Patent Publication Number: US-9851195-B1

Title: Cake construction tool

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     In a multi-tiered cake, each tier is typically smaller in diameter than the tier, or layer of cake, underneath. For example, a three-tiered cake may have a base tier that is twelve inches in diameter, a second, or middle, tier that is nine inches in diameter, and a third, or top, tier that is five inches in diameter. Therefore, the construction of such a multi-tiered cake typically requires the use of rods or posts to support each tier or layer. Such support is typically required in order to prevent the tiers from moving or shifting relative to each other and to aid in supporting the weight of the tiers. Further, it is desirable to have each tier centrally aligned and also desirable to have the supports radially spaced the same distance from the center of the tier such supports will secure. Some bakers guess at, or “eyeball,” the placement of the supports for multi-tiered cakes. Others utilize a measuring device such as a ruler. However, these techniques may be imprecise, which may lead to multi-tier cakes that are not properly aligned. Depending on the severity of the misalignment, a multi-tiered cake may even become unstable. 
     Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a cake construction tool that aids in the placement of supports for multi-tiered cakes wherein such tiers have different diameters. Additionally or alternatively, it may be desirable to provide a cake construction tool that aids in centering tiers having different diameters of a multi-tiered cake. Additionally or alternatively, it may be desirable to have a cake construction tool that includes measurement indicia. Additionally or alternatively, it may be desirable for the cake construction tool to be collapsible for convenient storage. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, embodiments are related to a tool employed by bakers in assembling multi-tiered cakes. More specifically, present embodiments are related to a tool having one or more rotatable arms with openings at various distances to mark the locations for support rods for cake tiers having different diameters and to aid in the centering of the multiple tiers of cake. The arms of such tool may be collapsible or stackable into a main cavity of the tool for storage purposes. 
     In one embodiment a tool for use in cake construction includes a frame that includes a first end, a second end, a top, and a bottom, wherein a vertical post passes through the top and the bottom; at least one arm rotatably connected to the post, wherein the arm(s) may be rotatable circularly about a longitudinal axis of the post; wherein the post may be positionable at a center of a circle that is coincident with a circular cake such that the arm(s) may be rotatable about the post to demarcate a circumference of the circle. 
     In another embodiment the vertical post passes through the top and the bottom at a center of the frame between the first and second ends. 
     In still another embodiment the arm(s) may be rotatable about the post to represent a diameter of the circle. In other embodiments the vertical post passes through the top and the bottom at the second end. 
     In another embodiment the arm(s) may be rotatable about the post to represent a radius of the circle. In still another embodiment, the arms may be arranged in a vertical stack. 
     In other embodiments a first arm includes a top and a bottom, the bottom also includes a front protruding lip and a tab protruding from the front protruding lip to engage a neighboring arm of the vertical stack. In another embodiment the neighboring arm also includes a top and a bottom, the top of the neighboring arm also includes a recessed groove to engage the tab protruding from the front protruding lip of the first arm. In still another embodiment the top of the first arm includes another protruding tab to engage a rear protruding lip of the neighboring arm. 
     In another embodiment, arm(s) include at least one hole though the arm(s) as a size indicia for use in demarcating a circumference of the circle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the embodiments may be better understood, embodiments of the cake construction tool will now be described by way of examples. These embodiments are not to limit the scope of the claims as other embodiments of the cake construction tool will become apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the instant description. Non-limiting examples of the present embodiments are shown in figures wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cake construction tool in its fully collapsed state. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the cake construction tool of  FIG. 1  partially opened. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the cake construction tool of  FIG. 1  fully opened. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the cake construction tool of  FIG. 1  being used on a bottom layer of a multi-tiered cake. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the cake construction tool of  FIG. 1  being used on higher layer of the multi-tiered cake of  FIG. 4 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is to be understood that the cake construction tools and apparatus described herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
     Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout several views, there are shown in  FIGS. 1 through 5  various views of an embodiment of a cake construction tool  10 . Such a tool  10  may be used to aid in the placement of supports for, and the centering of, tiers or layers of a multi-tiered cake (depicted in  FIGS. 4-5 ). 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of one embodiment of a cake construction tool  10  is shown closed. The tool  10  includes generally a triangular or wedge-shaped frame  12  having a first end  14  and a second end  16 . While the measured length between the two ends may be any length, the particular embodiment depicted is approximately eight and a half inches (8.5″) long. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5 , frame  12  of tool  10  has a top  18  and a separate bottom  20  that is spaced from top  18 . However, this is not meant to be limiting, and in other embodiments, frame  12  may include a single component with two opposing surfaces, one considered the top and the other considered the bottom. Additionally, the terms “top” and “bottom” are merely used herein to describe the two surfaces, but such designations could be reversed. 
     In some embodiments, an additional side  22  may connect top  18  and bottom  20 . In some embodiments, the top  18  also includes a cutout with a stop or edge  24 . In still yet other embodiments the tool  10  also includes a handle  26  for ease of use. Additionally, frame  12  may include an opening  27  leading to a cavity  28  in frame  12  that is generally bound by top  18 , bottom  20 , ends  14 ,  16 , and, where present, side  22 . At least one arm  30 , described in detail below, may be stored with cavity  28  of frame  12 . In some embodiments, tool  10  may have only one arm  30 . In other embodiments, tool  10  may have a plurality of arms  30 . While there are seven arms  30   a - g  depicted in  FIGS. 1-5 , this should be understood as not limiting the scope of the invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of one embodiment of a cake construction tool  10  is shown partially open. Arms  30   a - g  are rotatably connected to a vertical post  31  upon which they may circularly rotate about a longitudinal axis of the post  31 . Post  31  passes through and connects top  18  and bottom  20  of frame  12 . In some embodiments, arms  30   a - g  may be stacked vertically on post  31  as shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . This allows a user to position post  31  at a center of a circular cake and fan the arms  30  outward, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in order to demarcate the circumference of the circle. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-5 , post  31  passes through top  18  and bottom  20  of frame  20  at first end  14  of frame  12 , such that each arm  30  is rotatable about post  31  to represent a radius of a circle. However, this is not meant to be limiting. In other embodiments, post  31  may pass through top  18  and bottom  20  at a center of frame  12  between the first and second ends  14  and  16 . Post  31  may likewise pass through a center of arms  30 , rather than one side as depicted in  FIGS. 1-5 . In such embodiments, each arm  30  may be rotatable about post  31  to represent a diameter of a circle. 
     Each arm  30  may have a top  32  and a bottom  34  surface. The top arm  30   a  of the vertical stack may have a front protruding lip  36  and a tab  38  protruding from the protruding front lip  36 . Other arms  30 , such as a neighboring arm  30   b , may have a recessed groove  40  (See  FIG. 3 ) on the top  32 . Recessed groove  40  of one arm (e.g.,  30   b ) may be engaged by tab  38  protruding from front lip  36  of a neighboring arm (e.g.,  30   a ). When arms  30  are fully collapsed such that they are stacked within the cavity  28 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , the bottom tab  38  of each arm  30  fits within the recessed groove  40  of a neighboring arm  30 . In the depicted embodiment, a tab  38  of a first arm (e.g.,  30   a ) engages a recess  40  of a neighboring arm (e.g.,  30   b ) that lies below the first arm in the vertical stack. However, this is not meant to be limiting. For example, in other embodiments, tabs  38  and recessed grooves  40  may be reversed. Any combination of tabs  38  and recessed grooves  40 , and placement thereof, may be used to engage neighboring arms  30  of the invention. 
     In some embodiments, the first arm  30   a  may include a vertically extending handle or peg  42 . When arms  30   a - g  are in a fully closed position, contained within cavity  28  as depicted in  FIG. 1 , peg  42  extends through the cutout defined by edge  24  in top  18 . Peg  42  may be moved outward from the cavity  28  in a circular motion around post  31 . As first arm  30   a  rotates around post  31 , an upward-protruding tab  44  on top  32  of a neighboring arm  30   b  (see the callout of  FIG. 3 ) engages the rear lip  46  of the first arm  30   a , which then causes arm  30   b  to also rotate around post  31 . As arm  30   b  rotates around post  31 , another upwardly-protruding tab  44  on top  32  of a neighboring arm  30   c  (see callout in  FIG. 3 ) engages the rear lip  46  neighboring arm  30   b , which then causes arm  30   c  to also rotate around post  31 . This sequence continues as top arm  30   a  continues to rotate with each subsequent arm  30  being rotated by the arm above it. When top arm  30   a  is rotated until it stops against the frame  12 , each of arms  30   a - g  has been rotated as generally described above to their fully rotated or desired locations as shown in  FIG. 3 . When at their fully rotated or open position, as shown in  FIG. 3 , arms  30  may equidistant apart from each other, although this is not required. 
     To close or retract the arms  30 , the first arm  30   a  is rotated from its fully rotated position away from the frame  12 , the tab  38  protruding from the front lip  36  of the arm  30   a  engages the recessed groove  40  of the neighboring arm  30   b  which then causes arm  30   b  to also rotate around post  31  toward the cavity  28  of the frame  12 . As arm  30   b  rotates around post  31  toward the cavity  28  of the frame  12 , the tab  38  protruding from the front lip  36  of arm  30   b  engages the recessed groove  40  of arm  30   c , which then causes arm  30   c  to also rotate around post  31  toward the cavity  28  of the frame  12 . This sequence continues with each subsequent arm  30  being rotated by its neighboring arm. When the first arm  30   a  is rotated back to its retracted position such that peg  42  is in the cutout defined by edge  24  of frame  12 , arms  30   a - g  are stacked or fully retracted within cavity  28 . This retracted position is useful for storing tool  10 . 
     In various embodiments, tool  10  may include some size or measurement indicia. In some embodiments, these size indicia may include at least one hole, and preferably a series of holes  48  or apertures, through top  18  and bottom  20  of the frame  12  and arms  30 . In the particular embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , top  18  and bottom  20  of frame  12  and arms  30  each have twelve holes. However, any number of desirable holes can be used. In other embodiments, the size or measurement indicia may be a series of lines or other markings on the frame or arms. The size or measurement indicia allow for the user to demarcate the desired located for the next layer of a tiered cake and, if desired, place rods, posts, or supports in the lower layers accordingly. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of tool  10  positioned on a bottom layer  60   a  of a cake  62 , such that the holes  48  demarcate different diameters of circles coincident with the cake. For example, when arms  30  are in their fully rotated or open position, the first set of holes  48   a  (closest to the post  31 ) may indicate a circle that is four inches in diameter. In this particular embodiment, each set of holes (as they move away from the post  31 ) indicate or represent a circle that is one inch greater in diameter. For example, holes  48   b  represent or indicate a circle that is five inches in diameter. Additionally, the arms  30  and top  18  of frame  12  may also include fiducial indicators, text, color, or other markings or indicia to indicate the different diameters. For example, top  18  of frame  12  may indicate that the first set of holes  48   a  represent a circle four inches in diameter by use of the text (i.e., 4″) and/or a color code. Of course, this is not meant to be limiting, and in other embodiments, holes  48  may be used to demarcate circles having other diameters, using various measurements (e.g., inches, centimeters, etc.). 
     As a non-limiting example of use, a baker may need to mount an intermediate layer  60   b  (see  FIG. 5 ) of cake  62  that is ten inches in diameter on a bottom layer  60   a  of cake  62  that is fifteen inches in diameter. Using tool  10  in its fully open position as depicted in  FIG. 4 , the baker can place tool  10  on the bottom layer  60   a  of cake  62  such that holes  48  of arms  30   a - g  (collectively demarcating a circle fifteen inches in diameter) are aligned with the edges of the bottom layer  60   a . Once aligned, the baker can mark the bottom layer  60   a  of cake  62  through holes  48   g  (demarcating a circle ten inches in diameter). The baker can then remove tool  10  and centrally align the intermediate layer  60   b  of cake  62  on the bottom layer  60   a  using the markings which represent a circle ten inches in diameter. Further, the baker can then use tool  10  to mark the intermediate layer  60   b  of cake  62  for insertion of rods or supports to secure together the top and bottom layers of cake  62 . 
     For example, using tool  10  in its fully open position, the baker can place tool  10  on the intermediate layer  60   b  of cake  62  as depicted in  FIG. 5  such that holes  48   g  (demarcating a circle ten inches in diameter) are approximately aligned with the edges of the intermediate layer  60   b . Once aligned, the baker can mark on the intermediate layer  60   b  the desired placement of a higher layer of cake (not depicted) through the desired holes, for example holes  48   e  (demarcating a circle eight inches in diameter), for placement of the support rods. The baker can then remove tool  10  and place rods through the two layers of cake at the points marked on the top layer. In this example, the rods would be placed equidistant from the center of the cake and two inches from the edge of the top layer. Further, the baker can then rotate the arms  30  of tool  10  so that they are fully retracted and stacked in cavity  28  for storage purposes. 
     While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure. 
     All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms. 
     The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” 
     The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. 
     As used herein in the specification, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” 
     As used herein in the specification, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc. 
     It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited. 
     In the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.