US20170156521A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20170156521A1
Application number: US15/244,361
Authority: US
Inventors: Russell David Munro; Trevor John Lambert
Original assignee: Rnb Innovations Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Rnb Innovations Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-12-02
Filing date: 2016-08-23
Publication date: 2017-06-08
Also published as: AU2016219586A1

Abstract

Provided herein is an apparatus for food presentation. The apparatus includes at least two platforms and a mechanism for moving the platforms to allow for presentation of foodstuff in a number of states.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/262,192, filed Dec. 2, 2015, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates, generally, to food presentation apparatus and, more particularly, to an adjustable food presentation apparatus having a mechanism to allow a transition between two (or more) states. The disclosure has particular, but not necessarily exclusive, application to the presentation and transformation of cake and similar foodstuffs.

BACKGROUND

There are currently a number of existing apparatus that are used in relation to the presentation of food, although the majority of these consist of different configurations of static food presentation platforms. With regard to specific examples of apparatus for the presentation of cake and similar foodstuffs, the majority of the focus has been placed on decoration alone. One of these examples attempts to add movement to the cake by providing a simple rotating base upon which the cake is mounted, although this feature adds very little to the overall presentation of the cake and does not significantly improve the enjoyment of the experience for a user.

There is a need for an improved design of apparatus that addresses the abovementioned deficiencies. There is also the need for an improved design of apparatus for presenting food, and particularly cake, that improves a user's (e.g. a recipient of the cake, or a person participating in the celebrations) enjoyment of the experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an adjustable food presentation apparatus comprising:

a base platform;

first and second platform modules, said first and/or second platform modules being adapted to receive a portion of a foodstuff or decoration; and

elevation means to allow transitioning of the first and second platform modules between at least first and second states;

wherein in the first state, each of the first and second platform modules are substantially at rest upon a base platform and are positioned adjacent one another relative to the base platform; and

wherein in the second state, at least the second platform module is maintained in an elevated position relative to the first platform module and/or base platform.

The first and/or second platform modules may further comprise one or more flanged portions adapted to receive a portion of a foodstuff or decoration. Alternatively, or in addition, the first and/or second platform modules may comprise at least two flanged portions extending outwardly in opposing directions. Such a configuration provides the advantage of balancing the load (of the foodstuff or decoration) and allowing for greater stability of the apparatus, particularly during the transition between the first and second states.

The elevation means preferably comprises an actuator, and at least one rigid interconnecting arm, said interconnecting arm being pivotally attached at or near its distal end to the actuator, and pivotally attached to each of said first and second platform modules. In a representative embodiment, the interconnecting arm is pivotally attached to each of the first and second platform modules at or near their central transverse axis of rotation. It should be appreciated that additional interconnecting arms may also be incorporated into the design in order to provide the apparatus with greater stability.

The actuator may comprise a DC motor, which is adapted to control movement of the interconnecting arm. However, it should be appreciated that alternative control sources are also envisioned without the scope of the present disclosure. In a representative embodiment, the DC motor may control movement of the interconnecting arm such that it pivots about its attachment to the first platform module. In this regard, the DC motor may engage with, and be connected to, the interconnecting arm by means of an elongate member or shaft. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations may also be possible to achieve actuation or movement of the interconnecting arm.

The DC motor may be located beneath the base platform, and at least the distal end of the interconnecting arm may extend through a slot in the base platform. As discussed above, the DC motor may engage with, and be connected to, the interconnecting arm by means of an elongate member or shaft (which may preferably also be located beneath the base platform).

During the transition between the first and second states, the at least one interconnecting arm may pivot about the first platform module. More specifically, the interconnecting arm may pivot about the point of pivotal attachment between the interconnecting arm and the first platform module. As a result, the first platform module may remain in a substantially fixed position on the base platform during the transition between the first and second states.

The rotational orientation of each of the first and second platform modules may remain substantially unchanged during the transition between the first and second states. In other words, the upward-facing surfaces of the first and second platform modules remain the upward-facing surfaces in both the first and second states. This is a particularly advantageous configuration since it allows foodstuffs to be retained on either the first and second platform modules during the transition between the first and second states.

The adjustable food presentation apparatus may further comprise at least one stabilising arm pivotally attached to and extending between the first and second platform modules. Alternatively, and in a representative embodiment, the adjustable food presentation apparatus may comprise two stabilising arms (per interconnecting arm) pivotally attached to and extending between the first and second platform modules. The two stabilising arms may be pivotally attached to the first platform module at points either side of the pivotal attachment between the first platform module and arm. The two stabilising arms may also be pivotally attached to the second platform module at points either side of the pivotal attachment between the second platform module and arm. Such a configuration advantageously provides greater stability of the apparatus, and particularly the second platform module, during the transition between the first and second states. This stability is particularly important for the second platform module that reaches an elevated position above the first platform module and/or base platform in the second state.

In a representative embodiment, the adjustable food presentation apparatus may further comprise a third platform module being adapted to receive a portion of a foodstuff or decoration. It should be appreciated that the decoration referred to may be either a removable or fixed decoration, and be perishable or non-perishable in nature.

The third platform module may be pivotally attached to the interconnecting arm. In a representative embodiment, a second interconnecting arm may be pivotally attached to and extend between the first and third platform modules. This second interconnecting arm may preferably provide additional stability for the third platform module, and/or aid with the rotational orientation of the third platform module during transition between the first and second states.

In the first state, the third platform module may be substantially at rest upon the base platform and positioned adjacent the second platform module. By contrast, in the second state, at least the third platform module may be maintained in an elevated position relative to the first platform module and/or second platform module. In a further representative embodiment, in the second state, the third platform module may be maintained in an elevated position relative to both the first and second platform modules. In accordance with this embodiment, the second platform module may be elevated above the first platform module, and the third platform module may be elevated above both the first platform module and second platform module.

As with the first and second platform modules, the rotational orientation of the third platform module may remain substantially unchanged during the transition between the first and second states. In other words, the upward-facing surfaces of the third platform module remain the upward-facing surfaces in both the first and second states. This is a particularly advantageous configuration since it allows foodstuffs or decorations (that are not fixed to the apparatus) to be retained on the third platform module during the transition between the first and second states.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a transformable cake comprising:

the adjustable food presentation apparatus described in one or more of the above embodiments; and

one or more portions of cake positioned on each of the first and second platform modules.

In the first state, the transformable cake may have the overall appearance of a vehicle such as, for example, an automobile or truck, and in the second state, the transformable cake may have the overall appearance of a robot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the disclosure is now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: —

FIG. 1 shows a perspective front view of an embodiment of an adjustable food presentation apparatus in a first state;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective rear view of the embodiment of the adjustable food presentation apparatus in the first state shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective front view of an embodiment of the adjustable food presentation apparatus in a second state;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective rear view of the embodiment of the adjustable food presentation apparatus in the second state shown inFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the adjustable food presentation apparatus in the first state shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of the adjustable food presentation apparatus in the second state shown inFIG. 3;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective front view of an alternative embodiment of an adjustable food presentation apparatus in the first state;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective rear view of an alternative embodiment of the adjustable food presentation apparatus in the second state;

FIG. 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the adjustable food presentation apparatus in the first state shown inFIG. 7; and

FIG. 10 shows a side cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the adjustable food presentation apparatus in the second state shown inFIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the drawings,reference numeral10 generally designates an embodiment of an adjustable food presentation apparatus. The adjustablefood presentation apparatus10 is particularly useful in relation to the presentation and transformation of cake and similar foodstuffs and it will therefore be convenient to describe the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10 in that environment. More specifically, the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10 is particularly useful in relation to the presentation of a cake that, in a first state, has the appearance of a vehicle or automobile and, in a second state, has the appearance of a robot. However, it should be understood that the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10 is not limited to this embodiment, and may be utilised or implemented in other applications or in relation to other foodstuffs.

As illustrated in at leastFIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings, a representative embodiment of the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10 comprises abase platform12, afirst platform module14 and asecond platform module16. Thefirst platform module14 and/orsecond platform module16 are adapted to receive and retain a portion of a foodstuff (such as, for example, cake) or decoration. The adjustablefood presentation apparatus10 also comprises elevation means30 to allow transitioning of thefirst platform module14 andsecond platform module16 between at least a first state and a second state.

In a first state of the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10, being a lowered state (illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2 and 5 of the drawings), thefirst platform module14 andsecond platform module16 are essentially at rest upon thebase platform12 and are positioned adjacent one another relative to thebase platform12. In a second state of the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10, being a raised state (illustrated inFIGS. 3, 4 and 6 of the drawings), at least thesecond platform module16 is maintained in an elevated position relative to thefirst platform module14 andbase platform12. More preferably, in the second state thesecond platform module16 is maintained in a position directly above thefirst platform module14, which remains at rest on thebase platform12.

Thefirst platform module14 and/orsecond platform module16 compriseflanged portions20, adapted to receive a portion of a foodstuff or decoration, which extend outwardly in opposing directions. Such a configuration provides the advantage of balancing the load (of the foodstuff or decoration) and allowing for greater stability of the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10, particularly during the transition between the first and second states.

In an alternative embodiment of the disclosure (shown inFIGS. 1 to 6 of the drawings), only thesecond platform module16 comprises theflanged portions20. In this embodiment, thebase platform12 performs a similar function (to the flanged portions20) about thefirst platform module14 by retaining a portion of a foodstuff (such as, for example, cake) or decoration.

It should be appreciated that prior to use of the adjustable food presentation apparatus10 (i.e. before the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10 can be used to present the foodstuff), the foodstuff (e.g. cake) needs to be applied to theapparatus10 in a manner that is visually appealing to the user. While the overall structure of theapparatus10 gives it the appearance, in a first state, of a vehicle or automobile, and the appearance, in a second state, of a robot, it is envisioned that the foodstuff (e.g. cake) or decoration will also be styled by a user in such a way as to enhance this visual appearance. For example, where cake is used as the foodstuff, the portions of cake placed on theflanged portions20 of thefirst platform module14 and/or second platform module16 (or on thebase platform12 in the case of the alternative embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 6 of the drawings) are preferably stylised (or decorated) to give the overall visual appearance of a part of a vehicle or automobile (in the first state) and a robot (in the second state). While the present disclosure is not directed to decoration and stylising of foodstuffs, it will be generally appreciated that the use of colouring, and icing is commonly used in relation to cakes to alter the visual appearance.

In a representative embodiment of the disclosure, shown inFIGS. 1 to 6 of the drawings, the elevation means30 comprises anactuator32 and at least onerigid interconnecting arm38. The interconnectingarm38 is pivotally attached, at itsdistal end40 to theactuator32, and pivotally attached to each of thefirst platform module14 andsecond platform module16. More preferably, the interconnectingarm38 is pivotally attached to each of thefirst platform module14 andsecond platform module16 at or near their central transverse axis of rotation (not shown).

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 6 of the drawings, additional interconnectingarms38 may also be incorporated into the design in order to provide the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10 with greater stability. The design shown inFIGS. 1 to 6 of the drawings incorporates two interconnectingarms38 that are both pivotally attached, at theirdistal ends40 to theactuator32, and pivotally attached to each of thefirst platform module14 andsecond platform module16. More preferably, both of the interconnectingarms38 are pivotally attached to each of thefirst platform module14 andsecond platform module16 at or near their central transverse axis of rotation (not shown). In this embodiment of the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10, the two interconnectingarms38 preferably attach to each of thefirst platform module14 andsecond platform module16 on opposing sides so as to provide greater balance and stability.

Theactuator32 preferably comprises aDC motor34, which is adapted to control movement of the interconnecting arm(s)38. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations or mechanisms may also be used to achieve actuation or linear movement of the interconnecting arm(s)38. For example, any mechanism capable of applying a linear pulling/pushing force to the distal end(s)40 of the interconnecting arm(s)38 including, but not limited to, a leadscrew, rack and pinion configuration, timing belt, or hydraulic or pneumatic ram.

TheDC motor34 is located beneath thebase platform12, and at least the distal end(s)40 of the interconnecting arm(s)38 extend through a slot60 (orslots60 in the case of two interconnecting arms38) in thebase platform12 to facilitate pivotal attachment between the interconnectingarms38 and theactuator32. More specifically, theDC motor34 is adapted to control movement of the interconnecting arm(s)38 such that it pivots about its attachment to thefirst platform module14, which remains in a fixed position on thebase platform12 throughout the transition between the first and second states. In this regard, theDC motor34 preferably engages with, and is connected to, the interconnecting arm(s)38 by means of an elongate member or retractable shaft36 (which also forms part of the actuator32). It can be seen fromFIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings that theretractable shaft36 is preferably positioned beneath thebase platform12 of the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10, and pivotally attached to the distal end(s) of the interconnecting arm(s)38.

The adjustablefood presentation apparatus10 further comprises at least one stabilisingarm44 pivotally attached to and extending between thefirst platform module14 and thesecond platform module16. In a representative embodiment of the disclosure, shown inFIGS. 1 to 6 of the drawings, the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10 comprises two stabilising arms44 (per interconnecting arm38) pivotally attached to and extending between thefirst platform module14 and thesecond platform module16. More preferably, the two stabilisingarms44 are pivotally attached to thefirst platform module14 at points either side of the pivotal attachment between thefirst platform module14 and the interconnecting arm(s)38.

By virtue of the operation of the stabilisingarms44, the rotational orientation ofsecond platform module16 remains substantially unchanged during the transition between the first and second states. In other words, the upward-facing surfaces (such as, for example, the flanged portions20) of thesecond platform module16 remain the upward-facing surfaces in both the first and second states, despite the fact that thesecond platform module16 rotates or pivots relative to the interconnecting arm(s)38. This is a particularly advantageous configuration since it allows foodstuffs (such as, for example, cake) to be retained on the second platform module16 (specifically, the flanged portions20) during the transition between the first and second states.

Also, since thefirst platform module14 remains in a substantially fixed position on thebase platform12 during the transition between the first and second states, it can also be said that the rotational orientation of thefirst platform module14 remains substantially unchanged during the transition between the first and second states.

The adjustablefood presentation apparatus10 further comprises athird platform module18, which is adapted to receive a portion of a foodstuff (such as, for example, cake) or decoration. It should be appreciated that the decoration referred to may be either a removable or fixed decoration, and be perishable or non-perishable in nature.

Thethird platform module18 is preferably pivotally attached to adistal end42 of the interconnecting arm(s)38. In a representative embodiment of the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10, a second interconnecting arm(s)46 is pivotally attached to and extends between thefirst platform module14 andthird platform module18. This second interconnectingarm46 advantageously provides additional stability for thethird platform module18 and maintains the rotational orientation of thethird platform module18 during transition between the first and second states. In other words, the upward-facing surfaces of thethird platform module18 remain the upward-facing surfaces in both the first and second states, despite the fact that thethird platform module18 rotates or pivots relative to the interconnecting arm(s)38. This is a particularly advantageous configuration since it allows foodstuffs (such as, for example, cake) or decorations (that are not fixed to the apparatus10) to be retained on thethird platform module18 during the transition between the first and second states.

In the first state of the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10, being a lowered state (illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2 and 5 of the drawings), thefirst platform module14,second platform module16 andthird platform module18 are essentially at rest upon thebase platform12 and are positioned adjacent one another relative to the base platform12 (i.e.first platform module14 adjacent thesecond platform module16, andsecond platform module16 adjacent third platform module18). In the second state of the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10, being a raised state (illustrated inFIGS. 3, 4 and 6 of the drawings), at least thesecond platform module16 andthird platform module18 are maintained in an elevated position relative to thefirst platform module14 andbase platform12. More preferably, in the second state thesecond platform module16 is maintained in a position directly above thefirst platform module14, which remains at rest on thebase platform12, and the third platform module is maintained in a position directly above thesecond platform module16 andfirst platform module14.

In a representative embodiment of the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10, thethird platform module18 further comprisesflanged portions20 and adjustableflanged portions22, which (as with flanged portions20) are adapted to receive a portion of a foodstuff (such as, for example, cake) or decoration. The adjustableflanged portions22, give the visual appearance of ‘arms’ when theapparatus10 is in the second state (i.e. the state wherein the apparatus has the overall appearance of a robot). The adjustableflanged portions22 are pivotally attached to thethird platform module18, and inwardly biased (or mechanically predisposed) towards the resting position shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings.

As theapparatus10 transitions from the first (lowered) state to the second (raised) state, a tab (not shown) on the adjustableflanged portions22 engages the first interconnecting arm(s)38 and/or second interconnecting arm(s)46, causing the adjustableflanged portions22 to pivot and flair outwardly (as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings). Conversely, as theapparatus10 transitions from the second (raised) state to the first (lowered) state, there is a disengagement between the tab (not shown) on the adjustableflanged portions22 and the first interconnecting arm(s)38 and/or second interconnecting arm(s)46. Due to the inward biasing of the adjustableflanged portions22 toward the resting position shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the adjustableflanged portions22 automatically pivot back to their resting position. It will be appreciated that many known techniques and mechanisms (such as, for example, the use of a spring mechanism (not shown) attached between the adjustableflanged portions22 and the third platform module18) can be used to effect the inward biasing of the adjustableflanged portions22.

In a representative embodiment of the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10, thethird platform module18 further comprises anextendable head portion48. Theextendable head portion48, gives the visual appearance of a ‘head’ when theapparatus10 is in the second state (i.e. the state wherein the apparatus has the overall appearance of a robot).

In the first (lowered) state, thehead portion48 is concealed within thethird platform module18 and covered bycover portion50 that is pivotally attached to the third platform module18 (as shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 5 of the drawings). As theapparatus10 transitions from the first (lowered) state to the second (raised) state, adistal portion52 of thesecond interconnecting arm46 is brought into engagement with an engagingmember54 that is pivotally (or rigidly) attached to theextendable head portion48. As this engagement continues, throughout the transition from the first state to the second state, thehead portion48 is caused to project from thethird platform module18. This projection, either by direct action of thehead portion48 against thecover portion50 or by some levered mechanical arrangement between thehead portion48, the engagingmember54 and/or thecover portion50, causes thecover portion50 to pivot and allow thehead portion48 to be revealed (as shown inFIGS. 3, 4 and 6 of the drawings).

Conversely, as theapparatus10 transitions from the second (raised) state to the first (lowered) state, there is a disengagement between thedistal portion52 of thesecond interconnecting arm46 and the engagingmember54, which causes thehead portion48 to retract within thethird platform module18. Also during this transition, the effect of gravity (or, alternatively, a suitable biasing mechanism) causes thecover portion50 to pivot and once again cover thehead portion50.

It should be appreciated that other mechanically equivalent techniques for projecting and retracting thehead portion50 from thethird platform module18 are also envisioned by the present disclosure. Such techniques and mechanisms will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

In an alternative embodiment of the disclosure, shown inFIGS. 7 to 10 of the drawings, the elevation means30 of the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10 comprises anactuator32 and agearing arrangement70 between thefirst platform module14,second platform module16 andthird platform module18. The operation of the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10 is otherwise the same as previously described.

With regard to this alternative embodiment, theactuator32 preferably comprises aDC motor34, which is adapted to control movement of the gearing arrangement. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations or mechanisms may also be used to achieve actuation or rotational movement of thegearing arrangement70. For example, any suitable mechanism capable of applying a rotational force to thegearing arrangement70.

As with the previously described embodiment, theDC motor34 is preferably located beneath thebase platform12, and at least a portion of thegearing arrangement70 extends through theslot60 in thebase platform12. It should be appreciated fromFIGS. 7 to 10 of the drawings that, in accordance with this alternative embodiment, portions of thefirst platform module14,second platform module16 and/orthird platform module18, may be adapted to engage with the gearingarrangement70. More specifically, theDC motor34 is adapted to control rotational movement of thegearing arrangement70, which in turn causes thesecond platform module16 to become elevated above thefirst platform module14, and thethird platform module18 to become elevated above thesecond platform module16 andfirst platform module14. It should be appreciated that many suitable gearing arrangements may be used to achieve the above described movement of thesecond platform module16 andthird platform module18 as the apparatus transitions between the first and second states. These techniques and mechanisms will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Having regard to the above described embodiments of the disclosure, the adjustablefood presentation apparatus10 preferably also comprises a microcontroller (not shown) that controls theDC motor34, and is activated by a surface mounted switch (not shown) that is preferably located on thebase platform12. The adjustable food presentation apparatus may further comprise an optional sound player (not shown) with amplifier and speaker (not shown) to allow for the playing by theapparatus10 of certain music or sound effects as the apparatus transitions between the first and second states.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. An adjustable food presentation apparatus comprising:

a base platform;

wherein in the first state, each of the first and second platform modules are substantially at rest upon the base platform and are positioned adjacent one another relative to the base platform; and

2. The adjustable food presentation apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the first and/or second platform modules further comprises one or more flanged portions adapted to receive a portion of a foodstuff or decoration.

3. The adjustable food presentation apparatus according toclaim 2, wherein the first and/or second platform modules comprises at least two flanged portions extending outwardly in opposing directions.

4. The adjustable food presentation apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the elevation means comprises:

an actuator; and

at least one rigid interconnecting arm, said interconnecting arm being pivotally attached at or near its distal end to the actuator, and pivotally attached to each of said first and second platform modules.

5. The adjustable food presentation apparatus according toclaim 4, wherein the actuator comprises a DC motor.

6. The adjustable food presentation apparatus according toclaim 5, wherein the DC motor is located beneath the base platform, and wherein at least the distal end of the interconnecting arm extends through a slot in the base platform.

7. The adjustable food presentation apparatus according toclaim 4, wherein during a transition between the first and second states, the at least one interconnecting arm pivots about the first platform module.

8. The adjustable food presentation apparatus according toclaim 4, wherein during a transition between the first and second states, the first platform module remains in a substantially fixed position on the base platform.

9. The adjustable food presentation apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein a rotational orientation of each of the first and second platform modules remains substantially unchanged during a transition between the first and second states.

10. The adjustable food presentation apparatus according toclaim 9, further comprising at least one stabilising arm pivotally attached to and extending between the first and second platform modules.

11. The adjustable food presentation apparatus according toclaim 9, further comprising two stabilising arms pivotally attached to and extending between the first and second platform modules.

12. The adjustable food presentation apparatus according toclaim 11, wherein the two stabilising arms are pivotally attached to the first platform module at points either side of the pivotal attachment between the first platform module and arm.

13. The adjustable food presentation apparatus according toclaim 11, wherein the two stabilising arms are pivotally attached to the second platform module at points either side of the pivotal attachment between the second platform module and arm.

14. The adjustable food presentation apparatus according toclaim 4, further comprising a third platform module being adapted to receive a portion of a foodstuff or decoration.

15. The adjustable food presentation apparatus according toclaim 14, wherein the third platform module is pivotally attached to the interconnecting arm.

16. The adjustable food presentation apparatus according toclaim 15, further comprising a second interconnecting arm pivotally attached to and extending between the first and third platform modules.

17. The adjustable food presentation apparatus according toclaim 14, wherein in the first state, the third platform module is substantially at rest upon the base platform and positioned adjacent the second platform module, and wherein in the second state, at least the third platform module is maintained in an elevated position relative to the first platform module and/or second platform module.

18. The adjustable food presentation apparatus according toclaim 14, wherein the rotational orientation of the third platform module remains substantially unchanged during the transition between the first and second states.

19. A transformable cake comprising:

the adjustable food presentation apparatus ofclaim 1; and

20. The transformable cake according toclaim 19, wherein in the first state, the transformable cake has the overall appearance of a vehicle, and wherein in the second state, the cake has the overall appearance of a robot.