U.S. patent application number 11/260429 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-03 for apparatus and method for receiving and transporting flowers.
Invention is credited to Case Van Wingerden.
Application Number | 20070094924 11/260429 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37994462 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070094924 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wingerden; Case Van |
May 3, 2007 |
Apparatus and method for receiving and transporting flowers
Abstract
One embodiment is a container for receiving and transporting
flowers. The container includes a receptacle having a stem end and
a blossom end, wherein the stem end comprises a water-resistant
bottom surface and wherein the blossom end defines a blossom end
opening configured to receive a plurality of flowers. The container
also includes a lattice comprising a plurality of strips, the
lattice positioned substantially at the stem end of the receptacle,
the lattice having a plurality of lattice openings, each of the
lattice openings being configured to receive the stem end of at
least one of the flowers and wherein the lattice is configured to
substantially limit movement of the stem end of the flower within
the container.
Inventors: |
Wingerden; Case Van;
(Carpinteria, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
37994462 |
Appl. No.: |
11/260429 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
47/41.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/10 20130101;
B65D 85/505 20130101; A47G 7/07 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
047/041.13 |
International
Class: |
A47G 7/00 20060101
A47G007/00 |
Claims
1. A container for receiving flowers, said container comprising: a
receptacle having a stem end and a blossom end, wherein said stem
end comprises a water-resistant bottom surface and wherein said
blossom end defines a blossom end opening configured to receive a
plurality of flowers; and a lattice comprising a plurality of
strips, said lattice positioned substantially at said stem end of
said receptacle, said lattice having a plurality of lattice
openings, each of said plurality of lattice openings being
configured to receive the stem end of at least one of said flowers
and wherein said lattice is configured to limit movement of said
stem end of said at least one flower.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein said strips of said lattice
are configured to limit movement of said stem end of said at least
one of said flowers to substantially within one of said lattice
openings.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein said blossom end opening
defines a substantially circular shape.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of
lattice openings includes at least one corner.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein said blossom end opening of
said receptacle is larger than said stem end of said receptacle and
wherein said receptacle is tapered from said blossom end to said
stem end.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein said receptacle is configured
to receive a second receptacle into said blossom end opening so as
to stack said second receptacle within said receptacle.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein said receptacle comprises four
sides, each of said sides comprising a surface extending from said
stem end to said blossom end, wherein each of said surfaces is
connected to at least two other of said surfaces and to said
water-resistant bottom surface, and wherein said surfaces define
said blossom end opening.
8. The container of claim 7, wherein said lattice is connected to
said bottom surface and said side surfaces.
9. The container of claim 1, wherein said opening defines a
substantially rectangular shape.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein at least one of said
plurality of said strips comprises an opening configured to allow
water to flow between at least two of said plurality of lattice
openings.
11. The container of claim 1, wherein said lattice is fixed to said
bottom surface of said receptacle.
12. The container of claim 1, wherein said lattice is removably
connected to said receptacle.
13. A method of manufacturing a container for receiving flowers,
said method comprising: forming a receptacle having a stem end and
a blossom end, wherein said stem end comprises a water-resistant
bottom surface and wherein said blossom end defines a blossom end
opening configured to receive a plurality of flowers; and forming a
lattice comprising a plurality of strips, said lattice positioned
substantially at said stem end of said receptacle, said lattice
having a plurality of lattice openings, each of said lattice
openings being configured to receive the stem end of at least one
of said flowers and wherein said lattice is configured to limit
movement of said stem end of said at least one of said flowers.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein said lattice is formed
integrally with said bottom surface and said side surfaces.
15. The method of claim 13 further comprising forming at least one
opening in at least one of said strips configured to allow water to
flow between at least two of said plurality of lattice
openings.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein said lattice is formed so as to
be removably connected to said receptacle.
17. An apparatus for receiving flowers, said apparatus comprising:
a lattice comprising a plurality of strips configured for use with
a receptacle having a stem end and a blossom end, said lattice
configured to be positioned substantially at said stem end of said
receptacle, said lattice having a plurality of lattice openings,
each of said plurality of lattice openings being configured to
receive a stem end of at least one of a plurality of flowers and
wherein said lattice is configured to limit movement of said stem
end of said at least one flower.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said strips of said lattice
are configured to limit movement of said stem end of said at least
one of said flowers to substantially within one of said lattice
openings.
19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein each of said plurality of
lattice openings includes at least one corner.
20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said lattice is configured
to be removably connected to a receptacle.
21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein at least one of said
plurality of said strips comprises an opening configured to allow
water to flow between at least two of said plurality of lattice
openings.
22. A container for receiving flowers, said container comprising:
means for receiving and containing at least one flower, said means
for containing comprising means for supporting the stem ends of
said at least one flower; and means for defining a plurality of
openings and limiting movement of the stem ends of said at least
one flower to substantially within one of said plurality of
openings.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a container for receiving and
transporting decorative plants such as cut flowers.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Technology
[0004] Cut flowers, or other decorative foliage, are frequently
transported and sold as bouquets. During transport, and while
awaiting sale, flowers preferably are placed with stems at least
partially submerged in water to maintain the freshness of the
flowers. Thus, a simple way of transporting flowers or bouquets is
in a water-filled container.
[0005] However, in a simple container, e.g., a pail or bucket-like
container, the bottoms of the stems of flowers or bouquets placed
in the middle of the container tend to slide until the bottoms of
the stems rest against the side, or more frequently, the side
corners of the bottom of the container. This may result in the
stems of the centrally placed flowers becoming entangled with other
flowers or bouquets. In addition, the centrally placed flowers
accordingly rest lower in the container than flowers and bouquets
that are placed around the edge of the container. This may result
in the centrally located flowers being less visible to potential
purchasers and may result in damage to the flowers as they sink
into the container.
[0006] Containers having tops, or recessed tops, with openings for
receiving flowers are one solution. However, because the openings
in such containers are typically towards the top of the container,
the bottoms of the stems are still able to slide around the bottom
of the container. Moreover, with larger openings relative to the
size of the bouquets, the stems of the flowers are still able to
slide around the bottom of the container. This configuration
therefore also allows the flowers to slide sufficiently far so as
to allow the flower blossoms to contact the edges of the openings
and damage the flowers. Containers with smaller openings are
limited in the range of bouquet sizes that fit into the holes. This
can result in a need to stock many different types and shapes of
containers. In addition, placing the stems of the flowers through
the openings can be time consuming and can result in damage to the
flowers and stems if the loading of flowers is not performed
carefully. Thus, a need exists for improved containers for
transporting flowers and bouquets.
SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE ASPECTS
[0007] The system, method, and containers of the invention each
have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible
for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this
invention as expressed by the claims which follow, its more
prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering
this discussion, and particularly after reading the section
entitled "Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments" one will
understand how the features of this invention provide advantages
that include a container for transporting and displaying flowers
that maintains the position of the flowers or bouquets of flowers
within the container.
[0008] One embodiment includes a container for receiving flowers.
The container includes a receptacle having a stem end and a blossom
end. The stem end comprises a water-resistant bottom surface and
the blossom end defines a blossom end opening configured to receive
a plurality of flowers. The container further includes a lattice
comprising a plurality of strips. The lattice are positioned
substantially at the stem end of the receptacle. The lattice has a
plurality of lattice openings. Each of the plurality of lattice
openings is configured to receive the stem end of at least one of
the flowers. The lattice is configured to limit movement of the
stem end of the at least one flower.
[0009] Another embodiment includes a method of manufacturing a
container for receiving flowers. The method includes forming a
receptacle having a stem end and a blossom end. The stem end
comprises a water-resistant bottom surface and the blossom end
defines a blossom end opening configured to receive a plurality of
flowers. The method further includes forming a lattice comprising a
plurality of strips. The lattice is positioned substantially at the
stem end of the receptacle. The lattice has a plurality of lattice
openings. Each of the lattice openings is configured to receive the
stem end of at least one of the flower. The lattice is further
configured to limit movement of the stem end of the at least one of
the flowers.
[0010] Another embodiment includes an apparatus for receiving
flowers. The apparatus includes a lattice comprising a plurality of
strips configured for use with a receptacle having a stem end and a
blossom end. The lattice is configured to be positioned
substantially at the stem end of the receptacle. The lattice has a
plurality of lattice openings. Each of the plurality of lattice
openings is configured to receive a stem end of at least one of a
plurality of flowers. The lattice is configured to limit movement
of the stem end of the at least one flower.
[0011] Another embodiment includes a container for receiving
flowers. The container includes means for receiving and containing
at least one flower. The means for containing includes means for
supporting the stem ends of the at least one flower. The container
further includes means for defining a plurality of openings and
limiting movement of the stem ends of the at least one flower to
substantially within one of the plurality of openings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway perspective view illustrating an
exemplary container according to one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary
container of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway perspective view illustrating an
exemplary container according to another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
[0015] The following detailed description is directed to certain
specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can
be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered
by the claims. In this description, reference is made to the
drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals
throughout.
[0016] As discussed above, containers that include a top with
openings through which flower stems are inserted have a number of
disadvantages. In general, many of these problems are the result of
attempting to control the position of flowers within a container by
controlling the position of the stems, and in particular, by
restricting movement of the portions of the stems relatively close
to the blossom ends of the flowers. However, as described in more
detail below, rather than holding floral bouquets in place for
transport and display by using openings through which the stems are
inserted, improved containers can be obtained by making containers
that control the movement of the stem ends, the ends of the stems
that are distal from the blossoms, of the flowers.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway perspective view illustrating an
exemplary container 100 according to one embodiment. The exemplary
container 100 includes four sides 110 that join to form a
substantially rectangular receptacle that has an opening 115 at the
top or blossom end of the container 100 and a solid surface 120 at
the bottom or stem end of the container. The solid bottom surface
120 joins the sides 110 to form a receptacle that is at least
partially water-tight. While certain embodiments can define a
rectangular container, in other embodiments, the container may
define a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a square shape, or
any other shape. Moreover, as shown in the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 1, the sides 110 meet so as to form rounded corners. In
other embodiments, however, the sides 110 can meet to form sharply
angled comers, or in the case of a circular shape, no comers at
all.
[0018] In one embodiment, the blossom-end opening 115 is larger
than the bottom surface 120. The sides 110 of the container 100 can
thus be tapered from the blossom end to the stem end. In one
embodiment, the container 100 can thus be configured in shape and
size to receive another container into the blossom end opening 115.
Unlike containers with lids or other surfaces that have openings
near the blossom-end of the container, the positioning of the
lattice 130 at or near the bottom or stem end of the container 100
allows the container 100 to receive another container 100 to within
the distance, H, of the strips 132 of the lattice 130. This allows
a group of containers 100 to be conveniently stacked for
storage.
[0019] In the exemplary container 100, a grid or lattice 130 formed
by a series of interlaced strips 132 is positioned on, or near, the
bottom surface 120 of the container 100. In one embodiment, the
strips 132 are at least partially in contact with the bottom
surface 120. As described in further detail below, in other
embodiments, the strips 132 may be positioned near the bottom
surface 120. The strips 132, which are a height, H, define lattice
openings 140. In one embodiment, the lattice openings 140 are
square or rectangular. In other embodiments, the lattice openings
140 can be any shape, such as hexagonal or circular shapes. For
example, in one embodiment, the container 100 may have a generally
circular shape in which some strips 132 of the lattice 130 define
concentric circles that are divided into lattice openings 140 by
strips 132 that extend from a central circular strip 132 to a
outermost circular strip 132.
[0020] In one embodiment, the strips 132 are separated from each
other by a distance L along a first axis and a distance W along a
second, perpendicular axis to define rectangular lattice openings
140 with dimensions of approximately L.times.W (excluding the
thickness of the strips 132). In one embodiment, the distances H,
L, and W are substantially the same so that the openings 140 define
cubes. On some embodiments, the distances H, L, and W can be
selected to be in the range of 0.5 inches to 3 inches. In one
embodiment, each of the distances H, L, and W is about equal to 2
inches. In one embodiment, a particular lattice 130 may have
lattice openings 140 of different sizes. For example, in one
embodiment, the openings 140 near the edges of the lattice 140 may
be smaller than the openings near the interior of the lattice
140.
[0021] In use, the container 100 is at least partially filled with
water. In one embodiment, the water is filled to a depth of
approximately the distance H in the bottom of the container 100.
Flowers or bouquets of flowers are received into the opening 115,
with the stem ends of the flowers inserted into the container 100
so that the blossom ends of the flowers extend approximately to, or
above, the opening 115 of the container 110. The stem ends of a
flower or bouquet can be received into the water in one or more of
the lattice openings 140. Alternatively, the water can be added
after the flowers are placed into the container 100.
[0022] As the flowers shift under their own weight, or as the
flowers are shifted during movement of the container 100, the
blossom ends of the flowers tend to move around in the opening 115.
However, the strips 132 tend to limit the movement of the stem ends
of the flowers to the area within one of the lattice openings 140.
In addition, the stems ends tend to move into the comers of the
lattice openings where they are more firmly held in place than they
would otherwise be if the lattice had circular openings.
[0023] Having the lattice 130 positioned substantially at the
bottom of the container 100 also allows for better management of
bouquets at the top of the container 100. In particular, as
bouquets are removed from the container, such as at a point of
sale, the blossom ends of the remaining bouquets are able to move
freely around the top so as to spread out and better fill the
opening 115 at the top of the container. This filling tends to
provide a more pleasing appearance for point of sale than
containers that restrict the movement of the blossom end of the
flowers. For example, in containers having holes near the blossom
end of the flowers, one side of the container may become bare if
flowers on that particular side are sold or removed first.
[0024] Moreover, in containers that have holes or similar
arrangement near the blossom ends of the flowers, the edges of the
lid or other surface defining holes may tend to rub against the
flower's stems (possibly damaging the stems) during transport and
storage. In contrast, the container 100 described herein tends to
control the end of the stem in the opening 140 of the lattice or
grid 130 using the sides of the strips 132, which are less likely
to cause wear to the stems. Any wear that might occur is
advantageously at the end of the stem farthest way from the flower
blossom.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary
container 100 that further illustrates the container 100. In
particular, a particular strip 130a is illustrated extending across
the cross section. A set of strips 132b extends substantially
orthogonally to the strip 130a to define the openings 140. FIG. 2
depicts a bouquet 160, extending from its blossom end 162 to its
stem end 164 positioned in the container 100 with its stem end 164
positioned against one of the strips 132b in a particular opening
140. As is illustrated in FIG. 2, the tendency for the bouquet 160
to lean results in the stem end 164 meeting the bottom surface 120
at an angle. This is turn tends to cause the stem end to move or
slide into a corner of the opening 140.
[0026] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the strips
132 are positioned at the bottom of the container 100. In certain
embodiments, the strips 132 include openings or channels through
the strips that allow the water level in the container to equalize.
In other embodiments, the strips 132 can be positioned near or just
above the bottom surface 120 of the container 100. For example, the
strips 132 can be positioned at a distance of about 0-3 inches from
the bottom of the container. In one particular embodiment, the
strips 132 are positioned at a distance of about 2 inches from the
bottom of the container.
[0027] In one embodiment, the container 100 is formed of a
substantially rigid, water-resistant material such as plastic,
metal, or water-resistant cardboard. In one embodiment, the
container 100 is injection molded from a plastic such as a
polypropylene homopolymer. In one embodiment, the injection molding
process is used to integrally form the container, including the
lattice. In other embodiments, the container 100 can be formed
using any suitable manufacturing technique such as stamping.
[0028] As noted above, in one embodiment, the lattice 130 is
integrally formed or otherwise fixed to the sides 110 or bottom 120
of the container 100. In another embodiment, the lattice 130 is
separate from the container 100 and placed in the receptacle
portion of the container at time of use. In one such embodiment,
the size and shape of the lattice 130 is selected with reference to
the size and shape of the interior surfaces of the receptacle so as
to allow the lattice 130 to be friction or press fit into the
bottom of the receptacle. In another such embodiment, one of
interior surface of the sides 10 of the container 100 or the ends
of the strips 132 has a detent and the other a recess that forms a
catch for removably attaching the lattice 130 to the container 100.
In one embodiment, the lattice 130 is provided separately from the
receptacle portion of the container 100 in a variety of sizes and
shapes so as to fit into a corresponding variety of existing
receptacles so as to form the container 100.
[0029] FIG. 3 is an end view of an exemplary lattice 130 having a
circular shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the circular lattice
130 is provided with, or integrally formed with, a generally
cylindrical container 100. In another embodiment, the lattice 130
is provided separately from the receptacle portion of the container
100 in a variety of sizes so as to fit into a corresponding variety
of existing receptacles so as to form the container 100. In the
illustrated embodiment, the lattice 130 is formed by three
substantially concentric circular strips 132 that intersect strips
132 that extend radially from the inner circular strip 132 to the
outer circular strip 132. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3,
the strips 132 are positioned relative to each other so as to
define openings 140 that vary in size.
[0030] While the above detailed description has shown, described,
and pointed out novel features of the invention as applied to
various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions,
substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the container
or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit of the invention. As will be
recognized, the present invention may be embodied within a form
that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth
herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from
others. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended
claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which
come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are
to be embraced within their scope.
* * * * *