U.S. patent application number 11/881164 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-31 for hollow wire and methods of use thereof.
Invention is credited to Donald E. Weder.
Application Number | 20080023594 11/881164 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38846278 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080023594 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weder; Donald E. |
January 31, 2008 |
Hollow wire and methods of use thereof
Abstract
A hollow wire and method of using the hollow wire to wrap or
support a flower stem or floral grouping, and/or use in
construction, crafts, hobbies, or other uses in need of wire
products.
Inventors: |
Weder; Donald E.; (Highland,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUNLAP CODDING & ROGERS, P.C.
PO BOX 16370
OKLAHOMA CITY
OK
73113
US
|
Family ID: |
38846278 |
Appl. No.: |
11/881164 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11823429 |
Jun 27, 2007 |
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11881164 |
Jul 26, 2007 |
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60816745 |
Jun 27, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/27.8 ;
248/441.1; 248/450; 248/465.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 7/02 20130101; B44C
5/06 20130101; Y10T 29/49947 20150115; Y10T 29/49908 20150115; Y10T
29/49954 20150115; A01G 5/04 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; A01G
9/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/027.8 ;
248/441.1; 248/450; 248/465.1 |
International
Class: |
A47G 7/00 20060101
A47G007/00; A47B 97/04 20060101 A47B097/04; A47F 5/01 20060101
A47F005/01 |
Claims
1. A method of supporting a floral arrangement, comprising the
steps of: providing at least one floral arrangement; providing a
floral easel comprising at least one support member, wherein at
least a portion of the floral easel is constructed of a hollow
wire, wherein the hollow wire has a sidewall having an outer
surface, an inner surface, and an inner space; and disposing the at
least one floral arrangement on the support member of the floral
easel whereby the floral easel supports the floral arrangement.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of disposing
the floral easel and floral arrangement on at least one of a
casket, tombstone, headstone, monument and memorial, whereby the
floral arrangement is thus supported on the at least one of a
casket, tombstone, headstone, monument and memorial.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein, in the step of providing a floral
easel, the hollow wire from which at least a portion of the floral
easel is constructed is further defined as having a first
longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, and a longitudinal
groove which extends along a length of the hollow wire.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the first
and second longitudinal edges of the hollow wire from which at
least a portion of the floral easel is constructed overlap.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the first
and second longitudinal edges of the hollow wire abut one
another.
6. The method of claim 3, wherein the hollow wire has a gap between
the first and second longitudinal edges.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein, in the step of providing a floral
easel, the hollow wire from which at least a portion of the floral
easel is constructed has a polygonal cross-section.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the cross-section of the hollow
wire is selected from the group consisting of square, rectangular,
triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, and trapezoidal.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein, in the step of providing a floral
easel, at least a portion of the hollow wire from which at least a
portion of the floral easel is constructed is covered with a
coating, wherein the coating is selected from the group consisting
of paper, plastic, fabric, ribbon, rubber, polymeric material,
metal, enamel, paint, metallized fabric, metallized polymeric film,
ceramic material, flocking, bonding material, and combinations
thereof.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein, in the step of providing a
floral easel, the hollow wire from which at least a portion of the
floral easel is constructed is further defined as having an outer
diameter and an inner diameter.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the hollow wire has a circular,
oval, elliptical, or parabolic cross-section.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein, in the step of providing a
floral easel, the hollow wire from which at least a portion of the
floral easel is constructed has at least one corrugated or scored
portion.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein, in the step of providing a
floral easel, the hollow wire from which at least a portion of the
floral easel is constructed has at least one interlocking
portion.
14. A floral easel or plaque for supporting a floral arrangement,
comprising: an easel or plaque on which at least a portion of a
floral arrangement may be disposed or attached, wherein at least a
portion of the easel or plaque is constructed of a hollow wire,
wherein the hollow wire has a sidewall having an outer surface, an
inner surface, and an inner space.
15. The floral easel or plaque of claim 14, wherein the hollow wire
is further defined as having a first longitudinal edge, a second
longitudinal edge, and a longitudinal groove which extends along a
length of the hollow wire.
16. The floral easel of plaque of claim 15, wherein at least a
portion of the first and second longitudinal edges of the hollow
wire overlap.
17. The floral easel or plaque of claim 15, wherein at least a
portion of the first and second longitudinal edges of the hollow
wire abut one another.
18. The floral easel or plaque of claim 15, wherein the hollow wire
has a gap between the first and second longitudinal edges.
19. The floral easel or plaque of claim 14, wherein the hollow wire
has a polygonal cross-section.
20. The floral easel or plaque of claim 19, wherein the
cross-section of the hollow wire is selected from the group
consisting of square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal,
hexagonal, octagonal, and trapezoidal.
21. The floral easel or plaque of claim 14, wherein at least a
portion of the hollow wire is covered with a coating, wherein the
coating is selected from the group consisting of paper, plastic,
fabric, ribbon, rubber, polymeric material, metal, enamel, paint,
metallized fabric, metallized polymeric film, ceramic material,
flocking, bonding material, and combinations thereof.
22. The floral easel or plaque of claim 14, wherein the hollow wire
is further defined as having an outer diameter and an inner
diameter.
23. The floral easel or plaque of claim 22, wherein the hollow wire
has a circular, oval, elliptical, or parabolic cross-section.
24. The floral easel or plaque of claim 14, wherein the hollow wire
has at least one corrugated or scored portion.
25. The floral easel or plaque of claim 14, wherein the hollow wire
has at least one interlocking portion.
26. A floral or craft form, comprising: a wire netting or mesh
capable of being formed into a floral or craft form, wherein at
least a portion of the wire netting or mesh is constructed of a
hollow wire, wherein the hollow wire has a sidewall having an outer
surface, an inner surface, and an inner space.
27. The floral or craft form of claim 26, wherein the hollow wire
is further defined as having a first longitudinal edge, a second
longitudinal edge, and a longitudinal groove which extends along a
length of the hollow wire.
28. The floral or craft form of claim 27, wherein at least a
portion of the first and second longitudinal edges of the hollow
wire overlap.
29. The floral or craft form of claim 27, wherein at least a
portion of the first and second longitudinal edges of the hollow
wire abut one another.
30. The floral or craft form of claim 27, wherein the hollow wire
has a gap between the first and second longitudinal edges.
31. The floral or craft form of claim 26, wherein the hollow wire
has a polygonal cross-section.
32. The floral or craft form of claim 31, wherein the cross-section
of the hollow wire is selected from the group consisting of square,
rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, and
trapezoidal.
33. The floral or craft form of claim 26, wherein at least a
portion of the hollow wire is covered with a coating, wherein the
coating is selected from the group consisting of paper, plastic,
fabric, ribbon, rubber, polymeric material, metal, enamel, paint,
metallized fabric, metallized polymeric film, ceramic material,
flocking, bonding material, and combinations thereof.
34. The floral or craft form of claim 26, wherein the hollow wire
is further defined as having an outer diameter and an inner
diameter.
35. The floral or craft form of claim 34, wherein the hollow wire
has a circular, oval, elliptical, or parabolic cross-section.
36. The floral or craft form of claim 26, wherein the hollow wire
has at least one corrugated or scored portion.
37. The floral or craft form of claim 26, wherein the hollow wire
has at least one interlocking portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No.
11/823,429, filed Jun. 27, 2007; which claims benefit under 35
U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Ser. No. 60/816,745, filed Jun. 27, 2006. The
entire contents of each of the above-referenced applications are
hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Wire is a commonly used mechanical aid in floral arranging
and numerous other fields. In the floral industry, the most
important uses for wire include supporting flower stems, such as in
straightening a curved stem, curving a straight stem, or gathering
and holding multiple stems together. While floral arrangers
generally want to avoid any visible wires and other aids, for many
florists the wiring of stems is considered a requirement for
increasing customer satisfaction. Support wires can help prevent
breakage of the flower heads during delivery and also assist
flowers in receiving adequate water. Other important uses of
support wires include their use in flower stem replacement,
creating accessory stems in corsage and carried bouquet
construction, joining stems into clusters for a single insertion,
plus a wide array of other miscellaneous attachment and joining
functions.
[0003] Florist wire is often treated (annealed) for improved
flexibility and is often coated with an enamel (often green) to
resist rusting and to blend with the floral stems and foliage.
Florist wire is available from floral crafts stores in small
quantities of 6'' or 12'' lengths, but florists usually obtain the
18'' length in 12 pound boxes, from which they can cut the other
needed sizes. The important distinction among the wire strands is
their size or gauge. Wire size is related by the gauge number: the
smaller the wire diameter, the larger the gauge number. The general
applications of the different wire sizes used by florists include,
but are not limited to: heavy wire of #16-#18 gauge is used to
support large stems or heavy flowers such as lilies, gladiolus, and
snapdragons; medium weight wire of #20-#22 gauge is used to support
stems of such flowers as roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums;
light weight wire of #24-#26 gauge is used for replacing stems in
corsages and bridal bouquets with flowers of average size, or to
support smaller or lighter flower stems; very fine wire of #28-#30
gauge is used for delicate corsage flowers and for binding together
stems with a heavier support wire; ultra fine wire of #32-#36 gauge
is used for very delicate flowers and fine work in bridal
arrangements, dainty corsages, and for glamellias.
[0004] The several methods of wiring replacement stems can be used
in corsage construction. For general arranging work the emphasis is
on stem support, with the selected method based on the character of
the flower stem. In the majority of situations, the straight-wire
(or wrapped wire) method will be used. Roses, carnations, and many
other flowers with solid stems are usually wired in this way. One
end of the wire is inserted into the base of the calyx (the stem
enlargement just below the flower). The insertion needs to be only
deep enough to keep the wire end from slipping out, as the rest of
the wire is loosely wrapped in a spiral down the stem. With the
wire of the appropriate gauge, it should be easy to flex the wire
around the leaves, but one should avoid making too many turns
around the stem with the wire. When completed, the wire should be
reasonably straight for best wire strength and support. Some
flowers, such as chrysanthemums, have a small, flat calyx which may
not hold the wire end as desired. For these flowers, the hook-wire
method can be more effective. In this method, the wire end is
pushed from the calyx base through the flower face. A small hook is
made in the wire end, and the wire is then pulled back to embed
(and conceal) the wire in the flower face. The remaining wire is
loosely wrapped about the stem as for the straight-wire method. A
third technique, insertion wiring, works best with those flowers
having fleshy or hollow stems, such as but not limited to, many of
the spring bulb flowers. An outside wire wrap would only crush
these stems. Instead, the wire is passed up through the hollow stem
until it is imbedded in the calyx from the inside.
[0005] Some additional wire forms are also used in commercial and
home floral arranging. When making wreaths or floral sprays, a
continuous length of smaller gauge wire is needed for binding
together the components as they are added. Paddle wire, either
green-enameled or unpainted in #20-26 gauge, is readily available
for this purpose. Some arrangers will also use products referred to
as twist-ems or twist-ties, which comprises wire enclosed in a
narrow paper cover. This product is available in continuous rolls
to cut to the length needed. Another common support material is
referred to as the chenille stem or pipe cleaner. This support
material is actually composed of two wire strands that are twisted
to hold threads, such as fuzzy colored threads, that make up the
stem body. Most chenille stems are used in corsage work or in
making accessories, but some other applications are possible when a
colored joining wire may be desired.
[0006] An alternative joining material is floral tape or paraffin
tape. This is a thin paper tape impregnated with paraffin. Such
tape may be used instead of wire to secure a stem to a wood pick or
to bind together a cluster of stems. It is also used as a wire wrap
for extra rust resistance when the wire is in direct contact with
water. It may also give a cushion along the wire to reduce possible
damage to a delicate flower or stem. The tape typically comes in
rolls of 1/2'' or 1'' width in a variety of colors. The main use of
floral tape is in the construction of corsages, but there are
opportunities for its benefit as a general floral arranging
mechanical aid.
[0007] Floral ribbon wire may be used in corsage and carried flower
arrangements, commercial designs and some home designs. Such
arrangements and designs may include bows or various ribbon
accessories as an important visible component or for other
appropriate uses.
[0008] Wired ribbon (also referred to herein as "ribbon wire") can
be constructed by sandwiching wire between webs of satin (acetate)
ribbon. The wired ribbon may have a solid color, or the wired
ribbon may have printed patterns, lace or eyelet edges, or other
decorative treatments. The finish on the two sides of the wired
ribbon may the same or different; for example, one side of the
wired ribbon may be satin or shiny finish, while the other side may
reveal a fabric weave and have a duller finish.
[0009] Flocked or velvet wired ribbon may be satin ribbons with a
velvet texture on one side. This added thickness makes them stiffer
to aid in the production of bows, and the image of this added
thickness is also especially popular for adding texture to holiday
wreaths and other arrangements, as well as for use simply as bows
or streamers alone. Cloth wired ribbon offers a wide variety of
colors and patterns. These are usually one-sided colors or prints
only, and the cloth does not offer the same crispness as satin
ribbon for bow loops. Paper is also used as a wired ribbon
material. These are made in a variety of solid colors and widths.
The paper wired ribbon is loosely folded and twisted into a narrow
coil, and it is unfolded as desired for use in a bow, wrap, or
other decorative effect. This wrinkling in the paper adds to the
informal image of the arrangement where this type of wired ribbon
is appropriate. Wired ribbon allows dramatic images to be created,
e.g., ribbon streamers can be softly bent to suggest that they are
moving due to wind. While this does add to the ribbon cost, it also
allows for a design impact that is not possible from the other
types of wired ribbons. Other options that may fit the ribbon class
of accessories include but are not limited to, curling ribbons,
metallic cord, and solid or multi-colored yarn.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,713 discloses a hollow tubular device
having a longitudinal opening. The hollow device can be used to
enclose and surround a plant stem for supporting the stem in a
floral arrangement. However, this tubular device cannot be used to
wrap a floral stem, or inserted into a floral stem, or used in
other aspects of floral construction or decoration in the same way
floral wire can be used.
[0011] The present invention is directed to a novel type of hollow
wire which retains the size, strength and usefulness of a solid
wire while reducing the weight of the wire. Such hollow wire may be
utilized in any desired floral packaging, including, but not
limited to, floral stem support, paddle and spool wire.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hollow wire constructed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the hollow wire of FIG.
1 taken along line 2-2 thereof.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hollow wire constructed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hollow wire of FIG.
3 taken along line 4-4 thereof.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a hollow wire constructed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the hollow wire of FIG.
5 taken along line 6-6 thereof.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hollow wire constructed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the hollow wire of FIG.
7 taken along line 8-8 thereof.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hollow wire constructed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of the hollow wire of FIG. 9
taken along line 10-10 thereof.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a hollow wire constructed
in accordance with the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of the hollow wire of FIG.
11 taken along line 12-12 thereof.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a hollow wire constructed
in accordance with the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a cross-section view of the hollow wire of FIG.
13 taken along line 14-14 thereof.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a hollow wire constructed
in accordance with the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a cross-section view of the hollow wire of FIG.
15 taken along line 16-16 thereof.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a hollow wire constructed
in accordance with the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 18 is a cross-section view of the hollow wire of FIG.
17 taken along line 18-18 thereof.
[0030] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a coated hollow wire
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 20 is a cross-section view of the coated hollow wire of
FIG. 19 taken along line 20-20 thereof.
[0032] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a coated hollow wire
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 22 is a cross-section view of the coated hollow wire of
FIG. 21 taken along line 22-22 thereof.
[0034] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a hollow wired ribbon
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 24 is a cross-section view of the hollow wired ribbon
of FIG. 23 taken along line 24-24 thereof.
[0036] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a hollow wired ribbon
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 26 is a cross-section view of the hollow wired ribbon
of FIG. 25 taken along line 26-26 thereof.
[0038] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a hollow wire constructed
in accordance with the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a flower stem having a
hollow wire of the present invention attached thereto.
[0040] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a flower stem having a
hollow wire of the present invention attached thereto.
[0041] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a flower stem having a
hollow wire of the present invention attached thereto.
[0042] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a flower stem having a
hollow wire of the present invention attached thereto.
[0043] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a flower stem having a
hollow wire of the present invention attached thereto.
[0044] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a flower stem having a
hollow wire of the present invention attached thereto.
[0045] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a floral grouping formed of
a plurality of flowers wherein a hollow wire of the present
invention is wrapped about stems of the flowers.
[0046] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a corsage formed from a
floral grouping and utilizing a hollow wire of the present
invention in the construction of the corsage.
[0047] FIG. 36 is a top plan view of a wire mesh formed of a hollow
wire of the present of invention.
[0048] FIG. 37 is a pictorial representation of a floral easel
having a floral grouping connected to a support member formed of a
hollow wire of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a stone or casket plaque
easel formed of a hollow wire of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 39 is a pictorial representation of the stone or casket
plaque easel of FIG. 38 supported on a casket and having a floral
grouping mounted thereon.
[0051] FIG. 40 is a pictorial representation of the stone or casket
plaque easel of FIG. 38 supported on a headstone and having a
floral grouping mounted thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0052] Floral wire is an important tool in the modern floral
industry and is used for constructing floral bouquets, floral
arrangements, corsages and the like. The present invention
contemplates a novel hollow floral wire, and methods of use thereof
in constructing items such as but not limited to, floral bouquets,
floral arrangements, corsages and the like. The hollow wire
contemplated herein may also be used in the hobby and craft
industries as well as in the fields of detonation and construction,
for example, for tying together materials such as steel or iron
mesh or reinforcing rods and bars, or similar structures made of
polymeric materials or wood materials.
[0053] The terms "flower", "floral bouquet", "floral arrangement",
"floral grouping", "corsage" and other floral terms used herein
will be understood to include at least one fresh, dried, or
artificial floral material, or any combination thereof. Such terms
are not limited to floral materials having both a bloom and stem
end, but may include plant materials without a bloom end.
[0054] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
FIGS. 1 and 2, shown therein and designated by the general
reference numeral 10 is a hollow wire constructed in accordance
with the present invention. The hollow wire 10 is provided with a
sidewall 12 having an outer surface 14, an inner surface 16, an
outer (external) diameter 18, and an inner (internal) diameter 20.
The sidewall 12 of the hollow wire 10 is continuous and is thus
closed along substantially its entire length except at the terminal
ends. The gauge of the hollow wire 10 can vary widely and will
depend to a large extent on the use of the hollow wire 10. The
hollow wire 10 may be provided with any gauge of wire known in the
art as desirable for use in the applications described herein.
Generally, however, the gauge of the hollow wire 10 will range from
8 to 40, such as but not limited to, gauges 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18,
20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40. The gauge of the
hollow wire 10 is, however, not limited to these particular
sizes.
[0055] The hollow wire of the present invention may be formed of
any material that can function in accordance with the present
invention as disclosed and required herein. For example but not by
way of limitation, the hollow wire of the present invention may be
constructed of steel, aluminum, other metals, metal alloys,
polymers, paper, carbon fibers, carbon nanoparticles, carbon
nanotube impregnated polymers, carbon nanotubes, combinations and
derivatives thereof, and the like.
[0056] Shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is another embodiment of hollow wire
of the present invention, designated generally therein by the
reference numeral 30. The hollow wire 30 is provided with a
sidewall 32, having an outer surface 34, an inner surface 36, an
outer (external) diameter 38 and an inner (internal) diameter 40.
The hollow wire 30 is similar in construction to the hollow wire 10
of FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the sidewall 32 of hollow wire 30 is
not continuous along its length and has a gap 44 formed between a
first longitudinal edge 46 and a second longitudinal edge 48 of the
sidewall 32. The gap 44 is illustrated as extending longitudinally,
completely or substantially completely, along the length of the
hollow wire 30. However, it is to be understood that the gap 44 may
only extend longitudinally along only a portion of the length of
the hollow wire 30, with the remainder of the length of the hollow
wire 30 being substantially closed.
[0057] Shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is another embodiment of hollow wire
of the present invention, designated therein by the reference
numeral 50. The hollow wire 50 is provided with a sidewall 52
having an outer surface 54, an inner surface 56, an outer
(external) diameter 58 and an inner (internal) diameter 60. The
hollow wire 50 is similar in construction to the hollow wire 30 of
FIGS. 3 and 4, except that the sidewall 52 of the hollow wire 50
has a first longitudinal edge 64 and a second longitudinal edge 66
which extend longitudinally along the length of the hollow wire 50
and abut one another to form an abutting portion 68.
[0058] The abutting portion 68 may be attached or connected
together by a bonding material or other methods known in the art;
optionally, the abutting portion 68 may not be connected, and the
shape of the hollow wire 50 may be maintained via the structural
characteristics of the material from which the hollow wire 50 is
formed. In addition, the abutting portion 68 is illustrated as
extending longitudinally, completely or substantially completely,
along the length of the hollow wire 50. However, it is to be
understood that the abutting portion 68 may only extend
longitudinally along only a portion of the length of the hollow
wire 50, with the remainder of the length of the hollow wire 50
being open and/or the first and second longitudinal edges 64 and 66
being overlapped.
[0059] Shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is another embodiment of hollow wire
of the present invention, designated generally therein by the
reference numeral 70. The hollow wire 70 is provided with a
sidewall 72 having an outer surface 74, an inner surface 76, an
outer (external) diameter 78 and an inner (internal) diameter 80.
The hollow wire 70 is similar in construction to the hollow wire 50
of FIGS. 5 and 6, except that the sidewall 72 of the hollow wire 70
has a first longitudinal edge 84 and a second longitudinal edge 86
which extend longitudinally along the length of the hollow wire 70
and overlap to form an overlapping portion 88.
[0060] The overlapping portion 88 may be attached or connected
together by a bonding material or other methods known in the art;
optionally, the overlapping portion 88 may not be connected, and
the shape of the hollow wire 70 may be maintained via the
structural characteristics of the material from which the hollow
wire 70 is formed. In addition, the overlapping portion 88 is
illustrated as extending longitudinally, completely or
substantially completely, along the length of the hollow wire 70.
However, it is to be understood that the overlapping portion 88 may
only extend longitudinally along only a portion of the length of
the hollow wire 70, with the remainder of the length of the hollow
wire 70 being open and/or the first and second longitudinal edges
84 and 86 abutting one another.
[0061] Shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is another embodiment of hollow wire
of the present invention, designated generally therein by the
reference numeral 90. The hollow wire 90 is provided with a
sidewall 92 having an outer surface 94, an inner surface 96, an
outer (external) diameter 98 and an inner (internal) diameter 100.
The hollow wire 90 is similar in construction to the hollow wire 70
hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, except that
the hollow wire 90 has a first longitudinal edge 104 and a second
longitudinal edge 106 which are spatially disposed and overlap,
thus forming a gap 108 which extends along the length of the hollow
wire 90 substantially as shown.
[0062] While the gap 108 is illustrated as extending
longitudinally, completely or substantially completely, along the
length of the hollow wire 90, it is to be understood that the gap
108 may only extend longitudinally along only a portion of the
length of the hollow wire 90, with the remainder of the length of
the hollow wire 90 being open and/or the first and second
longitudinal edges 104 and 106 being overlapped and/or abutted
against one another.
[0063] While FIGS. 3-10 illustrate hollow wires with either a gap
44, an abutting portion 68, an overlapping portion 88, or an
overlapping portion with a gap 108, extending along substantially
the entire length thereof, it is to be understood that a single
length of hollow wire may be provided with a combination of two or
more of the above, each extending separately along a portion of the
length thereof. That is, the first and second longitudinal edges of
a sidewall of a hollow wire may abut one another along a portion of
the length of the hollow wire, may have a gap between one another
along another portion of the length thereof, may overlap along
another portion of the length of the hollow wire, and/or then may
overlap but be spatially disposed from one another to provide a gap
there between along yet another portion of the length of the hollow
wire. It is to be understood that the hollow wire of the present
invention may be provided with any number and combination of
structures disclosed herein along a single length thereof.
[0064] While FIGS. 1-10 are illustrated as having a substantially
circular cross-section, it is to be understood that the hollow wire
of the present invention is not limited to such structures. Rather,
any desired cross-sectional structure known in the art for wire or
hollow devices or otherwise contemplated for use by a person having
ordinary skill in the art, given this disclosure, may be utilized
in accordance with the present invention. For example but not by
way of limitation, FIGS. 11-14 specifically illustrate two other
cross-sectional configurations that may be used in accordance with
the present invention.
[0065] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a hollow wire 110 provided with a
sidewall 112 having an outer surface 114, an inner surface 116 and
an inner space 118. The hollow wire 110 is provided with a
substantially triangular cross-sectional configuration.
[0066] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a hollow wire 130 provided with a
sidewall 132 having an oval, elliptical or partially flattened
cross-sectional configuration. The sidewall 132 of the hollow wire
130 has an outer surface 134 and an inner surface 136. The sidewall
132 has a first outer (external) diameter 138 in a substantially
vertical direction and a second outer diameter 140 in a
substantially horizontal direction. The sidewall 132 also has a
first inner (internal) diameter 142 in a substantially vertical
direction and a second inner diameter 144 in a substantially
horizontal direction. The hollow wire 130 has an inner space
148.
[0067] While specific cross-sectional configurations are shown
herein for various embodiments of the hollow wire described herein,
it is to be understood that the hollow wire may have any desired
cross-sectional configuration known in the art, including but not
limited to, circular, oval, elliptical, parabolic, open curve,
closed curve, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal,
octagonal, trapezoidal, or any other polygonal cross-sections known
in the art.
[0068] While the embodiments of hollow wire described herein above
are provided with a substantially tubular structure, it is to be
understood that the hollow wire of the present invention is not
limited to substantially closed, tubular structures. Instead, the
hollow wire of the present invention also includes open
cross-sectional structures that function in accordance with the
present invention. FIGS. 15-18 and their accompanying description
describe two particular embodiments of such open cross-sectional
structures of hollow wire; however, it is to be understood that the
present invention is not limited to the particular open structures
shown therein, but rather any open cross-sectional structure that
can function as hollow wire in the applications described herein
also falls within the scope of the present invention.
[0069] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate one such embodiment of hollow
wire having an open cross-sectional structure in accordance with
the present invention, the hollow wire being designated generally
therein by the reference numeral 150. The hollow wire 150 is
provided with a sidewall 152 having an outer surface 154 and an
inner surface 156, an outer (external) diameter 158, an inner
(internal) diameter 160, a first longitudinal edge 162 and a second
longitudinal edge 164. The hollow wire 150 is similar in
construction to the hollow wire 10 hereinbefore described with
reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the hollow wire 150 is
provided with a substantially half-circular cross-sectional
configuration rather than the circular cross-sectional
configuration of the hollow wire 10. That is, the first and second
longitudinal edges 162 and 164 of the hollow wire 150 do not
connect but rather are disposed substantially parallel to one
another such that the hollow wire 150 is provided with a
substantially semi-circular or trough-shaped cross-sectional
configuration, that provides an inner space 166.
[0070] FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate another embodiment of hollow wire
having an open cross-sectional structure of the present invention,
the hollow wire being designated generally therein by the reference
numeral 170. The hollow wire 170 is provided with a first leg
portion 172 and a second leg portion 174. The second leg portion
174 extends angularly from the first leg portion 172 so as to
provide the hollow wire 170 with a substantially V-shaped
cross-sectional configuration substantially as shown in FIG. 18.
Thus, the first and second legs 172 and 174 cooperate to define a
trough 176 extending along the length of the hollow wire 170.
Further, the first and second legs 172 and 174 cooperate to provide
the hollow wire 170 with a height 178 and a width 180 at an upper
end of the trough 176 of the hollow wire 170. The trough 176 thus
defines an inner space of the hollow wire 170.
[0071] While the troughs of the hollow wires of FIGS. 15-18 have
been depicted as being substantially linear as they extend
longitudinally from one end of the hollow wire to the opposite end,
it is to be understood that the troughs may extend in any
non-linear form longitudinally, such as for example, but not by way
of limitation, in a spiral configuration longitudinally.
[0072] For FIGS. 15-18, a flower stem may be disposed and held in
place thereabout with or without requiring that the flower stem be
affixed to the hollow wire 150 or 170. For example, a bonding
material may be required to maintain the hollow wire 150 or 170 in
a position about the flower stem; alternatively, the hollow wire
150 or 170 could be wrapped spirally about the flower stem and thus
maintained in a position about the flower stem without requiring
the use of a bonding material.
[0073] 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 two materials or portions of the same material.
Examples of bonding materials used in accordance with the present
invention include, but are not limited to, adhesives, pressure
sensitive adhesives, cohesives, heat sealable materials such as
heat sealable lacquers and hot melt materials, sonic sealable and
vibratory sealable materials, ties, labels, bands, ribbons,
strings, tapes (including single or double-sided adhesive tapes),
staples and combinations thereof.
[0074] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, any of
the hollow wires described herein previously may be provided with
an outer coating disposed on at least a portion thereof. FIGS.
19-26 illustrate outer coatings disposed on exemplary hollow wire
cores, and also illustrate different types and configurations of
such outer coatings, as described in greater detail herein
below.
[0075] FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate a hollow wire 190 that includes a
hollow core 191 and an outer coating 192. The hollow wire 191 may
be similar in construction to any of the hollow wires described
herein, such as but not limited to the hollow wire 10 of FIGS. 1
and 2. The outer coating 192 may be constructed of any suitable
material known in the art for coating wire. For example but not by
way of limitation, the outer coating 192 may be constructed of
paper, plastic, ribbon material, rubber, polymeric material,
fabric, enamel, paint, metal, metallized fabric, metallized
polymeric film, ceramic material, flocking, bonding material,
combinations thereof, or any other material known by a person of
ordinary skill in the art for covering a wire.
[0076] It should be noted that any of the hollow wires described
herein may be completely or partially covered with an outer
coating, such as the outer coating 192, along at least a portion of
a length thereof. For example, shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 is a hollow
wire 200 having a hollow core 201 and an outer coating 202. The
hollow core 201 is similar in construction to the hollow wire 30
hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. That is,
the hollow core 201 is provided with a gap 204 which extends
longitudinally along the length of the hollow core 201. The outer
coating 202, which is constructed of material similar to those of
the outer coating 192 of the hollow wire 190, does not extend
completely over a gap 204 of the hollow core 201. However, it
should be understood that the outer coating 202 could be modified
to coat and cover the gap 204 of hollow core 201 if desired.
[0077] It is to be understood that any of the hollow wires
described herein previously may be provided with an outer coating
on at least a portion thereof, as described in relation to FIGS.
19-22 or as otherwise described herein or known in the art. Thus,
such coated hollow wires (or partially coated hollow wires also
fall within the scope of the present invention.
[0078] Another embodiment of hollow wire of the present invention
is shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 and is designated therein by the
general reference numeral 210. The hollow wire 210 is provided with
a hollow core 211 and an outer coating 212. The hollow core 211 may
be similar in construction to any of the hollow wires 10, 30, 50,
70, 90, 110 and 130 hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS.
1-14, or any other hollow wire described herein. However, the outer
coating 212 defines a pair of oppositely disposed wings 214 and 216
substantially as shown. Thus, the hollow wire 210 can be used as a
"ribbon wire" as known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. For
example but not by way of limitation, the outer layer 212 may be
formed of one or more layers of paper, plastic, rubber, fabric,
ribbon material, polymeric material, metal, ceramic, paint,
combinations thereof, or any other such material known for the
purpose of covering a wire by persons of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0079] It is to be understood that while the hollow wire 210 is
illustrated as having the pair of oppositely disposed wings 214 and
216, the present invention is not limited to the hollow wire 210
having two wings. For example, the hollow wire 210 may be
constructed with a single wing. This embodiment of the present
invention would result in the hollow core 211 being disposed on an
outer edge of the hollow wire 210, rather than being disposed in
the center 210 of the hollow wire 210, as shown in FIGS. 23-24. In
such embodiment, the outer coating 212 may extend around the hollow
core 211 and therefore fully cover the hollow core 211, or a
portion of the hollow core 211 may extend beyond the outer coating
212 and thus be exposed.
[0080] Any of the hollow wires described herein may be used in the
manner of the hollow wire 210 as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 or as
described elsewhere herein. For example, as shown in FIGS. 25 and
26, a hollow wire 220 includes a hollow core 221 covered by an
outer layer 222 having a pair of oppositely wings 224 and 226
substantially as shown. The hollow core 221 is provided with a
longitudinally extending gap 228 and is similar in construction to
the hollow wire 30 hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 3
and 4.
[0081] Shown in FIG. 27 is yet another embodiment of hollow wire in
accordance with the present invention that is designated therein by
the reference numeral 230. The hollow wire 230 is similar in
construction to the hollow wire 10 hereinbefore described with
reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the hollow wire 230 has one
or more corrugated or scored portions 232 to facilitate bending of
the hollow wire 230. The corrugated or scored portions 232 may be
disposed along only a portion of the length of the hollow wire 230,
substantially as shown in FIG. 27, or the corrugated or scored
portions 232 may extend substantially along the entire length of
the hollow wire 230. Any of the hollow wires described hereinbefore
may be provided with corrugated or scored portions in a similar
manner.
[0082] In addition, any of the hollow wires described herein may be
provided with at least one interlocking portion that functions to
maintain the hollow wire in a bent position. The interlocking
portions may be utilized with the corrugated or scored portions 232
as known in the art. In one embodiment, the interlocking portion
may be a hook-like extension that engages a groove or triangular
crease on another portion of the hollow wire. However, other
examples of interlocking portions are known in the art, and
therefore the above-described example of an interlocking portion is
not to be considered limiting.
[0083] Any of the embodiments of hollow wire of the present
invention can be used in a variety of manners, including but not
limited to, any uses for which floral wire is acceptable, including
but not limited to, floral arranging, craft or hobby uses, home
decor uses, and other various decorative uses. For example, FIGS.
28-33 demonstrate five uses of a hollow wire 240 (which may be any
of the hollow wires hereinbefore described) in supporting a single
plant stem 242 of a flower or plant 244. In FIG. 28, the hollow
wire 240 is wrapped about the plant stem 242 by methods known in
the art for wrapping floral wire about a plant stem. In FIG. 29,
the hollow wire 240 is inserted into the plant stem 242 of the
flower or plant 244 by methods known in the art for inserting
floral wire into a plant stem. In FIG. 30, the hollow wire 240 is
extended along the plant stem 242 of the flower or plant 244 and
provides support at an upper portion thereof, wherein the hollow
wire 240 is hooked about or through a portion of the plant stem
245.
[0084] In FIG. 31, the hollow wire 240 is disposed substantially
parallel to and substantially adjacent at least a portion of the
plant stem 242 of the flower or plant 244. Rather than wrapping the
hollow wire 240 about the plant stem 242, the hollow wire 240 and
the plant stem 242 are simply placed side-by-side, and floral tape
246 is then wrapped about at least a portion th hold the hollow
wire 240 in position about the plant stem 242 and provide support
thereto. In FIG. 32, the hollow wire 240 is inserted into the plant
stem 242 or a portion of a flower head 248 (such as a calyx of the
flower head 248) of the flower or plant 244 and extends up into the
flower head 248 of the flower or plant 244. A hook 249 is then
formed in the end of the hollow wire 240 extending through the
flower head 248, and the hollow wire 240 is then pulled back down
through the flower 242 until the hook is firmly embedded in the
flower head 248. The portion of the hollow wire 240 disposed
adjacent the plant stem 242 may then be wrapped thereabout, as
described in relation to FIG. 28, or taped thereabout, as described
in relation to FIG. 31.
[0085] In another method, the hollow wire 240 may be inserted as
described for FIG. 32, except that the hollow wire 240 does not
extend through the flower head 248. That is, the hollow wire 240 is
inserted into the plant stem 242 or a portion of the flower head
248 without extending above the top of the flower head 248 to form
the loop 249; in this fashion, an upper end of the hollow wire 240
is not visible in the manner shown in FIG. 32.
[0086] In FIG. 33, at least a portion of the plant stem 242 of the
flower or plant 244 is inserted into the hollow wire 240.
[0087] Any of the techniques described herein with reference to
FIGS. 28-33, as well as any other methods described herein or known
in the art, may be utilized to lengthen the stem of a flower in
addition to providing support thereto. This lengthening is
accomplished by simply having the hollow wire extend beyond the
plant stem.
[0088] Once the hollow wire 240 is disposed about or through the
plant stem 242 by any of the methods shown in FIGS. 28-33 or
otherwise known in the art, the plant stem 242 and hollow wire 240
may be wrapped with floral tape is desired, and can then be
inserted together into a floral foam or other floral support
material for supporting the plant. Alternatively, a number of
flowers and/or plants can be combined to form a floral grouping.
When combined to form the floral grouping, only one or only a
portion of the floral grouping may have hollow wire disposed
thereabout to support the individual flowers and/or plants.
[0089] Optionally, rather than disposing hollow wire about one or
more individual flowers and/or plants that are then utilized in
producing a floral grouping, a plurality of flowers and/or plants
may be first combined to form the floral grouping, and then at
least one piece of hollow wire disposed about the floral grouping.
For example, FIG. 34 depicts a floral grouping 250 comprising a
grouping of flowers, each having a plant stem 252. The flowers are
bunched together such that the plurality of plants stems 252 are
brought into close proximity to one another, and then at least one
hollow wire 254 (which may be any of the hollow wires herein before
described) is wrapped about the plurality of plant stems 252 to
secure the floral grouping.
[0090] Any of the methods described herein may include the step of
taping at least a portion of wired flower(s) and/or plant(s) with
floral tape. Taping serves several purposes, including but not
limited to, holding moisture into the stem of a flower or plant,
concealing the hollow wire, and ensuring that the flower/plant does
not slip out of a wired mount.
[0091] FIG. 35 depicts a corsage 260 produced using a hollow wire
262 of the present invention. The hollow wire 262 may be any of the
hollow wires described herein. The corsage 260 comprises at least
one flower 264, and may further comprise at least one filler
material 266. Examples of filler materials utilized in the art of
corsage making include, but are not limited to, babies breath,
leaves, ribbons, bows, and combinations thereof. The flower 264 and
the at least one filler material 266 are placed together such that
at least a portion of their stems are substantially adjacent and
parallel. Then the hollow wire 262 is wrapped about at least a
portion thereof by any of the methods described herein or known in
the art. The stems with hollow wire 262 disposed thereabout may
further be wrapped with floral tape, if desired.
[0092] The hollow wire of the present invention may also be used to
construct various wire forms that are utilized in various floral
and craft embodiments. FIG. 36 is a top plan view of a wire netting
or mesh 270 which may be employed in the construction of various
types of floral arrangements, such as corsages, floral wreaths, and
the like. Any of the hollow wires hereinbefore described can be
employed in the construction of the wire netting or mesh 270; and
the wire netting or mesh 270 can be formed using conventional
procedures well known in the art. In addition, the wire netting or
mesh 270 may be used in a substantially flattened form as shown in
FIG. 36, or the wire netting or mesh 270 may be shaped into any
desired floral or craft form known in the art. Other types of
floral or craft wire forms are known in the art, and the use of
hollow wire in the construction of the same also falls within the
scope of the present invention. In addition, the wire netting or
mesh 270 formed of the hollow wire of the present invention may
also be utilized in the formation of fencing or caging materials,
such as but not limited to, animal or poultry-type fencing, tomato
caging, and the like.
[0093] Referring now to FIG. 37, shown therein is a pictorial
representation of a wreath 280 supported on an easel 282 via a
support member 284. The support member 284 may assume any floral
wire form known in the art, and can be fabricated using any of the
hollow wire hereinbefore describe; therefore, the particular form
of the support member 284 shown in FIG. 37 is for the purposes of
illustration only. The support member 284 is of conventional
construction, as is the construction of the wreath 280 and its
attachment to the support member 284. Thus, no further comments
concerning the construction of the support member 284 or its
connection to the wreath 280 or the easel 282 is believed necessary
in order to enable those skilled in the art to construct and use
the support member 284 constructed of the hollow wires of the
present invention.
[0094] In addition, at least a portion of the floral easel 282 of
FIG. 37 may also be formed of a hollow wire in accordance with the
present invention.
[0095] Referring now to FIGS. 38-40, shown therein is a floral
easel or plaque 290 for use with a headstone, monument stone and/or
casket. The terms "easel", "plaque" and "saddle" are used herein
interchangeably in describing the apparatus shown in FIGS.
38-40.
[0096] At least a portion of the floral easel or plaque 290 is
constructed utilizing hollow wires of the present invention. For
example, at least a portion of the floral easel or plaque 290 can
be fabricated of the hollow wire 10 or any other hollow wire
hereinbefore described, and if desired, at least a portion of the
hollow wire can be provided with a coating, such as but not limited
to the outer coatings 192, 202 or 212 of the hollow wires 190, 200
or 210, respectively. FIG. 39 depicts the use of the floral easel
or plaque 290 in supporting a floral grouping 292 attached thereto
on a casket 294, whereas FIG. 40 illustrates the use of the floral
easel or plaque 290 in supporting the floral grouping 292 on a
headstone 296.
[0097] The construction of the floral easel or plaque 290 is well
known, as is the use of same to support a floral grouping on a
casket and/or a stone in a cemetery. Thus, no further comments
concerning the construction of the floral easel or plaque 290 or
the attachment of the floral grouping 292 thereto is believed
necessary for one skilled in the art to construct and employ a
stone and/or casket floral easel utilizing the hollow wires of the
present invention.
[0098] In addition, while one specific embodiment of a floral easel
or plaque for use with caskets and/or monuments is described in
illustrated herein, it is to be understood that any variations in
floral easels or plaques known in the art and utilized for this
same purpose also fall within the scope of the present invention
when formed of hollow wire in accordance with the present
invention.
[0099] Further, it is to be understood that the floral easels,
plaques and/or saddles formed of hollow wire in accordance with the
present invention may be utilized for any desired purpose, for
example but not by way of limitation, with caskets, tombstones,
headstones, stone monuments, and any other type of memorial.
[0100] Other uses of the hollow wire of the present invention will
become apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art of the
floral industry or other industries in which wires may be used,
including, but not limited to bag-closing wires, bale ties, pail
handles, spiral bindings, (such as spiral bound notebooks),
staples, craft and hobby wire, greening pins, staple wire, nails
and the like may apply.
[0101] Changes may be made in the construction and the operation of
the various components, elements and assemblies described herein or
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.
[0102] From the above description, it is clear that the present
invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain
the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the
invention. While certain embodiments of the invention have been
described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood
that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest
themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished
within the spirit of the invention disclosed and claimed.
* * * * *