Method and apparatus for full sheet cake snap-on package

Abstract

A cake package for packaging full sheet cakes is shown with a cake base and a cake cover. The base tray is comprised of a combination of a one-ply plastic sheet and a two-ply corrugated cardboard. To assemble the present invention, a full sheet cake is first mounted to the cake base in the conventional manner. Food grade glue is applied at strategic points along a groove of the plastic tray base. Then, the cover is attached to the cake base by an interlocking snapping mechanism. The glue temporarily adheres the cover to the base, preventing separation. The rigid plastic three-ply base, together with the adhesive snap-seal eliminates the need for a cake board and allows for easy stacking without crushing. Ridges are located in the cake base and cake cover for increased strength.

1 . A full sheet cake snap-on packaging assembly comprising: 
 a cake base having two layers whereby a first layer is positioned adjacent to, and adhered to, a second layer, said second layer providing reinforcing for said first layer;    a cake cover having an outward flaring flange member removeably attached to said cake base; and    a first adhesive disposed in a groove surrounding said first layer of said cake base whereby said first adhesive temporarily secures said cake cover to said cake base via said outward flaring flange member.    
   
   
       2 . A full sheet cake snap-on packaging assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said first layer is of a thin flexible material.  
   
   
       3 . A full sheet cake snap-on packaging assembly of  claim 2 , wherein said first layer is a one-ply plastic sheet and wherein said groove traverses along the peripheral portions of said one-ply plastic sheet; said one-ply plastic sheet having a centrally located annular rib connected to radially disposed raised reinforcing ribs whereby said one-ply plastic sheet provides support, strength, and structural integrity to said cake base.  
   
   
       4 . A full sheet cake snap-on packaging assembly of  claim 3 , wherein said groove protrudes vertically downward into said one-ply plastic sheet defining a cavity on the bottom of said one-ply plastic sheet.  
   
   
       5 . A full sheet cake snap-on packaging assembly of  claim 4 , wherein an outer surface of said groove is flared.  
   
   
       6 . A full sheet cake snap-on packaging assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said first adhesive is a food grade glue.  
   
   
       7 . A full sheet cake snap-on packaging assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said second layer is of a rigid lightweight material.  
   
   
       8 . A full sheet cake snap-on packaging assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said second layer is at least two-ply corrugated cardboard.  
   
   
       9 . A full sheet cake snap-on packaging assembly of  claim 8 , further comprising a second adhesive applied to the top surface of second layer.  
   
   
       10 . A full sheet cake snap-on packaging assembly of  claim 9 , wherein said second adhesive adheres said second layer to the inside of a cavity under said first layer.  
   
   
       11 . A full sheet cake snap-on packaging assembly of  claim 10 , wherein said second adhesive is a food grade glue.  
   
   
       12 . A full sheet cake snap-on packaging assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said cake cover further comprises: 
 a top having a first plurality of reinforcing ribs wherein said first plurality of reinforcing ribs are circular and horizontal in shape;    a plurality of sides having a second plurality of reinforcing ribs, in which said second plurality of reinforcing ribs are vertically extending, whereby said sides being connected to said top; and    corners defining an arcuate surface, wherein said corners being connected to said top and sides.    
   
   
       13 . A method of packaging full sheet cakes comprising the steps of: 
 gluing a second layer into a cavity of a first layer to create a cake base;    placing a cake onto said cake base;    applying an adhesive in a groove which traverses along the peripheral portions of said cake base;    placing a cake cover of clear plastic over said cake, said cake cover having an outward flaring flange for securing to said adhesive in said groove; and    attaching said cake cover onto said cake base via said outward flaring flange, adhesive and groove.    
   
   
       14 . The method of packaging full sheet cakes of  claim 13  wherein said first layer is a one-ply plastic sheet and said second layer is a two-ply corrugated cardboard.  
   
   
       15 . The method of packaging full sheet cakes of  claim 14  wherein said gluing step is performed with a food grade glue.  
   
   
       16 . The method of packaging full sheet cakes of  claim 15  wherein said applying step comprises dabbing a small amount of said adhesive in said groove along said peripheral portion of said cake base.  
   
   
       17 . The method of packaging full sheet cakes of  claim 16  wherein said attaching step comprises snapping said outward flaring flange member of said cake cover underneath a flared portion of an outer surface of said groove thereby locking in place said cake cover with said cake base.  
   
   
       18 . The method of packaging full sheet cakes of  claim 17  wherein said applying step further comprises using a food grade glue.