U.S. patent application number 10/514135 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-11 for flower arrangement accessories.
Invention is credited to Dale Kathleen Wright.
Application Number | 20060096170 10/514135 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 3835810 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060096170 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wright; Dale Kathleen |
May 11, 2006 |
Flower arrangement accessories
Abstract
An accessory for providing an aperture through a container,
including two interconnecting parts, a socket part (57) and an
insert part (58) insertable into said socket part (57), at least
one of said parts having a wall portion circumscribing a central
bore (59) and arranged such that an insert portion of the insert
part is sized to engage with a receiving portion of the socket part
such that the parts may be operatively connected to one another
with their respective bores in substantial alignment, and remote
from said insert and receiving portions, each said part having
container engagement means for engaging with respective walls in
each of a base and a lid of the container when an orifice is cut
therein.
Inventors: |
Wright; Dale Kathleen;
(Pullenvale, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MAYER, FORTKORT & WILLIAMS, PC
251 NORTH AVENUE WEST
2ND FLOOR
WESTFIELD
NJ
07090
US
|
Family ID: |
3835810 |
Appl. No.: |
10/514135 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
May 9, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU03/00558 |
371 Date: |
September 29, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
47/41.01 ;
47/41.11; 47/41.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 1/00 20130101; A01G
5/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
047/041.01 ;
047/041.11; 047/041.12 |
International
Class: |
A47G 7/00 20060101
A47G007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 10, 2002 |
AU |
PS 2238 |
Claims
1. An accessory for a flower arrangement including a container for
containing one or more items and one or more penetrations through
said container and remote from the perimeter of said container, one
of said penetrations being adapted to receive therethrough a flower
arrangement; wherein said penetration includes engagement means for
engaging a flower holding disc for arranging a bunch of flowers
comprising a sheet of substantially flexible material; a plurality
of penetrations through the sheet adapted to receive therethrough
elongate items of the bunch of flowers to be arranged; gripping
means operatively associated with each penetration whereby one or
more elongate items may be passed through one or more of the
penetrations and gripped thereby with a predetermined force, the
penetrations being reinforced against failure of the flexible
material about the penetration by one or more round apertures
operatively associated with said container, and said container
includes a wall formed to provide an annular interior substantially
surrounding said flower holding disc and separated from said main
penetration by a part of said wall.
2. An accessory for providing an aperture through a container,
including two interconnecting parts, a socket part and an insert
part insertable into said socket part, at least one of said parts
having a wall portion circumscribing a central bore and arranged
such that an insert portion of the insert part is sized to engage
with a receiving portion of the socket part such that the parts may
be operatively connected to one another with their respective bores
in substantial alignment, and remote from said insert and receiving
portions, each said part having container engagement means for
engaging with respective walls in each of a base and a lid of the
container when an orifice is cut therein for assembly to form the
annular cavity surrounding said main penetration.
3. An accessory according to claim 2, wherein the container
engagement means is in the form of a flange adapted to be
adhesively attached to the inner face of the walls of the lid and
base, and the insert and receiving portions are arranged to
accommodate various lengths of bore to suit a range of different
sized containers.
4. An accessory for a flower arrangement including: an elongate rod
of a length and cross-section selected for incorporation in the
flower arrangement, said rod having two ends, one of said ends
including attachment means; embellishment means for embellishing
said flower arrangement, said embellishment means including
complementary attachment means for operative attachment of said
embellishment means to the end of said rod having said attachment
means, and wherein: said attachment means comprises a
ball-and-socket joint which includes a ball connected to one end of
the rod by a neck extending from a shoulder which extends from a
flat abutment face; a socket in the other end of the rod, the
socket including two snap locations inwardly from two pinches; the
ball being sized to fit into the socket with an interference fit
through the pinches, and said complementary attachment means
comprises either a ball half complementary to the socket of the
ball-and-socket joint or a socket half including two snap locations
inwardly from two pinches and complementary to the ball of the
ball-and-socket joint.
5. An accessory according to claim 4, wherein the length of the rod
is selected such that a single length is suitable for a posy, two
lengths are suitable for a bunch, and three lengths are suitable
for bouquet.
6. An accessory according to claim 4, wherein said embellishment
means includes a token in the form of a message and/or
greeting.
7. An accessory according to claim 4, wherein said embellishment
means includes a token in the form of a gift box.
8. An accessory according to claim 8, wherein said embellishment
means includes an adhesive pad for the attachment of said gift
box.
9. A flower arrangement including a plurality of cut flowers formed
into a bunch and inserted through the main penetration of an
accessory according to claim 1.
10. A method of forming a flower arrangement including: providing a
flower holding disc; selecting one or more flower arranging
accessories; selecting cut flowers, foliage and/or decorative items
to make up the flower arrangement; inserting the cut flowers,
foliage and/or decorative items one or more at time through one or
more penetrations in the flexible sheet until the flower
arrangement is completed; and passing the flower arrangement
through a main penetration of the accessory for operative
association with bunch of flowers.
11. A flower arrangement accessory including: a sheet of
substantially flat, water permeable material; one or more
penetrations through said sheet and remote from the perimeter of
said sheet, one of said penetrations being adapted to receive
therethrough a flower arrangement; and wherein in that said sheet
includes on one face thereof a water resistant coating.
12. A flower arrangement accessory including: a sheet of
substantially flat, water permeable material; a penetration through
said sheet and remote from the perimeter of said sheet and adapted
to receive therethrough a flower arrangement; a water resistant
coating applied to said sheet includes on one face thereof, and an
extension portion extending in one or more directions away from
said penetration a distance sufficient and being of a size
sufficient to bear or receive on one face thereof a token.
13. A flower arrangement accessory according to claim 12, wherein
the token is in the form of a message and/or greeting.
14. A flower arrangement accessory according to claim 13, wherein
the token includes a small gift box or the like or an adhesive pad
for the attachment of same.
15. A flower arrangement accessory according to claim 11, wherein
the sheet includes further penetrations about the adapted to
receive therethrough the flower arrangement, said further
penetrations being adapted to receive therethrough a ribbon or
similar strip of textile material to form a decoration about the
main penetration.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] THIS INVENTION relates to flower arrangement accessories,
and has particular application to accessories for flower
arrangements formed with the assistance of flower arranging
apparatus disclosed in our co-pending International Patent
Application No. PCT/AU01/00450, the specification of which is
incorporated herein by reference, and in this application,
reference will be made to such application. However, it will be
appreciated that the invention is not limited to such use.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Flowers and such like may be arranged as bouquets, bunches,
posies or the like and sometimes have additional decorative
foliage, and even sometimes decorative items such as balloons on
sticks and the lie. Flowers are often given as a gift for a special
occasion and/or to communicate affection, and such social
intercourse is sometimes accompanied by other gifts. Such other
gifts are often sold and given separately, and there has been no
convenient way to package such other gifts with a flower
arrangement. In this specification, unless the context requires
otherwise, the term "flower arrangement" is to be understood to
include any assembled arrangement of flowers, including posies,
bunches, bouquets, sheafs, wreaths and single sterns, and may
include ribbons, balloons, and other decorative items which may be
added. Furthermore, in the context of a flower arrangement, the
terms "item" and "elongate item" are to be understood to include
flowers, greenery, and the stalks or stems thereof, as well as any
of the aforementioned decorative items used to constitute a bunch,
unless the meanings are clearly not appropriate in the context in
which the terms are used. Additionally, the flower arranging
apparatus described in our abovementioned International Patent
Application No. PCT/AU01/00450 will be referred to hereinafter as
"the flower holding disc".
[0003] The present invention aims to provide one or more flower
arrangement accessories which alleviate one or more of the
abovementioned problems or at least provide an alternative to the
current tradition of gifting. Other objects and advantages may
hereinafter become apparent from the following description.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0004] With the foregoing in view, this invention in one aspect
resides broadly in a flower arrangement accessory including:
[0005] a sheet of substantially flat, water permeable material;
[0006] one or more penetrations through said sheet and remote from
the perimeter of said sheet, one of said penetrations being adapted
to receive therethrough a flower arrangement; and
[0007] characterised in that said sheet includes on one face
thereof a water resistant coating.
[0008] In another aspect, this invention resides broadly in a
flower arrangement accessory including:
[0009] a sheet of substantially flat, water permeable material;
[0010] a penetration through said sheet and remote from the
perimeter of said sheet and adapted to receive therethrough a
flower arrangement;
[0011] a water resistant coating applied to said sheet includes on
one face thereof, and
[0012] an extension portion extending in one or more directions
away from said penetration a distance sufficient and being of a
size sufficient to bear or receive on one face thereof a token.
[0013] The token may be in the form of a message and/or greeting,
and may include if desired a small gift box or the like or an
adhesive pad for the attachment of same.
[0014] Suitably, the sheet is formed from substantially rigid
material, such as cardboard (which is preferred) or stiffened
textile material and the coating is formed from a plastics
lamination an the single face of the sheet. Preferably, the sheet
includes decorations, such as decorative markings, decorative
colouration, decorative ornaments attached thereto or the like, and
the perimeter is shaped to an aesthetic outline. In exemplary form
the sheet is adapted for use with the flower holding disc.
[0015] If desired, the sheet may include further penetrations about
the penetration (the "main penetration") adapted to receive
therethrough the flower arrangement, said further penetrations
being adapted to receive therethrough a ribbon or similar strip of
textile material to form a decoration about the main
penetration.
[0016] In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in an
accessory for a flower arrangement including:
[0017] a container for containing one or more items;
[0018] one or more penetrations through said container and remote
from the perimeter of said container, one of said penetrations (the
main penetration) being adapted to receive therethrough a flower
arrangement; and
[0019] characterised in that said main penetration includes
engagement means for engaging the flower holding disc for arranging
a bunch of flowers comprising a sheet of substantially flexible
material; a plurality of penetrations through the sheet adapted to
receive therethrough elongate items of the bunch of flowers to be
arranged, gripping means operatively associated with each
penetration whereby one or more elongate items may be passed
through one or more of the penetrations and gripped thereby with a
predetermined force, the penetrations being reinforced against
failure of the flexible material about the penetration by one or
more round aperture operatively associated with each penetration
whereby the flower arrangement be operatively associated with said
container. The size of the aperture is selected to accommodate the
stems of a bunch of flowers insertable therethrough. In a preferred
form, the main penetration is selected to from the sizes of 60 mm
and 80 mm across. The preferred height of the container is 10 mm or
containing gift items like jewellery, for chocolates, between 10 nm
and 70 mm. For other gifts, generally the height could be from 10
to 130 mm. It will be appreciated that the aperture size is
preferably selected such that the orifice to the aperture can
co-operate with the flower arranging disc described herein. In such
form, there are preferably sizes selected to accommodate different
size flower arrangements, including, but not limited to, posies,
bunches and bouquets.
[0020] In another aspect, the present invention resides broadly in
an accessory for providing an aperture through a container,
including two interconnecting parts, a socket part and an insert
part insertable into said socket part, at least on of said parts
having a wall portion circumscribing a central bore and arranged
such that an insert portion of the insert part is sized to engage
with a receiving portion of the socket part such that the parts may
be operatively connected to one another with their respective bores
in substantial alignment, and remote from said insert and receiving
portions, each said part having container engagement means for
engaging with respective walls in each of a base and a lid of the
container when an orifice is cut therein.
[0021] Preferably, each part includes the wall portion and the
outer face of part of the wall portion or the insert part is
engageable with the inner face of part of the wall portion engages
with the socket part. In such form, the accessory when operatively
engaged with the lid and base of the container provides an aperture
through the container embodied by the bore through the respective
parts of the accessory. The bore is preferably circular in section,
and preferably is provided in a range of sizes, such as, for
example, in 10 mm incremental diameters from 20 mm to 70 mm. This
form of accessory could be manufactured from for example, plastics,
metal or cardboard, or a combination of same, selected to be
compatible with the material from which the container is
constructed.
[0022] The container engagement means is preferably in the form of
a flange adapted to be adhesively attached to the inner face of the
walls of the lid and base, and the insert and receiving portions
may be arranged to accommodate various lengths of bore to suit a
range of different sized containers.
[0023] In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in an
accessory for a flower arrangement including:
[0024] an elongate rod of a length and cross-section selected for
incorporation in the flower arrangement, said rod having two ends,
one of said ends including attachment means;
[0025] embellishment means for embellishing said flower
arrangement, said embellishment means including complementary
attachment means for operative attachment of said embellishment
means to the end of said rod having said attachment means.
[0026] Preferably, the rod is firmed from plastics material to
imitate the form of a flower stem or the like, or is formed to be
aesthetically compatible with a flower or foliage stem. It is also
preferred that the attachment means includes a ball-and-socket type
joint wherein the socket for receiving the ball is arranged on one
end of the rod, and the ball be sized to fit into the socket with
an interference fit, and arranged at a suitable attachment location
on the embellishment means. In such form, the rod and the
embellishment means may be operatively attached to one another by
inserting the ball into the socket, the relative sizes of the ball
and the socket being selected to provide a "snap fit". The length
of the rod is preferably selected such that a single length is
suitable for a posy, two lengths are suitable for a bunch and three
lengths art suitable for bouquet. It is also preferred that the
ball-and-socket type joint includes abutment means, such as a
shoulder about the stem connecting the ball to the embellishment
means, which engages with the peter of the socket when the parts
are snapped together. Thus attached, the parts may pivot relative
to one another about an elongate axis substantially in alignment
with the rod, but not substantially bend about the axis or nutate
with respect to one another.
[0027] The embellishment means may be in the form of a clamp or
container for holding and/or containing an object or item, such as
a greeting card, confectionery, jewellery, novelty item, such as a
balloon, or the like. The embellishment means when attached to the
rod may then be incorporated into a flower arrangement by inserting
the rod through the gripping means of the flower holding disc. The
flower arranging disc may further be incorporated with a container
having a penetration extending therethrough as hereinbefore
described.
[0028] It will be appreciated that the flower arranging accessories
of the present invention may be used with conventional flower
arranging aids, such as friable solid foams, wire frames, ceramic
beads or the like by insertion of the rod into or through the
aid.
[0029] In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a method
of forming a flower arrangement including:
[0030] providing the flower holding disc as herein described;
[0031] selecting one or more flower arranging accessories as herein
described;
[0032] selecting cut flowers, foliage and/or decorative items to
make up the flower arrangement;
[0033] selecting the cut flowers, foliage and/or decorative items
one or more at time through the one or more penetrations in the
flexible sheet until the flower arrangement is completed; and
[0034] passing the flower arrangement through the main penetration
of the accessory for operative association with bunch of
flowers.
[0035] If desired, the flower arrangement may include an laminated
sheet of card, the apertured container and the embellishment means
may be operatively associated with a flower holding disc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] In order that the invention may be more readily understood
and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the
following drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the
invention, and wherein:
[0037] FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a circular flower holding disc
according to the invention having elongate penetrations aligned
radially and terminating each of eight radially oriented slits;
[0038] FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of a circular flower holding disc
similar to that of FIG. 1 but with a larger diameter;
[0039] FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of a circular flower holding disk
similar to that of FIG. 2, but having eight further penetrations
arranged radially beyond the elongate penetrations and aligned
radially therewith;
[0040] FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of a circular flower holding disc
sir to that of FIG. 3, but with a smaller diameter;
[0041] FIG. 5 is a pictorial view of a circular flower holding disc
similar to that of FIG. 3, but having twelve further penetrations
instead of eight;
[0042] FIG. 6 is a pictorial view of a circular flower holding disc
similar to that of FIG. 5, but having a larger outside diameter,
the twelve further penetrations arranged along a larger pitch
circle diameter, and a circular break-out line or weaken interposed
radially between the elongate penetrations and the further
penetrations;
[0043] FIGS. 7 and 8 are pictorial views of the component parts of
the flower holding disc of FIG. 6;
[0044] FIG. 9 is a face view of the component part of the flower
holding disc of FIG. 7 with a partly installed ribbon led through
some of the further penetrations;
[0045] FIG. 10 is a face view of the flower holding disc of FIG. 5
with a ribbon led through the further apertures;
[0046] FIG. 11 is a pictorial view of a heart-shaped card as an
accessory for a flower arrangement according to the invention;
[0047] FIG. 12 is a pictorial view of the card of the card of FIG.
11 in an open attitude;
[0048] FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic pictorial sectional view of part
of a card similar to that of FIGS. 11 and 12;
[0049] FIG. 14 is a pictorial view of a card being circular as an
alternative shape to the card of FIGS. 11 to 13;
[0050] FIG. 15 is a pictorial view of a card having a circular
penetration according to the invention and a message portion;
[0051] FIG. 16 is a pictorial view of a circular container
according to the invention;
[0052] FIG. 17 is a pictorial view of the container of FIG. 16 with
the flower holding disc engaged with the lid;
[0053] FIG. 18 is a pictorial view of the container of FIG. 16 with
the flower holding disc engaged with the base;
[0054] FIG. 19 is a pictorial view of a triangular container
according to the invention;
[0055] FIG. 20 is a pictorial view of the container of FIG. 19 with
the flower holding disc engaged with the lid;
[0056] FIG. 21 is a pictorial view of the container of FIG. 19 with
the flower holding disc engaged with the base;
[0057] FIG. 22 is a pictorial view of a heart-shaped container
according to the invention;
[0058] FIG. 23 is a pictorial view of the container of FIG. 22 with
the flower holding disc engaged with the lid;
[0059] FIG. 24 is a pictorial view of the container of FIG. 22 with
the flower holding disc engaged with the base;
[0060] FIG. 25 is a pictorial view of a square container according
to the inventions
[0061] FIG. 26 is a pictorial view of a hexagonal container as an
accessory for a flower arrangement according to the invention;
[0062] FIG. 27 is an exploded view of another circular container as
an accessory for a flower arrangement according to the
invention;
[0063] FIG. 27a is a pictorial view on an alternative insert for
the container of FIG. 27;
[0064] FIG. 28 is a pictorial view of aperture accessory for
providing an aperture through any one of the containers shown in
FIGS. 16 to 27;
[0065] FIG. 29 is a pictorial view showing use of the container of
FIG. 27 with a flower arrangement in accordance with the
invention;
[0066] FIG. 30 is a pictorial view of a bunch of flowers
incorporating any one of the discs of FIGS. 1 to 7, the container
of FIG. 20 or FIG. 21, the card of FIG. 15 and a gift tag and
lollypop of FIG. 40 (as further exemplified in FIG. 45);
[0067] FIG. 31 is a pictorial view of a rod and cap as part of an
accessory for a flower arrangement according to the invention;
[0068] FIG. 32 shows in pictorial view an alternative rod and cap
in curved form as part of an accessory for a flower arrangement
according to the invention;
[0069] FIGS. 33 to 41d show alternative embellishment accessories
for attachment to the rod and/or cap of FIGS. 31 and 32;
[0070] FIG. 42 is a sectional side view of a container having
wrapped chocolates attached to a flower holding disc according to
the invention with accessories of FIG. 35 or 36 and part of a
wrapping inserted through the penetrations;
[0071] FIG. 43 is an exploded pictorial view of the container of
FIG. 42;
[0072] FIG. 44 is a pictorial view of the flower arranging disc
with the wrapped objects of FIG. 41 operatively attached to rods in
accordance with the invention;
[0073] FIG. 45 collectively shows in pictorial view a variety of
accessories according to the invention assembled from the parts
shown of FIGS. 31 to 41d;
[0074] FIGS. 46 and 47 are sectional views showing alternative
means of joining the rods of FIG. 31;
[0075] FIG. 48 is a side view showing diagrammatically the joint in
the rod of FIG. 31;
[0076] FIGS. 49 and 50 show a photograph holder and the use of the
rod of FIG. 31 with the photograph holder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0077] The five circular flower arranging discs 10, 11, 12, 13 and
14 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 each have the eight slits shown typically
at 16 extending radially from a central penetration 17 and each
slit terminates in an elongate penetration shown typically at 18
for preventing tearing of the slits. The elongate penetrations are
aligned radially. In the example shown at 11, the disc is the same
as example 10, but the peripheral edge is of a larger diameter. The
example shown at 12, which may be considered as a "floral card
disc", is the same except it has a larger circular penetration
shown typically at 19 spaced radially outward from each elongate
penetration. In such form, the wrapping paper around the outside of
a bunch of flowers the stalks of which are inserted through the
central aperture is less likely to be crushed. The material between
the elongate penetrations and the larger circular penetrations may
yield to open the slits up further, providing a softer encirclement
of the bunch, and still provide tear prevention beyond the larger
circular penetrations. In the example shown at 13, the outer
peripheral edge is of a similar diameter to that of FIG. 1. In the
example shown at 14, there are twelve evenly spaced larger circular
penetrations similar to those shown in examples 12 and 13, except
that the pitch circle diameter is larger and the larger
penetrations do not necessarily line up radially with the slits. In
such form, ribbon may be passed through the aperture in loops
without having to cut or tie the ribbon and create an additional
decorative effect if desired.
[0078] In the example 15 shown in separate parts and together in
FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the disc is larger (but scaled down to appear
much the same size as the other discs) and has the eight slits
terminating in the elongate penetrations in a similar fashion to
example 14. However, the larger circular penetrations are provided
in an annular portion 20 separated from a break-out portion 21 by a
break-out line 23 which may be used to assist in separating the
break-out portion from the annular portion shown separately in
FIGS. 8 and 7 respectively. The annular portion has a large central
aperture 22 sized to 60 or 80 mm through which the stalks of a
bunch of flowers may pass.
[0079] The larger circular penetrations in examples 12, 13, 14, and
15 may be used, for example, to thread ribbon or the like through
to enhance the appearance of a bunch of flowers assembled with the
aid of example 10 or 11. The break-out portion may be the same
dimensions as example 10, or may be larger or smaller. The
threading of the ribbon 25 is performed for example by passing a
length of ribbon through each larger penetration as shown partially
threaded in FIG. 9 and fully threaded and tied off as shown in FIG.
10 by passing through a loop of ribbon, in each case leaving a loop
shown typically at 24 between each larger penetration.
[0080] The heart shaped card 40 shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 has a
penetration 45 passing through a front piece 41, the penetration
being filled in by the flower arranging disc 10 or 12 in a back
piece 42, the front and back pieces being joined together along a
fold line 43 for folding down into a card as shown in FIG. 12 by
holding the front and back pieces which respect one another in the
direction of arrow 49. In the sectional view shown in FIG. 13, the
penetration through font piece is reinforced by a reinforcing ring
44.
[0081] The circular card 46 has its circular disc 10 or 21 offset
from centre from its card portion 47. The irregular shaped card 50,
a "gift tag card", shown in FIG. 15, has an annular portion 51 with
a circular penetration 55 therethrough and a message portion 52
connected to the annular portion by way of connecting portion 53.
The message portion includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive patch or
strip 54 to permit a massage card or the like, or alternatively, a
small package, to be attached to the card.
[0082] The circular container 60 shown in FIG. 16 has a id 62 and a
base 61 each having a centrally located penetration 65 extending
therethrough to provide an annular shaped channel. When the parts
are placed together as shown, an annular cavity is provided in
which objects may be contained. A flower arranging disc 10 shown in
FIGS. 17 and 18 may be operatively associated with the lid and/or
the base, closing off the penetration at the top and/or bottom of
the container. The penetration is preferably sired to provide an
interference fit for the flower arranging disc and preferably
includes a lip or shoulder around the periphery of the penetration
at or near the bottom and/or top of the container.
[0083] In similar fashion, the triangular container 63 shown in
FIGS. 19, 20 and 21, the heart shaped container 64 as shown in
FIGS. 22, 23 and 24, or the square container 73 or the hexagonal
container 74 shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 respectively may be provided
with a correspondingly shaped cavity for containing one or more
small objects. In the case of the hexagonal container shown in FIG.
26, the internal bore 68 of the penetration is hexagonal in shape
and has a flange 69 extending inwardly therefrom to provide a
circular orifice or opening into which the flower arranging disc
may be inserted.
[0084] The alternative circular container 70 shown in FIG. 27 has a
lid 71 and base formed of clear plastics material and an insert 72
through which the penetration 75 extends. The insert has eight
depressions shown typically at 76 for receiving a gift item or
object, one of which is shown typically 77, the flower arranging
disc 10 being provided at the lower end of the penetration to be
operatively associated with the base. The alternative insert 78
shown in FIG. 27a has a larger number of smaller and differently
shaped depressions than that shown in FIG. 27. The alternative
circular container of FIG. 27 can be used with a bunch of flowers
to provide the flower arrangement in accordance with the invention
as shown in FIG. 29.
[0085] The aperture accessory 160 may be used to provide an
aperture through any one of the container of FIGS. 16 to 27 and
including two interconnecting parts, a socket part 66 and an insert
part 67 inserted into the socket part. Each part has an annular
flange 56. The socket part has a cylindrical socket portion 57
extending from the flange and a central bore 59 therethrough. The
central bore continues on through a cylindrical insert portion 58
extending from the flange of the insert part such that when a
portion of the insert part inserted into a portion of the socket
part, the flanges are held apart and substantially parallel to one
another. The flanges are fixed or attached to the lid and base of a
container such that the insert and receiving portions provide the
aperture through the container by virtue of the central bore
passing therethrough.
[0086] The bunch of flowers 80 shown in FIG. 30 is stretched along
the axes of the stems of the flowers to show the elements
incorporated therein. The bunch includes a number of flowers shown
typically at 81 wrapped collectively about their stems 83 in a
cellophane wrap 82 supported in the flower holding disc 10 by
having their stems passing through the penetrations in the disc.
The stems collectively also pass through the penetration in the
card 15, the triangular container 63, and the annular sheet 20
which also has a ribbon 25 installed as hereinbefore described.
Additionally, a round floral card disk 85 is provided with the end
portions of the stems passing through its central penetration. The
ends 86 of the stems are immersed in water contained in the
cellophane wrap. In addition to the flower holding disc 10, any one
of the other appropriate discs of FIGS. 3 to 7, or those described
in our aforementioned International Patent No. PCT/AU01/00450 may
be used.
[0087] The two straight rods 96 shown in FIG. 31 has a ball 91 on
the upper end 93 which is sized to fit into a socket 92 in the
lower end 97 of another similar rod or an accessory described
hereinafter. The two curved rods 98 shown in FIG. 32 are the same
as the straight rods in all respects except for their curvature,
but are shown formed from several shorter pieces joined together.
It will be appreciated that unitary or piece construction are
alternative forms which may be provided.
[0088] Various embellishment accessories are shown in FIGS. 33 to
41d. A multilobial card 105 is shown in FIG. 33 having a central
hole 106 through which the ball of the rod may be inserted. If
desired, the ball may also be inserted into the socket in the base
of another rod or another embellishment accessory described herein,
the central hole being sized to be a relatively tight fit around a
shoulder on the neck of the ball (described hereinafter) and
smaller than the diameter of the rod such that it may be retained
at the upper end of the rod. The multilobial outer periphery may
also be used for a flower holding disc 104 having the central
penetration and slits in similar form to those shown in FIGS. 1 to
6 and 8, and in addition thereto, four peripheral elongate holes
103, generally elongate in the radial direction, spaced at even
distance and angular spacing around the disc. An adhesive connector
107 is shown is FIG. 34 being elongate in the same direction as the
rod and having a portion 102 for receiving a name tag,
confectionery or the like, two ribbon fixing locations 101, and a
gift card slot 100 near its distal end through which, for example,
a card, or the end of a balloon, may be inserted for retention
therein. In FIGS. 35, 35a and 36 are shown three cup shaped
embellishment accessories, each having an adhesive connector at
their respective bases. A small confectionery clip 108 is shown in
FIG. 35, a large confectionery clip 108a is shown in FIG. 35a and
in FIG. 36, each having the socket 92 in the lower end thereof.
[0089] In FIGS. 37 and 37a, an elongate container 110 and a
spheroidal container 11 are provided. Each has a clear plastics
receptacle 112 and 113 respectively. The elongate clear plastics
receptacle is connectable to a container support 114 by an
interference fit or threaded connection, and the spheroidal clear
plastics receptacle is connectible in similar fashion to a wider
container support 115. An egg crown 116 as shown in FIG. 38 is made
to fit into either of the cup-shaped embellishment accessories and
includes five upstanding lobes shown typically at 117 by way of a
lower lip 118 sized to provide an interference fit with the upper
periphery the respective one of the cup-shaped embellishment
accessories.
[0090] The clamp assembly 120 shown in FIG. 39 has two jaws at 123
made from a wire frame construction hinged at a binge connector 124
for pivotal movement towards and away from one another, and are
biased to close towards one another. The hinge connector is
connected to a clamp support 125 on a joining piece 126 having the
socket 92 at its lower end. The clamp support and joining piece are
connected to one another by way of a disc portion (hidden from
view) on the joining piece having an aperture therethrough or a
concavity on each face into which complementary inwardly directed
opposed protrusions (also hidden from view) extend to permit
pivoting of the joining piece with respect to the hinge support in
the direction of arrows 128.
[0091] The card, confectionery and balloon holder 140 shown in FIG.
40 includes a circular body portion 141 having a slit 142 extending
inward from the edge of one side part-way across the body an
terminating in a rounded penetration 143. Four holes shown
typically at 144 are arranged about the body spaced inward from the
edge about, but not directly opposite the slit, and each has a tube
shown typically at 145 with a slit shown typically at 146 extending
from the distal end part way along the length of each tube
coaxially along the outermost part of the circumference such that
there is a hole at each end of the tube. A confectionery accessory
may be supported in association with the card and confectionery
holder by inserting the rod through one of the holes.
Alternatively, a balloon may be inflated and held in place by
inserting the opening through one of the holes to be held in the
slot. The confectionery accessory includes a wrapped lollipop,
chocolate or the like described hereinafter operatively attached to
the upper end of the rod. The wrapped chocolate 148 shown in FIG.
41 has its wrapper 149 arranged with its edges about the stem of
the confectionery cup 108 described in relation to FIG. 35 above,
the edges being tied together with a tie 147.
[0092] The photoframe clamp 95 shown in FIG. 41a has a fold or
binge 94 permitting the two halves to be folded in the direction of
arrow 90 to be snapped together as shown. A slot 99 is provided in
the end remote from the socket to receive a photofame described
hereinafter. A claw assembly 119 is shown in FIG. 41b has four
fingers shown typically at 127 extending outward and upward from a
support portion 129 with a socket therein. The fingers are of
resilient material permitting clamping of an object of larger
dimension than the space between the fingers to be held therein. A
photograph or card holder 121 is shown in FIG. 41c having a split
or coiled ring 134 of spring metal mounted in a ring support 135
with a socket therein. A chocolate bar holder 122 is shown in FIG.
41d having an adhesive strip 107 as described in relation to other
accessories, mounted to an elongate resting portion 136 extending
from a ledge portion 137, both of which are integrally formed with
a mounting portion 138 with a socket therein.
[0093] The confectionery container 130 shown in FIGS. 42 and 43 has
a base 131 fitted with a lid 132. The base includes an internal lip
for supporting a flower arranging disc 133 having a plurality of
penetrations comprising eight slits extending radially from a
common intersection point and rounded holes terminating the slits.
Twelve wrapped chocolates (eleven only shown in FIG. 43 in order to
show the configuration of the penetrations) are fixed to the tower
arranging disc by inserting the stem of the wrapped chocolate
assembly through one of the penetrations as shown. All of the
wrapped chocolates are shown on one side of the disc, but it will
be appreciated that alternative arrangements could be devised in
which the wrapped chocolates are disposed on either side of the
disc. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 44, seven wrapped chocolates
are attached to the end of a respective rod which is then passed
through a respective penetration in the flower arranging disc. Of
course, many arrangements may be constructed using the accessories
of the present invention, some examples of which are shown
collectively in FIG. 45.
[0094] The means of connecting the embellishment accessories to the
rod may be alternatively by the ball and socket shown in FIG. 46
and described above, or a threaded connection as shown in FIG. 47.
In the case of the ball and socket joint, the ball 91 is connected
to one end of the rod by a neck 150, a shoulder 151 which extends a
small distance axially from the flat end 152. The socket 92 has two
snap locations 154 inwardly from two pinches or necks 155, the
orifice of the socket being aligned with an annular face 153 which
is sized to abut against the fat end 152 of the ball half of the
joint. The orifice of the socket is surrounded by a bevel 158, The
rod is also of hollow form, preferably formed of green coloured
plastics material or the like. In the alternative shown in FIG. 47,
the ball and socket are replaced with a threaded spigot 156 and a
threaded socket 157, the shoulder, flat end and annular face being
of similar configuration so that the joined pieces will
substantially align with one another. In both cases, a relatively
rigid joint can be provided between the meeting parts as shown in
FIG. 48 in which it can be seen that a square section groove 159 is
formed circumferentially about the joint to accommodate a
penetration in the flower arranging disc.
[0095] The photograph holder 170 shown in FIG. 49 has a
substantially rectangular windowed front face 161 surrounded by a
frame and a solid back face 162 connected thereto by a fold 163
along the base line of the frame. Extending from a central upper
portion of the frame is a tag portion 165 having an aperture 164
passing therethrough sized to engage with the shoulder of the ball
half of the joint such that it may be supported on a rod as shown
in FIG. 50. Of course, any one of the alternative embellishments of
FIGS. 34 to 39 nay be placed connected to the top of the rod.
[0096] The alternative photograph holder 171 shown in FIG. 49a has
a substantially rectangular windowed front face 166 surrounded by a
frame and a solid back face 167 connected thereto by a hinge 168
along part of the base line of the frame. The alternative
photograph holder is attached to the end of a rod by the photoframe
clamp 95 shown in FIG. 41a, there being several locations shown
typically at 172.
[0097] Although the invention has been described with reference to
several examples, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the
art that the invention may be embodied in other forms within the
broad scope and ambit of the invention as defined by following
claims.
* * * * *