US20190152689A1 - Method and apparatus for assembling and packaging cupcake bouquets for transport - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for assembling and packaging cupcake bouquets for transport Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190152689A1 US20190152689A1 US16/257,475 US201916257475A US2019152689A1 US 20190152689 A1 US20190152689 A1 US 20190152689A1 US 201916257475 A US201916257475 A US 201916257475A US 2019152689 A1 US2019152689 A1 US 2019152689A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bouquet
- cupcake
- cupcakes
- box
- mount
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
- B65D85/36—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for bakery products, e.g. biscuits
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
- B65D5/50—Internal supporting or protecting elements for contents
- B65D5/5028—Elements formed separately from the container body
- B65D5/5035—Paper elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/64—Lids
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/64—Lids
- B65D5/68—Telescope flanged lids
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D67/00—Kinds or types of packaging elements not otherwise provided for
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F7/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves, adapted for particular articles or materials
- A47F7/0071—Show stands, hangers, or shelves, adapted for particular articles or materials for perishable goods
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J47/00—Kitchen containers, stands or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass; Cutting-boards, e.g. for bread
- A47J47/14—Carriers for prepared human food
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2585/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D2585/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
- B65D2585/36—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for biscuits or other bakery products
- B65D2585/363—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for biscuits or other bakery products specific products
Definitions
- Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to food packaging and transport and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for assembling and packaging cupcake bouquets for transport.
- Baked goods such as cupcakes
- One such unique presentation involves arranging cupcakes as a bouquet, creating a cupcake bouquet with a vase.
- it is a challenge to position cupcakes in the bouquet without either compromising the presentation or the integrity of the arrangement, leading to possible breakage.
- it is a challenge to package the cupcake bouquet for easy display and removal by the customer without damaging the bouquet.
- a cupcake holder in the form of a bouquet, and techniques for making and packaging the cupcake bouquet are described herein.
- the cupcakes are arranged over a hemispherical base, and are supported vertically and horizontally over the hemispherical base.
- the cupcake bouquet is enclosed in a box, and the movement of the cupcake bouquet within the box is restricted.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of a cupcake bouquet being assembled, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a front view of the cupcake bouquet of FIG. 1 being assembled further, according to one or more embodiments;
- FIG. 3 is a partial cut away view of the cupcake mount shown in FIG. 2 , according to one or more embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a frontal view of a cupcake bouquet of FIG. 1 illustrating an alternate embodiment for mounting cupcakes of the present invention
- FIG. 5 is a frontal view of an assembled cupcake bouquet, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cupcake bouquet of FIG. 1 enclosed in a packaging box prior to being assembled, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the assembled cupcake bouquet of FIG. 5 secured in the packaging box of FIG. 6 , according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an assembled cupcake bouquet fixed to a base plate, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the completed cupcake bouquet of FIG. 7 with complete packaging, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
- Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and apparatus for assembling and transporting cupcake bouquets for transport.
- the cupcakes are arranged in the form of a flower bouquet, having a vase forming the base of the bouquet, and a cupcake mount attached to the vase, for securing the cupcakes in the form of a bouquet.
- the mount includes support pins or a supporting disc to support the cupcakes arranged removably over the mount, such that the cupcakes stay stably positioned over the mount and the cupcakes may be removed as desired by a consumer of the cupcake bouquet without impacting other cupcakes in the arrangement.
- Skewers are inserted into the foam from the top of the foam to secure the cupcake.
- the cupcake bouquet is secured in a packaging box via two or more crossed skewers that are approximately the same length and width of the box.
- the vase of the cupcake bouquet is secured to the base of the box, and support pins passing through the mount restrict the movement of the cupcake bouquet in the box during transport.
- the vase of the cupcake bouquet is affixed to a base plate, which restricts the movement of the cupcake bouquet in the box during transport.
- FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a cupcake bouquet 100 being assembled, according to one or more embodiments.
- the bouquet 100 includes a vase 102 , a mount 104 attached to the vase 102 using an adhesive 106 .
- the vase 102 forms the base of the bouquet 100 , and according to some embodiments, the vase 102 includes a glass vase, a plastic vase, a metal vase, among others.
- the mount 104 is generally a portion of a sphere, such as a hemisphere, to support cupcakes in a bouquet formation.
- the mount 104 may be made using a firm material capable of supporting the weight of the cupcakes, and to accommodate pins and skewers used for supporting cupcakes.
- the mount 104 is made using polystyrene foam, e.g., closed-cell extruded foam such as STYROFOAM, in a hemispherical shape.
- the adhesive 106 is any adhesive suitable for attaching the mount 104 to the vase 102 .
- the adhesive 106 is a thermoplastic adhesive such as hot melt adhesive applicable using a hot glue gun, an epoxy adhesive, and several other suitable adhesives as known in the art.
- the mount 104 may partially overlap a top portion of the vase 102 to further ensure that the mount 104 is limited in movement.
- the mount 104 may be shaped to have a portion fit snugly within an opening of the vase 102 , for example the mouth (not shown) of the vase 102 .
- FIG. 2 is another frontal view of a cupcake bouquet 100 of FIG. 1 being assembled further, according to one or more embodiments.
- the bouquet 100 includes support pins 112 to provide support for cupcakes.
- the support pins 112 include for example, greenery pins (also called greening pins), U-shaped pins, and the like, and are inserted into the mount 104 .
- a portion of the support pins 112 projects outwards from the surface of the mount 104 to provide vertical support for cupcakes. Once inserted, the support pins 112 are not easily dislodged from the mount 104 .
- the portion of support pins 112 projecting from the mount 104 serve as a base to provide vertical support for a cupcake.
- the bouquet 100 also includes a decorative colored sheet 108 covering the mount 104 , and a ribbon 110 for skirting the lower edge of the mount 104 .
- the colored sheet 108 may be made from paper, or plastics, such as cellophane, and the like and serve to mask the mount 104 with an aesthetically suitable color for the bouquet 100 appearance.
- the ribbon 110 is an aesthetically suitable color and material, and may be crafted with different patterns, for example, patterns resembling plants and greens, or other desirable patterns.
- the ribbon 110 is made from kale.
- the support pins 112 additionally serve to hold the colored sheet 108 and the ribbon 110 in place.
- a decorative thread 109 to accommodate a tag 111 for displaying text 113 such as, for addressing the recipient of the bouquet 100 may also be included.
- FIG. 3 is a partial cut away view of a mount 104 shown in FIG. 2 illustrating the mounting of cupcakes 114 1 , 114 2 , and so on, collectively referred to as cupcakes 114 , according to one or more embodiments.
- Portions of support pins 112 project outwards from the mount 104 , and according to some embodiments, portions projecting from adjacent support pins 112 forms a base to hold the cupcakes 114 .
- the projection length of the support pins 112 is approximately equal to the portion of the cupcakes covered with cupcake baking cups 115 .
- Skewers 116 are inserted through the center of cupcakes 114 and into the mount 104 . The skewers 116 prevent a movement of the cupcakes 114 along the surface of the mount 104 .
- the skewers 116 are inserted into the cupcakes 114 (or icing thereon) such that the skewers 114 are not visible.
- the skewers may be inserted into the cupcakes using any push tool, such as a cup bur used in the jewelry industry.
- two or more skewers 116 are inserted into the cupcakes 114 and pushed closer to each other in configuration that ‘squeezes’ the baking material of the cupcakes 114 , thereby resulting in a tighter adherence of the cupcakes 114 to the mount 104 .
- the cupcakes 114 are mounted such that the cupcakes 114 project slightly upwards from the horizontal plane parallel to the base of vase 102 .
- an axis 117 of the cupcake 114 2 is at a small angle 119 with the horizontal axis H. This slight upward projection of the cupcake 114 2 prevents an automatic movement of the cupcake 114 2 away from the mount 104 , for example, due to gravity.
- FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the use of support pins 112 to form a base to support the cupcakes 114
- FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment to form a base to support the cupcakes 114 , as further described.
- FIG. 4 is another frontal view of a cupcake bouquet 100 of FIG. 1 illustrating an alternate embodiment for mounting cupcakes.
- the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 uses a supporting disc 130 .
- the supporting disc 130 is attached to the vase 102 with an adhesive 107 , and the mount 104 is attached to the supporting disc 130 using the adhesive 109 .
- the supporting disc 130 is made from material used for making carton boxes, for example, which is easily available due to the availability of carton boxes for packaging the bouquet 100 .
- the supporting disc 130 is made from other materials, including but not limited to, paper, glass, plastics, metal or a combination thereof.
- the adhesives 107 and 109 may be similar to or different from the adhesive 106 described above, and include suitable adhesives generally known in the art.
- the cupcakes 114 are secured to the mount 104 by use of skewers 116 , in a manner similar to that described with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 3 .
- the supporting disc 130 provides the vertical support provided by the support pins 112 in the embodiment of FIG. 3 .
- the supporting disc 130 provides vertical support to a first level of cupcakes, while other levels of cupcakes are supported by the first level of cupcakes in combination with further use of support pins and skewers, according to some embodiments.
- FIG. 5 is a front view of an assembled cupcake bouquet 100 , according to one or more embodiments.
- about 16 support pins 112 are installed to support eight cupcakes 114 in a first level 119 1 of cupcakes 114 arranged around the mount 104 .
- a second level 119 2 of cupcakes 114 for example, four cupcakes 114 can be mounted over the first level 119 1 .
- the cupcakes 114 of the first level 119 1 provide vertical support to the cupcakes 114 of the second level 119 2 , without requiring support pins 112 to support the cupcakes 114 of the second level 119 2 , however, the skewers 116 are provided for each cupcake.
- the second level 119 2 supports a third level 119 3 of one or more cupcakes 114 in a similar manner. According to some embodiments however, support pins 112 are provided for each cupcake 114 . While FIG. 5 illustrates the assembled cupcake bouquet 100 made by completing the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 , an assembled cupcake bouquet can be made similarly by completing the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 .
- decorative elements 118 are included in the vase 102 . Such decorative elements 118 may be included in the vase 102 before attaching the mount 104 to the vase 102 as shown in FIG. 1 , or before attaching the supporting disc 130 to the vase 102 .
- the decorative elements 118 serve to increase the aesthetic of the bouquet 100 .
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cupcake bouquet 100 of FIG. 1 enclosed in a packaging box prior to being assembled, according to one or more embodiments. While the bouquet 100 may be packaged after assembly, that is, the bouquet 100 of FIG. 5 may be packaged, as show in in FIG. 6 , securing the vase 102 within packaging material such as a carton box 120 before assembling the bouquet 100 protects the vase 102 from damage during the assembling process, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 .
- the box 120 is generally made from paperboard, corrugated paper or corrugated fiberboard, however, other suitable materials may also be used without deviating from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 is generally made from paperboard, corrugated paper or corrugated fiberboard, however, other suitable materials may also be used without deviating from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 illustrates the box 120 partially, and a portion of the base 121 of the box 120 , and a portion of the wraparound portion 125 of the box are shown.
- the wraparound portion 125 includes cuts 122 and folds 124 to wrap around the box material around the neck of the vase 102 .
- the wrapped around box material is attached together by staples 126 , enclosing the vase 102 .
- the vase 102 of the bouquet 100 is affixed to the base 121 using an adhesive 123 , which is a suitable adhesive similar to or different from the adhesive 106 . Affixing the vase 102 to the base 121 of the box 120 assists in preventing movement of the bouquet 100 within the box 120 , avoiding damage to the cupcakes mounted on the bouquet 100 during transport.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the assembled cupcake bouquet 100 of FIG. 5 installed in the packaging box 120 of FIG. 6 , according to one or more embodiments.
- the bouquet 100 further includes two box pins 128 to assist in preventing movement of the bouquet 100 within the box 120 .
- the box pins 128 are made of plastic, or any other suitable material that is lightweight yet rigid to sustain the movement of the bouquet 100 while being transported.
- the two box pins 128 are skewered through the mount 104 of the bouquet 100 , such that each of the box pins touches or nearly touches opposing walls of the box 120 .
- one box pin 128 1 skewered through the mount 104 of the bouquet 100 has a length approximately equal to the distance between sidewalls 125 of the box 120 .
- the other box pin 128 2 has a length equal to the distance between a back wall 127 and a front wall 127 of the box 120 .
- a lid shown in FIG. 9
- movement of the box pins 128 will be constrained by the sidewalls 125 and the back wall 127 and a wall of the lid interfacing with the front wall 127 , thereby preventing the motion of the bouquet 100 within the box 120 , for example, when the bouquet 100 packaged in the box 120 is transported.
- FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate technique to prevent the movement of an assembled bouquet 100 within the box, as further described.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an assembled cupcake bouquet 100 fixed to a base plate 132 , according to one or more embodiments.
- the vase 102 of the bouquet 100 is affixed to the base plate 132 by an adhesive 134 , similar to or different from the adhesive 106 , as generally known in the art.
- the base plate 132 has dimensions approximately equal to a base of a box in which the bouquet 100 is packaged, for example the base 121 of the box 120 . Due to the same size of the base plate 132 and the base 121 of the box 120 , the movement of the base plate 132 , and therefore the movement of the bouquet 100 attached thereon, is constrained.
- the vase 102 is filled with heave materials such as pebbles to provide stability to the bouquet 100 to stay upright by balancing the top-heavy bouquet 100 due to the weight of the cupcakes 114 .
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the completed cupcake bouquet 100 of FIG. 7 with complete packaging, according to one or more embodiments.
- the box 120 with the bouquet 100 installed therein is enclosed by a lid 136 .
- the lid 136 is made from a material similar to the material of the box 120 , and may include a label 136 for advertisement and/or addressing purposes. Additionally, the box 120 has two notched front corners which allow the lid 136 to easily pass over the box 120 , saving time and hassle.
- Cupcake bouquets are assembled using the techniques illustrated with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3 , or alternatively FIG. 4 , such that the cupcakes are stably mounted on the bouquet. Thereafter, the assembled bouquets are packaged, for example, installed in carton boxes using the techniques illustrated with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7 , or alternatively FIG. 8 , such that the movement of the bouquets in the boxes is restricted.
- Various techniques described herein therefore provide a cupcake bouquet or cupcake holder having a stable mounting mechanism for the cupcakes, and a stable packaging arrangement, which prevent any damage to the cupcakes or the cupcake bouquet during transportation and handling.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a cupcake holder for secure transport. In one embodiment, the cupcake holder comprises a vase, a mount for mounting a plurality of cupcakes, attached to the vase, a plurality of support pins attached to the mount, projections of pairs of the support pins of configured to support a cupcake; and at least one skewer corresponding to each of the plurality of cupcakes, inserted through each of the cupcake into the mount.
Description
- This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/054,931 titled “Method and Apparatus for Assembling and Packaging Cupcake Bouquets for Transport”, filed on Feb. 26, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/126,042 filed Feb. 27, 2015, both of which are hereby incorporated in its entirety.
- Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to food packaging and transport and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for assembling and packaging cupcake bouquets for transport.
- Baked goods, such as cupcakes, are widely served at a variety of festivities and occasions. Presentation is particularly important, and hosts seek to impress their guests with unique designs and patterns of cupcakes. One such unique presentation involves arranging cupcakes as a bouquet, creating a cupcake bouquet with a vase. However, it is a challenge to position cupcakes in the bouquet without either compromising the presentation or the integrity of the arrangement, leading to possible breakage. Additionally, it is a challenge to package the cupcake bouquet for easy display and removal by the customer without damaging the bouquet. Furthermore, it is another challenge to transport the cupcake bouquet package while avoiding damage to the bouquet and the cupcakes due to vehicle movement, vehicle breaking, and the like.
- Therefore, there is a need in the art for a method and apparatus for assembling and packaging cupcake bouquets for transport.
- A cupcake holder in the form of a bouquet, and techniques for making and packaging the cupcake bouquet are described herein. The cupcakes are arranged over a hemispherical base, and are supported vertically and horizontally over the hemispherical base. The cupcake bouquet is enclosed in a box, and the movement of the cupcake bouquet within the box is restricted.
- These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure may be appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the present disclosure, along with the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.
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FIG. 1 is a front view of a cupcake bouquet being assembled, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a front view of the cupcake bouquet ofFIG. 1 being assembled further, according to one or more embodiments; -
FIG. 3 is a partial cut away view of the cupcake mount shown inFIG. 2 , according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a frontal view of a cupcake bouquet ofFIG. 1 illustrating an alternate embodiment for mounting cupcakes of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a frontal view of an assembled cupcake bouquet, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cupcake bouquet ofFIG. 1 enclosed in a packaging box prior to being assembled, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the assembled cupcake bouquet ofFIG. 5 secured in the packaging box ofFIG. 6 , according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an assembled cupcake bouquet fixed to a base plate, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; and -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the completed cupcake bouquet ofFIG. 7 with complete packaging, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. - While the method and apparatus for assembling and packaging cupcake bouquets for transport is described herein by way of example for cupcakes, those skilled in the art will recognize that the method and apparatus for assembling and packaging cupcake bouquets for transport is not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. It should be understood, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit embodiments to the particular form disclosed. Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used herein, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including, but not limited to.
- Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and apparatus for assembling and transporting cupcake bouquets for transport. The cupcakes are arranged in the form of a flower bouquet, having a vase forming the base of the bouquet, and a cupcake mount attached to the vase, for securing the cupcakes in the form of a bouquet. The mount includes support pins or a supporting disc to support the cupcakes arranged removably over the mount, such that the cupcakes stay stably positioned over the mount and the cupcakes may be removed as desired by a consumer of the cupcake bouquet without impacting other cupcakes in the arrangement. Skewers are inserted into the foam from the top of the foam to secure the cupcake. The cupcake bouquet is secured in a packaging box via two or more crossed skewers that are approximately the same length and width of the box. The vase of the cupcake bouquet is secured to the base of the box, and support pins passing through the mount restrict the movement of the cupcake bouquet in the box during transport. In some embodiments, the vase of the cupcake bouquet is affixed to a base plate, which restricts the movement of the cupcake bouquet in the box during transport.
- Various embodiments of a method and apparatus for assembly and packaging of cupcake bouquets are described. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, apparatuses or systems that would be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter.
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FIG. 1 is a frontal view of acupcake bouquet 100 being assembled, according to one or more embodiments. Thebouquet 100 includes avase 102, amount 104 attached to thevase 102 using anadhesive 106. Thevase 102 forms the base of thebouquet 100, and according to some embodiments, thevase 102 includes a glass vase, a plastic vase, a metal vase, among others. Themount 104 is generally a portion of a sphere, such as a hemisphere, to support cupcakes in a bouquet formation. Themount 104 may be made using a firm material capable of supporting the weight of the cupcakes, and to accommodate pins and skewers used for supporting cupcakes. According to some embodiments, themount 104 is made using polystyrene foam, e.g., closed-cell extruded foam such as STYROFOAM, in a hemispherical shape. Theadhesive 106 is any adhesive suitable for attaching themount 104 to thevase 102. According to some embodiments, theadhesive 106 is a thermoplastic adhesive such as hot melt adhesive applicable using a hot glue gun, an epoxy adhesive, and several other suitable adhesives as known in the art. In some embodiments, themount 104 may partially overlap a top portion of thevase 102 to further ensure that themount 104 is limited in movement. For example, themount 104 may be shaped to have a portion fit snugly within an opening of thevase 102, for example the mouth (not shown) of thevase 102. -
FIG. 2 is another frontal view of acupcake bouquet 100 ofFIG. 1 being assembled further, according to one or more embodiments. Thebouquet 100 includessupport pins 112 to provide support for cupcakes. Thesupport pins 112 include for example, greenery pins (also called greening pins), U-shaped pins, and the like, and are inserted into themount 104. A portion of thesupport pins 112 projects outwards from the surface of themount 104 to provide vertical support for cupcakes. Once inserted, thesupport pins 112 are not easily dislodged from themount 104. The portion ofsupport pins 112 projecting from themount 104 serve as a base to provide vertical support for a cupcake. - According to some embodiments, the
bouquet 100 also includes a decorativecolored sheet 108 covering themount 104, and aribbon 110 for skirting the lower edge of themount 104. Thecolored sheet 108 may be made from paper, or plastics, such as cellophane, and the like and serve to mask themount 104 with an aesthetically suitable color for thebouquet 100 appearance. Similarly, theribbon 110 is an aesthetically suitable color and material, and may be crafted with different patterns, for example, patterns resembling plants and greens, or other desirable patterns. In one embodiment, theribbon 110 is made from kale. In embodiments including thecolored sheet 108 and/or theribbon 110, the support pins 112 additionally serve to hold thecolored sheet 108 and theribbon 110 in place. Adecorative thread 109 to accommodate atag 111 for displayingtext 113, such as, for addressing the recipient of thebouquet 100 may also be included. -
FIG. 3 is a partial cut away view of amount 104 shown inFIG. 2 illustrating the mounting ofcupcakes cupcakes 114, according to one or more embodiments. Portions of support pins 112 project outwards from themount 104, and according to some embodiments, portions projecting from adjacent support pins 112 forms a base to hold thecupcakes 114. The projection length of the support pins 112 is approximately equal to the portion of the cupcakes covered with cupcake baking cups 115.Skewers 116 are inserted through the center ofcupcakes 114 and into themount 104. Theskewers 116 prevent a movement of thecupcakes 114 along the surface of themount 104. Although shown projecting outside thecupcakes 114 inFIG. 3 , theskewers 116 are inserted into the cupcakes 114 (or icing thereon) such that theskewers 114 are not visible. The skewers may be inserted into the cupcakes using any push tool, such as a cup bur used in the jewelry industry. In some embodiments, two ormore skewers 116 are inserted into thecupcakes 114 and pushed closer to each other in configuration that ‘squeezes’ the baking material of thecupcakes 114, thereby resulting in a tighter adherence of thecupcakes 114 to themount 104. Thecupcakes 114 are mounted such that thecupcakes 114 project slightly upwards from the horizontal plane parallel to the base ofvase 102. For example, anaxis 117 of thecupcake 114 2 is at asmall angle 119 with the horizontal axis H. This slight upward projection of thecupcake 114 2 prevents an automatic movement of thecupcake 114 2 away from themount 104, for example, due to gravity. - The combination of the support pins 112, the
skewers 116 and a slight upward tilt of thecupcakes 114 provide a stable support arrangement to hold the cupcakes onto themount 104, so thecupcakes 114 are not easily dislodged from their position unless intentionally removed, for example, by a consumer of the cupcakes. The support arrangement described above maintains the cupcakes in position during transportation, without incurring any damage to the cupcakes.FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the use of support pins 112 to form a base to support thecupcakes 114, andFIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment to form a base to support thecupcakes 114, as further described. -
FIG. 4 is another frontal view of acupcake bouquet 100 ofFIG. 1 illustrating an alternate embodiment for mounting cupcakes. Instead of using support pins 112 to support a first level of cupcakes, the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4 uses a supportingdisc 130. The supportingdisc 130 is attached to thevase 102 with an adhesive 107, and themount 104 is attached to the supportingdisc 130 using the adhesive 109. The supportingdisc 130 is made from material used for making carton boxes, for example, which is easily available due to the availability of carton boxes for packaging thebouquet 100. According to some embodiments, the supportingdisc 130 is made from other materials, including but not limited to, paper, glass, plastics, metal or a combination thereof. Theadhesives cupcakes 114 are secured to themount 104 by use ofskewers 116, in a manner similar to that described with respect to the embodiment ofFIG. 3 . The supportingdisc 130 provides the vertical support provided by the support pins 112 in the embodiment ofFIG. 3 . The supportingdisc 130 provides vertical support to a first level of cupcakes, while other levels of cupcakes are supported by the first level of cupcakes in combination with further use of support pins and skewers, according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 5 is a front view of an assembledcupcake bouquet 100, according to one or more embodiments. According to some embodiments, about 16 support pins 112 are installed to support eightcupcakes 114 in afirst level 119 1 ofcupcakes 114 arranged around themount 104. Asecond level 119 2 ofcupcakes 114, for example, fourcupcakes 114 can be mounted over thefirst level 119 1. According to some embodiments, thecupcakes 114 of thefirst level 119 1 provide vertical support to thecupcakes 114 of thesecond level 119 2, without requiring support pins 112 to support thecupcakes 114 of thesecond level 119 2, however, theskewers 116 are provided for each cupcake. Thesecond level 119 2 supports athird level 119 3 of one ormore cupcakes 114 in a similar manner. According to some embodiments however, support pins 112 are provided for eachcupcake 114. WhileFIG. 5 illustrates the assembledcupcake bouquet 100 made by completing the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3 , an assembled cupcake bouquet can be made similarly by completing the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4 . - According to some embodiments,
decorative elements 118 are included in thevase 102. Suchdecorative elements 118 may be included in thevase 102 before attaching themount 104 to thevase 102 as shown inFIG. 1 , or before attaching the supportingdisc 130 to thevase 102. Thedecorative elements 118 serve to increase the aesthetic of thebouquet 100. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of acupcake bouquet 100 ofFIG. 1 enclosed in a packaging box prior to being assembled, according to one or more embodiments. While thebouquet 100 may be packaged after assembly, that is, thebouquet 100 ofFIG. 5 may be packaged, as show in inFIG. 6 , securing thevase 102 within packaging material such as acarton box 120 before assembling thebouquet 100 protects thevase 102 from damage during the assembling process, for example, as illustrated inFIGS. 1-5 . Thebox 120 is generally made from paperboard, corrugated paper or corrugated fiberboard, however, other suitable materials may also be used without deviating from the scope and spirit of the present invention.FIG. 6 illustrates thebox 120 partially, and a portion of thebase 121 of thebox 120, and a portion of thewraparound portion 125 of the box are shown. Thewraparound portion 125 includescuts 122 and folds 124 to wrap around the box material around the neck of thevase 102. The wrapped around box material is attached together bystaples 126, enclosing thevase 102. - The
vase 102 of thebouquet 100 is affixed to the base 121 using an adhesive 123, which is a suitable adhesive similar to or different from the adhesive 106. Affixing thevase 102 to thebase 121 of thebox 120 assists in preventing movement of thebouquet 100 within thebox 120, avoiding damage to the cupcakes mounted on thebouquet 100 during transport. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the assembledcupcake bouquet 100 ofFIG. 5 installed in thepackaging box 120 ofFIG. 6 , according to one or more embodiments. Thebouquet 100 further includes twobox pins 128 to assist in preventing movement of thebouquet 100 within thebox 120. The box pins 128 are made of plastic, or any other suitable material that is lightweight yet rigid to sustain the movement of thebouquet 100 while being transported. The twobox pins 128 are skewered through themount 104 of thebouquet 100, such that each of the box pins touches or nearly touches opposing walls of thebox 120. For example, onebox pin 128 1 skewered through themount 104 of thebouquet 100 has a length approximately equal to the distance betweensidewalls 125 of thebox 120. Theother box pin 128 2 has a length equal to the distance between aback wall 127 and afront wall 127 of thebox 120. When a lid (shown inFIG. 9 ) is mounted over thebox 120, movement of the box pins 128 will be constrained by thesidewalls 125 and theback wall 127 and a wall of the lid interfacing with thefront wall 127, thereby preventing the motion of thebouquet 100 within thebox 120, for example, when thebouquet 100 packaged in thebox 120 is transported. - As illustrated by
FIGS. 6 and 7 , attaching thevase 102 to thebase 121 of the box, and the use of box pins 128 prevent the movement of an assembledbouquet 100 within the box.FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate technique to prevent the movement of an assembledbouquet 100 within the box, as further described. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an assembledcupcake bouquet 100 fixed to abase plate 132, according to one or more embodiments. Thevase 102 of thebouquet 100 is affixed to thebase plate 132 by an adhesive 134, similar to or different from the adhesive 106, as generally known in the art. Thebase plate 132 has dimensions approximately equal to a base of a box in which thebouquet 100 is packaged, for example thebase 121 of thebox 120. Due to the same size of thebase plate 132 and thebase 121 of thebox 120, the movement of thebase plate 132, and therefore the movement of thebouquet 100 attached thereon, is constrained. Such an arrangement therefore prevents the movement of the bouquet within thebox 120, and avoids damage to thebouquet 100, for example, during transportation. According to alternative embodiments, thevase 102 is filled with heave materials such as pebbles to provide stability to thebouquet 100 to stay upright by balancing the top-heavy bouquet 100 due to the weight of thecupcakes 114. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the completedcupcake bouquet 100 ofFIG. 7 with complete packaging, according to one or more embodiments. Thebox 120 with thebouquet 100 installed therein is enclosed by alid 136. Thelid 136 is made from a material similar to the material of thebox 120, and may include alabel 136 for advertisement and/or addressing purposes. Additionally, thebox 120 has two notched front corners which allow thelid 136 to easily pass over thebox 120, saving time and hassle. - Cupcake bouquets are assembled using the techniques illustrated with respect to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , or alternativelyFIG. 4 , such that the cupcakes are stably mounted on the bouquet. Thereafter, the assembled bouquets are packaged, for example, installed in carton boxes using the techniques illustrated with respect toFIGS. 6 and 7 , or alternativelyFIG. 8 , such that the movement of the bouquets in the boxes is restricted. Various techniques described herein therefore provide a cupcake bouquet or cupcake holder having a stable mounting mechanism for the cupcakes, and a stable packaging arrangement, which prevent any damage to the cupcakes or the cupcake bouquet during transportation and handling. - Various elements are described above in association with their respective functions. These elements are considered means for performing their respective functions as described herein. While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof.
Claims (1)
1. A method for assembling a cupcake bouquet, the method comprising:
attaching a mount to a vase;
attaching a base to the vase;
inserting a plurality of support pins into the mount to provide support as a base for a plurality of cupcakes;
placing the plurality of cupcakes on the plurality of support pins; and
inserting a skewer into the center of each of the plurality of cupcakes and into the mount to secure each cupcake in place.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/257,475 US20190152689A1 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2019-01-25 | Method and apparatus for assembling and packaging cupcake bouquets for transport |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201562126042P | 2015-02-27 | 2015-02-27 | |
US15/054,931 US10189634B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2016-02-26 | Method and apparatus for assembling and packaging cupcake bouquets for transport |
US16/257,475 US20190152689A1 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2019-01-25 | Method and apparatus for assembling and packaging cupcake bouquets for transport |
Related Parent Applications (1)
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US15/054,931 Continuation US10189634B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2016-02-26 | Method and apparatus for assembling and packaging cupcake bouquets for transport |
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US20190152689A1 true US20190152689A1 (en) | 2019-05-23 |
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US15/054,931 Expired - Fee Related US10189634B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2016-02-26 | Method and apparatus for assembling and packaging cupcake bouquets for transport |
US16/257,475 Abandoned US20190152689A1 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2019-01-25 | Method and apparatus for assembling and packaging cupcake bouquets for transport |
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US15/054,931 Expired - Fee Related US10189634B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2016-02-26 | Method and apparatus for assembling and packaging cupcake bouquets for transport |
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JP7093307B2 (en) | 2016-04-13 | 2022-06-29 | モノソル リミテッド ライアビリティ カンパニー | Water-soluble films, packets using water-soluble films, and how to make and use them |
CN109312276A (en) * | 2016-06-13 | 2019-02-05 | 蒙诺苏尔有限公司 | The water soluble unit dose product as made from the combination of different films |
EP3469063A1 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2019-04-17 | Monosol, LLC | Use of a first film and a second film to improve seal strength of a water-soluble |
WO2018081086A1 (en) * | 2016-10-24 | 2018-05-03 | Gocal Margaret | Display unit for multiple items |
USD877611S1 (en) * | 2018-08-14 | 2020-03-10 | Gábor Kuzmann | Packaging |
US10835057B1 (en) * | 2019-04-29 | 2020-11-17 | Gpk Enterprises | Confectionary display apparatus |
USD931020S1 (en) * | 2019-09-11 | 2021-09-21 | Mary L. Moyers | Confection display stand |
US20230109779A1 (en) * | 2021-10-07 | 2023-04-13 | Heather Karina Loyo | Configurable bakery bouquet display |
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US4844243A (en) * | 1988-04-28 | 1989-07-04 | Delores Stiles | Holder for baked goods and the like and method of arranging same |
US5413801A (en) * | 1991-04-15 | 1995-05-09 | Mcilwain; Lillian P. | Method and apparatus for serving confectionaries |
USD403558S (en) * | 1997-03-19 | 1999-01-05 | Lorraine Escandon Martinez | Combined cake and/or muffin bouquet and inedible holder therefor |
US6450341B1 (en) * | 2001-02-09 | 2002-09-17 | Oven Ready Foods Llc | Shipping and baking package for food items |
US20050279747A1 (en) * | 2004-06-04 | 2005-12-22 | Leanna Madagan | Cupcake holder |
US20140091087A1 (en) * | 2012-09-26 | 2014-04-03 | Carol B. Vollano | Portable cupcake display and package |
US8708166B1 (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2014-04-29 | Elizabeth Lynne Crouch | Confection rack |
US9839304B2 (en) * | 2015-01-05 | 2017-12-12 | Deflecto, LLC | Convertible baked goods display |
US20170086608A1 (en) * | 2015-09-28 | 2017-03-30 | Cake Frame Ltd | Internal cake support apparatus and associated methods |
US20180020682A1 (en) * | 2016-07-19 | 2018-01-25 | Ivy L. Bullard | 3-d cupcake decorating system |
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2016
- 2016-02-26 US US15/054,931 patent/US10189634B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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2019
- 2019-01-25 US US16/257,475 patent/US20190152689A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US20160251144A1 (en) | 2016-09-01 |
US10189634B2 (en) | 2019-01-29 |
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