Moulded confectionery items and an edible product formed therefrom

Abstract

A moulded confectionery item comprises a display portion and a mounting portion. The mounting portion is configured to cooperate with the mounting portions of one or more further moulded confectionery items when the confectionery items are placed in a container having a predetermined internal shape, to thereby securely engage the moulded confectionery items with the container. An edible product comprising a container and a plurality of the moulded confectionery items is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] MOULDED CONFECTIONERY ITEMS AND AN EDIBLE PRODUCT FORMED THEREFROM

[0002] 1. FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0003] The present invention relates to preformed items of confectionery, for example ice cream, and to an edible product, for example an ice cream in a cone, which includes a plurality of the preformed items.

[0004] 2. BACKGROUND TO THE TECHNOLOGY

[0005] Ice cream may be manufactured and served in a variety of ways. In one well-known example, a single serve of ice cream may be formed in a mould around a wooden stick which is used by the consumer to hold the product while it is eaten.

[0006] Ice cream may also be packaged in bulk, for example in a plastic container or tub. In use, individual serves of ice cream may be removed from the container, for example using an ice cream scoop. The individual serves of ice cream may be placed into a plate or pottle, for example to be eaten using a spoon or other implement, or may be placed onto or into an edible cone, suitable for eating without implements.

[0007] When serving ice cream on a cone, it is possible to combine different flavours of ice cream by stacking "scoops" of ice cream one on top of the other. However, this configuration offers only limited possibilities for combining the flavours of the ice cream, since the ice cream is typically eaten from the top down, one scoop (and hence flavour) at a time. Some cones are configured to allow two or three scoops to be placed side-by-side, but many consumers will not want to eat such a large amount of ice cream in one sitting.

[0008] Scoops of ice cream taken from a bulk container are typically somewhat spherical in shape, due to the action required to remove a portion of the ice cream from the bulk. The options for creating shapes other than the typically broadly spherical scope shape are very limited due to the action necessary to remove a serve of ice cream from the bulk container. Some businesses may serve a large number of ice cream cone serves in a given day, particularly in summer. The repetitive nature of the action required to create a scoop of ice cream, coupled with the relatively large force required to create each scoop, can result in repetitive strain type injuries to serving staff. In addition, it may be necessary to keep the ice cream above the recommended serving temperature of about -18 degrees centigrade so that it is sufficiently soft to allow for relatively easy scooping. This may mean that the ice cream begins to melt soon after it is served. In addition, it may be necessary to include more additives in the ice cream to allow it to maintain its consistency at these higher temperatures.

[0009] 3. OBJECT OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0010] It is an object of the technology to provide a moulded confectionery item for use as part of an edible product and / or an edible product comprising such an item, which will overcome or at least ameliorate at least one disadvantage of the prior art. It is a further or alternative object to provide an edible product which is visually appealing. It is a further or alternative object to provide an edible product which provides consistent portion sizes. It is a further or alternative object to provide a novel manner of serving ice cream with other food types.

[0011] Alternatively, it is an object of the technology to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

[0012] 4. SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0013] According to one form of the present technology there is provided a moulded confectionery item comprising a display portion and a mounting portion, wherein the mounting portion is configured to cooperate with the mounting portions of one or more further moulded confectionery items when the confectionery items are placed in a container having a predetermined internal shape, to thereby securely engage the moulded confectionery items with the container.

[0014] In examples, the display portion is configured to cooperate with at least one other display portion of one or more further confectionary items, in use, to define a predetermined shape.

[0015] In examples, the predetermined shape has at least one axis of symmetry. In examples, the predetermined shape has a plurality of axes of symmetry.

[0016] In examples, the predetermined shape is a cube.

[0017] In examples, the predetermined shape is substantially spherical.

[0018] In examples, the predetermined shape is substantially frustoconical.

[0019] In examples, the container is substantially conical or is a substantially tetrahedral shape.

[0020] In examples, the hollow portion is substantially conical or frustoconical.

[0021] In examples, the hollow portion is a substantially tetrahedral shape.

[0022] According to one form of the present technology there is provided an edible product comprising:

[0023] - a container having an opening and a hollow interior portion, the opening and hollow interior portion having a predetermined shape; and

[0024] - a plurality of moulded confectionery items engaged with the hollow interior portion, wherein each said moulded confectionery item comprises a display portion and a mounting portion, wherein the mounting portions cooperate to engage an internal surface or surfaces of the hollow interior portion to thereby securely engage the moulded confectionery items with the container, and the display portions are located outside the container.

[0025] In examples, the mounting portions of each confectionery item are identical shapes and sizes.

[0026] In examples, the confectionery items are identical shape and size.

[0027] In examples, the display portions cooperate to define a predetermined shape.

[0028] In examples, the predetermined shape has at least one axis of symmetry.

[0029] In examples, the predetermined shape has a plurality of axes of symmetry.

[0030] In examples, the predetermined shape is a cube.

[0031] In examples, the predetermined shape is substantially spherical or dome shaped.

[0032] In examples, the predetermined shape is substantially frustoconical.

[0033] In examples, the container is substantially conical or is a substantially tetrahedral shape.

[0034] In examples, the hollow portion is substantially conical or frustoconical.

[0035] In examples, the hollow portion is a substantially tetrahedral shape.

[0036] In examples, the container is edible. According to one form of the present technology there is provided a method of making an edible product comprising;

[0037] • providing a container having an opening connected to a hollow interior portion, the opening and hollow interior portion having a predetermined shape; and

[0038] • inserting a plurality of moulded confectionery items into the hollow interior portion via the opening, wherein each said moulded confectionery item comprises a display portion and a mounting portion, wherein the mounting portions cooperate to engage an internal surface of the hollow interior portion to thereby securely engage the moulded confectionery items with the container, and the display portions are located outside the container.

[0039] In examples, the mounting portions of each confectionery item are identical shapes and sizes.

[0040] In examples, the confectionery items are identical shape and size.

[0041] In examples, the display portions cooperate to define a predetermined shape.

[0042] In examples, the predetermined shape has at least one axis of symmetry.

[0043] In examples, the predetermined shape has a plurality of axes of symmetry.

[0044] In examples, the predetermined shape is a cube.

[0045] In examples, the predetermined shape is substantially spherical or dome shaped.

[0046] In examples, the predetermined shape is substantially frustoconical.

[0047] In examples, the container is substantially conical or is a substantially tetrahedral shape.

[0048] In examples, the hollow portion is substantially conical or frustoconical.

[0049] In examples, the hollow portion is a substantially tetrahedral shape.

[0050] In examples, the container is edible.

[0051] Further aspects of the technology, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the technology.

[0052] 5. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] One or more embodiments of the technology will be described below by way of example only, and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of an edible product according to one form of the technology.

[0054] Figure 2 is a plan view of the edible product of Figure 1.

[0055] Figure 3 is an isometric front view of a confectionery item of the edible product of Figure 1.

[0056] Figure 4 as an isometric rear view of the confectionery item of Figure 3.

[0057] Figure 5 is a side view of the confectionery items of the edible product of Figure 1, with the container removed.

[0058] Figure 6 shows a vertical cross-section view of the edible product of Figure 1.

[0059] Figure 7 shows an isometric view of an edible product according to another form of the technology.

[0060] Figure 8 shows a vertical cross-section of the edible product of Figure 7.

[0061] Figure 9 shows an isometric side view of a confectionery item of the edible product of Figure 7.

[0062] Figure 10 is a front view of the confectionery item of Figure 9.

[0063] Figure 11 is a rear isometric view of the confectionery item of Figure 9.

[0064] Figure 12 is a rear isometric view of the mounting portion of the confectionery item of Figure 9, with the display portion removed for clarity.

[0065] Figure 13 is an isometric view of an edible product according to another form of the technology.

[0066] Figure 14 is a plan view of the edible product of Figure 13.

[0067] Figure 15 is a front isometric view of a confectionery item of the edible product of Figure 13.

[0068] Figure 16 is a rear isometric view of the confectionery item of Figure 15.

[0069] Figure 17 is a rear isometric view of the mounting portion of the confectionery item of Figure 15, with the display portion removed for clarity.

[0070] Figure 18 is a rear isometric view of the mounting portion of the confectionery item of Figure 3, with the display portion removed for clarity.

[0071] Figure 19 is an isometric view of an edible product according to another form of the technology.

[0072] Figure 20 is a lower isometric view of the edible product of Figure 19.

[0073] Figure 21 is a plan view of the edible product of Figure 19.

[0074] Figure 22 is a lower isometric view of the confectionery items of the edible product of Figure 19, with the container removed.

[0075] Figure 23 is an isometric view from in front and below of a confectionery item of the edible product of Figure 19.

[0076] Figure 24 is an isometric view from behind and below of the confectionery item of Figure 23.

[0077] Figure 25 is a side view of an edible product according to another form of the technology. Figure 26 is a vertical cross-section view of the product of Figure 25.

[0078] Figure 27 is an isometric view of an edible product according to another form of the technology.

[0079] Figure 28 shows a vertical cross-section of the edible product of Figure 27.

[0080] Figure 29 is a lower isometric view of the confectionery items of the edible product of Figure 27, with the container removed.

[0081] Figure 30 is an isometric view from behind and above of a confectionery item of the edible product of Figure 27.

[0082] 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY FORMS OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0083] Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, an edible product is generally referenced by arrow 100. The product comprises a container 1 and a plurality of moulded confectionery items 2. In examples, the confectionery items may comprise portions of ice cream. However, many other types of confectionery items may be used, for example, frozen yoghurt, sorbet, sherbet, chocolate, chocolate brownie, biscuit, marshmallow, fudge, meringue and lamington. In examples, items referred to herein as "confectionery" may not be sweet - for example they may be sour. In examples, the product 100 comprises a plurality of different types of confectionery items 2, e.g., different flavours of ice cream, combinations of ice cream and gelato, etc.

[0084] In examples, the container 1 may itself be edible (for example in the form of a "cone" or cornet, e.g. a waffle cone) but in other examples the container 1 may be made from a non-edible substance such as plastic.

[0085] In examples, the edible product 100 may comprise three confectionery items 2 engaged with the container 1, although the confectionery items 2 may be configured so that other numbers of items can be used together, for example two confectionery items or four confectionery items.

[0086] Referring next to Figures 3 to 5 in particular, each confectionery item 2 may comprise a first portion, referred to herein as a display portion 3, and a second portion, referred to herein as a mounting portion 4. The mounting portion 4 is configured to be internal of the container 1 in use, and the display portion 3 is configured to be external to the container 1 in use. Typically, the display portion 3 and mounting portion 4 are formed integrally (e.g. moulded) in one piece from the same confectionery material (e.g. a single flavour of ice cream). The mounting portion 4 is configured to cooperate with the mounting portions 4 of one or more other confectionery items of predetermined shape, to securely engage a hollow interior portion 5 of the container 1 (see Figure 6). In examples, when a predetermined number of confectionery items are engaged with a suitable container 1, the mounting portions 4 substantially fill the hollow interior portion 5 of the container 1 to a predetermined depth D from the opening 6 in the container 1 through which the mounting portions 4 have been inserted (see Fig. 6), that is, the mounting portions together form a complementary shape to the interior of the container 1. In examples, there are substantially no void spaces between the respective mounting portions 4, or between each mounting portion 4 and the adjacent wall of the container 1. In examples, no additional structure is required to keep the confectionery items 2 engaged with the container 1 and / or to keep the confectionery items 2 in a required spacial relationship.

[0087] The predetermined depth D may be selected to be sufficiently deep to securely hold the confectionery items 2 in the container 1, even if the container 1 is held at an angle to the vertical (e.g. up to around 90° from the vertical, provided the confectionery item is sufficiently strong to avoid breaking due to gravitational forces). However, in examples, the predetermined depth D may be less than the total depth of the container 1, particularly in examples where the container 1 is edible. In this way, the proportion of the confectionery item 2 which is visible to the consumer is increased. Consumers may value the product 100 based on the visible portion of the confectionery items 2, rather than the total volume of the confectionery items 2, and so in many examples the depth D is minimised. In examples, the depth D (which in most cases is equal to the height of the mounting portion 4) is between 10%-100% of the total height of the confectionery item 2, e.g. between 30-50% , e.g. around 40%. However, in some examples the depth D may be substantially equal to the depth of the hollow interior portion of the container, that is, the container may be substantially completely filled.

[0088] Referring next to Figures 7 to 12, in one example, the container 1 is substantially conical (e.g. has a round cross-section) and has a substantially conical or frusto-conical interior portion 5. In such examples, the mounting portion 4 of each confectionery item may comprise a shape having an upper boundary or face 7 formed as a circular sector having a first radius R, a substantially parallel lower face 8 formed as a circular sector having a second radius which is smaller than the first radius, and side faces 9 extending between upper and lower faces 7, 8. The substantially planar side faces 9a may be substantially orthogonal to the upper boundary or face 7, or to both the upper and lower faces 7, 8. In examples the lower face 8 may not be parallel to the upper face 7.

[0089] In examples where edible product 100 comprises three confectionery items 2, the central angle CA of each sector may be substantially 120°. In examples where the edible product 100 comprises two confectionery items 2, the central angle CA of each sector may be substantially 180°. In examples where the edible product 100 comprises four confectionery items, the central angle CA may be substantially 90°. However, as described further below, it is not essential that the central angles of confectionery items 2 which are intended to be used together be identical.

[0090] Referring now to Figures 13 to 17, in another example, the container 1 may be a substantially tetrahedral shape, e.g. a substantially pyramidal shape having a triangular base 10 (the base comprising the opening 6 into the hollow interior 5). The example shown in Figs. 1-6 also has such a container. In such examples, the confectionery items 2 may be configured such that the edible product 100 comprises three confectionery items 2 inserted or locked into the container 1. Edible products 100 comprising other numbers of confectionery items 2 are possible, but may offer less flexibility in terms of combining randomly selected confectionery items 2. For example, edible products 100 comprising only two confectionery items 2 may require a "left-handed" and a "right-handed" confectionery item (not shown) to be combined in order to engage a tetrahedral container 1.

[0091] In the example of Figures 13 to 17, the mounting portion 4 of each confectionery item may comprise a triangular upper boundary or face 7, a parallel triangular lower face 8, and side faces 9 connecting the upper and lower faces 7, 8. The upper and lower faces 7, 8 may comprise isosceles triangles. In examples the lower face 8 may not be parallel to the upper face or boundary 7.

[0092] The side faces 9a connecting the equal length sides of the upper face or boundary 7 may be substantially orthogonal to the upper face or boundary 7 or to both the upper and lower faces 7, 8.

[0093] As explained above, the mounting portion 4 of each confectionery item 2 may be formed integrally with the display portion 3, meaning that some or all of the upper boundary or face 7 of each mounting portion 4 is defined by a cross-section through the confectionery item 2, between the mounting portion 4 and the display portion 3 (e.g. as seen in Figs. 3, 15 and 16), rather than by a part which defines a visible face (e.g. as shown in Figs. 7 and 8). The boundary 7 is typically planar.

[0094] Referring next to Figures 1 to 6 and 18, in some examples the mounting portion 4 of each confectionery item 2 may comprise a quadrilateral upper boundary or face 7 and a quadrilateral lower face 8 and side faces 9 extending between the edges of the upper and lower faces 7, 8.

[0095] In many forms of the technology, the confectionery items 2 are configured such that the display portions 3 cooperate together to form a predetermined shape, for example a substantially solid predetermined shape 11, for example substantially spherical shapes (e.g. spherical domes), for example as shown in Figures 19, 20 and 27, or cube-like shapes, e.g. as shown in Figures 1, 13 and 25. In examples, the shapes formed 11 appear to be complete spheres or cubes with parts of the sphere or cube protruding into the container 1. In examples, the predetermined shape is symmetrical about at least one plane. In examples, the predetermined shape is symmetrical about exactly two planes. In examples, the predetermined shape is symmetrical about exactly three planes. In examples the predetermined shape is a solid of revolution (e.g. has azimuthal symmetry).

[0096] The shapes 11 which are non-spherical (e.g. polyhedral shapes) typically have at least 3 rectangular faces. In examples, the shape 11 formed is a polyhedral shape with exactly three rectangular faces, for example three substantially square faces 12, as best seen in Figures 1, 2 ,7, 13 and 14. The shape may be a hexahedron. Each square face 12 may be formed by a single confectionery item 2 (e.g. as in Figs. 1 and 7) or by the combination of two confectionery items (as in Fig. 13).

[0097] In examples, pairs of faces 9, 9a of the display portions 3 abut together leaving substantially no void space between adjacent abutting faces. However, the display portions 3 are not connected together (except due to any incidental melting and refreezing of the confectionery). Instead, the display portions 3 are held in an abutting relationship by the engagement of the mounting portions 4 with the container 1.

[0098] Referring back to Figures 1 to 6, in one example where the display portions 3 of the confectionery items 2 form a substantially cube-like shape 11 (e.g. as seen in Figure 1) the display portion 3 of each individual confectionery item may comprise a polyhedron comprising a substantially square face 12, a first pair of substantially identical but mirrored quadrilateral faces 13, and a second pair of substantially identical but mirrored quadrilateral faces 14. Each of the second pair of substantially identical quadrilateral faces 14 may be substantially coplanar with a respective face of the mounting portion 4.

[0099] Referring next to Figures 13 to 16, in another example where the display portions 3 of the confectionery items 2 form a substantially cube-like shape 11, the display portion 3 of each confectionery item 2 may comprise a polyhedral shape comprising a pair of substantially identical but mirrored triangular faces 15, a pentagonal face 16, and a pair of substantially identical but mirrored quadrilateral faces 17. Each of the quadrilateral faces 17 may be substantially coplanar with a face of the mounting portion 4.

[0100] As can be seen from Figures 1 to 18, the confectionery items 2 may be configured in a plurality of different configurations to form a substantially cube-like shape 11. The different configurations create different patterns in the resulting shape 11. This may be particularly evident when each of the confectionery items 2 is a different colour.

[0101] With reference to Figures 19 to 24, in examples where the display portions 3 combine to form a substantially spherical shape 11 (e.g. a spherical dome), each display portion 3 may comprise two substantially planar faces 18 which are substantially parallel to substantially planar faces of the mounting portion 4. The planar faces 18 may intersect along a line which forms an axis of symmetry of the shape 11 formed by the display portions 3 when combined together.

[0102] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the substantially spherical shape 11 formed by the display portions 3 of the edible product 100 shown in Figures 19 - 24 is necessarily not truly spherical due to the requirement for the cross-sectional area of the intersection between the display portion 3 and the mounting portion 4 to be sufficiently large to ensure the display portion 3 does not separate from the mounting portion 4. The true form of the substantially spherical shape 11 formed by the display portions 3 will therefore typically be a sphere intersected by a plane, as best seen in Figure 20. Similarly, where the display portions 3 combine to form a substantially cube-like shape, the shape is necessarily that of a cube intersected by a plane, e.g. a partially (1 vertex) truncated or diminished cube, e.g. as best seen in Figure 7. Figures 25 and 26 show another example of the present technology. This example is similar to that shown in Figures 7-12. However, in the example shown in Figures 25 and 26 the display portions 3 have been configured to give the appearance of a cube which is inserted further into the container 1.

[0103] In another example, shown in Figures 27-30, a confectionery item 2 having a display portion 3 shaped as shown in the example of Figures 19-24 may be combined with a mounting portion 4 as shown in the example of Figures 7-12, such that the display portions 3 of the edible product 100 combine to form a spherical dome shape and the container 1 is substantially conical.

[0104] While the edible products 100 shown in the figures all comprise a plurality of confectionery items 2 having the same shape and size, in examples confectionery items 2 of differing shapes and sizes may be combined to form an edible product 100 of the invention. For example, edible products which form a substantially spherical shape may comprise confectionery items having differing central angles, for example two confectionery items having central angles of 150° and two confectionery items having central angles of 30° (not shown). This may be particularly convenient for edible products 100 comprising a container 1 which has a substantially conical or frusto-conical interior portion 5.

[0105] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the confectionery items 2 may have other forms to those shown herein. For example, the mounting portion 4 may be configured to engage a container 1 or cone having a hollow interior portion 5 with a substantially square cross-section. Similarly, the display portions 3 may be configured to combine to form other shapes, for example cylinders, pyramids, truncated cubes and so on.

[0106] The confectionery items 2 may be manufactured using well known prior art methods, for example moulding.

[0107] At the point of sale, a consumer may select their preferred style of container 1 (e.g. waffle cone), their preferred final shape of the display portions 3 (e.g. cube like) and their preferred flavours of the confectionery items. The seller may then combine the selected confectionery 2 items into the container. Because the confectionery items 2 are preformed, there is no need for the seller to perform any "scooping" or similar action to separate individual portions of confectionery from a bulk container. This may also allow the confectionery items to be served at a lower temperature than would be possible if such scooping was required (since the hardness of most confectionery increases with lower temperature), and the ice cream may therefore require fewer additives. Furthermore, because the confectionery items 2 are preformed, the size of each confectionery item may be much more consistent than a prior art "scooped" portion. This may be important to customers who are interested in exercising portion control, and may also ensure that retailer profit margins are not affected by variations in serving size.

[0108] The consumer may conveniently combine different flavours (and / or types) of confectionery in a single bite when eating the item, and the edible item may be more visually appealing than the prior art.

[0109] 6.1. Other Remarks

[0110] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

[0111] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

[0112] Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

[0113] The technology may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

[0114] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

[0115] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present technology.

Claims

7. CLAIMS A moulded confectionery item comprising a display portion and a mounting portion, wherein the mounting portion is configured to cooperate with the mounting portions of one or more further moulded confectionery items when the confectionery items are placed in a container having a predetermined internal shape, to thereby securely engage the moulded confectionery items with the container.

2. The moulded confectionary item of claim 1, wherein the display portion is configured to cooperate with at least one other display portion of one or more further confectionary items, in use, to define a predetermined solid shape.

3. The moulded confectionary item of claim 2, wherein the predetermined solid shape has at least one axis of symmetry.

4. The moulded confectionary item of claim 3, wherein the predetermined solid shape has a plurality of axes of symmetry.

5. The moulded confectionary item of claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the predetermined solid shape is hexahedral.

6. The moulded confectionary item of claim 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the predetermined solid shape has three square faces.

7. The moulded confectionary item of claim 6, wherein the predetermined solid shape is a cube.

8. The moulded confectionary item of claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein, the predetermined solid shape is substantially spherical.

9. The moulded confectionary item of claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the predetermined solid shape is substantially frustoconical.

10. The moulded confectionary item of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the container is substantially conical or is a substantially tetrahedral shape.

11. The moulded confectionary item of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the hollow portion is substantially conical or frustoconical.

12. The moulded confectionary item of claim 11, wherein the mounting portion of each confectionery item comprises a shape having an upper boundary or face formed as a circular sector having a first radius and a substantially parallel lower face formed as a circular sector having a second radius which is smaller than the first radius.

13. The moulded confectionary item of any one of claims 1 to 10, the hollow portion is a substantially tetrahedral shape.

14. The moulded confectionary item of claim 13, wherein the mounting portion comprises a triangular upper boundary or face, a parallel triangular lower face, and side faces connecting the upper and lower faces.

15. The moulded confectionary item of claim 13, wherein the mounting portion comprises a quadrilateral upper boundary or face and a quadrilateral lower face, and side faces extending between the edges of the upper and lower faces.

16. An edible product comprising:- a container having an opening and a hollow interior portion, the opening and hollow interior portion having a predetermined shape; and- a plurality of moulded confectionery items engaged with the hollow interior portion, wherein each said moulded confectionery item comprises a display portion and a mounting portion, wherein the mounting portions cooperate to engage an internal surface or surfaces of the hollow interior portion to thereby securely engage the moulded confectionery items with the container, and the display portions are located outside the container.

17. The edible product of claim 16, wherein the mounting portions of each confectionery item are identical shapes and sizes.

18. The edible product of claim 16 or 17, wherein the confectionery items are identical shape and size.

19. The edible product of claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein the display portions cooperate to define a predetermined solid shape.

20. The edible product of claim 19, wherein the predetermined solid shape has at least one axis of symmetry.

21. The edible product of claim 19, wherein the predetermined solid shape has a plurality of axes of symmetry.

22. The moulded confectionary item of claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein the predetermined solid shape is hexahedral.

23. The moulded confectionary item of claim 19, 20, 21 or 22, wherein the predetermined solid shape has three square faces.

24. The edible product of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the predetermined solid shape is a cube.

25. The edible product of claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein the predetermined solid shape is substantially spherical or dome shaped.

26. The edible product of claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein, the predetermined solid shape is substantially frustoconical.

27. The edible product of any one of claims 16 to 26, wherein the container is substantially conical or is a substantially tetrahedral shape.

28. The edible product of any one of claims 16 to 27, wherein the hollow portion is substantially conical or frustoconical.

29. The edible product of any one of claims 16 to 27, wherein the hollow portion is a substantially tetrahedral shape.

30. The edible product of any one of claims 16 to 29, wherein the container is edible.

31. A method of making an edible product comprising; providing a container having an opening connected to a hollow interior portion, the opening and hollow interior portion having a predetermined shape; and inserting a plurality of moulded confectionery items into the hollow interior portion via the opening, wherein each said moulded confectionery item comprises a display portion and a mounting portion, wherein the mounting portions cooperate to engage an internal surface of the hollow interior portion to thereby securely engage the moulded confectionery items with the container, and the display portions are located outside the container.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the mounting portions of each confectionery item are identical shapes and sizes.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the confectionery items are identical shape and size.

34. The method of claim 31, 32 or 33, wherein the display portions cooperate to define a predetermined solid shape.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the predetermined solid shape has at least one axis of symmetry.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein the predetermined solid shape has a plurality of axes of symmetry.

37. The moulded confectionary item of claim 34, 35 or 36, wherein the predetermined solid shape is hexahedral.

38. The moulded confectionary item of claim 34, 35, 36 or 37, wherein the predetermined solid shape has three square faces.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the predetermined solid shape is a cube.

40. The method of claim 34, 35 or 36, wherein the predetermined solid shape is substantially spherical or dome shaped.

41. The method of claim 34, 35 or 36, wherein the predetermined solid shape is substantially frustoconical.

42. The method of any one of claims 31 to 41, wherein the container is substantially conical or is a substantially tetrahedral shape.

43. The method of any one of claims 31 to 42, wherein the hollow portion is substantially conical or frustoconical.

44. The method of any one of claims 31 to 42, wherein the hollow portion is a substantially tetrahedral shape.

45. The method of any one of claims 31 to 44, wherein the container is edible.

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