U.S. patent application number 10/613690 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-12 for decorative assembly for supporting a floral grouping.
Invention is credited to Craig, Franklin J., King, Michael J., Klemme, Michael R., Straeter, Joseph G., Straeter, William F., Weder, Donald E..
Application Number | 20040025432 10/613690 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25250336 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040025432 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weder, Donald E. ; et
al. |
February 12, 2004 |
Decorative assembly for supporting a floral grouping
Abstract
A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral
holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding
material is a shape-sustaining support member having an open upper
end, an open lower end and a peripheral sidewall defining an
internal chamber extending between the open upper end and the close
lower end. A plurality fo apertures are provided in the peripheral
sidewall of the floral holding material, each aperture adapted to
receive a stem portion of a floral grouping. The sheet of material
is extended about a portion of the floral holding material to form
a decorative cover and the decorative cover cooperates with the
shape-sustaining support member to define a reservoir for confining
a liquid and a securing element secures the decorative cover about
the shape-sustaining support member to hold the decorative cover
about the floral holding material.
Inventors: |
Weder, Donald E.; (Highland,
IL) ; Straeter, William F.; (Breese, IL) ;
Straeter, Joseph G.; (Highland, IL) ; King, Michael
J.; (Staunton, IL) ; Craig, Franklin J.;
(Valley Park, MO) ; Klemme, Michael R.;
(Collinsville, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUNLAP, CODDING & ROGERS P.C.
PO BOX 16370
OKLAHOMA CITY
OK
73113
US
|
Family ID: |
25250336 |
Appl. No.: |
10/613690 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10613690 |
Jul 3, 2003 |
|
|
|
10353878 |
Jan 28, 2003 |
|
|
|
10353878 |
Jan 28, 2003 |
|
|
|
10170611 |
Jun 12, 2002 |
|
|
|
6601343 |
|
|
|
|
10170611 |
Jun 12, 2002 |
|
|
|
09918320 |
Jul 30, 2001 |
|
|
|
6453612 |
|
|
|
|
09918320 |
Jul 30, 2001 |
|
|
|
09912217 |
Jul 24, 2001 |
|
|
|
6427380 |
|
|
|
|
09912217 |
Jul 24, 2001 |
|
|
|
09670644 |
Sep 27, 2000 |
|
|
|
09670644 |
Sep 27, 2000 |
|
|
|
09576789 |
May 23, 2000 |
|
|
|
09576789 |
May 23, 2000 |
|
|
|
09333333 |
Jun 15, 1999 |
|
|
|
6082045 |
|
|
|
|
09333333 |
Jun 15, 1999 |
|
|
|
08827852 |
Apr 11, 1997 |
|
|
|
5937576 |
|
|
|
|
08827852 |
Apr 11, 1997 |
|
|
|
08468178 |
Jun 6, 1995 |
|
|
|
5647189 |
|
|
|
|
08468178 |
Jun 6, 1995 |
|
|
|
08427014 |
Apr 24, 1995 |
|
|
|
5501059 |
|
|
|
|
08427014 |
Apr 24, 1995 |
|
|
|
07941992 |
Sep 8, 1992 |
|
|
|
5410856 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
47/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/505 20130101;
A47G 7/085 20130101; A01G 5/04 20130101; B65D 65/14 20130101; A47G
7/063 20130101; B65B 25/023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
47/72 |
International
Class: |
A01G 009/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A floral holding material comprising: preformed shape-sustaining
support member having an open upper end, an open lower end and a
peripheral sidewall having a plurality of apertures, each aperture
adapted to receive a stem portion of a floral grouping for
stabilizing the floral grouping relative to the preformed
shape-sustaining support member, the peripheral sidewall of the
preformed shape-sustaining support member defining an internal
chamber extending between the open upper end and the open lower end
of the preformed shaped-sustaining support member such that, upon
positioning a sheet of fluid impermeable material about the
preformed shape-sustaining support member, the sheet of fluid
impermeable material and the preformed shape-sustaining support
member cooperate to convert the internal chamber of the preformed
shape-sustaining support member into a reservoir adapted to receive
and contain a liquid.
2. The floral holding material of claim 1 wherein the preformed
shape-sustaining support member is constructed from a polymeric
material.
3. A floral holding material for supporting a sheet of fluid
impermeable material such that the floral holding material, in
combination with the sheet of fluid impermeable material, defines a
reservoir for maintaining a liquid about at least a lower portion
of stems of a floral grouping supported by the floral holding
material, the floral holding material comprising: a preformed
shape-sustaining support member having an open upper end, an open
lower end, a peripheral sidewall having a plurality of apertures
disposed therein, each aperture adapted to receive a stem portion
of a floral grouping for stabilizing the floral grouping relative
to the preformed shape-sustaining support member, the peripheral
sidewall defining an internal chamber extending between the open
upper end and the open lower end of the preformed shape-sustaining
support member such that, upon positioning the sheet of fluid
impermeable material about the preformed shape-sustaining support
member, the sheet of fluid impermeable material and
shape-sustaining support member cooperate to convert the internal
chamber of the preformed shape-sustaining support member into the
reservoir for receiving and maintaining a liquid about at least the
lower portion of the stems of the floral grouping supported by the
preformed shape-sustaining support member.
4. The floral holding material of claim 3 wherein the preformed
shape-sustaining support member is constructed from a polymeric
material.
5. A decorative assembly for supporting a floral grouping having a
bloom portion and a stem portion, the decorative assembly
comprising: a preformed shape-sustaining support member having an
open upper end, an open lower end and a peripheral sidewall having
a plurality of apertures, each aperture adapted to receive a stem
of the floral grouping for stabilizing the floral grouping relative
to the preformed shape-sustaining support member, the peripheral
sidewall defining an internal chamber extending between the open
upper end and the open lower end of the preformed shape-sustaining
support member; a sheet of fluid impermeable material disposed
about the preformed shape-sustaining support member to provide a
decorative cover which extends about the preformed shape-sustaining
support member, the sheet of fluid impermeable material being sized
such that when the sheet of fluid impermeable material is formed
into the decorative cover about the preformed shape-sustaining
support member, a portion of the decorative cover extends a
distance above the open upper end of the preformed shape-sustaining
support member, the decorative cover cooperating with the internal
chamber of the preformed shape-sustaining support member to define
a reservoir for receiving and maintaining a liquid about the lower
stem portion of the floral grouping supported by the preformed
shaped-sustaining support member; and a securing element for
securing the decorative about the preformed shape-sustaining
support member while maintaining at least a portion of the open
upper end of the preformed shape-sustaining support member
substantially uncovered by the decorative cover.
6. The decorative assembly of claim 5 wherein the preformed
shape-sustaining support member is constructed from a polymeric
material.
7. The decorative assembly of claim 6 wherein the securing element
is an elastic band, a string, a ribbon, a paper strip, a plastic
strip, a wire, a tie wrap, a twist, a strip of heat shrinkable
material and combinations thereof.
8. The decorative assembly of claim 5 wherein the securing element
is an elastic band, a string, a ribbon, a paper strip, a plastic
strip, a wire, a tie wrap, a twist, a strip of heat shrinkable
material and combinations thereof.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
10/353,878, filed on Jan. 28, 2003 which is a continuation of U.S.
Ser. No. 10/170,611, filed Jun. 12, 2002 which is a continuation of
U.S. Ser. No. 09/918,320, filed Jul. 30, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,453,612, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/912,217,
filed Jul. 24, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,380, which is a
continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/670,644, now abandoned, which is a
continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/576,789, filed May 23, 2000, now
abandoned, which is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 09/333,333, filed
Jun. 15, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,045, which is a divisional
of U.S. Ser. No. 08/827,852, filed Apr. 11, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No.
5,937,576, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.
08/468,178, filed Jun. 6, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,189; which
is a continuation of U.S. Ser. 08/427,014, filed Apr. 24, 1995, now
U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,059; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
07/941,992, filed Sep. 8, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,410,856.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates generally to decorative
assemblies for floral groupings and, more particularly, but not by
way of limitation, to a decorative assembly for a floral grouping
comprising a sheet of material disposed about a floral holding
material with a crimped portion formed in the sheet of material for
cooperating to hold the sheet of material in position about the
floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sheet of material constructed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the sheet of
material extended about a portion of a floral holding material with
a crimped portion being formed in the sheet of material for
cooperating to hold the sheet of material in the position extended
about a floral grouping to provide a decorative covering in
accordance with the present invention.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a modified floral
holding material showing the sheet of material of FIG. 1 wrapped
about the modified floral holding material to provide a decorative
covering.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of yet another modified floral
holding material.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the modified floral
holding material of FIG. 4 showing the sheet of material disposed
about a portion of the modified floral holding material with the
crimped portion being formed in a portion of the sheet of
material.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a modified sheet of material.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a floral holding
material with the sheet of material of FIG. 6 disposed about a
portion of the floral holding material and a modified crimped
portion being formed in a portion of the sheet of material.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a plan view of still another modified sheet of
material.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a floral holding
material showing the sheet of material of FIG. 8 disposed about a
portion of the floral holding material with the crimped portion
being formed in the sheet of material in a manner like that shown
in FIG. 7.
[0013] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a
floral holding material having a sheet of fluid impermeable
material disposed thereabout to provide a flexible vase in
accordance with the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the sheet of fluid impermeable
material before being disposed about the floral holding material to
provide the flexible vase of FIG. 10.
[0015] FIG. 12 is a partially cutaway, perspective view of the
floral holding material of the flexible vase of FIG. 10.
[0016] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a sheet of flexible material used
to form the floral holding material of FIG. 12.
[0017] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
floral holding material having a sheet of fluid impermeable
material disposed thereabout to provide a flexible vase in
accordance with the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the floral holding material
of the flexible vase of FIG. 14.
[0019] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a sheet of flexible material used
to form the floral holding material of FIG. 15.
[0020] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the floral holding material
of FIG. 15 having a base member disposed adjacent an open lower end
of the floral holding material.
[0021] FIG. 18 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the floral
holding material of FIG. 15 having another embodiment of a base
member disposed adjacent an open lower end of the floral holding
material.
[0022] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
floral holding material which, when wrapped with a sheet of
material provide a flexible vase similar in appearance to the
flexible vase of FIG. 14.
[0023] FIG. 20 is a plan view of a sheet of flexible material used
to form the floral holding material of FIG. 19.
[0024] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
sheet of flexible material used to form the floral holding material
of FIG. 19.
[0025] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
floral holding material having a plurality of slots formed about an
open upper end of the floral holding material.
[0026] FIG. 23 is a plan view of a sheet of flexible material used
to form the floral holding material of FIG. 22.
[0027] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
floral holding material which, when wrapped with a sheet of
material, provides a flexible vase in accordance with the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 25 is a plan view of a sheet of flexible material used
to form the floral holding material of FIG. 24 having one edge
thereof turned up to show a lower side thereof.
[0029] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
floral holding material which, when wrapped with a sheet of
material, provides a flexible vase in accordance with the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 27 is a plan view of a sheet of flexible material used
to form the floral holding material of FIG. 26 having one edge
thereof turned up to show a lower side thereof.
[0031] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
floral holding material which, when wrapped with a sheet of
material, provides a flexible vase in accordance with the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 29 is a plan view of a sheet of flexible material used
to form the floral holding material of FIG. 28.
[0033] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
floral holding material which, when wrapped with a sheet of
material, provides a flexible vase in accordance with the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 31 is a plan view of a sheet of flexible material used
to form the floral holding material of FIG. 30.
[0035] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the floral holding material
of FIG. 30 in a partially assembled condition.
[0036] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
floral holding material which, when wrapped with a sheet of
material, provides a flexible vase in accordance with the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 34 is a plan view of a sheet of flexible material used
to form the floral holding material of FIG. 33.
[0038] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
floral holding material constructed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 36 is a plan view of a sheet of flexible material used
to form the floral holding material of FIG. 35.
[0040] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a preformed floral holding
material constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the preformed floral
holding material of FIG. 37 wherein a connector assembly has
reduced the size of the circumference of the preformed floral
holding material.
[0042] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a preformed floral holding
material in an expanded condition having an elastic member for
maintaining the preformed floral holding material in the expanded
condition.
[0043] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the preformed floral
holding material of FIG. 39 in a flattened condition for storage
and transportation.
[0044] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
preformed floral holding material in an expanded condition having a
strap assembly for maintaining the preformed floral holding
material in the expanded condition.
[0045] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the preformed floral
holding material of FIG. 41 in a flattened condition for storage
and transportation.
[0046] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the preformed floral
holding material of FIG. 41 having another embodiment of a strap
assembly for maintaining the preformed floral holding material in
an expanded condition.
[0047] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the preformed floral
holding material of FIG. 43 in a flattened condition for storage
and transportation.
[0048] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a preformed floral holding
material having a plurality of ring members for maintaining the
preformed floral holding material in an expanded condition.
[0049] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the preformed floral
holding material of FIG. 45 in a flattened condition for storage
and transportation.
[0050] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a preformed floral holding
material having a tab assembly for maintaining the preformed floral
holding material in an expanded condition.
[0051] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the preformed floral
holding material of FIG. 47 in a flattened condition for storage
and transportation.
[0052] FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a preformed floral holding
material having an elastic member disposed about a peripheral
sidewall for maintaining the preformed floral holding material in
an expanded condition.
[0053] FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the preformed floral
holding material of FIG. 49 in a flattened condition for storage
and transportation and having the elastic member removed
therefrom.
[0054] FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a preformed floral holding
material having another embodiment of an assembly for maintaining
the preformed floral holding material in an expanded condition.
[0055] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a preformed floral holding
material in an expanded condition wherein the preformed floral
holding material is formed of a resilient material.
[0056] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the preformed floral
holding material of FIG. 52 in a flattened condition for storage
and transportation.
[0057] FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a preformed floral holding
material having another embodiment of a tab assembly for
maintaining the preformed floral holding material in an expanded
condition.
[0058] FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the preformed floral
holding material of FIG. 54 in a flattened condition for storage
and transportation.
[0059] FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a preformed floral holding
material having yet another embodiment of a tab assembly for
maintaining the preformed floral holding material in an expanded
condition.
[0060] FIG. 57 is a perspective view illustrating one side of the
preformed floral holding material of FIG. 56 when the preformed
floral holding material is in a flattened condition for storage and
transportation.
[0061] FIG. 58 is a perspective view illustrating a second side of
the preformed floral holding material of FIG. 56 when the preformed
floral holding material is in a flattened condition for storage and
transportation.
[0062] FIG. 59 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
preformed floral holding material constructed in accordance with
the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the preformed floral
holding material of FIG. 59 having an upper portion removed
therefrom to reduce the height of the preformed floral holding
material.
[0064] FIG. 61 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
preformed floral holding material constructed in accordance with
the present invention.
[0065] FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the preformed floral
holding material of FIG. 61 showing a floral grouping disposed
therein.
[0066] FIG. 63 is a perspective view of the preformed floral
holding material of FIG. 61 showing a floral grouping disposed
therein and having an elastic band disposed about the floral
grouping.
[0067] FIG. 64 is a perspective view of a dispenser containing a
plurality of the preformed floral holding material of FIG. 61.
[0068] FIG. 65 is a partially cutaway, perspective view of another
embodiment of a preformed floral holding material constructed in
accordance with the present invention having a decorative cover
disposed thereabout, the decorative cover secured about the floral
holding material by a securing element.
[0069] FIG. 66 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
flexible vase constructed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0070] FIG. 67 is a plan view of a sheet of fluid impermeable
material having a sheet of flexible material secured thereto for
forming the flexible vase of FIG. 66.
[0071] FIG. 68 is a plan view of a sheet of fluid impermeable
material having a sheet of flexible material secured thereto for
forming the flexible vase of FIG. 66.
[0072] FIG. 69 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
flexible vase constructed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0073] FIG. 70 is a plan view of a sheet of fluid impermeable
material having a shape-sustaining support member secured thereto
in a flattened condition for forming the flexible vase of FIG.
69.
[0074] FIG. 71 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a
flexible vase constructed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0075] FIG. 72 is a plan view of a sheet of fluid impermeable
material having a shape-sustaining support member secured thereto
in a flattened condition for forming the flexible vase of FIG.
71.
[0076] FIG. 73 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a
flexible vase constructed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0077] FIG. 74 is a plan view of a sheet of fluid impermeable
material having a shape-sustaining support member secured thereto
in a flattened condition for forming the flexible vase of FIG.
73.
[0078] FIG. 75 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
flexible vase constructed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0079] FIG. 76 is a perspective view of a shape-sustaining support
member having a flexible bag disposed therein which, when wrapped
with a sheet of material provides the flexible vase of FIG. 75.
[0080] FIG. 77 is a perspective view of a sheet of flexible
material for forming the shape-sustaining support member of FIG.
76, the sheet of flexible material having the flexible bag
connected thereto.
[0081] FIG. 78 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
vase constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0082] FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional view of a self-erecting floral
holding container in a collapsed condition disposed on a sheet of
fluid impermeable material, the self-erecting floral holding
container and the sheet of fluid impermeable material cooperating
to form the vase of FIG. 78 when the self-erecting floral holding
container is in the erected position.
[0083] FIG. 80 is a plan view of the self-erecting floral holding
container in a collapsed condition disposed on the sheet of fluid
impermeable material.
[0084] FIG. 81 is a perspective view of a shape-sustaining support
member disposed in a flexible bag which, when wrapped with a sheet
of material, provides a flexible vase in accordance with the
present invention.
[0085] FIG. 82 is a perspective view of a sheet of flexible
material disposed in a flexible bag which, when assembled, provides
the shape-sustaining support member disposed in the bag of FIG.
81.
[0086] FIG. 83 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
floral holding material which, when wrapped with a sheet of
material, provides a flexible vase in accordance with the present
invention.
[0087] FIG. 84 is a plan view of a sheet of flexible material used
to form the floral holding material of FIG. 83.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0088] Shown in FIG. 1 and designated by the general reference
numeral 10 is a sheet of material constructed in accordance with
the present invention. The sheet of material 10 has an upper
surface 12, a lower surface 14 and an outer edge 16.
[0089] The sheet of material 10 is constructed from any suitable
flexible material that is capable of being wrapped or extended
about a floral holding material 18 (FIG. 2) in the manner described
below. Preferably, the sheet of material 10 is constructed of a
material selected from a group of materials consisting of paper,
metal foil, cloth (natural or synthetic or combinations thereof),
denim, burlap, polymer film or cling material or combinations
thereof.
[0090] The term "polymer film" as used herein means any polymer
film. For example, but not by way of limitation, one polymer film
is a polypropylene film. Another example of a polymer film, but not
by way of limitation, is cellophane.
[0091] The sheet of material 10 has a thickness in a range from
about 0.1 mil to about 30 mils. Preferably, the sheet of material
10 has a thickness in a range from about 0.1 mil to about 5
mils.
[0092] The sheet of material 10 may be any shape and a circular
shape is shown in FIG. 1 only by way of example. The sheet of
material 10, for example only, may be square or rectangular or any
other geometric shape such as heart shaped.
[0093] The sheet of material 10 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 sheet of material 10 may
be utilized in accordance with the present invention as long as the
sheet of material 10 is wrappable about the floral holding material
18, as described herein. Additionally, an insulating material such
as bubble film, preferably as one of two or more layers, can be
utilized in order to provide additional protection for the item
wrapped therein. The layers of material comprising the sheet of
material 10 may be connected together or laminated or may be
separate layers.
[0094] A decorative pattern, such as a color and/or an embossed
pattern, and/or other decorative surface ornamentation may be
applied to the upper surface 12 and/or the lower surface 14 of the
sheet of material 10 or portions thereof including, but not limited
to, printed designs, coatings, colors, flocking or metallic
finishes. The sheet of material 10 also may be totally or partially
clear or tinted transparent material.
[0095] "Cling wrap or material" as used herein means any material
which is capable of connecting to the sheet of material and/or
itself upon contacting engagement during the wrapping process and
is wrappable about an item whereby portions of the cling material
contactingly engage and connect to other portions of the wrapping
material for generally securing the sheet of material wrapped about
at least a portion of the item. This connecting engagement is
preferably temporary in that the wrapping material may be easily
removed without tearing same, i.e., the cling material "clings" to
the wrapping material which remains securely connected to and about
the wrapped item until the wrapping material is removed
therefrom.
[0096] The cling material is constructed and treated, if necessary,
from polyethylene, such as Cling Wrap made by Glad.RTM., First
Brands Corporation, Danbury, Conn. The thickness of the cling
material will, in part, depend upon the thickness of the sheet of
material utilized, i.e., generally, the thicker and therefore
heavier sheet of material may require a thicker and therefore
stronger cling material. The cling material will range in thickness
from less than about 0.2 mil to about 10 mils, and preferably less
than about 0.5 mil to about 2.5 mils and most preferably from less
than about 0.6 mil to about 2 mils. However, any thickness of cling
material may be utilized in accordance with the present invention
which permits the cling material to function as described
herein.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 2, the floral holding material 18 has an
upper end 20, a lower end 22 and an outer peripheral surface 24.
The floral holding material 18 shown in FIG. 2 is spherically
shaped, although the floral holding material 18 may be any shape
desired in any particular application. The floral holding material
18 is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a
floral grouping 26 and holding or supporting the floral grouping
without any pot means, such as a separate flower pot, for
example.
[0098] The floral holding means 18 may be the type of material
commonly referred to in the art as floral foam or Oasis", or may be
soil, or artificial soil or other earth composition so long as the
material is capable of holding its predetermined shape and capable
of receiving and supporting the floral grouping 26 without any
additional pot means. The floral holding material 18 may be capable
of receiving and holding water for supplying water to the floral
grouping 26.
[0099] As shown in FIG. 2, the floral grouping 26 has a stem end 28
and a bloom end 30. A portion of the stem end 28 of the floral
grouping 26 is extended into the floral holding material 18. The
bloom end 30 of the floral grouping 26 extends a distance above the
floral holding material 18.
[0100] "Floral grouping" as used herein means cut fresh flowers,
artificial flowers, a single flower, other fresh and/or artificial
plants, or other floral materials and may include other secondary
plants and/or ornamentation which add to the aesthetics of the
overall floral grouping.
[0101] As mentioned before, the floral holding material 18, as
shown in FIG. 2, is generally spherically shaped. A flat portion
(not shown) may be formed on the lower end 22 of the floral holding
material 18 so that the floral holding material 18 may be supported
more easily on a flat surface such as on a table (not shown) for
example.
[0102] The sheet of material 10 is disposed adjacent the floral
holding material 18 with the upper surface 12 of the sheet of
material 10 being disposed adjacent the outer peripheral surface 24
of the floral holding material 18. In this position, as shown in
FIG. 2, the sheet of material 10 is extended about and covers a
substantial portion of the floral holding material 18 leaving the
upper end 20 of the floral holding material 18 substantially
uncovered so that the floral grouping 26 extends outwardly from the
upper end 20 of the floral holding material 18.
[0103] In this position, a crimped portion 32 is formed in the
sheet of material 10 near the upper end 20 of the floral holding
material 18. The crimped portion 32 is formed by crimping together
portions of the sheet of material 10 to form the crimped portion
32. The crimped portion 32 extends a distance inwardly toward a
central portion of the floral holding material 18. The crimped
portion 32 preferably extends circumferentially about the upper end
20 of the floral holding material 18, although the crimped portion
32 could be formed only in portions of the sheet of material 10
thereby forming circumferentially spaced apart crimped portions 32
if desired in a particular application.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 2, the crimped portion 32 is formed by
placing a band 34 about a portion of the sheet of material 10 with
the band 34 gathering or bringing together portions of the sheet of
material 10 pulling portions of the sheet of material 10 toward a
central portion of the upper end 20 of the floral holding material
18 to form the crimped portion 32.
[0105] The term "band" as used herein means any material which may
be secured about an object, such bands commonly being referred to
as elastic bands or rubber bands and also includes any other type
of material such as a string or elastic piece of material,
non-elastic piece of material, a round piece of material, a flat
piece of material, a ribbon, a piece of paper strip, a piece of
plastic strip, a piece of wire, a tie wrap or a twist tie or
combinations thereof or any other device capable of gathering the
sheet of material 10 to removably or substantially permanently form
the crimped portion 32 and secure the crimped portion 32 formed in
the sheet of material 10. The band 34 also may include a bow if
desired in a particular application.
[0106] A portion of the sheet of material 10 near the outer edge 16
thereof extends a distance above and beyond the crimped portion 32
to form a skirt 36 (FIG. 2) extending circumferentially about the
upper end 20 of the floral holding material 18 and
circumferentially about the floral grouping 26. The sheet of
material 10 secured about the floral holding material 18 in the
manner just described provides a decorative covering 38. The sheet
of material 10 and the floral holding material 18 together with the
means (e.g. band 34) for forming the crimped portion 32 comprise a
decorative assembly 40.
[0107] In one preferred embodiment, the band 34 is automatically
placed about the sheet of material 10 using any one of a number of
commercially available automatic or semi automatic banding machines
such as the automatic shaping machine Model No. Power 260 available
from Clements Industries, Inc., South Hackensack, N.J., or the
machine Model No. Model BMNS Side Bender available from Saxmayer
Corporation, Blissfield, Minn. (MN), for example. In this last
mentioned embodiment, the floral holding material 18 with the sheet
of material 10 extended thereabout is placed in the banding machine
and the banding machine is activated to automatically place the
band 34 about the sheet of material 10.
[0108] A system for automatically placing a band 34 about a sheet
of material disposed about a flower pot is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,623,807 and 5,761,879, which are specifically incorporated
herein by reference. This system can be utilized for automatically
placing the band 34 about the sheet of material 10 in accordance
with the present invention.
[0109] In one other embodiment, the sheet of material 10 is placed
about the floral holding material 18 and then placed in a holding
device of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,202, which
specifically hereby is incorporated herein by reference. This
device includes a band holder. After the floral holding material 18
with the sheet of material 10 extended thereabout is placed in the
holding device, the operator then takes a band 34 from the band
holder and pulls it over the holding device and onto the sheet of
material 10.
[0110] Embodiment of FIG. 3
[0111] Shown in FIG. 3 is a modified decorative assembly 40a
comprising a sheet of material 10a wrapped about a modified floral
holding material 18a. The floral holding material 18a is
constructed exactly like the floral holding material 18 shown in
FIG. 2 and described in detail before, except the floral holding
material 18a has a generally rectangularly shaped cross section as
compared to the circular shaped cross section shown in FIG. 2 with
respect to the floral holding material 18.
[0112] The sheet of material 10a is constructed exactly like the
sheet of material 10 except the sheet of material 10a may be
rectangularly shaped.
[0113] The sheet of material 10a is extended about the floral
holding material 18a and a crimped portion 32a is formed in the
sheet of material 10a via the band 34a in a manner exactly like
that described before in connection with the sheet of material 10
and the floral holding material 18 shown in FIG. 2.
[0114] Embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5
[0115] Shown in FIG. 4 is a modified floral holding material 18b
which is constructed exactly like the floral holding material 18
shown in FIG. 2 and described in detail before, except the floral
holding material 18b is in the shape of a solid basket.
[0116] Shown in FIG. 5 is a sheet of material 10b which is
constructed exactly like the sheet of material 10 shown in FIG. 1
and described in detail before, except the sheet of material 10b is
disposed or extended about the floral holding material 18b. A
crimped portion 32b is formed in the sheet of material 10b via a
band 34b for cooperating to hold the sheet of material 10b in
position about the floral holding material 18b to provide a
decorative covering 38b.
[0117] A decorative assembly 40b is constructed and operates
exactly like the decorative assembly 40 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and
described in detail before, except the sheet of material 10b is
extended about the floral holding material 18b having a basket like
shape as opposed to a spherical shape or rectangularly shaped cross
section like the floral holding material 18 or 18a shown in FIGS. 2
and 3 respectively.
[0118] Embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7
[0119] Shown in FIG. 6 is a modified sheet of material 10c which is
constructed exactly like the sheet of material 10 shown in FIG. 1
and described in detail before, except the sheet of material 10c
has a closure bonding material 42 disposed thereon. More
particularly, the closure bonding material 42 is disposed on the
upper surface 12c of the sheet of material 10c and the closure
bonding material 42 is spaced a distance 44 from the outer
periphery 16c of the sheet of material 10c. The closure bonding
material 42 extends circumferentially about the sheet of material
10c. The closure bonding material 42 is spaced a distance radially
from a central portion of the sheet of material 10c. It should be
noted that, although the closure bonding material 42 is shown in
FIG. 6 in the form on a continuous strip of closure bonding
material 42, the closure bonding material 42 may be in the form of
spots or spaced apart strips and the spots or strips may be of any
geometric shape desired in a particular application.
[0120] The term "bonding material" as used herein means an
adhesive, preferably a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a cohesive.
Where the bonding material is a cohesive, a similar cohesive
material must be placed on the adjacent surface for bondingly
contacting and bondingly engaging with the cohesive material. The
term "bonding material" also includes materials which are heat
sealable and, in this instance, the adjacent portions of the
material must be brought into contact and then heat must be applied
to effect the seal. The term "bonding material" as used herein also
means a heat sealing lacquer which may be applied to the sheet of
material and, in this instance, heat also must be applied to effect
the sealing. The term "bonding material" as used herein means any
type of material or thing which can be used to effect the bonding
or connecting of the two adjacent portions of the material or sheet
of material to effect the connection or bonding described
herein.
[0121] Shown in FIG. 7 is a floral holding material 18c which is
constructed exactly like the floral holding material 18a shown in
FIG. 3 and described in detail before.
[0122] In operation, the sheet of material 10c is extended about a
portion of the outer peripheral surface 24c of the floral holding
material 18c. The crimped portion 32c is formed in the sheet of
material 10c by crimping together portions of the sheet of material
10c near the closure bonding material 42 and forming overlapping
portions of the sheet of material with the overlapping portions
being substantially bonded via the closure bonding material 42 to
form the crimped portion 32c. The crimped portion 32c will
cooperate to hold the sheet of material 10c about the floral
holding material 18c to provide the decorative covering 38c in a
manner exactly like that described before with respect to the
crimped portion 32c formed with the band 34 shown in FIG. 2, except
in this instance the crimped portion 32 is formed by bringing
together and bonding portions of the sheet of material 10c via the
closure bonding material 42. The closure bonding material 42 is
positioned on the upper surface 12c of the sheet of material 10c so
that the crimped portion 32c is positioned above the upper end 20c
of the floral holding material 18c, shown in FIG. 7.
[0123] The crimping of the sheet of material 10c may be
accomplished by hand or with a machine or device.
[0124] Embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9
[0125] Shown in FIG. 8 is a modified sheet of material 10d which is
constructed exactly like the sheet of material 10c shown in FIG. 6,
except the sheet of material 10d also includes a first pot bonding
material 46 which extends circumferentially about a portion of the
sheet of material 10d. The first pot bonding material 46 is spaced
a distance from the closure bonding material 42 and spaced a
distance from a central portion of the sheet of material 10d. The
sheet of material 10d also includes a second pot bonding material
which is disposed on the upper surface 12d of the sheet of material
10d with the second pot bonding material 48 covering a central
portion of the sheet of material 10d.
[0126] Shown in FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a floral holding
material 18d which is constructed exactly like the floral holding
material 18a shown in FIG. 3 and described in detail before. The
sheet of material 10d is extended about the floral holding material
18d and the crimped portion 32d is formed in the sheet of material
10d in a manner exactly like that described before in connection
with the sheet of material 10c shown in FIG. 7.
[0127] The first pot bonding material 46 is disposed on the sheet
of material 10d and positioned thereon so that, when the sheet of
material 10d is wrapped or extended about the floral holding
material 18d, the first pot bonding material 46 is disposed
adjacent a portion of the outer peripheral surface 24d near the
upper end 20d of the floral holding material 18d. The portion of
the sheet of material 10d with the pot bonding material 46 thereon
is bondingly connected to the outer peripheral surface 24d of the
floral holding material 18d for further cooperating to hold the
sheet of material 10d extended about the floral holding material
18d. In addition, the second pot bonding material 48 is positioned
on the sheet of material 10d so that the second pot bonding
material 48 engages a portion of the lower end 22d of the floral
holding material 18d and is bondingly connected thereto for still
further cooperating to hold the sheet of material 10d extended
about the floral holding material 18d to form the decorative
covering 38d.
[0128] The closure bonding material 42 and the pot bonding
materials 46 and 48 may be disposed on the upper surface or the
lower surface or both of the sheets of material 10 described herein
or in any of the other positions described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,809,629 the present invention, the disclosure of which
specifically hereby is incorporated herein by reference.
[0129] The present invention particularly is useful for providing a
decorative covering using a sheet of material constructed of a
material which is non-shape-sustaining. Non-shape-sustaining means
that the material may be shaped about the form of the floral
holding material, but the sheet of material will not hold that
shape and will relax back into substantially the non-formed shape
unless held in the formed shaped by some means such as the forming
of the crimped portion in the sheet of material. By comparison, a
shape-sustaining sheet of material would be a material such as a
metal foil for example which may be formed about the floral holding
material and which will substantially maintain the formed
shape.
[0130] Embodiment of FIGS. 10-13
[0131] Shown in FIG. 10 is an embodiment of a flexible vase 60
constructed in accordance with the present invention. The flexible
vase 60 comprises a sheet of fluid impermeable material 62 wrapped
about a floral holding material 64 and secured about the floral
holding material 64 by a band 66. As will be more fully described
in detail hereinafter, the sheet of fluid impermeable material 62
and the floral holding material 64 cooperate to define a reservoir
68 in the flexible vase 60. Thus, to store floral groupings, such
as cut flowers 70 having stem portions 72 and bloom portions 74,
the stem portions 72 of the cut flowers 70 are disposed into the
reservoir 68 of the flexible vase 60 and the reservoir 68 is then
filled with a suitable fluid, such as water 76.
[0132] The sheet of fluid impermeable material 62 may be of any
shape such as a square as shown in FIG. 11, or a rectangle or any
other geometric configuration. Further, the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 62 may be constructed of a single layer of
material or a plurality of layers of the same or different types of
material as long as at least one of the sheets of material,
preferably the sheet of material disposed substantially adjacent
the floral holding material 64 is impermeable to a fluid, such as
water. When utilizing more than one layer of material as the sheet
of fluid impermeable material 62, the sheets of material may be
connected together, laminated or maintained as separate sheets of
material. The thickness of the sheet of fluid impermeable material
62 can vary widely, the only requirements being that the sheet of
fluid impermeable material 62 have sufficient strength so that the
flexible vase 60 formed from the floral holding material 64 and the
sheet of fluid impermeable material 62 is capable of holding water
disposed in the reservoir 68 of the flexible vase 60 and to permit
the flexible vase 60 to be transported and displayed, and that the
sheet of fluid impermeable material 62 be wrappable about the
floral holding material 64 as described in detail hereinafter.
[0133] While the sheet of fluid impermeable material 62 has been
shown in FIG. 11 as a single sheet of material, it should be
understood that a pad of sheets of fluid impermeable material 62
may be utilized to enhance assembly of a plurality of flexible
vases 60, or a roll of fluid impermeable material 62 may be
provided so that sheets of the fluid impermeable material 62 can
readily be obtained by cutting a sheet of material from the roll of
material or by providing perforations in the roll of material to
facilitate removal of the sheet of fluid impermeable material
62.
[0134] The sheet of fluid impermeable material 62 is disposed about
the floral holding material 64 to form a decorative cover 78 about
the floral holding material 64. The decorative cover 78 extends a
distance above the floral holding material 64 such that an upper
end portion 80 of the floral holding material 64 remains
substantially uncovered by the decorative cover 78. Thus, when a
floral grouping such as cut flowers 70 is positioned within the
reservoir 68 of the flexible vase 60, an upper portion of the stem
portions 72 and the bloom portions 74 of the cut flowers 70 extend
outwardly from the upper end portion 80 of the floral holding
material 64.
[0135] A crimped portion 82 can be formed in the decorative cover
78 near the upper end portion 80 of the floral holding material 64.
The crimped portion 82, which extends a distance inwardly, can be
formed by crimping together portions of the decorative cover 78.
The crimped portion 82 can also be formed by placing the band 66
about a portion of the decorative cover 78, in which case the band
66 gathers or brings together portions of the decorative cover 78
and pulls portions of the decorative cover 78 toward the upper end
portion 80 of the floral holding material 64 to form the crimped
portion 82 substantially as shown.
[0136] The term "band" as used herein means any material which may
be secured about the decorative cover 78 to secure the decorative
cover 78 about the floral holding material 64 and/or to provide
additional decorative features to the decorative cover 78. Such
bands are well known in the art and include elastic or rubber
bands, string, ribbon, bows, paper strips, plastic strips, wire,
tie wraps, twist ties and combinations thereof or any other device
capable of gathering the decorative cover 78 to form the crimped
portion 82 and thereby secure the decorative cover 78 about the
floral holding material 64 or to enhance the decor of the flexible
vase 60.
[0137] The sheet of fluid impermeable material 62 may also have a
bonding material 84 disposed thereon for connecting adjacently
disposed portions of the decorative cover 78 forming the crimped
portion 82. More particularly, the bonding material 84 may be
disposed on at least one of an upper surface 86 or a lower surface
(not shown) of the sheet of fluid impermeable material 62 so as to
be disposed a distance radially from a central portion of the sheet
of fluid impermeable material 62. It should be noted that, although
the bonding material 84 is shown in FIG. 11 in the form of a
continuous strip, the bonding material may be in the form of spots
or spaced apart strips and the spots or spaced apart strips may be
of any geometric design.
[0138] The bonding material 84 is desirably a pressure sensitive
adhesive or a cohesive. However, it is to be understood that the
term bonding material 84 also includes heat sealing, a heat sealing
lacquer which may be applied to the sheet of fluid impermeable
material 62 and which requires heat to effect the bonding, or any
other type of material which may be used to effect bonding of
adjacently disposed portions of the decorative cover 78 defining
the crimped portion 82.
[0139] Referring more specifically to FIG. 12, the floral holding
material 62 comprises a substantially frustoconical
shape-sustaining support member 88 (also referred to herein as the
shape-sustaining support member 88). The shape-sustaining support
member 88 has an open upper end 89, an open lower end 90 and a
peripheral sidewall 92 defining an internal chamber 94 extending
between the open upper end 89 and the open lower end 90 which
serves as the reservoir 68 of the flexible vase 60. To prevent
puncture of the decorative cover 78 formed about the
shape-sustaining support member 88 by the stem portions 72 of the
cut flowers 70, a base member 96 is disposed across at least a
portion of the open lower end 90 of the shape-sustaining support
member 88 for restricting movement of the stem portions 72 of the
cut flowers 70 through the open lower end 90 of the
shape-sustaining support member 88.
[0140] The shape-sustaining support member 88 is fabricated of a
sheet of flexible material 98 (FIG. 13) which has sufficient
flexibility to permit the sheet of flexible material 98 to be
formed into the shape-sustaining support member 88, which also has
sufficient strength to provide the required shape-sustaining
properties to the shape-sustaining support member 88 and is
sufficiently water resistant to prevent deterioration of the
shape-sustaining support member 88 when contacted with a fluid,
such as water. The thickness of the sheet of flexible material 98
can vary widely, the only requirements being that the sheet of
flexible material 98 have sufficient strength and flexibility to
satisfy the above requirements. Materials possessing the
above-identified properties which may be used as the sheet of
flexible material 98 for fabrication of the shape-sustaining
support member 88 are polymeric materials, metals, water-repellent
cardboards and the like.
[0141] While the sheet of flexible material 98 has been shown as an
individual sheet of material, it should be understood that sheets
of flexible material 98 can be stacked so that each individual
sheet of the flexible material could be removed from the stack and
shaped into the desired configuration of the shape-sustaining
support member 88; or, the sheets of flexible material 98 could be
in the form of a roll of material in which perforations outline the
configuration of each sheet of flexible material 98.
[0142] The sheet of flexible material 98 has an upper side 100
having a centrally disposed recess 102, a lower side 104, a first
end portion 106 and a second end portion 108 which cooperate to
provide the sheet of flexible material 98 with a substantially
semi-circular configuration. The base member 96 is connected to the
lower side 104 of the sheet of flexible material 98 (substantially
as shown), and the base member 96 is provided with a circular
configuration. The size or dimensions of the base member 96 can
vary widely. That is, the base member 96 can be provided with a
diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the open lower end
90 of the shape-sustaining support member 88 so that when the sheet
of flexible material 98 is formed into the configuration of the
shape-sustaining support member 88 and the base member 96 is folded
to be disposed substantially adjacent the open lower end 90 of the
shape-sustaining support member 88, the base member 96 extends
across the open lower end 90 of the shape-sustaining support member
88 substantially as shown in FIG. 12; or, the base member 96 can be
provided with a diameter less than the diameter of the open lower
end 90 of the shape-sustaining support member 88 so that when the
sheet of flexible material 98 is formed into the configuration of
the shape-sustaining support member 88 and the base member 96 is
folded so as to be disposed substantially adjacent the open lower
end 90 of the shape-sustaining support member 88, the base member
96 extends across only a portion of the open lower end 90 of the
shape-sustaining support member 88; or, the base member 96 can be
provided with a diameter greater than the diameter of the open
lower end 90 of the shape-sustaining support member 88 so that when
the sheet of material 98 is formed into the configuration of the
shape-sustaining support member 88 and the base member 96 is folded
so as to be disposed substantially adjacent the open lower end 90
of the shape-sustaining support member 88, the base member 96
extends beyond the portion of the peripheral sidewall 92 of the
shape-sustaining support member 88.
[0143] The sheet of flexible material 98 is further provided with a
connector assembly 110 for connecting the first end portion 106 of
the sheet of flexible material 98 to the second end portion 108 of
the sheet of flexible material 98 when the sheet of flexible
material 98 is formed into the shape-sustaining support member 88
configuration substantially as shown in FIG. 12. The connector
assembly 110 comprises a male connector 112 disposed along the
upper side 100 of the sheet of flexible material 98 and comprises a
first tab member 113a and a second tab member 113b. The connector
assembly 110 also comprises a plurality of female connectors 114
disposed in the second end portion 108 of the sheet of flexible
material 98 such that at least one female connector 114 is adapted
to matingly receive the male connector 112 and first tab member
113a and second tab member 113b thereof and thereby connect the
first end portion 106 of the sheet of flexible material 98 to the
second end portion 108 of the sheet of material 98.
[0144] The plurality of female connectors 114 are spatially
disposed slits provided in the second end portion 108 of the sheet
of material 98 so that each of the female connectors 114 is
alignable with the male connector 112 when the first end portion
106 of the sheet of flexible material 98 is disposed over the
second end portion 108 of the sheet of flexible material 98 during
formation of the shape-sustaining support member 88. Thus, upon
inserting the first tab member 113a and second tab member 113b of
the male connector 112 into a selected female connector 114, the
circumferential dimensions of the shape-sustaining support member
88 can be varied.
[0145] While the sheet of flexible material 98 has been illustrated
as having only one male connector 112, it should be understood that
a plurality of the male connectors 112 could be disposed along the
upper side 100 of the sheet of flexible material 98 for mating
engagement with the female connectors 114 formed in the second end
portion 108 of the sheet of flexible material 98. Further, the
configuration of the male connector 112 can vary widely, the only
requirement being that the male connector 112 be adapted to
matingly engage and be connected to the female connector 114 so
that the first end portion 106 of the sheet of flexible material 98
can be securely connected to the second end portion 108 of the
sheet of flexible material 98 so as to form the shape-sustaining
support member 88.
[0146] To stabilize cut flowers 70 within the internal chamber 94
of the shape-sustaining support member 88 (i.e. the floral holding
material 64 of the flexible vase 60), or to provide a flared neck
portion about the open upper end 89 of the shape-sustaining support
member 88, a plurality of finger members 116 are formed in the
sheet of flexible material 98 about the centrally disposed recess
102 formed in the upper side 100 of the sheet of flexible material
98. The finger members 116, which extend inwardly into the sheet of
flexible material 98 from the centrally disposed recess 102,
desirably have a rounded or arcuate distal end 118. Thus, the
finger members 116 can be easily and quickly pressed inwardly into
the open upper end 89 of the shape-sustaining support member 88 so
as to engage the stem portions 72 of cut flowers 70 disposed within
the internal chamber 94 of the shape-sustaining support member 88,
or the finger members 116 can be flared outwardly and thereby
provide a flared neck portion about the open upper end 89 of the
shape-sustaining support member 88.
[0147] Embodiments of FIGS. 14-18
[0148] Shown in FIG. 14 is an embodiment of a flexible vase 120
constructed in accordance with the present invention. The flexible
vase 120 comprises a sheet of fluid impermeable material 122
wrapped about a floral holding material 124 and secured about the
floral holding material 124 by a band 126. As will be more fully
described in detail hereinafter, the sheet of fluid impermeable
material 122 and the floral holding material 124 cooperate to
define a reservoir 128 in the flexible vase 120. Thus, to store
floral groupings, such as cut flowers 70 having stem portions 72
and bloom portions 74, the stem portions 72 of the cut flowers 70
are disposed into the reservoir 128 of the flexible vase 120 and
the reservoir 128 is then filled with a suitable fluid, such as
water 76.
[0149] The sheet of fluid impermeable material 122 is substantially
identical in construction to the sheet of fluid impermeable
material 62 hereinbefore described with reference to FIG. 11. Thus,
the sheet of fluid impermeable material 122 may be of any shape
such as a square, or a rectangle or any other geometric
configuration. Further, the sheet of fluid impermeable material 122
may be constructed of a single layer of material or a plurality of
layers of the same or different types of material as long as at
least one of the sheets of material, preferably the sheet of
material disposed substantially adjacent the floral holding
material 124 is impermeable to a fluid, such as water. When
utilizing more than one layer of material as the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 122, the sheets of material may be connected
together, laminated or maintained as separate sheets of material.
The thickness of the sheet of fluid impermeable material 122 can
vary widely, the only requirements being that the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 122 have sufficient strength so that the
flexible vase 120 formed from the floral holding material 124 and
the sheet of fluid impermeable material 122 is capable of holding
water disposed in the reservoir 128 of the flexible vase 120 and to
permit the flexible vase 120 to be transported and displayed and
that the sheet of fluid impermeable material 122 be wrappable about
the floral holding material 124 as described in detail
hereinafter.
[0150] It should be understood that a pad of sheets of fluid
impermeable material 122 may be utilized to enhance assembly of a
plurality of flexible vases 120, or a roll of fluid impermeable
material 122 may be provided so that sheets of the fluid
impermeable material 122 can readily be obtained by cutting a sheet
of material from the roll of material or by providing perforations
in the roll of material to facilitate removal of the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 122.
[0151] The sheet of fluid impermeable material 122 is disposed
about the floral holding material 124 to form a decorative cover
130 about the floral holding material 124. The decorative cover 130
extends a distance above the floral holding material 124 such that
an upper end portion 132 of the floral holding material 124 remains
substantially uncovered by the decorative cover 130. Thus, when a
floral grouping such as cut flowers 70 is positioned within the
reservoir 128 of the flexible vase 120, an upper portion of the
stem portions 72 and the bloom portions 74 of the cut flowers 70
extend outwardly from the upper end portion 132 of the floral
holding material 124.
[0152] A crimped portion 134 can be formed in the decorative cover
130 near the upper end portion 132 of the floral holding material
124. The crimped portion 134, which extends a distance inwardly,
can be formed by crimping together portions of the decorative cover
130. The crimped portion 134 can also be formed by placing the band
126 about a portion of the decorative cover 130, in which case the
band 126 gathers or brings together portions of the decorative
cover 130 and pulls portions of the decorative cover 130 toward the
upper end portion 132 of the floral holding material 124 to form
the crimped portion 134 substantially as shown.
[0153] As previously stated, the term "band" as used herein means
any material which may be secured about the decorative cover 130 to
secure the decorative cover 130 about the floral holding material
124 and/or to provide additional decorative features to the
decorative cover 130. Such bands are well known in the art and
include elastic or rubber bands, string, ribbon, bows, paper
strips, plastic strips, wire, tie wraps, twist ties and
combinations thereof or any other device capable of gathering the
decorative cover 130 to form the crimped portion 134 and thereby
secure the decorative cover 130 about the floral holding material
124 or to enhance the decor of the flexible vase 120.
[0154] The sheet of fluid impermeable material 122 may also have a
bonding material (not shown) disposed thereon for connecting
adjacently disposed portions of the decorative cover 130 forming
the crimped portion 134. The bonding material (not shown) may be
disposed on at least one of an upper surface or a lower surface
(not shown) of the sheet of fluid impermeable material 122 so as to
be disposed a distance radially from a central portion of the sheet
of fluid impermeable material 122; and the bonding material may be
in the form of a continuous strip, spots or spaced apart strips and
the spots or spaced apart strips may be of any geometric
design.
[0155] Referring now to FIGS. 15-18, the floral holding material
124 comprises a shape-sustaining support member 140 having an open
upper end 142, an open lower end 144 and a peripheral sidewall 146
defining an internal chamber 148 extending between the open upper
end 142 and the open lower end 144. The shape-sustaining support
member 140 is fabricated of a sheet of flexible material 150 (FIG.
16) which has sufficient flexibility to permit the sheet of
flexible material 150 to be formed into the shape-sustaining
support member 140, which has sufficient strength to provide the
required shape-sustaining properties to the shape-sustaining
support member 140 and which is sufficiently water-resistant to
prevent deterioration of the shape-sustaining support member 140
when contacted with a fluid such as water. The thickness of the
sheet of flexible material 150 can vary widely, the only
requirements being that the sheet of flexible material 150 have
sufficient strength and flexibility to satisfy the above
requirements.
[0156] The sheet of flexible material 150 has an upper side 152
having a centrally disposed recess 154, a lower side 156, a first
end portion 158, and a second end portion 160 which cooperate to
provide the sheet of flexible material 150 with a substantially
semi-circular configuration. The sheet of flexible material 150 is
also provided with a connector assembly 162 for connecting the
first end portion 158 of the sheet of flexible material 150 to the
second end portion 160 of the sheet of flexible material 150 so
that the sheet of flexible material 150 can be formed into the
shape-sustaining support member 140.
[0157] The connector assembly 162 comprises a male connector 164
extending from the upper side 152 of the sheet of flexible material
150 so as to be disposed in close proximity to the first end
portion 158 of the sheet of flexible material 150. A plurality of
female connectors 166 are formed in the second end portion 160 of
the sheet of flexible material 150 such that at least one female
connector 166 is adapted to matingly receive the male connector 164
and thereby connect the first end portion 158 of the sheet of
flexible material 150 to the second end portion 160 of the sheet of
flexible material 150 and thus provide the shape-sustaining support
member 140 shown in FIG. 15.
[0158] The male connector 164 is provided with a substantially
mushroom or button shaped head portion 168 and a shank portion 170.
The plurality of female connectors 166 are a plurality of slits
spatially formed in the second end portion 160 of the sheet of
flexible material 150 so that each of the female connectors 166 is
alignable with the male connector 164 when the first end portion
158 of the sheet of flexible material 150 is disposed over the
second end portion 160 of the sheet of flexible material 132 during
formation of the shape-sustaining support member 140. Thus, upon
inserting the head portion 168 of the male connector 164 into a
selected female connector 166, the circumferential dimensions of
the shape-sustaining support member 140 can be varied.
[0159] While the sheet of flexible material 150 has been
illustrated as having only one male connector 164, it should be
understood that a plurality of male connectors 164 could be
disposed along the upper side 152 of the sheet of flexible material
150 for matingly engaging the female connectors 166 formed in the
second end portion 160 of the sheet of flexible material 150.
Further, while the male connector 164 has been depicted as having a
mushroom or button shaped head portion 168, it should be understood
that the configuration of the male connector 164 can vary widely
and the head portion 168 of the male connector 164 could be in the
shape of an arrow, or any other geometric configuration which is
adapted to matingly engage and be connected to the female
connectors 166 so that the first end portion 158 of the sheet of
flexible material 150 can be securely connected to the second end
portion 160 of the sheet of flexible material 150 so as to form the
shape-sustaining support member 140.
[0160] To prevent puncture of the decorative cover 130 formed about
the shape-sustaining support member 140 by the stem portions 72 of
a floral grouping, such as cut flowers 70, a base member 172 is
disposed about the open lower end 144 of the shape-sustaining
support member 140 substantially as shown in FIG. 17. The base
member 172 is provided with an upwardly extending lip 174 to assist
in stabilizing the base member 172 relative to the shape-sustaining
support member 140.
[0161] FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of a base member 176
for the shape-sustaining support member 140. In this embodiment,
the base member 176 is provided with an inwardly tapered peripheral
sidewall 178 for matingly engaging a lower portion of the interior
surface of the peripheral sidewall 146 of the shape-sustaining
support member 140. That is, the base member 176 is sized such that
the base member 176 can be disposed within the open lower end 144
of the shape-sustaining support member 140 substantially as shown
in FIG. 18.
[0162] The base members 172 and 176 depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18 can
be connected, if desired, to the shape-sustaining support member
140 to enhance stability and water tightness of the internal
chamber 148 formed in the shape-sustaining support member 140. Any
suitable means can be employed for connecting the base members 172
and 176 to the shape-sustaining support member 140, such as an
adhesive, cohesive, pressure sensitive adhesive and the like.
[0163] Embodiments of FIGS. 19-36
[0164] Referring now to FIGS. 19-21, a floral holding material 180
which, when wrapped with a sheet of the fluid impermeable material
such as the sheet of fluid impermeable material 62 hereinbefore
described, provides a flexible vase having a configuration similar
to the flexible vase 60 shown in FIG. 1. The floral holding
material 180 comprises a shape-sustaining support member 182 having
an open upper end 184, an open lower end 186 and a peripheral
sidewall 188 defining an internal chamber 190 extending between the
open upper end 184 and the open lower end 186.
[0165] The shape-sustaining support member 182 is fabricated of a
sheet of flexible material 192 (FIGS. 20-21) which has sufficient
flexibility to permit the sheet of flexible material 192 to be
formed into the shape-sustaining support member 182, and which also
has sufficient strength to provide the required shape-sustaining
properties to the shape-sustaining support member 182 and is
sufficiently water-resistant to prevent deterioration of the
shape-sustaining support member 182 when same is contacted with a
fluid, such as water. The thickness of the sheet of flexible
material 192 can vary widely, the only requirement being that the
sheet of flexible material 192 have sufficient strength and
flexibility to satisfy the above requirements. Any material
possessing the above-identified properties can be used in the
fabrication of the sheet of flexible material 192.
[0166] The sheet of flexible material 192 has an upper side 194
having a centrally disposed recess 196, a lower side 198, a first
end portion 200 and a second end portion 202 which cooperate to
provide the sheet of flexible material 192 with a substantially
semi-circular configuration.
[0167] The sheet of flexible material 192 is further provided with
a connector assembly 204 (FIG. 20) for connecting the first end
portion 200 of the sheet of flexible material 192 to the second end
portion 202 of the sheet of flexible material 192 when the sheet of
flexible material 192 is formed into the shape-sustaining support
member 188. The connector assembly 204 comprises a plurality of
male connectors 206 formed in the first end portion 200 of the
sheet of flexible material 192 so as to be disposed in close
proximity to the upper side 194 of the sheet of flexible material
192, and a plurality of female connectors 208 formed in the second
end portion 202 of the sheet of flexible material 192 such that at
least a portion of the female connectors 208 are adapted to
matingly receive the male connectors 206 and thereby connect the
first end portion 200 of the sheet of flexible material 192 to the
second end portion 202 of the sheet of flexible material 192 to
provide the shape-sustaining support member shown in FIG. 19.
[0168] The male connectors 206 of the connector assembly 204 are a
plurality of spatially disposed studs or bosses which extend
upwardly from an upper surface 210 of the sheet of flexible
material 192; and the female connectors 208 are a plurality of
apertures formed in the second end portion 202 of the sheet of
flexible material 192 which are adapted to matingly receive and
frictionally engage the male connectors 206 so that, upon inserting
the male connectors 206 into the female connectors 208, the first
end portion 200 of the sheet of flexible material 192 can be
securely connected to the second end portion 202 to form the
shape-sustaining support member 182. It should be noted that by
providing a plurality of female connectors 208 spatially disposed
along the second end portion 202 of the sheet of flexible material
192, insertion of the male connectors 206 into selected female
connectors 208 permits one to vary the circumferential dimensions
of the shape-sustaining support member 182.
[0169] To stabilize cut flowers or other floral arrangements within
the internal chamber 190 of the shape-sustaining support member
182, a plurality of finger members 212 are formed in the sheet of
flexible material 192 about the centrally disposed recess 196
formed in the upper side 194 of the sheet of flexible material 192.
The finger members 212, which extend inwardly into the sheet of
flexible material 192 from the centrally disposed recess 196
substantially as shown, desirably have a rounded or arcuate distal
end 214. Thus, the finger members 212 can be easily and quickly
pressed inwardly into the open upper end 184 of the
shape-sustaining support member 182 so as to engage the stem
portions of cut flowers or other floral arrangements disposed
within the internal chamber 190 of the shape-sustaining support
member 182, or the finger members 212 can be flared outwardly and
thereby provide a flared neck portion about the open upper end of
184 of the shape-sustaining support member 182.
[0170] Referring now to FIG. 21, another embodiment of a connector
assembly 220 for interconnecting the first end portion 200 and the
second end portion 202 of the sheet of flexible material 192 to
form the shape-sustaining support member 182 is illustrated. The
connector assembly 220 comprises a plurality of male connectors 222
formed in the first end portion 200 of the sheet of flexible
material 192 so as to be disposed in close proximity to the upper
side 194 of the sheet of flexible material 192; and a plurality of
female connectors 224 formed in the second end portion 202 of the
sheet of flexible material 192 such that at least a portion of the
female connectors 224 are adapted to matingly receive the male
connectors 222 and thereby connect the first end portion 200 of the
sheet of flexible material 192 to the second end portion 202 of the
sheet of flexible material 192 to provide the shape-sustaining
support member 182 shown in FIG. 19. The male connectors 222 are a
plurality of spatially disposed studs or bosses which extend
upwardly from the upper surface 210 of the sheet of flexible
material 192; and the female connectors 224 are a plurality of
spatially disposed studs or bosses which extend upwardly from the
upper surface 210 of the sheet of flexible material 192 and which
have a centrally disposed recess 225 formed therein adapted to
matingly receive the male connectors 222. The plurality of female
connectors 224 are spatially disposed along the second end portion
202 such that a portion of the female connectors 224 are adapted to
matingly receive the male connectors 222. Thus, upon inserting the
male connectors 222 into selected female connectors 224, the
circumferential dimensions of the shape-sustaining support member
182 can be varied.
[0171] Referring now to FIGS. 22 and 23, another embodiment of a
floral holding material 230 is shown. The floral holding material
230 comprises a shape-sustaining support member 232 having an open
upper end 234, an open lower end 236 and a peripheral sidewall 238
defining an internal chamber 240 extending between the open upper
end 234 and the open lower end 236. The shape-sustaining support
member 232 is fabricated of a sheet of flexible material 242 (FIG.
23) which has sufficient flexibility to permit the sheet of
flexible material 242 to be formed into the shape-sustaining
support member 232.
[0172] The sheet of flexible material 242 has an upper side 244
having a centrally disposed recess 246, a lower side 248, a first
end portion 250 and a second end portion 252 which cooperate to
provide the sheet of flexible material 242 with a substantially
semi-circular configuration. The sheet of flexible material 242 is
further provided with a connector assembly 254 for connecting the
first end portion 250 of the sheet of flexible material 242 to the
second end portion 252 of the sheet of flexible material 242 when
the sheet of flexible material 242 is formed into the
shape-sustaining support member 232.
[0173] The connector assembly 254 comprises a male connector 256
and a plurality of female connectors 258. The male connector 256 is
formed in the upper side 244 of the sheet of flexible material 242
so as to be substantially adjacent the first end portion 250 of the
sheet of flexible material 242 and comprises a first tab member
257a and a second tab member 257b; and the plurality of female
connectors 258 are formed in the second end portion 252 of the
sheet of flexible material 242 such that at least one of the female
connectors 258 is adapted to matingly receive the first tab member
257a and second tab member 257b of the male connector 256 and
thereby connect the first end portion 250 of the sheet of flexible
material 242 to the second end portion 252 of the sheet of flexible
material 242 and thus provide the shape-sustaining support member
232 shown in FIG. 22. The plurality of female connectors 258 are
spatially disposed slits provided in the second end portion 252 of
the sheet of flexible material 242 so that each of the female
connectors 258 is alignable with the male connector 256 when the
first end portion 250 of the sheet of flexible material 242 is
disposed over the second end portion 252 of the sheet of flexible
material 242 during formation of the shape-sustaining support
member 232. Thus, upon inserting the first tab member 257a and
second tab member 257b of the male connector 256 into a selected
female connector 258, the circumferential dimensions of the
shape-sustaining support member 232 can be varied.
[0174] While the sheet of flexible material 242 has been
illustrated as having only one male connector 256, it should be
understood that a plurality of male connectors 256 can be disposed
along the upper side 244 of the sheet of flexible material 242 for
mating engagement with the female connectors 258 formed in the
second end portion 252 of the sheet of flexible material 242.
Further, the configuration of the male connector 256 can vary
widely, the only requirement being that the male connector 256 be
adapted to matingly engage and be connected to the female
connectors 258 so that the first end portion 250 of the sheet of
flexible material 242 can be securely connected to the second end
portion 252 of the sheet of flexible material 242 and thereby form
the shape-sustaining support member 232.
[0175] To stabilize a floral grouping, such as the cut flowers 70
(FIG. 1), within the internal chamber 240 of the shape-sustaining
support member 232, a plurality of slots 260 are provided in the
sheet of flexible material 242 substantially as shown. The slots
260 extend radially from the centrally disposed recess 246 formed
in the upper side 244 of the sheet of flexible material 242. Thus,
the slots 260 provide open recessed areas for insertion of floral
groupings (such as stem portions of cut flowers) therethrough for
stabilizing same relative to the open upper end 234 of the
shape-sustaining support member 232.
[0176] The spatially disposed slots 260 also define a plurality of
finger members 262 which extend from the open upper end 234 of the
shape-sustaining support member 232. Thus, if desired, the finger
members 262 can be easily and quickly pressed inwardly into the
open upper end 234 of the shape-sustaining support member 232 so as
to engage a portion of the floral arrangement disposed within the
internal chamber of the shape-sustaining support member 232 and
thereby stabilize the floral arrangement, or the finger members 262
can be flared outwardly and thereby provide a flared neck portion
about the open upper end 234 of the shape-sustaining support member
232.
[0177] Referring now to FIG. 24, another embodiment of a floral
holding material 266 is shown. The floral holding material 266
comprises a shape-sustaining support member 268 having an open
upper end 270, an open lower end 272 and a peripheral sidewall 274
defining an internal chamber 276 extending between the open upper
end 270 and the open lower end 272. The shape-sustaining support
member 268 is fabricated of a sheet of flexible material 278 (FIG.
25) which has sufficient flexibility and strength to permit the
sheet of flexible material 278 to be formed into the
shape-sustaining support member 268.
[0178] The sheet of flexible material 278 has an upper side 280
having a centrally disposed recess 282, a lower side 284, a first
end portion 286 and a second end portion 288 which cooperate to
provide the sheet of flexible material 278 with a substantially
semi-circular configuration. The sheet of flexible material 278 is
further provided with a connector assembly 290 for connecting the
first end portion 286 of the sheet of flexible material 278 to the
second end portion 288 of the sheet of flexible material 278 when
the sheet of flexible material 278 is formed into the
shape-sustaining support member 268.
[0179] The connector assembly 290 comprises a male connector 292
disposed on an upper surface 294 of the sheet of flexible material
278 and a female connector 296 formed along a portion of a lower
surface 298 of the sheet of flexible material 278. The male
connector, which is provided with a rib configuration, extends
along at least a portion of the sheet of flexible material 278 such
that the male connector 292 is disposed on the surface 294 of the
sheet of flexible material 278 in close proximity to the upper side
280 of the sheet of flexible material 278 and extends between the
first end portion 286 and the centrally disposed recess 282. The
female connector, which is a generally channel-shaped connection,
is disposed on the lower surface 298 of the sheet of flexible
material 278 in close proximity to the upper side 280 of the sheet
of flexible material 278 and extends between the centrally disposed
recess 282 and the second end portion 288 of the sheet of flexible
material 278. Thus, upon forming the sheet of flexible material
into the configuration of the shape-sustaining support member as
shown in FIG. 24, the rib portion of the male connector 292 is
snapped into the channel portion of the female connector 296 so as
to securely connect the first end portion 286 of the sheet of
flexible material 278 to the second end portion 288 of the sheet of
flexible material 278 and thereby provide the shape-sustaining
support member 268 as shown in FIG. 24.
[0180] Referring now to FIG. 26, a floral holding material 300 is
shown. The floral holding material 300 comprises a shape-sustaining
support member 302 having an open upper end 304, an open lower end
306 and a peripheral sidewall 308 defining an internal chamber 310
extending between the open upper end 304 and the open lower end
306. The shape-sustaining support member 302 is fabricated of a
sheet of flexible material 312 which has sufficient flexibility and
strength to permit the sheet of flexible material 312 to be formed
into the shape-sustaining support member 302.
[0181] The sheet of flexible material 312 (FIG. 27) is provided
with a substantially semi-circular configuration and has an upper
side 314 having a centrally disposed recess 316, a lower side 318,
a first end portion 320, a second end portion 322, an upper surface
324 and a lower surface 326. The flexible sheet of material 312 is
also provided with a connector assembly 328 for connecting the
first end portion 320 of the sheet of flexible material 312 to the
second end portion 322 of the sheet of flexible material 312 when
the sheet of flexible material 312 is formed into the
shape-sustaining support member 302.
[0182] The connector assembly 328 comprises a first strip of a
cohesive 330 disposed substantially adjacent the upper side 314 of
the sheet of flexible material 312 so as to extend along at least a
substantial portion of the distance between the centrally disposed
recess 316 formed in the upper side 314 and the first end portion
320 of the sheet of flexible material 312, and a second strip of a
cohesive 332 disposed on the lower surface 326 of the sheet of
flexible material 312 so as to be disposed near the upper side 314
thereof and along a substantial portion of the upper side 314
between the centrally disposed recess 316 formed in the upper side
314 and the second end portion 322 of the sheet of flexible
material 312. Thus, when the first end portion 320 of the sheet of
flexible material 312 is disposed over the second end portion 322
of the sheet of flexible material 312 and the first and second
strips of cohesive 330, 332 are brought into contact, the first end
portion 320 of the sheet of flexible material 312 is connected to
the second end portion 322 of the sheet of material 312 to provide
the shape-sustaining support member 302. It should be noted that
while the connector assembly 328 has been shown as a first strip of
cohesive 330 and a second strip of cohesive 332, such cohesives are
not restricted to being in strip form but can be in the form of
dots, segments or any other desired configuration.
[0183] Referring now to FIGS. 28 and 29, another embodiment of a
floral holding material 336 is shown. The floral holding material
336 comprises a shape-sustaining support member 338 having an open
upper end 340, an open lower end 342, and a peripheral sidewall 344
defining an internal chamber 346 extending between the open upper
end 340 and the open lower end 342. The shape-sustaining support
member 338 is fabricated of a sheet of flexible material 348 having
sufficient flexibility and strength to provide the desired
shape-sustaining properties to the shape-sustaining support member
338.
[0184] The sheet of flexible material 348, which has a
substantially semi-circular configuration, is provided with an
upper side 350 having a centrally disposed recess 352, a lower side
354, a first end portion 356, a second end portion 358 and an upper
surface 360. The sheet of flexible material 348 is further provided
with a connector assembly 362 for connecting the first end portion
356 of the sheet of flexible material 348 to the second end portion
358 of the sheet of flexible material 348 when the sheet of
flexible material 348 is formed into the shape-sustaining support
member 338.
[0185] The connector assembly 362 comprises a first strip of a
cohesive 364 and a second strip of a cohesive 366. The first strip
of cohesive 364 is disposed on the upper surface 360 of the sheet
of flexible material 348 so as to be disposed substantially
adjacent the upper side 350 of the sheet of flexible material 348;
and the first strip of cohesive 364 extends between the centrally
disposed recess 352 and the first end portion 356 of the sheet of
flexible material 348. Similarly, the second strip of cohesive 366
is disposed on the upper surface 360 of the sheet of flexible
material 348 so as to be disposed substantially adjacent the upper
side 360 of the sheet of flexible material 348; and the second
strip of cohesive 366 extends between the centrally disposed recess
352 and the second end portion 358 of the sheet of flexible
material 348. Thus, when the sheet of flexible material 348 is
formed into a substantially conical configuration, the first strip
of cohesive 364 is brought into contact with the second strip of
cohesive 366 so that the first and second end portions 356 and 358
of the sheet of flexible material 348 are connected and the sheet
of flexible material is formed into the shape-sustaining support
member 338.
[0186] Referring now to FIG. 30, a floral holding material 370 is
shown. The floral holding material 370 comprises a shape-sustaining
member 372 having an open upper end 374, an open lower end 376 and
a peripheral sidewall 378 defining an internal chamber 380
extending between the open upper end 374 and the open lower end
376. The shape-sustaining support member 372 is fabricated of a
sheet of flexible material 382 (FIG. 31) having sufficient
flexibility and strength to permit the sheet of flexible material
382 to be formed into the shape-sustaining support member 372.
[0187] Referring more specifically to FIG. 31, the sheet of
flexible material 382 has an upper side 384 having a centrally
disposed recess 386, a lower side 388, a first end portion 390 and
a second end portion 392 which cooperate to provide the sheet of
flexible material 382 with a substantially semi-circular
configuration. The sheet of flexible material 382 is further
provided with a connector assembly 394 for connecting the first end
portion 390 of the sheet of flexible material 382 to the second end
portion 392 of the sheet of flexible material 382 when the sheet of
flexible material 382 is formed into the shape-sustaining support
member 372.
[0188] The connector assembly 394 comprises a first strip of
cohesive 396 disposed along an upper surface 398 of the sheet of
flexible material 382 such that the first strip of cohesive 396 is
disposed substantially adjacent the upper side 384 of the sheet of
flexible material and extends a substantial portion of the distance
between the centrally disposed recess 386 formed in the upper side
384 of the sheet of flexible material 382 and the first end portion
396 thereof. The connector assembly 394 further comprises a second
strip of cohesive 400 disposed on the upper surface 398 of the
sheet of flexible material 382 such that the second strip of
cohesive 400 is disposed substantially adjacent the upper side 384
of the sheet of flexible material 382 and extends a substantial
portion of the distance between the centrally disposed recess 386
formed in the upper side 384 of the sheet of flexible material 382
and the second end portion 392 thereof. Thus, when the first end
portion 390 of the sheet of flexible material 382 is disposed over
the second end portion 392 of the sheet of flexible material 382
and the first and second strips of cohesive 396 and 400 are brought
into bonding engagement, the sheet of flexible material 382 is
formed and secured in a substantially frustoconical
shape-sustaining member 401 substantially as shown in FIG. 32
wherein the portions of the first and second end portions 390 and
392 of the sheet of flexible material 382 are bondingly connected
by the first and second strips of cohesive 396 and 400 and extend
outwardly therefrom to form a flap portion 402 substantially as
shown in FIG. 32. To secure the outwardly extending flap portion
402 to the peripheral sidewall 378 of the shape-sustaining support
member 372, the connector assembly 394 further comprises a strip of
adhesive 404 disposed along a lower surface 406 of the sheet of
flexible material 382 so as to be spatially disposed from the
second strip of cohesive 400, substantially as shown in FIG. 31.
Thus, when the flap 402 is moved adjacent a portion of the
peripheral side wall 378 of the shape-sustaining support member
372, the adhesive 404 bondingly connects the flap 402 to the
adjacently disposed portion of the peripheral sidewall 378 of the
shape-sustaining support member 372 to provide the shape-sustaining
support member 372 with the configuration shown in FIG. 30.
[0189] Referring now to FIGS. 33 and 34, another embodiment of a
floral holding material 450 is shown. The floral holding material
450, when wrapped with a sheet of fluid impermeable material,
provides a flexible vase similar to the flexible vase 120 shown in
FIG. 14. The floral holding material 450 comprises a
shape-sustaining support member 452 having an open upper end 454,
an open lower end 456 and a peripheral sidewall 458 defining an
internal chamber 460 extending between the open upper end 454 and
the open lower end 456. A plurality of pleats 461 are formed in the
peripheral sidewall 458 of the shape-sustaining support member 452.
The pleats 461 extend from the open upper end 454 of the
shape-sustaining support member 452 and terminate a distance from
the open lower end 456 of the shape-sustaining support member
452.
[0190] The shape-sustaining support member 452 is fabricated of a
sheet of flexible material 462 (FIG. 34) which has sufficient
flexibility to permit the sheet of flexible material 462 to be
formed into the shape-sustaining support member 452, sufficient
strength to provide the required shape-sustaining properties to the
shape-sustaining support member 452, and sufficient
water-resistance to prevent deterioration of the shape-sustaining
support member 452 when the shape-sustaining support member 452 is
contacted with a fluid, such as water. The thickness of the sheet
of flexible material 462 can vary widely, the only requirement
being that the sheet of flexible material 462 have sufficient
strength and flexibility to satisfy the above requirements.
[0191] The sheet of flexible material 462 has an upper side 464
having a centrally disposed recess 466, a lower side 468, a first
end portion 470 and a second end portion 472 which cooperate to
provide the sheet of flexible material 462 with a substantially
semi-circular configuration. A plurality of score lines 474 are
formed in one surface, such as an upper surface 478 of the sheet of
flexible material 462, and extend radially from the centrally
disposed recess 466 formed in the upper side 464 of the sheet of
flexible material 462 in the direction of the first end portion
470, the lower side 468 and the second end portion 472
substantially as shown. The score lines 474 permit the formation of
the pleats 461 in the peripheral sidewall 458 of the
shape-sustaining support member 452 by permitting portions of the
peripheral sidewall 458 of the shape-sustaining support member 452
to be folded over an adjacently disposed portion of the peripheral
sidewall 458. Thus, by forming pleats 461 in the peripheral
sidewall 458 of the shape-sustaining support member 452, the
diameter of the open upper end 454 can be selectively reduced, if
desired. The pleats 461 formed in the peripheral sidewall 458 of
the shape-sustaining support member 452 can be secured in a stable
position by cohesive disposed along each side of the score lines
474 provided in the sheet of flexible material 462 such that when
the pleats 461 are made by folding the sheet of flexible material
462 along the score lines 474, the pleats 461 are bondingly
connected to an underlying portion of the peripheral sidewall 458
of the shape-sustaining support member 452. It should be understood
that the bonding of the pleats 461 to the underlying portion of the
peripheral sidewall 458 of the shape-sustaining support member 452
can be achieved in any suitable manner, such as with tape, staples,
or any other connecting means well known in the art.
[0192] The sheet of flexible material 462 is further provided with
a connector assembly 480 for connecting the first end portion 470
of the sheet of flexible material 462 to the second end portion 472
of the sheet of flexible material 462 so as to form the
shape-sustaining support member 452 substantially as shown in FIG.
33. The connector assembly 480 comprises a male connector 482 and a
plurality of female connectors 484. The male connector 482 extends
from the upper side 464 of the sheet of material 462 so as to be
disposed in close proximity to the first end portion 470 of the
sheet of flexible material 462; and the plurality of female
connectors 484 are formed in the second end portion 472 of the
sheet of flexible material 462 substantially as shown. The female
connectors 484 are spatially disposed along the second end portion
472 of the sheet of flexible material 462 such that at least one
female connector 484 is adapted to matingly receive the male
connector 482 and thereby connect the first end portion 470 of the
sheet of flexible material 462 to the second end portion 472 and
thus provide the shape-sustaining support member 452 shown in FIG.
33.
[0193] The male connector 482 is provided with a shank portion 486
and a substantially arrow-shaped head portion 488. As previously
stated, the female connectors 484 are spatially disposed along the
second end portion 472 of the sheet of flexible material 462 so
that each of the female connectors 484 can be aligned with the male
connector 482 when the first end portion 470 of the sheet of
flexible material 462 is disposed over the second end portion 472
of the sheet of flexible material 462 during formation of the
shape-sustaining support member 452. Thus, upon inserting the head
portion 488 of the male connector 482 through a selected female
connector 484, the circumferential dimensions of the
shape-sustaining support member 452 can be varied.
[0194] While the sheet of flexible material 462 has been
illustrated as having only one male connector 482, it should be
understood that a plurality of male connectors 482 could be
disposed along the upper side 464 of the sheet of flexible material
462 so as to extend between the centrally disposed recess 466
formed in the upper side 464 of the sheet of flexible material 462
and the first end portion 470 of the sheet of flexible material
462. Further, the configuration of the male connector 482 can vary
widely, the only requirement being that the male connector 482 be
adapted to matingly engage and be connected to the female
connectors 484 so that the first end portion 470 of the sheet of
flexible material 462 can be securely connected to the second end
portion 472 of the sheet of flexible material 462 to form the
shape-sustaining support member 452 depicted in FIG. 33.
[0195] Referring now to FIG. 35, another embodiment of a floral
holding material 490 is shown. The floral holding material 490,
when wrapped with a sheet of fluid impermeable material as
hereinbefore described, provides a flexible vase having a
substantially rectangular configuration. The floral holding
material 490 comprises a shape-sustaining support member 492 having
a partially open upper end 494, an open lower end 496 and a
plurality of sidewalls 498 defining an internal chamber 500
extending between the partially open upper end 494 and the open
lower end 496. It should be noted that while the shape-sustaining
support member 492 has been illustrated as having four sidewalls
498, the number of sidewalls 498 can vary and the number of
sidewalls 498 will determine the geometric configuration of the
shape-sustaining support member 492. For example, if the
shape-sustaining support member is provided with three sidewalls,
the shape-sustaining support member will have a substantially
triangular configuration; whereas if the shape-sustaining support
member is provided with five sidewalls, the shape-sustaining
support member will have a substantially pentagonal configuration.
The shape-sustaining support member 492 is further provided with a
plurality of substantially triangular shaped tabs 502 disposed
along the open upper end 494 which, when pressed inwardly as shown,
stabilize a floral arrangement, such as cut flowers, within the
internal chamber 500 formed within the shape-sustaining support
member 492.
[0196] Referring more specifically to FIG. 36, the shape-sustaining
support member 492 is fabricated of a sheet of flexible material
504 which has sufficient flexibility to be formed into the
shape-sustaining support member 492, sufficient strength to provide
the required shape-sustaining properties to the shape-sustaining
support member 492 and sufficient water resistance to prevent
deterioration of the shape-sustaining support member 492 when
contacted with a fluid, such as water. The thickness of the sheet
of flexible material 504 can vary widely, the only requirement
being that the sheet of flexible material 504 have sufficient
strength and flexibility to satisfy the above requirements.
[0197] The sheet of flexible material 504 has an upper side 506, a
lower side 508, a first end portion 510 and a second end portion
512. The plurality of triangular tabs 502 extend from the upper
side 506 of the sheet of flexible material 504 substantially as
shown. The substantially triangularly shaped tabs 502 are provided
with a plurality of spatially disposed apertures 513 so that when
the sheet of flexible material 504 is formed into the
shape-sustaining support member 492 and the tabs 502 are pressed
inwardly into the open upper end 496 of the shape-sustaining member
492, the stem portion of a floral grouping (not shown) can be
disposed through the apertures 513. A score line 514 is provided
along the upper side 506 of the sheet of flexible material 504 so
as to be disposed between the upper side 506 of the sheet of
flexible material 504 and the triangularly shaped tabs 502 for
permitting the triangularly shaped tabs 502 to be pressed inwardly
into the open upper end 496 of the shape-sustaining member 492
substantially as shown in FIG. 35. The triangularly shaped tabs 502
may be provided with a plurality of floral grouping receiving
openings 513 for stabilizing a floral grouping disposed
therethrough relative to the shape-sustaining support member 492.
In addition, the sheet of flexible material 504 is provided with
three vertically extending score lines 516 for permitting the sheet
of flexible material 504 to be folded to form the sidewalls 498 of
the shape-sustaining support member 492.
[0198] The sheet of flexible material 504 is further provided with
a connector assembly 518 for connecting the first end portion 510
of the sheet of flexible material 504 to the second end portion 512
thereof so as to form the shape-sustaining support member 492. The
connector assembly 518 extends along at least a portion of the
first end portion 510 so as to be disposed substantially adjacent
an edge thereof and is adapted to connect to the second end portion
512 of the sheet of flexible material 504 to form the
shape-sustaining support member 492. Any suitable means can be
employed as the connector assembly 518, including the connecting
assemblies heretofore described. However, especially desirable
results can be obtained wherein the connector assembly 518 is a
strip of adhesive 520 which extends along the first end portion
510' of the sheet of flexible material 504 between the upper side
506 and the lower side 508 thereof substantially as shown. It
should be understood that while the connector assembly 518 has been
shown as a strip of adhesive 520 extending between the upper side
506 and the lower side 508 of the sheet of flexible material 504,
the adhesive can be in the form of spaced apart strip segments,
dots, or any other geometrical configuration. The only requirement
of the bonding material or any other suitable connector assembly
employed in combination with the sheet of flexible material 504 is
that the bonding material or connector assembly be adapted to
securely connect the second end portion 512 to the first end
portion 510 of the sheet of flexible material 504 to form the
shape-sustaining support member 492.
[0199] Referring now to FIGS. 37 and 38, another embodiment of a
floral holding material 530 is shown. The floral holding material
530 can be wrapped with a sheet of the fluid impermeable material,
such as the sheet of fluid impermeable material 62 hereinbefore
described, to provide a flexible vase similar to the flexible vase
60 in the manner hereinbefore described. The floral holding
material 530 comprises a preformed shape-sustaining support member
532 having an open upper end 534, an open lower end 536 and a
peripheral sidewall 538 defining an internal chamber 540 extending
between the open upper end 534 and the open lower end 536. A
plurality of score lines, such as score lines 542 and 544, are
formed in the peripheral sidewall 538 and extend between the open
upper end 534 and the open lower end 536 of the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 532. The score lines 542 and 544
permit a portion of the peripheral sidewall 538 of the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 532 to be folded over an adjacently
disposed portion of the peripheral sidewall 538 substantially as
shown in FIG. 38 to reduce the diameter of the open upper end 534
the open lower end 536 and the internal chamber 540 of the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 532. The overlapped
portion or pleat 546 formed in the peripheral sidewall 538 can then
be secured in a stable position by strips of cohesive 548 disposed
along each side of the score lines 542 and 544 provided in the
peripheral sidewall 538 of the preformed shape-sustaining support
member 532. It should be understood that the bonding of the
overlapped portion or pleat 546 formed in the peripheral sidewall
538 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 532 to the
underlying portion of the peripheral sidewall 538, while being
illustrated with the use of strips of cohesive, can be achieved in
any suitable manner, such as with an adhesive, tape, staples, or
any other connecting means well known in the art.
[0200] Referring now to FIG. 39, another embodiment of a floral
holding material 550 for use in forming a flexible decorative vase
is illustrated. The floral holding material 550 comprises a
preformed shape-sustaining support member 552 having an open upper
end 554, an open lower end 556 and a peripheral sidewall 558
defining an internal chamber 560 extending between the open upper
end 554 and the open lower end 556. Because the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 552 is formed of a substantially
rigid material, creases 562 and 564 are formed in the peripheral
sidewall 558 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 552
when the preformed shape-sustaining support member 552 is flattened
for transportation and storage substantially as shown in FIG. 40.
Since it is desirable to expand the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 552 to its substantially original configuration for
use in the construction of a flexible vase, and because creases 562
and 564 are formed in the peripheral sidewall 558 of the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 552, it is necessary to provide a
mechanism 565 for stabilizing the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 552 in its expanded configuration when the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 552 has been flattened for
transportation and storage.
[0201] The mechanism 565 comprises an elastic member, such as an
elastic band 566, which is attached to the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 552 substantially adjacent the open
lower end 556 thereof so as to extend between the creases 562 and
564 formed in the peripheral sidewall 558 of the preformed
shape-sustaining member 552 substantially as shown. Since the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 552 is in its normal
expanded condition prior to flattening, the elastic band 566 is
placed under tension or stretched during flattening of the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 552. Thus, when it is
desired to use the flattened preformed shape-sustaining support
member 552, one merely removes the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 552 from its shipping or storage carton (not shown)
and allows the elastic band 566 to contract or resume its
unstretched condition whereby the flattened preformed
shape-sustaining support member 552 is moved to its original
configuration substantially as shown in FIG. 39.
[0202] Referring now to FIGS. 41 and 42, another embodiment of a
mechanism 569 for stabilizing the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 552 in its expanded configuration is illustrated. In
this embodiment, a first tab 570 having a length greater than the
radius of the open lower end 556 of the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 552 is connected to a portion of the peripheral
sidewall 558 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 552
so as to be substantially adjacent the open lower end 556 of the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 552; and a second tab
572, also having a length greater than the radius of the open lower
end 556 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 552 is
connected to a portion of the peripheral sidewall 558 of the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 552 so as to be disposed
opposite the first tab 570 and substantially adjacent the open
lower end 556 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 552
substantially as shown. When assembling the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 552 for use, one applies sufficient
pressure along the creases 562 and 564 formed in the peripheral
sidewall 558 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 552
so that the preformed shape-sustaining support member 552 is moved
from the flattened storage position (FIG. 42) to an original
expanded position (FIG. 41). Thereafter, the first and second tabs
570, 572, which are provided with connectors 574 and 576,
respectively, can be interconnected via the connectors 574 and 576
so that the preformed shape-sustaining support member 552 is
maintained in a configuration substantially as shown in FIG.
41.
[0203] Referring now to FIGS. 43 and 44, another embodiment of a
mechanism 577 for stabilizing the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 552 in its expanded configuration is illustrated. In
this embodiment, a first tab 578 having a length greater than the
radius of the open lower end 556 of the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 552 is connected to the peripheral sidewall 558 of
the preformed shape-sustaining support member 552 so as to be
substantially adjacent the open lower end 556 of the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 552; and a second tab 580, also
having a length greater than the radius of the open lower end 556
of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 552 is connected
to the peripheral sidewall 558 of the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 552 so as to be substantially adjacent the open
lower end 556 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 552
substantially as shown.
[0204] The mechanism 577 for stabilizing the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 552 further includes a strip of
substantially non-elastic material 582 having a length
substantially equal to the diameter of the open lower end 556 of
the preformed shape-sustaining support member 552. The strip of
material 582 is connected at one end 584 to the peripheral sidewall
558 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 552 so as to
be disposed between the creases 562 and 564; and an opposed second
end 586 of the strip of material 582 is connected to the peripheral
sidewall 558 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 552
between the creases 562 and 564. Thus, the strip of material 582 is
substantially normally disposed to the first and second tabs 578
and 580 substantially as shown. The first and second tabs 578 and
580 are provided with connectors 588, 590, respectively, so that
the first and second tabs 578 and 580 can be connected via the
connectors 588 and 590 when the preformed shape-sustaining support
member 552 is moved from its substantially flattened storage
position (FIG. 44) to the expanded position (FIG. 43). Thereafter,
the interconnected first and second tabs 578 and 580 are connected
to a medial portion of the strip of material 582 by a connector 592
illustrated by phantom line in FIG. 43.
[0205] Referring now to FIGS. 45 and 46, another embodiment of a
floral holding material 594 for use in forming the flexible
decorative vase is illustrated. The floral holding material 594
comprises a preformed shape-sustaining support member 596 having an
open upper end 598, an open lower end 600 and a peripheral sidewall
602 defining an internal chamber 604 extending between the open
upper end 598 and the open lower end 600. Because the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 596 is formed of a substantially
rigid material, creases 606 and 608 are formed in the peripheral
sidewall 602 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 596
when the preformed shape-sustaining support member 596 is flattened
for transportation and storage substantially as shown in FIG. 46.
Since it is desirable to expand the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 596 to its substantially original configuration for
use in the construction of the flexible vase, and because creases
606 and 608 are formed in the peripheral sidewall 602 of the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 596, it is necessary to
provide a mechanism 610 for stabilizing the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 596 in its expanded configuration
when the preformed shape-sustaining support member 596 has
previously been flattened for transportation and storage.
[0206] The mechanism for stabilizing the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 596 in its expanded configuration is illustrated as
comprising a plurality of ring members 612 and 614. In this
embodiment, when it is desirable to assemble the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 596 by selectively moving the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 596 from a flattened
storage position (FIG. 46) to an expanded position for use as a
floral holding material (FIG. 45), the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 596 is expanded and thereafter the ring member 612
is positioned adjacent the peripheral sidewall 602 of the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 596 so as to be disposed near the
open lower end 600 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member
596 and the ring member 614 is positioned adjacent the peripheral
sidewall 602 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 596
so as to be disposed near the open upper end 598 of the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 596 substantially as shown in FIG.
45. The ring members 612 and 614 can be stabilized along the
peripheral sidewall 602 of the preformed shape-sustaining support
member 596 by any suitable means, such as by frictional engagement
or by application of an adhesive or cohesive. If desired, the ring
members 612 and 614 can be used in conjunction with the mechanisms
565, 569 and 577 hereinbefore described for stabilizing the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 552 in the expanded
position.
[0207] Referring now to FIGS. 47 and 48, another embodiment of a
floral holding material 620 is illustrated. The floral holding
material 620 comprises a preformed shape-sustaining support member
622 having an open upper end 624, an open lower end 626 and a
peripheral sidewall 628 defining an internal chamber 630 extending
between the open upper end 624 and the open lower end 626. Because
the preformed shape-sustaining support member 622 is formed of a
substantially rigid material, creases 632 and 634 are formed in the
peripheral sidewall 628 of the preformed shape-sustaining support
member 622 when the preformed shape-sustaining support member 622
is flattened for transportation and storage substantially as shown
in FIG. 48. Since it is desirable to expand the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 622 to its substantially original
configuration for use in the construction of a flexible vase, and
because the creases 632 and 634 formed in the peripheral sidewall
628 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 622 tend to
distort the expanded configuration of the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 622, it is necessary to provide a
mechanism 636 for stabilizing the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 622 in its expanded configuration.
[0208] The mechanism 636 for stabilizing the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 662 in its expanded configuration
comprises a locking tab 638 formed in the peripheral sidewall 628
of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 622 which is
selectively movable into a portion of the internal chamber 630
defined by the peripheral sidewall 628 of the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 622.
[0209] The locking tab 638 is formed by providing a pair of
substantially parallel horizontally disposed slits 640 and 642
formed in the peripheral sidewall 628 of the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 622. Thus, when the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 622 is expanded from a flattened
storage position (FIG. 48) to an expanded position for use as the
floral holding material 620, the locking tab 638 is forced inwardly
into the internal chamber 630 of the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 622 so as to stabilize the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 622 in its expanded position
substantially as shown in FIG. 47.
[0210] Referring now to FIGS. 49 and 50, a floral holding material
650 for use in forming a flexible decorative vase is illustrated.
The floral holding material 650 comprises a preformed
shape-sustaining support member 652 having an open upper end 654,
an open lower end 656 and a peripheral sidewall 658 defining an
internal chamber 660 extending between the open upper end 654 and
the open lower end 656. Because the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 652 is formed of a substantially rigid material,
creases 662 and 664 are formed in the peripheral sidewall 658 of
the preformed shape-sustaining support member 652 when the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 652 is flattened for
transportation and storage substantially as shown in FIG. 50. Since
it is desirable to expand the preformed shape-sustaining support
member 652 to its substantially original configuration for use as
the floral holding material 650, and especially when used in the
construction of a flexible vase, and because creases 662 and 664
are formed in the peripheral sidewall 658 of the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 652, it is necessary to provide a
mechanism 665 for stabilizing the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 652 in its expanded configuration.
[0211] As shown in FIG. 50, a circumferentially disposed groove 668
is formed in the peripheral sidewall 658 of the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 652 so as to be disposed
substantially intermediate the open upper end 654 and the open
lower end 656 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 652.
An elastomeric member 670 (FIG. 49) is positioned within the groove
668 for stabilizing the preformed shape-sustaining support member
652 in its normal expanded position. It should be noted that while
the groove 668 has been shown as being disposed substantially
intermediate the open upper end 654 and the open lower end 656 of
the preformed shape-sustaining support member 652, the groove 668
can be formed in the peripheral sidewall 658 of the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 652 at a variety of positions.
Further, if desired, more than one groove 668 can be formed in the
peripheral sidewall 658 of the preformed shape-sustaining support
member 652 and the number of elastomeric members 670 will
correspond to the number of grooves 668 formed therein.
[0212] Referring now to FIG. 51, another embodiment of a floral
holding material 674 is illustrated. The floral holding material
674 comprises a preformed shape-sustaining support member 676
having an open upper end 678, an open lower end 679, a peripheral
sidewall 680 defining an internal chamber (not shown) which extends
between the open upper end 678 and the open lower end 679. The
preformed shape-sustaining support member 676 is thus substantially
identical in construction to the preformed shape-sustaining member
596 hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 45 and 46.
Because the preformed shape-sustaining support member 676 is formed
of a substantially rigid material, creases such as crease 682 are
formed in the peripheral sidewall 680 of the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 676 when the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 676 is flattened for transportation
and storage. Since it is desirable to expand the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 676 to its substantially original
configuration for use as the floral holding material 674, it is
desirable to provide a mechanism 684 whereby the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 676 can be stabilized in its
original expanded configuration.
[0213] Thus, the preformed shape-sustaining support member 676 is
provided with a substantially double frustoconical cone-shaped
stabilizer 686 having an outwardly flared lower portion 688 and an
outwardly flared upper portion 690. The outwardly flared lower
portion 688 of the double frustoconical cone-shaped member 686 is
disposed over a portion of the peripheral sidewall 680 of the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 676 substantially
adjacent the open upper end 678 thereof such that the outwardly
flared upper portion 690 extends above and outwardly from the open
upper end 678 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 676
substantially as shown. Thus, the double frustoconical cone-shaped
stabilizer 686, when disposed over an upper end portion of the
peripheral sidewall 680 of the preformed shape-sustaining support
member 676, stabilizes the preformed shape-sustaining support
member 676 in its expanded position.
[0214] Referring now to FIGS. 52 and 53, a floral holding material
696 is illustrated. The floral holding material 696 comprises a
preformed shape-sustaining member 698 having an open upper end 700,
an open lower end 702 and a peripheral sidewall 704 defining an
internal chamber 706 extending between the open upper end 700 and
the open lower end 702. The preformed shape-sustaining support
member 698 is formed of a substantially rigid member having
sufficient memory such that the preformed shape-sustaining member
698 can be moved between a flattened condition (FIG. 53) and an
expanded position (FIG. 52). Since it is desirable to flatten the
preformed shape-sustaining member 698 for transportation and
storage, and since the preformed shape-sustaining member 698 is
formed of a material having sufficient memory to restore the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 698 to its expanded
position, a locking assembly 708 is provided for maintaining the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 698 in a flattened
condition during transportation and storage.
[0215] The locking assembly 708 comprises a male connector 710 and
a female connector 712. The male connector 710 is disposed along a
portion of the peripheral sidewall 704 so as to be opposite the
position of the female connector 712 such that upon connecting the
male connector 710 to the female connector 712, the preformed
shape-sustaining member 698 is secured in a folded position
substantially as shown in FIG. 53. The male connector 710 is
illustrated as a lug or stud 714 which extends from the peripheral
sidewall 704 of the preformed shape-sustaining member 698 and into
the internal chamber 706 of the preformed shape-sustaining member
698. The female connector 712 is an aperture 716 formed in the
peripheral sidewall 704 of the preformed shape-sustaining support
member 698 and positioned so as to matingly receive the lug or stud
714 when the preformed shape-sustaining support member 698 is moved
to its folded position.
[0216] Referring now to FIGS. 54 and 55, another embodiment of a
floral holding material 720 is illustrated. The floral holding
material 720 comprises a preformed shape-sustaining support member
722 having an open upper end 724, an open lower end 726 and a
peripheral sidewall 728 defining an internal chamber 730 extending
between the open upper end 724 and the open lower end 726. Because
the preformed shape-sustaining support member 722 is formed of a
substantially rigid material, creases 732 and 734 are formed in the
peripheral sidewall 728 of the preformed shape-sustaining support
member 722 when the preformed shape-sustaining support member 722
is flattened for transportation and storage substantially as shown
in FIG. 55. Since it is desirable to expand the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 722 to its substantially original
configuration for use in the construction of a flexible vase, and
because the creases 732 and 734 formed in the peripheral sidewall
728 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 722 tend to
distort the expanded configuration of the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 722, it is desirable to provide a
mechanism 736 for stabilizing the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 722 in its desired expanded configuration.
[0217] The mechanism 736 for stabilizing the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 722 in the expanded configuration
(FIG. 54) comprises a first tab 738 formed in the peripheral
sidewall 728 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 722
and a second tab 740 formed in the peripheral sidewall 728 of the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 722 such that the first
and second tabs 738 and 740 are laterally aligned, and a distal end
742 of the first tab 738 and a distal end 744 of the second tab 740
terminate at the crease 734 formed in the peripheral sidewall 728
of the preformed shape-sustaining member 722. That is, the first
tab 738 is defined by a pair of substantially parallel,
horizontally disposed slits 746 and 748 and a substantially
vertically disposed slit (not shown) in the peripheral sidewall 738
of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 722; and the
second tab 740 is defined by a pair of substantially parallel,
horizontally disposed slits 752 and 754 and the substantially
vertically disposed slit (not shown).
[0218] When assembling the preformed shape-sustaining support
member 722 for use, one applies sufficient pressure along the
creases 732 and 734 formed in the peripheral sidewall 728 of the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 722 so that the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 722 is moved from the flattened
storage position (FIG. 55) to an expanded position (FIG. 54).
Thereafter, the first and second tabs 738 and 740, which are
provided with connectors (i.e., slits) 752 and 754 near their
respective distal ends 742 and 744, can be interconnected via the
connectors 752 and 754 so that the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 722 is secured in a configuration substantially as
shown in FIG. 54.
[0219] Referring now to FIGS. 56-58, another embodiment of a floral
holding material 760 is shown. The floral holding material 760
comprises a preformed shape-sustaining support member 762 having an
open upper end 764, an open lower end 766 and a peripheral sidewall
767 defining an internal chamber 768 extending between the open
upper end 764 and the open lower end 766. Because the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 762 is formed of a substantially
rigid material, creases 770 and 772 are formed in the peripheral
sidewall 767 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 762
when the preformed shape-sustaining support member 762 is flattened
for transportation and storage substantially as shown in FIGS. 57
and 58. Since it is desirable to expand the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 762 to its substantially original
configuration for use in the construction of a flexible vase, and
because the creases 770 and 772 formed in the peripheral sidewall
766 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 762 tend to
distort the expanded configuration of the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 762, it is necessary to provide a
mechanism 774 for stabilizing the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 762 in its desired expanded configuration.
[0220] The mechanism 774 for stabilizing the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 762 in its expanded configuration
comprises a locking tab 776 formed in the peripheral sidewall 767
of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 762.
[0221] The locking tab 776 is formed by a pair of substantially
parallel horizontally disposed slits 778 and 780 and a
substantially vertically disposed slit 782 formed in the peripheral
sidewall 766 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 762.
The vertical slit 782 extending between the horizontally disposed
slits 778, 780 is provided along the crease 772 formed in the
peripheral sidewall 766 of the preformed shape-sustaining support
member as a result of flattening the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 762 for transportation and storage. A distal end 786
of the locking tab 776 is provided with a slit 788 formed near the
distal end 786 of the locking tab 776 via one of an upper edge or a
lower edge of the locking tab 776. A slit 790 is formed in the
peripheral sidewall 766 of the preformed shape-sustaining support
member 762 in close proximity to the crease 772; and the slit 790
is adapted to matingly receive the distal end 786 of the locking
tab 776 so that the slit 788 formed near the distal end 786 of the
locking tab 776 can be matingly engaged and secured to the
peripheral sidewall 776 adjacent the slit 790 substantially as
shown. Thus, to stabilize the preformed shape-sustaining support
member 762 in its substantially original configuration for use in
the construction of a flexible vase as shown in FIG. 56, the
locking tab 776 is positioned across a portion of the internal
chamber 768 adjacent the slot formed by formation of the locking
tab 776 and the distal end 786 is positioned through the slit 790
such that the locking tab 776 is connected to the portion of the
peripheral 766 adjacent the slit 790 substantially as shown.
[0222] Referring now to FIGS. 59 and 60, a floral holding material
800 is shown. The floral holding material 800 comprises a preformed
shape-sustaining support member 802 having an open upper end 804,
an open lower end 806 and a peripheral sidewall 808 defining an
internal chamber 810 extending between the open upper end 804 and
the open lower end 806. A plurality of circumferentially extending
perforations 812 are formed in the peripheral sidewall 808 of the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 802 so as to be spatially
disposed relative to each other and from the open upper end 804 of
the preformed shape-sustaining support member 802 substantially as
shown. Thus, the overall height of the preformed shape-sustaining
support member 802 can readily be reduced by tearing or cutting the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 802 along a selected one
of the circumferentially extending perforations 812.
[0223] Referring now to FIGS. 61-63, another embodiment of a floral
holding material 820 is illustrated. The floral holding material
820 comprises a preformed shape-sustaining support member 822
having an open upper end 824, an open lower end 826 and a
peripheral sidewall 828 defining an internal chamber 830 extending
between the open upper end 824 and the open lower end 826. A
circumferentially disposed groove 832 is formed in the peripheral
sidewall 828 so as to be disposed near the open upper end 824 of
the preformed shape-sustaining support member 822. An elastic band
834, which is in a stretched condition, is positioned within the
circumferentially disposed groove 832 substantially as shown in
FIGS. 61 and 62.
[0224] When utilizing the floral holding material 820, stems 836 of
a floral arrangement 838 are disposed into the internal chamber 830
of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 822 via the open
upper end 824 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member 822.
When the stems 836 of the floral arrangement 838 have been properly
positioned, the elastic band 834 is removed from the
circumferen-tially disposed groove 832 formed in the peripheral
sidewall 828 of the preformed shape-sustaining member 822 and
positioned about a portion of the stems 836 extending above the
open upper end 824 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member
822 substantially as shown in FIG. 63. Because the elastic band 834
is in a stretched condition when disposed within the
circumferentially disposed groove 832, contraction of the band 834
about the stems 836 of the floral arrangement 838 secures the
floral arrangement 838 in a substantially stable position when a
sheet of flexible material (not shown) is wrapped about the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 822 in the manner
hereinbefore described to provide a flexible vase.
[0225] Referring now to FIG. 64, a plurality of preformed
shape-sustaining support members, such as the preformed
shape-sustaining support members 822 are illustrated supported in a
dispenser 840 to facilitate storage of the preformed
shape-sustaining support members 822, as well as to provide easy
access to the preformed shape-sustaining support members 822. While
the dispenser 840 is illustrated as containing the preformed
shape-sustaining support members 822, it should be understood that
any of the preformed shape-sustaining members hereinbefore
described can likewise be disposed within a dispenser. Dispensers
suitable for dispensing preformed shape-sustaining support members
as hereinabove described are well known and have been used
heretofore for dispensing cups. Thus, no further description of the
dispenser 840 is believed necessary.
[0226] Referring now to FIG. 65, another embodiment of a floral
holding material 842 which can be employed in the fabrication of a
flexible vase or decorative assembly as hereinbefore described is
illustrated. The floral holding material 842 comprises a preformed
shape-sustaining support member 844 having an open upper end 846,
an open lower end 847 and a peripheral sidewall 848 defining an
internal chamber 850 extending between the open upper end 846 and
the open lower end 847. A plurality of apertures 851 are provided
in the peripheral sidewall 848 so as to be disposed about the
peripheral sidewall 848 substantially as shown. Each of the
apertures 851 is adapted to receive a stem portion of a floral
grouping for stabilizing the floral grouping relative to the floral
holding material 842 substantially as shown.
[0227] A sheet of fluid impermeable material is disposed about the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 844 to form a decorative
cover 852. The decorative cover 852 extends a distance above the
open upper end 846 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member
844 and cooperates with the internal chamber 850 of the preformed
shape-sustaining support member 844 to define a reservoir for
confining a liquid. A securing element 853 is disposed about the
decorative cover 852 at a position above the open upper end 846 of
the preformed shape-sustaining support member 844 for securing the
decorative cover 852 about the preformed shape-sustaining member
844 such that at least a portion of the open upper end 846 of the
preformed shape-sustaining support member 844 remains substantially
uncovered. While the securing element 853 is shown as being
disposed about the decorative cover 852 at a position above the
open upper end 846 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member
844, it should be understood that the securing element 853 can be
disposed about the decorative cover 852 at a position below the
open upper end 846 of the preformed shape-sustaining support member
844.
[0228] Embodiment of FIGS. 66-68
[0229] Shown in FIG. 66 is an embodiment of a flexible vase 854
constructed in accordance with the present invention. The flexible
vase 854 comprises a sheet of fluid impermeable material 856
wrapped about a floral holding material 858 and secured about the
floral holding material 858 by a band 860. As will be more fully
described in detail hereinafter, the sheet of fluid impermeable
material 856 and the floral holding material 858 cooperate to
define a reservoir 862 in the flexible vase 854. Thus, to store
floral groupings, such as cut flowers 864 having stem portions 866
and bloom portions 868, the stem portions 866 of the cut flowers
864 are disposed into the reservoir 862 of the flexible vase 854
and the reservoir 862 is then filled with a suitable fluid, such as
water.
[0230] The sheet of fluid impermeable material 856 may be of any
shape, such as a rectangle as shown in FIGS. 67 and 68, or a square
or any other geometric configuration. Further, the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 856 may be constructed of a single layer of
material or a plurality of layers of the same or different types of
material as long as at least one of the sheets of material,
preferably the sheet of material disposed substantially adjacent
the floral holding material 858, is impermeable to a fluid, such as
water. When utilizing more than one layer of material as the sheet
of fluid impermeable material 856, the sheets of material may be
connected together, laminated or maintained as separate sheets of
material. The thickness of the sheet of fluid impermeable material
856 can vary widely, the only requirements being that the sheet of
fluid impermeable material 856 have sufficient strength so that the
flexible vase 854 formed from the floral holding material 858 and
the sheet of fluid impermeable material 856 is capable of holding
water disposed in the reservoir 862 of the flexible vase 854 and to
permit the flexible vase 854 to be transported and displayed, and
that the sheet of fluid impermeable material 856 be wrappable about
the floral holding material 858 as described in detail
hereinafter.
[0231] The sheet of fluid impermeable material 856 is disposed
about the floral holding material 858 to form a decorative cover
870 about the floral holding material 858. The decorative cover 870
extends a distance above the floral holding material 858 such that
an upper end portion 872 of the floral holding material 858 remains
substantially uncovered by the decorative cover 870. Thus, when a
floral grouping, such as cut flowers 864, is positioned within the
reservoir 862 of the flexible vase 854, an upper portion of the
stem portions 866 and the bloom portions 868 of the cut flowers 864
extend outwardly from the upper end portion 872 of the floral
holding material 858.
[0232] A crimped portion 874 can be formed in the decorative cover
870 near the upper end portion 872 of the floral holding material
858. The crimped portion 874, which extends a distance inwardly,
can be formed by crimping together portions of the decorative cover
870. The crimped portion 874 can also be formed by placing the band
860 about a portion of the decorative cover 870, in which case the
band 860 gathers or brings together portions of the decorative
cover 870 and pulls portions of the decorative cover 870 toward the
upper end portion 872 of the floral holding material 858 to form
the crimped portion 874 substantially as shown.
[0233] The sheet of fluid impermeable material 856 may also have a
bonding material (not shown) disposed thereon for connecting
adjacently disposed portions of the decorative cover 870 forming
the crimped portion 874. More particularly, the bonding material
may be disposed on at least one of an upper surface or a lower
surface (not shown) of the sheet of fluid impermeable material 856
so as to be disposed a distance radially from a central portion of
the sheet of fluid impermeable material 856. The bonding material,
which can be in the form of a continuous strip or spots or spaced
apart strips or of any geometric designs is desirably a pressure
sensitive adhesive or a cohesive. However, if desired, the crimped
portion 874 of the decorative cover 870 could be connected by the
use of heat sealing, a heat sealing lacquer which may be applied to
the sheet of fluid impermeable material 856 and which requires heat
to effect the bonding, or any other type of material which may be
used to effect bonding of adjacently disposed portions of the
decorative cover 870 defining the crimped portion 874.
[0234] Referring more specifically to FIGS. 67 and 68, the floral
holding material 858 is a substantially frustoconical
shape-sustaining support member 876 (FIG. 66) (which is also
referred to herein as the shape-sustaining support member 876)
formed of a sheet of flexible material 878 which has sufficient
flexibility to permit the sheet of flexible material 878 to be
formed into the shape-sustaining support member 876, which also has
sufficient strength to provide the required shape-sustaining
properties to the shape-sustaining support member 876 and which is
sufficiently water resistant to prevent deterioration of the
shape-sustaining support member 876 when contacted with a fluid,
such as water. The shape-sustaining support member 876 formed from
the sheet of flexible material 878 is identical in construction to
the shape-sustaining support member 140 hereinbefore described with
reference to FIG. 15. The sheet of flexible material 878 is
disposed on the sheet of fluid impermeable material 856 in a
preselected location such that, upon forming the sheet of flexible
material 878 into the shape-sustaining support member 876, the
shape-sustaining support member 876 is substantially centrally
positioned on and secured to the sheet of fluid impermeable
material 856.
[0235] The sheet of flexible material 878 has an upper side 880
having a centrally disposed recess 882, a lower side 884, a first
end portion 886 and a second end portion 888 which cooperate to
provide the sheet of flexible material 878 with a substantially
semi-circular configuration. The sheet of flexible material 878 is
connected to the sheet of fluid impermeable material 856 so that,
upon forming the sheet of flexible material 878 into the
shape-sustaining support member 876, the sheet of fluid impermeable
material 856 can be easily wrapped about the shape-sustaining
support member 876 to form the flexible vase 854. The lower side
884 of the sheet of flexible material 878 may be connected to the
sheet of fluid impermeable material 856 by a strip of tape 890 or
other suitable bonding means substantially as shown in FIG. 67, or
the sheet of flexible material 878 may be connected to the sheet of
fluid impermeable material 856 by an adhesive 892 disposed between
the sheet of flexible material 878 and the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 856 such that the adhesive 892 extends along a
central portion of the sheet of flexible material 878 between the
centrally disposed recess 882 formed in the upper side 880 of the
sheet of flexible material 878 and the lower side 884 of the sheet
of flexible material 878 as shown in FIG. 68.
[0236] The sheet of flexible material 878 is further provided with
a connector assembly 894 for connecting the first end portion 886
of the sheet of flexible material 878 to the second end portion 888
of the sheet of flexible material 878 when the sheet of flexible
material 878 is formed into the shape-sustaining support member
876. The connector assembly 894 comprises a male connector 896
disposed along the upper side 880 of the sheet of flexible material
878 and a plurality of female connectors 898 disposed in the second
end portion 888 of the sheet of flexible material 878 such that at
least one female connector 898 is adapted to matingly receive the
male connector 896 and thereby connect the first end portion 886 of
the sheet of flexible material 878 to the second end portion 888 of
the sheet of flexible material 878 and thus provide the
shape-sustaining support member 876.
[0237] Once the shape-sustaining support member 876 has been
formed, the sheet of fluid impermeable material 856 is then
extended about a peripheral sidewall (not shown) of the
shape-sustaining support member 876 to provide the flexible vase
854 shown in FIG. 66.
[0238] Embodiment of FIGS. 69-70
[0239] Shown in FIG. 69 is an embodiment of a flexible vase 902
constructed in accordance with the present invention. The flexible
vase 902 comprises a sheet of fluid impermeable material 904
wrapped about a floral holding material 906. As will be more fully
described in detail hereinafter, the sheet of fluid impermeable
material 904 and the floral holding material 906 cooperate to
define a reservoir 908 in the flexible vase 902. Thus, to store
floral groupings, such as cut flowers (not shown) stem portions of
the cut flowers are disposed into the reservoir 908 of the flexible
vase 902 and the reservoir 908 is then filled with a suitable
fluid, such as water.
[0240] The sheet of fluid impermeable material 904 is shown as
having a configuration of a square. However, it should be
understood that the sheet of fluid impermeable material 904 may be
of any shape such as a rectangle or any other geometric
configuration. Further, the sheet of fluid impermeable material 904
may be constructed of a single layer of material or a plurality of
layers of the same or different types of material as long as at
least one of the sheets of material, preferably the sheet of
material disposed substantially adjacent the floral holding
material 906 is impermeable to a fluid, such as water. When
utilizing more than one layer of material as the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 904, the sheets of material may be connected
together, laminated or maintained as separate sheets of material.
The thickness of the sheet of fluid impermeable material 904 can
vary widely, the only requirements being that the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 904 have sufficient strength so that the
flexible vase 902 formed from the floral holding material 906 and
the sheet of fluid impermeable material 904 is capable of holding
water disposed in the reservoir 908 of the flexible vase 902.
[0241] The sheet of fluid impermeable material 904 is disposed
about the floral holding material 906 to form a decorative cover
910 about the floral holding material 906. The decorative cover 910
extends a distance above the floral holding material 906 such that
an upper end portion 912 of the floral holding material 906 remains
substantially uncovered by the decorative cover 910.
[0242] A crimped portion 914 is formed in the decorative cover 910
generally above the floral holding material 906 substantially as
shown in FIG. 69. The crimped portion 914 is formed by crimping
together portions of the decorative cover 910 and the crimped
portions 914 can be secured together by a bonding material, such as
a plurality of strips of an adhesive or cohesive 916 as illustrated
in FIG. 70.
[0243] Referring now to FIG. 70, the floral holding material 906
comprises a shape-sustaining support member 918 formed of a base
920 and a plurality of radially extending arms 922. The radially
extending arms 922 are connected to the base 920 such that the
radially extending arms 922 can be pivoted in an upward direction.
For example, score lines 923 can be provided between the base 920
and the radially extending arms 922 to facilitate the desired
pivotal movement of the radially extending arms 922. It should be
understood that while the shape-sustaining support member 918 is
illustrated as having four radially extending arms 922, the number
of radially extending arms 922 can vary and the number of radially
extending arms 922 will depend on the configuration of the flexible
vase 902. That is, three or more radially extending arms 922 can be
used in the formation of the shape-sustaining support member
918.
[0244] The base 920 and the radially extending arms 922 are formed
of a flexible material, such as a plastic material, waterproof
cardboard and the like. The base 920 and at least a portion of the
radially extending arms 922 near a distal end portion 924 of the
radially extending arms 922 are secured to the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 904 so that the base 920 is substantially
centrally disposed thereon. The sheet of fluid impermeable material
904 is gathered about the base 920 to provide an excess amount of
the sheet of fluid impermeable material 904 about the base 920 such
that when the radially extending arms 922 are moved to an upwardly
extending position to provide the shape-sustaining support member
918 with a predetermined configuration, the excess of the sheet of
fluid impermeable material 904 prevents the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 904 from tearing or becoming disconnected from
the radially extending arms 922. Once the radially extending arms
922 have moved to an upwardly extending position as shown in
phantom in FIG. 69, a connector assembly 925 is connected to the
distal end portion 924 of each of the radially extending arms 922
so that the radially extending arms 922 are interconnected and
stabilized in the upright position.
[0245] The connector assembly 925 comprises a stud or shank 926
formed on the distal end portion 924 of each of the radially
extending arms 922 and a flexible strap member 928 having a
plurality of spatially disposed openings 930 formed therein such
that, in a connected position, each of the studs or shanks 926
provided on the distal end portion 924 of the radially extending
arms 922 are disposed in an opening 930 of the strap member
928.
[0246] To form the flexible vase 902 shown in FIG. 69, one
selectively moves the radially extending arm 922 to a properly
disposed position and thereafter secures the flexible strap member
928 to the studs 926 on the distal end portion 924 of each of the
radially extending arms 922. By selectively moving the radially
extending arms 922 in an upward position, the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 904 is formed about the shape-sustaining
support member 918 (i.e. the base 920 and the radially extending
arms 922). The distal end portions 924 of the radially extending
arms 922 are then interconnected by the flexible strap member 928
and the crimped portion 914 is formed in the decorative cover 910
by crimping together portions of the decorative cover 910 whereby
the crimped portions 914 are secured together by the bonding
material 916 disposed on the sheet of fluid impermeable material
904.
[0247] The bonding material 916 is shown in FIG. 70 as a plurality
of arcuate shaped strips positioned on the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 904 so as to be disposed in close proximity to
the distal end portion 924 of each of the radially extending arms
922. However, it should be understood that the bonding material 916
can be in the form of a continuous strip as shown in FIG. 11, or as
a plurality of spatially disposed spots.
[0248] Embodiment of FIGS. 71-72
[0249] Shown in FIG. 71 is another embodiment of a flexible vase
932 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The
flexible vase 932 comprises a sheet of fluid impermeable material
934 wrapped about a floral holding material 936. The sheet of fluid
impermeable material 934 and the floral holding material 936
cooperate to define a reservoir 938 in the flexible vase 932. Thus,
to store floral groupings, such as cut flowers (not shown), stem
portions of the cut flowers are disposed into the reservoir 938 of
the flexible vase 932 and the reservoir 938 is then filled with a
suitable fluid, such as water.
[0250] The sheet of fluid impermeable material 934 is shown as
having a substantially square configuration. However, it should be
understood that the sheet of fluid impermeable material 934 may be
of any shape, such as a rectangle or any other geometric
configuration. Further, the sheet of fluid impermeable material 934
may be constructed of a single layer of material or a plurality of
layers of the same or different types of material as long as at
least one of the sheets of material, preferably the sheet of
material disposed adjacent the floral holding material 936, is
impermeable to a fluid, such as water. When utilizing more than one
layer of material as the sheet of fluid impermeable material 934,
the sheets of material may be connected together, laminated or
maintained as separate sheets of material. The thickness of the
sheet of fluid impermeable material 934 can vary widely, the only
requirements being that the sheet of fluid impermeable material 934
have sufficient strength so that the flexible vase 932 formed from
the floral holding material 936 and the sheet of fluid impermeable
material 934 is capable of holding water disposed in the reservoir
938 of the flexible vase 932.
[0251] The sheet of fluid impermeable material 934 is disposed
about the floral holding material 936 to form a decorative cover
940 about the floral holding material 936. The decorative cover 940
extends a distance above the floral holding material 936 such that
an upper end portion 942 of the floral holding material 936 remains
substantially uncovered.
[0252] A crimped portion 944 is formed in the decorative cover 940
generally above the floral holding material 936 substantially as
shown in FIG. 71. The crimped portion 944 is formed by crimping
together portions of the decorative cover 940 formed of the sheet
of fluid impermeable material 934 and the crimped portions 944 are
secured together by a bonding material, such as an adhesive or
cohesive 946 as illustrated in FIG. 72.
[0253] Referring now to FIG. 72, the floral holding material 936
comprises a shape-sustaining support member 948 formed of a base
950 and a plurality of substantially parabolically shaped radially
extending arms 952. The radially extending arms 952 are connected
to the base 950 such that the radially extending arms 952 can be
pivoted in an upward direction. It should be understood that while
the shape-sustaining support member 948 is illustrated as having
four substantially parabolically shaped radially extending arms
952, the number of radially extending arms 952 can vary and the
number of radially extending arms 952 will depend on the
configuration of the flexible vase 932. That is, three or more
substantially parabolically shaped radially extending arms 952 can
be used in the formation of the shape-sustaining support member
948. The base 950 and the radially extending arms 952 are formed of
a flexible shape-sustaining material, such as a plastic material,
water-proof cardboard and the like. The base 950 and a distal end
portion 954 of each of the radially extending arms 952 are secured
to the sheet of fluid impermeable material 934 so that the base 950
is substantially centrally disposed thereon. The sheet of fluid
impermeable material 934 is provided with a gathered portion 955 of
the fluid impermeable material 940 between the base 950 and the
distal end portions 954 of the radially extending arms 952 such
that when the radially extending arms 952 are moved to an upwardly
extending position during formation of the shape-sustaining support
member 948, the excess of the sheet of fluid impermeable material
934 prevents the sheet of fluid impermeable material 934 from
tearing or becoming disconnected from the radially extending arms
952. Once the radially extending arms 952 have been moved to an
upwardly extending position as shown in phantom in FIG. 71, the
sheet of fluid impermeable material 934 is crimped above the distal
end portions 954 of the radially extending arms 952 such that the
bonding material disposed on the sheet of fluid impermeable
material 934 substantially adjacent the distal end portions 954 of
the radially extending arms 952 bonds the crimped portion 944 and
the distal end portions 954 of each of the radially extending arms
952 so as to secure the radially extending arms 952 in the desired
upright position.
[0254] When it is desired to provide a stack of sheets of fluid
impermeable material 934 having the shape-sustaining support member
948 disposed thereon in a non-assembled condition, one can readily
utilize a release material disposed between each of the sheets of
fluid impermeable material 934 forming the stack to ensure that the
bonding material 946 does not adhere to an adjacently disposed
sheet of fluid impermeable material 934 thereby enhancing removal
of individual sheets of fluid impermeable material 934 from the
stack of such materials.
[0255] Embodiment of FIGS. 73-74
[0256] Shown in FIG. 73 is another embodiment of a flexible vase
960 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The
flexible vase 960 comprises a sheet of fluid impermeable material
962 wrapped about a floral holding material 964. As will be more
fully described in detail hereinafter, the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 962 and the floral holding material 964
cooperate to define a reservoir 968 in the flexible vase 960.
[0257] The sheet of fluid impermeable material 962 may be of any
shape, such as a square as shown in FIG. 74, a rectangle, or any
other geometric configuration. Further, the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 962 may be constructed of a single layer of
material or a plurality of layers of the same or different types of
material as long as at least one of the sheets of material,
preferably the sheet of material disposed adjacent the floral
holding material 964, is impermeable to a fluid, such as water.
When utilizing more than one layer of material as the sheet of
fluid impermeable material 962, the sheets of material may be
connected together, laminated or maintained as separate sheets of
material. The thickness of the sheet of fluid impermeable material
962 can vary widely, the only requirements being that the sheet of
fluid impermeable material 962 have sufficient strength so that the
flexible vase 960 formed from the floral holding material 964 and
the sheet of fluid impermeable material 962 is capable of holding
water disposed in the reservoir 968 of the flexible vase 960 and to
permit floral groups disposed in the flexible vase 960 to be
transported and displayed, and that the sheet of fluid impermeable
material 962 be wrappable about the floral holding material 964 as
described in detail hereinafter.
[0258] While the sheet of fluid impermeable material 962 has been
shown in FIG. 74 as a single sheet of material, it should be
understood that a pad of sheets of fluid impermeable material 962
may be utilized to enhance assembly of a plurality of flexible
vases 960, or a roll of fluid impermeable material 962 may be
provided so that the sheets of fluid impermeable material 962 can
readily be obtained by cutting a sheet of material from the roll of
material or by providing perforations in the roll of material to
facilitate removal of the sheet of fluid impermeable material
962.
[0259] Referring now to FIG. 74, the floral holding material 964
comprises a plurality of substantially triangularly shaped support
members 972 secured to an upper surface 974 of the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 962 with a suitable bonding material (not
shown). The triangularly shaped support members 972 cooperate to
provide the floral holding material 964 with a substantially square
shaped outer periphery 976 which is disposed a distance 978 from an
outer periphery 980 of the sheet of fluid impermeable material 962.
Thus, a substantially square-shaped opening 982 is provided between
the triangularly shaped support members 972.
[0260] To secure the triangularly shaped support members 972 in an
upwardly extending position to provide the configuration of the
flexible vase 960, a bonding material 984 is disposed on the upper
surface 974 of the sheet of fluid impermeable material 962 so as to
extend along a portion of a first and a second side 986 and 988 of
the sheet of fluid impermeable material 962 and substantially
adjacent a portion of the outer periphery 980 of the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 962, and a distance 990 from the adjacently
disposed triangularly shaped support members 972; and a bonding
material 992 is disposed on the upper surface 974 of the sheet of
fluid impermeable material 962 so as to extend along a portion of a
third and fourth side 994 and 996 of the sheet of fluid impermeable
material 962 and substantially adjacent a portion of the outer
periphery 980 of the sheet of fluid impermeable material 962, and a
distance 998 from the adjacently disposed triangularly shaped
support members 972. The bonding material 984 and 992 permits the
gathering of the portion of the sheet of fluid impermeable material
962 disposed above the triangularly shaped support members 972 when
same are moved to an upwardly extending position to provide the
floral holding material 964 of the flexible vase 960 substantially
as shown in FIG. 73.
[0261] The bonding material 984 and 992 is desirably a cohesive.
However, it should be understood that staples, brads, ribbons
elastic bands, ties and the like can be used to secure the
triangularly shaped support members 972 in the desired form of the
floral holding material 964.
[0262] Embodiment of FIGS. 75-77
[0263] Shown in FIG. 75 is another embodiment of a flexible vase
1000 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The
flexible vase 1000 comprises a sheet of fluid impermeable material
1002 wrapped about a floral holding material 1004 and secured about
the floral holding material 1004 by a band 1006. As will be more
fully described in detail hereinafter, the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 1002 and the floral holding material 1004
cooperate to define a reservoir 1008 in the flexible vase 1000.
Thus, to store floral groupings, such as cut flowers 1010 having
stem portions 1012 and bloom portions 1014, the stem portions 1012
of the cut flowers 1010 are disposed into the reservoir 1008 of the
flexible vase 1000 and the reservoir 1008 is then filled with a
suitable fluid, such as water.
[0264] The sheet of fluid impermeable material 1002 which is
substantially identical in construction as the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 62 hereinbefore described in detail with
reference to FIG. 11, is disposed about the floral holding material
1004 to form a decorative cover 1018 about the floral holding
material 1004. The decorative cover 1018 extends a distance above
the floral holding material 1004 such that an upper end portion
1020 of the floral holding material 1004 remains substantially
uncovered by the decorative cover 1018. Thus, when a floral
grouping such as cut flowers 1010 is positioned within the
reservoir 1008 of the flexible vase 1000, an upper portion of the
stem portions 1012 and the bloom portions 1014 of the cut flowers
1010 extend outwardly from the upper end portion 1020 of the floral
holding material 1004.
[0265] A crimped portion 1022 can be formed in the decorative cover
1018 near the upper end portion 1020 of the floral holding material
1004. The crimped portion 1022 can be formed by crimping together
portions of the decorative cover 1018. The crimped portion 1022 can
also be formed by placing the band 1006 about a portion of the
decorative cover 1018, in which case the band 1006 gathers or
brings together portions of the decorative cover 1018 and pulls
portions of the decorative cover 1018 toward the upper end portion
1020 of the floral holding material 1004 to form the crimped
portion 1022 substantially as shown. The sheet of fluid impermeable
material 1002 may also have a bonding material (not shown) disposed
thereon for connecting adjacently disposed portions of the
decorative cover 1018 forming the crimped portion 1022.
[0266] Referring more specifically to FIG. 76, the floral holding
material 1004 comprises a substantially frusto conical
shape-sustaining support member 1024 (also referred to herein as
the shape-sustaining support member 1024). The shape-sustaining
support member 1024 has an open upper end 1025, an open lower end
1026 and a peripheral sidewall 1027 defining an internal chamber
1028 extending between the open upper end 1025 and the open lower
end 1026. The floral holding material 1004 further has a flexible
bag 1029 disposed within the internal chamber 1028 of the
shape-sustaining support member 1024, the flexible bag 1029 and the
floral holding material 1004 together comprise a flexible vase
1000.
[0267] The shape-sustaining support member 1024 is fabricated of a
sheet of flexible material 1036 (FIG. 77) which has sufficient
flexibility to permit the sheet of flexible material 1036 to be
formed into the shape-sustaining support member 1024 and which also
has sufficient strength to provide the required shape-sustaining
properties to the shape-sustaining support member 1024. The
thickness of the sheet of flexible material 1036 can vary widely,
the only requirements being that the sheet of flexible material
1036 have sufficient strength and flexibility to satisfy the above
requirements. Examples of materials possessing the above-identified
properties which may be used as the sheet of flexible material 1036
for fabrication of the shape-sustaining support member 1024 are
polymeric materials, metals, waterproof cardboards and the
like.
[0268] The sheet of flexible material 1036 has an upper side 1038
having a centrally disposed recess 1040, a lower side 1042, a first
end portion 1044 and a second end portion 1046 which cooperate to
provide the sheet of flexible material 1036 with a substantially
semi-circular configuration. The flexible bag 1029 is desirably
secured to an upper surface 1048 of the sheet of flexible material
1036 with a suitable bonding material such that when the sheet of
flexible material 1036 is formed into the shape-sustaining support
member 1024, a lower end or bottom wall 1050 of the flexible bag
1029 is substantially aligned with the open lower end 1026 of the
shape-sustaining support member 1024 on an upper end portion 1052
of the flexible bag 1029 extends outwardly from the open upper end
1025 of the shape-sustaining support member 1024 substantially as
shown in FIG. 76.
[0269] The sheet of flexible material 1036 is further provided with
a connector assembly 1054 for connecting the first and second end
portions 1044 and 1046 of the sheet of flexible material 1036 when
the sheet of flexible material 1036 is formed into the
shape-sustaining support member 1024 substantially as shown in FIG.
76. The connector assembly 1054 comprises a male connector 1056
disposed along the upper side 1038 of the sheet of flexible
material 1036 and a plurality of female connectors 1058 formed in
the second end portion 1046 of the sheet of flexible material 1036
such that at least one female connector 1058 is adapted to matingly
receive the male connector 1056 and thereby connect the first end
portion 1044 of the sheet of flexible material 1036 to the second
end portion 1046 of the sheet of material 1036. The male connector
1056 has a first tab member 1057a and a second tab member
1057b.
[0270] The plurality of female connectors 1058 are illustrated as
spatially disposed slits provided in the second end portion 1046 of
the sheet of material 1036 so that each of the female connectors
1058 is alignable with the male connector 1056 when the first end
portion 1044 of the sheet of flexible material 1036 is disposed
over the second end portion 1046 of the sheet of flexible material
1036 during formation of the shape-sustaining support member 1024.
Thus, upon inserting the male connector 1056 into a selected female
connector 1058, the circumferential dimensions of the
shape-sustaining support member 1024 can be varied (adjusted).
[0271] Once the sheet of flexible material 1036 has been formed
into the shape-sustaining support member 1024 as described above
with the upper end portion 1052 of the flexible bag 1029 extending
from the open upper end 1025 of the shape-sustaining support member
1024, the flexible vase 1030 can be used.
[0272] Embodiment of FIGS. 78-80
[0273] Referring now to FIG. 78, another embodiment of a flexible
vase 1060 constructed in accordance with the present invention is
illustrated. The flexible vase 1060 comprises a sheet of fluid
impermeable material 1062 wrapped about a self-erecting floral
holding container 1064. The sheet of fluid impermeable material
1062 and the self-erecting floral holding container 1064 cooperate
to define a reservoir 1066 in the flexible vase 1060 which is
capable of holding a fluid, such as water. The sheet of fluid
impermeable material 1062 is substantially identical in
construction as the sheet of fluid impermeable material 62 herein
before described in detail with reference to FIG. 11.
[0274] The sheet of fluid impermeable material 1062 is disposed
about the floral holding container 1064 to form a decorative cover
1068 about the floral holding container 1064 which extends a
distance above the floral holding container 1064 such that an
opening 1070 formed in an upper end 1072 of the floral holding
container 1064 remains substantially uncovered by the decorative
cover 1068.
[0275] A crimped portion 1074 can be provided in the decorative
cover 1068 near the upper end 1072 of the floral holding container
1064. The crimped portion 1074 can be formed by crimping together
portions of the decorative cover 1068 and, if desired, the crimped
portion can be connected with a suitable bonding material such as a
cohesive 1075 (FIG. 80). The crimped portions 1074 can also be
found by placing a band (not shown) about a portion of the
decorative cover 1068 in which case the band gathers or brings
together portions of the decorative cover 1068 to form the crimped
portion 1074.
[0276] Referring now to FIGS. 79 and 80, the self-erecting floral
holding container 1064 is illustrated in a collapsed position
disposed on the sheet of fluid impermeable material 1062. The
self-erecting floral holding container 1064 comprises a top member
1076, a bottom member 1078, a plurality of wall members (only one
being designated by the reference numeral 1080), a bracket 1082 and
a plurality of elastic members (only one being designated by the
reference numeral 1084).
[0277] Each wall member 1080 has a top hinge 1086, a wall hinge
1088 and a bottom hinge 1090. Each top hinge 1086 allows the
corresponding wall member 1080 to pivot with respect to the top
member 1076. Each wall hinge 1088 allows the corresponding wall
member 1080 to bend outward and define an upper wall section 1092
and a lower wall section 1094. Similarly, each bottom hinge 1090
allows the corresponding wall member 1080 to pivot with respect to
the bottom member 1078 of the floral holding container 1064.
[0278] With this construction, the floral holding container 1064
may assume an erected position (FIG. 78) when an external force
applied to the top member 1076 is removed and a flat position
(FIGS. 79 and 80) when an external force is applied to the top
member 1076. In the erected position, the floral holding container
1064 is suitable for receiving a floral grouping, such as cut
flowers. In the storage position, the wall members 1080 of the
floral holding container 1064 are collapsed such that the floral
holding container 1064 is substantially flat (FIG. 79). In the
storage position, the top member 1076 and the bottom member 1078 of
the floral holding container 1064 are moved together and each upper
wall section 1092 closely overlays the corresponding lower wall
section 1094.
[0279] Each elastic member 1084 extends between a corresponding one
of the wall members 1080 and the bracket 1082 to suspend the
bracket 1082 within the floral holding container 1064. The bracket
1082 has a bracket opening 1096 which may be any suitable size and
shape for allowing a floral grouping to be disposed into the floral
holding container 1064.
[0280] Each elastic member 1084 may be connected to the bracket
1082 and the corresponding wall member 1080 in any appropriate
manner known in the art. Further, each elastic member 1084 may be
connected to the upper wall section 1092, the lower wall section
1094, or both the upper and lower wall sections 1092 and 1094 of
the corresponding wall member 1080.
[0281] The elastic members 1080 and the bracket 1082 cooperate to
bias the floral holding container 1064 into the erected position
(FIG. 78). Under an external force to overcome the bias of the
elastic members 1080, the floral holding container 1064 may be
collapsed into the flat storage position (FIGS. 79 and 80) wherein
the wall members 1080 moves outward at the wall hinges 1088 and the
elastic members 1084 are moved to a stretched condition so that the
floral holding container 1064 is moved to the collapsed
position.
[0282] When the external force (i.e. a bias-overcoming influence)
is removed, the elastic members 1084 return to the unstretched
condition and cause the floral holding container 1064 to move to
the erected position. The sheet of fluid impermeable material 1062
is then wrapped about the floral holding container 1064 to produce
the flexible vase 1060 shown in FIG. 78.
[0283] It should be noted that a quantity of the floral holding
containers 1064 having a sheet of the fluid impermeable material
1062 secured to the bottom member 1078 as illustrated in FIGS. 79
and 80 can be compressed into the flat storage position, stacked
and shipped, or stored in a suitable shipping box. Further, one of
the floral holding containers 1064 having the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 1062 secured to the bottom member 1078 of the
floral holding container 1064 may be stored in the flat storage
position within a sleeve similar to a phonograph record album
cover.
[0284] The floral holding container 1064 having the sheet of fluid
impermeable material 1062 secured thereto may be maintained in a
box or shelving having a plurality of mail-slot shelves. When
withdrawn from the mail-slot shelf, the floral holding container
1064 automatically assumes the erected position and the sheet of
fluid impermeable material 1062 can be wrapped about the floral
holding container 1064 to provide the flexible vase 1060. It should
be appreciated that any suitable devices known in the art may be
used for the elastic members 1084 as the means for biasing the
floral holding container 1064 into the erected position. Such
devices include, but are not limited to, rubber bands, coiled
springs and flat springs.
[0285] Further, the top member 1076, the bottom member 1078 and the
wall member 1080 of the floral holding container 1064 may be
constructed of a wide variety of materials, such as paper,
cardboard, wood, metal, polypropylene and various types of natural
and synthetic materials, provided, such materials having enough
rigidity to sustain the floral holding container 1064 in the
appropriate shape for the erected position.
[0286] Embodiment of FIGS. 81 AND 82
[0287] Shown in FIG. 81 is another embodiment of a flexible vase
1110 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The
flexible vase 1110 comprises a floral holding material 1112
disposed within a flexible bag 1114 formed of a fluid impermeable
material which functions as a decorative cover for the floral
holding material 1112. As will be more fully described hereinafter,
the flexible bag 1114 and the floral holding material 1112
cooperate to define a reservoir 1116 in the flexible vase 1110. The
flexible bag 1114 extends a distance above the floral holding
material 1112 such that an upper end portion 1118 of the floral
holding material 1112 remains substantially uncovered by the
flexible bag 1114. Thus, when a floral grouping such as cut flowers
(not shown) is positioned within the reservoir 1116 of the flexible
vase 1110, a portion of the floral grouping extends outwardly from
the upper end portion 1118 of the floral holding material 1112 and
an outer top margin 1120 of the flexible bag 1114.
[0288] The flexible bag 1114 is provided with a bottom panel 1122
that is preferably formed by a plurality of panel sections which
are joined along with lateral edges of the side panel forming the
flexible bag 1114 in order to form bellows that conform to the
shape of a lower end 1124 of the floral holding material 1112. The
side panels of the flexible bag 1114 then provide a more tubular
bag sidewall which can extend upwardly from the bottom panel 1122
to terminate at the outer top margin 1120 of the flexible bag 1114.
A fastener (not shown) can then be placed about the flexible bag
1114 so as to be disposed above the upper end portion 1118 of the
floral holding material 1112 such that the upper end portion 1118
of the floral holding material 1112 remains substantially uncovered
by the flexible bag 1114. If desired, a bonding material such as an
adhesive or a cohesive may be disposed on an inner or outer surface
of the flexible bag 1114 so that a portion of the flexible bag 1114
can be crimped in the manner hereinbefore described.
[0289] The floral holding material 1112 comprises a
shape-sustaining support member 1122 having an open upper end 1124,
an open lower end 1126, and a peripheral sidewall 1128 defining an
internal chamber extending between the open upper end 1124 and the
open lower end 1126. The shape-sustaining support member 1122 is
fabricated of a sheet of flexible material 1130 (FIG. 82) which has
sufficient flexibility to permit the sheet of flexible material
1130 to be formed into the shape-sustaining support member 1122 and
which also has sufficient strength to provide the required
shape-sustaining properties to the shape-sustaining support member
1122. The thickness of the flexible sheet of material 1130 can vary
widely. The only requirement being that the sheet of flexible
material 1130 has sufficient strength and flexibility to satisfy
the above requirements.
[0290] The sheet of flexible material 1130 is secured within the
flexible bag 1114 by a bonding material, such as a plurality of
strips of adhesive 1132. A portion of the bag is gathered between
the adhesive strips 1132 such that when the flexible sheet of
material 1130 is formed into the shape-sustaining support member
1122, the flexible bag 1114 extends substantially uniformly
thereabout.
[0291] The flexible sheet of material 1130 has an upper side 1134
having a centrally disposed recess 1136, a lower side 1138, a first
end portion 1140, and a second end portion 1142, which cooperate to
provide the sheet of flexible material 1130 with a substantially
semi-circular configuration. The sheet of flexible material 1130 is
further provided with a connector assembly 1144 for connecting the
first and second end portions 1140 and 1142 of the flexible sheet
of material 1130 when the sheet of flexible material 1130 is formed
into the shape-sustaining support member 1122, substantially as
shown in FIG. 81.
[0292] The connector assembly 1144 comprises a plurality of
spatially disposed male connectors 1146 and a plurality of
spatially disposed female connectors 1148 adapted to matingly
receive the male connectors 1146 when the first end portion 1140 of
the sheet of flexible material 1130 is disposed over the second end
portion 1142 of the sheet of flexible material 1130. The plurality
of male connectors 1146 extend between the centrally disposed
recess 1136 and the first end portion 1140 of the sheet of flexible
material 1130 such that the male connectors 1146 are disposed in
close proximity to the portion of the upper side 1134 of the sheet
of flexible material 1130. The plurality of female connectors 1148
extend along the second end portion 1142 of the sheet of flexible
material 1130 such that the female connectors 1148 are adapted to
matingly engage the male connectors 1146 when the first end portion
1140 of the sheet of flexible material 1130 is disposed over the
second end portion 1142 thereof.
[0293] The male connectors 1146 are desirably a plurality of stud
like members which extend upwardly from an upper surface 1150 of
the sheet of material 1130; and the plurality of female connectors
1148 are desirably provided with a recessed portion (not shown)
adapted to matingly receive the stud-like members of the male
connectors 1146. Such connector assemblies are well known in the
art. Thus, no further details concerning the male connectors 1146
and the female connectors 1148 are believed necessary.
[0294] To assemble the flexible vase 1110, the flexible sheet of
material 1130 is manipulated so that the first end portion 1140 of
the sheet of flexible material 1130 overlays the second portion
1142 thereof and the male connectors 1146 are aligned with selected
female connectors 1148. Thereafter, the male connectors 1146 are
pressed into mating engagement with the female connectors 1148 so
that the flexible sheet of material 1130 is formed into the
shape-sustaining support member 1122 within the flexible bag 1114.
Thus, a one step operation is provided for constructing the
flexible vase 1110.
[0295] Referring now to FIGS. 83 and 84, another embodiment of a
floral holding material 1160 is shown which can be used to
construct a flexible vase similar in configuration to the flexible
vase 120 hereinbefore described with reference to FIG. 14. The
floral holding material 1160 comprises a shape-sustaining support
member 1162 having an open upper end 1164, an open lower end 1166
and a peripheral sidewall 1168 defining an internal chamber 1170
extending between the open upper end 1164 and the open lower end
1166. The shape-sustaining support member 1162 is fabricated of a
sheet of flexible material 1172 (FIG. 84) which has sufficient
flexibility to permit the sheet of flexible material 1172 to be
formed into the shape-sustaining support member 1162.
[0296] The sheet of flexible material 1172 has an upper side 1174
having a centrally disposed recess 1176, a lower side 1178, a first
end portion 1180 and a second end portion 1182 which cooperate to
provide the sheet of flexible material 1172 with a substantially
semi-circular configuration. The sheet of flexible material 1172 is
further provided with a connector assembly 1184 for connecting the
first end portion 1180 of the sheet of flexible material 1172 to
the second end portion 1182 of the sheet of flexible material 1172
when the sheet of flexible material 1172 is formed into the
shape-sustaining support member 1160 as shown in FIG. 83.
[0297] The connector assembly 1184 comprises a plurality of first
tabs 1186 and a plurality of second tabs 1188. The first tabs 1186
are formed along a peripheral portion of the sheet of flexible
material 1172 such that the first tabs 1186 extend along the first
end portion 1180 and the second end portion 1182 of the sheet of
flexible material 1172 substantially as shown; and the second tabs
1188 extend about the centrally disposed recess 1176 found in the
upper side 1174 of the sheet of flexible material 1172.
[0298] To form the sheet of flexible material 1172 into the
shape-sustaining support member 1160 (FIG. 83) for use in the
construction of a flexible vase, the first end portion 1180 of the
sheet of flexible material 1172 is positioned over the second end
portion 1182 of the sheet of flexible material 1172 such that at
least a portion of the first tabs 1186 formed along the first end
portion 1180 of the sheet of flexible material 1172 are aligned
with and disposed adjacent a portion of the first tabs 1186 found
along the second end portion 1182 of the sheet of flexible material
1172 and a portion of the second tabs 1188 found along one side of
the centrally disposed recess 1176 overlap and are aligned with a
portion of the second tabs 1188 found along a second side of the
centrally disposed recess 1176. At least a portion of the aligned
first tabs 1186 and at least a portion of the aligned second tabs
1188 are bent or extended in an inwardly direction (FIG. 83) so as
to connect the first end portion 1180 of the sheet of flexible
material 1172 to the second end portion 1182 of the sheet of
flexible material 1172 and thereby provide the shape-sustaining
support member 1162 substantially as shown in FIG. 83.
[0299] Changes may be made in the construction and the operation of
the various components, elements and assemblies described herein
and changes may be made in the steps or the sequence of steps of
the methods described herein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
* * * * *