Presentation Trophy Cake Cover and System

Abstract

Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for a presentation trophy cake cover device that covers or hides a cake, a gift, or other item(s). Exemplary embodiments allow for candles to be placed on top of the cake-shaped cover to be extinguished by the breath of a recipient without contaminating the cake or other item. The presentation trophy cake cover device and system may take the form of a trophy including a pedestal of a base connected by a riser to a plate or tray upon which the cake or other item(s) may be placed. A cake-shaped cover may contribute to the trophy format by being shaped as a two-tiered layer cake with bottom layer being wider in diameter than the top lawyer. Handles may be provided on either side of the cover by being attached opposite to each other on the outer rim of the plate.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. non-provisional patent application that claims the benefit of the U.S. provisional patent application entitled “Presentation Trophy Cake Cover and System,” having Ser. No. 63/058,222, filed Jul. 29, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatus for, methods for, and systems for celebrating an event or person; presentation of a gift, cake, pastry, treat, or other representation of celebration of an event or person; and packaging of such gift, cake, pastry, treat, or other representation. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a device, method, and system for presenting a cake or other item(s) to a recipient. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device, method, and a system for presenting a cake or other item(s) to a recipient by covering or hiding the cake or other gift item(s) under a cover that sits atop a pedestal. Embodiments of the invention may be used also to conceal and present a gift using the cake-resembling cover, invoking the idea, concept, and tradition of a cake (e.g., a birthday cake), while not actually including an actual, edible cake, which may not be desired under some circumstances (e.g., the recipient has allergies to cake, does not like to eat cake, is trying to lose weight, etc.). In essence, the cake-resembling cover may act as a proxy for a real cake, in circumstances that traditionally call for a cake, such as a birthday cake or a graduation cake, if a real cake is not covered by the cover.

Conventional means of celebrating an event or person involve presentation of conventional forms of a trophy, a gift, or a cake, with each presented separately from the others. A trophy typically is presented to a person or group that successfully competes in, completes, and wins an activity. A conventional trophy typically is very decorative, having scalloping, fluting, gold foil or plating, marble portions, crystal portions, and/or other fine detailing, to indicate the special nature of the award, possibly including an adornment indicating the nature of the activity (e.g., a figurine of a baseball player to indicate that the trophy is for a baseball tournament). A conventional gift typically is wrapped in wrapping paper to conceal the nature of the gift until the gift is unwrapped by the recipient to reveal the gift. The wrapping paper often is ripped and destroyed in the unwrapping, leading some gift-givers to use reusable gift bags to hold and conceal the gift for presentation to the recipient. A conventional cake, pastry, confection, food, or other edible treat typically is placed on a serving plate or platter and placed on a table to await being served to recipients. Some conventional serving plates or platters have covers, such as for protection and/or preservation of the cake against impact from other objects, including during transport, and/or from desiccation, by limiting airflow between the cake and the ambient air, especially after one or more pieces have been cut out of the cake. Some conventional platter covers are made of transparent glass, enabling a view of a cake under such transparent cover. Other conventional platter covers are made of non-transparent material (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.), preventing a view of a cake under such non-transparent cover. Some conventional serving plates or platter have risers or pedestals, elevating the plate or platter from a table on which the plate or platter rests, facilitating a grip of the rim of the plate or platter, and possibly providing a stem or trunk with which to grasp and carry the plate or platter.

The aforementioned conventional means lack, however, various aspects of the present invention, including combining features of a trophy, a gift and pre-presentation concealment thereof, and a cake serving plate or platter with a non-transparent cover. In particular, the conventional means lack a cake plate or platter with a cover and a pedestal or riser, in which the cover has the appearance of, and is made to resemble, a decorative cake, and in which the combination of the plate or platter and pedestal or riser has the appearance of, and is made to resemble, a trophy.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, in aspects of the present invention, a device is provided that includes a plate or platter, upon which a gift, a cake, or other appropriately-sized item(s) may be placed, having a riser or pedestal assembly that resembles a trophy, and having a cover resembling a cake.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, an exemplary embodiment includes an apparatus for presenting a gift, in which the apparatus comprises: (1) a plate or platter assembly resembling a trophy; and (2) a cover resembling a cake; wherein the cover fits and rests on top of a plate topside surface of the plate or platter; wherein the plate or platter assembly may include a riser and/or pedestal connected to a plate underside surface of the plate or platter; wherein the plate or platter assembly may include a decorative trophy-style handle, or pair of such handles, connected to a plate rim of the plate or platter, to the plate underside surface of the plate or platter, or to the riser or pedestal; and wherein the gift to be presented may include any appropriately-sized item that fits on the plate topside surface and under the cover, including such items as food (e.g., a cake, a pastry, a confection, other edible treat, etc.), a card (e.g., a birthday card, a graduation card, a wedding card, etc.), a small pet (e.g., a hamster, gerbil, etc.), and/or a small inanimate object (e.g., a watch, a smartphone, a ring, jewelry, keys to a car, etc.).

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, another exemplary embodiment includes a system for presenting a gift, in which the system comprises: (1) a plate or platter assembly resembling a trophy; (2) a cover resembling a cake; and (3) one or more accessories adapted to decorate, customize, and/or adorn the cover and/or the plate or platter; wherein the cover fits and rests on top of a plate topside surface of the plate or platter; wherein the plate or platter assembly may include a riser and/or pedestal connected to a plate underside surface of the plate or platter; wherein the plate or platter assembly may include a decorative trophy-style handle, or pair of such handles, connected to a plate rim of the plate or platter, to the plate underside surface of the plate or platter, or to the riser or pedestal; wherein the gift to be presented may include any appropriately-sized item that fits on the plate topside surface and under the cover, including such items as food (e.g., a cake, a pastry, a confection, other edible treat, etc.), a card (e.g., a birthday card, a graduation card, a wedding card, etc.), a small pet (e.g., a hamster, gerbil, etc.), and/or a small inanimate object (e.g., a watch, a smartphone, a ring, jewelry, keys to a car, etc.); and wherein the accessories may include decorations (e.g., ribbons, bows, decals, stickers depicting icing on a vertical side of a cake, etc.), items to customize the cover, the plate or platter, and/or the pedestal or riser (e.g., markers to write on the cover, preferably with erasable, removable, non-permanent ink; an electronic sound recorder or audio playback device, such as to play music, a song, or a user-recorded greeting), ornaments (e.g., strings of beads, candles, candle-resembling electric lights, such as to be placed in wells on a cover topside surface), and adornments (e.g., a card holder, a sign holder, a sign, a banner, etc., such as to be placed in slots on the cover topside surface).

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, a further exemplary embodiment includes a method of presenting a gift, in which the method comprises: (a) providing an apparatus assembly for presenting a gift; (b) enabling a first disassembly of the apparatus assembly adapted to allow the gift to be placed in the apparatus; (c) enabling a reassembly of the apparatus assembly adapted to allow the gift to be contained in the apparatus; and (d) enabling a second disassembly of the apparatus assembly adapted to allow the gift to be removed from the apparatus; wherein the apparatus for presenting a gift comprises: (1) a plate or platter assembly resembling a trophy; and (2) a cover resembling a cake; wherein the cover fits and rests on top of a plate topside surface of the plate or platter assembly; wherein the plate or platter may include a riser and/or pedestal connected to a plate underside surface of the plate or platter; wherein the plate or platter may include a decorative trophy-style handle, or pair of such handles, connected to a plate rim of the plate or platter, to the plate underside surface of the plate or platter, or to the riser or pedestal; and wherein the gift to be presented may include any appropriately-sized item that fits on the plate topside surface and under the cover, including such items as food (e.g., a cake, a pastry, a confection, other edible treat, etc.), a card (e.g., a birthday card, a graduation card, a wedding card, etc.), a small pet (e.g., a hamster, gerbil, etc.), and/or a small inanimate object (e.g., a watch, a smartphone, a ring, jewelry, keys to a car, etc.).

In accordance with further embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may further comprise a part of a system for presenting the gift; the system may further comprise: (3) one or more accessories adapted to decorate, customize, and/or adorn the cover and/or the plate or platter; wherein the accessories may include decorations (e.g., ribbons, bows, decals, stickers depicting icing on a vertical side of a cake, etc.), items to customize the cover, the plate or platter, and/or the pedestal or riser (e.g., markers to write on the cover, preferably with erasable, removable, non-permanent ink; an electronic sound recorder or audio playback device, such as to play music, a song, or a user-recorded greeting), ornaments (e.g., strings of beads, candles, candle-resembling electric lights, such as to be placed in wells on a cover topside surface), and adornments (e.g., a card holder, a sign holder, a sign, a banner, etc., such as to be placed in slots on the cover topside surface); and the method may further comprise: (e) providing the system for presenting the gift; and (f) enabling use of the accessories to decorate, customize, and/or adorn the cover and/or the plate or platter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. The embodiments shown in the drawings are not necessary to scale, to shape, to form, or to size; they do not necessarily include all possible features in the depicted embodiments; and the positions and proportions of embodiments and features may vary. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a presentation trophy cake cover device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a front perspective view of the presentation trophy cake cover device shown in FIG. 1, with the cover removed from the plate, pedestal, and handles of the presentation trophy cake cover device;

FIG. 3 depicts a front perspective view of a recipient girl holding a presentation trophy cake cover device similar to that shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts a front perspective view of a recipient woman holding a presentation trophy cake cover device similar to that shown in FIG. 1, with the removed cover held by her right hand, and with her left hand holding the plate, pedestal, and handles of the presentation trophy cake cover device, thereby revealing a cake set on a small plate atop the plate of the presentation trophy cake cover device;

FIG. 5 depicts a side elevational view of a second exemplary embodiment of a presentation trophy cake cover device, configured without handles and with a reinforced plate, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A depicts a top plan view, and FIG. 6B depicts a side elevation cross-sectional view, of the top of the cover of the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded side perspective view of elements of the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an exploded side perspective view of elements of a simplified base form and a structural support of an exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device, similar to those depicted in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9A to FIG. 9F illustrate multiple views of the base of the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device of FIG. 5, including dimensions and cross-sections;

FIG. 10A to FIG. 10E illustrate multiple views of the structural support housed within the base of the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device of FIG. 5, including dimensions and cross-sections;

FIG. 11A to FIG. 11G illustrate multiple views of the cover of the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device of FIG. 5, including dimensions and cross-sections;

FIG. 12A to FIG. 12G illustrate multiple views of the plate of the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device of FIG. 5, including dimensions and cross-sections;

FIG. 13A to FIG. 13G illustrate multiple views of the neck or riser of the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device of FIG. 5, including dimensions and cross-sections;

FIG. 14A to FIG. 14F illustrate multiple views of an assembled exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device of FIG. 5, including dimensions and cross-sections;

FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C illustrate multiple views of a simplified base form for use with the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device of FIG. 5, including dimensions and cross-sections; and

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method of presenting a gift, in accordance with aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology may be used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “lower” and “upper” and “top” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Where a term is provided in the singular, the inventors also contemplate aspects of the invention described by the plural of that term. As used in this specification and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, e.g., “a glove” may include a plurality of gloves, which may be the same, similar, interoperable, or matching, such as a matching pair of gloves (i.e., a right-hand glove and a left-hand glove, which are similar but different). Thus, for example, a reference to “a method” includes one or more methods, and/or steps of the type described herein and/or which will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods, constructs, and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Where there are discrepancies in terms and definitions used in references that are incorporated by reference, the terms used in this application shall have the definitions given herein.

The description uses the phrases “in an embodiment” or “in embodiments,” which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments of the present disclosure, are synonymous. When used to describe a range of dimensions, the phrase “between X and Y” represents a range that includes X and Y.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, references to times or measurements “of,” “on,” or “at” a point of reference may be synonymous as used in context.

In general, embodiments of the invention include a cover that removable interlocks with a plate, in which the plate is attached to and supported by a riser, and in which the riser is attached to and supported by a base, using a structural support housed within the base. In one aspect of the present invention, the cover may be placed over a cake or the other item(s) on the plate. The cover may be fastened to the plate with a twist-slide-lock or other configuration. The cover may resemble a two-tiered wedding cake with the bottom layer being larger in diameter than the top layer. The top of the cover may provide supports for the insertion of candles atop the cover. The top of the cover also may provide a card support structure for supporting a card or the like on top of the cover. The card support structure may be configured to allow the card or the like to be displayed generally perpendicularly with respect to the horizontal top of the cover of the device. The plate may be disposed atop a pedestal, which may include a base connected to a neck. The base may allow for the display of information. The base may be connected through the neck to the bottom of the plate. The device also may include handles disposed opposite to each other on the outer rim of the plate.

Briefly stated, in another aspect of the present invention, a system provides for the presentation of a cake or other item(s) in a cake trophy format to a recipient that allows for the cake or other item to be covered or hidden within the cake trophy for surprise purposes and also for allowing candles set into the top of the cake trophy to be extinguished by a recipient's blowing of breath without contaminating the cake or other item(s). The system of the cake trophy includes a hollow, two-tiered plastic layer cover that resembles a cake and functions as a cover over the cake or other item(s) atop the plate. The top of the cake cover may include supports for a variety of items including, but not limited to, one or more candles, one or more cards (e.g., a greeting card), and a birthday number. The cake cover may be fastened to a plate or tray upon which the cake or other item is placed. The cake cover may be decorated in advance of presentation to the recipient. Contributing to the cake trophy format, the two-tiered layer cake cover with plate sits atop a pedestal that includes a trophy base connected to the bottom of the plate by a trophy riser. Also contributing to the cake trophy format are the handles disposed opposite to each other on the outer rim of the plate.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a presentation trophy cake cover device 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Generally stated, the invention provides a presentation trophy cake cover device 10, system, and method. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment 10 according to the invention. Embodiment 10 includes a cover 12 that is shaped as a two-tiered layer cake with the bottom layer 14 being larger in diameter than the top layer 16. The sidewalls of the cover 12 preferably are thin plastic, in which the cover 12 is a hollow shell shaped to resemble a cake. In this embodiment 10, the cover 12 is shaped as two round layers. Other embodiments may vary. For example, another embodiment may include square layers. Alternatively, an embodiment may have a square bottom layer with a round top layer or vice versa. Embodiment 10 includes two cake layers in the cover 12, but other embodiments may vary such as only having a single layer or more than two layers. The cover 12 is hollow so as to enclose a cake or other item(s) within the cover 12. The cover 12 may be made of any appropriate material that is durable, rigid, resilient, and possibly flexible. In embodiment 10, the cover 12 is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”) plastic.

Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 depicts a front perspective view of the presentation trophy cake cover device 10 shown in FIG. 1, with the cover 12 removed from the plate 18, pedestal 20, base 22, riser 24, and handles 26a, 26b of the presentation trophy cake cover device 10. FIG. 2 depicts the cover 12 removed from the remainder of the exemplary presentation trophy cover device 10. FIG. 2 shows the plate or tray 18 upon which the cover 12 was sitting prior to its removal. The cover 12 and the plate 18 share complementary portions of an attachment mechanism. The cover 12 may interact with the plate 18 to lock together. The locking may be accomplished by a twist-slide-lock configuration. To lock the cover 12 to the plate 18, the cover 12 may be placed upon the plate 18 and twisted so that respective elements on the cover 12 and the plate 18 slide into place to lock the two parts together. The plate 18 is round in the exemplary embodiment 10, but other shapes may be used in other embodiments. A twist-interlock between cover 12 and plate 18 generally is enabled by both being circular. If other shapes are used for the cover 12 and the plate 18, the interlock may be a different sort, such as the interlocking rims and lids of Tupperware® containers, which often are rectangular. A cake or other item(s) may be placed directly on top of the plate 18 and then be hidden away or covered by the cover 12.

The plate 18 is connected to the pedestal 20 in the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device 10. The plate 18 may be disposed atop the pedestal 20, which may include a base 22 on the bottom connected to a neck or riser 24. The base 22 may allow for the display of information on one or more of its outsides. The base 22 may be connected through the neck 24 to the bottom or underside of the plate 18. The exemplary device 10 also may include handles 26a, 26b disposed opposite to each other on the outer rim of the plate 18. When the cover 12 is locked to the plate 18, a user may carry the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover 10 by the handles 26a, 26b. Of course, the exemplary device 10 may be carried by the handles 26a, 26b even if the cover 12 is not locked to the plate 18, but the locking of those elements makes for more securing carrying of the exemplary device 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 depicts a front perspective view of a recipient girl 28 holding a presentation trophy cake cover device 10 similar to that shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 depicts the exemplary device 10 being held by a recipient 28 by the base 22 of the pedestal 20 in one hand and the top layer 16 of the cover 12 in the other. In FIG. 3, the exemplary device 10 has been decorated. A plaque 30 has been added to one side of the base 22. Ribbons 32a, 32b have been wound respectively around the bottom rims of the layers 14 and 16 of the cover 12. In addition, a number “10” sign 34 has been placed atop the top layer 16 of the cover 12. Other embodiments may vary in decoration.

Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 depicts a front perspective view of a recipient woman 36 holding a presentation trophy cake cover device 10 similar to that shown in FIG. 1, with the removed cover 12 held by her right hand, and with her left hand holding the plate 18, pedestal 20, and handles 26 of the presentation trophy cake cover device 10, thereby revealing a cake 38a set on a small plate 38b atop the plate 18 of the presentation trophy cake cover device 10. FIG. 4 depicts another recipient 36 holding the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device 10, but in this figure, the recipient has removed the cover 12 from the remainder of the exemplary device 10 and is holding the cover 12 in one hand. In the other hand, the recipient 36 holds the remainder of the exemplary device 10 by its pedestal 20. Removal of the cover 12 shows that a cake 38a atop its own plate 38b is sitting on top of the plate 18 of the exemplary device 10. As noted, an item other than a cake 38a, 38b may be placed the plate 18 of the exemplary device 10. A user may place as many items as may fit under the cover 12.

Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 depicts a side elevational view of a second exemplary embodiment of a presentation trophy cake cover device 10, configured without handles 26a, 26b and with a reinforced plate 18, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 depicts a drawing of the exemplary embodiment 10, but without the handles 26a, 26b. As noted, the cover 12 of the exemplary embodiment 10 is shaped as a two-tiered round layer cake with the top layer 16 being smaller in diameter than the bottom layer 14. Each of layer 14, 16 has a decorative ribbon 32a, 32b around the cover 12. The cover 12 has a top 40 of the top layer 16 that is generally flat and round in shape. Other embodiments may vary.

Referring to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, FIG. 6A depicts a top plan view, and FIG. 6B depicts a side elevation cross-sectional view, of the top 40 of the cover 12 of the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device 10 shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6A depicts the top 40 of the top layer 16 of the cover 12 having thirteen candle supports 42a-42m disposed evenly near and around the outside rim of the top 40. Each candle support 42a-42m may be shaped as a well so a candle may be inserted into it and be supported in an upright position. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6B, candle supports 42 may include electrical contacts (not shown) to electrically power electric lights 42LED resembling candles (e.g., light emitting diodes (LED) atop projections resembling candles), in which case the cover 12 may have a battery compartment (not shown) located underneath the top 40 and coupled to the electrical contacts. Lighting features 42LED also may be included inside the cover 12, such as to illuminate the inside of the cover 12 for emphasis of its contents, or, if the cover 12 is made of a translucent material, the light 42LED inside the cover 12 will cause the cover 12 to glow softly for an added effect.

FIG. 6 also shows another feature 44 of the top 40 of the top layer 16 of the cover 12. The feature 44 is a support for the insertion of a card, sign, or other element so the card or other element may rest on top of the top layer 16 in a generally centered and perpendicular position with respect to the top 40 of the top layer 16. For example, the number “10” sign 34 as seen atop the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device 10 in FIG. 3 sits on top of the top layer 16 so as to celebrate the recipient's age as in a birthday cake. The feature 44 may be a slot, support, grooved element configured to support a card or other element in a vertical position and disposed on the top 40 of the top layer 16, or the support 44 may be made integrally with the top layer 16. In other embodiments, the top 40 may be removable (e.g., threaded to screw into cake portion 16) to allow various different types of tops 40, with different features, to be used. In some embodiments, a removable top 40 may include a hidden compartment, allowing a user to remove the top 40 and access the access the hidden compartment, such as to hide a smartphone to play the “Happy Birthday” song during presentation of the device 10.

Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is an exploded side perspective view of elements of the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device 10 of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device 10 as drawn in FIG. 5. The pedestal 20 as shown is made up of two elements—the base 22 and the neck or riser 24, which sits atop the base 22. Atop the neck 24 sits the plate 18. Finally, the cover 12 sits on top of the plate 18, thereby covering whatever sits on the plate 18.

Referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is an exploded side perspective view of elements of a simplified base form 22 and a structural support 46 of an exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device 10, similar to those depicted in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 depicts additional information about the configuration of the base 22 of the pedestal 20 of the exemplary device 10. FIG. 8 shows that the base 22 includes a structural support 46 having a base plate 48 with a structural cylinder 50. The base plate 48 of the structural support 46 is generally flat and shaped to the size and configuration of the bottom of the base 22, which in this case is approximately a square. Other embodiments may vary. Centered in the top of the base plate 48 is the structural cylinder 50. It has a length that compares to the height of the base 22. In this embodiment 10, the top of the structural cylinder 50 has a neck of a smaller diameter than the remainder of the cylinder 50. The base 22 is configured to receive the structural support 46 into its interior. Structural support 46 may also be weighted in order to provide more stability to the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device 10. In other words, the structural support 46 fits into the inside of the base 22. The structural cylinder 50 lines up with the opening or hole in the top of the base 22.

As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the elements of the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device 10 may be aligned and connected to fully assemble the device 10. Once the structural support 46 is fit into the inside of the base 22, then a screw (not shown) may be threaded through the structural cylinder 50 of the base 22 into the approximate center of the neck or riser 24 and attached to the bottom of the plate 18. In this manner, the screw (not shown) holds the pedestal 20 and plate 18 of the exemplary device 10 together. As noted, embodiment 10 uses a screw, but other embodiments may vary. In some embodiments, the attachment device that traverses cylinder 50 may be a quick-release device, allowing a user to remove the structural support 46 and access the interior of the base 22 without using tools, such as to hide a smartphone to play the “Happy Birthday” song during presentation of the device 10.

Referring to FIG. 9A to FIG. 9F, FIG. 9A to FIG. 9F illustrate multiple views of the base 22 of the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device 10 of FIG. 5, including dimensions and cross-sections. In particular, FIG. 9A depicts a front downward perspective view of base 22; FIG. 9B depicts a top plan view of base 22; FIG. 9C depicts a bottom plan view of base 22; FIG. 9D depicts a side elevation view of base 22, with cross-sectional reference lines for FIG. 9F; FIG. 9E depicts another side elevation view of base 22, rotated 90 degrees from FIG. 9D; and FIG. 9F depicts a side elevation cross-sectional view of base 22, based on cross-sectional reference line from FIG. 9D.

Referring to FIG. 10A to FIG. 10E, FIG. 10A to FIG. 10E illustrate multiple views of the structural support 46 that supports the base of the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device 10 of FIG. 5, including dimensions and cross-sections. In particular, FIG. 10A depicts a front downward perspective view of structural support 46; FIG. 10B depicts a top plan view of structural support 46; FIG. 10C depicts a bottom plan view of structural support 46; FIG. 10D depicts a side elevation view of structural support 46, with cross-sectional reference lines for FIG. 10E; FIG. 10E depicts a side elevation cross-sectional view of structural support 46, based on cross-sectional reference line from FIG. 10D.

Referring to FIG. 11A to FIG. 11G, FIG. 11A to FIG. 11G illustrate multiple views of the cover 12 of the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device 10 of FIG. 5, including dimensions and cross-sections. In particular, FIG. 11A depicts a front downward perspective view of cover 12; FIG. 11B depicts a side elevation view of cover 12; FIG. 11C depicts another side elevation view of cover 12, rotated 90 degrees compared to FIG. 11B, with cross-sectional reference lines for FIG. 11D; FIG. 11D depicts a side elevation cross-sectional view of cover 12, based on cross-sectional reference lines in FIG. 11C; FIG. 11E depicts another side elevation cross-sectional view of cover 12, rotated 90 degrees from FIG. 11D, based on cross-sectional reference lines in FIG. 11F; FIG. 11F depicts a top plan view of cover 12, with cross-sectional reference lines for FIG. 11E; and FIG. 11G depicts a bottom plan view of cover 12.

Referring to FIG. 12A to FIG. 12G, FIG. 12A to FIG. 12G illustrate multiple views of the plate 18 of the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device 10 of FIG. 5, including dimensions and cross-sections. In particular, FIG. 12A depicts a front downward perspective view of plate 18; FIG. 12B depicts a side elevation view of plate 18; FIG. 12C depicts another side elevation view of plate 18, rotated 90 degrees compared to FIG. 12B, with cross-sectional reference lines for FIG. 12E; FIG. 12D depicts a side elevation partial-cutaway cross-sectional view of plate 18, based on cross-sectional reference lines in FIG. 12G; FIG. 12E depicts a top plan cross-sectional view of plate 18, based on cross-sectional reference lines in FIG. 12C; FIG. 12F depicts a bottom plan view of plate 18; and FIG. 12G depicts a top plan view of plate 18, with cross-sectional reference lines for FIG. 12D.

Referring to FIG. 13A to FIG. 13G, FIG. 13A to FIG. 13G illustrate multiple views of the neck or riser 24 of the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device 10 of FIG. 5, including dimensions and cross-sections. In particular, FIG. 13A depicts a front downward perspective view of riser 24; FIG. 13B depicts a front upward perspective view of riser 24; FIG. 13C depicts a top plan view of riser 24; FIG. 13D depicts a bottom plan view of riser 24; FIG. 13E depicts a side elevation view of riser 24; FIG. 13F depicts another side elevation view of riser 24, rotated 90 degrees from FIG. 13E, with cross-sectional reference lines for FIG. 13G; and FIG. 13G depicts a side elevation cross-sectional view of riser 24, based on cross-sectional reference line from FIG. 13F.

Referring to FIG. 14A to FIG. 14F, FIG. 14A to FIG. 14F illustrate multiple views of an assembled exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device 10 of FIG. 5, including dimensions and cross-sections. In particular, FIG. 14A depicts a front downward perspective view of assembled device 10; FIG. 14B depicts a front elevation view of assembled device 10, with cross-sectional reference lines for FIG. 14C; FIG. 14C depicts a side elevation cross-sectional view of assembled device 10, based on cross-sectional reference lines from FIG. 14B; FIG. 14D depicts another side elevation cross-sectional view of assembled device 10, rotated 90 degrees compared to FIG. 14C, based on cross-sectional reference lines from FIG. 14E; FIG. 14E depicts a top plan view of assembled device 10, with cross-sectional reference lines for FIG. 14D; and FIG. 14F depicts a bottom plan view of assembled device 10.

Referring to FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C, FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C illustrate multiple views of a simplified base form 22 for use with the exemplary presentation trophy cake cover device 10 of FIG. 5, including dimensions and cross-sections. In particular, FIG. 15A depicts a front downward perspective view of base form 22; FIG. 15B depicts a top plan view of base form 22; and FIG. 15C depicts a side elevation cross-sectional view of base form 22.

Referring to FIG. 16, FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method 1600 of presenting a gift, in which the method comprises: (block 1600a) providing an apparatus assembly 10 for presenting a gift; (block 1600b) enabling a first disassembly of the apparatus assembly 10 adapted to allow the gift to be placed in the apparatus assembly 10; (block 1600c) enabling a reassembly of the apparatus assembly 10 adapted to allow the gift to be contained in the apparatus assembly 10; and (block 1600d) enabling a second disassembly of the apparatus assembly 10 adapted to allow the gift to be removed from the apparatus assembly 10; wherein the apparatus assembly for presenting a gift comprises: (1) a plate or platter assembly 18, 20, 22, 24 resembling a trophy; and (2) a cover 12 resembling a cake 14, 16; wherein the cover 12 fits and rests on top of a plate topside surface of the plate or platter 18; wherein the plate or platter assembly 18, 20, 22, 24 may include a riser 24 and/or pedestal 20 connected to a plate underside surface of the plate or platter 18; wherein the plate or platter assembly 18, 20, 22, 24 may include a decorative trophy-style handle 26a, 26b, or pair of such handles 26a, 26b, connected to a plate rim of the plate or platter 18, to the plate underside surface of the plate or platter, or to the riser 24 or pedestal 20; and wherein the gift to be presented may include any appropriately-sized item that fits on the plate topside surface and under the cover, including such items as food (e.g., a cake 38a, a pastry, a confection, other edible treat, etc.), a card (e.g., a birthday card, a graduation card, a wedding card, etc.), a small pet (e.g., a hamster, gerbil, etc.), and/or a small inanimate object (e.g., a watch, a smartphone, a ring, jewelry, keys to a car, etc.).

In accordance with further embodiments of the method 1600 of the present invention, the apparatus assembly may further comprise a part of a system for presenting the gift; the system may further comprise: (3) one or more accessories adapted to decorate, customize, and/or adorn the cover 12 and/or the plate or platter 18; wherein the accessories may include decorations (e.g., ribbons 32a, 32b, bows, decals, stickers depicting icing on a vertical side of a cake, etc.), items to customize the cover 12, the plate or platter 18, and/or the pedestal 20 or riser 24 (e.g., markers to write on the cover, preferably with erasable, removable, non-permanent ink; an electronic sound recorder or audio playback device, such as to play music, a song, or a user-recorded greeting), ornaments (e.g., strings of beads, candles, candle-resembling electric lights 42LED, such as to be placed in candle supports 42a-42m on a cover topside surface 40), and adornments (e.g., a card holder, a sign holder, a sign 24, a banner, etc., such as to be placed in slots 44 on the cover topside surface 40); and the method may further comprise: (block 1600e) providing the system for presenting the gift; and (block 1600f) enabling use of the accessories to decorate, customize, and/or adorn the cover 12 and/or the plate or platter assembly 18, 20, 22, 24.

The embodiments of the invention described and illustrated herein demonstrate that the presentation trophy cake cover device and system may be used as part of a celebration such as a birthday. The recipient may be delighted to receive a “trophy.” Moreover, the recipient may be surprised to find a cake or other item(s) contained within the “trophy.” The “trophy” may be decorated to make it unique and special to the recipient. The “trophy” may be equipped with candles so the recipient may blow out the candles without danger of contaminating the cake or other item(s) covered within the “trophy.” The “trophy” may be saved for the next birthday or celebration. The “trophy” may be easily cleaned and disinfected for further safe use. Besides use as a “trophy” for a celebration, embodiments of the invention may be used as follows: an arts and crafts project; a container for a surprise; a prop for photo opportunities; a cookie/candy/treat jar; a souvenir or award; a hiding place for valuable or other items; a cake or pastry presentation stand, or a cake form for the practice of cake decorating skills.

Numerous specific details have been set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will be understood in light of this disclosure, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known operations and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments. It can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments. In addition, although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described herein. Rather, the specific features and acts described herein are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for presenting a gift, the apparatus comprising:

a cover, wherein the cover is a hollow shell shaped to resemble a cake, and wherein the cover includes a first complementary portion of an attachment mechanism; and

a plate, wherein the plate is adapted to receive the cover and have the cover rest on a top side of the plate, wherein the plate includes a second complementary portion of the attachment mechanism, and wherein the second complementary portion is adapted to mate with the first complementary portion to removably attach the cover to the plate.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a riser, wherein the riser is adapted to be attached to an underside of the plate.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a base, wherein the base is adapted to be attached to an underside of the plate.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising:

a riser, wherein the riser is adapted to be assembled between the base and the plate, and wherein the riser is adapted to be attached to the underside of the plate.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising:

a structural support, wherein the structural support is adapted to be assembled inside the base, and wherein the structural support is adapted to be attached to the underside of the plate.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first handle, wherein the first handle is a decorative handle that resembles a handle of a trophy, and wherein the first handle is adapted to be attached to the plate.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising:

a second handle, wherein the second handle is a decorative handle that resembles a handle of a trophy, wherein the second handle is adapted to be attached to the plate, and wherein the second handle is symmetrical to the first handle.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

the cover includes a top that includes a slot adapted to hold a sign.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

the cover includes a top that includes a plurality of wells, each of the wells being adapted to hold a candle.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a base, wherein the base is adapted to be attached to an underside of the plate;

a riser, wherein the riser is adapted to be assembled between the base and the plate, and wherein the riser is adapted to be attached to the underside of the plate;

a structural support, wherein the structural support is adapted to be assembled inside the base, and wherein the structural support is adapted to be attached to the underside of the plate;

a first handle, wherein the first handle is a decorative handle that resembles a handle of a trophy, and wherein the first handle is adapted to be attached to the plate; and

a second handle, wherein the second handle is a decorative handle that resembles a handle of a trophy, wherein the second handle is adapted to be attached to the plate, and wherein the second handle is symmetrical to the first handle;

wherein the cover includes a top that includes a slot adapted to hold a sign; and,

wherein the top includes a plurality of wells, each of the wells being adapted to hold a candle.

11. A system for presenting a gift, the apparatus comprising:

a cover, wherein the cover is a hollow shell shaped to resemble a cake, and wherein the cover includes a first complementary portion of an attachment mechanism;

a plate, wherein the plate is adapted to receive the cover and have the cover rest on a top side of the plate, wherein the plate includes a second complementary portion of the attachment mechanism, and wherein the second complementary portion is adapted to mate with the first complementary portion to removably attach the cover to the plate; and

a plurality of accessories adapted to decorate, customize, adorn, or a combination thereof, the cover, the plate, or a combination thereof.

12. The system according to claim 11, further comprising:

a riser, wherein the riser is adapted to be attached to an underside of the plate.

13. The system according to claim 11, further comprising:

a base, wherein the base is adapted to be attached to an underside of the plate.

14. The system according to claim 13, further comprising:

a riser, wherein the riser is adapted to be assembled between the base and the plate, and wherein the riser is adapted to be attached to the underside of the plate.

15. The system according to claim 13, further comprising:

a structural support, wherein the structural support is adapted to be assembled inside the base, and wherein the structural support is adapted to be attached to the underside of the plate.

16. The system according to claim 11, further comprising:

a first handle, wherein the first handle is a decorative handle that resembles a handle of a trophy, and wherein the first handle is adapted to be attached to the plate.

17. The system according to claim 16, further comprising:

a second handle, wherein the second handle is a decorative handle that resembles a handle of a trophy, wherein the second handle is adapted to be attached to the plate, and wherein the second handle is symmetrical to the first handle.

18. The system according to claim 11, wherein:

the cover includes a top that includes a slot adapted to hold an accessory; and,

the top further includes a plurality of wells, each of the wells being adapted to hold an accessory.

19. A method for presenting a gift, the method comprising:

providing an apparatus assembly for presenting a gift;

enabling a first disassembly of the apparatus assembly adapted to allow the gift to be placed in the apparatus assembly;

enabling a reassembly of the apparatus assembly adapted to allow the gift to be contained in the apparatus assembly; and

enabling a second disassembly of the apparatus assembly adapted to allow the gift to be removed from the apparatus assembly;

wherein the apparatus assembly for presenting a gift comprises a plate assembly resembling a trophy, and a cover resembling a cake; wherein the plate assembly includes a plate, a riser, and a base connected to a plate underside surface of the plate; wherein the cover fits and rests on top of a plate topside surface of the plate; wherein the plate assembly include a pair of decorative trophy-style handles connected to the plate; and wherein the gift to be presented may include any appropriately-sized item that fits on the plate topside surface and under the cover.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein:

the apparatus assembly further comprises a part of a system for presenting the gift; and,

the system further comprises a plurality of accessories adapted to decorate, customize, adorn, or a combination thereof, the cover, the plate, or a combination thereof;

the method further comprising:

providing the system for presenting the gift; and,

enabling use of the accessories to decorate, customize, adorn, or a combination thereof, the cover, the plate, or a combination thereof.