EP3319447A1

EP3319447A1 - Baking apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP3319447A1
Application number: EP16719460.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mitchell Barney
Original assignee: Van Leeuwen Management Ltd
Current assignee: Van Leeuwen Management Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-20
Filing date: 2016-04-20
Publication date: 2018-05-16
Also published as: WO2016170318A1; GB201519277D0; GB201506650D0

Abstract

Baking apparatus (10) includes a plurality of shaping side walls (12). The apparatus (10) is movable between a disassembled condition in which the shaping walls (12) are disassembled from each other and an assembled condition in which the shaping walls (12) are held together to define a baking mixture receiving space (18).

Description

Baking Apparatus

The present invention relates to baking apparatus, particularly but not exclusively baking tins and cooking moulds.

Conventionally, baking apparatus, such as baking tins and cooking moulds, has been formed of metal. Traditionally, before filling the tin with cake mixture before baking, the metal tin is greased or oiled with, for example, margarine, to aid release of the cake after baking, or the tin can be lined with grease proof paper or baking parchment. It is known for the tin to include a loose base which can be separated from the tin sides and/or the surfaces of the tin to be coated with a non-stick release coating comprising PTFE (eg Teflon®) to further aid release of the cake from the tin after baking. Recently, baking apparatus formed of silicone has become popular.

Silicone withstands high temperature, so can be used in conventional ovens, microwave ovens and dishwashers, is flexible and is inherently non-stick, with good heat conduction properties. This means that baked cakes can be easily released from the flexible moulds, without greasing or lining being required, and are easy to clean. The moulds can be provided in a variety of shapes with quite intricate detail (eg side fluting) being possible.

However, despite these advances in baking apparatus, cake tins and moulds are generally only provided in square or circular formats and to achieve different shapes, the baked cake must be trimmed to shape, resulting in wastage of cake and an extra stage of work for the baker.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided baking apparatus, the apparatus including a plurality of shaping side walls, the apparatus being movable between a disassembled condition in which the shaping walls are disassembled from each other and an assembled condition in which the shaping walls are held together to define a baking mixture receiving space. Possibly, in the assembled condition, the walls form a continuous loop around the baking mixture receiving space

Possibly, each shaping wall includes a first engagement feature, which may be located at or towards one end of the wall. Possibly, each shaping wall includes a second engagement feature, which may be located at or towards an opposite end of the wall.

Possibly, in the assembled condition, the first engagement feature of one wall engages the second engagement feature of an adjacent wall.

Possibly, the apparatus includes a first shaping wall, which includes a pair of first engagement features, one of the first engagement features being located at each end, and a second shaping wall, which includes a pair of second engagement features, one of the second engagement features being located at each end, and in the assembled condition, the first engagement features of the first walls engage the second engagement features of adjacent second walls, the first and second walls being arranged in an alternating sequence.

Possibly, the apparatus includes a plurality of connectors. Possibly, each connector connects one of the first engagement features to the or one of the second engagement features of the adjacent wall. Possibly, each connector permits relative pivotal movement between the respective walls.

Possibly, each connector comprises a pin.

Possibly, each connector is separable from one or both of the engagement features.

Possibly, each first engagement feature defines a connector receiving first passage, which, in the assembled condition may receive the connector. Possibly, each first engagement feature comprises a first projecting wall arrangement. The first projecting wall arrangement may define the first passage.

Possibly, each first projecting wall arrangement comprises one or more projecting first wall parts which may be spaced apart along a longitudinal first axis, which may be the longitudinal axis of the first passage.

Possibly, each second engagement feature comprises a second projecting wall arrangement.

Possibly, each second projecting wall arrangement comprises one or more projecting second wall parts which may be spaced apart along a longitudinal second axis. Possibly, in the assembled condition, the first projecting wall arrangement and the second projecting wall arrangement are aligned along substantially the same longitudinal axis, which may substantially be the longitudinal axis of the first passage, and may be arranged to inter-engage, so that the first wall parts alternate with the second wall parts along substantially the same longitudinal axis.

Possibly, each second engagement feature defines a connector receiving second passage, which, in the assembled condition may receive the connector. The second projecting wall arrangement may define the second passage, and each of the second wall parts may define part of the second passage.

Possibly, in the assembled condition, each connector is located along one of the first and one of the second passages to lock respective adjacent walls together in the assembled condition. Possibly, each connector is separable from both of the engagement features, so that, in the disassembled condition, the connector is removed from the first and second engagement features. Possibly, each connector is fixed into the second passage, so that in the disassembled condition, each connector is removed from the respective first engagement feature, but remains fixed to the second projecting wall arrangement. Possibly, the second engagement feature includes the connector, which may extend from, and may be formed integrally with, the second projecting wall arrangement.

Possibly, each first engagement feature comprises a clip formation, which may permit a push fit engagement of the respective connector into and out of the respective first passage. Possibly, the first projecting wall arrangement comprises the clip formation and defines a clip opening, which may extend along the length of the first passage. Possibly, the walls comprise a plurality of shapes and/or sizes.

Possibly, the walls include one or more straight members, curved members and/or angled members.

Possibly, the straight members are of a plurality of lengths. Possibly, the curved members are of a plurality of arc radiuses and/or arc lengths. Possibly, the or each angled member comprises straight wall parts arranged at an angle to each other and connected by one or more corners. Possibly the angle is a multiple of 15°. The corner may be sharp or radiussed. Possibly, the walls include one or more flexible walls. The or each flexible wall may comprise a flexible wall part, which may be located between the engagement features. The flexible wall part may be formed of a flexible material, which may be a plastics material, and may be silicone. The flexible wall part may include a deformable member, which may be formed of metal. The deformable member may be located wholly within and surrounded by the flexible material. The or each or one flexible wall may comprise a plurality of flexible wall parts.

Possibly, the baking apparatus includes a base, on which, in use, the side walls are located. Possibly, the base includes a baking surface, on which, in use, the side walls are located, and which may define one or more location recesses. The base may be formed of a flexible material, which may be a plastics material and may be silicone.

Possibly, the baking surface defines a grid of location recesses, which grid may comprise a plurality of spaced recesses. Possibly, the grid extends substantially over the whole of the baking surface.

Possibly, each recess is in the form of a channel. Possibly, the grid includes a plurality of first channels extending in a first direction, which may intersect at intersections with a plurality of second channels extending in a second direction, which may be at 90° to the first direction. Possibly, the baking apparatus includes one or more divider walls, which may be eatable in the baking mixture receiving space to divide the baking mixture receiving space into a plurality of compartments. Possibly, each divider wall includes one or more insertion parts which may be receivable in the recesses.

Possibly, each recess is in the form of a hole. Possibly, each connector includes a free end, which may extend below the in use lower edge of the respective side wall. Possibly, in the assembled condition, each of the free ends of the connectors is received in one of the holes.

Possibly, the baking apparatus includes a barrier member, which may be in the form of a sheet, for example, of baking or greaseproof paper, which, in the assembled condition, may be located between the side walls and the base. Possibly, in the assembled condition, the connectors penetrate the barrier member to locate in the holes.

Possibly, the baking apparatus includes one or more holding devices. Possibly, each holding device locates against one of the side walls to hold the respective side wall in a desired position. Each device may include a pair of intersecting device walls, which may intersect at an intersection. Possibly, each device wall includes one or more insertion parts which may be receivable in the recesses.

Possibly, the apparatus includes a cutting arrangement. Possibly, the cutting arrangement includes an anchor and a cutting member which extends from the anchor. The cutting member may be elongate and may be in the form of a wire and may include a grip. The anchor may comprise an anchor member. Possibly, the anchor includes a securing device for securing the anchor to a support, for example, the base. Possibly, the anchor member extends upwardly from the securing device.

The cutting arrangement may include a cutting member mounting for mounting the cutting member to the anchor, which may be arranged to permit movement of the cutting member relative to the anchor.

Possibly, the baking apparatus is a baking tin or cooking mould. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of baking an item, the method including providing baking apparatus, the apparatus including a plurality of shaping side walls, the apparatus being movable between a disassembled condition in which the shaping walls are disassembled from each other and an assembled condition in which the shaping walls are held together to define a baking mixture receiving space.

Possibly, the apparatus includes any of the features described in any of the preceding statements or following description. Possibly, the method includes any of the steps described in any of the preceding statements or following description.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figs. 1A, B, C and D are perspective views of some possible shaping side walls of a baking apparatus;

Figs. 2A and 2B are plan views of a first engagement feature and a second engagement feature respectively;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of another possible shaping side wall of the apparatus;

Fig. 4 is a detail of part of the side wall of Fig. 3 as indicated by the circle IV in Fig. 3, showing hidden parts in dotted lines;

Figs. 5A, B and C are perspective views of component parts of the side wall of Fig. 4;

Figs. 6A to 6C are perspective views of, respectively, a base of the baking apparatus, the base with divider walls, and the base with divider walls, side walls and a cutting arrangement;

Figs. 7A to 7E are schematic plan views of some designs possible with the baking apparatus;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of engagement features of a side wall of a second baking apparatus; Fig. 8A is a plan view of a first engagement feature of the second baking apparatus;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a connector and engagement features of a side wall of a third baking apparatus;

Figs. 10A to 10D are views of side walls of a fourth baking apparatus,

Figs. 10A and B being plan views of first and second engagement features and Figs. 10C and 10D being perspective views of first and second side walls respectively;

Fig. 1 1 is a detail of part of the first side wall of Fig. 10C as indicated by the circle XI in Fig. 10C, showing hidden parts in dotted lines;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of part of the fourth baking apparatus in an assembled condition;

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the engagement features of the fourth baking apparatus in the assembled condition; and

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of part of a fifth baking apparatus in an exploded condition.

Figs. 1 to 7 show baking apparatus 10, the apparatus 10 including a plurality of shaping side walls 12. The apparatus 10 is movable between a disassembled condition in which the shaping walls 12 are disassembled from each other and an assembled condition in which the shaping walls 12 are held together to define a baking mixture receiving space 18.

In the example shown, the baking apparatus 10 is a baking tin or cooking mould, which is filled with a cake mixture and baked in an oven. In other examples, the baking apparatus 10 could be different, for use with different baking mixtures.

In the assembled condition, the walls 12 form a continuous loop around the baking mixture receiving space 18. Each shaping wall 12 includes a first engagement feature 14, which is located at or towards one end of the wall 12 and a second engagement feature 16, which is located at or towards an opposite end of the wall 12. In the assembled condition, the first engagement feature 14 of one wall 12 engages the second engagement feature 16 of an adjacent wall 12.

The apparatus 10 includes a plurality of connectors 20. Each connector 20 connects one of the first engagement features 14 to one of the second engagement features 16 of the adjacent wall 12. Each connector 20 permits relative pivotal movement between the respective walls 12.

Each connector 20 comprises a pin. Each first engagement feature 14 includes a first projecting wall arrangement 24 which defines a connector receiving first passage 22.

In this embodiment, each first projecting wall arrangement 24 comprises a projecting first wall part 26 which defines the first passage 22. Each first wall part 26 is approximately half of the height of the wall 12 and projects from a lower half of the wall height.

Each second engagement feature 16 comprises a second projecting wall arrangement 30. In this embodiment, each second projecting wall arrangement 30 comprises a projecting second wall part 32 which defines a connector receiving second passage 36. Each second wall part 32 is approximately half of the height of the wall 12 and extends from an upper half of the wall height. Each connector 20 is fixed into one of the second passages 36, for example by crimping of the second wall part 32 onto the connector 20. Each connector 20 extends downwardly in use from the second wall part 32 for a length equal to approximately half of the wall height. The walls 12 could comprise a plurality of shapes and/or sizes and could comprise straight members 12A, 12B, angled members 12C and curved members 12D. The straight members 12A, 12B could comprise longer length members 12A and shorter length members 12B. The curved members 12D could be of a plurality of arc radiuses and/or arc lengths.

The angled members 12C could comprise straight wall parts 42 arranged at an angle 46 to each other and connected by a corner 44. The angle 46 could be a multiple of 15°, for example 30°, 45°, 60°, 75° 90°. The corner 44 could be sharp or radiussed.

The walls 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D could be formed of a relatively rigid material, such as a metal, for example, mild steel, stainless steel or aluminium. The material could be coated, for example, with a non-stick coating.

The engagement features 14, 16 could be formed by bending, folding or rolling of the first and second wall parts 26, 32 respectively. The engagement features 14, 16 define gaps 108 between the ends of the material forming the first or second wall parts 26, 32 and the walls 12. In this embodiment, the gaps 108 are arranged to be too small to permit the passage therethrough of the connectors 20. Referring to Figs. 2A and 2B, the engagement features 14, 16 are formed so that the wall 12 has a substantially smooth surface on one side, with the engagement features 14, 16 projecting outwardly from the opposite side and the gaps 108 being located on the opposite side. In the assembled condition, the apparatus 10 is usually assembled so that the smooth side is on the inside of or facing the baking mixture receiving space 18 and the gaps 108 are on the outside. This gives a smoother finish to the cake and reduces contamination of the gaps 108 and the passages 22, 36 and therefore subsequent cleaning. Referring to Figs. 3 to 5, the walls 12 could include one or more flexible walls 12E. Each flexible wall 12E could comprise one or more flexible wall parts 48, which are located between the engagement features 14, 16. The flexible wall part 48 is formed of a flexible material, which could be a plastics material, and optimally is silicone. The flexible wall part 48 could include one or more plastically deformable members 54, which could be formed of a metal. The deformable member 54 is located wholly within and surrounded by the flexible material.

Figs. 5A to 5C show possible components of the flexible walls 12E. The flexible walls 12E could include a first end part 92 which includes the first engagement feature 14, a straight wall part 42 and a tab 50. The tab 50 defines a plurality of tab apertures 94. The tab 50 extends from an opposite end of the straight wall part 42 to the first engagement feature 14.

The flexible walls 12E could include an intermediate part 96, including a straight wall part 42, with a tab 50 extending from each end, each tab 50 defining a plurality of tab apertures 94.

The flexible walls 12E could include a second end part 98 which includes the second engagement feature 16, a straight wall part 42 and a tab 50. The tab 50 defines a plurality of apertures 94 and extends from an opposite end of the straight wall part 42 to the second engagement feature 16.

Each tab 50 is slightly smaller than its respective adjacent straight wall part 42. In forming the flexible walls 12E, each tab 50 is overlaid with the flexible material, which fills the tab apertures 94, which provide interlock.

The flexible walls 12E could be provided in different lengths and configurations. In one example, one of the flexible walls 12E could include, in length sequence, a first end part 92, a flexible wall part 48 and a second end part 98. In another example, as shown in Fig. 3, one of the flexible walls 12E could include, in length sequence, a first end part 92, a flexible wall part 48, a straight wall part 42, another flexible wall part 48, another straight wall part 42, another flexible wall part 48 and a second end part 98. It will be realised that other sequences of similar configuration and different length could be provided.

Referring to Figs. 6A to 6C, the baking apparatus 10 includes a base 56, which includes a baking surface 58, on which, in use, the side walls 12 are located. The base 56 could be formed of a resiliently deformable material, which could be a plastics material, and could be silicone.

The baking surface 58 defines a grid 62, comprising a plurality of spaced location recesses 60. The grid 62 extends substantially over the whole of the baking surface.

In the example shown, each recess 60 is in the form of a channel 64, and the grid 62 comprises a plurality of first channels 64A extending in a first direction, which intersect at intersections 66 with a plurality of second channels 64B extending in a second direction, the second direction being at 90° to the first direction.

The baking apparatus 10 includes, in the example shown, a plurality of divider walls 68, which are eatable in the baking mixture receiving space 18 to divide the baking mixture receiving space 18 into a plurality of compartments 100. Each divider wall 68 includes one or more insertion parts 102, each of which is receivable in the recesses 60. In the example shown, each divider wall 68 is in the form of a substantially planar plate-like member and the insertion part 102 is comprised by an in-use lower edge of the divider wall 68 which is a tight or interference fit in the channels 64, so that the channels 64 grip the divider wall 68. The divider walls 68 could be of different sizes and shapes. For example, circular or part-circular divider walls 68 could be provided.

The baking apparatus 10 includes one or more holding devices 72. Possibly, each holding device 72 locates against one of the side walls 12 to hold the respective side wall 12 in a desired position. Each device 72 includes a pair of intersecting device walls 74, which intersect at an intersection 78. Each device 72 includes one or more insertion parts 104 which is/are receivable in the recesses 60. In the example shown, each device wall 74 is in the form of a substantially planar plate-like member and the insertion part 102 is comprised by in-use lower edges of the device wall 74 which are a tight or interference fit in the channels 64 so that the channels 64 grip the device wall 74. The apparatus 10 includes a cutting arrangement 80. The cutting arrangement 80 includes an anchor 82 and a cutting member 84 which extends from the anchor 82. The cutting member 84 is elongate, in the form of a wire, and includes a grip 86, which, in this example, is in the form of a finger engaging ring. The anchor 82 comprises an anchor member 88, which, in this example, is in the form of an in-use upright post. The anchor 82 includes a securing device 106 for securing the anchor to a support, for example, the base 56. The anchor member 88 extends upwardly from the securing device 106. In the example shown, the securing device 106 is in the form of a suction cup. In another example, the securing device 106 could locate on the base 56 and could include one or more locating formations (not shown) which removably locate in a corresponding one or more of the recesses 60.

The cutting arrangement 80 includes a cutting member mounting 90 for mounting the cutting member 84 to the anchor 82, which is arranged to permit movement of the cutting member 84 relative to the anchor 82. The cutting member mounting 90 comprises a ring which removably loops over the anchor member 88. The anchor member 88 defines a plurality of spaced notches 1 12 therearound, which help retain the ring in position on the anchor member 88.

In use, the walls 12 are linked together to the assembled condition by locating the connectors 20 into the first passages 22, so that the walls 12 form a continuous loop around the baking mixture receiving space 18. A cake mixture is then located into the space 18.

In the assembled condition, the first projecting wall arrangement 24 and the second projecting wall arrangement 30 are aligned along substantially the same longitudinal axis, which is substantially the longitudinal axis 28 of the first passage 22, and are arranged to inter-engage.

In the assembled condition, each connector 20 is located along one of the first and one of the second passages 22, 36 to lock respective adjacent walls 12 together in the assembled condition.

The walls 12 could be located onto a conventional baking tray, or onto the base 56. Advantageously, with the base 56, the divider walls 68 can be positioned within the baking mixture receiving space 18 to divide up the space 18 into the compartments 100. This permits different types or colours of baking mixture to be located in the compartments 100, for hollows to be created, and/or for the baked cake to be easily divided up after baking. Fig. 6C and Figs. 7A to 7E show examples of shapes which can be made using different side walls 12. Figs. 6C, 7A and 7B show walls 12 formed into outlines of, respectively, a bell, a rocket and a clown face using long and short straight walls 12A, 12B, angled walls 12C and curved walls 12D, which are all relatively rigid walls. Figs. 7C to 7E show outlines in which flexible side walls 12E have (with, in some cases, other types of side walls 12) been used to make, respectively, a wavy shape (Fig. 7C), a crescent moon (Fig. 7D) and a pear or guitar shape (Fig. 7E). In Fig. 7E, a circular divider wall 68 has been used inside the baking mixture receiving space 18 to define a hole in the mixture.

In the example in which the flexible side walls 12E include the plastically deformable members 54, the flexible side walls 12E are formed into a desired shape by deforming the plastically deformable members 54, which then hold the flexible side walls 12E in the desired shape. In the example in which the flexible side walls 12 do not include the plastically deformable members 54 (or if additional holding capability is required), the method of holding the flexible side walls 12E in a desired shape is as follows.

The side walls 12 are located in a desired shape on the base 56. One or more holding devices 72 are located against outer surfaces of the side walls 12. The insertion parts 104 of the holding devices 72 are located in the channels 64 with the holding device intersections 78 locating in the channel intersections 66. Sufficient holding devices 72 are located around the side walls 12 so that the side walls 12 are held in the desired shape during filling of the cake mixture and baking. Advantageously, the engagement of the intersections 66, 78 prevents slippage movement of the holding devices 72.

After location of the baking mixture in the baking mixture receiving space 18, the baking apparatus 10 and the mixture is located in an oven and baked. Following baking and cooling, the walls 12 are disassembled by removing any holding devices 72, then withdrawing the connectors 20 from the first passages so that the walls 12 unlink and can be removed.

In one example, if the cake has been baked with divider walls 68, the pieces of cake within the compartments 100 can be separated and served without cutting being required. In another example, the divider walls 68 could be removed from the cake before further operations are carried out on the cake eg icing, decoration, etc. When it is wished to cut the cake, the cutting arrangement 80 can be positioned near to the cake. In the example in which the securing device 106 includes locating formations which locate in the recesses 60, the cutting arrangement can be located on the base 56. The cutting member mounting 90 is located on the anchor member 88. The user then grips the grip 86 and draws the cutting member 84 through the cake, in the manner of a cheese wire cutter. The cutting member 84 can be pivoted around the anchor member 88 to effect several cuts through the cake and the cutting arrangement 80 can be repositioned as required. In one example, the anchor member 88 could be located through the approximate middle of the cake to permit cutting around a midpoint.

After use, the various parts can be easily cleaned. The base 56 and the flexible wall parts 48 can be flexed to release adhering material and permit thorough cleaning, particularly of the channels 64.

The invention thus provides the following advantages. From a relatively small number of component parts, a large variety of shapes can be formed, allowing the baker creative freedom. In particular, the flexible wall parts permit original shapes to be created. The baking apparatus is easily assembled, disassembled, cleaned, transported and stored. The apparatus is easily manufactured. Additional steps of trimming the cake to size, with attendant cake wastage, are not required. The cake can be divided internally, allowing further creative scope and/or pre-dividing the cake so that cutting of the cake is not required. The cutting arrangement provides easy cutting of the cake.

Figs 8 to 14 show other embodiments of the invention, many features of which are similar to those already described in relation to the embodiment of Figs 1 to 7. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the following embodiments will only be described in so far as they differ from the embodiment already described. Where features are the same or similar, the same reference numerals have been used and the features will not be described again.

Figs. 8 and 8A show details of first and second engagement features 14, 16 of a second baking apparatus 210. In this embodiment, the second engagement feature 16 comprises a pair of spaced second wall parts 32, each approximately one-third of the height of the wall 12, with one second wall part 32 projecting from an upper part of the wall and one projecting from a lower part of the wall. A connector 20 is located through the second passages 36 and extends between the second wall parts 32 along the axis 34 of the second passages 36. In one example, the connector 20 is fixed into second passages 36.

The first engagement feature 14 comprises a first wall part 26, which is approximately one-third of the height of the wall 12 and projects from a middle part of the wall. In this example, the first engagement feature 14 comprises a clip formation 38, which permits a push fit engagement of the respective connector 20 into and out of the respective first passage 22. The first projecting wall part 26 comprises the clip formation 38 and defines a clip opening 40, which extends along the length of the first passage 22.

In use, in assembling the walls 12 together, the connector 20 is received into the first passage 22 by pushing past the clip formation 38 through the clip opening 40. The first wall part 26 of one wall 12 locates between the second wall parts 32 of an adjacent wall 12 so that the axis 28 of the first passage 22 is substantially aligned with the axis 34 of the second passage 36. Thus, the first wall parts 26 alternate with the second wall parts 32 along substantially the same longitudinal axis. After baking, the walls 12 are simply undipped from each other.

Advantageously, it is not necessary or possible to move the walls 12 vertically relative to each other in assembling or disassembling the apparatus 210.

Fig. 9 shows details of first and second engagement features 14, 16 of a third baking apparatus 310. In this embodiment, the connector 20 can be removed from the second passages 36 of the second engagement feature 1 16.

The connector 20 includes a gripping part 1 10 in the form of finger engaging ring. Other details are similar to those of the previous embodiment.

To assemble the baking apparatus 310, the first and second engagement features 14, 16 are inter-engaged so that the axes 28, 36 of the first and second passages 22, 36 are substantially aligned and the connectors 20 located in the first and second passages 22, 36.

After baking, the connectors 20 can be simply removed from the first and second passages 22, 36 to permit disassembly of the baking apparatus 310.

In the example shown, the first engagement feature 14 comprises a clip formation 38, so that, in disassembly, the user has the choice of unclipping the walls 12 from each other and/or removing the connectors 20. Figs. 10 to 13 show a fourth baking apparatus 410 which includes side walls 412. In this embodiment, the first engagement features 414 and the second engagement features 416 each extend along the whole of an edge of the respective side walls 412 and are constant in cross sectional shape and size along the respective edge. This permits the side walls 412 to be formed by extrusion, which results in cheaper manufacturing costs.

The first engagement feature 414 comprises a socket 418 defining a recess 420. The socket 418 includes a pair of arms 422 which define a gap 424 therebetween. The second engagement feature 416 comprises a relatively enlarged projecting head 426. The width of the gap 424 is slightly smaller than the width of the head 426. The apparatus 410 could be assembled in one of two ways. In one way, the arms 422 and/or the head 426 could be resiliently deformable, so that the head 426 could be pushed through the gap 424 into the recess 420 to an assembled condition (ie a "click fit", "push fit or "snap fit" connection). In another way, the first and second engagement features 414, 416 could be brought into the assembled condition by relative sliding movement of the head 426 along the longitudinal axis 428 of the recess 420. In this second way, it is not necessary for the arms 422 and/or the head 426 to be resiliently deformable. Once in the assembled condition, the head 426 is held in the recess

420 by the arms 422.

In the assembled condition, the first and second engagement features 414, 416 function as an articulated joint, permitting relative movement and positioning between the walls 412. Thus the head 426 acts as a pivot around the longitudinal axis 428 and permits relative angular positioning of the walls 412. The degree of relative angular positioning possible is determined by the width of the gap 424 and the resilient deformability of the arms 422. In one example, the apparatus 410 could include a plurality of walls

412, each wall 412 including a first engagement feature 414 at one end and a second engagement feature 414 at the other end. In another example as shown in Figs. 10C and 10D, the apparatus 410 could include first walls 412A which include a first engagement feature 414 at each end and second walls 412B which include a second engagement feature 416 at each end.

Referring to Fig. 1 1 , each wall 412 could be formed of a plastics material such as silicone by moulding or extrusion. Each wall 412 could be formed of a relatively rigid material, or a relatively flexible material, or different walls 412 could be formed of different materials. Each wall 412 could include one or more stiffeners 430, which could, for example, be in the form of a metal rod extending along and within the length of the head 426. Each wall 412 could include one or more plastically deformable members 432 which extend along and within the length of the wall 412, which permit a relatively flexible wall 412 to be formed into and held in a desired shape.

As in previous embodiments, the walls 412 could be of different sizes and/or shapes.

Fig. 14 shows a fifth baking apparatus 510 which includes a base 556 in the form of a baking tray which includes a baking surface 58.

In the example shown, each recess 60 is in the form of a hole 1 14 (only a few of which are labelled in Fig. 14). The fifth baking apparatus 510 could include side walls 512 and engagement features 14, 16 which are similar to any of those of the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 9, with the difference that free ends 1 18 of the connectors 520 extend below the in use lower edges of the side walls 512. In the assembled condition, each of the free ends 1 18 of the connectors 520 is received in one of the holes 1 14, so that the engagement of the connectors 520 in the holes 1 14 locates and holds the apparatus 510 in the desired shape. This helps prevent movement of the side walls 512 during filling and baking.

The arrangement of the extended free ends 1 18 and the base 556 with the holes 1 14 replaces the holding devices 72 of Figs. 6 and 7.

As in a previous embodiment, the baking apparatus 510 could include divider walls 68, each divider wall 68 including one or more insertion parts 102 in the form of a projecting pin of similar size and shape to the free ends 1 18 of the connectors 520, each of which is receivable in the assembled condition in one of the holes 1 14.

The fifth baking apparatus 510 could include a barrier member 1 16 in the form of a sheet, for example, of baking or greaseproof paper, which is located between the side walls 512 and the base 556 to prevent baking mixture from entering and blocking the holes 1 14.

In use, the barrier member 1 16 is laid over the whole of the base 556. The side walls 512 are then located onto the barrier member 1 16 and the free ends 1 18 of the connectors 520 pushed through the barrier member 1 16 into the holes 1 14. Thus the connectors 520 penetrate the barrier member 1 16 and form small perforations therein.

Similarly, the divider walls 68 can be located by pushing the insertion parts 102 through the barrier member 1 16 into the holes 1 14.

Various other modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The baking apparatus and the various components thereof could be of any suitable size and shape, and could be formed of any suitable material.

The connector could be formed integrally with the second projecting wall arrangement. Any of the features or steps of any of the embodiments shown or described could be combined in any suitable way, within the scope of the overall disclosure of this document.

There is thus provided baking apparatus with a number of advantages over conventional arrangements. In particular, the apparatus is easy to assemble and disassemble and provides scope for creativity on the part of the baker or cake designer as it permits a large variety of possible shapes of outlines to be easily formed without wastage.

Claims

1 . Baking apparatus, the apparatus including a plurality of shaping side walls, the apparatus being movable between a disassembled condition in which the shaping walls are disassembled from each other and an assembled condition in which the shaping walls are held together to define a baking mixture receiving space.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , in which, in the assembled condition, the walls form a continuous loop around the baking mixture receiving space.

3. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, in which each shaping wall includes a first engagement feature, which is located at or towards one end of the wall.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, in which each shaping wall includes a second engagement feature, which is located at or towards an opposite end of the wall from the first engagement feature.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, in which in the assembled condition, the first engagement feature of one wall engages the second engagement feature of an adjacent wall.

6. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, in which the apparatus includes a first shaping wall, which includes a pair of first engagement features, one of the first engagement features being located at each end, and a second shaping wall, which includes a pair of second engagement features, one of the second engagement features being located at each end, and in the assembled condition, the first engagement features of the first walls engage the second engagement features of adjacent second walls, the first and second walls being arranged in an alternating sequence.

7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes a plurality of connectors.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 when dependent on claims 5 or 6, in which each connector connects one of the first engagement features to the or one of the second engagement features of the adjacent wall.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, in which each connector permits relative pivotal movement between the respective walls.

10. Apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 9, in which each connector comprises a pin.

1 1 . Apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 10, in which each connector is separable from one or both of the engagement features.

12. Apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 1 1 when dependent on any of claims 3 to 6, in which each first engagement feature defines a connector receiving first passage, which, in the assembled condition, receives the connector.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, in which each first engagement feature comprises a first projecting wall arrangement, which defines the first passage, and comprises one or more projecting first wall parts which are spaced apart along a longitudinal first axis, which is the longitudinal axis of the first passage.

14. Apparatus according to claims 4 or 6 or any claim dependent thereon, in which each second engagement feature comprises a second projecting wall arrangement, which comprises one or more projecting second wall parts which are spaced apart along a longitudinal second axis.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 when dependent on claim 13, in which in the assembled condition, the first projecting wall arrangement and the second projecting wall arrangement are aligned along substantially the same longitudinal axis.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, and on claim 14 when dependent on claim 13, in which in the assembled condition, the first projecting wall arrangement and the second projecting wall arrangement are arranged to inter-engage, so that the first wall parts alternate with the second wall parts along substantially the same longitudinal axis.

17. Apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 1 1 or any claim dependent thereon, when dependent on any of claims 4 to 6, in which each second engagement feature defines a connector receiving second passage, which, in the assembled condition receives the connector.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 when dependent on claim 14 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the second projecting wall arrangement defines the second passage, and each of the second wall parts defines part of the second passage.

19. Apparatus according to claims 17 or 18 when dependent on the combination of claims 7 and 12 or any claim dependent on said combination, in which in the assembled condition, each connector is located along one of the first and one of the second passages to lock respective adjacent walls together in the assembled condition.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19, in which each connector is separable from both of the engagement features, so that, in the disassembled condition, the connector is removed from the first and second engagement features.

21 . Apparatus according to claim 19, in which each connector is fixed into the second passage, so that in the disassembled condition, each connector is removed from the respective first engagement feature, but remains fixed to the second projecting wall arrangement.

22. Apparatus according to claim 14 or any claim dependent thereon, when dependent on claim 7 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the second engagement feature includes the connector, which extends from, and may be formed integrally with, the second projecting wall arrangement.

23. Apparatus according to claim 12 or any claim dependent thereon, in which each first engagement feature comprises a clip formation, which permits a push fit engagement of the respective connector into and out of the respective first passage.

24. Apparatus according to claim 23 when dependent on claim 13 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the first projecting wall arrangement comprises the clip formation and defines a clip opening, which may extend along the length of the first passage.

25. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the walls comprise a plurality of shapes and/or sizes.

26. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the walls include one or more straight members, curved members and/or angled members.

27. Apparatus according to claim 26, in which the straight members are of a plurality of lengths.

28. Apparatus according to claims 26 or 27, in which the curved members are of a plurality of arc radiuses and/or arc lengths.

29. Apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 28, in which the or each angled member comprises straight wall parts arranged at an angle to each other and connected by one or more corners, which may be sharp or radiussed.

30. Apparatus according to claim 29, in which the angle is a multiple of 15°.

31 . Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the walls include one or more flexible walls.

32. Apparatus according to claim 31 , in which the or each flexible wall comprises a flexible wall part, which is located between the engagement features.

33. Apparatus according to claim 32, in which the or each flexible wall part is formed of a flexible material, which may be a plastics material, and may be silicone.

34. Apparatus according to claims 32 or 33, in which the flexible wall part includes a deformable member, which may be formed of metal.

35. Apparatus according to claim 34 when dependent on claim 33, in which the deformable member is located wholly within and surrounded by the flexible material.

36. Apparatus according to any of claims 32 to 35, in which the or each or one flexible wall comprises a plurality of flexible wall parts.

37. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the baking apparatus includes a base, on which, in use, the side walls are located.

38. Apparatus according to claim 37, in which the base is formed of a flexible material, which may be a plastics material and may be silicone.

39. Apparatus according to claims 37 or 38, in which the base includes a baking surface, on which, in use, the side walls are located, and which defines one or more location recesses.

40. Apparatus according to claim 39, in which the baking surface defines a grid of location recesses, which grid may comprise a plurality of spaced recesses.

41 . Apparatus according to claim 40, in which the grid extends substantially over the whole of the baking surface.

42. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the baking apparatus includes one or more divider walls, which are eatable in the baking mixture receiving space to divide the baking mixture receiving space into a plurality of compartments.

43. Apparatus according to claim 42 when dependent on claims 40 or 41 , in which each divider wall includes one or more insertion parts which are receivable in the recesses.

44. Apparatus according to any of claims 40, 41 and 43, in which each recess is in the form of a channel.

45. Apparatus according to claim 44, in which the grid includes a plurality of first channels extending in a first direction, which intersect at intersections with a plurality of second channels extending in a second direction, which may be at 90° to the first direction.

46. Apparatus according to any of claims 40, 41 and 43, in which each recess is in the form of a hole.

47. Apparatus according to claim 46 when dependent on claim 7 or any claim dependent thereon, in which each connector includes a free end, which extends below the in use lower edge of the respective side wall.

48. Apparatus according to claim 47, in which in the assembled condition, each of the free ends of the connectors is received in one of the holes.

49. Apparatus according to claim 37 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the baking apparatus includes a barrier member, which is in the form of a sheet, for example, of baking or greaseproof paper, which, in the assembled condition, is located between the side walls and the base.

50. Apparatus according to claim 49 when dependent on claim 48, in which in the assembled condition, the connectors penetrate the barrier member to locate in the holes.

51 . Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the baking apparatus includes one or more holding devices, and each holding device locates against one of the side walls to hold the respective side wall in a desired position.

52. Apparatus according to claim 51 , in which each device may include a pair of intersecting device walls, which may intersect at an intersection.

53. Apparatus according to claim 52 when dependent on claim 40 or any claim dependent thereon, in which each device wall includes one or more insertion parts which are receivable in the recesses.

54. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes a cutting arrangement.

55. Apparatus according to claim 54, in which the cutting arrangement includes an anchor and a cutting member which extends from the anchor.

56. Apparatus according to claim 55, in which the cutting member is elongate and may be in the form of a wire and may include a grip.

57. Apparatus according to claims 55 or 56, in which the anchor comprises an anchor member and a securing device for securing the anchor to a support, for example, the base, and the anchor member extends upwardly from the securing device.

58. Apparatus according to any of claims 55 to 57, in which the cutting arrangement includes a cutting member mounting for mounting the cutting member to the anchor, which is arranged to permit movement of the cutting member relative to the anchor.

59. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the baking apparatus is a baking tin or cooking mould.

60. A method of baking an item, the method including providing baking apparatus, the apparatus including a plurality of shaping side walls, the apparatus being movable between a disassembled condition in which the shaping walls are disassembled from each other and an assembled condition in which the shaping walls are held together to define a baking mixture receiving space.

61 . Apparatus according to claim 60, in which the apparatus includes any of the features defined in any of claims 1 to 59.

62. Baking apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

63. A method of baking an item substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.