U.S. patent application number 10/315426 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-01 for container for decorative grass.
Invention is credited to Weder, Donald E..
Application Number | 20030080022 10/315426 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26788096 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030080022 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weder, Donald E. |
May 1, 2003 |
Container for decorative grass
Abstract
An apparatus for holding objects associated with Easter. The
apparatus includes an Easter basket having an interior surface and
an exterior surface. A bonding material is applied to at least a
portion of the interior surface of the container such that upon a
quantity of Easter grass being disposed in the Easter basket, the
quantity of Easter grass is bondingly connected to the interior
surface of the container by the bonding material applied to the
interior surface of the Easter basket thereby preventing the Easter
grass from falling out of the Easter basket. A release strip may be
applied to the bonding material to protect the bonding material
prior to placing the Easter grass in contact with the bonding
material.
Inventors: |
Weder, Donald E.; (Highland,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUNLAP, CODDING & ROGERS P.C.
PO BOX 16370
OKLAHOMA CITY
OK
73114
US
|
Family ID: |
26788096 |
Appl. No.: |
10/315426 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10315426 |
Dec 10, 2002 |
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09800407 |
Mar 5, 2001 |
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09800407 |
Mar 5, 2001 |
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09533878 |
Mar 22, 2000 |
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6293401 |
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09533878 |
Mar 22, 2000 |
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09343925 |
Jun 30, 1999 |
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6065601 |
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60093954 |
Jul 23, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/584 ;
206/457 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 2553/00 20130101;
B32B 5/024 20130101; B32B 2439/00 20130101; B65D 81/03 20130101;
B32B 23/00 20130101; B32B 2451/00 20130101; B32B 5/00 20130101;
B32B 5/16 20130101; B32B 27/32 20130101; B65D 75/26 20130101; B65D
77/22 20130101; B32B 2305/24 20130101; B32B 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/584 ;
206/457 |
International
Class: |
B65D 081/09 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A package, consisting essentially of: a container having an
interior surface and an exterior surface with a bonding material
applied to at least a portion of the interior surface, the interior
surface of the container defining an object receiving space sized
and shaped to receive at least one object; and a quantity of Easter
grass positioned in the object receiving space of the container and
bondingly connected to the interior surface of the container by the
bonding material applied to the interior surface of the container
to support and cushion the object and to prevent the Easter grass
from falling out of the container.
2. The package of claim 1 wherein the container is a basket.
3. A package, consisting essentially of: a container having an
interior surface and an exterior surface with a bonding material
applied to at least a portion of the interior surface, the interior
surface of the container defining an object receiving space sized
and shaped to receive at least one object; a quantity of Easter
grass disposed in the object receiving space of the container and
bondingly connected to the interior surface of the container by the
bonding material applied to the interior surface of the container
to support and cushion the object and to prevent the Easter grass
from falling out of the container; and an object positioned on the
quantity of Easter grass such that the quantity of Easter grass
supports and cushions the object.
4. The package of claim 3 wherein the container is a basket.
5. The package of claim 3 wherein the Easter grass is fabricated of
a polymeric material.
6. The package of claim 3 wherein the Easter grass is fabricated of
paper.
7. The package of claim 3 wherein the Easter grass is fabricated of
cellophane.
8. An apparatus for holding objects associated with Easter,
comprising: an Easter basket having an interior surface and an
exterior surface, the interior surface of the Easter basket
defining an object receiving space sized and shaped to receive at
least one object; and a bonding material applied to at least a
portion of the interior surface of the Easter basket such that upon
a quantity of Easter grass being disposed in the Easter basket, the
quantity of Easter grass is bondingly connected to the interior
surface of the container by the bonding material applied to the
interior surface of the Easter basket thereby preventing the Easter
grass from falling out of the Easter basket.
9. An apparatus for holding objects associated with Easter,
comprising: an Easter basket having an interior surface and an
exterior surface, the interior surface of the Easter basket
defining an object receiving space sized and shaped to receive at
least one object; and a bonding material applied to at least a
portion of the interior surface of the Easter basket such that upon
a quantity of Easter grass being disposed in the Easter basket, the
quantity of Easter grass is bondingly connected to the interior
surface of the container by the bonding material applied to the
interior surface of the Easter basket thereby preventing the Easter
grass from falling out of the Easter basket; and a release strip
applied to the bonding material to protect the bonding material
prior to placing the Easter grass in contact with the bonding
material.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
09/800,407, filed Mar. 5, 2001, which is a divisional of U.S. Ser.
No. 09/533,878, filed Mar. 22, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,29.,401,
issued Sep. 25, 2001, which is a continuation of Ser. No.
09/343,925, filed Jun. 30, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,601,
issued May 23, 2000, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/093,954, filed Jul. 23, 1998, the
contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to liners, and more
particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a container for
decorative grass.
[0004] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art
[0005] Strips of sheet material formed into tufts have been used
for many years. More specifically, material known as decorative
grass has been used in fruit baskets, Easter baskets, picnic
baskets and other containers and receptacles for decorative and
cushioning purposes. The decorative grass of the prior art has been
produced by numerous methods and from a variety of materials such
as polymeric materials, paper, cellophane or the like. Typically,
such materials are cut and shredded to produce individual segments
having predetermined dimensions.
[0006] A problem associated with decorative grass is that it can
easily fall out of the container in which it is disposed or cling
to other objects, and therefore is inconvenient to clean up and to
dispose of.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a basket having a liner
constructed in accordance with the present invention disposed
therein.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the liner of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in
FIG. 2.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in
FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 5 a perspective view of another embodiment of a liner
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the liner of FIG. 5 shown
disposed in a basket.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway, elevational view of another
embodiment of a liner constructed in accordance with the present
invention shown disposed in a container.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a partially cutaway, perspective view of a basket
constructed in accordance with the present invention shown with a
quantity of decorative grass disposed therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Referring now to the drawings, and more specifically to FIG.
1, a liner 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention
is shown disposed in a container, such as a basket 12. The basket
12 has an upper end 14, a lower end 16, and an outer surface 18. An
opening 19 is formed in the basket 12, with a portion of the basket
opening 19 intersecting the upper end 14 of the basket 12 forming
an inner surface 20. The basket opening 19 is sized and shaped to
receive a plurality of objects 22, such as candies or Easter eggs,
for display. It will be appreciated that the liner 10 described
below is not limited to being used with Easter baskets, but can be
used to line fruit baskets, picnic baskets, as well as other
containers and receptacles.
[0016] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the liner 10 includes a
waterproof backing 24, a porous covering 26, a seed carrier 28
(FIG. 3) interposed between the backing 24 and the covering 26, and
a plurality of seeds 30 (FIG. 3) embedded in the seed carrier 28,
such that upon germination, the seeds 28 will sprout through the
porous covering to form a soft, natural, cushioning tuft 32. The
liner 10 is sufficiently flexible so that the liner 10 can be
easily manipulated to substantially conform to the interior contour
of the basket 12.
[0017] The seeds 30 can be any seed or a combination of seeds.
However, winter wheat seeds have been found to be a suitable seed
in that winter wheat seeds tend to sprout within about three to
four days after being exposed to moisture, and produce a thin dark
green blade. In addition, such blades are relatively rigid enabling
them to remain substantially erect up to a height of about three to
four inches and thereby provide a soft, natural, protective cushion
for objects displayed in the basket 12. Rye seeds are also
preferable seeds for the purpose of this invention.
[0018] Alternatively, plant material that is capable of being
stored for long periods of time in a dry condition and which
becomes rejuvenated upon exposure to moisture can be implanted in
the seed carrier 28. An example of such a plant is selaginella
lepidophylla, or more commonly referred to as the dinosaur plant.
The seed carrier 28 is fabricated of a material capable of holding
moisture to the seeds 30 to foster germination and subsequent
growth. Any material capable of holding the seeds and retaining
moisture may be utilized. For example, the seed carrier 28 may be
fabricated of a sponge material, a tissue, a cloth, a gel, soil, or
the like.
[0019] The backing 24 serves as a barrier to prevent moisture in
the seed carrier 28 from leaking into the basket 12. To this end,
the backing 24 is constructed of a flexible, waterproof sheet of
material, such as a polymer film. The term "polymer film" as used
herein means a synthetic polymer such as a polypropylene or a
naturally occurring polymer such as cellophane. The backing 24 may
be constructed of a single layer of material or a plurality of
layers of the same or different types of materials. Any thickness
of the backing 24 may be utilized in accordance with the present
invention.
[0020] The covering 26 serves to hold the seeds 30 in position and
permit the seeds 30 to emit their sprouts. The covering 26 can be
any suitable porous sheet material, such as cloth with a course
weave or with openings formed therein, or a piece of film or paper
or other flexible material provided with openings 34 to permit the
seeds to emit their sprouts.
[0021] In assembly, the seed carrier 28, together with the seeds
30, is encased between the backing 24 and the covering 26 with the
seeds 30 positioned to permit the sprouts of the seeds 30 to grow
up through the openings 34 of the covering 26. The backing 24 and
the covering 26 are secured to one another along the periphery in a
suitable fashion such as by bonding the backing and the covering
together with an adhesive or stitching.
[0022] In an assembled condition, the backing 24 defines a lower
surface 36 of the liner 10 and the covering 26 defines an upper
surface 38. Further, the liner 10 is illustrated herein as having a
square configuration. However, it will be appreciated that the
liner 10 can be formed into any other desired geometric shape, such
as circular, triangular, or rectangular.
[0023] The backing 24 and the covering 26 of the liner 10 may vary
in color. Further, each may consist of designs which are printed,
etched, and/or embossed. In addition, the backing and the covering
may have various colorings, coatings, flocking and/or metallic
finishes, or be characterized totally or partially by pearlescent,
translucent, transparent, or the like, qualities. Each of the
above-named characteristics may occur alone or in combination.
Moreover, each of the backing 24 and the covering 26 may vary in
the combination of such characteristics.
[0024] A bonding material 40 may be disposed on the lower surface
36 of the liner 10. The bonding material 40 covers substantially
the entire lower surface 36 of the liner 10. The bonding material
40 is disposed on the lower surface 36 of the liner 10 by spraying
or painting it thereupon.
[0025] The bonding material 40 imparts sufficient adhesion to
permit the liner 10 to be disposed in the basket opening 19 with
the lower surface 36 of the liner 10 disposed adjacent the inner
surface 20 of the basket 12 so that the bonding material 40 on the
lower surface 36 of the liner 10 contacts the inner surface 20 of
the basket 12 for connecting the liner 10 to the inner surface 20
of the basket 12. The bonding material 40 also causes the liner to
conform to the contour of the inner surface 20 of the basket 12.
That is, the lower surface 36 of the liner 10 adheres to the inner
surface 20 of basket 12 and it adheres to overlapping portions of
itself. In this manner, a customized fit of the liner to the inner
surface 20 of the basket 12 is obtained. The liner 10 is preferably
sized to that when the liner 10 is placed inside the basket 12, the
liner 10 covers substantially the entire inner surface 20 of the
basket 12.
[0026] The term "bonding material" when used herein means an
adhesive, frequently a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a cohesive
or any adhesive/cohesive combination, having adhesive qualities
(i.e., qualities of adhesion or adhesion/cohesion, respectively)
sufficient to effect the connection between the lower surface 36 of
the liner 10 brought into engagement with the basket 12, a box or
other container. It will be appreciated that both adhesives and
cohesives are well known in the art, and both are commercially
available.
[0027] The bonding material 40 may also comprise at least one strip
of bonding material 40 extending over the lower surface 36 of the
liner 10. Alternatively, the bonding material 40 may comprise at
least one spot of bonding material 40 extending over the lower
surface 36 of the liner 10. The bonding material 40 may comprise a
variety of designs, both geometric and fanciful (for example,
hearts, flowers, slogans, and the like). The bonding material 40
may also comprise a variety of colors.
[0028] The bonding material 40 on the lower surface 36 of the liner
10 may be covered with at least one release strip (not shown). The
release strip is used to protect the bonding material 40 before the
lower surface 36 of the liner 10, and the bonding material 40
thereon, is disposed adjacent the inner surface 20 of the basket
12.
[0029] A plurality of liners 10 can be stacked and formed into a
pad. Also, the liners 10 can be formed into a roll of material. In
this instance, an elongated liner would be perforated so as to
define individual liners, rather than cut completely, so that the
individual liners 10 remain connected to one another and yet can be
easily separated from an adjacent liner when desired.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, the liner 10 is shown
disposed in the basket 12. The seeds 30 are activated by exposing
the seed carrier 28 to moisture. The seed carrier 28 can be exposed
to moisture in any suitable fashion, such as submerging the entire
liner 10 in a body of water or applying water to the porous
covering 26 only. The liner 10 is next positioned in a container,
such as the basket 12, so as to line the interior surface 20 of the
container. After several days the seeds 30 will emit their sprout
from the covering 26 whereby the soft, natural, cushioning tuft 32
is formed in the basket 12. In the alternative to placing the liner
10 in the basket 12 immediately after the seed carrier 28 has been
exposed to moisture, the liner 10 can be set aside to permit the
seeds 30 to sprout prior to the liner 10 being positioned in the
basket 12.
[0031] In positioning the liner 10 in the basket 12, the liner 10
is placed through the basket opening 19 in the upper end 14 of the
basket 12 with the lower surface 36 of the liner 10 disposed
adjacent the inner surface 20 of the basket 12. The liner 10 is
shaped to substantially conform to the contour of the inner surface
20 of the basket 12. Unless the liner 10 is precisely sized to fit
the inner surface 20 of the basket 12, overlapping folds (not
shown) are formed in the liner 10. The overlapping folds extend at
different angles and over different lengths.
[0032] In the case where the liner 10 is provided with the bonding
material 40, the release strip (not shown) is removed from the
lower surface 36 of the liner 10. Then, the liner 10 is placed
through the basket opening 19 in the upper end 14 of the basket 12
with the lower surface 36 of the liner 10 having the bonding
material 40 thereon disposed adjacent the inner surface 20 of the
basket 12. The liner 10 is spread over the inner surface 20 of the
basket 12 to permit the bonding material 40 on the lower surface 36
of the liner 10 to contact the inner surface 20 of the basket 12,
bondably connecting the liner 10 to the inner surface 20 of the
basket 12. The connections of the liner 10 to like portions thereof
due to the formation of the overlapping folds and to the inner
surface 20 of the basket 12 produce a customized fit of the liner
10 to the inner surface 20 of the basket 12.
[0033] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a liner 50 constructed in
accordance with the present invention. The liner 50 is similar in
construction to the liner 10 described above, with the exception
that the liner 50 is shown to have a circular configuration and a
central opening 51 extending therethrough.
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates the liner 50 disposed in a container,
such as a flower pot 52. The central opening 51 of the liner 50
provides the advantage of allowing the liner 50 to be inserted into
the flower pot 52 so as to line the interior surface of the flower
pot 52 while maintaining the bottom of the flower pot 52
unobstructed. As such, use of the liner 50 facilitates the
positioning of a floral holding material, such as a block 54 of
floral foam, which is adapted to support a floral grouping 56. The
term "floral grouping" is used herein to mean cut and fresh
flowers, artificial flowers, a single flower, other fresh and/or
artificial plants, or other floral materials. The term "floral
grouping" may also include other secondary plants and/or
ornamentation which add to the aesthetics of the overall floral
grouping.
[0035] The liner 50 is positioned in the flower pot 52 to line the
interior walls of the flower pot 52. The seeds of the liner 50 will
emit their sprouts whereby a natural tuft 58 is provided in the
flower pot 52. The tuft 58 will accentuate the aesthetics of the
floral grouping 56. It will be appreciated that other objects such
as Easter eggs, potted plants, or toys can be accentuated by the
tuft 58 of the liner 50.
[0036] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a liner 60 disposed in a
flower pot 62. The liner 60 includes a preformed liner portion 64
which is sized and shaped to be received in the flower pot 62. The
liner portion 64 is fabricated of a polymeric material which is
thermal or vacuum formed or injection or blow molded so as to have
a substantially rigid quality. The liner portion 64 can be formed
to have an internal annular groove 66, preferably near the upper
end thereof. The annular groove 66 is adapted to receive an insert
68 which is similar in configuration to the ring-shaped liner 50
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The inserts 68 are secured in the groove 66
whereby the inserts 68 may be periodically removed and a new insert
positioned within the groove 66 when desired. Again, the natural
tuft of the insert 68 will serve to accentuate the aesthetics of a
floral grouping disposed in the liner 60 or to support objects
disposed in the liner 60.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 8, a container, such as a basket 70,
is shown with a quantity of decorative grass 72 disposed therein.
As mentioned above, decorative grass, also known as Easter grass,
is well known and has been produced by numerous methods and from a
variety of materials such as polymeric materials, paper, cellophane
or the like. Typically, such materials are cut and shredded to
produce individual segments having predetermined dimensions. As
also mentioned above, a problem associated with decorative grass is
that it can easily fall out of the container in which it is
disposed or cling to other objects, and therefore is inconvenient
to clean up and to dispose of.
[0038] To overcome this problem, the interior of the basket 70 is
coated with a bonding material 74. As such, when the decorative
grass 72 is disposed in the basket 70 in contact with the interior
surface of the basket 70, the decorative grass 72 is caused to
bondably connect to the interior surface of the basket 70. By
connecting the decorative grass 72 to the interior surface of the
basket 70, the decorative grass 72 is prevented from falling out of
the basket 70.
[0039] The bonding material 74 may be applied to the interior
surface of the basket in a conventional manner. In addition, a
release strip may be applied to the bonding material 74 to protect
the bonding material 74 prior to placing the decorative grass 72 in
contact with the bonding material 74.
[0040] From the above description it is clear that the present
invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain
the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the
invention. While presently preferred embodiments of the invention
have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be
understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily
suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are
accomplished within the spirit of the invention disclosed and as
defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *