more design elements.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/262,507 filed 31 Oct. 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention generally relates to lollipops and the manufacturing of lollipops. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    Conventional candy products such as lollipops have broad appeal to consumers. However, conventional candy products are typically consumed while the wrapping and other accoutrements are discarded. For example, the wrapper and stick of a lollipop is discarded after the lollipop is consumed. Additionally, conventional candy products suffer from a lack of association with high fashion and desirable personal accessories. Therefore, what is needed is a new lollipop that includes re-usable components and has desirable fashion and personal accessory elements. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Accordingly, described herein is a consumable apparatus that includes candy or other edible material (referred to herein as a “lollipop”) mounted on an elongated handle (referred to herein as a “stick”). In a first embodiment, the lollipop is formed to a threaded mount and the threaded mount is configured to releasably engage a threaded cavity on the stick. In a second embodiment, the lollipop is formed to a threaded insert that defines a threaded cavity and the stick has a proximal end with threads that are configured to releasably engage the threaded cavity within the lollipop. Alternatively, the lollipop itself can be formed to define the threaded cavity such that no threaded insert is required to releasably engage the threaded stick. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The details of the present invention, both as to its structure and operation, may be gleaned in part by study of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a threaded lollipop with decorative stick according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a threaded lollipop according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a hinged container for a threaded lollipop according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a two piece container for a threaded lollipop according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 5A-5D  are block diagrams illustrating an example alternative engagement mechanism for securing a lollipop ball to a lollipop stick according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for using a lollipop according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    Certain embodiments as disclosed herein provide for a threaded lollipop that includes a reusable stick that screws into a threaded cavity within the lollipop or into a threaded cavity defined by an insert about which the lollipop is formed. An alternative embodiment provides for a threaded mount about which the lollipop is formed where the threaded mount extends out from the lollipop and screws into a threaded cavity in the stick. A cap is also provided with an optional hole for use with a lollipop ball alone or for use with a lollipop ball that is engaged with a lollipop stick. 
         [0015]    After reading this description it will become apparent to one skilled in the art how to implement the invention in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a threaded lollipop  10  with decorative stick  40  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the lollipop  10  ball is formed around a threaded insert  20  during manufacture of the lollipop  10  ball. The threaded insert  20  is one embodiment of an engagement mechanism for the lollipop. In one embodiment, the lollipop  10  ball is a thirty two ( 32 ) gram ball. 
         [0017]    The threaded insert  20  can be made of plastic or paper or any other material capable of defining a threaded cavity  25 . In one embodiment, the threaded insert  20  is made from an edible material. The function of the threaded insert  20  is twofold. First, the insert defines a base upon which the lollipop  10  ball is formed. In one embodiment, the end of the threaded insert  20  that is near the perimeter edge of the lollipop  10  ball is substantially flush or slightly recessed into the interior of the lollipop  10  ball. In this fashion the surface of the lollipop  10  ball is primarily spherical with a recess where the threaded cavity  25  is located. 
         [0018]    In an alternative embodiment, the threaded cavity  25  may be defined by the lollipop  10  ball itself. In such an embodiment, when the lollipop  10  ball is formed, the threaded cavity  25  is defined such that the lollipop  10  ball hardens and the threaded cavity  25  remains. 
         [0019]    The threaded cavity  25  is sized and shaped to snugly receive threads  30  that are provided on one end of the lollipop) stick  40 . The threads  30  of the stick  40  are twisted into the threaded cavity  25  defined in the lollipop  10  ball in order to releasably secure the lollipop  10  ball to the stick  40 . 
         [0020]    The stick  40  may also be decorated with design elements  90  to add to the overall appeal of the lollipop  10  and the stick  40 . The design elements  90  on the stick  40  may include various prints, designs, wraps, and attachments. In one embodiment, the stick  40  is bejeweled with  2  mm to  5  mm crystals that are affixed to the outer surface of the stick. The crystals can advantageously be different colors in order to provide the desired look for the lollipop stick  40 . Customizable sticks may also be made available to consumers via a custom order interface, e.g., via an operator on a telephone or via a website. 
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a threaded lollipop  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the lollipop  10  ball is formed around a threaded mount  20  during manufacture of the lollipop  10  ball. The threaded mount  20  extends into the interior of the lollipop  10  ball and also extends beyond the exterior surface of the lollipop  10  ball. The portion of the threaded mount  50  that extends beyond the exterior surface of the lollipop ball  10  (i.e., the exterior portion) is threaded. The exterior portion may also be designed to use an alternative engagement mechanism such as the fork and barb previously described with respect to  FIG. 1 . 
         [0022]    The portion of the threaded mount  50  that extends into the interior of the lollipop ball  10  (i.e., the interior portion) may or may not be threaded. The interior portion is preferably optimally shaped to provide a secure mount upon which the lollipop  10  ball may be formed during manufacture of the lollipop  10  ball. 
         [0023]    The exterior portion of the threaded mount  20  is sized and shaped to snugly fit into the threaded cavity  60  that is defined by one end of the lollipop stick  70 . When the threaded mount  20  is snugly fit into the threaded cavity  60 , the lollipop  10  ball is releasably secured to the stick  70 . As previously described, the means for engaging/securing the lollipop  10  ball to the stick  70  may include threads, forks and barbs, or alternative means as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the threaded mount  50  is twisted into the threaded cavity  60  that is defined in one end of the lollipop stick  70  in order to releasably secure the lollipop  10  ball to the stick  70 . Although not shown, stick  70  may also include design elements  90  as previously described with respect to  FIG. 1 . 
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a hinged container  150  for a threaded lollipop according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the container  150  includes a top  130  portion and a bottom  140  portion that are pivotably connected by a hinge  100 . The container  150  surrounds a lollipop  10  ball and is configured to securely close by a clasp  110  means. When closed, the container  150  defines a spherical compartment in which the lollipop  10  ball can be stored. In one embodiment, an optional hole  120  is provided in a portion of the surface of the container  150  so that the lollipop stick  40  may pass through the hole  120  or so that the threaded mount  50  may pass through the hole  120 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a two piece container  150  for a threaded lollipop according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the container  150  includes a top  130  portion and a separate bottom  140  portion that together define a spherical compartment in which the lollipop  10  ball can be stored. The top  130  portion and bottom  140  portion are each configured with one or more matching clasps  110  that engage to securely hold the top  130  portion to the bottom  140  portion to define the spherical compartment. In one embodiment, an optional hole  120  is provided in a portion of the surface of the container  150  so that the lollipop stick  40  may pass through the hole  120  or so that the threaded mount  50  may pass through the hole  120 . 
         [0026]      FIGS. 5A-5D  are block diagrams illustrating an example alternative engagement mechanism for releasably securing a lollipop ball to a lollipop stick according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a lollipop stick  150  is provided that has two or more forks  160  and each fork  160  has a barb  170  at its end. A corresponding insert  180  is also provided that includes a support  190 . The stick  150  is releasably secured to the insert  180  by compressing the two or more forks  160  together and sliding the forks  160  into the insert  180 . When the forks  160  are released, the barbs  170  engage the supports  190  to secure the lollipop ball (not shown) to the lollipop stick  150 . The lollipop stick  150  may be detached from the insert  180  by compressing the two or more forks  160  and pulling the stick away from the insert  180 . An advantage of this type of engagement mechanism is that it allows the lollipop ball to freely rotate about the lollipop stick  150  while remaining securely fastened to the lollipop stick  150 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 6  is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for using a lollipop according to an embodiment of the present invention. The steps in the illustrated method can be performed in the order shown or in an alternative order. Initially, in step  200  one ore more lollipop balls are formed about an engagement mechanism. The engagement mechanism can be a female threaded cavity or a male threaded mount. The engagement mechanism may also be support platforms for receiving corresponding barbs on the lollipop stick. 
         [0028]    Next, in step  210  the lollipop stick is provided with a corresponding engagement mechanism. The engagement mechanism can be a female threaded cavity or male threads. The engagement mechanism may also be two or more forks with barbs such that the forks can be compressed together to slide into an insert where the barbs can engage the support platforms. The lollipop stick can also be decorated by wrapping the stick in a printed material, by printing directly onto the stick, by affixing items such as decorative crystals, jewels, and the like to the stick. 
         [0029]    Once the corresponding engagement mechanisms are in place, in step  220  the engagement mechanism of a first lollipop ball is releasably secured to the lollipop stick. This may be accomplished by screwing the lollipop stick into the engagement mechanism of the first lollipop ball, or by compressing the lollipop stick and sliding it into the engagement mechanism of the first lollipop ball. Once the lollipop ball is consumed or is otherwise done, as determined in step  230 , the engagement mechanism and the lollipop stick are detached in step  240 . Then, in step  250  the engagement mechanism of a next lollipop ball is secured to the lollipop stick and the process continues with as many additional lollipop balls as desired. 
         [0030]    A significant advantage of the described lollipop ball with engagement mechanism and corresponding lollipop stick with engagement mechanism is that the lollipop stick can be reused by a consumer. Furthermore, the reusability of the lollipop stick causes the lollipop stick to become a fashion accessory that can be attractively decorated. Another significant advantage of the reusable nature of the described lollipop ball with engagement mechanism and corresponding lollipop stick with engagement mechanism is the reduction in litter and paper product consumption that is associated with conventional lollipops that require single use discardable sticks. 
         [0031]    The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly not limited.