GB2611796A

GB2611796A - Baking aid

Info

Publication number: GB2611796A
Application number: GB2114760.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Monteath Graham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-10-15
Filing date: 2021-10-15
Publication date: 2023-04-19
Also published as: GB202114760D0

Abstract

A baking aid 10 for supporting a heated baking tin is disclosed. The baking stand 10 comprises a first plate 14 fixed to a first end of a stem 12. In use, when a baking tin 7 is placed on the plate the outer wall 9 of the tin 7 can be lowered around the stem 12. The baking aid 10 may comprise a second plate 16 at the second end of the stem 12. This base 16 may be larger than the first plate 14. A method of manufacturing the baking aid 10 is also disclosed which may comprise forming the plate 14 and stem 12 as a single structure or fastening the two components together. The baking aid 10 allows baked items 3 in loose based tins 5,7 to be removed with a reduce risk of the user getting burned.

Description

BAKING AID

This invention relates generally to a baking aid. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to a baking aid for supporting a loose base tin, for example a loose base baking tin.

Loose base tins, also known as loose bottom tins or pans, are a type of bakeware that has an outer wall or outer sides which may be removed from the base. Such tins or pans are used to bake dishes, for example cakes or tarts, which are difficult or impossible to invert for removal of the baked product or dish from the tin and/or which have delicate bases, such as cheesecakes.

In order to remove a baked item from a loose base tin, a user holds the loose base tin in one hand and pushes the base upward and out of the outer wall or sides of the tin with the other hand. This results in the user supporting the baked item and base of the fin on the fingers of one hand and holding the hot outer wall or sides of the tin with the other hand. In order to stabilise the baked item to put it on a kitchen worktop or table, the user lets go of the hot outer wall or sides of the tin. The outer wall or sides of the tin then slide down the user's arm. This can result in a part of the user's arm being burned by the hot wall or sides of the fin, as illustrated in Figure 1.

If the user fails to stabilise the baked item and base of the fin, the user may drop the baked item.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a device or aid which facilitates the safe removal of a baked item from a loose base tin.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a baking aid for supporting a heated baking tin, the baking aid comprising a plate and a stem, the plate being provided at a first end of, and fixed relative to, the stem such that a base of the heated baking tin is placeable on the plate and an outer wall of the baking tin is separable from the base of the baking tin and is lowerable around the stem.

The heated baking tin may be at a temperature of up to 300°C. The baking aid is, therefore, able to withstand temperatures of up to 300°C.

The position and/or the orientation of the plate is fixed relative to the stem. In other words, the plate of the baking aid may not be rotated or otherwise moved relative to the stem of the baking aid.

Advantageously, the baking aid allows baked items to be supported on the base of a loose base tin while the outer wall is removed from the loose base tin, thereby eliminating the risk of or preventing a user being burned by the hot outer wall of the loose base tin.

Further advantageously, the baking aid allows baked items to be held stationary while the io outer wall is removed from the loose base tin, reducing the risk of or preventing damage to the baked item and/or a user being burned by the baked item and/or any part of the loose base fin.

The plate may be removably fixed relative to the stem. This advantageously enables plates of different sizes and/or shapes to be used interchangeably with the elongate stem. The use of a removable fastening ensures that the position and/or the orientation of the plate is fixed relative to the stem during use of the baking aid. In other words, the plate of the baking aid may not be rotated or otherwise moved relative to the stem of the baking aid during use of the baking aid.

The stem may be an elongate stem. The stem may be generally cylindrical in shape. Alternatively, the stem may be generally cuboidal, for example square cuboidal, in shape. The stem may be hourglass shaped or frustoconical or frustopyramidal. The stem may have a concave outer wall.

The stem may have a length. The length of the stem may be variable. The stem may include an adjustment mechanism for increasing and/or decreasing the length of the stem. The adjustment mechanism may include a telescopic arrangement.

Where the plate is removably fixed relative to the stem, this advantageously enables stems of different shapes and/or sizes, for example lengths, to be used interchangeably with the plate. In this way, the distance or height between the plate and the kitchen worktop or table can be varied.

The plate may be a first plate. The baking aid may comprise a second plate which is provided at a second end of and fixed relative to the stem such that the stem extends between the first plate and the second plate. A base of the heated baking tin may be placeable on the first plate and/or the second plate. An outer wall of the heated baking fin may be separable from the base of the heated baking tin. The outer wall of the heated baking tin may be lowerable around the stem.

The first plate and/or the second plate may have a maximum dimension, in plan, of between 50 mm and 230 mm.

The first plate and/or the second plate may be circular in plan. The first plate and/or the second plate may be square or rectangular in plan.

The second plate may have a maximum dimension, in plan, which is greater than a maximum dimension, in plan, of the first plate.

The first plate may be fixed relative to the stem, for example mounted to the stem, using at least one fastener. The first plate may include a first, or upper, face or surface which faces away from the stem, a second, or lower, face or surface which faces toward the stem and a hole which extends between the first face and the second face. The hole may be positioned in or adjacent to the centre of the first plate. The hole may include a counterbore or countersink adjacent to the first face. The at least one fastener may extend through the hole. The first plate may further comprise a cap which is configured to cooperate with the counterbore or countersink to close the hole on the first face of the first plate.

The at least one fastener of the first plate may be a first at least one fastener. The hole of the first plate may be a first hole. The counterbore of the first plate may be a first counterbore. The countersink of the first plate may be a first countersink. The cap of the first plate may be a first cap.

The second plate may be fixed relative to the stem, for example mounted to the stem, using a second at least one fastener. The second plate may include a first, or upper, face or surface which faces toward the stem, a second, or lower, face or surface which faces away from the stem and a second hole which extends between the first face and the second face.

The second hole may be positioned in or adjacent to the centre of the second plate. The second hole may include a second counterbore or a second countersink adjacent to the second face. The second at least one fastener may extend through the second hole. The second plate may further comprise a second cap which is configured to cooperate with the second counterbore or second countersink to close the second hole on the second face of the second plate.

Alternatively, the first plate and/or the second plate and/or the stem may be formed from or as a single structure.

A second aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing a baking aid, the method comprising providing a hole through a plate, passing a fastener through the hole, installing the fastener into a first end of a stem, thereby fixing the plate relative to the stem, such that, in use, the baking aid can be used to support a heated baking tin such that a base of the heated baking fin is placed on the plate and an outer wall of the heated baking is fin is removeable from the base and is lowerable around the stem.

The hole may be provided in the centre of the plate.

A countersink or a counterbore may be provided in the hole adjacent to a first, or upper, face or surface of the plate, said first, or upper, face or surface facing away from the stem when the baking aid is assembled or formed. A cap may be installed in the hole to close the hole on the first, or upper, face or surface of the plate.

The plate may be first plate. The hole of the first plate may be a first hole. The fastener of the first plate may be a first fastener. The countersink of the first plate may be a first countersink. The counterbore of the first plate may be a first counterbore. The cap of the first plate may be a first cap.

The method may further comprise providing a second hole through a second plate, passing a second fastener through the second hole, installing the second fastener into a second end of the stem, thereby fixing the second plate relative to the stem, such that, in use, the baking aid can be used to support a heated baking fin such that a base of the heated baking tin is placed on the plate and an outer wall of the heated baking tin is removeable from the base and is lowerable around the stem.

The second hole may be provided in the centre of the second plate.

A second countersink or a second counterbore may be provided in the second hole adjacent to a second, or lower, face or surface of the second plate, said second, or lower, face or surface facing away from the stem when the baking aid is assembled or formed. The second cap may be installed in the second hole to close the second hole on the second, or lower, face or surface of the second plate.

A third aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing a baking aid by a io subtractive manufacturing process, for example by machining the baking aid from a single structure or piece of material. The subtracting manufacturing process may include turning, drilling, milling, laser cutting or water jet cutting.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing a baking aid by an additive manufacturing process, for example by 3D printing the baking aid.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing a baking aid by moulding or casting the baking aid.

For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may", "and/or", "e.g.", "for example" and any similar term as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting such that any feature so-described need not be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not these are expressly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation illustrating a problem with loose base fins; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a baking aid according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a section view through the baking aid of Figure 2; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the baking aid of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the baking aid of Figure 2 in use; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a baking aid according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a baking aid according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a baking aid according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a baking aid according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a baking aid according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a baking aid according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 is a perspective view of an alternative stem for use in conjunction with a baking aid according to the present invention; and Figure 13 is a perspective view of a yet further stem for use in conjunction with a baking aid according to the present invention.

Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a user 1 holding a baked item 3 which is on the circular base 5 of a loose base tin 7, from which the ring-shaped outer wall 9 has been removed. It will be understood that a baking aid according to the present invention may be used with a loose base tin of any shape or size. The loose base tin may, for example have a base which is square or rectangular in plan.

A first embodiment of a baking aid 10 for use with a loose base tin 7 will now be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5.

The baking aid 10 includes an elongate stem 12, a first end member in the form of a first plate 14 and a second end member in the form of a second plate 16.

The elongate stem 12, the first plate 14 and the second plate 16 may be manufactured from any material which is able to withstand the temperature of bakeware which has been removed from a hot oven, for example bakeware which has been in an oven at a temperature up to 300°C. The elongate stem 12, the first plate 14 and the second plate 16 may, for example, be manufactured from any suitable natural or synthetic material. The elongate stem 12, the first plate 14 and the second plate 16 may be manufactured from any suitable metallic, polymeric, ceramic or composite material.

Each of the elongate stem 12, the first plate 14 and the second plate 16 may be manufactured from the same material in order to facilitate recycling, reprocessing or repurposing the baking aid 10 at the end of its life. Alternatively, the elongate stem 12 may be manufactured from a different material from the first plate 14 and/or the second plate 16.

The elongate stem 12 is generally cylindrical and has a first end 18 and a second end 20.

The first plate 14 is generally circular in plan view and has a maximum dimension in plan, or diameter, A. The first plate 14 also has a first face 22, a second face 24, a peripheral edge 25 and a hole or aperture 26 which extends between the first face 22 and the second face 24. With particular reference to Figure 3, it can be seen that the hole 26 includes a countersink 28 adjacent to the upper surface 22. In some embodiments of the invention, a chamfered edge may be provided between the first face 22 and the peripheral edge 25. Additionally, or alternatively, a chamfered edge may be provided between the second face 24 and the peripheral edge 25.

Similarly, the second plate 16 is generally circular in plan view and has a maximum dimension in plan, or diameter, B. The second plate 16 has a first face 30, a second face 32, a peripheral edge 33 and a hole or aperture 34 which extends between the first face 30 and the second face 32. Again with reference to Figure 3, it can be seen that the hole 34 includes a countersink 36 adjacent to the lower surface 32. In some embodiments of the invention, a chamfered edge may be provided between the first face 30 and the peripheral edge 33. Additionally, or alternatively, a chamfered edge may be provided between the second face 32 and the peripheral edge 33.

As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the diameter A of the first plate 14 is less than the diameter B of the second plate 16. It will be understood that, in alternative embodiments of the invention, the diameter A of the first plate 14 and the diameter B of the second plate 16 may be the same. In yet further embodiments of the invention, the diameter A of the first plate 14 may be greater than the diameter B of the second plate 16.

The baking aid 10 of the first embodiment also includes two fasteners in the form of screws 38, 40 and two caps 42, 44.

Assembly or manufacture of the baking aid 10 will now be described.

The first plate 14 is mounted on the first end 18 of the elongate stem 12 such that a portion of the second face 24 of the first plate 14 abuts the first end 18 of the elongate stem 12. A first screw 38 is passed through the hole 26 in the first plate 14 and screwed into the first end 18 of the elongate stem 12. A first cap 42 is placed in the countersink 28 to ensure that the first face 22 of the first plate 14 is flat or smooth.

The second plate 16 is mounted on the second end 20 of the elongate stem 12 such that a portion of the first face 30 of the second plate 16 abuts the second end 20 of the elongate stem 12. A second screw 40 is passed through the hole 34 in the second plate 16 and screwed into the second end 20 of the elongate stem 12. A second cap 44 is placed in the countersink 36 to ensure that the second face 32 of the second plate 16 is flat or smooth.

It will be understood that any suitable fastener may be used to fasten the first plate 14 and the second plate 16 to the elongate stem 12. The fastener may, for example, include one or more nails and/or an adhesive.

Alternatively, the elongate stem 12, the first plate 14 and the second plate 16 may be manufactured as a single structure, for example by moulding or casting, by an additive manufacturing method such as 3D printing, or by cutting or otherwise forming the structure from a single piece of material.

io Use of the baking aid 10 will now be described with particular reference to Figure 5.

The baking aid 10 is placed on a surface (not shown) of a kitchen worktop or table such that the second face 32 of the second plate 16 is in contact with the surface of the kitchen worktop or table.

A baked item, for example a cake 3, within a loose base tin 7 is removed from an oven (not shown) and placed on the baking aid 10 such that the base 5 is positioned on the first face 22 of the first plate 14.

The diameter of the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base fin 7 is greater than the diameter A of the first plate 14 and so the ring-shaped outer wall 9 can be slid downward away from the base 5, the peripheral edge 25 of the first plate 14 and the elongate stem 12.

The diameter of the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base tin 7 is less than the diameter B of the second plate 16 and so the ring-shaped outer wall 9 rests on the first face 30 of the second plate 16.

In this way, the cake 3 is supported on the base 5 of the loose base tin 7 by the baking aid 10 and the ring-shaped outer wall 9 (which may still be hot following its removal from the oven), is kept away from the user's arms, wrists and hands, as well as the surface of the kitchen worktop or table.

In this configuration, the first face 22 of the first plate 14 is an upper face or surface, the first face 30 of the second plate 16 is an upper face or surface and the second face 32 of the second plate 16 is a lower face or surface.

For loose base tins having a different size and/or shape, the baking aid 10 may also be used in an inverted configuration such that when the baking aid 10 is placed on a surface (not shown) of a kitchen worktop or table, the first face 22 of the first plate 14 is in contact with the surface of the kitchen worktop or table.

lo In the alternative, inverted, configuration, the baking aid 10 is used in the same way; however, the second face 32 of the second plate 16 is an upper face or surface, the second face 24 of the first plate 14 is an upper face or surface and the first face 22 of the first plate is a lower face or surface.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 6 to 13.

A baking aid 210 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 6.

The baking aid 210 includes an elongate stem 212 and an end member in the form of a plate 214.

The elongate stem 212 is generally cylindrical and has a first end 218 and a second end 25 220.

The plate 214 is generally circular in plan view and has a maximum dimension in plan, or diameter, C. The plate 214 also has a first face 222, a second face 224 and a peripheral edge 225. In some embodiments of the invention, a chamfered edge may be provided between the first face 222 and the peripheral edge 225. Additionally, or alternatively, a chamfered edge may be provided between the second face 224 and the peripheral edge 225.

The elongate stem 212 and the plate 214 of the baking aid 210 may be manufactured from the same materials or different materials, as described in relation to the baking aid 10 of the first embodiment.

Assembly or manufacture of the baking aid 210 will now be described.

The plate 214 is mounted on the first end 218 of the elongate stem 212 such that a portion of the second face 224 of the plate 214 abuts the first end 218 of the elongate stem 212. The plate 214 and the elongate stem 212 may be fastened together as described in relation io to the baking aid 10 of the first embodiment. Alternatively, the plate 214 and the elongate stem 212 may be manufactured as a single structure, for example by moulding, by an additive manufacturing method such as 3D printing, or by cutting or otherwise forming the structure from a single piece of material.

In use, the baking aid 210 is placed on a surface (not shown) of a kitchen worktop or table such that the second end 220 of the elongate stem 212 is in contact with the surface of the kitchen worktop or table.

A baked item, for example a cake 3, within a loose base tin 7 is removed from an oven (not shown) and placed on the baking aid 210 such that the base 5 is positioned on the first face 222 of the plate 214.

The diameter of the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base fin 7 is greater than the diameter C of the plate 214 and so the ring-shaped outer wall 9 can be slid downward away from the base 5, the peripheral edge 225 of the plate 214 and the elongate stem 212.

The ring-shaped outer wall 9 then rests on the surface of the kitchen worktop or table.

In this way, the cake 3 is supported on the base 5 of the loose base tin 7 by the baking aid 210 and the ring-shaped outer wall 9 (which may still be hot following its removal from the oven), is kept away from the user's arms, wrists and hands.

In this configuration, the first face 222 of the plate 214 is an upper face or surface and the second end 220 of the elongate stem 212 is a lower face or surface.

The baking aid 210 may also be used in an inverted configuration such that when the baking aid 210 is placed on a surface (not shown) of a kitchen worktop or table, the first face 222 of the plate 214 is in contact with the surface of the kitchen worktop or table.

In the alternative, inverted, configuration, the baking aid 210 is used in the same way; however, the second end 220 of the elongate stem 212 is an upper face or surface, the second face 224 of the plate 214 is an upper face or surface and the first face 222 of the plate 214 is a lower face or surface. In the inverted configuration, the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base tin 7 may rest on the second face 224 of the plate 214 following its lo removal from the loose base tin 7.

A baking aid 310 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 7.

The baking aid 310 includes an elongate stem 312 and an end member in the form of a plate 314.

The elongate stem 312 is generally cuboidal or square cuboidal and has a first end 318 and a second end 320.

The plate 314 is generally circular in plan view and has a maximum dimension in plan, or diameter, D. The plate 314 also has a first face 322, a second face 324 and a peripheral edge 325. In some embodiments of the invention, a chamfered edge may be provided between the first face 322 and the peripheral edge 325. Additionally, or alternatively, a chamfered edge may be provided between the second face 324 and the peripheral edge 325.

The elongate stem 312 and the plate 314 of the baking aid 310 may be manufactured from the same materials or different materials, as described in relation to the baking aid 10 of the first embodiment.

Assembly or manufacture of the baking aid 310 will now be described.

The plate 314 is mounted on the first end 318 of the elongate stem 312 such that a portion of the second face 324 of the plate 314 abuts the first end 318 of the elongate stem 312.

The plate 314 and the elongate stem 312 may be fastened together as described in relation to the baking aid 10 of the first embodiment. Alternatively, the plate 314 and the elongate stem 312 may be manufactured as a single structure, for example by moulding, by an additive manufacturing method such as 3D printing, or by cutting or otherwise forming the structure from a single piece of material.

In use, the baking aid 310 is placed on a surface (not shown) of a kitchen worktop or table such that the second end 320 of the elongate stem 312 is in contact with the surface of the kitchen worktop or table.

A baked item, for example a cake 3, within a loose base tin 7 is removed from an oven (not shown) and placed on the baking aid 310 such that the base 5 is positioned on the first face 322 of the plate 314.

The diameter of the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base fin 7 is greater than the diameter D of the plate 314 and so the ring-shaped outer wall 9 can be slid downward away from the base 5, the peripheral edge 325 of the plate 314 and the elongate stem 312.

In this way, the cake 3 is supported on the base 5 of the loose base tin 7 by the baking aid 310 and the ring-shaped outer wall 9 (which may still be hot following its removal from the oven), is kept away from the user's arms, wrists and hands.

In this configuration, the first face 322 of the plate 314 is an upper face or surface and the second end 320 of the elongate stem 312 is a lower face or surface.

The baking aid 310 may also be used in an inverted configuration such that when the baking aid 310 is placed on a surface (not shown) of a kitchen worktop or table, the first face 322 of the plate 314 is in contact with the surface of the kitchen worktop or table.

In the alternative, inverted, configuration, the baking aid 310 is used in the same way; however, the second end 320 of the elongate stem 312 is an upper face or surface, the second face 324 of the plate 314 is an upper face or surface and the first face 322 of the plate 314 is a lower face or surface. In the inverted configuration, the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base tin 7 may rest on the second face 324 of the plate 314 following its removal from the loose base tin 7.

A baking aid 410 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 8.

The baking aid 410 includes an elongate stem 412 and an end member in the form of a plate 414 io The elongate stem 412 is generally cylindrical and has a first end 418 and a second end 420. The elongate stem 412 is generally circular in plan view and has a maximum dimension in plan, or diameter, E. The plate 414 is generally circular in plan view and has a maximum dimension in plan, or diameter, F. The plate 414 also has a first face 422, a second face 424 and a peripheral edge 425. In some embodiments of the invention, a chamfered edge may be provided between the first face 422 and the peripheral edge 425. Additionally, or alternatively, a chamfered edge may be provided between the second face 424 and the peripheral edge 425.

The elongate stem 412 and the plate 414 of the baking aid 210 may be manufactured from the same materials or different materials, as described in relation to the baking aid 10 of the first embodiment.

Assembly or manufacture of the baking aid 410 will now be described.

The plate 414 is mounted on the first end 418 of the elongate stem 412 such that a portion of the second face 424 of the plate 414 abuts the first end 418 of the elongate stem 412. The plate 414 and the elongate stem 412 may be fastened together as described in relation to the baking aid 10 of the first embodiment. Alternatively, the plate 414 and the elongate stem 412 may be manufactured as a single structure, for example by moulding, by an additive manufacturing method such as 3D printing, or by cutting or otherwise forming the structure from a single piece of material.

In use, the baking aid 410 is placed on a surface (not shown) of a kitchen worktop or table such that the first face 422 of the plate 414 is in contact with the surface of the kitchen worktop or table.

A baked item, for example a cake 3, within a loose base tin 7 is removed from an oven (not shown) and placed on the baking aid 410 such that the base 5 is positioned on the second end 420 of the elongate stem 412.

The diameter of the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base fin 7 is greater than the io diameter E of the elongate stem 412 and so the ring-shaped outer wall 9 can be slid downward away from the base 5 and the elongate stem 412.

If the diameter of the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base tin 7 is greater than the diameter F of the plate 414, the ring-shaped outer wall 9 will rest on the surface of the kitchen worktop or table. If, however, the diameter of the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base tin 7 is less than the diameter F of the plate 414, the ring-shaped outer wall 9 will rest on the second face 424 of the plate 414.

In this way, the cake 3 is supported on the base 5 of the loose base fin 7 by the baking aid 410 and the ring-shaped outer wall 9 (which may still be hot following its removal from the oven), is kept away from the user's arms, wrists and hands.

In this configuration, the second end 420 of the elongate stem 412 is an upper face or surface and the first face 422 of the plate 412 is a lower face or surface.

The baking aid 410 may also be used in an inverted configuration such that when the baking aid 410 is placed on a surface (not shown) of a kitchen worktop or table, the second end 420 of the elongate stem 412 is in contact with the surface of the kitchen worktop or table.

In the alternative, inverted, configuration, the baking aid 410 is used in the same way; however, the second end 420 of the elongate stem 412 is a lower face or surface and the first face 422 of the plate 414 is an upper face or surface. In the inverted configuration, the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base tin 7 may rest on the surface of the kitchen worktop or table following its removal from the loose base tin 7.

A baking aid 510 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 9.

The baking aid 510 includes an elongate stem 512, a first end member in the form of a first plate 514 and a second end member in the form of a second plate 516.

The elongate stem 512 has a generally hourglass shape with a concave outer wall 513, a first end 518 and a second end 520 io The elongate stem 512, the first plate 514 and the second plate 516 of the baking aid 510 may be manufactured from the same materials or different materials, as described in relation to the baking aid 10 of the first embodiment.

The first plate 514 is generally circular in plan view and has a maximum dimension in plan, or diameter, G. The first plate 514 also has a first face 522, a second face 524 and a peripheral edge 525. In some embodiments of the invention, a chamfered edge may be provided between the first face 522 and the peripheral edge 525. Additionally, or alternatively, a chamfered edge may be provided between the second face 524 and the peripheral edge 525.

Similarly, the second plate 516 is generally circular in plan view and has a maximum dimension in plan, or diameter, H. The second plate 516 has a first face 530, a second face 532 and a peripheral edge 533. In some embodiments of the invention, a chamfered edge may be provided between the first face 530 and the peripheral edge 533. Additionally, or alternatively, a chamfered edge may be provided between the second face 532 and the peripheral edge 533.

As shown in Figure 9, the diameter G of the first plate 514 is less than the diameter H of the second plate 516. It will be understood that, in alternative embodiments of the invention, the diameter G of the first plate 514 and the diameter H of the second plate 516 may be the same. In yet further embodiments of the invention, the diameter G of the first plate 514 may be greater than the diameter H of the second plate 516.

Assembly or manufacture of the baking aid 510 will now be described.

The first plate 514 is mounted on the first end 518 of the elongate stem 512 such that a portion of the second face 524 of the first plate 514 abuts the first end 518 of the elongate stem 12.

Similarly, the second plate 516 is mounted on the second end 520 of the elongate stem 512 such that a portion of the first face 530 of the second plate 516 abuts the second end 520 of the elongate stem 512 The first and second plates 514, 516 and the elongate stem 512 may be fastened together io as described in relation to the baking aid 10 of the first embodiment. Alternatively, the first and second plates 514, 516 and the elongate stem 512 may be manufactured as a single structure, for example by moulding, by an additive manufacturing method such as 3D printing, or by cutting or otherwise forming the structure from a single piece of material.

is Use of the baking aid 510 will now be described.

The baking aid 510 is placed on a surface (not shown) of a kitchen worktop or table such that the second face 532 of the second plate 516 is in contact with the surface of the kitchen worktop or table.

A baked item, for example a cake 3, within a loose base tin 7 is removed from an oven (not shown) and placed on the baking aid 510 such that the base 5 is positioned on the first face 522 of the first plate 514 The diameter of the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base tin 7 is greater than the diameter G of the first plate 514 and so the ring-shaped outer wall 9 can be slid downward away from the base 5, the peripheral edge 525 of the first plate 514 and the concave outer wall 513 of the elongate stem 512.

The diameter of the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base tin 7 is less than the diameter H of the second plate 516 and so the ring-shaped outer wall 9 rests on the first face 530 of the second plate 516 In this way, the cake 3 is supported on the base 5 of the loose base tin 7 by the baking aid 510 and the ring-shaped outer wall 9 (which may still be hot following its removal from the oven), is kept away from the user's arms, wrists and hands, as well as the surface of the kitchen worktop or table.

In this configuration, the first face 522 of the first plate 514 is an upper face or surface, the first face 530 of the second plate 516 is an upper face or surface and the second face 532 of the second plate 516 is a lower face or surface.

For loose base tins of a different size and/or shape, the baking aid 510 may also be used in an inverted configuration such that when the baking aid 510 is placed on a surface (not io shown) of a kitchen worktop or table, the first face 522 of the first plate 514 is in contact with the surface of the kitchen worktop or table.

In the alternative, inverted, configuration, the baking aid 510 is used in the same way; however, the second face 532 of the second plate 516 is an upper face or surface, the second face 524 of the first plate 514 is an upper face or surface and the first face 522 of the first plate 514 is a lower face or surface.

If the diameter of the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base tin 7 is greater than the diameter G of the plate 514, the ring-shaped outer wall 9 will rest on the surface of the kitchen worktop or table. If, however, the diameter of the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base tin 7 is less than the diameter G of the plate 514, the ring-shaped outer wall 9 will rest on the second face 524 of the plate 514.

A baking aid 610 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 10.

The baking aid 610 includes an elongate stem 612, a first end member in the form of a first plate 614 and a second end member in the form of a second plate 616.

The elongate stem 612 has a generally frustoconical shape with a concave outer wall 613, a first end 618 and a second end 620.

The elongate stem 612, the first plate 614 and the second plate 616 of the baking aid 610 may be manufactured from the same materials or different materials, as described in relation to the baking aid 10 of the first embodiment.

The first plate 614 is generally circular in plan view and has a diameter I. The first plate 614 also has a first face 622, a second face 624 and a peripheral edge 625. In some embodiments of the invention, a chamfered edge may be provided between the first face 622 and the peripheral edge 625. Additionally, or alternatively, a chamfered edge may be provided between the second face 624 and the peripheral edge 625.

Similarly, the second plate 616 is generally circular in plan view and has a diameter J. The second plate 616 has a first face 630, a second face 632 and a peripheral edge 633. In some embodiments of the invention, a chamfered edge may be provided between the first io face 630 and the peripheral edge 633. Additionally, or alternatively, a chamfered edge may be provided between the second face 632 and the peripheral edge 633.

The diameter I of the first plate 614 is less than the diameter J of the second plate 616.

is Assembly or manufacture of the baking aid 610 will now be described.

The first plate 614 is mounted on the first end 618 of the elongate stem 612 such that a portion of the second face 624 of the first plate 614 abuts the first end 618 of the elongate stem 12 Similarly, the second plate 616 is mounted on the second end 620 of the elongate stem 612 such that a portion of the first face 630 of the second plate 616 abuts the second end 620 of the elongate stem 612.

The first and second plates 614, 616 and the elongate stem 612 may be fastened together as described in relation to the baking aid 10 of the first embodiment. Alternatively, the first and second plates 614, 616 and the elongate stem 612 may be manufactured as a single structure, for example by moulding, by an additive manufacturing method such as 3D printing, or by cutting or otherwise forming the structure from a single piece of material.

Use of the baking aid 610 will now be described.

The baking aid 610 is placed on a surface (not shown) of a kitchen worktop or table such that the second face 632 of the second plate 616 is in contact with the surface of the kitchen worktop or table.

A baked item, for example a cake 3, within a loose base tin 7 is removed from an oven (not shown) and placed on the baking aid 610 such that the base 5 is positioned on the first face 622 of the first plate 614 The diameter of the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base tin 7 is greater than the diameter I of the first plate 614 and so the ring-shaped outer wall 9 can be slid downward away from the base 5, the peripheral edge 625 of the first plate 614 and the concave outer wall 613 of the elongate stem 612.

io The diameter of the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base tin 7 is less than the diameter J of the second plate 616 and so the ring-shaped outer wall 9 rests on the first face 630 of the second plate 616 In this way, the cake 3 is supported on the base 5 of the loose base tin 7 by the baking aid 610 and the ring-shaped outer wall 9 (which may still be hot following its removal from the oven), is kept away from the user's arms, wrists and hands, as well as the surface of the kitchen worktop or table.

In this configuration, the first face 622 of the first plate 614 is an upper face or surface, the first face 630 of the second plate 616 is an upper face or surface and the second face 632 of the second plate 616 is a lower face or surface.

For loose base tins of a different size and/or shape, the baking aid 610 may also be used in an inverted configuration such that when the baking aid 610 is placed on a surface (not shown), the first face 622 of the first plate 614 is in contact with the surface.

In the alternative, inverted, configuration, the baking aid 610 is used in the same way; however, the second face 632 of the second plate 616 is an upper face or surface, the second face 624 of the first plate 614 is an upper face or surface and the first face 622 of the first plate 614 is a lower face or surface.

If the diameter of the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base tin 7 is greater than the diameter I of the plate 614, the ring-shaped outer wall 9 will rest on the surface of the kitchen worktop or table. If, however, the diameter of the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base tin 7 is less than the diameter I of the plate 614, the ring-shaped outer wall 9 will rest on the second face 624 of the plate 614.

A baking aid 710 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 11.

The baking aid 710 includes an elongate stem 712, a first end member in the form of a first plate 714 and a second end member in the form of a second plate 716.

io The elongate stem 712 has a generally cuboid or square cuboid shape with a first end 718 and a second end 720.

The elongate stem 712, the first plate 714 and the second plate 716 of the baking aid 710 may be manufactured from the same materials or different materials, as described in relation to the baking aid 10 of the first embodiment.

The first plate 714 has a generally square cuboid shape and is generally square in plan view. The first plate 714 has a maximum dimension K in plan. The first plate 714 also has a first face 722, a second face 724 and a peripheral edge 725. In some embodiments of the invention, a chamfered edge may be provided between the first face 722 and the peripheral edge 725. Additionally, or alternatively, a chamfered edge may be provided between the second face 724 and the peripheral edge 725.

Similarly, the second plate 716 has a generally square cuboid shape and is generally square in plan view. The second plate 716 has a maximum dimension L in plan. The second plate 716 has a first face 730, a second face 732 and a peripheral edge 733. In some embodiments of the invention, a chamfered edge may be provided between the first face 730 and the peripheral edge 733. Additionally, or alternatively, a chamfered edge may be provided between the second face 732 and the peripheral edge 733.

The maximum dimension in plan K of the first plate 714 is less than the maximum dimension in plan L of the second plate 716.

Assembly or manufacture of the baking aid 710 will now be described.

The first plate 714 is mounted on the first end 718 of the elongate stem 712 such that a portion of the second face 724 of the first plate 714 abuts the first end 718 of the elongate stem 12.

Similarly, the second plate 716 is mounted on the second end 720 of the elongate stem 712 such that a portion of the first face 730 of the second plate 716 abuts the second end 720 of the elongate stem 712 The first and second plates 714, 716 and the elongate stem 712 may be fastened together io as described in relation to the baking aid 10 of the first embodiment. Alternatively, the first and second plates 714, 716 and the elongate stem 712 may be manufactured as a single structure, for example by moulding, by an additive manufacturing method such as 3D printing, or by cutting or otherwise forming the structure from a single piece of material.

is Use of the baking aid 710 will now be described.

The baking aid 710 is placed on a surface (not shown) of a kitchen worktop or table such that the second face 732 of the second plate 716 is in contact with the surface of the kitchen worktop or table.

A baked item, for example a cake 3, within a loose base tin 7 is removed from an oven (not shown) and placed on the baking aid 710 such that the base 5 is positioned on the first face 722 of the first plate 714 The diameter of the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base tin 7 is greater than the maximum dimension in plan K of the first plate 714 and so the ring-shaped outer wall 9 can be slid downward away from the base 5, the peripheral edge 725 of the first plate 714 and the elongate stem 712 The diameter of the ring-shaped outer wall 9 of the loose base tin 7 is less than the maximum dimension in plan L of the second plate 716 and so the ring-shaped outer wall 9 rests on the first face 730 of the second plate 716.

In this way, the cake 3 is supported on the base 5 of the loose base tin 7 by the baking aid 710 and the ring-shaped outer wall 9 (which may still be hot following its removal from the oven), is kept away from the user's arms, wrists and hands, as well as the surface of the kitchen worktop or table.

In this configuration, the first face 722 of the first plate 714 is an upper face or surface, the first face 730 of the second plate 716 is an upper face or surface and the second face 732 of the second plate 716 is a lower face or surface.

For loose base tins of a different size and/or shape, the baking aid 710 may also be used in an inverted configuration such that when the baking aid 710 is placed on a surface (not shown), the first face 722 of the first plate 714 is in contact with the surface.

In the alternative, inverted, configuration, the baking aid 710 is used in the same way; however, the second face 732 of the second plate 716 is an upper face or surface, the second face 724 of the first plate 714 is an upper face or surface and the first face 722 of the first plate 714 is a lower face or surface.

It will be understood that the elongate stem of a baking aid according to the present invention may be any suitable shape or length. The elongate stems 12, 212, 412 of the baking aids 10, 210, 410, for example, are generally cylindrical. In contrast, the elongate stems 312, 712 of the baking aids 310, 710 are generally cuboidal or square cuboidal. In an alternative embodiment, the elongate stem 512 of the baking aid 510 is generally hourglass shaped with concave walls. In a yet further embodiment of the invention, the elongate stem 612 of the baking aid 610 is generally frustoconical shaped with concave walls. In alternative embodiments of the invention, for example, the elongate stem may be a frustoconical stem 812, as shown in Figure 12. In other embodiments of the invention, the elongate stem may be a frustopyramidal stem 912, as shown in Figure 13.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the hole 26 in the first plate 14 and the hole 34 in the second plate 16 of the baking aid 10 each include a countersink 28, 36. In other embodiments of the invention, the holes 26, 34 may include a counterbore.

In the embodiments described above, the baking aids 10, 510, 610 each include two plates 14, 16, 514, 516, 614, 616 which are generally circular in plan. Similarly, the baking aid 710 includes two plates 714, 716 which are generally square in plan. In alternative embodiments of the invention in which the baking aid includes to end members in the form of two plates, each of the two plates may be a different shape in plan. In some embodiments of the invention, for example, a first of two plates may be generally circular in plan and a second of two plates may be generally square in plan.

In the embodiments described above, the elongate stems 12, 212, 412, 712 are the same shape in plan as the corresponding plate or plates 14, 16, 214, 414, 714, 716. In the embodiments described above, the elongate stems 312, 512, 612 are a different shape in to plan to the corresponding plate or plates 314, 514, 516, 614, 616. It will be understood that, in alternative embodiments of the invention, the elongate stem and the corresponding plate or plates of the baking aid may be any shape in plan.

In the embodiments described above, the plates 14, 16, 214, 314, 414, 514, 516, 614, 616, 714, 716 are either fastened to the respective elongate stem 12, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712 or formed as a single component with the respective elongate stem 12, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the plates may be removably fastened to the respective elongate stem such that plates of different sizes and/or shapes may be interchangeably used with the elongate stem. It will be understood that the removable fastening will ensure that the position and/or the orientation of the plate is fixed relative to the stem during use of the baking aid. In other words, the plate of the baking aid may not be rotated or otherwise moved relative to the stem of the baking aid during use of the baking aid. Such removable fastenings also allow the elongate stem of the baking aid to be swapped for an elongate stem of a different shape and/or size, for example length according to the intended use of the baking aid.

In the embodiments described above, the length of the elongate stem 12, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712 is fixed. In alternative embodiments of the present invention the elongate stem may have a length which is variable. The elongate stem may include an adjustment mechanism to enable the length of the elongate stem to be increased and decreased according to the intended use of the baking aid. The adjustment mechanism may, for example, be a telescopic arrangement.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

CLAIMSA baking aid for supporting a heated baking tin, the baking aid comprising a plate and a stem, the plate being provided at a first end of, and fixed relative to, the stem such that a base of the heated baking tin is placeable on the plate and an outer wall of the baking tin is separable from the base of the baking tin and is lowerable around the stem.
2. A baking aid according to Claim 1, wherein the plate is removably fixed relative to the stem.
A baking aid according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the plate is circular, square or rectangular in plan.
4. A baking aid according to any preceding Claim, wherein the plate is a first plate and the baking aid further comprises a second plate which is provided at a second end of, and fixed relative to, the stem such that the stem extends between the first plate and the second plate, and wherein a base of the heated baking tin is placeable on the first plate or the second plate and an outer wall of the baking tin is separable from the base of the baking tin and is lowerable around the stem toward the first plate or the second plate.
A baking aid according to Claim 4, wherein the second plate is removably fixed relative to the stem.
A baking aid according to any preceding Claim, wherein the plate or the first plate is mounted to the stem using at least one fastener.
7. A baking aid according to Claim 6, wherein the first plate includes a first face which faces away from the stem, a second face which faces toward the stem and a hole which extends between the first face and the second face of the first plate, and wherein the at least one fastener extends through the hole, for example wherein the hole is positioned in the centre of the first plate.
A baking aid according to Claim 7, wherein the hole through the first plate includes a counterbore or a countersink adjacent to the first face of the first plate.
A baking aid according to Claim 8, wherein the first plate further comprises a cap which is configured to cooperate with the counterbore or the countersink to close the hole on the first face of the first plate.
10. A baking aid according to any of Claims 5 to 9, wherein the second plate is circular, square or rectangular in plan.
11 A baking aid according to any of Claims 5 to 10, wherein the second plate has a maximum dimension, in plan, which is greater than a maximum dimension, in plan, of the first plate.
12. A baking aid according to any of Claims 5 to 11, wherein the second plate is mounted to the stem using a second at least one fastener.
13. A baking aid according to Claim 12, wherein the second plate includes a first face which faces toward the stem, a second face which faces away from the stem and a hole which extends between the first face and the second face of the second plate, and wherein the second at least one fastener passes through the hole through the second plate, for example wherein the hole is in the centre of the second plate.
14. A baking aid according Claim 13, wherein the hole through the second plate includes a counterbore or countersink adjacent to the second face of the second plate.
15. A baking aid according to Claim 14, wherein the second plate further comprises a cap which is configured to cooperate with the counterbore or the countersink to close the hole on the second face of the second plate.
16. A baking aid according to any preceding Claim, wherein the stem has a length, and the stem includes an adjustment mechanism for increasing and/or decreasing the length of the stem.
17. A baking aid according to Claim 1, Claim 3 or Claim 4, when dependent on Claim 1 or Claim 3, wherein the baking aid is formed from or as a single structure.
18. A method of manufacturing a baking aid, the method comprising providing a hole through a plate, passing a fastener through the hole, installing the fastener into a first end of a stem, thereby fixing the plate relative to the stem, such that, in use, the baking aid can be used to support a heated baking tin such that a base of the heated baking tin is placed on the plate and an outer wall of the heated baking fin is removeable from the base, and is lowerable around the stem.
19. A method according to Claim 18, wherein the hole is provided in the centre of the plate
20. A method according to Claim 18 or Claim 19, wherein the method further comprises providing a counterbore or a countersink in the hole adjacent to a first face of the plate, said first face facing away from the stem of the baking aid.
21. A method according to Claim 20, wherein the method further comprises inserting a cap into the counterbore or countersink to close the hole on the first face.
22. A method according to any of Claims 18 to 21, further comprising providing a second hole through a second plate, passing a second fastener through the second hole, installing the second fastener into a second end of the stem, thereby fixing the second plate relative to the stem, such that, in use, the baking aid can be used to support a heated baking tin such that a base of the heated baking tin is placed on the first plate or the second plate and an outer wall of the heated baking tin is removeable from the base and is lowerable around the stem.
23. A method according to Claim 22, wherein the second hole is provided in the centre of the second plate.
24. A method according to Claim 22 or Claim 23, wherein the method further comprises providing a counterbore or a countersink in the hole adjacent to a second face of the second plate, said second face facing away from the stem of the baking aid.
25. A method of manufacturing a baking aid, the method comprising forming a plate and a stem from or as a single structure, with the plate formed at one end of the stem.