Cutlery – Cutting tools – Plural blade
Patent
1993-11-23
1995-09-05
Seidel, Richard K.
Cutlery
Cutting tools
Plural blade
30315, 30337, B26B 304
Patent
active
054469651
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
This invention relates to a cake divider and especially relates to a divider that operates to cut a cake into discrete slices whilst at the same time protecting the edges of adjacent slices from direct contact with the air.
Throughout this specification, it is understood that the expression "cake" embraces a variety of foodstuffs such as pies, quiches, and many other pastry items.
DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART
In cafeterias, tea houses and restaurants, there is always a problem in keeping cakes fresh. A customer usually requires a single slice of cake and thus in a situation where a cake is sliced and not consumed immediately, there is a problem that the surfaces of slices of cake adjacent a slice that has been removed become exposed to air which causes the surface to become dry and hard and generally unpalateable. This results in the proprietor having to discard the outer slices which results in considerable waste. Another problem with cakes is the need for a careful and slow slicing operation to produce slices that are cut cleanly and evenly to again reduce wastage of cake. Hygiene also dictates that handling of foodstuffs be kept to a minimum.
It is these problems that have brought about the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a cake divider comprising a core with a plurality of arms detachably securable thereto to project from the core, each arm terminating on its underside with a cutting edge whereby in use, the divider can be positioned above a cake and downward pressure can be exerted on the core to force the arms to cut through the cake to produce a plurality of slices, and whereby as a slice is removed from the cake, the adjacent arms act as an air barrier against the exposed surfaces of the adjacent slices.
Preferably, the arms project radially from the core, downward displacement of the divider producing a plurality of segments defined by radial cuts. Alternatively, the arms extend laterally of the core in a parallel array so that downward displacement of the divider produces a plurality of parallel slices each separated by an arm.
In a preferred embodiment, each arm is provided with fastening means allowing the arms to be coupled to the core member in a variety of arrays defining slices of different sizes.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cake divider in accordance with a first embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a core that forms part of the divider shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the core shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an underside view of the core of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an arm that forms part of the divider shown in FIG. 1,
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the divider when pressed into a cake;
FIG. 7 is a plan view of the divider in position on a cake;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modified core;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modified arm for use with the core of FIG. 8; and
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a divider for use with rectangular cakes.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The cake divider in accordance with a first embodiment is illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. The divider 10 comprises a central core member 11 in the form of a cylindrical barrel 12 that is slotted at both ends 13 and 14. Twelve equally spaced axial slots 16 are positioned at the upper end 13 and the lower end 14 carries eight axial slots 19. Either end 13 or 14 is arranged to locate a downwardly extending annular flange 17 that is formed on a cap member 18 that is of greater diameter than the diameter of the barrel 12. The slots 16 or 19 are located around the periphery of either end 13, 14 of the barrel and serve as location means for fingers 20 formed on eight divider arm members 1 to 8 as shown in FIG. 1. The core 12 may however be inverted so that the slots 16 in the end 13 support twelve div
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Seidel Richard K.
Woods Raymond D.
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