Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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SANDWICH COOKIE DIPPER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention broadly relates to cookie dippers and, more
particularly
relates to a sandwich cookie dipper for holding and dipping a sandwich cookie
in a liquid (e.g., milk), such that the dipped cookie may be withdrawn from
the liquid and transported to a cookie eater mouth with minimal likelihood of
crumbling or dislodging from the sandwich cookie dipper.
[0002] Sandwich cookies comprise two disc-like cookie members
arranged/separated
in a substantially parallel relation by a creme layer, Fig. 1 is a perspective
view of a conventional sandwich cookie(1). While sandwich cookies come in
various sizes, those found in snack-food sections of any US supermarket are
generally formed with disc-like cookie members (2) that are between 1" and
2" in diameter and between 1/8" and 3/8" thick. The cookie members (2) are
separated by a creme layer (3). While the amount of creme in the creme layer
(3) may vary (e.g., single layer, double layer, triple layer), the creme layer
in a
conventional single layer sandwich cookie (1) is about 1/16" to 1/4" thick.
The
creme layer (3) is inherently disk-shaped, being located between the two
cookie members (2). An outside diameter of the disk-shaped creme layer is
normally slightly less than an outside diameter of the cookie members (2).
For example, an outside diameter of the disk-like creme layer (3) might be 1
7/16" where an outside diameter of the cookie members (2) is 1 %2", thereby
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defining a "gap" between the outer edges of the cookie members, as shown in
Fig. 2.
[0003] While cookies in general and sandwich cookies in particular may be
enjoyed
by themselves without a beverage, quite frequently cookies are consumed
with milk, coffee, tea, etc. (hereinafter, "milk"). For that matter, cookies
are
frequently dipped in milk to saturate all or some part of the cookie before
eating. And as any child or adult who has dipped cookies knows, cookie
dipping can be a pretty messy undertaking.
[0004] By dipping, a cookie (a single disc cookie or a sandwich cookie, as
described)
is grasped between a thumb and forefinger and dipped into the milk in a
container, e.g. a glass or cup of milk. Using this simple technique, dipping
the
entire cookie requires submerging part of the fingers holding the cookie, with
the cookie. Upon dipping, all or part of the cookie is held in or completely
under the milk for a time, during which milk is absorbed. Then, the saturated
or partially saturated cookie is lifted out of the milk and hopefully
maintains
its structural integrity as it makes its way to the cookie eater's mouth
(i.e., the
dipper's or another intended recipient's mouth).
[0005] Of course any experienced cookie dipper knows that the whole dipped
cookie
can at times crumble or fracture, such that some part of or the entire dipped
cookie never makes it to the intended mouth. Such a post-dipped cookie
mishap is a result not necessarily of shoddy sandwich cookie design so much
as cookie dipping force majeure. For that matter, there appears to be a direct
correlation between the amount of time during which a cookie is dipped (and
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therefore an amount of liquid volume absorbed) and a likelihood of cookie
crumbling or fracture en route to a mouth, post dipping.
[0006] For that matter, as the sandwich cookie saturates, the pressing force
of the
fingers holding a cookie in the milk container may facilitate breakage or even
disintegration of the milk-absorbing cookie in the milk container. It appears
that a cookie grasping force is normally (and unintentionally) slightly
increased as the dipper, deciding that enough milk has been absorbed, begins
removing and transporting the milk-absorbed cookie though the open air
towards its intended end location. The extra squeeze is at times enough to
result in a crumbling and consequential loss of all or part of the already mil-
saturated cookie. Of course the saturated cookie must travel over the setting
upon which the milk container is positioned, the cookie dipper's clothing and
exposed body parts and under some circumstances, keyboards, laptops, video
games, board games, desktops, flooring, etc., without limitation, depending on
the cookie eater's habits.
[0007] In order to minimize the messiness of dipping cookies, various
apparatus have
been developed. For example, US Patent Appln. Pub. No. 2009/0056560
("the '560 application"), published March 5, 2009, depicts a sip and dip
cookie
apparatus 100 (see Figs. 1 and 2), designed to hold and dip cookies in a
liquid,
while some portion of the liquid is concurrently consumed with a straw S. To
accomplish same, sip and dip cookie apparatus 100 comprises a straw holder
120 and a detachable cookie holder 140 into which a cookie C is placed before
dipping. The straw holder 120 also serves as a handle so that a cookie dipper
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can hold and dip the apparatus in a glass G of milk M. The straw S is shown
fitted inside the straw holder 120, and the cookie C is shown disposed inside
the detachable cookie holder 140. Fig. 2 is a perspective view highlighting
that the detachable cookie holder 140 includes first and second side inserts
220 and 240, respectively. The side-inserts 220 and 240 are intended to keep
the cookie C inside the detachable cookie holder 140 (see side holes 260 that
are required for liquid flow).
[0008] During ordinary use of the sip and dip cookie apparatus 100, the cookie
C is
placed inside the detachable cookie holder 140, and the sip and dip cookie
apparatus 100 is dunked. The cookie C absorbs milk while in the detachable
cookie holder 140. For that matter, it appears that the sip and dip apparatus
100 including the cookie C in cookie holder 140 is intended to remain
immersed while the cookie eater concurrently consumes milk via straw S. But
as suggested above, maintaining a cookie for too long in milk can have a
negative effect on the cookie C. That is, the cookie will likely become overly
saturated in the cookie holder 140 while the cookie eater focuses more on
sipping rather than on dipping (and eating). The texture of a super saturated
cookie structure quickly mushy and difficult to handle.
[0009] US Patent Appln. Pub. No 2009/0133586 ("the'586 application"),
published
May 28, 2009, is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of the '560
application. The '586 application describes a modification of the sip and dip
cookie apparatus 100 first disclosed in the '560 application, wherein the
lower
portion 140 includes both fixed sidewalls 340, 360 (which are not detachable),
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and a cookie cover 160 (Fig. 2). Cookie cover 160 comprises generally a flat
and elongated curve shape having opposite first and second ends 180 and 200,
respectively (as detailed in Fig. 2). Once a cookie C is inserted into lower
portion 140, a protrusion 205 at the second end is grasped and moved up
towards internal void 220 to enclose the cookie in what may be described as
housing. The cookie cover 160 is retracted to remove the cookie after
dunking and drinking with straw S.
[0010] Like the sip and dip cookie apparatus 100 of the '560 application, use
of the
sip and dip cookie apparatus 100 of the '586 application tends to result in
super saturated cookies with limited structural integrity. There is no easy
way
of removing a super saturated cookie C from a respective cookie holder 140,
with or without sidewalls 340, 360 and cookie cover 160. It appears that both
apparatuses must be overturned (and possibly tapped) to remove a dipped
cookie present in a holder 140, particularly in a case where the cookie C has
become mushy, or otherwise adhered to part of the cookie holder. As such,
the sip and dip cookie dippers 100 frequently must be cleaned, or are used by
children without cleaning. Turning the sip and dip cookie over to "knock"
them against something solid to dislodge cookie fragments or mush can result
in a messy eating area.
[0011] Of course such saturated cookie extraction problems limit the pleasure
of the
cookie dipping and eating experience. For that matter, the numerous surfaces
and edges comprising sip and dip cookie apparatuses 100 tend to capture
liquid, which may then drip off the apparatuses as they are moved with the
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saturated cookie after dipping and extraction from the milk container. A
secondary problem with such designs is that they comprise a substantial mass,
so that when dipped, a large amount of liquid is displaced, likely resulting
in
overflow/spillage. That is, depending on how much milk is included in the
milk container into which the apparatuses are dipped, and/or the
fastidiousness of the cookie dipper/eater, overflow is likely at dipping.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention provides a sandwich cookie dipper designed to
overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.
[0013] The sandwich cookie dipper of the invention comprises a simple handle
and
sandwich cookie cradling element attached or connected to the handle. The
cookie cradle element comprises a thin, curved cylindrical rod or arm-like
holder into which the sandwich cookie is placed so that the circumferential
edge of the sandwich cookie is supported by the curved holder. For that
matter, the arm-like holder contacts the outside diameter of the creme layer
and/or some outermost part of the inside walls of the two disk-like cookie
members. This contact and gravity hold the sandwich cookie stably in the
holder so that it is not dislodged (before and after dipping) with normal
movements. As the holder only contacts the lower half of the circular cookie's
circumference, the top half of the cookie is accessible to the eater's mouth
without contact with the sandwich cookie dipper.
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[0014] In one embodiment, the invention includes a sandwich cookie dipper for
dipping sandwich cookies in milk includes a handle, a cookie cradle and a
transition element that interconnects to and sets off the cookie cradle from
the
handle. The cookie cradle comprises a thin, resilient rod-like member
configured to substantially conform to a part of an outer circumference of a
creme layer sandwiched between two disk-like cookie members of a sandwich
cookie. The sandwich cookie secured thereby is less likely to dislodge as it
is
dipped and brought to the cookie eater's mouth.
[0015] The resilient rod-like member is configured for insertion into a gap
between
the disk-like cookie members in the part of the outer circumference of the
creme layer in order that the sandwich cookie is supported thereon.
Preferably, the resilient rod-like member is configured in a substantially
circular arc which extends from the connecting element, which is formed as
partial circumference of a circle defined by a radius that is smaller than or
equal to a radius of a sandwich cookie to be cradled thereby. The partial
circumference is equivalent to an arc length subtended by an angle of between
120 and 180 . The angle subtending the arc length is most preferably 180 .
[0016] The cookie cradle is configured to be stretched or expanded to receive
the
sandwich cookie, wherein upon relaxation after stretching operates to grip a
portion of the outer circumference of the creme layer. The handle, the cookie
cradle and the transition element preferably are formed as one piece, and most
preferably by injection molding. The various elements may be formed of
plastic, rubber-like material for safety purposes or other various materials
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approved for use in the manufacture of food containers or eating utensils.
Preferably, the handle is formed with at least one surface upon a part of
which
a communication is disposed.
[0017] The sandwich cookie dipper may further include that the handle is
formed as a
three dimensional shape, wherein the three-dimensional shape is a facial
replica or caricature. Alternatively, the sandwich cookie dipper may further
include that the transition is formed as a three-dimensional shape, wherein
the
three-dimensional shape is a facial replica or caricature.
[0018] In an alternative embodiment, a sandwich cookie dipper comprises a
handle
and a sandwich cookie cradle attached to the handle. The cradle is formed
from a thin, resilient rod-like material extends down and away from a central
axis of the handle, along a half-moon-like path which loops back upwards to a
point aligned with said central axis, the path defined by a circular arc
length
subtended by an angle of less than or equal to a radians. The radius of the
path is less than or equal to a radius of a creme layer of a sandwich cookie
to
be upon the cradle such that the wire-like material is positioned between
cookie members sandwiching the creme layer.
[0019] The sandwich cookie dipper may include that at least one surface has at
least
one communication disposed thereon, for example, a manufacturer's logo or
brand. The communication is preferably disposed upon at least one surface of
the handle. In addition, the sandwich cookie dipper may further include that
the handle is formed as a three-dimensional shape, wherein the three-
dimensional shape is a facial replica or caricature. Alternatively, the
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sandwich cookie dipper may further include that the transition is formed as a
three-dimensional shape, wherein the three-dimensional shape is a facial
replica or caricature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The present invention can best be understood in connection with the
accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the
precise embodiments shown in drawings, in which:
[0021] Fig. 1 a perspective view of a conventional sandwich cookie;
[0022] Fig. 2 is a side view of a conventional sandwich cookie, highlighting
its
construction;
[0023] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a sandwich cookie dipper of the
invention;
[0024] Fig. 4 is a side plan view of the a sandwich cookie dipper of Fig. 3;
[0025] Fig. 5 is a top elevational view of the sandwich cookie dipper of Figs.
3 and 4;
[0026] Fig. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the sandwich cookie dipper
being
grasped to allow snug placement of a sandwich cookie thereon;
[0027] Figs. 7A and 7B are top plan view of a sandwich cookie dipper whereupon
a
portion of the handle includes a communication;
[0028] Figs. 8A and 8B are front perspective and side views of another
embodiment
of a sandwich cookie dipper of the invention; and
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[0029] Figs. 9A and 9B are front perspective and side views of yet another
embodiment of a sandwich cookie dipper of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The following is a detailed description of example embodiments of the
invention depicted in the accompanying drawings. The example embodiments
are in such detail as to clearly communicate the invention and are designed to
make such embodiments obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated
variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and
scope
of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.
[0031] Turning now to Figs. 3-9, the disclosure describes various embodiments
of the
inventive sandwich cookie dipper (5, 5', 5").
[0032] In one embodiment, sandwich cookie dipper (5) comprises a handle (10)
and a
cookie cradling element, i.e., cookie cradle (20). Cookie cradle (20) is
integrally formed with or otherwise connected to the handle (10) at a
connecting element (30). Preferably, the handle (10), connecting element (30)
and cookie cradle (20) are formed as one integral structure in a one-piece
design, but are not limited thereto. The connecting element (30) acts as a
transition that connects the handle (10) and cookie cradle (20), and couples
forces communicated between the handle and cookie cradle.
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[0033] In the embodiment shown, the handle (10) is approximately 5" long, 1/8"
thick and about 7/8" wide at its widest point at the handle end (opposite the
cookie cradle end). The cookie cradle (20) comprises a thin, curved
cylindrical rod or arm-like construction for flexibility, formed as a half-
moon
or loop with a circumferential length that is the same size or smaller than a
circumferential length of a sandwich cookie lower half. The half-moon or
loop opens upward to receive part of the sandwich cookie edge (the lower half
edge).
[0034] More specifically, the cookie cradle is configured in a substantially
circular
arc with a 1 " radius such that an arc length of about x" subtends an angle of
about 180 (a radians). The arc length extends from the connecting element
(30). The sandwich cookie dipper (5) is formed with a non-toxic material,
such as plastic, rubber or composite materials, having a composite strength
sufficient to accommodate the weight of the cookie before and after it is
saturated with fluid (e.g., milk). The cookie cradle (20) must be resilient so
if
bent, or expanded to receive a cookie, it will normally restore to its pre-
expanded shape to securely contact the sandwich cookie/creme layer upon
release of the expanding force. For that matter, the sandwich cookie dipper
may be formed as a single structure, or in parts, using any known method of
manufacture, for example, injection molding, without deviating from the
scope and spirit of the invention.
[0035] From the side view of Fig. 4, the cookie cradle (20) has a depth of
about
3/16". From the elevational view of Fig. 5, the cookie cradle (20), that is,
the
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thin, curved cylindrical rod or arm-like portion comprising the cookie cradle
has a width of preferably 1/16". The cookie cradle width is limited to
accommodate the gap between the two sandwich cookies. That is, the width
of the cookie cradle (20) must be sufficient to maintain the weight of the
cookie without undue bending but narrow enough so that it may be inserted
(preferably snugly) into the gap between the cookie members at the outside
diameter of the creme layer. The cookie cradle rod or holder extends into the
gap and contacts the creme layer, and some part of the inside walls at the
outer
circumferential edge of the two cookie members for about half (preferably, the
lower half to realize support from gravity) the circumference of the cookie
(its
outer arc length subtended by 7t radians). The cookie cradle (20) thereby
holds the sandwich cookie stably without dislodging (before and after
dipping) with normal movements.
[0036] In an embodiment, a tip of the cookie cradle (20) at a side opposite
the
connecting element (30) is formed with a rubber coating and/or is rounded to
prevent injury to the cookie eater who might somehow strike him/herself, or
others, with the sandwich cookie dipper (5). Such mishaps can occur when
people including young children handle any kind of tool or eating utensil. In
one variation, the cookie cradle (20) may be specially formed so that it
collapses upon contact with anything solid, i.e., is substantially limp, but
not
so limp as to be unable to maintain its curved shape, which follows the curved
shape of the sandwich cookie, in order to avoid injury even if contacting a
child's unprotected eye.
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[0037] For that matter, while the sandwich cookie holder (5), handle (10),
connecting
element (30) and cookie cradle (20) should exhibit a particular resiliency to
allow for flexibility, the resiliency should be limited in order to limit the
ability of cookie dippers to be used to "launch" dry or dipped cookies as
cookie projectiles when placed in the cookie holder (20).
[0038] Fig. 6 depicts operation of a sandwich cookie dipper (5) where an end
of the
cookie cradle (20) is grasped by at least one finger (35) to expand and
enlarge
a radius of its arc length to accommodate a cookie (1) therein. Upon release
of the grasping and expanding force, with the seating of the cookie, i.e., the
arm-like part inserted between the disk-like members and contacting the outer
circumference of the creme layer, the original shape returns. While the nature
of the invention including the rod or arm-like cookie cradle (20) may operate
to hold securely sandwich cookies that have a radius that is smaller that a
radius of the curved part of the cradle, it is preferable that the radius of
the
curved part of the cradle is less than or equal to that of the cookie.
[0039] In Figs. 7A and 7B, sandwich cookie dipper (5) is shown wherein one
portion
(14) of a top side (12) of handle (10) is utilized to communicate information
to
cookie eaters and others. For example, the phrase "COOKIE EATER" is
shown as an example of a communication. A communication such as
COOKIE EATER, or some other brand name or logo might be somehow
embossed, printed, formed, stencilled, etc., on portion (14), for advertising
purposes, promotional purposes or just to make the inventive sandwich cookie
dipper more fun to use.
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[0040] A communication comprising a brand mark or logo might be included in
packages of some type sandwich cookies sold under the brand mark or logo, at
the point of sale. Alternatively, a sandwich cookie dipper so marked might be
used to promote a product, for example, it could be mailed to purchasers of a
particular brand of sandwich cookie (associated with the brand mark or logo)
upon request by a cookie eater/purchaser as "promotion."
[0041] While not shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, the same or an alternative
communication can be provided on a side of handle (10) opposite the side (12)
or some other portion of sandwich cookie dipper (5), without deviating from
the intended scope of the invention. For that matter, while a communication
might take a form of an advertisement, such as shown, the communication
might alternatively be merely a shape, or known image or caricature, such as a
Disney character or comic book character, without limitation. It follows that
the handle may comprise any shape, texture, color, etc., without deviating
from the intended scope and spirit of the invention, in order to attract
users.
[0042] Figs. 8A and 8B are front perspective and side views of another
embodiment
of a sandwich cookie dipper (5') of the invention, which includes a 3D shape
or character. Sandwich cookie dipper (5') includes a handle (10), which, like
the sandwich cookie dippers (5) shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, includes a top side
(12) upon which a communication may be exhibited. For that matter, the
communication may be exhibited on the handle's other side, both sides of the
handle, or any other part of the dipper which might take a communication
marking. A transition (30') connected to and integral with the handle (10)
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comprises an elephant's head, where the trunk extending from the elephant's
face comprises the cookie cradle (20'). Sandwich cookies are placed upon the
cookie cradle (20') such that the rod-like portion is arranged against the
outer
circumference of the creme layer (by gravity), between the cookie members
and the cookie may be dipped and moved about with minimal likelihood of
dislodging, as described in detail above.
[0043] Figs. 9A and 9B are front perspective and side views of yet another
embodiment of a sandwich cookie dipper (5") of the invention, where part of
the cookie dipper comprises a 3D shape or character. Sandwich cookie dipper
(5") includes cookie cradle (20) that is quite similar or equivalent to cookie
cradle (20) of sandwich cookie dipper (5), as shown above, as is the
transition
(30) of sandwich cookie dipper (5"). The handle (10'), however, comprises a
lion's head, as shown. Of course sandwich cookie dipper (5") operates in
accordance with the inventive principles, where a child or other person grasps
the lion's head to manipulate the dipper.
[0044] It should be noted that while sandwich cookie dipper (5') of Figs. 8A
and 8B,
and sandwich cookie dipper (5") of Figs. 9A and 913, are formed with an
elephant head at transition (30'), and a lion's head at handle (10'),
respectively,
the invention is not limited to these animal parts, or animal parts in
particular.
Any character, caricature, 3D shape, animal shape, fish, fowl, dinosaur,
airplane, rocket ship, boat, etc., without limitation, may comprise the
respective handle (10') or transition (20'), or both, without deviating from
the
scope and spirit of the invention.
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[0045] In the foregoing description, certain terms and visual depictions are
used to
illustrate the preferred embodiment. However, no unnecessary limitations are
to be construed by the terms used or illustrations depicted, beyond what is
shown in the prior art, since the terms and illustrations are exemplary only,
and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0046] It is further known that other modifications may be made to the present
invention, without departing the scope of the invention, as noted in the
appended claims._
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