WO2015003210A1

WO2015003210A1 - Supply of cake toppers

Info

Publication number: WO2015003210A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/000702
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew Neville DRANE
Original assignee: DRANE, Ellen Margaret
Priority date: 2013-07-09
Filing date: 2014-07-09
Publication date: 2015-01-15

Abstract

This invention relates to the supply or provision of edible cake toppers which are icing or frosting sheets having an image such as a photograph imparted thereto. The invention has particular relevance to custom made toppers although it is not restricted thereto and the term "cake" as used herein encompasses within its scope any other edible food product such as cookies, biscuits, pies, pastries and the like.

Description

SUPPLY OF CAKE TOPPERS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to the supply or provision of cake toppers which are icing or frosting sheets having an image such as a photograph imparted thereto. The invention has particular relevance to custom made toppers although it is not restricted thereto and the term "cake" as used herein encompasses within its scope any other edible food product such as cookies, biscuits, pies, pastries and the like.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] A conventional method in relation to supplying custom made toppers for cakes is described at www,edibleimagetoppers. com,au wherein an image or photo or design may be printed on dairy and gluten free scing sheets using commercial edibie ink. The website states that persona! images or photos may be printed in high quality colour on a premium icing sheet.

[0003] The icing sheets may be prepared with a backing sheet which is peeled off and the icing sheet applied to a customer's own cake. Uploading of a customer's photographs and images is a simple process and may be emailed as an attachment to Alternatively images may be selected from a

gallery located on the website or may be found on GOOGLE images. A customer's account may be registered on the website and a specific topper may be selected from a range of toppers located on the website and may be ordered using a shopping cart.

[0004] At www.kopykake.com there is described a process which uses software available on the website known as Desktop Decorator wherein a customer is able to print images on a frosting or icing sheet using a computer, scanner and printer. The frosting sheets and edibie ink may be obtained or ordered from the website. A range of frosting sheet sizes are available which include half a sheet to a business card size. The software is purchased from the website and installed on the customer's PC and a customer's image is scanned or uploaded from the customer's fifes and the image may be sized as required. After use of the software printed frosted sheets are obtained by the customer using the purchased software with the desired image imparted to the frosting sheets which then are applied to a cake as a cake topper. The customer obtains from the website frosting sheets, edible inks and food colours as well as the software, in this regard each pack of frosting sheets obtained from Kopykake contains a code which provides access to the software. Use may also be made of alternative software available at www.jucks.com.

[0005] In other examples of conventional processes concerning supply of custom made toppers in large supermarkets which have a bakery selection, requests are often made for custom made cake toppers wherein a photograph may be enhanced by software made available from www:photoshop.com whereby the photograph may be printed after cropping and resizing and then posted to the customer. However, an organisation ^{sucr1 as} PHOTOSHOP available at www. photoshop. com or CorelDraw available at www,corel.com will not accept photographs where copyright cannot be proved.

[0006] Also, at www.customicing.com.au customers are requested to supply an original uncropped image file so that cake toppers may be provided with a custom made edible image.

[0007] However a problem with the conventional processes applied to cake toppers as described above was that multiple channels of communication were used with the customer dealing with the cake topper supply website and the cake topper supply website dealing with the customer. Also it was often a requirement that a user or customer supply an original uncropped image file before the final imaged icing sheet could be produced. This meant that there was no real control by the user or customer of the process and multiple communications occurred if the colour of the image or other characteristic such as size or resolution of the image was not satisfactory. [0008] Also obtaining disclaimers in relation to taking responsibility for possible copyright infringement was a convoluted process.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is therefore an object of the invention to reduce the problems associated with the prior art by providing a single interface between a customer and a website wherein the customer or user has complete control of production of the final image, i.e. that image which is to be applied to the icing sheet or frosting sheet before application to the cake.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention therefore provides a process which includes the provision of a singie interface between a customer or user and a website concerning production of a finai image wherein manipulation of an initial image occurs via the single interface which includes variables inclusive of satisfactory resolution of the initial image and its dimensions having regard to a particular cake size and shape and leading to production of the final image which is satisfactory to the customer or user before supply of cake toppers to the user is initiated.

[0011] The manipulation of the initial image in real time as discussed above has a marked advantage over the conventional processes because this leads to a process wherein accounts can be provided to the user which include criteria such as the number of cakes, the size and shape of the cakes, and a satisfactory final image over the single interface, thereby avoiding multiple communications between users and cake topper suppliers as referred to above.

[0012] In the manipulation of the initial image it is important that issues such as disclaimer of possible copyright infringement and an agreement as to colour of the final image may be agreed to before production of the final image takes place. The final image may not be produced until review of the initial image takes place via the single interface, and issues which may include resizing and cropping of the initial image uploaded to the website and dimensions of a final border are settled before the final image is produced.

[0013] However, this final image will only take place after a cake size and shape has been ordered or requested by the user of the website as set out above.

[0014] The process of the invention is very suitable to franchises because matters may be taken into account such as royalty payments that have to be made to the licensed owners of copyright in relation to a gallery of licensed images that are displayed on the website.

[0015] After production of the final image this may then be imparted to an icing sheet or frosting sheet by any of the conventional procedures as described above involving for example the use of Kopykake software or Lucks software. In particular the "Desktop Decorator" software may be used. In this regard a frosting sheet or icing sheet may be obtained and the final image imparted to the icing or frosting sheet by the use of a computer, scanner and printer as discussed above. After the frosting sheet or icing sheet has the final image imparted thereto the imaged frosting sheet or icing sheet is then applied to a cake having the required cake type in relation to both size and shape that has already been selected by the user in the single interface process referred to above.

[0016] However, it will also be appreciated that any other suitable method can be used for supplying imaged frosting sheets or icing sheets as referred to above which may not use computer software.

[0017] As mentioned above, in a preferred feature of the invention the customer of the website is liable to a copyright infringement if he does not agree to liability or disclaimer of breach of copyright in relation to the licensed or copyrighted image. Thus the end user or customer of the website is responsible for breach of copyright where applicable. [0018] in communications over the single interface a diameter or shape of the cake may be specified as well as cake type, i.e. being a cupcake or log cake. Suitable shapes may be selected from round, square, rectangular or cuboidal.

[0019] The term "cropping" as discussed above means that selected outer portions of the original image are removed and discarded. The term "sizing" as used herein means adjustment of the dimensions of the image or file. It may well be that cropping may not be required in relation to production of the final image and only sizing is required. Suitable techniques to carry out cropping or sizing are specified in

[0020] The final images which may be licensed images may be maintained in a database of the website and thus may be uploaded as requested. Final images may also be removed if desired and the royalty of each of the final images may be adjusted if necessary, A report may be produced on licensed images used by customers of the website.

[0021] It will be appreciated that real time manipulation of the initial image to the final image will be extremely useful for franchises whereby franchises may be liable for payment of the fees set for the final images. A franchisee account may be modified, updated or have a change of address.

[0022] There will also be an administration of the website which involves

modification or management of the website, pricing or product modification, change of shipping details, adjusting credit on accounts and arranging for use of gift cards, suspension of accounts, management of rebates, payment gateways, as well as Sinks to social media sites inclusive of TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK. A royalty system may also be introduced in relation to use of the final images where

appropriate. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Reference may now be made to illustrations of the invention as shown in the attached drawings wherein:

FIG 1 refers to a perspective view of a combination of cake and imaged icing sheet attached thereto;

FiG 2 refers to a perspective view of the combination shown in FIG 1 wherein the imaged icing sheet is to be applied to the cake;

FIGS 3-4 show the same views as shown in FIGS 1-2 applied to a different shape of cake;

FIG 5 shows a schematic view of an imaged icing sheet such as shown in FIGS 1-4 having a backing layer;

FIG 5A shows an exploded view of the comer of FIG 5;

F!G 6 shows a conventional printing process in producing the product shown in FIG 5;

FIG 7 refers to use of a different image to that shown in FIG 6;

FIG 8 shows two alternative flow sheets illustrating the process of the invention;

FIG 9 shows a flow sheet illustrating another embodiment of the invention;

FIG 10 shows a website which will be used by a customer in accordance with the invention;

FIG 11 illustrates a second step in accordance with the process of the invention;

FIG 12 illustrates a range of cakes and prices which may be selected by a customer of the website;

FIG 13 shows a combination of an image selected by a customer or user of the website and the range of cake shapes or sizes, as well as providing a border for the image shown in FIG 12;

FiG 14 refers the production of a border for the image;

FIG 15 shows production of a final image or "Guaranteed Print Zone";

FiG 16 shows an order summary of what has been ordered by the customer or user;

FIG 17 shows use of an existing user login as well as establishment of a new user;

FiG 18 shows delivery details in relation to an existing customer as well as a method of payment which includes use of a voucher; F!G 19 shows computation of a final account for the customer or user;

FSG 20 shows delivery of the order made by the customer;

FiG 20 shows a number of images that are subject to copyright and royalty amounts that are payable subject to the number of downloads;

FiG 21 shows use of a gallery of images for which copyright subsists and royalty rates which are applicable; and

FiG 22 shows a method of delivery of imaged icing sheets to users of the website shown in FIG 10 or to cake stores or supermarkets.

[0024] In FIGS 1-2 reference is made to cake 10 of rectangular shape to which an imaged icing sheet 11 has been applied. FIG 1 shows the icing sheet 11 applied to cake 10 and FIG 2 shows imaged icing sheet 11 separated from cake 10. There is also shown image 13 applied to icing sheet 11.

[0025] FiGS 3-4 shows similar views as shown in FIGS 1-2 of a round imaged icing sheet 14 to a cake 15 of similar shape. There is also shown image 16.

[0026] FIGS 5-5A show how imaged icing sheet 17 is supplied to a customer with a backing sheet 18. FIG 5A shows a detail of location "A" shown in FIG 5.

[0027] FiGS 6-7 show how an imaged icing sheet is produced from a printer 19 using edible inks and relevant computer software as described above. The imaged frosting sheet 11 is seen emerging from the outlet 20 of printer 19 and FIG 7 shows production of icing sheet 14A having image 16A having a round shape.

[0028] in FIG 8 there is shown two different processes using software in accordance with the invention. In the flow sheet shown on the right, upon arrival at the website shown in F!G 10, there is shown an initial step (1 ) of uploading an image wherein uploading will not occur unless the image is a correct size to provide a sharp and clear image. Use also may be made of a suitable format such as JPEG, JPG, PNG, GIF or TIF. [0029] The uploading should occur from a social media site such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Tumbir wherein use is made of API software. Reference for example can be made to uploading images to an album using Facebook Graph API - Stack Overflow as described on www.staokoverifow.com. In relation to Twitter, use can be made of their media upload API, as shown at www.deviwitter.com. Use can also be made of fmgur API described at www.api jrn9yr.c0m . Thus when uploading preferably use is made of an interface with an API site to facilitate direct transfer of the image without using an indirect method such as by way of digital photographs being attached to an email. However, an alternative direct method is uploading of images from the users own PC.

[0030] Step 1 (a) shown in FIG 8 in the process of the invention is the agreement to terms which includes disclaimer to breach of copyright as well as to agreement in relation to colour accuracy wherein the user agrees that it may not be possible to produce the colours exactly as required and variations may occur. This is shown in FIG 11. In the copyright disclaimer the user of the website agrees to a disclaimer of breach of any copyright that subsists in image 13.

[0031] The next step 1 (b) shown in FIG 8 in the process is to choose the desired cake type and price and a number of suitabie alternatives are shown in FIG 12. Thus six different versions of a cup cake provide a suitable list of available choices with prices ranging from $10.00 to $60.00. A suitable range of shapes are applicable such as square, round, rectangular or a multi-cupcake for example, as described in FIG 8. A number applied to a cake may be indicative of shape and size for example.

[0032] The next step 1(c) shown in FIG 8 concerns review of the initial image and this is shown in FiG 13 wherein such review is dependent upon choice of a particular cake number, as shown in the list 22. There is then provided an appropriate (mage 13 which will then have a background 23 shown in FIG 14. The review step taken in FIG 13 also checks that the resolution of the image is satisfactory and that it is sharp and clear having regard to the desired shape and size as indicated by the cake number in list 22. Thus one could choose another image in this process if required. The rectangle 24 in phantom shown in FIG 13 is a guide to the resolution of the initial image having regard to the size and shape of the cake which is selected . This process also follows in FIG 14 which includes background 23.

[0033] The resize and cropping of initial image 13 is also part of step 1(c) as shown in FIG 14 whereby by manipulation of the arrows shown in control 25, the dimensions of image 13, and background 23, can be enlarged or reduced as per the requirements of the user. The control 25 has regard to the rectangle 26 consisting of dots 2? and manipulation of control 25 in any one of the directions chosen (i.e. north, south, east, west) will have a simultaneous effect of the sizing of image 13 and background 23.

[0034] The next step 1 (d) shown in FIG 15 shows the production of final image 27 which is bounded in phantom which corresponds to a "Guaranteed Print Zone" as shown in FIG 15. Thus as per step 1(d) the borders are checked and it is ensured that the image 13 and background 23 fits within outline or border 26 to provide a final image 27. Final image 27 is the image that is applied to icing sheet 11 shown in FIGS 1-2. The manipulation and control in production of final image 27 in real time is one of the advantages of the present invention over the prior art as it is due to the user of the website who can manipulate and control the final image to his own criteria. Adjacent final image 27 is the number, i.e. size and shape characteristics of the cake, and also the quantity desired, i.e. one. !t will also be appreciated that background 23 can be omitted from the final image 27 if desired,

[0035] In FIG 16 appears the Order Summary" 28 as ordered by the user of the website in relation to final image (30), price (31 ), quantity (32), and cost (33) of the cake(s) that have been ordered. The terms "update" and "delete" appearing at 34 enable the user to increase the number of cakes being ordered. Also, another image may be uploaded as described above for a plurality of final images 27 that can be ordered for different cakes. This one then enables the user to go to shopping cart 29.

[0038] It will be appreciated that step 1 (e) shown in FIG 8 corresponds to FIG 15 wherein the quantity of cakes having the final image 27 depicted thereon will be ordered, and step 1(f) in relation to verification of the order appears in the order summary 28 shown in FIG 15.

[0037] FIG 17 refers to the facility of the website to make use of an existing user login or signup of a new user and FIG 18 refers to personal details of the existing user or customer as well as delivery details of the existing customer which includes full delivery address before continuing to check out.

[0038] FIG 18 shows payment details when a pre-paid voucher may be used at the checkout as shown at 35 or total payment 36 may be made using a credit card for example or use is made of an existing payment service such as PayPai at 37.

[0039] FIG 19 shows use of the voucher as described above and also a current balance due to be paid for a final account 38 in relation to the number of cake toppers or top ups which are ordered with the top up yet to be added to the cake. The checkout process can be a payment or a credit card and thus FIGS 17, 18 and 19 correspond to steps (4a) and (4b) shown in FIG 8.

[0040] FIG 20 shows a notification 39 advising of delivery sent by email to the customer or user.

[0041] FIG 21 shows that the website may also include a gallery 40 of licensed images that are the subject to copyright as well as a table 41 describing total number of downloads and royalty payments that have to be made. This occurs for example if a customer or user chooses one of the images shown in the gallery 40 or a plurality of such licensed images.

[0042] FIG 22 shows that when the final order is made by the customer or user and payment is made as shown in FIG 19, 20 and 21 use may be made of a franchisee or other person who lives at an address closest to the postcode of the customer or user. The franchisee or other person will already have a printer, edible inks and supply of icing or frosting sheets and they will forward the desired number of imaged icing sheets together with backing sheets as shown in FIGS 5 and 5A to the customer or user who can then apply the imaged icing sheets to their own cake. Alternatively use may be made of a cake store or supermarket who can apply the imaged icing sheets to the cake(s) that are ordered by the user of the website. Thus the franchisee or other person may transfer the image to the icing sheet using printer 19 and using the procedure as described in FIGS 6-7. In addition, the cake store or supermarket may apply the imaged icing sheets to the cakes specified in the order summary referred to in FIG 16 or this procedure can be carried out by the franchisee or other person discussed above. Thus for example the franchisee or other person may post the imaged frosting sheets and backing layers using envelopes 41 and using a labeled address 42.

[0043] In this regard it wili be appreciated that the franchisee or other person may have a label printer or a number of printers 19 to carry out supply of labeled images to the user of the website or customer or to a cake store or supermarket.

[0044] In FIG 9 reference is also made to administration of the website wherein sundry tasks such as modification of pricing, product modification and shipping details may be modified as well as total management of the entire procedure summarised in F!G 8. Other tasks such as adjustment of credit, issuance of gift cards, suspension of accounts, management of rebates and payment gateways can also be attended to. Other administration procedures can be establishing links with social media, as described above, and modification of details of franchisees including address and account details.

[0045] Similar administration can also occur in regard to contributors or users in relation to uploading of images, setting value of images, removing images and adjusting prices of images. There also may be reports on images used, modification of accounts, and updating of accounts. [0048] The royalty system will also require management of vendor rebates, payment of royalties, and tracking sales for vendors. This will apply to both franchisees and contributors or users.

Claims

Claim 1

Supply of Cake Toppers provides a process in which a single interface between a customer or user and a website concerning production of a final edible image wherein realtime manipulation of an uploaded or acquired (imported) initial image occurs via the single interface which includes variables inclusive of satisfactory resolution of the initial image and its dimensions having regard to a particular cake size and shape and leading to production of the final i mage which is satisfactory to the customer or user before supply of a physical edible cake topper to the purchaser is initiated.