WO2017074238A1

WO2017074238A1 - Combined flexible baking mold and cutter

Info

Publication number: WO2017074238A1
Application number: PCT/SE2016/000062
Authority: WO
Inventors: Donald Madeleine Mac
Original assignee: MaMacDo AB
Priority date: 2015-10-26
Filing date: 2016-10-25
Publication date: 2017-05-04
Also published as: SE539818C2; SE1500427A1

Abstract

The present invention concerns a flexible baking mold (1), suitable for example for use in the baking of gingerbread houses and similar comprised of a plurality of elements (2) which are suitable for connection to each other whose elements (2) have different shapes which allow for different designs of the baking mold to be created. The elements (2) include a male coupling member (10) and a female coupling member with which the elements (2) are connected together. In alternative embodiments the elements (2) in their lower end are comprised of pins (21) which connect to holes (4) in the plate (3) and that the elements (2) at their top are comprised of at least one cutting surface (22) with which the baked goods when necessary are cut and/or trimmed.

Description

Combined flexible baking mold and cutter

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a variant of a flexible mold (form) in accordance with the claims. Background of the Invention

During baking, different types of baking molds, forms and cutters are used to shape what is to be baked. Through the years, baking molds have been developed in a number of different variants with many different shapes. Even though baking molds have been developed in a large number of variants, there are still situations where suitable baking molds do not exist or that the baking molds that have been developed are insufficient or difficult to use. For example, flexible baking molds in connection with the making of component parts in gingerbread houses and parts for designed cakes do not exist.

In the making of house parts for gingerbread houses, the house parts are usually cut out by hand with the aid of a paper template. Usually, a paper template is made for each house part. Sometimes even two paper templates of certain house parts are made in which one paper template is used to cut out the house parts and the second paper template is used to build a paper form that supports the gingerbread house from the inside. Making paper templates and then cutting out the house parts by hand consumes time and material.

As alternatives to the method mentioned above, alternative technologies have been developed. For example, premade gingerbread house molds (forms) have been developed with which the component parts of the gingerbread house are formed. The making of parts for the

gingerbread house proceeds faster by using premade (pre-designed) molds but they in turn cause other problems such as limited flexibility in making unique (custom) designs. Premade baking molds are not an option for those who wish to bake customized gingerbread houses, because premade (pre-designed) molds only to a very limited extent allow for custom design.

When baking in a traditional way, it is also difficult to get details like windows, doors and other details symmetrically spaced relative to each other. This is partly caused by the dough rising unevenly and also because the house parts widen outward in connection with baking in the oven. Usually the result is that the house parts and the gingerbread house gives a skewed and asymmetrical impression. There exists a need for a baking mold that resolves the problem of skewed baking results.

During baking the dough rises and spreads out causing the need for baked house parts to be trimmed. When the baking sheet is removed from the oven, the baker then has about one minute to trim the house parts before they cool and harden, increasing the risk of burns because of the limited time to complete trimming. This time constraint usually results in skewed house parts. In order to avoid this skewing, a lot of time is spent adjusting the house parts by scraping the sides of the parts with for example a knife or grater. This adjustment is risky because house parts often crack and then the baker has to start over and make new templates and new house parts. In order to make house parts that are even and neat with fine details, the house parts must be trimmed immediately after they are taken out of the oven and preferably be trimmed while not burning oneself in the process.

Also in other areas such as the baking of cakes, there are problems that the present invention solves. For example, when baking cakes, the parts of the cake are usually cut out by hand and laid upon one another, so by creating height in multiple layers. This is a cumbersome and time-consuming process that requires great skill and much practice if good result are to be expected.

Prior Art

A baking mold that includes a plurality of parts (elements) that may be connected with each other are shown and described in DE202009015899U1. The parts (elements) are provided with channels which are connected with pins. The baking mold according to its description differs significantly from the flexible baking mold according to the present patent application. The design according to its description has for example the disadvantage of that when the included components of the baking mold are joined together, they can easily be mutually twisted. Further, the baking mold according to its description does not include a cutter function, because the baking mold's parts, according to its description lacks cutting surfaces. Furthermore, the design's connecting elements (parts) take up space in the shape of radius- shaped projections which causes the baked dough to assume a less aesthetically pleasing shape. Furthermore, the design does not have a corresponding flexibility regarding the possibility of forming angles between the component parts of the baking mold. A variant of a baking mold comprised of a plurality of interconnecting parts is describes and shown in DE202009007829U1. The baking mold according to its description includes a base plate. The design according to its description differs significantly from the design in accordance with the present invention. The design according to its description does not for example include a cutter function because the baking mold's included parts lack cutting surfaces or the like.

The design's connecting parts consist of brackets (U - shaped devices) that connect two parts to each other and to the base plate. Similar to DE202009015899U1, the design according to DE202009007829U1 further includes projections, which makes whatever is baked less aesthetically appealing. Further, the design according to DE202009015899U1 does not confer a corresponding flexibility to shape the angles between the interconnected parts.

In FR2435204 is disclosed a variant of a design, intended for use in baking, and the like, which is comprised of a cutting edge on its top edge with which whatever is baked can be cut. The design differs to a very large extent from the design in accordance with the present application. For example, the baking mold according to FR2435204 does not consists of a flexible baking mold whose shape can be varied by parts of different shapes being connected together with each other.

US4431395 discloses a variant of equipment to build gingerbread houses. The equipment is comprised of a plurality of baking molds for different parts of the gingerbread house. The design according to its description differs significantly from the design in accordance with the present application. For example, it is only possible to a very limited extent to use the equipment to build a self-designed house, because it is only possible to create your own placement of windows and doors with the equipment.

Purpose of the Invention The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate or significantly reduce one of the aforementioned or any, in the following description, mentioned problems with existing types of molds (forms) such as baking molds. This purpose is solved by an invention in accordance with the claims. Brief Description of the Drawings

In the following detailed description of the present invention, reference and references to the following figures will occur. Each figure is briefly described in the following figure list. Note that the figures are schematic and that certain parts of the baking mold that are apparent for a person skilled in the field of the invention may thus be omitted in the figures and description.

Fig. 1 shows schematically a baking mold comprised of several parts with different shapes.

Fig. 2 shows a straight element that includes a connecting device with a click function.

Fig. 3 shows the principal for connecting elements to the perforated plate.

Fig. 4 shows in more detail elements with a cutting function. Figs. 5 A and 5b show exemplifying building elements.

Figs. 6A to 6C show alternative embodiments of the elements.

Detailed Description of the Invention

With reference to the figures, a flexible mold according to the present patent application will be described in more detail. In the exemplifying embodiment the flexible mold consists of a flexible baking mold 1. For example, the flexible baking mold 1 is suitable to be used to prepare the parts of for example a gingerbread house. In alternative embodiments it is conceivable that the flexible baking mold 1, be used to produce other types of baked goods, or parts of other types of baked goods, than the mentioned gingerbread house. It is further conceivable that the present invention be used to form other material than dough, and the like. The present invention may also be used for products other than baked goods. It is conceivable that the present invention be used to form clay, gypsum (plaster), ice, ice cream and other products. It is further conceivable that the present invention be used for concrete or the like. It is further conceivable that the mold is used as a design template. The flexible baking mold 1, is made up of several parts, elements 2 which may be joined together. In alternative embodiments, the flexible baking mold 1 also includes at least one plate 3 or the like to which the elements 2 via pins or the like are connected. Preferably, the plate 3 consists of a bottom plate (perforated plate), which is provided with a plurality of holes in which the elements' pins, or the like are connected.

The main idea of the flexible baking mold 1 is that the user with the help of various parts, elements 2 puts together their own personalized baking mold. By using parts, elements, 2 with different shapes and assembling them, customized parts, such as building elements 5 (shown in Fig. 5), may be created. In Fig. 1, a straight part (straight element) 6, an angled part (angled element) 7 and a curved part (curved element) 8 are shown. In alternate embodiments, the parts (elements) may have other for the purpose suitable forms such as a combination of previously said forms or other shapes. The elements length, height and thickness are not limiting for the scope of the invention of the flexible baking mold. The parts are made of a suitable material for the purpose.

In Fig. 2 it is shown how the elements 2 in the flexible baking mold 1 , are intended to be connected together with at least one second element 2 with at least one connecting device 9. The connecting device 9 in the exemplifying embodiment consists of a first coupling member 10 and second coupling member 11 which have interlocking shapes which allow them to be connected with each other. In the exemplifying embodiment, the first coupling member 10 preferably consists of a male coupling member and the second coupling member 11 consists of a female coupling member.

The coupling members' 10 and 11 shape may vary within the scope of the invention. In the exemplifying embodiment, the male coupling member consists of a protruding segment 12 which extends outward a distance from the one edge (vertical edge during use). The protruding segments 12 have a width that is narrower than the thickness of the elements. In the exemplifying embodiment, the protruding segments 12 in their upper section 13 include a bevel 14. In alternative embodiments, the protruding segments may also include a bevel 14 in their lower section 15.

The connecting device 9 of the exemplifying embodiment has a click function, which allows them to attach firmly with each other. The click function is achieved by the protruding segments 12 being comprised of locking members 16 which engage with and are suitable to be coupled with locking members 17 in a second part. The locking member 16 is comprised of or includes protruding segments 18, ridge, ridges or the like. The size of the protruding segments 12 may vary within the scope of the invention. With the connecting device 9, with the included coupling members' 10 and 11 design, the mold may be disassembled and used over and over again to create new shapes.

The coupling members 11 , the female members, are comprised of at least one recess 19 that has a shape that coincides with the protruding segments 12 and that the recesses 19 also include grooves 20 in which the segments 18 (locking members 17) engage and temporarily lock the parts together.

The parts, elements 2 have in their lower section (ends) pins 21, studs or the like with which the parts may be connected to the holes 4 of the plate 3. In the exemplifying embodiment, the pins 21 consist of pairs which may be inserted into the respective holes 4. Thanks to the fact that the pins 21 exist as pairs, they exert a certain springy (elastic) effect against the holes' 4 walls whereby the parts may be temporarily joined to the plate 3.

Referring to Fig. 3, the included perforated plate 3 is shown in more detail. The present invention is further comprised of at least one plate 3. The plate 3 includes a number of holes 4 in which the parts may be positioned mutually. The number of holes may vary within the scope of the invention. With the aid of the plate 3 and its holes 4, details such as windows and doors may be directly placed at a precise distance from each other.

When using the baking mold 1 (without the perforated plate), an arbitrary number of elements 2 are connected with one another until a desired design of the flexible baking mold 1 is obtained. During use of the flexible baking mold 1 , it is placed on a baking sheet or the like and provided internally with a layer of material (not shown in the figures) or the like. With the material layer, the advantage is achieved that materials such as dough or the like does not ooze out from under the form. Then, the dough, batter or the like is added to the flexible baking mold 1. Then, the dough/batter with the flexible baking mold 1, is inserted into an oven or the like and baked. When the dough/batter is baked, it and the baking mold are removed from the oven. After the baked goods are freed from the flexible baking mold, the process may be repeated any number of times.

When using the mold with the perforated plate 3 (bottom plate), at least one layer of material (not shown in figures) is preferably placed on the perforated plate 3. Use of a material layer has the advantage of keeping materials such as dough or the like out of the perforated plate's holes. The material layer consists preferably of baking paper when using the flexible baking mold 1. During use of the flexible baking mold 1, a number of elements 2 are connected with one another and connected to the bottom plate 3 until the desired design of the flexible baking mold 1 is achieved, after which the dough or batter is added to the flexible baking mold 1. Then the flexible baking mold 1 with dough/batter is inserted into an oven and baked and after the dough/batter is baked completely, the flexible baking mold 1 is removed from the oven, after which the baked goods are taken out of the flexible baking mold 1. The process may then be repeated any number of times.

Referring to Fig. 4, it is shown how the flexible baking mold's 1 elements 2 are preferably comprised of at least one cutting surface 22, cutting edge, at the top of the elements. The cutting surface 22 is created by the top 23 of the elements being beveled towards a center point to form a cutting edge. The angle of the cutting surface may vary within the scope of the invention. With the cutting surfaces, cutting edges, a cutter function, cutting template or the like for the flexible baking mold 1 is achieved.

When using the flexible baking mold 1 as a cutter or cutting template, a number of elements 2 are connected together so that the desired design (shape) of the flexible baking mold 1 is obtained. Thereafter the baking mold, the mold or the like is turned so that the included elements' cutting surfaces are directed toward that which is to be formed. Then the mold's cutting surface is held against what is to be formed after which the cutting surface, the cutting edge, is pressed down completely or partly through that which is to be formed. When using the mold as a cutter the dough or the like is formed with the flexible baking mold's 1 cutting surface 22 before and/or after baking. After the process (method) is performed once, the process may be repeated any number of times. For the alternative use of the flexible baking mold as a cutter, the elements 2 may also be connected to the bottom plate 3.

With reference to Figs. 6A to 6C, an alternative variant of the present invention is shown where the elements 2 are not provided with pins. The elements' designs otherwise correspond with the previously described embodiment.

The baking mold allows for the creation of nice even parts that provide for a successful result. The mold also creates entirely new opportunities for creative baking and construction through its flexibility. Use of the mold minimizes two major risks; the use of a knife and a grater for cutting out parts and scraping edges is eliminated and the risk of burns when trimming is also reduced. In the instance of cake baking, the dangerous and difficult procedure to evenly cut by hand with a knife is eliminated, and any little unevenness is easily smoothed over. When baking cakes, it is possible to shape the parts directly proportional to each other before assembling the cake and this saves a lot of time and materials. In the detailed description of the present invention, design details of the baking mold may have been omitted which are apparent to persons skilled in the art of the field of the baking mold. Such obvious design details are included to the extent necessary so that the proper and full performance of the present baking mold is achieved.

Even if certain preferred embodiments have been shown in more detail, variations and modifications of the present invention as well as methods for its use may become apparent for specialists in the field of the invention. All such modifications and variants are regarded as falling within the scope of the following claims.

In alternative embodiments, for example, the flexible mold may be used to shape concrete, plaster, ice cream mixtures and a plurality of other types of shapeable materials or material combinations. That which is to be shaped, materials or combinations of materials, is added to the mold, after which a suitable subsequent operation is performed on said materials or material combinations. Said operation may be an operation in which that which is to be formed hardens, dries, is frozen or otherwise treated. Alternatively, that any of these materials is trimmed with the cutting surface in a similar way as when the mold is used as a cutter. The mold may also be used as a template by the elements 2 forming a mold of a unique design and then placing the mold on paper or other suitable surface, and with a pencil, chalk, charcoal or similar follow the border of the mold and transfer the design to the paper, surface or the like.

Advantages of the Invention At least one of the above mentioned disadvantages with known designs of baking molds is eliminated or at least reduced with the present invention. One of the invention's advantages is that the baking mold is time saving. Another advantage is that the baking mold in some applications saves materials. Further, the flexible baking mold allows for making unique designs for that which is to be baked such as gingerbread houses. The baking mold combines a shaping function with a cutter function.

Claims

1. Combined flexible baking mold and cutter (1 ), suitable for example for use in

conjunction with baking, comprised of a plurality of elements (2) which are suitable for connection to each other by coupling members (10, 11), said elements (2) having different shapes which allow for different forms of the baking mold to be created when the parts are connected together with each other and that the elements (2) at their top are comprised of at least one cutting surface (22) with which the baked goods when necessary are cut and/or trimmed characterized in that the male coupling member (10) consists of protruding segments (12) which in their upper parts (13) are comprised of a bevel (14) and that the protruding segments (12) are comprised of at least one first locking member (16) such as a second protruding segment (18), ridges or the like, and that the female coupling members (11) consist of at least one recess (19) with a corresponding shape to the protruding segments (12) and that the recesses (19) include grooves (20) alternatively recesses, in which the segments (18) engage and temporarily lock the elements (2) together.

2. Combined flexible baking mold and cutter (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the elements (2) in their lower end are comprised of pins (21) which connect to holes (4) in the plate (3).

3. Combined flexible baking mold and cutter (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that the pins (21) are present in pairs which are suitable to be inserted in pairs into respective holes (4) in the plate (3).

4. Combined flexible baking mold and cutter (1) according to at least one of the previous claims characterized in that the flexible baking mold (1) is comprised of elements (2) with curved shapes.

5. Combined flexible baking mold and cutter (1) according to at least one of the previous claims characterized in that the flexible baking mold (1) is comprised of elements (2) with angled shapes.

6. Combined flexible baking mold and cutter (1) according to at least one of the previous claims characterized in that the flexible baking mold (1) is comprised of elements (2) with straight shapes.

7. Method for use of a flexible baking mold and cutter (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that a number of elements (2) are connected together with each other and connected to a bottom plate (3) to a desired shape of the baking mold (1) after which dough or batter is placed in the baking mold (1) after which the baking mold (1) with the dough/batter is inserted into an oven and baked after which the dough/batter is completely baked the flexible baking mold is taken out of the oven after which the baked goods are taken out of the flexible baking mold (1) after which the method is repeated any number of times.

8. Method for use of a flexible baking mold and cutter (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that a number of elements (2) are connected together to a desired shape of the flexible baking mold (1) after which the baking mold (1) is used as a cutter to form baked goods by the dough being cut with the baking mold's cutting surface (22) to the selected design before and/or after baking, after which the method is repeated any number of times.

9. Method for use of a flexible baking mold and cutter (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that a number of elements (2) are connected together with each other and to a bottom plate (3) to a desired shape after which the baking mold is used as a cutter to form baked goods by the dough being cut with the baking mold's cutting surface (22) to the selected design before and/or after baking, after which the method is repeated any number of times.