Patent Publication Number: US-2023143424-A1

Title: Modular pastry storage carousel

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is based upon and claims the priority filing date of the previously filed, copending U.S. patent application entitled “MODULAR PASTRY STORAGE CAROUSEL” filed Nov. 6, 2021, having App. No. 63/276,575, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to packaging for food products. More particularly, the present invention relates to holders for presliced pastry. In a further aspect, the instant invention concerns a modular carousel for packaging of a plurality of individually servable pasty segments. 
     Pastry items, such as pies and cakes, are commonly produced in a larger, cylindrical size which require slicing into smaller individual servings. By conventional practice, circular pastries are cut into sectors or wedge-shaped segments. 
     For convenience, especially in commercial food establishments, the entire pastry is usually presliced. The several slices, undisturbed and retained in the original unsliced configuration, are stored and displayed in a holder having a tray and cover. Such holders, usually fabricated of plastic or the like, are readily and commercially available. Typically, a serving is distributed by removing the cover, lifting a selected segment from the tray, and replacing the cover. 
     The foregoing procedure, however, has proven to be less than satisfactory. The shelf life of presliced pastry is considerably foreshortened. Flavor, texture, and appearance deteriorate as a result of the loss of moisture. Periodic dislodgment of the cover during removal of a segment accelerates the deterioration. Further, an individual segment is not immediately servable. At a minimum, the slice is placed upon a serving dish. For a slice which is to be carried from the premises, such as at a convenience store or a carry-out restaurant, individual packaging is required. In addition to the exertion of time and effort, packaging may have further interfered with the pastry segment. Wrapping paper, for example, usually mashes into the icing upon cake segments. 
     It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the deficiencies inherent in the prior art. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved means for slicing, storing, preserving and packaging pastry. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with the invention, a modular pastry packaging carousel is provided which provides the ability to individually store wedge-shaped pastry slices in a respective wedge-shaped pastry module. In a version of the application, the modular pasty packaging carousel generally comprises a bottom plate, a top plate, a spacer positioned between the bottom plate and the top plate providing a radial gab therebetween; and a plurality of wedge shaped pastry modules comprising a sector-shaped removable base. The sector-shaped removable base includes a means for engaging the pastry module with the base tray radial connection channels. 
     In a version, an attachable removable handle carrier comprises a radial plate having a fixed handle; a plurality of radial channels formed by raised housings; and a plurality of radial attachment switches coupled within the radial channels which move between a released position to an extended engaged position. 
     In yet another version of the application, a radial pastry slicer assembly may generally include a base tray radial spacer, and a plurality of radially positioned individual angular slicers each comprising first and second radial walls. Wherein each of the first and second radial walls comprise a bottom cutting edge and a sector-shaped top. An upper platform is provided which supports the radially positioned individual angular slicers and provides a plurality of radially positioned guide channels adapted to receive and guide the angular slicers from a retracted position to an extruded position. 
     These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying figures where: 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of a version of the application; 
         FIG.  2    is a side elevation view of a version of the application shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a second side elevation view of a version of the application of the version shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a top plan view of the version shown in  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a side perspective view of the version shown in  FIG.  1    shown with several pastry modules removed from the base tray; 
         FIG.  6    is a side perspective view of the version shown in  FIG.  1    shown with a pastry module removed from the base tray and the handle carrier removed from the plurality of pasty modules; 
         FIG.  7    is a side perspective view of the base tray assembly of the version shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a side perspective view of the base tray assembly unassembled of the version shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a bottom perspective view of the top plate of the base tray assembly of the version shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a bottom perspective view of the bottom plate of the base tray assembly of the version shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a bottom perspective view of the bottom plate of the base tray shown while engaging a pastry module within a respective radial channel of the version shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  12    is an exploded view of the version shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  13    is a side perspective view of a version of the pastry module cover portion; 
         FIG.  14    is a bottom side perspective view of a version of the pastry module cover portion shown in  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a side perspective view of the pastry module cover portion attaching to the removable base of the version shown in  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  16    is an exploded view of the pastry module of the version shown in  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  17    is a top perspective view of the removable base of the pastry module; 
         FIG.  18    is a bottom perspective view of the removable base of the pastry module shown in  FIG.  17   ; 
         FIG.  19    is a bottom perspective view of the removable base of the pastry module shown in  FIG.  17   ; 
         FIG.  20    is a side perspective view of the removable base of the pastry module shown in  FIG.  17   ; 
         FIG.  21    is a side perspective view of the modular pastry packaging carousel shown without the removable handle carrier of the version shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  22    is a top perspective view of the removable handle carrier showing the radial attachment switch removed; 
         FIG.  23    is a top perspective view of the radial attachment switch of the version shown in  FIG.  21   ; 
         FIG.  24 A  is a top plan up-close view of the operation of the radial attachment switches shown while in the released position; 
         FIG.  24 B  is a top plan up-close view of the operation of the radial attachment switches shown while in the extended engaged position; 
         FIG.  25    is a partial side perspective view of the modular pastry packaging carousel of the version shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  26    is a side perspective view of the modular pastry packaging carousel of the version shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  27    is a top perspective view of the radial pastry slicer assembly placed on the base shown while in the retracted position; 
         FIG.  28    is a top perspective view of a version of the radial pastry slicer assembly while in an extruded position shown in  FIG.  27   ; 
         FIG.  29    is a side perspective view of a radially positioned individual slicer of the radial pastry slicer assembly shown in  FIG.  27   ; 
         FIG.  30    is a top perspective view of the upper platform of the radial pastry slicer assembly; 
         FIG.  31    is a top perspective view of the radial spacer; 
         FIG.  32    is a top perspective view of the base tray with radial spacer attached; 
         FIG.  33    is a top perspective view of the base tray with a slice of cake thereon; and 
         FIG.  34    is a base tray showing a cover portion being attached to a removable base of the pastry module. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the figures wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred version of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, the present invention is a modular pastry packaging carousel which provides the ability to individually store wedge-shaped pastry slices in a respective module. 
     The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary versions of the invention. The description is not to be taken in the limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
     Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. 
     With reference to the figures, particularly  FIG.  1   , a general description of a version of the invention will be provided. As illustrated, a modular pastry packaging carousel  10  is disclosed which is configured to accommodate a cylindrical pastry item, such as a cake or pie, which has been presliced into a plurality of sectors or wedge-shaped segments. Generally, the modular pastry packaging carousel  10  is configured to support a plurality of pastry modules  12  in a radial configuration. Each of the modules  12  are designed to seal therein and individually contain the wedge-shaped segments of pastry. In the illustrated version, there are a total of eight (8) modules each having approximately 45 degrees of angle. 
     With reference to  FIG.  1   - FIG.  6   , in the illustrated version, the modular pastry packaging carousel  10  generally comprises a base tray assembly  14 , a plurality of pastry modules  12  supported by the base tray  14 , and a removable handle carrier  16 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   - FIG.  11   , the base tray assembly  14  is preferably in the form of a disc having a constant radius R. The base tray  14  provides support for the entirety of the modular pastry packaging carousel  10  and the pastry modules  12  in a radial configuration. In the illustrated version, the base tray assembly  14  comprises a bottom plate  53  and a top plate  54 . The bottom plate  53  has a top surface  55  and a bottom surface  57  which are generally flat in nature. The bottom plate  53  top surface  55  further provides an upward extending outcropping  18  having a central aperture  21 . The top plate  54  has a top surface  59  and a bottom surface  61  which are generally flat in nature. The top plate  54  bottom surface  55  further provides a downward extending outcropping  19 . The bottom plate  53  is configured to support and connect with the top plate  54  thereabove by reciprocally coupling the top plate  54  downward extending outcropping  19  (See  FIG.  7   ) with the bottom plate  53  upward extending outcropping  18 . In the version, the bottom plate  53  upward extending outcropping  18  or spacer is shaped as a circular disc having a depth and a hexagonal aperture  21  sized to receive the top plate  54  downward extending aperture  19  reciprocally shaped as a hexagon which fits into the hexagonal aperture  21 . As shown in FIG.  7 , when the bottom plate  53  and the top plate  54  are connected the depth of the upward extending outcropping  18  disc provides a narrow radial gap  23  between the plates. 
     With reference to  FIG.  13   - FIG.  20   , each of the pastry modules  12  defines and forms a wedge-shaped container having a cover portion  20  and a sector-shaped removable base  22  ( FIG.  16   ) which encloses the open bottom  29  of the cover portion  20  and provides a surface  24  for supporting a respective wedge-shaped pastry item  90  thereon. In certain versions, the pastry module further includes an attachment slot assembly  56  comprising a radially extending slot  63  therein for receiving a respective radial attachment switch  66  which will be described in further detail below. The attachment slot assembly includes a front curved face  80  providing the entrance to the radially extending slot  63 . Collectively, while the pastry modules  12  are all mounted to the base tray the attachment slot assembly form a circular seat for the removable handle carrier  16 . 
     In the illustrated version, particularly with reference to  FIG.  13   - FIG.  15   , the cover portion  20  generally comprises a first radial wall  26 , a second radial wall  28 , an arced-shaped rear wall  30 , and a sector-shaped top  32 . The cover portion  20  forms a wedge-shaped enclosure having a height H and radius sufficient to extend over and around a respective wedge-shaped pastry item contained therein. 
     As shown in  FIG.  16 - 20   , the removable base  22  is in the form of a sector-shape which is similar to the cross-section of the cover portion  20 . The removable base  22  provides a perimeter ledge  36  defining the top surface  24  therebetween. The bottom perimeter  34  (See  FIG.  15   ) of the cover portion  20  is shaped to seat and mate with the reciprocally shaped removable base  22  perimeter ledge  36 . Thereby once connected, typically by way of a snap or friction-type fit, the removable base  22  and the cover portion  20  form the pastry module  12  providing a completely sealed compartment for storage of the respective wedge-shaped pastry item. 
     In certain versions of the application, each of the pastry modules  12  are configured to be attachably removable from the base tray  14 . With reference to  FIG.  7   , the base tray  14  comprises a plurality of radial connection channels  38  within the top plate  54  for receiving and securing each respective pastry module  12 . In the version, the removable base  22  of the pastry modules  12  is configured to engage with each respective radial connection channels  38  (See  FIG.  6    and  FIG.  11   ) by way of a means for selectively engaging pastry module with the base tray radial connection channel. In the illustrated version, the means for selectively engaging the pastry module with the base tray  48  is integral within the structure of the removable base  22  itself and also utilizes a pair of squeeze tabs  52  for engagement with the radial connection channels  38  of the base tray  14 . With reference to  FIG.  16   - FIG.  19   , the removable base  22  means for selectively engaging the pastry module  48  comprises a top sector-shaped plate  40  and a bottom connection plate  42  which is positioned parallel and below the top sector-shaped plate  40 . The bottom connection plate  42  is positioned below the top sector-shaped plate  40  a defined distance which forms a first wedge-shaped connection slot  44  and a mirrored second wedge-shaped connection slot  46 . Further, a pair of opposing squeeze tabs  52  are utilized to secure by way of snap-fit the removable base  22  to the base tray  14 . The pair of opposing squeeze tabs  52  are integrated along the spine  50  that connects the top sector-shaped plate  40  with the bottom connection plate  42 . In more detail, the pair of opposing squeeze tabs  52  which engage and secure with the reciprocal shape of the radial connection channels  38  as the removable base  22  is connected with the base tray  14 . In the illustrated version, the opposing squeeze tabs  52  have outward extending tabs configured to engage and snap-fit with the notches embedded within the opposing perimeters of the respective radial connection channels. 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   ,  FIG.  6   , and  FIG.  11   , during the process of connecting a respective pastry module  12  to the base tray  14 , the spine  50  of the removable base  22  is lined up with the respective radial connection channels  38  and is moved forward. Wherein, the first wedge-shaped connection slot  44  and the mirrored second wedge-shaped connection slot  46  receive and sandwich the top plate  54  of the base tray  14  therein and the spine  50  engages lengthwise with the respective radial connection channels  38 . Once positioned, the pair of opposing tabs  52  expand to lock into position, gripping the radial connection channels  38  of the base tray  14 . Each of the pastry modules  12  can be positioned onto the base tray  14  in this manner, sequentially in a radial pattern about the central aperture  18  of the base tray  14  (See  FIG.  11   ). 
     With reference to  FIG.  21   - FIG.  24 B , the attachably removable handle carrier  16  is utilized to carry the entirety of the modular pastry packaging carousel  10  from point A to point B. The removable handle carrier  16  is designed to be attachably removable to the plurality of wedge shaped pastry modules  12  while mounted to the base tray assembly  14 . For example, as best shown in  FIG.  4   , the removable handle carrier  16  is configured to radially connect to the plurality of pastry modules  12  which are connected to the base tray  14 . Collectively, the plurality of pastry modules  12  form a circular seat  60  which is sized to receive and seat the removable handle carrier  16  during operation (See  FIG.  21   ). 
     A version of the removable handle carrier  16  comprises a radial plate  62  having a plurality of radial channels  64  formed by raised housings  67  and a plurality of respective radial attachment switches  66  slidable and coupled within a respective radial channel  64  formed within a housing  67 , and a fixed handle  68 . The respective radial attachment switches  66  are configured to move between a released position ( FIG.  24 A ) to an extended engaged position ( FIG.  24 B ) by way of a raised tab  71 . Each of the pastry modules  12  further includes a removable handle carrier  16  attachment slot assembly  56  comprising a radially extending slot  63  (See  FIG.  24 A ) which is configured to receive and interlock with the respective removable handle carrier  16  radial attachment switch  66  while in the extended engaged position. 
     Thus, during operation, the removable handle carrier  16  is positioned within the circular seat  60  formed by the collective pastry modules  12  and attachment slot assembly  56 . Thereafter, the respective radial attachment switches  66  are moved to the extended engaged position ( FIG.  24 B ), thereby engaging each of the respective attachment slot  56  as shown in  FIG.  4   . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  27   - FIG.  32   , in an alternative embodiment of the modular pastry packaging carousel  10 , a radial pastry slicer assembly  200  may be included which functions to slice a circular pastry into a plurality of wedge-shaped slices simultaneously. The radial pastry slicer assembly  200  generally comprises a plurality of radially positioned individual slicers  202  and an upper platform  204  for providing support for the radially positioned individual slicers  202  in a radial pattern. 
     As shown in  FIG.  29   , each of the radially positioned individual slicers  202  may include a first radial wall  206 , a second radial wall  208 , and a sector-shaped top  210 . The first radial wall  206  and the second radial wall  208  are radially angled with respect to the other and connecting at a forward edge  210 . Each of the first radial wall  206  and the second radial wall  208  terminating at a first bottom cutting edge  212  and a second bottom cutting edge  214  respectively. The bottom cutting edges  212 ,  214  form a V sector-shape which is the shape of the cutting plane of the pastry during operation. 
     As best shown in  FIG.  30   , the upper platform  204  may comprise a plurality of radially positioned guide channels  216  which operate to guide the radially positioned individual slicers  202  from a retracted position ( FIG.  27   ) to an extruded position ( FIG.  28   ). As shown, each sector-shaped top  210  of each of radially positioned individual slicers  202  includes a handle  218  which is positioned through a respective radially positioned guide channels  216 . Thereby, each respective handle  218  can be utilized to slide each individual radially positioned individual slicers  202  between their respective retracted position and the extruded position. The purpose of providing the ability to move each respective radially positioned individual slicers  202  from the retracted position to the extruded position, is to provide the ability to selectively move a slice of pastry outward for purposes of serving or the ability to position a pastry on top of the surface  24  of the removable base  22 . 
     Thus, during operation of the radial pastry slicer assembly  200 , the base tray  14  is prepared in a default position by loading the removable bases  22  having a surface  24  to each respective radial connection channels  38  (See  FIG.  32   ). Thereafter, a radial spacer  220  is positioned onto the base tray  14  in order to fill the slots formed between the positioned removable bases  22  (See  FIG.  31   ). The base tray  14  is now ready. A circular pastry such as a cake or pie is centrally placed on the base tray  14 . Thereafter, the radial pastry slicer assembly  200 , wherein the radially positioned individual slicers  202  are in the retracted position, is placed centrally over the pastry and moved downward (See  FIG.  27   ). Thereby, slicing the pastry into distinct wedge-shaped slices which are radially positioned about the center of the base tray  14 . Optionally, while the radial pastry slicer assembly  200  is positioned on the pastry, selectively, each of the radially positioned individual slicers  202  can be moved from the retracted position to the extruded position at the choice of the user (See  FIG.  28   ). 
     With reference to  FIG.  33    and  FIG.  34   , once the desired slices have been served, it is desirable that the remaining slices of the pastry be individually stored for purposes of consumption at a later time. With reference to  FIG.  34   , after removing the radial spacer  220 , a cover portion  20  is selected and positioned over an individual slice of the pasty, connecting the bottom perimeter  34  of the cover portion  20  with the perimeter ledge  36  of the respective removable base  22 . Thereafter, this process can be repeated until all remaining slices of the pastry are covered as desired as shown in  FIG.  21   . Further, spaces where slices had been removed and served may also be covered and will remain empty. 
     With reference to  FIG.  4   , once all cover portions  20  have been attached, for transport, the removable handle carrier  16  is positioned within the circular seat  60  formed by the collective pastry modules  12  and the attachment slot assembly  56 . Thereafter, the respective radial attachment switches  66  are moved to the extended engaged position, thereby engaging each of the respective attachment slot assemblies  56  and radially extending internal slots  63 . Thus, the modular pastry packaging carousel  10  can be transported by the fixed handle  68 , for example, to a refrigerator. It is noted that each individual slice of pastry is individually sealed within each pastry module  12 , thereby mitigating exposure to surrounding environment, contaminants, and air. 
     Finally, as best shown in  FIG.  11    and  FIG.  26   , if it is desirable to remove one or more of the pastry modules  12  from the base tray  14 , for example, to serve a slice contained in a certain pastry module  12 , then the selected pastry module  12  is removed by disengaging or squeezing the pair of squeeze tabs  52 , thereby releasing the removable base  22  from the respective base tray  14  radial connection channels  38 . In the version, the opposing tabs  52  are squeezed together in order to release the pastry module  12  from the base tray  14 . Thus, the individual slice contained within the removed pastry module  12  can be either served or stored individually. If served, the cover portion  20  is removed from the removable base  22 , thereby revealing the slice of pastry stored upon the top surface  24  of the removable base  22  to be removed or eaten directly therefrom. 
     The modular pastry packaging carousel  10  and radial pastry slicer assembly  200  can be made in any manner and of any material chosen with sound engineering judgment. Preferably, materials will be strong, lightweight, long lasting, economic, and ergonomic. 
     The invention does not require that all the advantageous features and all the advantages need to be incorporated into every version of the invention. 
     Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in considerable detail, other versions and embodiments of the invention are certainly possible. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments herein. 
     All features disclosed in this specification including any claims, abstract, and drawings may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose unless expressly stated otherwise.