Foodstuff Crafting Apparatus, Components, Assembly, and Method for Utilizing the Same

Abstract

A crafting apparatus that performs work on a workpiece is disclosed. The workpiece includes, for example, an edible foodstuff material. In an embodiment, the edible foodstuff material includes nutritional value and is consumable by, for example, human beings, animals or the like.

1 . A crafting apparatus ( 10 ) that performs work on a workpiece (W), comprising:
 a body ( 14 ) forming an interior compartment ( 16 ) that houses one or more assemblies ( 18 ,  18 ′) including one or more working components ( 20 ,  20 ′), wherein the one or more working components ( 20 ,  20 ′) include
 a shaping head ( 20   c ) including a blunt distal end ( 44   c ), 
 a stamping head ( 20   d ) including a distal stamping end ( 44   d ), 
 a punching head ( 20   e ) including a substantially flat distal end ( 44   e ), and 
 an icing head ( 20   f ) including an icing evacuation orifice formed in a distal end ( 44   f ) of the icing head ( 20   f ). 
   
     
     
         2 . The crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the shaping head ( 20   c ) provides means for debossing the workpiece (W). 
     
     
         3 . The crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the stamping head ( 20   d ) provides means for stamping the workpiece (W). 
     
     
         4 . The crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the punching head ( 20   e ) provides means for punching out a thickness of the workpiece (W). 
     
     
         5 . The crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the icing head ( 20   f ) provides means for depositing a bead of icing onto the workpiece (W). 
     
     
         6 . A crafting apparatus ( 10 ) that performs work on a workpiece (W), comprising:
 a body ( 14 ) forming an interior compartment ( 16 ) that houses
 one or more assemblies ( 18 ,  18 ′) including one or more working components ( 20 ,  20 ′), and 
 a tray ( 425 ,  450 ). 
   
     
     
         7 . The crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 6 , wherein the tray ( 425 ) provides
 means for retaining workpiece waste, (W W ) that is separated from the workpiece (W).   
     
     
         8 . The crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 7 , wherein the workpiece (W) is disposed upon a support assembly ( 40 ) that is located above the tray ( 425 ). 
     
     
         9 . The crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 7 , wherein the workpiece (W) is disposed within a recess ( 452 ) formed by the tray ( 450 ). 
     
     
         10 . The crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 9 , wherein one or more mat-engaging rollers ( 56   a ) contact and engage an upper rim ( 456 ) of the tray ( 450 ), wherein the contact of the one or more mat-engaging rollers ( 56   a ) with the upper rim ( 456 ) of the tray ( 450 ) provides
 means for moving the tray ( 450 ) within the crafting apparatus ( 10 ).   
     
     
         11 . A crafting apparatus ( 10 ) that performs work on a workpiece (W), comprising:
 a body ( 14 ) forming an interior compartment ( 16 ) that houses
 one or more assemblies ( 18 ,  18 ′) including one or more working components ( 20 ,  20 ′), 
 a cache ( 402 ) of working heads ( 20   a ,  20   c - 20   f ) retained by a depot ( 406 ), and 
 a retriever ( 404 ) that provides 
   means for moving a working head from the cache ( 402 ) in order to subsequently attach the working head from the cache ( 402 ) to the working component ( 20 ,  20 ′).   
     
     
         12 . A crafting apparatus ( 10 ) that performs work on a workpiece (W), wherein the workpiece (W) is at least partially supported by a support assembly ( 40 ) including one or more passages ( 62 ) formed by the support assembly  40 , comprising:
 a bottom panel ( 475 ) having an exterior side surface ( 486 ) that forms one or more bottom panel passages;   at least one access door ( 476 ) attached to the bottom panel ( 475 ), wherein the at least one access door ( 476 ) close-out the one or more bottom panel passages formed by the exterior side surface ( 486 ); and   a workpiece waste cavity ( 480 ) formed, at least in part, by one or more flange surfaces ( 482 ′,  482 ″,  482 ′″) extending from the bottom panel ( 475 ) and a back surface ( 484 ) of the at least one access door ( 476 ).   
     
     
         13 . The crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 12 , wherein the workpiece waste cavity ( 480 ) provides
 means for receiving workpiece waste (W W ) that passes through the one or more passages ( 62 ) formed in the support assembly ( 40 ).   
     
     
         14 . The crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 12 , wherein the at least one access door ( 476 ) includes a latch ( 478 ) that provides
 means for selectively un/latching and de/coupling the at least one access door ( 476 ) with the bottom panel ( 475 ) such that the at least one access door ( 476 ) provides access to the one or more bottom panel passages formed by exterior side surface ( 486 ) of the bottom panel ( 475 ) for performing maintenance on the crafting apparatus ( 10 ), wherein the maintenance includes the removal of the workpiece waste (W W ) from the cavity ( 480 ).   
     
     
         15 . The crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 12 , wherein at least one flange surface ( 482 ′″) of the one or more flange surfaces ( 482 ′,  482 ″,  482 ′″) is arranged at an angle (θ 482 ) that is normal (N) to the bottom panel ( 475 ), wherein the at least one flange surface ( 482 ′″) of the one or more flange surfaces ( 482 ′,  482 ″,  482 ′″) provides
 means for slidingly-evacuating (E) the workpiece waste (W W ) upon
 tilting (T) the foodstuff crafting apparatus ( 10 ) from a use orientation to a maintenance orientation such that the exterior side surface ( 486 ) of the bottom panel ( 475 ) is not arranged in a substantially opposing relationship relative to a support surface (SS), for subsequently: 
 with the assistance of gravity, shifting the workpiece waste (W W ) from a first arrangement substantially adjacent a back surface ( 484 ) of the at least one access door ( 476 ) to a second arrangement substantially adjacent the at least one flange surface ( 482 ′″) of the one or more flange surfaces ( 482 ′,  482 ″,  482 ′″) that is arranged at the angle (θ 482 ), and 
 selectively unlatching the at least one access door ( 476 ) with respect to the bottom panel ( 475 ) 
 
 
     
     
         16 . A device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) that performs work on a workpiece (W), comprising:
 a crafting apparatus sub-assembly attached to the crafting apparatus ( 10 ), wherein the sub-assembly includes
 a blade carrier housing ( 900 ) including a central bore ( 916 ); and 
 a blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) disposed within the central bore ( 916 ), wherein the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) includes a distal end ( 544 ,  644 ,  744 ,  844 ) having a blade portion ( 502 ,  602 ,  702 ,  802 ), a proximal end ( 546 ,  646 ,  746 ,  846 ) having a conical bearing portion ( 504 ,  604 ,  704 ,  804 ), and a stem portion ( 506 ,  606 ,  706 ,  806 ) extending between the blade portion ( 502 ,  602 ,  702 ,  802 ) and the conical bearing portion ( 504 ,  604 ,  704 ,  804 ), wherein the conical bearing portion ( 504 ,  604 ,  704 ,  804 ) includes a cone-shaped body defined by a bearing surface ( 508 ,  608 ,  708 ,  808 ) that terminates at a tip ( 510 ,  610 ,  710 ,  810 ), wherein the blade portion ( 502 ,  602 ,  702 ,  802 ) includes a collar portion ( 512 ,  612 ,  712 ,  812 ) connected to the stem portion ( 506 ,  606 ,  706 ,  806 ), wherein the blade portion ( 502 ,  602 ,  702 ,  802 ) includes a ricasso ( 514 ,  614 ,  714 ,  814 ) that extends from the collar portion ( 512 ,  612 ,  712 ,  812 ), wherein the blade portion ( 502 ,  602 ,  702 ,  802 ) includes at least one grind ( 516 ,  616 ,  717 ,  818 ), wherein the blade portion ( 502 ,  602 ,  702 ,  802 ) includes a back ( 518 ,  618 ,  718 ,  818 ), wherein the blade portion ( 502 ,  602 ,  702 ,  802 ) includes a cutting edge ( 520 ,  620 ,  720 ,  820 ) that extends between a choil ( 522 ,  622 ,  722 ,  822 ) of the blade portion ( 502 ,  602 ,  702 ,  802 ) and a point ( 524 ,  624 ,  724 ,  824 ) of the blade portion ( 502 ,  602 ,  702 ,  802 ). 
   
     
     
         17 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 16 , wherein the blade portion ( 502 ,  602 ,  702 ,  802 ) is offset at a distance (d) from a pivot axis (A-A) that extends through an axial center (C), of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) 
     
     
         18 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 16 , wherein the offset distance (d) provides
 means for permitting the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) to pivot upon the point ( 524 ,  624 ,  724 ,  824 ) such that the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) behaves as a caster to permit the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) to self-align in a cutting direction as a result of at least one directional force imparted to the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″).   
     
     
         19 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 16 , wherein the at least one grind ( 516 ,  616 ,  717 ,  818 ) includes two grinds that are symmetrically arranged relative to the cutting edge ( 520 ,  620 ,  720 ,  820 ). 
     
     
         20 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 16 , wherein the at least one grind ( 516 ,  616 ,  717 ,  818 ) is selected from the group consisting of: a flat grind, a tapered grind, a hollow grind, a sabre grind, a chisel grind, a double grind, a compound bevel grind, and a convex grind. 
     
     
         21 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 16 , wherein the at least one grind ( 516 ,  616 ,  716 ) is/are formed relative to the cutting edge ( 520 ,  620 ,  720 ) at an edge angle (θ EA ). 
     
     
         22 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 21 , wherein the edge angle (θ EA ) is approximately about 7°. 
     
     
         23 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 16 , wherein the blade ( 12   a ″,  12   a ′″) includes a top grind ( 628 ,  728 ) formed on the back ( 618 ,  718 ), wherein the top grind ( 628 ,  728 ) is proximate the point ( 624 ,  724 ). 
     
     
         24 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 23 , wherein the top grind ( 628 ,  728 ) provides a relief in the blade portion ( 602 ,  702 ) that forms a relief angle (θ RA ). 
     
     
         25 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 24 , wherein the relief angle (θ RA ) ranges between approximately about 5° to 20°. 
     
     
         26 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 16 , wherein the blade ( 12   a ′″) further includes at least one second grind ( 730 ) located between the cutting edge ( 720 ) and the at least one grind ( 716 ), wherein the at least one second grind ( 730 ) extends from the choil ( 722 ) and toward the top grind ( 728 ). 
     
     
         27 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 26 , wherein the at least one second grind ( 730 ) forms a second grind line ( 732 ) including a grind lead-off ( 732   a ) and a grind termination ( 732   b ), wherein the grind lead-off ( 732   a ) of the second grind line ( 732 ) originates proximate the back ( 718 ) near the top grind ( 728 ), wherein the grind termination ( 732   b ) of the second grind line ( 732 ) originates proximate the choil ( 722 ) and meets with the grind lead-off ( 732   a ) of the second grind line ( 732 ) and the grind termination ( 726   c ) of the first grind line ( 726 ). 
     
     
         28 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 26 , wherein the at least one second grind ( 730 ) includes two grinds that are symmetrically arranged relative to the cutting edge ( 720 ). 
     
     
         29 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 26 , wherein the at least one second grind ( 730 ) is selected from the group consisting of: a flat grind, a tapered grind, a hollow grind, a sabre grind, a chisel grind, a double grind, a compound bevel grind, and a convex grind. 
     
     
         30 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 16 , wherein the ricasso ( 514 ,  614 ,  714 ,  814 ) and the at least one grind ( 516 ,  616 ,  716 ,  816 ) cooperate to form a grind line ( 526 ,  626 ,  726 ,  826 ), wherein the grind line ( 526 ,  626 ,  726 ,  826 ) includes a grind lead-off ( 526   a ,  626   a ,  726   a ,  826   a ), a grind termination radius ( 526   b ,  626   b ,  726   b ,  826   b ) and a grind termination ( 526   c ,  626   c ,  726   c ,  826   c ), wherein the grind lead-off ( 526   a ,  626   a ,  726   a ,  826   a ) originates proximate the back ( 518 ,  618 ,  718 ,  818 ), wherein the grind termination radius ( 526   b ,  626   b ,  726   b ,  826   b ) is located proximate the ricasso ( 514 ,  614 ,  714 ,  814 ) and trails toward the collar ( 512 ,  612 ,  712 ,  812 ), wherein the grind termination ( 526   c ,  626   c ,  726   c ,  826   c ) originates proximate the choil ( 522 ,  622 ,  722 ,  822 ). 
     
     
         31 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 16 , wherein the ricasso ( 714 ) extends along the blade portion ( 702 ) and forms a non-sharpened belly ( 734 ) located between the two grinds of the at least one grind ( 716 ). 
     
     
         32 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 16 , wherein the cutting edge ( 820 ) includes an S-shaped profile having a first, curved, concave-up trailing portion ( 820   a ) extending from the point ( 824 ), a second, curved, concave-down trailing portion ( 820   b ) extending from the choil ( 822 ), and a substantially straight edge ( 820   c ) extending between and connecting the first, curved, concave-up trailing portion ( 820   a ) and the second, curved, concave-down trailing portion ( 820   b ). 
     
     
         33 . A device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) that performs work on a workpiece (W), comprising:
 a crafting apparatus sub-assembly attached to the crafting apparatus ( 10 ), wherein the sub-assembly includes   a blade carrier housing ( 900 ) having a body portion ( 902 ) formed by an outer surface ( 904 ), wherein the outer surface ( 904 ) forms a recessed portion ( 906 ), wherein the body portion ( 902 ) includes an end surface ( 912 ) that forms a blade portion opening ( 910 ), wherein the body portion ( 902 ) includes a central bore ( 916 ) formed by an inner surface ( 918 ) of the body portion ( 902 );   an inner housing ( 922 ) disposed within the central bore ( 902 ) of the body portion ( 902 ) of the blade carrier housing ( 900 ), wherein the inner housing ( 922 ) includes an outer bearing ( 924 ) that contacts the inner surface ( 918 ) of the body portion ( 902 ) that forms the central bore ( 916 ), wherein the inner housing includes an inner bearing ( 926 ) disposed within a bore ( 920 ) formed by the inner housing ( 922 );   a blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) disposed within the central bore ( 916 ) of the body portion ( 902 ) of the blade carrier housing ( 900 ) and within the bore ( 920 ) of the inner housing, wherein a stem portion ( 506 ,  606 ,  706 ,  806 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) contacts the inner bearing ( 926 ) of the inner housing ( 922 );   a cap portion ( 914 ) rotatably-connected to the body portion ( 902 ) that prevents ejection of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) from the central bore ( 916 ) of the body portion ( 902 ), wherein the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) is movably-arranged within the central bore ( 916 ) of the blade carrier housing ( 900 ) to permit a distal end ( 44 ,  544 ,  644 ,  744 ,  844 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) to selectively project out of the blade portion opening ( 910 ) formed in the end surface ( 912 ) of the body portion ( 902 ).   
     
     
         34 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 33 , wherein the crafting apparatus sub-assembly further includes a plunger ( 928 ) that extends at least partially into each of the central bore ( 916 ) of the body portion ( 902 ) and the bore ( 920 ) of the inner housing ( 922 ), wherein an actuator end ( 930 ) of the plunger ( 928 ) extends beyond the body portion ( 902 ) and into a passage ( 932   a ) formed by the cap portion ( 914 ), wherein the actuator end ( 930 ) of the plunger ( 928 ) further extends out of the passage ( 932   a ) and through an opening ( 932   b ) formed in an outer end surface ( 934 ) of the cap ( 914 ) for permitting at least a portion of the actuator end ( 930 ) of the plunger ( 928 ) to be in communication with an actuator. 
     
     
         35 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 34 , wherein a conical bearing portion ( 504 ,  604 ,  704 ,  804 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) is arranged within a conically-shaped receiving end ( 948 ) of the plunger ( 928 ), wherein the conical bearing portion ( 504 ,  604 ,  704 ,  804 ) is magnetically connected to the receiving end ( 948 ) of the plunger ( 928 ). 
     
     
         36 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 33 , wherein the crafting apparatus sub-assembly further includes a spring ( 936 ) disposed within the central bore ( 916 ) and may at least partially circumscribe a portion of an outer surface ( 938 ) of the inner housing ( 922 ), wherein a first end ( 940 ) of the spring ( 936 ) engages a flange ( 942 ) of the plunger ( 928 ), wherein a second end ( 944 ) of the spring ( 936 ) engages an upper surface ( 946 ) of the outer bearing ( 924 ). 
     
     
         37 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 33 , wherein, upon moving the distal end ( 44 ,  544 ,  644 ,  744 ,  844 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) from expanded orientation that extended beyond the end surface ( 912 ) of the body portion ( 902 ) to a retracted orientation within the bore ( 920 ) of the inner housing ( 922 ), the inner bearing ( 926 ) provides
 means for wiping foodstuff particles off of one of more of the stem portion ( 506 ,  606 ,  706 ,  806 ) and the blade portion ( 502 ,  602 ,  702 ,  802 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″). 
 
     
     
         38 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 37 , wherein the crafting apparatus sub-assembly further includes an outer seal ( 950 ,  975 ) arranged upon one or more of the outer surface ( 904 ) and the end surface ( 912 ) of the body portion ( 902 ) that provides
 means for mitigating foodstuff particles from being drawn into one or more of the bore ( 920 ) formed by the inner housing ( 922 ) and the central bore ( 916 ) of the body portion ( 902 ).   
     
     
         39 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 38 , wherein the outer seal ( 950 ,  975 ) includes a soft, silicon membrane material. 
     
     
         40 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 38 , wherein the outer seal ( 950 ) includes a substantially flat, disk-shape that substantially covers the end surface ( 912 ). 
     
     
         41 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 40 , wherein the outer seal ( 950 ) includes a passage ( 954 ) aligned with the blade portion opening ( 910 ) of the body portion ( 902 ), wherein the passage ( 954 ) of the outer seal ( 950 ) is substantially the same as, but slightly less than a dimension of the blade portion opening ( 910 ) to provide
 means for permitting the passage ( 954 ) of the outer seal ( 950 ) to tightly contact one of more of the stem portion ( 506 ,  606 ,  706 ,  806 ) and blade portion ( 502 ,  602 ,  702 ,  802 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) for the purpose of wiping the foodstuff particles off of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) as the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) is moved from the expanded orientation to the retracted orientation.   
     
     
         42 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 38 , wherein the outer seal ( 975 ) includes a cap that substantially covers all of the end surface ( 912 ) and extends axially toward the cap ( 914 ) in order to at least partially cover a portion of the outer surface ( 904 ) proximate and just beyond the end surface ( 912 ). 
     
     
         43 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 42 , wherein the outer seal ( 975 ) includes a flange side portion ( 976 ) connected to a base portion ( 978 ), wherein the flange side portion ( 976 ) is arranged substantially adjacent at least a portion of the outer surface ( 904 ) proximate the end surface ( 912 ) of the body portion ( 902 ) whereas the base portion ( 978 ) substantially covers all of the end surface ( 912 ) of the body portion ( 902 ), wherein the outer seal ( 975 ) includes a passage ( 980 ) aligned with the blade portion opening ( 910 ) of the body portion ( 902 ), wherein the passage ( 980 ) of the outer seal ( 975 ) is substantially the same as, but slightly less than a dimension of the blade portion opening ( 910 ) to provide
 means for permitting the passage ( 980 ) of the outer seal ( 975 ) to tightly contact one of more of the stem portion ( 506 ,  606 ,  706 ,  806 ) and blade portion ( 502 ,  602 ,  702 ,  802 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) for the purpose of wiping the foodstuff particles off of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) as the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) is moved from the expanded orientation to the retracted orientation.   
     
     
         44 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 38 , wherein the outer surface ( 904 ) forms an attachment rib ( 908 ), wherein the outer seal ( 975 ) includes a recess ( 982 ) formed on an inner surface ( 984 ) of the flange portion ( 976 ) of the outer seal ( 975 ), wherein the recess ( 982 ) receives the attachment rib ( 908 ) to structurally attach the outer seal ( 975 ) to the body portion ( 902 ) 
     
     
         45 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 44 , wherein the outer seal ( 975 ) includes a flexibly material that provides
 means for permitting selective removal and attachment of the outer seal ( 975 ) to the outer surface ( 904 ) by permitting the flange portion ( 976 ) to flex over the attachment rib ( 908 ) upon selective attachment or removal to/from the outer surface ( 904 ).   
     
     
         46 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 33 , wherein the crafting apparatus sub-assembly further includes a removable safety covering ( 1000 ) attached to the outer surface ( 904 ) of the blade carrier housing ( 900 ), wherein the removable safety covering ( 1000 ) obscures the end surface ( 912 ) of the body portion ( 902 ) of the blade carrier housing ( 900 ) to provide
 means for obscuring the distal end ( 44 ,  544 ,  644 ,  744 ,  844 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) upon moving the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) from a retracted orientation to an expanded orientation.   
     
     
         47 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 46 , wherein the removable safety covering ( 1000 ) includes a substantially cylindrical body ( 1002 ) having a first end ( 1004 ) and a second end ( 1006 ), wherein the first end ( 1004 ) is enclosed by an end portion ( 1008 ), wherein the substantially cylindrical body ( 1002 ) includes an uninterrupted circumferential portion ( 1010 ) connected to the end portion ( 1008 ), wherein the uninterrupted circumferential portion ( 1010 ) extends toward the second end ( 1006 ), wherein the substantially cylindrical body ( 1002 ) further includes an interrupted circumferential portion ( 1012 ) connected to the uninterrupted circumferential portion ( 1010 ), wherein the interrupted circumferential portion ( 1012 ) is located proximate the second end ( 1006 ). 
     
     
         48 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 47 , wherein the interrupted circumferential portion ( 1012 ) includes a plurality of slots ( 1014 ), wherein the plurality of slots ( 1014 ) define the interrupted circumferential portion ( 1012 ) to include a plurality of flexible fingers ( 1016 ), wherein each finger of the plurality of flexible fingers ( 1016 ) define the second end ( 1006 ) to include an opening ( 1018 ), wherein the opening ( 1018 ) permits communication with a cavity ( 1020 ) extending into both of the interrupted and uninterrupted circumferential portions ( 1010 ,  1012 ), wherein the cavity ( 1020 ) is formed by an inner surface ( 1022 ) of the cylindrical body ( 1002 ). 
     
     
         49 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 48 , wherein the inner surface ( 1022 ) proximate the second end ( 1006 ) includes at least one inwardly-projecting rib ( 1024 ) that is formed proximate a tip ( 1026 ) of each finger of the plurality of flexible fingers ( 1016 ), wherein the at least one inwardly-projecting rib ( 1024 ) extends toward and contacts the outer surface ( 904 ) of the body portion ( 902 ) to permit the removable safety covering ( 1000 ) to be removably-attached to the blade carrier housing ( 900 ), wherein the at least one inwardly-projecting rib ( 1024 ) is permitted to flex over and cling to a shoulder ( 906 ′) that at least partially forms the recessed portion ( 906 ) of the body portion ( 902 ). 
     
     
         50 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 47 , wherein the removable safety covering ( 1000 ) further includes a safety flange ( 1028 ) proximate the first end ( 1004 ) that extends across the cavity ( 1020 ) such that the safety flange ( 1028 ) creates a bridge that connects opposing portions of the inner surface ( 1022 ), wherein the safety flange ( 1028 ) includes a channel ( 1030 ) that receives the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) upon movement of the blade ( 12 - 12   a ″″) from the retracted orientation to the expanded orientation. 
     
     
         51 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 50 , wherein the removable safety covering ( 1000 ) includes more than one material, wherein the substantially cylindrical body ( 1002 ) includes a rigid material, wherein the safety flange ( 1028 ) includes a soft, silicon membrane material. 
     
     
         52 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 47 , wherein the removable safety covering ( 1000 ) includes a soft, silicon membrane material. 
     
     
         53 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 33 , wherein the recessed portion ( 906 ) provides
 means for permitting attachment of the blade carrier housing ( 900 ) to a carrier ( 350 ) of a working assembly ( 18   a ).   
     
     
         54 . A device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) that performs work on a workpiece (W), wherein the crafting apparatus ( 10 ) includes a data port ( 1052 ) having a dimension, wherein a memory device ( 1056 ) is interfacable with the data port ( 1052 ), comprising:
 a removable covering ( 1050 ,  1075 ), wherein the removable covering ( 1050 ,  1075 ) includes
 a body ( 1062 ) having an upper surface ( 1064 ,  1078 ) and a lower surface ( 1066 ,  1082 ), wherein the upper surface ( 1064 ,  1078 ) includes a dimension that is greater than a dimension of the data port ( 1052 ), wherein the lower surface ( 1066 ,  1082 ) of the removable covering ( 1050 ,  1075 ) includes a lower sealing bead ( 1072 ,  1080 ). 
   
     
     
         55 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 54 , wherein the lower sealing bead ( 1072 ) provides
 means for sealingly-engaging the dimension of the data port ( 1052 ).   
     
     
         56 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 55 , wherein the memory device ( 1056 ) is not interfaced with the data port ( 1052 ), wherein the removable covering ( 1075 ) is connected to the crafting apparatus ( 10 ) at the data port ( 1052 ) to provide
 means for closing-out access to the data port ( 1052 ).   
     
     
         57 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 54 , wherein a pull tab ( 1076 ) is connected to and extends from the upper surface ( 1078 ) of the removable covering ( 1075 ). 
     
     
         58 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 54 , wherein the removable covering ( 1050 ,  1075 ) includes
 a passage ( 1068 ) that extends through the body ( 1062 ) from the upper surface ( 1064 ) to the lower surface ( 1066 ), wherein the upper surface ( 1064 ) of the removable covering ( 1050 ) includes
 an upper sealing bead ( 1070 ) that at least partially forms the passage ( 1068 ), 
   wherein the lower sealing bead ( 1072 ) further at least partially forms the passage ( 1068 ).   
     
     
         59 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 58 , wherein the removable covering ( 1050 ) is connected to an outer surface ( 1058 ) of the memory cartridge ( 1056 ) in order to form
 a sub-assembly ( 1060 ), wherein the passage ( 1068 ) permits the memory cartridge ( 1056 ) to be inserted through the removable covering ( 1050 ) to permit connection of the removable covering ( 1050 ) to the memory cartridge ( 1056 ) for forming the sub-assembly ( 1060 ), wherein the sub-assembly ( 1060 ) provides
 means for mitigating entry of foodstuff particles into the data port ( 1052 ). 
   
     
     
         60 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 59 , wherein the upper sealing bead ( 1070 ) provides
 means for sealingly-engaging the outer surface ( 1058 ) of the memory cartridge ( 1056 ).   
     
     
         61 . A device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) that performs work on a workpiece (W), comprising:
 a foodstuff workpiece support mat ( 1136 ) having a front receiving surface ( 1102 ) and a rear support surface ( 1104 ), wherein the rear support surface ( 1104 ) includes indicia ( 1108 ), wherein the indicia ( 1108 ) is inverted, wherein the foodstuff workpiece support mat ( 1136 ) includes a transparent material, wherein the transparent material provides
 means for permitting the indicia ( 1108 ) to be viewable by a user that looks directly at the front receiving surface ( 1102 ) such that the indicia appears non-inverted ( 1108 ′) for insinuating to a user that the rear support surface ( 1104 ) is not intended to provide direct support for or directly contact the foodstuff workpiece (W). 
   
     
     
         62 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 61 , wherein the indicia ( 1108 ) includes letters or numbers. 
     
     
         63 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 61 , wherein the foodstuff workpiece support mat ( 1136 ) includes polyvinyl chloride. 
     
     
         64 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 61 , further comprising
 a foodstuff coating (W C ) disposed upon the front receiving surface ( 1102 ), wherein the foodstuff workpiece (W) is disposed upon the foodstuff coating (W C ), wherein the foodstuff coating (W C ) provides
 means for adhering the foodstuff workpiece (W) to the front receiving surface ( 1102 ) of the foodstuff workpiece support mat ( 1136 ). 
   
     
     
         65 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 61 , wherein the foodstuff coating (W C ) includes
 shortening.   
     
     
         66 . A device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) that performs work on a workpiece (W), comprising:
 a shuttle system ( 1200 ) including
 a rail ( 1202 ) 
 a taxi ( 1204 ) supported by the rail ( 1202 ), 
 a vertically adjustable plunging bracket ( 304 ) connected to the taxi ( 1204 ), and 
 the blade carrier housing ( 900 ) according to  claim 33 . 
   
     
     
         67 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 66 , wherein the rail ( 1202 ) is movable in an X direction/−X direction, wherein the taxi ( 1204 ) is movably-arranged upon the rail ( 1202 ) for movement in a Y direction/−Y direction, wherein the blade carrier housing ( 900 ) is movably-arranged relative to the taxi ( 1204 ) in a Z direction/−Z direction. 
     
     
         68 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 66 , wherein the shuttle system ( 1200 ) provides
 means for moving the blade carrier housing ( 900 ) within a body ( 14 ) of the crafting apparatus ( 10 ).   
     
     
         69 . A device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) that performs work on a workpiece (W), comprising:
 a preliminary treatment system ( 1300 ,  1400 ,  1500 ) including:
 the shuttle system ( 1200 ) of  claim 66 , 
 a controller ( 1306 ,  1406 ,  1506 ) in communication with the shuttle system ( 1200 ), and 
 a reservoir ( 1302 ,  1402 ,  1502 ) containing fluid ( 1304 ,  1404 ,  1504 ). 
   
     
     
         70 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 69 , wherein the fluid ( 1304 ,  1404 ,  1504 ) provides
 means for lubricating the distal end ( 44 ,  544 ,  644 ,  744 ,  844 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) disposed within the blade carrier housing ( 900 ) of the shuttle system ( 1200 ).   
     
     
         71 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 70 , wherein the preliminary treatment system ( 1300 ,  1400 ,  1500 ) further includes:
 a fluid heating device ( 1410 ) positioned proximate the reservoir ( 1402 ) that provides
 means for increasing the temperature of the fluid ( 1404 ) such that submersion of the distal end ( 44 ,  544 ,  644 ,  744 ,  844 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) into the fluid ( 1404 ) results in an increase of temperature of the distal end ( 44 ,  544 ,  644 ,  744 ,  844 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″). 
   
     
     
         72 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 70 , further comprising
 a temperature sensor ( 1416 ) in communication with both of the distal end ( 44 ,  544 ,  644 ,  744 ,  844 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) and the controller ( 1406 ).   
     
     
         73 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 72 , further comprising
 a look-up table provided by the controller ( 1306 ) that provides
 means for controlling the shuttle system ( 1200 ) in a manner that maintains the distal end ( 44 ,  544 ,  644 ,  744 ,  844 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) submerged in the fluid ( 1304 ) until the temperature sensor ( 1416 ) detects that the distal end ( 44 ,  544 ,  644 ,  744 ,  844 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) is raised to at least a predetermined temperature, wherein the predetermined temperature is selected from the look-up table in response to an indication from a user of a type of foodstuff material (W) to be worked-upon by the crafting apparatus ( 10 ). 
   
     
     
         74 . A device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) that performs work on a workpiece (W), comprising:
 a preliminary treatment system ( 1500 ) including:
 the shuttle system ( 1200 ) of  claim 66 , 
 a controller ( 1506 ) in communication with the shuttle system ( 1200 ), and 
 an electrical circuit ( 1518 ) having two, opposing, spaced-apart electrical contacts ( 1520 ,  1522 ). 
   
     
     
         75 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 74 , wherein the electrical circuit ( 1518 ) provides
 means for heating the distal end ( 44 ,  544 ,  644 ,  744 ,  844 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) disposed within the blade carrier housing ( 900 ) of the shuttle system ( 1200 ) in response to the distal end ( 44 ,  544 ,  644 ,  744 ,  844 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) engaging both of the two, opposing, spaced-apart electrical contacts ( 1520 ,  1522 ) and flowing current through the electrical circuit ( 1518 ).   
     
     
         76 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 75 , further comprising
 a temperature sensor ( 1516 ) in communication with both of the distal end ( 44 ,  544 ,  644 ,  744 ,  844 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) and the controller ( 1506 ).   
     
     
         77 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 76 , further comprising
 a look-up table provided by the controller ( 1506 ) that provides
 means for controlling the shuttle system ( 1200 ) in a manner that maintains the distal end ( 44 ,  544 ,  644 ,  744 ,  844 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) in an engaged orientation with the two, opposing, spaced-apart electrical contacts ( 1520 ,  1522 ) until the temperature sensor ( 1516 ) detects that the distal end ( 44 ,  544 ,  644 ,  744 ,  844 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) is raised to at least a predetermined temperature, wherein the predetermined temperature is selected from the look-up table in response to an indication from a user of a type of foodstuff material (W) to be worked-upon by the crafting apparatus ( 10 ). 
   
     
     
         78 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 74 , further comprising:
 a reservoir ( 1502 ) containing fluid ( 1504 ).   
     
     
         79 . The device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 78 , wherein the fluid ( 1504 ) provides
 means for lubricating the distal end ( 44 ,  544 ,  644 ,  744 ,  844 ) of the blade ( 12   a - 12   a ″″) disposed within the blade carrier housing ( 900 ) of the shuttle system ( 1200 ).   
     
     
         80 . A method (S. 1600 ) for utilizing a foodstuff crafting apparatus ( 10 ) that performs work on a workpiece (W), comprising the steps of:
 selecting/providing (S. 1601 ), to a controller ( 1306 ,  1406 ,  1506 ), an image to the foodstuff crafting apparatus ( 10 );   communicating (S. 1602 ), to the controller ( 1306 ,  1406 ,  1506 ), at least one dimension of a foodstuff workpiece (W 1 -W n ) that the foodstuff crafting apparatus ( 10 ) will conduct work upon;   communicating (S. 1603 ), to the controller ( 1306 ,  1406 ,  1506 ), at least one dimension of a receiving surface (SC U );   utilizing the controller ( 1306 ,  1406 ,  1506 ) to calculate (S. 1604 ) a surface area of each of the receiving surface (SC U ) and the foodstuff workpiece (W 1 -W n ) responsive to the communicating steps;   utilizing the controller ( 1306 ,  1406 ,  1506 ) to determine (S. 1605 ) if a surface area of the receiving surface (SC U ) is greater than a surface area of the foodstuff workpiece (W 1 -W n ); and
 if the surface area of the receiving surface (SC U ) is less than the surface area of the foodstuff workpiece (W 1 -W n ), utilizing (S. 1606   a ) the foodstuff crafting apparatus ( 10 ) to conduct work upon the foodstuff workpiece (W 1 -W n ) such that the selected/provided image is derived from the foodstuff workpiece (W 1 -W n ), or 
 if the surface area of the receiving surface (SC U ) is greater than the surface area of the foodstuff workpiece (W 1 -W n ) utilizing (S. 1606   b ) the foodstuff crafting apparatus ( 10 ) to determine a quantity of foodstuff workpieces (W 1 -W n ) to cover the surface area of the receiving surface (SC U ). 
   
     
     
         81 . The method (S. 1600 ) according to  claim 80 , further comprising the step of:
 utilizing (S. 1607 ) the foodstuff crafting apparatus  10  to conduct work upon the determined quantity of foodstuff workpieces (W 1 -W n ) such that unique portions of the selected/provided image is represented upon each foodstuff workpiece (W 1 -W n ) of the determined quantity of foodstuff workpieces (W 1 -W n ).   
     
     
         82 . The method (S. 1600 ) according to  claim 80 , further comprising the step of:
 arranging (S. 1608 ) the determined quantity of worked-upon foodstuff workpieces (W 1 -W n ) substantially adjacent one another upon the receiving surface (SC U ) to collectively form the selected/provided image.   
     
     
         83 . A method (S. 1700 ) for utilizing a foodstuff crafting apparatus ( 10 ) that performs work on at least one workpiece (W), comprising the steps of:
 selecting/providing (S. 1701 ), to a controller ( 1306 ,  1406 ,  1506 ), at least one dimension of a receiving surface;   selecting/providing (S. 1702 ), to a controller ( 1306 ,  1406 ,  1506 ), at least one foodstuff unit (W 1u -W nu ) to be placed upon the receiving surface;   utilizing the controller ( 1306 ,  1406 ,  1506 ) to calculate a quantity of foodstuff units (W 1u -W nu ) that may be placed upon the receiving surface;   
     
     
         84 . The method (S. 1700 ) according to  claim 83 , further comprising the step of:
 utilizing (S. 1704 ) the foodstuff crafting apparatus ( 10 ) to conduct work on the at least one foodstuff workpiece (W) for preparing the calculated quantity of foodstuff units (W 1u -W nu ) from the at least one foodstuff workpiece (W);   
     
     
         85 . The method (S. 1700 ) according to  claim 84 , further comprising the step of:
 arranging (S. 1705 ) the determined quantity of worked-upon foodstuff units (W 1u -W nu ) upon the receiving surface.   
     
     
         86 . The method (S. 1700 ) according to  claim 85 , wherein the receiving surface is a side surface of a cylindrically-shaped, round unit of food, wherein the determined quantity of worked-upon foodstuff units (W 1u -W nu ) are connected to one another to form a daisy-chained foodstuff loop. 
     
     
         87 . A method (S. 1800 ) for utilizing a foodstuff crafting apparatus ( 10 ) that performs work on at least one workpiece (W), comprising the steps of:
 selecting/providing (S. 1801 ), to a controller ( 1306 ,  1406 ,  1506 ), at least one three-dimensional image;   utilizing (S. 1802 ) the foodstuff crafting apparatus ( 10 ) to conduct work upon the at least one workpiece (W) to prepare a plurality of individual foodstuff units (W 1u -W nu ); and   connecting (S. 1803 ) the plurality of individual foodstuff units (W 1u -W nu ) in a spatially-arranged configuration to form a three-dimensional foodstuff structure (W 3D ).   
     
     
         88 . The method (S. 1800 ) according to  claim 87 , wherein each of the individual foodstuff units (W 1u -W nu ) include at least one of a male portion (M) and a female portion (F)
 mechanically connecting the plurality of individual foodstuff units (W 1u -W nu ) to one another for forming the three-dimensional foodstuff structure (W 3D ).   
     
     
         89 . A device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) that performs work on a workpiece (W), comprising:
 a blade carrier housing ( 1900 ) including a body portion ( 1902 ) having an outer surface ( 1904 ); and   one or more key portions ( 1910 ) extending from the outer surface ( 1904 ) of the blade carrier housing ( 1900 ), wherein the one or more key portions provide
 means for limiting attachment of the blade carrier housing ( 1900 ) to a carrier ( 1350 ) of the crafting apparatus ( 10 ) such that the one or more key portions ( 1910 ) exclusively correspond to one or more receiving apertures ( 1375   a ,  1376   b ) formed by the carrier ( 1350 ). 
   
     
     
         90 . A device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) that performs work on a workpiece (W), comprising:
 a blade carrier housing ( 1900 ) including a body portion ( 1902 ) having an outer surface ( 1904 ), wherein the outer surface ( 1904 ) forms one or more key recesses; and   one or more key portions extending from a carrier of the crafting apparatus ( 10 ), wherein the one or more key portions provide
 means for limiting attachment of the blade carrier housing ( 1900 ) to the carrier ( 1350 ) of the crafting apparatus ( 10 ) such that the one or more key portions exclusively correspond to the one or more key recesses formed by the outer surface of the blade carrier housing ( 1900 ). 
   
     
     
         91 . A method, comprising the steps of:
 arranging a foodstuff workpiece including a cake within a foodstuff crafting apparatus including an icing head;   utilizing the icing head to deposit a bead of icing directly upon an upper surface of the foodstuff workpiece including a cake.   
     
     
         92 . A method, comprising the steps of:
 arranging a foodstuff workpiece within a foodstuff crafting apparatus including an inking blade connected to a blade housing having an ink reservoir that retains foodstuff ink;   utilizing the inking blade to move ink from the ink reservoir to a surface of a foodstuff workpiece.   
     
     
         93 . A device for a crafting apparatus ( 10 ) that performs work on a workpiece (W), comprising:
 a crafting apparatus sub-assembly attached to the crafting apparatus ( 10 ), wherein the sub-assembly includes
 a blade carrier housing ( 900 ) including a central bore ( 916 ); and 
 a blade ( 12   a ″″″,  12   a ′″″″) disposed within the central bore ( 916 ), wherein the blade ( 12   a ″″″,  12   a ′″″″) includes a distal end ( 2144 ,  2244 ) having a blade portion ( 2102 ,  2202 ), wherein the blade portion includes a circularly-shaped, rotatable blade defined by a circular cutting edge  2224 .