A device for manufacturing a food product that is essentially tower-shaped, assemblies and a corresponding method for manufacturing a food product

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a device (1) for manufacturing a food product, notably in the form of a tower, the device comprising a base (2) on which food is intended to be stacked, said base (2) comprising a plinth (22) and a spike (21) extending perpendicularly from said plinth (22). According to the disclosure, said device (1) comprises a mold (3), comprising a first half-shell (3a) and a second half-shell (3b), cooperating with said base (2) to form a receiving cavity (20) for said food skewered and stacked on said spike (10). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR MANUFACTURING A FOOD PRODUCT IN THE SHAPE OF A TOWER, ASSEMBLIES AND METHOD MANUFACTURING A CORRESPONDING FOOD PRODUCT Disclosure domain

[0001] The disclosure covers the agri-food sector, and in particular food products sold in butcher shops or in large and medium-sized retail outlets. More specifically, the disclosure concerns devices that aid in the production of food products, such as a tower obtained by stacking selected foodstuffs, including meats, fish, vegetables, or a mixture thereof.

[0002] Generally, these food towers are sold uncooked so that the customer can cook the food product themselves, for example in an oven or on a barbecue. These food products are also known as Christmas trees, meat skewers, kebabs, or pyramids. Previous art

[0003] It is known, in order to manufacture such food towers, to use a spindle on which a user manually stacks the different foods (meats, fish, vegetables, etc.) while trying to give a desired shape to this stack.

[0004] However, a drawback of this technique lies in the fact that stacking the different foods is relatively time-consuming, especially when one wishes to give the tower an aesthetically pleasing shape. This aesthetic criterion cannot be ignored in order to facilitate the sale of such products.

[0005] Another drawback of this technique is that, once the food is assembled on the spit, moving the so-called "finished" food product before cooking is relatively difficult. Indeed, the risk of some food falling off the spit if it is not properly secured is relatively high, as is the risk of the product deforming or sagging.

[0006] There is therefore a need to provide a new manufacturing solution for a food product in the form of a tower, obtained by stacking food, which is simple and quick to implement, which allows a regular and aesthetic shape of the product to be obtained while facilitating its transport / movement after manufacture. Disclosure Summary

[0007] The invention was conceived keeping these drawbacks of the prior art in mind. The invention relates more particularly to a device for manufacturing a food product generally in the form of a tower, the device comprising a base on which food is intended to be stacked, characterized in that said device comprises a mold cooperating with said base to form a housing for receiving said food stacked on said base.

[0008] It is thus possible to add food to be stacked on the base, by inserting it through the open upper part of the mold, while allowing the subsequent removal of the mold without affecting the food that has been stacked on it.

[0009] According to a particular feature, said base comprises a plinth and a spike extending perpendicularly to said plinth.

[0010] It is thus possible to secure the foods together by piercing them as they are done.

[0011] According to a particular feature, the mold comprising at least a first half-shell and a second half-shell, cooperating with said base to form the housing for receiving said food.

[0012] Thus, the disclosure provides a solution for simplifying the manufacture of a food product in the form of a tower or pyramid of food. Indeed, the implementation of a mold comprising two half-shells cooperating with the spit base facilitates the assembly of the food onto the spit. The mold contains the food, that is, holds it in position during stacking. This eliminates the risk of food falling and the tower collapsing during product manufacturing. Furthermore, the mold allows for a regular and repeatable shape of the food product. The aesthetic appeal of the food products is therefore also improved.

[0013] According to a particular feature, each of said first and second half-shells includes means for securing said base, said means for securing said half-shells to said base being located at the lower end of said half-shells.

[0014] Thus, the mold is suitable for receiving and holding the spindle base effectively and reliably.

[0015] According to a particular feature, each half-shell comprises a shoulder extending substantially over the entire periphery of the lower end of said half-shells and at least one lug extending opposite said shoulder and defining with said shoulder a receiving groove for said base.

[0016] Thus, the base is reliably held. Furthermore, the base is perfectly centered relative to the mold due to the implementation of the shoulder which is di Designed to accommodate the base securely. Depending on the specific design, the lug(s) extend only along part of the lower edge of the mold to facilitate gripping the base when assembling the half-shells. Furthermore, these lugs may also feature a chamfered edge to facilitate separation from the mold and thus the release of the finished food product.

[0017] According to a particular feature, the device includes reversible locking means of said first half-shell with said second half-shell.

[0018] Thus, the mold is held effectively and reliably on the spindle base. In this way, the user can assemble the food on the spindle without risk of the mold halves separating.

[0019] According to a particular feature, said reversible locking means comprise magnets arranged opposite each other on the lateral edges of said first and second half-shells.

[0020] The use of these magnets facilitates and assists the bringing of the half-shells together until they are joined. Furthermore, the magnetic force created by the magnets is sized to ensure optimal retention of the mold on the base without risk of unwanted separation. The magnets are also sized to allow for manual separation by the user. In addition, the magnets are sized and positioned on each half-shell to assist in centering / aligning the half-shells as they are brought together until they are locked.

[0021] According to a particular feature, each of said half-shells includes gripping means to facilitate the movement of said device and the separation of said half-shells.

[0022] Thus, the mold can be easily moved without risk of the food product falling. These gripping means are also designed to facilitate the separation of the two halves by the user during unmolding. These handles therefore allow the user to apply a separation force greater than the magnetic force created by the magnets.

[0023] According to a particular feature, the device includes first means of securing to another mold, called additional mold, arranged in a superimposed manner on said device.

[0024] Thus, it is possible to superimpose at least one additional mold on the device to allow the manufacture of taller food products. To do this, it is necessary to select a spindle whose peak dimensions correspond to the total height of the mold and the additional mold(s).

[0025] According to a particular feature, the device includes second means of securing to at least one other device for manufacturing a food product disposed adjacent to said device.

[0026] Thus, it is possible to obtain a row of several devices arranged in a juxtaposed manner in order to optimize the manufacture of a plurality of food products.

[0027] According to a particular feature, the mold is made of a food-grade plastic material.

[0028] Such a material makes it possible to comply with the hygiene standards applicable to the manufacture of food products.

[0029] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a food product manufacturing assembly in the form of a tower, said assembly comprising a device as previously described, and an additional mold arranged superimposed on said device.

[0030] Such an assembly allows the manufacture of food products of greater height.

[0031] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a food product manufacturing assembly in the form of a tower, said assembly comprising at least two devices as described above, said devices being arranged in a juxtaposed manner.

[0032] Such an assembly makes it possible to obtain a row of several devices arranged in a juxtaposed manner in order to optimize the manufacture of a plurality of food products on the chain.

[0033] According to a particular feature, said second means of securing said at least two devices comprise two gripping supports connecting respectively said first half-shells and said second half-shells of said at least two devices.

[0034] Thus, it is possible to assemble and separate the molds of all the devices in a single operation. In this way, the operations to be performed by the user are optimized and the manufacturing time is improved.

[0035] According to a particular feature, said assembly comprises at least two devices arranged in a juxtaposed manner, at least one of said at least two devices comprising at least one additional mold arranged in a superimposed manner on said at least device.

[0036] Such an assembly makes it possible to optimize the manufacture of a plurality of tall food products. It therefore combines the advantages of the assemblies described above.

[0037] According to a particular feature, when it includes at least two additional molds, said assembly includes said at least two additional molds, which include two gripping supports connecting respectively said first half-shells and said second half-shells of said at least two additional molds.

[0038] Thus, it is possible to assemble and separate the molds simultaneously in such a way so that the operations to be performed by the user are optimized and manufacturing time is improved.

[0039] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing one or more food products, in particular in the form of a food tower, implementing a manufacturing device as described above or a set of such devices as described above, said method comprising, for each device:

[0040] - the supply of said base comprising said plinth and said spike extending perpendicularly dicularly audit base;

[0041] - the positioning and locking of said half-shells of said mold with said base;

[0042] - optionally, the superposition of at least one additional mold;

[0043] - the assembly of said foods in said receiving space by drilling and em piling of said foods on said spike of said base;

[0044] - optionally, the relocation of said device or assembly to an area storage;

[0045] - the unmolding of said food product by separating said half-shells from said mussels.

[0046] Thus, such a process facilitates the manufacture of food towers or pyramids. The process also optimizes the manufacturing time of the food product while ensuring a regular shape. The various characteristics and aspects of the devices and device assemblies presented above can be combined. List of Figures

[0047] The disclosure, and its various advantages, will be more easily understood in light of the following description of an illustrative and non-limiting embodiment thereof, and the accompanying drawings, among which: - [Fig.1] is a perspective view of a device for manufacturing a food product according to the disclosure; - [Fig.2] is an exploded and perspective view of the device in [Fig.1]; - [Fig.3] is a side and cross-sectional view of the device in [Fig.1]; - [Fig.4] is an exploded side view and cross-section of the device in [Fig.1]; - [Fig. 5] is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the device of the [Fig.l] ; - [Fig.6] is an exploded view showing the assembly of the two half-hulls forming a mold for the device according to the disclosure; - [Fig.7] is a perspective view of an assembly comprising two devices in accordance with the disclosure arranged in a superimposed manner; - [Fig.8] is a partially exploded view of the whole of [Fig.7]; - [Fig.9] is a perspective view of an assembly comprising two devices in accordance with the disclosure arranged in a juxtaposed manner; - [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of an assembly comprising four disclosure-compliant devices arranged in a juxtaposed manner; - [Fig.1 1] is a perspective view showing a first mode of realization of the opening / closing of the whole of [Fig. 10]; - [Fig. 12] is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the opening / closing of the whole of [Fig. 10]; - [Fig. 13] is a perspective view of an assembly comprising two disclosure-compliant devices, each featuring an additional mold arranged superimposed on each device; - [Fig. 14] is a perspective view of an assembly comprising four disclosure-compliant devices, each featuring an additional mold superimposed on the device; and - [Fig. 15] is a schematic view of the process of manufacturing a food product in accordance with the disclosure using at least one device according to the disclosure. Detailed description

[0048] The general principle of the invention is based on the use of a mold around a base on which the food to be stacked (and possibly skewered) is placed. The mold is generally cylindrical (here circular, but it is understood that the mold could be rectangular, triangular, etc.) which allows the food product to be shaped as desired. For convenience, this base is hereafter referred to as the skewer due to the presence of a spike. The presence of this spike is not, however, mandatory, particularly in the case of small food items.

[0049] In one embodiment, the mold comprises, for example, two half-shells which are assembled together and which engage / cooperate with the spindle base so as to ensure optimal positioning of the mold relative to the spindle.

[0050] Preferably, the mold also has means for locking the half-shells together to allow easy manufacturing of the food product, thus limiting the risk of undesired opening of the mold during the manufacture of the food product.

[0051] The technique described also relates to an assembly comprising at least two devices, these devices being able to be arranged in a juxtaposed manner and / or on positioned relative to each other, as detailed later in this description.

[0052] The solution of the present invention thus makes it possible to facilitate and optimize the manufacture of food products in the form of a tower. Indeed, thanks to the implementation of the mold around the spit, the assembly of the product (i.e., the drilling and stacking of the food on the spit) is simplified, as is the demolding of the so-called "finished" product, which is also facilitated. The manufacture of the food product is therefore made simpler, faster, and safer by limiting the risk of injury to the user (by preventing accidental injury from the spit).

[0053] In addition, the implementation of the mold also makes it possible to obtain a food product with a regular shape and therefore more aesthetic.

[0054] The use of one or more molds according to this also makes it easier to transport and move the food product before unmolding.

[0055] More specifically, [Fig.1] illustrates a device 1 conforming to the disclosure for the manufacture of a food product in the form of a food tower.

[0056] In this embodiment, the device 1 comprises a base, or a pin, 2 having a plinth, or base disk, 22 of substantially circular shape and a spike 21 extending substantially perpendicularly to the plinth 22.

[0057] Preferably, the spike 21 extends from the center of the base 22, in particular for reasons of balance of the so-called "finished" food product, i.e. after unmolding, as described in more detail later in this description.

[0058] In addition, it is also preferable that the spike 21 be centered with respect to the base 22 so that the food product has an aesthetic presentation once unmolded, although this is not mandatory and depends essentially on the desired shape of the finished product.

[0059] The spike 21 extends substantially in a straight line and has at its end opposite the base 22 a point to facilitate the assembly of food on the skewer 2.

[0060] The spindle 2 can be made of wood, metal or plastic. These materials must meet the requirement of food compatibility.

[0061] In this embodiment, the device 1 comprises a mold 3, visible alone in [Fig. 6] in particular. The mold 3 comprises, for example, two half-shells, or half-supports, 3a and 3b, which are, for example, substantially symmetrical to facilitate its placement and attachment to the base 22. The mold 3 is designed to cooperate with the spindle 2 so that the inner walls of the mold 3, together with the base 22, form a receiving space 20 for the food skewered and stacked on the skewer 21 of the spindle 2.

[0062] The mold 3 has a shape and dimensions adapted to the spindle 2. There are therefore a multiplicity of dimensions for device 1, particularly with regard to the internal diameter and the height of the mold and peak 21, so as to meet all types of needs (industrial or artisanal use for example).

[0063] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the device 1 showing the spindle 2 located between the two half-shells 3a, 3b of the mold 3 before their assembly. During assembly, the half-shells 3a, 3b clamp onto the base 22 of the spindle 2.

[0064] Figures 3, 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views illustrating the assembly of the half-shells 3a, 3b with the base 22. To do this, the half-shells include means for solidifying the half-shells 3a, 3b with the base 22 of the spindle 2.

[0065] In this example, each of the half-shells 3a, 3b includes, at its lower edge, or lower end, 301 a shoulder 311. In other words, the outside diameter of the mold 3 is greater at the lower edge 301 (that is, the part of the mold 3 located at the base 22 once the device 1 is assembled) than on the rest of the mold 3 (that is, the part of the mold 3 opposite the peak 21 of the spindle 2).

[0066] In addition, each half-shell 3a, 3b includes at least one lug 312 disposed on the inner face of the mold 3 and facing the shoulder 311 so as to form a groove 313 for receiving the base 22 of the spindle 2. In other words, the lugs 312 are disposed / extend opposite the shoulder 311.

[0067] In this example, each half-shell 3a, 3b includes two lugs 312 arranged so that, when the half-shells 3a, 3b are assembled, the lugs are arranged regularly along the periphery of the lower end 301 of the mold 3.

[0068] The lugs 312 can extend substantially over the entire periphery of the lower end 301 of the mold 3. In an embodiment, the lugs 312 can extend over only a part of the total periphery of the lower end 301 of the mold 3.

[0069] Thus, the base 22 can be clamped simply and quickly between the two half-shells 3a, 3b and the retention of the base 22 in the groove 313 is reliable, without risk of untimely displacement of the base 22 relative to the half-shells 3a, 3b.

[0070] The fact that the lugs 312 do not extend along the entire periphery of the lower end of the mold 3 prevents a "suction" effect from being created between the base 22 and the half-shells 3a, 3b when the base 22 is emptied, i.e., when the half-shells 3a, 3b are opened / separated. Indeed, the use of a marinade, for example, in preparing the food product can create such an effect. Furthermore, this also allows the juice / liquid from the food pierced and stacked on the skewer 2 to drain.

[0071] In addition, it is possible to provide a chamfered edge (not illustrated) on the lug 312 so as to facilitate the release of the base 22 and therefore of the finished food product, This is particularly true when using marinades, meat, or fish that are considered "sticky," as these can cause significant adhesion to the inner wall of one or both half-shells 3a and 3b, thus preventing the release of the base 22 or the finished food product. Indeed, the use of certain foods can cause the finished food product to remain slightly stuck to one or both half-shells.

[0072] The device 1, in this embodiment example, further includes locking means 32 of the half-shells 3a, 3b together and in the assembled position in which they enclose the base 22.

[0073] In this example, illustrated in [Fig. 6], the fastening means 32 are in the form of magnets 321 arranged on the lateral / adjacent edges 302 of the half-shells 3a, 3b. For example, each lateral edge 302 comprises two magnets 321a, 321b arranged at a distance from each other. For example, a first magnet 321a is located substantially on the upper part (i.e., in the upper half) of the lateral edge 302 of the half-shell, while a second magnet 321b is located on the lower part (i.e., in the lower half) of the lateral edge 302 of the half-shell. The second magnet 321b is arranged near the shoulder 311.

[0074] Thus, the presence of these magnets 321 facilitates the assembly of the half-shells 3a, 3b, which is then carried out naturally and effortlessly for the user. Indeed, the magnets 321 are arranged so that the two half-shells 3a, 3b come together and are held in place by the magnetic force created by the magnets 321.

[0075] Furthermore, the magnets 321 are sized to ensure that the magnetic force created provides sufficient force to keep the half-shells in position when food is placed inside the mold 3. In particular, this magnetic force is sufficient to prevent the mold from opening when the user places food in the mold 3, even if it is sometimes necessary for the user to exert some involuntary force against the inner walls of the mold 3 to properly place the food.

[0076] However, the magnets 321 are also sized so that the magnetic force is not too high, so as to allow easy separation of the two half-shells 3a,3b when it is desired to unmold the finished food product, in particular by pulling on the gripping means 33 which are described in the rest of this description.

[0077] In addition, the magnets are also configured / sized to assist in guiding / centering the half-shells as they are brought together until they are joined. In this way, the clamping of the base 22 is facilitated.

[0078] Furthermore, the magnets 321 can be coated with a coating resistant to the corrosion and can be press-fitted into the half-shells 3a, 3b. In one variant, the magnets 321 can be molded into the half-shells 3a, 3b so that they are not visible / apparent on the lateral edges 302, without this having an adverse effect on the magnetic force created.

[0079] The use of magnets 321 and lugs 312 further facilitates the gripping of the base 22 during the assembly of the half-shells 3a, 3b. The magnetic force created by the magnets 321, as well as the shape and arrangement of the lugs 312, helps to guide the base 22 to the bottom of the groove 313 and ensures optimal retention of the base 22. The assembly of the base 22 with the half-shells 3a, 3b is therefore carried out in a substantially automatic manner.

[0080] This example describes locking means 32 preferably in the form of magnets 321. It is understood that other fastening means could be considered to ensure optimal positioning and retention of the half-shells together without departing from the general principle described here. In particular, wing nuts and screws could also be used instead of or in addition to magnets. In another example, fastening clips, each clip having a male part on one half-shell and a corresponding female part on the other half-shell, could also be used in addition to or instead of magnets. In yet another example, one or more hose clamps can also be used in addition to or instead of the fastening means described above.

[0081] Preferably, the mold 3 includes, on each of the half-shells 3a, 3b, gripping means 33 which allow the user, on the one hand, to position the half-shells 3a, 3b before their assembly, and on the other hand, to separate the half-shells 3a, 3b when demolding the finished food product.

[0082] In this example, illustrated in particular in [Fig. 1], the gripping means 33 are in the form of handles 331 located approximately halfway up the half-shells 3a, 3b. More precisely, these handles 331 are situated between the first 321a and second 321b magnets so that the force applied by the user to the handles 331 during the separation of the half-shells 3a, 3b is optimally distributed, thus facilitating the separation of the magnets 321. In other words, this positioning of the handles 331 makes it easier to apply a separation force greater than the magnetic force of the magnets 321.

[0083] In this example, when the half-shells 3a, 3b are assembled, the handles 331 of each of the half-shells come opposite each other.

[0084] Furthermore, the device 1 preferably includes first means for securing 34 to another mold 3*. More precisely, these first means for securing 34 allow the superimposition of another mold 3*, called the additional mold, of so as to allow the manufacture of a food product with a greater height, as illustrated in figures 7 and 8. The superposition of an additional mold 3* on a device 1 makes it possible to obtain a set 9 for the manufacture of a food product.

[0085] Preferably, to obtain such an assembly 9, the dimensions of the spindle 2 are selected to correspond to the total height of the two superimposed molds 3, 3*. It is understood that it is possible to superimpose a greater number of additional molds 3* on top of each other to manufacture a food product of the desired height.

[0086] In this example, the first fastening means 34 are in the form of long-line stops 341 extending substantially parallel to the upper edge 303 of the mold 3. More precisely, each half-shell 3a, 3b includes at least one stop 341. The stops 341 of the half-shells are arranged identically in order to guarantee optimal positioning of the additional mold 3*.

[0087] According to the illustrated example, the stops 341 of the lower module 3 are dimensioned so that the half-shells 3a*, 3b* of the additional module 3* are assembled in such a way as to clamp the stops 341 of the lower module 3, as illustrated in [Fig. 8]. In this way, the stops 341 are received in the groove 313 of the additional mold 3*. Thus, the retention and centering of the additional mold 3* is optimal.

[0088] Device 1 can also include second means of joining 35. More specifically, these second means of joining 35 allow the juxtaposition of at least one other device 1', called additional device, in order to obtain a set 9' for manufacturing several food products, as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10. Such a set 9' makes it possible to optimize the mass production of several food products.

[0089] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate examples of assemblies 9' comprising respectively two and four juxtaposed devices. It is readily understood that a desired number of devices can be joined together without deviating from the general principle of disclosure.

[0090] In these examples, two gripping supports 351a, 351b are arranged on either side of the devices 1, 1', 1" and 1"'. More precisely, a first gripping support 351a is attached to the first half-shells 3a, 3a', 3a", 3a'" located on one side of the devices 1, 1', 1" and 1'", while a second gripping support 351b is attached to the second half-shells 3b, 3b', 3b", 3'" located on the other side of the devices 1, 1', 1" and 1'".

[0091] In this way, it is possible to open and close several molds 3, 3', 3”, 3’” simultaneously, so as to facilitate and accelerate the manufacture of food products. Furthermore, this juxtaposed arrangement of the devices allows for orderly manufacturing. Food products are processed efficiently because it's possible to add the same ingredient almost simultaneously to each container (for example, layering meat first, then vegetables, then meat again, etc.), ensuring that each food product is virtually identical. This results in significant time savings and allows for high-speed preparation. It also ensures that the food products are virtually identical.

[0092] The securing of the gripping supports 351a, 351b to said half-shells is preferably carried out at the level of the handles 331, via the second securing means 35 which further include a fixing screw mechanism 352 cooperating with tapped holes 353 provided in the handles 331.

[0093] It is obviously understood that other solutions for fixing the gripping supports 351a, 351b on the handles 331 can be envisaged without departing from the general principle of disclosure, such as gluing, welding, riveting, press fitting, etc.

[0094] According to a first approach, illustrated in [Fig. 12], the gripping supports 351a, 351b are not connected to each other. Thus, the opening of the molds 3 is achieved by separating the gripping supports 351a, 351b in substantially opposite directions (Fl, Fl'). The closing of the molds is achieved by a reverse movement.

[0095] According to a second approach, illustrated in [Fig. 11], the gripping supports 351a, 351b are connected to each other by a pivot joint 354. Thus, the molds are opened by pivoting / rotating the gripping supports 351a, 351b relative to each other in substantially opposite directions of rotation (F2, F2'). The molds are closed by a reverse movement. It is also possible to eliminate the pivot joint 354 and achieve such a pivoting movement of the half-shells 3a, 3b relative to each other by means of the magnetic force created by the magnets 321.

[0096] This second approach is particularly advantageous in the case of a large number of devices juxtaposed and connected to each other because the pivot link 354 makes it possible to obtain a lever arm facilitating the opening of the molds.

[0097] In both approaches, the closing of the set of molds can always be facilitated by the implementation of the magnets 321. The closing of the set of molds can also, in addition or alternatively, be carried out by other means, such as clamping means (clamping collar) arranged on the gripping supports 351a, 351b themselves.

[0098] The gripping supports 351a, 351b also ensure reliable movement and / or transport of several manufacturing devices, for example from a work surface to a presentation dish, a refrigerator, a display case refrigerated, etc. Indeed, the food products are optimally maintained by the molds, thus avoiding any risk of degradation, food falling, etc.

[0099] In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in figures 13 and 14, it is possible to combine the juxtaposition of devices as well as the superposition of additional molds on these devices.

[0100] To do this, it is possible to use gripping supports 351a, 351b to connect / join together a plurality of additional molds 3* (without pin 2) so as to form a row or set 30 of additional molds 3* intended to be arranged in a superimposed manner on an assembly 9' as described in relation to figures 9 to 12.

[0101] It is thus possible to manufacture a plurality of tall food products quickly and efficiently. Figures 13 and 14 illustrate two examples of such a 9” assembly. It is easy to see that it is possible to design 9” assemblies comprising a larger number of devices and additional molds. It is also possible to designate that not all devices 1 have a superimposed additional mold 3*.

[0102] In other words, a very large number of configurations are possible without departing from the general principle of disclosure. For example, although the mold description specifies that it is in two parts, it is possible to consider molds in several distinct parts, for example, three or four parts, depending on the operational implementation conditions. For example, a three- or four-part mold may be advantageous when assembling a large food aggregate. Thus, it is entirely conceivable, in the description given above, to replace a two-part mold with a mold in more than two parts.Conversely, for small food aggregates, it is possible to have a one-piece mold, which would be positioned on the spindle, according to the principles and explanations given previously, and which would include means of securing it to this spindle, for example in the form of magnets, as explained previously.

[0103] The disclosure also relates to a process 8 for manufacturing one or more food products, particularly in the form of food towers. Such a process, illustrated in [Fig. 15], employs a manufacturing device 1 as described above or one of the assemblies 9, 9', 9” described above. The process 8 comprises, for each device 1:

[0104] - the supply 81 of a pin 2 comprising a base 22 and a spike 21 extending perpendicular to base 22;

[0105] - the positioning and locking 82 of the half-shells 3a, 3b with the base 22;

[0106] - the assembly 83 of the food in the receiving space 20 by drilling and em- piling the food onto the skewer 21 of the spit 2;

[0107] - the unmolding 84 of the food product by separating the half-shells from the molds.

[0108] Optionally, the process may include, prior to the assembly 83 of the food, the superposition 82' of at least one additional mold 3* when it is desired to manufacture a food product of significant height.

[0109] Optionally, the process may include, prior to demolding 84, moving 83' the device 1 or the assembly 9, 9', 9" to a storage area, such as a refrigerator or a refrigerated display case, for example.

[0110] Such a process, thanks to the disclosure device, facilitates the manufacture of food towers or pyramids. The process also optimizes the manufacturing time of the food product while ensuring a regular shape.

Claims

Demands

1. A device (1) for manufacturing a food product having overall the form of a tower, the device comprising a base (2) on which food is intended to be stacked, said base (2) comprising a plinth (22) and a spike (21) extending perpendicularly from said plinth (22), characterized in that said device (1) comprises a mold (3) cooperating with said base (2) to form a receiving cavity (20) for said food stacked on said base (2), said mold (3) comprising at least a first half-shell (3a) and a second half-shell (3b), cooperating with said base (2) to form said receiving cavity (20) for said food, each of said first (3a) and second (3b) half-shells comprising means for securing (31) to said plinth (22) located at the lower end (301) of said half-shells (3a, 3b),said fastening means (31) comprising a shoulder (311) extending substantially over the entire periphery of the lower end (301) of said half-shells (3a, 3b) and at least one lug (312) extending opposite said shoulder (311) and defining with said shoulder (311) a receiving groove (313) for said base (22).

2. Device (1) for manufacturing a food product according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises reversible locking means (32) of said first half-shell (3a) with said second half-shell (3b).

3. Device (1) for manufacturing a food product according to claim 2, characterized in that said reversible locking means (32) comprise magnets (321) arranged opposite each other on the lateral edges (302) of said first (3a) and second (3b) half-shells.

4. Device (1) for manufacturing a food product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises first means for securing (34) to another mold (3*), called additional mold, arranged in a superimposed manner on said device (1).

5. Device (1) for manufacturing a food product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises second means for attaching (35) to at least one other device for manufacturing a food product (1', 1”, 1'”) arranged in such a way adjacent to said device (1).

6. Assembly (9) for manufacturing a food product in the form of a tower, said assembly comprising a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and an additional mold (3*) arranged superimposed on said device (1).

7. Assembly (9') for manufacturing a food product in the form of a tower, said assembly comprising at least two devices (1, 1', 1”, 1'”) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, said devices (1, 1', 1”, 1'”) being arranged in a juxtaposed manner.

8. Assembly (9') according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises said second means of securing (35) said at least two devices (1, 1', 1”, 1'”) according to claim 7, these second means of securing (35) comprise two gripping supports (351a, 351b) respectively connecting said first half-shells (3a) and said second half-shells (3b) of said at least two devices (1, 1', 1”, 1'”).

9. Assembly (9”) according to claims 7 and 8, characterized in that said assembly comprises at least two devices (1, 1', 1”, 1'”) arranged in a juxtaposed manner, at least one of said at least two devices (1, 1', 1”, 1”') comprising at least one additional mold (3') arranged in a superimposed manner on said at least device.

10. A method (8) for manufacturing one or more food products, in particular in the form of a food tower, employing a manufacturing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or an assembly (9, 9', 9") according to any one of claims 6 to 9, said method (8) comprising, for each device (1, 1', 1", 1"): - providing said base (2) comprising said plinth (22) and said spike (21) extending perpendicularly from said plinth (22); - positioning and locking (82) said half-shells (3a, 3b) of said mold (3, 3', 3", 3'") with said plinth (22); - optionally, the superposition (82') of at least one additional mold (3*); - assembling (83) said food products in said receiving space (20) by drilling and stacking said foods on said spike (21) of said base (2); - optionally, the movement (83') of said device (1) or of said assembly (9, 9', 9") to a storage area;- the unmolding (84) of said food product by separation of said; half-shells of said mussels (3, 3',3 3'”, 3*).

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