Confectionery

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a confectionery with improved amusement value. [Solution] A confectionery 1 comprises a body portion, a character portion C1 formed in the body portion, and a background portion formed in the body portion around the character portion C1. The background portion includes a first background portion 31 not including character information 38, and a second background portion 32 including the character information 38. A first region 31a surrounded by the second background portion 32 and the character portion C1 in the first background portion 31 is configured to be separable after the second background portion 32 is separated. After the second background portion 32 is separated, the first region 31a surrounded by the second background portion 32 and the character portion C1 in the first background portion 31 is in a state where an opposite side (outer side) to the character portion C1 is opened, making it easier to separate the first region 31a.

Description

Confectionery

[0001] The present invention relates to confectionery.

[0002] Conventionally, as confectionery, for example, in Patent Document 1, there is disclosed a configuration of "pouring molten chocolate into a mold, solidifying and forming a chocolate confectionery having a peripheral shape conforming to the inside of the mold, a three-dimensional shape / patterned surface along the bottom surface of the inside of the mold, and a required thickness, and dividing this chocolate confectionery into a required number of pieces by cutting lines that intersect in the vertical and horizontal directions at a required interval, which is characterized as puzzle chocolate".

[0003] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-61289

[0004] In Patent Document 1, in a chocolate confectionery, chocolate made into a puzzle by providing cutting lines is disclosed. However, this confectionery only has ways of playing such as cutting a predetermined pattern with the cutting lines and assembling it into the original pattern, without any change in taste and with few types of ways of playing, and thus has problems in its interestingness.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a confectionery with improved interestingness.

[0006] A confectionery according to one aspect of the present invention is a confectionery comprising a main body portion, a character portion formed on the main body portion, and a background portion formed on the main body portion around the character portion. The background portion includes a first background portion not including character information and a second background portion including character information. A first region surrounded by the second background portion and the character portion in the first background portion is configured to be dividable after the division of the second background portion.

[0007] According to the present invention, a confectionery with improved interestingness can be provided.

[0008] It is a plan view of a confectionery according to one aspect of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the confectionery shown in FIG. 1. It is a cross-sectional view of a portion along the line A-A in FIG. 1. It is a plan view showing an example of the initial stage of the extraction operation of the confectionery. It is a perspective view showing another example of the method of separating and extracting the character.

[0009] Hereinafter, a confectionery according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. Figure 1 is a plan view of confectionery 1. Figure 2 is a perspective view of confectionery 1. The confectionery 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is made of chocolate as the confectionery material, and its shape is a rectangular, plate-shaped chocolate confectionery with four sides: an upper end 10a, a lower end 10b, a left end 10c, and a right end 10d. In plan view, a character part C1 is formed in the approximate central region of confectionery 1, which is formed with a rectangular main body part 10 as the base part. A first background part 31 and a second background part 32 are provided around the character part C1 as background parts. A first groove part 41 is provided between the character part C1 and the background parts (first background part 31 and second background part 32), and as will be described later, the character part C1 can be identified. In addition, pictures and designs are drawn on the surface of the character part C1 and the background parts by the second groove part 42.

[0010] The character section C1 is designed with a diagonal inclination as shown in the illustration to express the character's movement and size. In the first background section 31, inclined second grooves 42 create background lines that enhance the character's movement. These background lines are straight lines and are drawn as radial lines in the composition of the illustration, for example, with a focal point to the upper right outside the confectionery 1. In the first background section 31, the background sections adjacent to the upper end 10a, left end 10c, and right end 10d are configured as a second region 31b that is relatively easy to divide, as will be described later. This second region 31b is provided on both the left and right sides and above the character section C1.

[0011] Furthermore, within the second region 31b, a third background section 33 is provided, which is shaped to follow the inclined background effect lines and is a different color from the first background section 31.

[0012] The confectionery 1 has a second region 31b that is relatively easy to divide, and a first region 31a that is difficult to divide, which is provided as an independent region not connected to the second region 31b. The first region 31a is the region of the first background region 31 surrounded by the second background region 32 along the lower end 10b and the character region C1, and is the region shown inside the dashed line E1 in the figure. In this way, the first background region 31 is configured to sandwich the character region C1 between the first region 31a below the character's legs and the second region 31b other than below the legs.

[0013] In the first region 31a, the first background portion 31 has a straight section adjacent to the second background portion 32, and as shown in the figure, it is longer in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction. In other words, as will be described later, the first region 31a is configured to be separable because it is neither circular nor polygonal. Also, in a plan view, the size of the first region 31a is smaller than the total size of the second region 31b (both left and right sides, and the top).

[0014] Furthermore, the surface of the second background section is provided with textual information 38 that describes the character, as well as the character's distinctive mark.

[0015] The character part C1 has a first groove 41 formed around its periphery, which separates it from the first background part 31 and the second background part 32, following the contour of the character. A first groove 41 is also formed between the first background part 31 and the second background part 32. Inside the character part C1, a first groove 41 is also provided between the parts of the character part C1, which separates those parts. This first groove 41 is formed to be deeper than the second groove 42 (see Figure 3).

[0016] The first region 31a has a first groove 41 formed in its outer edge portion, that is, in the portion adjacent to the character portion C1 and the second background portion 32. Thus, the first region 31a is surrounded by the first groove 41, and furthermore, multiple second grooves 42 connected to the first groove 41 are formed inside the first groove 41.

[0017] In this embodiment, the first background section 31 and the second background section 32 have different colors from, for example, the character section C1. The first background section 31 is composed of a single brown color, and the second background section 32 is formed of a non-brown color, for example, pink. Furthermore, the first background section 31 and the second background section 32 have different thicknesses. The second background section 32 is formed to the same thickness as the character section C1. The third background section 33 is composed of the same color as the second background section 32, and its thickness is also the same as the second background section 32.

[0018] In the first background section 31 shown in Figure 1, for example, its color scheme is brown (regular chocolate flavor). In the second background section 32, it is pink (strawberry chocolate flavor). The character section C1 is mostly made of white (white chocolate) material, with some parts made of beige (caramel flavor).

[0019] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the portion along line A-A in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, each colored portion of the confectionery 1 is formed as a layer of a predetermined thickness, with each color having its own layer. For example, the main body portion 10 has a multi-colored pattern on its front surface 10f, but the back surface 10r is composed of only one color. For example, the character portion C1, the first background portion 31, and the second background portion 32 are laminated on the front surface 10f side of the main body portion 10 as different materials (materials with different colors, flavors, and aromas) from the main body portion 10.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the first groove 41 is formed to be quite deep, reaching down to the main body 10. That is, the bottom of the first groove 41 is located deeper than the surface of the first background 31, making it the most likely place to break when separating or dividing the confectionery 1. On the other hand, the second groove 42 is not as deep as the first groove 41, but it has a portion that connects to the first groove 41, as well as portions that connect to the upper end 10a and the left and right ends 10c and 10d (see Figure 2).

[0021] The second background section is configured such that its formed height (thickness t3) is the same as the character section C1 (thickness t2). Furthermore, the thickness of the second background section 32 and the character section C1 is smaller than the thickness (t1) of the main body section 10.

[0022] Furthermore, the character information 38 provided in the second background section 32 consists of characters that emphasize and characterize the character, such as the character's name. This character information 38 may have either a recessed or raised configuration.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the main body 10 is made of chocolate containing puffs 60. Here, the first background 31 may be formed at the same time as the main body 10, or it may be formed thinly on top of the main body 10. For example, when forming the main body 10, the puffs 60 are solidified so that they are mostly contained on the underside (bottom side) of the main body 10, and the bottom surface of the back side 10r (bottom side in the figure) of the main body 10 becomes slightly uneven. However, on the front side 10f (top side in the figure) of the main body 10, the unevenness caused by the puffs 60 is hardly formed during the solidification process of the chocolate material, and a nearly flat surface made of chocolate is formed.

[0024] Furthermore, the character section C1, the second background section 32, and the third background section 33 do not contain puffs 60. As a result, the confectionery 1 not only has different flavors depending on the part, but the proportion of puffs 60 relative to the total amount of chocolate differs depending on the part that is eaten, resulting in a significantly different texture.

[0025] Figure 4 is a plan view showing an example of the operation for separating the confectionery 1. When separating the character part C1 of the confectionery 1, for example, first, the fingertips 61 of the left hand grasp the second region 31b on the upper left side of the first background part 31. Then, with the fingertips 62 of the other hand, the right hand, grasp the front and back of the region on the left side of the character part C1 that is opposite to the right fingers. In this grasping state, by bending the confectionery 1 in the direction of its thickness, it can be divided linearly along the second groove 42 by the dividing line BL1, as shown in Figure 4. In this way, the second region 31b can be divided to a certain extent using the second groove 42. In addition, the second region 31b and the character part C1 can be separated and divided using the first groove 41.

[0026] The second background portion 32 can be separated and divided from the first background portion 31 and the character portion C1 along the lower end portion 10b. By separating the second background portion 32, the first region 31a exposes the relatively thin edge 31d of the background portion, as shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, as described above, the first region 31a is provided with multiple second grooves 42 connected to the first groove 41, making it possible to divide the first region 31a using the first groove 41 and the second grooves 42.

[0027] Figure 5 is a plan view showing another example of how to divide the character. In the case shown in Figure 5, for example, division by fingertips as shown in Figure 4 is possible, but as a dividing tool 70, a tool 70 with a relatively thin tip, such as a bamboo spatula, spoon, or fork, can be used. In the illustration, the state in which the first region 31a is divided with the tool 70 after the second background portion 32 has been divided is shown. In this case, for example, the tip 71 of the tool 70, which is held with the fingertip 62, is applied to the place to be divided and pressed. This operation concentrates pressure on a narrow area relative to the main body portion 10. By repeating this operation in small increments, it is possible to effectively separate and divide the character portion C1.

[0028] Furthermore, in the division operation using the device 70, the device 70 can be used while the confectionery 1 remains in the confectionery container 80.

[0029] The confectionery container 80 is made of paper or resin and is used to protect the confectionery 1 when it is sold. In other words, the confectionery 1 is sold in the confectionery container 80 and wrapped in a cosmetic packaging bag. Therefore, the surface area of ​​the confectionery container 80 is larger than the size of the confectionery 1. Also, the depth (t5) of the confectionery container 80 is equal to or greater than the thickness (t4) of the confectionery 1 (see Figure 2).

[0030] Within the confectionery container 80 configured in this way, the separation operation can be performed by crushing with the pointed tip 71 of the tool 70. At this time, fine separation pieces 90 are released from the first background portion 31. However, by using the confectionery container 80, the scattering of the separation pieces 90 is avoided, and the separation pieces 90 are contained in the internal space SP of the confectionery container 80 as shown in the figure.

[0031] Unlike the case where the character part C1 is successfully separated, if the separation fails and it breaks in various places, the broken pieces of candy become a mixture of the character area, the second background part 32, and the first background part 31. As a result, the taste, aroma, and texture of the candy pieces vary as they are mixed together in each piece of candy 1. In this way, even a failed separation can be enjoyed for its variations in taste, and the success or failure of separating and separating the character allows for the enjoyment of different tastes, aromas, and textures of candy 1.

[0032] As described above, in the confectionery 1 of this embodiment, in the first background portion 31, the first region 31a surrounded by the second background portion 32 and the character portion C1 is left open on the opposite side (outside) from the character portion C1 after the second background portion 32 is divided (not surrounded by the thick second background portion 32), making it easy to divide.

[0033] Furthermore, in the confectionery 1 of this embodiment, the color of the first background portion 31 is formed with a different color from that of the second background portion 32, making it easier to recognize the position of the first region 31a.

[0034] In the confectionery 1 of this embodiment, a second region 31b, which is relatively easy to divide and has no restrictions on the order of division, and a first region 31a (a region with high division difficulty) which has restrictions on the order of division, are each coexisting as independent regions in a position surrounding the character part C1 (a position sandwiching the character part C1), thereby allowing for variations in how the character part C1 is identified.

[0035] Furthermore, in the confectionery 1 of this embodiment, the second region 31b is configured to have a larger area than the first region 31a, so that it does not become too difficult to identify the character part C1.

[0036] In the present embodiment of the confectionery 1, the first region 31a has a shape other than circular or polygonal, so that the division operation does not become too difficult. Furthermore, the adjacent parts of the first background portion 31 and the second background portion 32 of the first region 31a are configured in a straight line, and a first groove (a relatively deep groove) is provided in the adjacent part, making it easier to separate the second background portion 32 surrounding the first region 31a.

[0037] Furthermore, in the confectionery 1 of this embodiment, a first groove 41 is provided between the first region 31a and the character portion C1, so that the first region 31a can be separated using the first groove 41. Moreover, a second groove 42 connected to the first groove 41 is formed in the first region 31a, making the separation operation within the first region 31a even easier.

[0038] In this embodiment of the confectionery 1, the character can be separated using the tip of the tool 70, and this can be done while the confectionery 1 is inside the confectionery container 80. The confectionery container 80 has a storage depth (t5) that is equal to or greater than the thickness (t4) of the confectionery 1, which prevents the scattering of the confectionery pieces (separated pieces 90) that are crushed by pressing against the tool 70. As a result, after enjoying separating the character from the confectionery 1, the finely crushed confectionery pieces can be kept inside the container and made easy to eat.

[0039] In the confectionery 1 of this aspect, since the main body portion 10 includes the main body portion 10 containing the puff 60, the texture can be enjoyed in combination with the taste. Further, by including the puff 60, not only does it create a change in texture, but it is also relatively easy to break even if the thickness of the main body portion 10 is large. Also, since the first type of character portion C1 and the second type of character portion C2 do not include the puff 60, a smooth surface can be formed and a detailed picture can be formed.

[0040] As described above, one aspect of the present invention has been explained, but the present invention can be appropriately modified within the scope of its technical idea. For example, in the above aspect, the configuration is such that one first region 31a is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a configuration in which a plurality of first regions 31b are provided may also be possible.

[0041] Also, in the above aspect, the confectionery is made mainly of chocolate, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, as long as it is a material that is somewhat hardened, such as cookies, there is no particular limitation.

[0042] As described above, the following matters are described in this specification.

[0043] (1) A confectionery, comprising: a main body portion; a character portion formed on the main body portion; and a background portion formed on the main body portion and surrounding the character portion, the background portion including a first background portion not including character information and a second background portion including character information, and a first region in the first background portion surrounded by the second background portion and the character portion being configured to be dividable after the second background portion is divided.

[0044] (2) The confectionery according to (1), wherein a second region in the first background portion not surrounded by the second background portion and the character portion is configured to be dividable before the second background portion is divided.

[0045] (3) The confectionery according to (2), wherein the first background portion is configured such that the first region and the second region are not connected.

[0046] (4) The confectionery according to (2) or (3), wherein the first region and the second region are formed separately from each other.

[0047] (5) The confectionery according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein the first region and the second region are formed such that the character part is located between them.

[0048] (6) The confectionery according to any one of (2) to (5), wherein the first background part is configured such that the total size of the second region is larger than the total size of the first region.

[0049] (7) The confectionery according to any one of (2) to (6), wherein the main body part is configured to be dividable including the character part and the background part, and the first region is configured to have a higher degree of difficulty in division than the second region.

[0050] (8) The confectionery according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the first region is configured to have a shape excluding a circular shape and a polygonal shape.

[0051] (9) The confectionery according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the first background part is configured such that a part adjacent to the second background part in the first region is linear.

[0052] (10) The confectionery according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein a first groove part is formed around the first region of the first background part.

[0053] (11) The confectionery according to (10), wherein the first groove part is formed in a part of the first background part adjacent to the character part.

[0054] (12) The confectionery according to (10) or (11), wherein the first groove part is formed in a part of the first background part adjacent to the second background part.

[0055] (13) A confectionery according to any one of (10) to (12), wherein the first background portion has a second groove portion in the first region that is different from the first groove portion.

[0056] (14) A confectionery according to any one of (2) to (7), wherein the first background portion has a first groove formed around the first region and a second groove different from the first groove formed in the second region.

[0057] (15) A confectionery according to (13) or (14), wherein the first groove is formed to be deeper than the second groove.

[0058] (16) A confectionery according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein the main body portion comprises one or more of the first regions.

[0059] (17) A confectionery according to any one of (1) to (16), wherein the first background portion is configured such that its color is different from the color of the second background portion.

[0060] (18) A confectionery according to any one of (1) to (17), wherein the second background portion is configured to be thicker than the first background portion.

[0061] (19) A confectionery described in any one of (1) to (18), wherein the second background portion has the same thickness as the character portion.

[0062] 1 Confectionery 10 Main body 31 First background part (background part) 31a First area 31b Second area 32 Second background part (background part) 38 Text information 41 First groove part 42 Second groove part 60 Puff C1 Character part

Claims

1. A confectionery comprising: a main body; a character part formed on the main body; and a background part formed on the main body surrounding the character part, wherein the background part includes a first background part that does not contain text information and a second background part that contains text information, and the first region of the first background part enclosed by the second background part and the character part is configured to be separable after the second background part is divided.

2. The confectionery according to claim 1, wherein the second region of the first background portion that is not enclosed by the second background portion and the character portion is configured to be separable before the second background portion is divided.

3. The confectionery according to claim 2, wherein the first background portion is configured such that the first region and the second region are not connected.

4. The confectionery according to claim 2, wherein the first region and the second region are formed spaced apart from each other.

5. The confectionery according to claim 2, wherein the first region and the second region are formed such that the character portion is located between them.

6. The confectionery according to claim 2, wherein the first background portion is configured such that the total size of the second region is greater than the total size of the first region.

7. The confectionery according to claim 2, wherein the main body is configured to be separable including the character part and the background part, and the first region is configured to be more difficult to separate than the second region.

8. A confectionery according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first region is composed of a shape other than a circular or polygonal shape.

9. A confectionery according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first background portion is configured such that the portion adjacent to the second background portion in the first region is linear.

10. A confectionery according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first background portion has a first groove formed around the first region.

11. The confectionery according to claim 10, wherein the first background portion has the first groove portion formed in a portion adjacent to the character portion.

12. The confectionery according to claim 10, wherein the first background portion has the first groove portion formed in a portion adjacent to the second background portion.

13. A confectionery according to claim 10, wherein the first background portion has a second groove portion formed in the first region that is different from the first groove portion.

14. A confectionery according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the first background portion has a first groove formed around the first region and a second groove different from the first groove formed in the second region.

15. The confectionery according to claim 13, wherein the first groove is formed to be deeper than the second groove.

16. A confectionery according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the main body portion is composed of one or more of the first regions.

17. A confectionery according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first background portion is configured such that its color is different from the color of the second background portion.

18. A confectionery according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second background portion is configured to be thicker than the first background portion.

19. A confectionery according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second background portion is configured to have the same thickness as the character portion.

Images