CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/292,490, which was filed on December 22^nd, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of serving cups, plates, and devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a unique serving device designed to serve single servings of cake, cupcakes, and/or ice cream. Some embodiments may also enable serving snacks along with cake, cupcakes, and/or ice cream. The serving device is customizable and has a decorative wall. The device has food-grade paper cups for storing a limited quantity of cake and one to two scoops of ice cream. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, at various birthday parties, anniversaries, social events, as well as at restaurants and individually hosted parties and gatherings, cakes, cupcakes, snacks, and other desserts, such as, ice cream, are often served to attendees. At many of these events, children are the main attendees who like to eat cakes, cupcakes, and ice cream. Often, at parties, cakes, cupcakes, and ice cream are served in separate paper plates and bowls. Separate cups/plates are not only difficult to carry in the hands simultaneously, but are also difficult to clean off. Further, conventional cups/plates are boring, and children may get bored of them easily. Further, cups/plates used for serving edible items are not customized as per a theme of a party and therefore, may not complement the party. Individuals desire a single serving device that can be used for serving multiple items like cakes, cupcakes, and ice cream and more simultaneously and that can be carried easily.

A common problem faced by organizers of parties or gatherings is to identify quantities of cake, ice cream, cupcakes and more required for a party. It is often a case that the cups/plates used for serving cakes and ice cream are large or small in size and may lead to wastage of food items. Further, the number of cups/plates becomes excessive which leads to not only money wastage but also difficulty in cleaning. Children may serve themselves large quantities of ice cream, such as, three to four scoops and several slices of cake in conventional paper cups and plates and then may discard without consuming or eating the servings.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved serving device that can be used for serving baked goods and ice cream. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a serving device that enables individuals to consume a small amount of dessert with ease and convenience. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a serving device that includes at least two individual cups designed to hold cakes, cupcakes, ice cream and more. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a serving device that can be used in birthdays, anniversaries, restaurants parties, home social gatherings/celebrations, and more. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a serving device that can be customized to complement a theme of a party. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved serving device that offers a simple and effective way to serve cost-effective amounts of desserts at any social event.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a disposable cake and dessert serving device. The serving device is designed to serve single servings of cake, cupcakes, and/or ice cream, and more. The device further functions as a unique serving device for birthday parties and other social events. The serving device comprising of a supporting base having a pair of cut-outs for accommodating a dessert cup in each cut-out, a spoon releasably attached to a side surface of the base for eating ice cream, a wall extending vertically from a rear surface of the base, the wall having a 3D decorative print in the form of an animation, a cartoon character, and more, enabling customization of the serving device, a front surface of the base having a customized text printed thereon, one cup from the pair of the cups is used for accommodating a slice of cake or a cupcake and the other cup of the pair of cups is used for storing one or two scoops of ice cream. The serving device can be easily carried in a single hand by a user without fear of tilting and spilling of ice cream and cake and facilitates eating limited quantity of cake, cupcakes, and/or ice cream.

In this manner, the stackable serving device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a decorative, simple, and easy-to-use serving device used for serving baked goods like cakes, cupcakes, and ice cream. The device has small cups enabling multiple items to be served in limited quantities and as a result, enabling individuals to serve cost-effective amounts of desserts and cakes. The design enables the serving device to be customized as per a theme of a party or event.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a disposable cake and dessert serving device. The serving device is designed to serve single servings of cake, cupcakes, and/or ice cream, and more. The device further functions as a unique serving device for birthday parties and other social events. The serving device comprising of a supporting base having a pair of cut-outs for accommodating a dessert cup in each cut-out, a spoon releasably attached to a side surface of the base for eating ice cream, a wall extending vertically from a rear surface of the base, the wall having a 3D decorative print in the form of an animation, a cartoon character, and more, enabling customization of the serving device, a front surface of the base having a customized text printed thereon, one cup from the pair of the cups is used for accommodating a slice of cake or a cupcake and the other cup of the pair of cups is used for storing one or two scoops of ice cream. The serving device can be easily carried in a single hand by a user without fear of tilting and spilling of ice cream and cake and facilitates eating limited quantity of cake, cupcakes, and/or ice cream.

In yet another embodiment, the cups are integrated to the supporting base.

In yet another embodiment, the cups are removable from the supporting base.

In yet another embodiment, the serving device is made from food grade plastic or cardboard.

In yet another embodiment, a stackable dessert and cake serving device or apparatus is disclosed. The serving device or apparatus includes a supporting base having a top surface, a bottom surface, a pair side surfaces, a front surface and a rear surface; the top surface having at least three circular cut-outs disposed therein, each cut-out is dimensioned to accommodate and support a dessert cup; the three dessert cups are used for separately storing a slice of cake/cupcake, one scoop of ice cream, and snacks; the front surface having, for example, a happy birthday or happy anniversary message printed thereon; a slot positioned on a side surface for releasably attaching a spoon; and, a generally rectangular or square decorative wall extending vertically from the rear surface for customizing the serving device or apparatus.

In yet another embodiment, a method for serving a slice of cake, cupcake, and/or one or two scoops of ice cream in a single serving device is described. The method includes the steps of providing the serving device, the serving device has a supporting base having space for at least two paper cups and an attached spoon and a decorative wall customized to match a theme of an event; storing one or two slices of cake or cupcakes in a first paper cup; storing one or two scoops of ice cream in a second paper cup; serving the cake, cupcakes, and/or ice cream to an attendee of a party; and, disposing of the serving device after use.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a stackable dessert serving device or apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of the serving device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary dessert cup used in the serving device of various embodiments of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing the serving device of FIG. 1 in a stacked form for easy storage in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved serving device that can be used for serving baked goods and ice cream. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a serving device that enables individuals to consume a small amount of dessert with ease and convenience. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a serving device that includes at least two individual cups designed to hold cakes, cupcakes, ice cream and more. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a serving device that can be used in birthdays, anniversaries, restaurants parties, home social gatherings/celebrations, and more. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a serving device that can be customized to complement a theme of a party. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved serving device that offers a simple and effective way to serve cost-effective amounts of desserts at any social event.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel dessert and cake serving device or apparatus. The serving device or apparatus is used for serving a single serving of cake, cupcakes, and/or ice cream. The device includes a supporting base having a top surface, a bottom surface, a pair side surfaces, a front surface and a rear surface, the top surface having two circular cut-outs disposed therein, each cut-out is dimensioned to accommodate and support a dessert cup, the two dessert cups are used for separately storing cake and one scoop of ice cream, the front surface having a happy birthday or happy anniversary message printed thereon, a slot positioned on a side surface for releasably attaching a spoon, a generally rectangular or square decorative wall extending vertically from the rear surface for customizing the serving device or apparatus.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of stackable dessert serving device or apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The stackable dessert apparatus 100 of the present invention is designed as a two-in-one serving device for serving baked items and ice cream in birthdays, social events, and other parties. The serving device 100 enables individuals to consume limited ice cream and dessert obviating any wastage. More specifically, the serving device or apparatus 100 has a base 102 having a top surface 104, a bottom surface 106, a front surface 108, a rear surface 110 (opposite to the front surface 108) and a pair of side surfaces 112,114. A generally rectangular or square wall 116 is attached to the rear surface 110 that extends vertically to support the serving device 100. The wall 116 has a printed 3D image 118 acting like a decorative backdrop for the device 100. The 3D image can be of a superhero, cartoon character, or can be of any theme to match a theme or occasion of a party in which the serving device or apparatus is used.

The front surface 108 may have a message or text 120 depicting the occasion for which the party or celebration is taking place. As an example, the front surface 108 in the present embodiment has “Happy 10^th Birthday” printed thereon. The top surface 104 of the base 102 has two cut-outs 122,124 for accommodating two dessert cups 126,128. The two dessert cups 126,128 may be of same shape and size, however, can be different in shape and size. One of the cups can be used for holding a slice if cake, cupcake, or any other similar item and the other cup can be used for holding a single or two scoops of ice cream. It should be noted that the cups may also be used for holding other types of snacks, edible items, and beverages. The cups 126,128 may be removable or can be permanently attached to the base 102 as per manufacturing and user requirements.

The serving device 100 has a spoon 130 attached to any of the side surfaces 112,114. As illustrated, the side surface 112 has a slot 132 for removably storing the spoon 130. The spoon 130 may be used for eating ice cream and any other snack item.

The serving device 100 may be made from lightweight and food grade plastic, cardboard, paper material, fabric, or any other material. The cups 126,128 may be removable or alternatively can be integrated to the base 102. The cups 126,128 can include lids for covering the items stored or contained in the cups and also enabling a user to easily carry and transport the serving device 100. The cups 126,128 are preferably paper cups and are suited for take-out and togo ice cream. The cups 126,128 can be of different sizes, for example, 4 oz., 6 oz., 8 oz., and more. The cups 126,128 may have GSM (grams per square meter) in the range of 400 GSM – 500 GSM.

In the present embodiment, the serving device 100 has dimensions of 8″ (L) X 4″ (W) X 10″ (H). The print 118 can be 3D or 2D and can be in any color or design. The device 100 may come in two variants, a disposable variant, and a reusable variant. The cups 126,128 are disposable for hassle-free cleanup.

FIG. 2 illustrates perspective view of another embodiment of the serving device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the base 202 has three cut-outs 204,206,208 for accommodating three dessert cups 210,212,214. The three dessert cups 210,212,214 may be used for serving cake, one or two scoops of ice-cream, and a snack or beverage, thereby obviating a user from carrying three separate cups. The front surface 216 of the base 202 may have text 218 indicating the occasion of the party in which the serving device 200 is used.

The decorative backdrop 220 in the present embodiment may have a glittery design representing choices of a user, for example, and may represent the occasion, such as, a birthday, an anniversary, etc. One spoon 222 is releasably attached to one of the side surfaces of the base 202, similar to FIG. 1, for enabling a user to easily eat ice cream and snacks.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary dessert cup used in the serving device of various embodiments of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As illustrated, the dessert cup 302 includes a capacity (i.e., volume) in the range from about 4 oz. to about 8 oz., and measures from about 2″ to about 5″ in height and from about 2″ to about 5″ in diameter. The cup 302 may be cylindrical or tapered in shape and prevents desserts and even beverages from leaking. The exterior surface 304 of the dessert cup 302 may have any print or embroidery as per requirements of users. The cup 302 may have a lid 306 for protecting contents stored in the dessert cup 302.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing the serving device 100 of FIG. 1 in a stacked form for easy storage in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The serving devices of various embodiments of the present invention can be stacked in a manner, similar to stacking of conventional paper cups and plates for easy storage and carriage. More specifically, the serving device 100 can be stacked by placing the base of each device over each other with cups inserted in the cut-outs or with the cups being removed from the cut-outs of the individual bases to form a serving device stack 400. The stackable construction of the serving devices of various embodiments enables users to easily carry and store the devices in bulk without any physical damage.

One embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for serving a slice of cake, a cupcake, and/or one or two scoops of ice cream to an attendee of a party using a single serving device. The method includes providing the serving device, the serving device has a supporting base including space for two paper cups, an attached spoon, and a decorative wall customized to match a theme or occasion of a party; storing one or two slices of cake (or one or two cupcakes) in a first paper cup; storing one or two scoops of ice cream in a second paper cup; serving the cake, cupcakes, and/or ice cream to an attendee of a party; and disposing of the serving device after use.

It should be noted that the wall can have any design and color based on the theme of the party. Further, the number of cut-outs in the base can be two, three or more depending on the requirements of users. The serving device comes in various sizes, designs, and color combinations to meet requirements of all social events.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “stackable dessert apparatus”, “serving device”, “stackable dessert serving device or apparatus”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the cake/cupcake and dessert serving device 100,200 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the cake and dessert serving device 100,200 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the cake/cupcake and dessert serving device 100,200 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the cake/cupcake and dessert serving device 100,200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the cake/cupcake and dessert serving device 100,200 are important design parameters for user convenience, the cake/cupcake and dessert serving device 100,200 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user’s needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.