Cake umbrella

Abstract

The “Cake Umbrella” was invented to protect (from spit) and decorate the cake. Although “The Cake Umbrella” is made and used in various combinations and designs and with a variety of materials, there are three basic versions, namely: (i) the all plastic version (top base and sides) made with transparent plastic because it provides excellent spit protection and will not conceal the decoration on the cake. When elaborately decorated it is also used for decorative purposes; (ii) utilizes the same top base but with interchangeable Velcro attached skirt (sides) made with beautifully designed fabric trimming and also provides complete protection and decoration for the cake; (iii) is made with strips and/or sheets of specially selected paper folded into beautiful ruffles and other designs and will also protect and decorate the entire cake. They (versions (i), (ii) & (iii) will all facilitate candles without compromising their protective capabilities. “The Cake Umbrella” is a novel invention.

1 . I claim that this is a new and innovative way to protect (from spit) and/or decorate birthday, anniversary, retirement or any other cake from inadvertent spit when the candles are being blown out. This invention is made of light to medium or medium to heavy transparent, plain or decorated plastic. It can also be made from a variety of materials including paper and fabric, etc. and can also be made in various combinations. 
     
     
         2 . I claim that by cutting a flat piece of plastic to the desired size and shape and into that piece of plastic cutting C-cut holes    
       X-cut holes    
       or holes that are completely cut out and covered with removable, replaceable peel-off stickers    
       This will establish the top base for “The Cake Umbrella” and may be used as it is to protect the top of the cake when placed on it. 
     
     
         3 . I claim that by choosing to utilize the above mentioned holes (C-cut, X-cut or completely cut out holes) in the top base of claim # 2 , it will make it possible for one to open only the holes for intended use and in almost any desired formation while leaving the unused holes closed therefore maintaining its protective consistency from spit while the candles are being blown out. 
     
     
         4 . I claim that by using transparent plastic the decoration on the cake will not be concealed when it (the top base of claim # 2 ) is placed on the cake. 
     
     
         5 . I claim that when the top base of claim # 2  is elaborately decorated it will not only protect the top of the cake from spit but it will also decorate the top of the cake instead of the traditional sugar filled icing. 
     
     
         6 . I claim that by cutting a strip of the transparent plastic approximately 3″ to 6″ wide and permanently attaching it around the edges of the top base of claim # 2  or making it removable by connecting it with Velcro as described in the Brief Summary of The Invention. The all-plastic Version # 1 A will be completed and will provide protection for the entire cake without hiding any decoration that might be on the cake. 
     
     
         7 . I claim that by elaborately decorating the all-plastic version of claim # 6  (Version # 1 A) it can also be used to decorate the entire cake replacing the traditional icing. 
     
     
         8 . I claim that by facing a beautifully designed piece of fabric trimming or an elaborately decorated piece of plastic with the female side of Velcro a beautiful protective, decorative interchangeable skirt (side) will be created. 
     
     
         9 . I also claim that by cutting a strip of plastic approximately ½″ to 1″ wide and facing it with the male side of Velcro and then attaching (stitching or gluing) it around the edges of the top base mentioned in claim # 2  and claim # 5 , that will make it (the top base) possible to facilitate the removable, decorative, protective and interchangeable skirts (sides) of claim # 8 . 
     
     
         10 . I claim that when the top base of claim # 2  is elaborately decorated and anyone of the assortment of beautifully designed and festively colored interchangeable skirts of claim # 8  is attached, it (“The Cake Umbrella”) will decorate and protect (from spit) the entire cake and this will represent Version # 2  as described in the Brief Summary of the Invention. 
     
     
         11 . I claim that version # 2  of claim # 10  will not only provide complete protection to the cake (both top and sides) but will also provide a new and innovative alternative to decorate cakes rather than the old fashion way with the expensive sugar laden icing. 
     
     
         12 . I claim that by using Velcro to connect the skirt (the fabric trimming or decorated plastic of claim # 8 ) to the top base as described in claim # 5 , it will provide the convenience and luxury to easily switch designs and/or colors e.g. blue for boys, pink for girls, the color of one's birthstone, the color theme of the occasion, etc. It will also provide easy cleaning and storage—(Version # 2 ). 
     
     
         13 .  1  also claim that by artistically and strategically folding sheets and/or strips of specially selected paper into beautiful ruffles and/or other designs to a height of approximately ½″-2″ while leaving openings in the middle for one or more candles when opened. When placed on top of a cake it will protect and decorate only the top of the cake. That completes Version # 3 . 
     
     
         14 . I further claim that when the same strips and/or sheets of decorative paper mentioned in claim # 13  are vertically folded into beautiful ruffles and/or other designs approximately 3″-6″ high and then opened and wrapped around the sides of the cake and combined with Version # 3  of claim # 13 , together they will provide complete protection and decoration to the cake. This is another version of the paper variety (Version # 3 A). 
     
     
         15 . I also claim that by cutting a flat piece of beautifully decorated full-bodied wrapping paper to desired size and shape and C-cut holes    
       X-cut holes    
       or completely cut out holes are cut into it like the ones in the top base of claim # 2 , it will perform the same function and for the same reasons. When placed on top of the cake it will protect and decorate the top of the cake (Version # 3 B) and when combined with the vertically folded paper of claim # 14 , will protect and decorate the entire cake (top and sides).