Patent Abstract:
A sanitary cake cover with a removable candle deck, which protects the contents of the cake from contamination during blowing out of celebratory candles. The transparent cake cover includes a removable candle deck for at least one candle, which does not pierce the cake or cover being decorated by lighted celebratory candles. The cake cover can be used without the candle deck. The sanitary cake cover is impervious to assault by normal airborne contaminants, such as dust and dirt as well from contaminated expelled breath during the act of blowing out candles. The separate removable candle deck is removable to enable the container to be used for other food items without the obstruction of candle recesses. The flat top of the cover has a peripheral top ridge forming a flat central depression of dimensions to fit the flat candle deck.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of my application Ser. No. 13/430,194, filed Mar. 26, 2012, and Applicant claims priority in part pursuant to 35 USC §120. Application Ser. No. 13/430,194 is based upon provisional applications 61/468,628 filed Mar. 29, 2011 and 61/475,302 filed Apr. 14, 2011, and claims priority therefore under 35 U.S.C. §119(e). These applications are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to transparent cake covers with removable candle decks which do not pierce the cake being decorated by candles. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The age-old problem with birthdays and other occasions involving cakes with candles atop is one of sanitation relating to the task of blowing out the candles. When the celebrant blows out the candles, the liquid wash which emanates from his or her mouth descends upon the cake possibly infecting it with a deluge of germs, fluids, and perhaps other debris. The tradition of substituting multiple cupcakes for the cake at such celebrations is becoming more popular. They substituting multiple cupcakes for the cake at such celebrations is becoming more popular. They are often grouped in a cluster with one candle on each cupcake wherein the celebrant proceeds to blow out the candles with similar unsanitary exposure. 
         [0004]    This sanitary problem with candle-blowing atop cakes has been explored by several patents in the prior art. Carlson, with his birthday cake cover with base, of U.S. Pat. No. 2,758,458, deals with the problem by providing a circular cake cover with slightly domed top surface having a pattern of recesses for candles and a central knob. The cover is securely latched onto the base. 
         [0005]    The birthday cake cover and candle holder of Barfus (U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,455) is supported by a stake into the cake and covers the top surface only, thereby offering little protection to the side of the cake. The cake protector of MacKendrick (U.S. Pat. No. 3,819,455) includes a central dome shaped section with integral candle holders and a lower flange which rests on the top surface of the cake. The sides of the cake are protected by a collar with inwardly directed upper flange and an outwardly directed lower flange. In operation, the collar is lowered onto the central dome wherein the upper flange rests on the lower flange of the dome section, while the lower collar flange rests on, or is close to, the supporting surface. 
         [0006]    The cake cover of Mc Birnie (U.S. Pat. No. 3,736,214) includes several parts. Four stakes with flat tops are forced into the top surface of the cake. They support a rigid transparent disk slightly larger than the cake diameter. A transparent flexible sheet is then draped over the disk; a second transparent disk of similar size is then placed atop the sheet. Separate candles in holders with flat bottoms are then placed atop the top disk. If the sheet is a woven fabric, the protection of the side of the cake is in some jeopardy. The fragility of separate candles in holders is a safety concern. 
         [0007]    Wexler&#39;s cake cover and candle holder (U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,688) uses a thin vacuum formed transparent plastic cover with sloping sides and flat top with integral candle indentations to cover a cake. Wexler&#39;s protective cake cover and candle holder (U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,966) also is based on the use of a vacuum formed plastic cover, but it now also uses tubular standoffs on the cake icing separating the top cover surface from the cake top. Besides having candle indentations, the top surface also can use these indentations as cutting guides by marking the top of the cake. 
         [0008]    The prior art does not reveal a protective transparent cover for a cup cake with a candle holder atop. Also, the prior art does not reveal a transparent cake cover with a removable candle deck to permit dual-use as a fruit, cheese, or other food container with an unobstructed view, while at the same time, avoiding piercing of any part of the cake when used with a cake and a candle deck. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sanitary cake cover with a removable candle deck, which protects the contents of the cake from contamination during blowing out of celebratory lighted candles. 
         [0010]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide a transparent cake cover with a removable candle deck, which does not pierce the cake being decorated by celebratory lighted candles. 
         [0011]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide a cake cover which has a removable candle deck, wherein the cake cover can be used without the candle deck. 
         [0012]    Other objects which become apparent from the following description of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    In keeping with these objects and others which may become apparent, the present invention is a sanitary cake cover which is a dual-use container, which houses a cake of a geometric shape, such as round, rectangular or fanciful (i.e. football, shamrock, cartoon character or organizational logo) shape in a transparent housing impervious to assault by normal airborne contaminants, such as dust and dirt as well as that from contaminated, microbe infiltrated, expelled breath, during the act of blowing out candles. 
         [0014]    A separate removable candle deck with through holes  3  or, non-through holes, for holding candles, which can be attached to or nestled securely atop the cover, is used to enable the container to be used for display and storage of other food items without the obstruction of candle recesses. The flat top of either a round, rectangular or other shaped cover has a peripheral top ridge forming a flat central recess of dimensions to fit the flat candle deck. The candle deck can be optionally stored underneath the flat base when not in use. In a further option, the flat base platter can have a recess on its underside, for storing the candle deck within the recess and which is held in place by a fastener. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, a transparent cover with a cylindrical side and a hemispherical domed top is used as a cupcake cover to cover a small, individually baked cupcake. The center of the dome has a hole accepting a bottom extension of a decorative ferrule with a candle recess in its center. This offers equivalent protection for a cupcake as the sanitary cake cover offers to a cake during a candle-blowing ceremony. In a preferred embodiment, the cupcake cover includes a candle deck interchangeable with a knob for the preferably domed shaped cupcake cover, where the candle deck, (which optionally can be stored below the platter) is nested in a recess at the top of the cupcake holder during candle lighting use. The domed cupcake cover can optionally be open at the bottom for resting over a cupcake placed on a tabletop, where the bottom peripheral edge of the cupcake cover rests on the table. 
         [0016]    The cake cover embodiment is available with several variations. First, the transparent cylindrical, rectangular or other shaped cover can just be supported by a flat base. Alternatively, a round cylindrical cover can optionally have engagement members which mate with and lock into recesses on the base. 
         [0017]    By the word, “cake,” covered by the cover and candle deck herein, it is assumed to be a monolithic, large cake of any configuration, a plurality of pre-sliced cake slices organized as a cake or as individual slices, or one or more cupcakes. 
         [0018]    The base can optionally be enhanced with indicia which extend beyond the circumference of a cake, as a guide to cutting standard sized slices. The bottom of the base of the cake cover, either for a full sized cake or for an individual cupcake, can have a plurality of support legs (such as three) raising it off a support surface, such as a table, and providing space for storage of the candle deck when not in use. A central knob can be attached through a hole in the cover or by other fastener means by threaded extensions, or by a press fit, with or without the candle deck in use. This knob is also preferably used to attach the candle deck to the cover. 
         [0019]    The candle deck can also be used unattached to the cake cover or cupcake cover, with or without a central knob. In this variation, the flat depressed surface within the peripheral edge ridge of the cover top need not have a central hole to receive a screw thread or other fastener, thus resulting in a more appealing unobstructed view for dual-use service as a food item container. 
         [0020]    In a further embodiment, the candle deck can be a set of candle holders extending from a top or bottom surface of the candle deck, where void spaces are provided between the candle holders to reduce the weight and manufacturing cost of the candle deck, whether the candle deck is used on a large cake or a small individual cupcake. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The present invention can best be understood in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown in drawings, in which: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment for the sanitary cake cover of this invention with a candle deck, attachment knob, cover, round birthday cake and plain base; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment for the sanitary cake cover of this invention for a rectangular cake, such as a “sheet cake”, showing the equivalent features as in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment for a domed sanitary candle cover of this invention for a cup cake; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment for a sanitary cover with an optional decorative starburst designed candle deck for a round cake; wherein the cover locks into the base; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the sanitary cover of  FIG. 4  more clearly showing the base indicia to guide slice cutting; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the sanitary cover of  FIG. 4  housing fruit as in a dual-use configuration without a candle deck; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a close-up detail view in cross section of the top edge of the cover and the candle deck taken along view line “ 7 - 7 ” of  FIG. 4 , when viewed in the direction of the arrows depicted therein; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a close-up detail perspective view of the respective lock members of the cover and the base as shown in the dashed circle line “ 8 ” of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a knife guided by the indicia on the base being used to cut a slice of cheesecake; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view of the base of the sanitary cover of  FIG. 4 , showing three legs and the method of storing the candle deck flush against a bottom of the platter base; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10A  is an exploded bottom perspective view of the base of the sanitary cover of  FIG. 4 , showing three legs and the method of storing the candle deck within a cut out counter sink recess in the bottom of the platter base; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10B  is a crossectional detail view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10A , showing the candle deck stored within the recess of the platter base and held in place by a fastener. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective detail showing a different knob used to attach the candle deck of  FIG. 4 , where knob has a threaded extension extending through the candle deck and through the top of the cover, where the threaded extension is engageable with a threaded fastener, such as a nut; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11A  is a top perspective detail showing a threaded stem knob engageable with an upwardly extending threaded boss, integrally formed with the top of the cover. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a child flanked by two healthcare providers blowing out candles on a cake enclosed in a cake cover of this invention, possibly in a hospital environment; 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of a fifth embodiment for a cake cover wherein the candle deck is not attached to the cover but is nestled inside the top depressed area, wherein the peripheral edge ridge is deeper than the previous embodiments to accommodate the thickness of a fastener, such as an attachment nut; 
           [0038]      FIG. 13A  is a central side detail crossection of the cake cover of  FIG. 13 , taken along view line “ 13 A- 13 A” of  FIG. 13 , showing the candle deck separated from the cover top by the thickness of a nut; 
           [0039]      FIG. 13B  is an alternate embodiment for a central side detail crossection of the cake cover of  FIG. 13 , showing the candle deck resting on the top of the cover, where the candle deck has a lower counter sink region to accommodate the thickness of a nut therein threadably engaging a threaded knob extension; 
           [0040]      FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of a sixth embodiment for an alternate type of candle deck that is not attached to the cover, wherein it has recessed, optionally removable, side handles, instead of a central knob; 
           [0041]      FIG. 14A  is an exploded perspective view of a seventh embodiment for an alternate type of candle deck with void spaces surrounding candle holders, which may extend up or down from the surface of the candle deck, within the confines of a peripherally extending edge curtain; 
           [0042]      FIG. 14B  is a crossectional detail view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14A , taken along dashed view circle “ 14 B” of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0043]      FIG. 14C  is a crossectional detail view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14A , taken along view line “ 14 C- 14 C” of  FIG. 14A , showing candles with respective candle holders, such as for example, with through holes or non-through holes for insertion of candles therein, and a knob with an extension attached to a threaded nut to the top of the cake cover; 
           [0044]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a group of children, each with a respective cupcake with groups of candles, in an embodiment for a deck placed over a cupcake cover; 
           [0045]      FIG. 16  is an enlarged perspective view of the preferred embodiment for a cupcake cover of  FIG. 15 , with a candle deck held within a recess on top of the cupcake cover, where the candle deck is removable and storable under a base platter for the cupcake and cupcake cover; 
           [0046]      FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view of the cupcake cover embodiment of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 18  is an exploded perspective view of the cupcake cover embodiment of  FIG. 17 , but showing the ability to stow the deck under the base platter, and to use the embodiment to keep a cupcake item fresh; 
           [0048]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a ninth alternate cupcake cover embodiment, wherein there is no platter, and the knob and ferrule are friction-fitted into the cover aperture; 
           [0049]      FIG. 20  is a close-up detail perspective view of a tenth alternate embodiment for a cupcake cover with a knob with a threaded extension engaging a nut below the domed cupcake cover; and, 
           [0050]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a cupcake cover similar to that of  FIG. 19 , but showing the cover having a molded collar for frictionally receiving the knob or ferrule, eliminating the aperture. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0051]      FIGS. 1 and 2  each show a transparent sanitary cake cover assembly (designated by reference numerals  1  or  15 ) of this invention with a removable candle deck for a round cake and for a rectangular cake respectively. 
         [0052]    In  FIG. 1 , cover  2  is a round transparent cover with top edge peripheral ridge  6   a  and flat depressed region  6 . Cover  2  has optional lift handles  10  and a fastener means, such as a central hole  7  to accept the screw extension  5   b  below flange  5   a  of knob  5 , which fits through central hole  7  in removable candle deck  3  and attaches deck  3  to cover  2  via a fastener, such as nut  8  on the underside of depressed region  6 . Round cake  14  is supported by plain base  4 , and candles  12  populate some of grid holes  9  in candle deck  3 . Grid holes  9  can be through holes extending all the way through candle deck  3 , or can be partial recess holes with closed bottoms, extending into, but not all the way through, candle deck  3 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 2  shows transparent sanitary cake cover assembly  15  for rectangular cake  24  which is supported by plain base  20 . A rectangular cover  16  with optional handles  19 , central hole  7 , and depressed region  18 , which supports rectangular removable candle deck  17  therein, when candle deck  17  is surrounded by upwardly extending peripheral ridge  18   a  of rectangular cover  16 . 
         [0054]    While  FIGS. 1 and 2  show round and rectangular shapes for the transparent cover and cake therein, it is understood that other shapes for the transparent sanitary cake cover and cake itself may be used, for example, including other geometric shapes (i.e. triangles or ovals, etc.), or fanciful shapes (i.e. football, shamrock, cartoon character or organizational logo). 
         [0055]      FIG. 3  shows the alternate embodiment for sanitary cover  25  for cup cake  30 . It has a transparent cylindrical side  26  with dome top  27 . Hole  29  accepts ferrule  28  snugly which has a recess for candle  12  on top. 
         [0056]      FIG. 4  shows several alternate embodiment variations for a sanitary cake cover assembly  35 , which differs from sanitary cover  1 , which include sanitary cover  36 . Cover  36  locks into base  38  via two engaged locks  39 . Handles  41 , which are optionally removable, can be used for lifting in lieu of knob  40 . Removable candle deck  37  with a starburst pattern, or other array pattern, of candle holes  9  is attached to the top recessed region of plate cover  36  by fasteners, such as knob  40 . While base  38  shows cake-supporting pedestal plate  38   a  with concentric cake support rings  38   b,  it is known that, optionally, base  38  can be flat with no pedestal and/or rings. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 5-11  show more details of the sanitary cake cover assembly  35 . 
         [0058]    In contrast to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , where the fasteners for knob  5  has threaded stem  5   b  extending below flange  5   a,  through candle deck  3  and hole  7  of cover  2 , in the exploded view of  FIG. 5 , a fastener, such as screw  47 , enters through the bottom of central hole  46  in recessed region  45  of cover  36 , with peripheral ridge  45   a,  to attach candle deck  37  via the threaded hole in the bottom stem  40   b  of knob  40 , above flange  40   a.  Also shown in  FIG. 5 , optional external protrusion  48  of transparent cover  36  enters recess  49  on base  38 , to lock transparent cake cover  36  to platform base  38 . Optional indicia  51  are guides for cutting uniform cake slices. 
         [0059]      FIG. 6  shows transparent sanitary cover  36  to house fruit  53 . It is noted that knob  40  used without candle deck  37 , which has been removed. 
         [0060]      FIG. 7  shows crossection the detail at the edge of the top peripheral ridge  45   a  of cover  36 , with candle deck  37 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 8  shows a detail view of the engagement of lock housing  49  on base  38  and protrusion  48  extending from cover  36 , by rotating cover  36  relative to base  38 , so that protrusion  48  of sanitary cover  36  rests within the confines of lock housing  49 , such as, for example, below a ledge of lock housing  49 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 9  illustrates cutting uniform slices of cheesecake  56  by aligning knife  57  with indicia marks  51  which extend beyond the circumference of cake  56 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 10  shows the underside of platform base  38  with short legs  61  and a fastener, such as central screw stud  60 , which secures candle deck  37  for storage of candle deck  37  under base  38 , via a further complementary fastener, such as nut  8 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 10A  shows a platter base  238  for the sanitary cover  36  of  FIG. 4 , showing a plurality of legs  261  and the method of storing the candle deck within a counter sink cutout recess  239  in the bottom of the platter base  238 , whereby the recess  239  has a diameter closely equivalent to the diameter of the candle deck  37  for insertion therein, whereby the candle deck  37  is held in place by nut  268  engageable with threaded fastener extension  260  centrally located within recess  239 . Holes  9  can be through holes extending all the way through candle deck  37 , or can be partial holes with closed bottoms. 
         [0065]      FIG. 10B  shows the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10A , wherein candle deck  37  is provided with candle holes  9  and central hole  7  having threaded extension  260  engageable with fastener nut  268 , to hold candle deck  37  within recess  239 . 
         [0066]    It is further noted that while  FIGS. 1 and 2  do not require storing the candle deck below the respective platters  4  and  20 , it is assumed that platters  4  and  20  could be modified as shown in  FIG. 10  to also store candle decks  3  and  17  thereunder, either flush with platters  4  and  20 , similar to platter  38  of  FIG. 10  or with an indented recess  239 , as shown in platter  238  of  FIGS. 10A and 10B . 
         [0067]      FIG. 11  is a detail view of transparent sanitary cover assembly  35  having transparent cover  36  with peripheral upper ridge  34   a,  and depressed recess  34 , using knob  5  to secure removable candle deck  37  via nut  8 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 11A  shows an alternate embodiment where knob  105  has a finial or other grasping portion  105 , having a stem  106 , supporting a circumferential flange collar  107  above a threaded member  108 , which engages a threaded upwardly extending boss  110  formed integrally with the top  136   a  of cover  136 . Cover  136  has depressed recess  137  formed between the confines of upwardly extending peripheral edge rim  137   a  extending along a top peripheral edge of cover  136 . 
         [0069]    While  FIG. 11A  shows exterior threads on threaded stem  108  insertable within the internally threaded boss  110 , it is also known that the opposite configuration can be used, where a stem on knob  105  has interior threads and the boss has exterior threads engageable therewith (not shown). 
         [0070]      FIG. 12  illustrates a possible vignette for a sanitary cake cover assembly  35  with three human figures and a transparent sanitary cover protected cake with several lighted candles  63  on candle deck  37 . The child  65  may have a transmitted disease, since he or she is flanked by two healthcare providers  66  wearing face masks. Child  65  can still safely blow out the candles. After the candle deck  37  is removed via knob  105  of  FIG. 11A  or by handles  83  of  FIG. 14 , and the surface of transparent sanitary cover  36  is thoroughly disinfected, transparent sanitary cover  36  can be opened, revealing a protected cake. 
         [0071]    Sanitary cover assembly  70 , as shown in  FIG. 13 , shows an alternate embodiment for one variation with removable candle deck  3  unattached to transparent cover  71 , where candle deck  3  nestles on top of depressed region  73  within a high edge ridge  73   a.  Note height of edge ridge  73   a  is “Y” as indicated. 
         [0072]      FIG. 13A  is a central side cross section detail through knob  72 , showing removable candle deck  3 , and recessed region  73   a.  It shows that knob  72  has a short threaded extension that is as long as nut  8  is thick, which is just slightly less than gap “X” as indicated. The total height of deck thickness plus gap “X” is equal to “Y”, the height of ridge  73   a.  Note that recessed region  73  does not have a central hole. The draft angle of the edge ridge around deck  3  is an interference fit which keeps candle deck  3  level within gap “X”. Therefore, candle deck  3  is not connected by a fastener to transparent cake cover  71 , and is held in place by gravity within the recess  73 , formed by the upwardly extending peripheral top ridge  73   a  of cover  71 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 13B  shows an alternate embodiment detail in crossection through knob  172 , showing removable candle deck  183  with candle holes  9 , and cover  71  having recessed region  73  and raised peripheral ridge  73   a  of  FIG. 13 . Knob  172  has a short threaded extension that is engageable with a nut  8 , but where candle deck  183  has a countersink region  183   a  to accommodate nut  8 , so that nut  8  does not extend below the bottom of candle deck  183 , which sits in recess  73  upon the top of cover  71 , which therefore has no holes in it, and is smooth all along its top surface edge between the confines of ridge  73   a.    
         [0074]      FIG. 14  shows a different variation of sanitary cover  80  assembly, also with an unattached removal candle deck  82 , which has recessed handles  83  at the edge for lifting, and no central knob is used. Here again, recessed region  84  (which can have a recessed ridge  84   a  of less height than in  FIG. 13 ) does not have a central hole. Candle deck  82  just rests atop recessed region  84  at the top of cover  81  when in use. The recess  84  diameter and ridge height are less critical in this variation. Handles  10  for carrying cover  81  are shown. Handles  10  can be permanently attached or molded to the side of cover  81 , or cover handles  10  can be optionally removable when cover  81  is stored and not used. 
         [0075]      FIG. 14A  shows respective candle deck  237  that rests within upper recess  45  with peripheral edge  45   a,  but where candle holders  249  extend upward or downward from a surface of candle deck  237 , within a void area  247 , located within the confines of peripherally extending edge curtain  248  of candle deck  237 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 14B  shows a version of candle deck  237  having preferably cylindrical hollow candle holders  249  extending downward from a top  237   a  of candle deck  237 , having peripherally extending edge curtain  248 , defining a void area  247 , into which candle holders  249  each extend into. Candle holders  249  can have through holes or partial, closed bottom holes. 
         [0077]      FIG. 14C  shows candles  12  being held in place for lighting within respective candle holders  249  extending from top  237  of candle deck  237 , whereby knob  240  has an extension  241  extending into central hole  207  and engageable with threaded fastener  278 , to temporarily hold candle deck  237  with recess  45  of cover  36 . 
         [0078]      FIGS. 15 ,  16 ,  17  and  18  show three children at a birthday or other party, where each child  65 ,  65   a,    65   b  has their own respective domed or otherwise shaped cupcake cover  326 , covering respective cupcakes  330 , wherein further a candle deck  337  holds candles  12  within optionally beveled candle holders  349  extending up or down from candle deck  337 , which may optionally have through candle holes or non-through holes extending from deck  337  through beveled candle holders  349 . Cupcake cover  326  further includes a top recess  345  to hold candle deck  337  therein. Knob  340  attaches candle deck  337  to the top recess  345  of cupcake cover  326  via extension  340   a.  Platter base  338  supports cupcake cover  326  thereon. Knob  340  has threaded extension  340   a  engageable with fastener  348 , such as a threaded nut. 
         [0079]    Optionally, platter base can be flat, or else adorned with cupcake support pedestal plate  338   a.  As a further option, the candle deck can be a flat plate with holes similar to rounded deck  3  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 18  shows the ability to stow the deck  337  within recess  339  under the platter base  338 , and to use the embodiment to keep an item fresh. 
         [0081]    Also, while  FIG. 16  shows a base platter  338  for storage of the candle deck  337  therein,  FIG. 19  shows another alternate embodiment for a cupcake holder  426  with single candle  12 , where there is no platter underneath the cupcake and the knob  440  and candle holding ferrule  428  are friction-fitted into the cover aperture  449 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 20  shows a further alternate embodiment for a cupcake holder  526  with knob  540  with threaded extension  540   a  extending within through hole  547  and engaging a fastener  548 , such as a nut, below dome cover  526 . It is assured that a ferrule, such as ferrule  428  of  FIG. 19  would be used, with a similar threaded mechanical arrangement similar to that of knob  340  having threaded extension  340   a  extending within through hole  547 , for attaching to fastener, such as threaded nut  548 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 21  shows cupcake holder  626 , similar to cupcake holder  426  of  FIG. 19 , but showing the cover  626  having an upstanding molded collar  645   a  with recess  645  for frictionally receiving respective friction fit bases  641  and  629  of the knob  640  or ferrule  628  therein, thereby eliminating the need for central aperture  449  of  FIG. 19 . 
         [0084]    While the aforementioned shows preferred embodiments, it is noted that other embodiments may be contemplated, as noted in the appended claims. 
         [0085]    For example, in the foregoing description, certain terms and visual depictions are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be construed by the terms used or illustrations depicted, beyond what is shown in the prior art, since the terms and illustrations are exemplary only, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0086]    It is further known that other modifications may be made to the present invention, without departing the scope of the invention, as noted in the appended Claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5