Structure and process for producing artificial fruits and vegetables
US5858485A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S426/803
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A structure and process for producing artificial fruits and vegetables (10). The structure consists of an inner assembly (12) that includes an upward extending stem (30) attached to a weighted core (14). The inner assembly is contained within a semi-rigid enclosure (48) that is subsequently covered with a resilient material (62) that is colored and textured to simulate a particular species of a fruit or vegetable. The process utilizes a mold (66) having a spherical cavity (96) into which is centrally placed the weighted core (14) with the stem (30) projecting through the mold's upward end (86). The mold (66) also has a fill port (92) into which is inserted a specified quantity of polystyrene beads. The beads expand when the mold is heated, to fill the cavity (96) and form the semi-rigid enclosure (48). The enclosure (48) is then covered with the resilient material (62) and the enclosure with the resilient material is placed in a hot-pressure mold that adds a texture. After the textured structure is removed from the mold, a color is added that simulates the color of the specific artificial fruit or vegetable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.