Horticultural Support

Abstract

A horticultural support includes an upper volute, a middle volute, and a lower volute wherein the upper volute, the lower volute, and the middle volute form a continuous circumvoluted support. Further, the upper volute is adapted to at least partially encircle a flower of a stemmed plant, and the lower volute is adapted to at least partially encircle a stem of the stemmed plant, such that when the support disposed on the stemmed plant, the flower is fixedly positioned with respect to the stem.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to horticultural activities, and more particularly, to a device that is used to support the stems and heads of plants, flowers, and the like.

[0002] The horticultural industry is a world-wide and profitable industry. According to the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the nursery and greenhouse industry comprises the fastest growing segment of U.S. agriculture. For example: while the number of U.S. farms of all types has declined over the last two decades, the number of nursery and greenhouse farms has increased; grower cash receipts from nursery and greenhouse sales (on sales of plants to retail and distribution businesses) have grown steadily over the last two decades and are increasing at approximately $500 million per year; and, of the estimated $45 billion in U.S. horticulture sales in 2003, floral and nursery crops contributed a third, or $15 billion.

[0003] The U.S. is the world's largest producer and market for nursery and greenhouse crops and these crops represent an important and unique segment of agriculture whose impact is felt on the national, state, and community level. In terms of economic output, nursery and greenhouse crops represent the third most important sector in US crop agriculture, ranking seventh among all commodities in cash receipts, and among the highest in net farm income. Nursery and greenhouse crops are the top five commodities in 27 states, and the top 10 commodities in 42 states. Seven states account for almost two-thirds of all nursery-crop output in the United States: California (24%), Texas (11%), Florida (9%), North Carolina (9%), Oregon (7%), Ohio (4%), and Maryland (3%).

[0004] The nursery and landscape industry employs over 600,000 workers during peak seasons. Growers employ at least 45,000 workers year-round and 105,000 during peak seasons, and landscape and retail firms employ nearly 500,000 full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers. As such, it should be appreciated that the horticultural industry is a significant section of not only our own economy, but also numerous foreign economies.

[0005] The preparation and sale of cut flowers represents a significant subset of the total horticultural industry. For example, the preparation and sale of flowers typically involves the flowers being cut at some point on the stem, and the stem usually holds a single flower, most often in the form of a bud which will bloom within a day or so after purchase. After being cut and while still at the florist establishment, cut flowers are generally kept under refrigerated conditions in order to prolong their storage or shelf life.

[0006] While beautiful and fragrant when first purchased, the shelf life of these cut flowers is short lived and, to the disappointment of the consumer, the flowers typically begin to expire after only a few days. Most noticeable, the floral arrangement will begin to illustrate decay through the wilting of the arrangement. Hence, after only a few days, the arrangements beauty diminishes, as does the customer's enjoyment of the flowers.

[0007] Numerous techniques have been suggested for preserving flower arrangements, and many techniques have been proposed. For example, properly trimming the stem, keeping the stem in water which includes a preservative mixture, and placing the cut flowers in a cool location away from exposure to direct sunlight, all help to maintain the beauty of cut flowers. Still, in spite of such measures, the heads of these flowers will wilt, and accordingly droop, shortly after being cut or leaving the florist.

[0008] The drooping or wilting of the flower head is both unsightly and hastens the expiration of the flower, as once the stem bends the passage of water through the stem is reduced or blocked altogether, thereby further hastening the demise. One solution to this wilting problem has been to use a small gauge wire which is forced down through the head of the flower into the first section of the stem to raise the head.

[0009] Unfortunately, placing a wire into the head and stem of a flower will itself have a detrimental effect on the flower. Often the interaction of the metal wire and the botanical fluids will create acids which will drastically shorten the useful life of a cut flower. Also, the insertion of a wire into the flower necessarily destroys part of the internal structure of the flower and may further restrict its ability to transport water and nutrients to the flower head.

[0010] Other efforts have also been make in order to prevent wilting. Such efforts include supports which are attached, wrapped, or affixed to the flower in various manners. However, heretofore these remedies have been unacceptable due to, among other things, their ineffectiveness and unsightliness when installed on a flower.

[0011] Accordingly, a need exists for novel systems and methods which have, among other advantages, the ability to extend the useful life of cut flowers. It would also be an advance in the art to provide an apparatus which can be used to straighten drooped heads of flowers. It would be still a further advance in the art to provide an apparatus to prevent drooping of flower heads which has no detrimental effect on the flower and which may be efficiently applied to a flower whose head has not drooped. It would be yet a further advance in the art to provide an apparatus that allows for the flower beads to be dried in an upright position, and in such a manner that the arrangement may be displayed even while the drying is actually taking place. And, it would be a further advance in the art to provide such an apparatus that is easily applied to the flower, is economically feasible, as well as contributes to the beauty of the arrangement. Therefore, a horticultural support that solves the aforementioned disadvantages and having the aforementioned advantages is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0012] The aforementioned drawbacks and disadvantages of these former horticultural supports have been identified and a solution is set forth herein by the inventive horticultural support which includes a horticultural support which comprises an upper loop, and a lower loop, wherein the upper loop is connected to the lower loop through a circumvoluted connection rod.

[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, a horticultural support comprises an upper volute and a lower volute, wherein the upper volute is connected to the lower volute through a connection rod. Further, the upper loop is adapted to be disposed on a flower of a stemmed plant; and the lower loop is adapted to be disposed on a stem of the stemmed plant, such that when the support is disposed on the stemmed plant, the flower is fixedly positioned with respect to the stem.

[0014] And still in another aspect of the present invention, a horticultural support comprises an upper volute, a middle volute, and a lower volute, wherein the upper volute, the lower volute, and the middle volute form a continuous circumvoluted support. Further, the upper volute is adapted to at least partially encircle a flower of a stemmed plant and the lower volute is adapted to at least partially encircle a stem of the stemmed plant, such that when the support is disposed on the stemmed plant, the flower is fixedly positioned with respect to the stem.

[0015] And in yet another aspect of the present invention a method of supporting a plant cutting comprises: providing a stemmed plant including a stem portion and a flower portion; providing a support, the support comprising an upper volute, a middle volute, and a lower volute; and wrapping the support around the stemmed plant such that the lower volute is disposed on the stem of the plant and the upper volute is disposed on the flower of the plant, thereby fixedly positioning the flower with respect to the stem.

[0016] And in still another aspect of the present invention a method of supporting a plant cutting comprises: providing a stemmed plant 4 including a stem portion 5 and a flower portion 3; providing a bendable support 2, the support 2 comprising an upper section 10, a middle section 30, and a lower section 20; wrapping the support 2 around the stemmed plant 4 such that the lower section 20 is wrapped around the stem 5 of plant 4, and wrapping the upper section 10 around the flower 3 of plant 4, thereby fixedly positioning flower 3 with respect to stem 5.

[0017] Other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present disclosure so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the disclosures that will be described hereinafter which will form the subject matter of the claims.

[0018] In this respect, before explaining the preferred embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangement set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. To wit, the horticultural support of the present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for description and not limitation. Where specific dimensional and material specifications have been included or omitted from the specification or the claims, or both, it is to be understood that the same are not to be incorporated into the claims.

[0019] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims are regarded as including such equivalent constructions as far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0020] Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practioners in the art who are not familiar with the patent or legal terms of phraseology, to learn quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is intended to define neither the invention nor the application, which is only measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

[0021] These and other objects, along with the various features, and structures that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the horticultural support of the present disclosure, its advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0022] As such, while embodiments of the horticultural support are herein illustrated and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] As a compliment to the description and for better understanding of the specification presented herein, 7 pages of drawings are disclosed with an informative, but not limiting, intention,

[0024] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the horticultural support of the present invention, installed on a stemmed flower;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the horticultural support of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of the horticultural support of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the horticultural support of the present invention, installed on a stemmed flower;

[0028] FIG. 5 is a front view of the horticultural support of FIG. 4;

[0029] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the horticultural support of FIG. 4;

[0030] FIG. 7 is a left side view of the horticultural support of FIG. 4; and

[0031] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the horticultural support of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0032] The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of the preferred embodiment, wherein similar referred characters designate corresponding features throughout the several figures of the drawings.

[0033] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, these same referenced numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Like features between the various embodiments utilize similar numerical designations. Where appropriate, the various similar features have been further differentiated by an alphanumeric designation, wherein the corresponding alphabetic designator has been changed. Further, the dimensions illustrated in the drawings (if provided) are included for purposes of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additionally, particular details in the drawings which are illustrated in hidden or dashed lines are to be considered as forming no part of the present invention.

[0035] With reference now to the present invention, the invention relates generally to horticultural activities, and more particularly, to a device that is used to support the stems and heads of plants, flowers, and the like.

[0036] As described previously, the preparation and sale of cut flowers represents a significant subset of the total horticultural industry. For example, the preparation and sale of flowers typically involves the flowers being cut at some point on the stem, and the stem usually holds a single flower, most often in the form of a bud which will bloom within a day or so after purchase. After being cut and while still at the florist establishment, cut flowers are generally kept under refrigerated conditions in order to prolong their storage or shelf life.

[0037] While beautiful and fragrant when first purchased, the shelf life of these cut flowers is short lived and, to the disappointment of the consumer, the flowers typically begin to expire after only a few days. Most noticeable, the floral arrangement will begin to illustrate decay through the wilting of the arrangement. Hence, after only a few days, the arrangements beauty diminishes, as does the customer's enjoyment of the flowers.

[0038] Numerous techniques have been suggested for preserving flower arrangements, and many techniques have been proposed. For example, properly trimming the stem, keeping the stem in water which includes a preservative mixture, and placing the cut flowers in a cool location away from exposure to direct sunlight, all help to maintain the beauty of cut flowers. Still, in spite of such measures, the heads of these flowers will wilt, and accordingly droop, shortly after being cut or leaving the florist.

[0039] The drooping or wilting of the flower head is both unsightly and hastens the expiration of the flower, as once the stem bends the passage of water through the stem is reduced or blocked altogether, thereby further hastening the demise. One solution to this wilting problem has been to use a small gauge wire which is forced down through the head of the flower into the first section of the stem to raise the head.

[0040] Unfortunately, placing a wire into the head and stem of a flower will itself have a detrimental effect on the flower. Often the interaction of the mental wire and the botanical fluids will create acids which will drastically shorten the useful life of a cut flower. Also, the insertion of a wire into the flower necessarily destroys part of the internal structure of the flower and may further restrict its ability to transport water and nutrients to the flower head.

[0041] Other efforts have also been make in order to prevent wilting. Such efforts include supports which are attached, wrapped, or affixed to the flower in various manners. However, heretofore these remedies have been unacceptable due to, among other things, their ineffectiveness and unsightliness when installed on a flower.

[0042] Accordingly, a need exists for novel systems and methods which have, among other advantages, the ability to extend the useful life of cut flowers. It would also be an advance in the art to provide an apparatus which can be used to straighten drooped heads of flowers. It would be still a further advance in the art to provide an apparatus to prevent drooping of flower heads which has no detrimental effect on the flower and which may be efficiently applied to a flower whose head has not drooped. It would be yet a further advance in the art to provide an apparatus that allows for the flower heads to be dried in an upright position, and in such a manner that the arrangement may be displayed even while the drying is actually taking place. And, it would be a further advance in the art to provide such an apparatus that is easily applied to the flower, is economically feasible, as well as contributes to the beauty of the arrangement. Therefore, a horticultural support that solves the aforementioned disadvantages and having the aforementioned advantages is desired.

[0043] The disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art are overcome through the horticultural support of the present invention, wherein one preferred embodiment is disclosed in FIGS. 1-2. Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a horticultural support 2 comprising an upper loop 10, and a lower loop 20, wherein upper loop 10 is connected to lower loop 20 through a circumvoluted connection rod 30. In one preferred embodiment, upper loop 10, lower loop20, and connection rod 30 form a single continuous support 2 as illustrated by FIG. 1.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment (FIGS. 1-2), upper loop 10 is attached to a flower 3 of a stemmed plant 4 by wrapping upper loop 10 around flower 3, thereby at least partially supporting flower 3. Upper loop 10 may also include a decoration, ornamental figurine, or other decorative item 12 attached to upper loop 10 through any attachment device 13 as is commonly known. In this manner the flower 3 of a stemmed plant 4 is supported, cradled, or otherwise retained in a decorative fashion.

[0045] Upper loop 10 may take on various shapes and configurations. In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 1-2, loop 10 is in a circumvoluted form. That is to say, spiral or winding, as well as extended lengthwise. Of course, loop 10 may be formed in any shape and this is not meant to be limiting in any manner. For example, loop 10 may simply be a circular loop, voluted, or for that matter, loop 10 need not be circular in configuration at all.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment (FIGS. 1-3), lower loop 20 is attached to the stem 5 of a stemmed plant 4 through a fastener 32. In this particular embodiment, fastener 32 is in the form of a ribbon, tie, or other attachment device. Additionally, fastener 32 (if used) is preferably decorative or ornamental. Of course, as described herein later, lower loop 20 may also be directly attached to stem 5 through the loop (20) itself. (see generally FIG. 4). Of course, loop 20 may also be formed in any shape, and this too is not meant to be limiting in any manner. For example, loop 20 may simply be a circular loop, voluted, or for that matter, loop 20 need not be circular in configuration at all.

[0047] Connection rod 30 connects or otherwise attaches upper loop 10 and lower loop 20 to form a single support 2 wherein one embodiment includes a circumvoluted shape wherein the extended, and spiral or winding pattern is continued from lower loop 20, to upper loop 10, including rod 30, to form a single, continuous voluted pattern (FIG. 2). Of course, rod 30 may be formed in any shape and this too is not meant to be limiting in any manner. For example, rod 30 may simply be a circular loop, voluted, or for that matter, loop 20 need not be circular in configuration at all. For example, rod 30 may be straight.

[0048] In one preferred embodiment, support 2 is formed from a single piece of wire and when affixed or otherwise installed on a flowered-stemmed plant, whereby lower loop 20 is attached to stem 5, and upper loop 10 is attached to flower 3, flower 3 is fixedly positioned with respect to stem 5. In this manner, support 2 supports fixes, or otherwise positions flower 3 with respect to stem 5. For example, this positioning may be relatively in-line, thereby preventing flower 3 from wilting, drooping otherwise bending with respect to stem 5.

[0049] The specific configurations and features of support 2, upper loop 10, lower loop 20 and connection rod 30 may vary according to specific requirements. In the preferred embodiment, support 2 is generally fashioned from a decorative wire and is fabricated into a one-piece configuration by bending, wrapping, or otherwise creating the desired shape. Of course, the shape of support 2 may vary according to specific requirements. Further, although one preferred embodiment of support 2 is fabricated from a metal wire utilizing bending techniques, other ridged materials and fabrication techniques may be used. For example, support 2 may be molded from a plastic material. In addition, although this particular embodiment is fabricated into a one-piece configuration, multiple pieces can be utilized, and assembled by various means such as fasteners, welding, and other techniques well known in the art.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, one method of attaching support 2 to a stem 5 of a stemmed plant 4 includes, in no particular order: providing a stemmed plant 4 including a stem portion 5 and a flower portion 3; providing a support 2, the support 2 comprising an upper volute 10, a middle volute 30, and a lower volute 20; wrapping the support 2 around the stemmed plant 4 such that the lower volute 20 is disposed on the stem 5 of plant 4 and the upper volute 10 is disposed on the flower 3 of plant 4, thereby fixedly positioning the flower 3 with respect to the stem 5. Alternatively, or in addition to affixing loop 20 to stem 5, lower loop 20 may also include a tie 32 for either: aiding in affixing lower loop 20 to stem 5; and/or for decorative purposes.

[0051] And in still another aspect of the preset invention a method of supporting a plant cutting comprises, in no particular order: providing a stemmed plant 4 including a stem portion 5 and a flower portion 3; providing a bendable support 2, the support 2 comprising an upper section 10, a middle section 30, and a lower section 20; wrapping the support 2 around the stemmed plant 4 such that the lower section 20 is wrapped around the stem 5 of plant 4; wrapping the upper section 10 around the flower 3 of plant 4; and wrapping the middle section 30 between the upper and lower sections 10 and 20, respectively, thereby fixedly positioning flower 3 with respect to stem 5.

[0052] By fabricating support 2 from wire utilizing, folding and bending operations, a very economical horticulture support has been developed which is simple in configuration and appearance, and yet elegant. In addition, support 2 may be further enhanced by utilizing various finishes, and miscellaneous decorative features and decorations.

[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment which is similar to the first embodiment but without tie 32. This embodiment then in connected to stem 5 through lower loop 20 being wrapped or otherwise connected onto stem 5. This embodiment includes all of the elegance of the first, yet simplifies the manufacturing costs.

[0054] FIGS. 4-8 illustrate a third embodiment that is similar to the first embodiment but without tie 32, figurine 12, and connection 13. This embodiment includes all of the elegance of the first, but simplifies the manufacturing costs even further without reducing the elegance, beauty, and functions of the support.

[0055] Of course, support 2 may be configured in numerous different styles. For example, support 2 may be utilized in conjunction with a single flower, or within an arrangement or bouquet. Additionally, support 2 may comprise other attributes that aid in either prolonging the life of the plants, displaying the plants(s), or drying the plants(s). For example, it is envisioned that support 2 may comprise a hanger or other support such that the support may be hung from a wall surface for display.

[0056] Advantageously, the horticulture support of the present invention is efficiently fabricated and elegantly designed. Consequently, the embodiments of the preferred invention disclosed herein reveal a horticulture support which is supportive, cost efficient, and yet elegant. Additionally, the horticulture support of the present invention is more aesthetically appealing than prior art supports and is easier to use that existing methods.

[0057] The solutions offered by the invention disclosed herein have thus been attained in an economical, practical, and facile manner. To whit, a novel horticulture support which is cost effective, easily installed, strong, and aesthetically pleasing has been invented. While preferred embodiments and example configurations of the inventions have been herein illustrated, shown, and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It is intended that the specific embodiments and configurations disclosed herein are illustrative of the preferred and best modes for practicing the invention, and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, and it is to appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. a horticultural support comprising: an upper loop; a lower loop; wherein the upper loop is connected to the lower loop through a circumvoluted connection rod.

2. The horticultural support according to claim 1, wherein: the upper loop, the lower loop, and the connection rod form a single continuous support.

3. The horticultural support according to claim 1, wherein: the lower loop further includes a fastener for affixing the flower loop to a stem of a stemmed plant.

4. The horticultural support according to claim 3, wherein: the fastener is a tie.

5. The horticultural support according to claim 1, wherein: the upper loop further includes an ornamental figurine.

6. The horticultural support according to claim 1, wherein: the upper loop is adapted to be disposed on a flower of a stemmed plant; and the lower loop is adapted to be disposed on a stem of the stemmed plant, such that when the support is disposed on the stemmed plant, the flower is fixedly positioned with respect to the stem.

7. a horticultural support comprising: an upper volute; a lower volute; wherein the upper volute is connected to the lower volute through a connection rod; wherein the upper loop is adapted to be disposed on a flower of a stemmed plant; and the lower loop is adapted to be disposed on a stem of the stemmed plant, such that when the support is disposed on the stemmed plant, the flower is fixedly positioned with respect to the stem.

8. The horticultural support according to claim 7, wherein: wherein the upper volute is connected to the lower volute through a circumvoluted connection rod.

9. The horticultural support according to claim 7, wherein: the upper loop, the lower loop, and the connection rod form a single continuous support.

10. The horticultural support according to claim 7, wherein: the lower loop further includes a fastener for affixing the lower loop to a stem of a stemmed plant.

11. The horticultural support according to claim 7, wherein: at least one of the upper loop, the lower loop, and the connection rod comprise a hanger for supporting the support on a wall surface.

12. The horticultural support according to claim 7, wherein: the upper loop further includes an ornamental figurine.

13. a horticultural support comprising: an upper volute; a middle volute; a lower volute; wherein the upper volute, the lower volute, and the middle volute form a continuous circumvoluted support; wherein further the upper volute is adapted to at least partially encircle a flower of a stemmed plant and the lower volute is adapted to at least partially encircle a stem of the stemmed plant such that when the support disposed on the stemmed plant, the flower is fixedly positioned with respect to the stem.

14. The horticultural support according to claim 13, wherein: the lower loop further includes a fastener for affixing the lower loop to a stem of a stemmed plant.

15. The horticultural support according to claim 14, wherein: the fastener is a tie.

16. The horticultural support according to claim 15, wherein: the upper loop further includes an ornamental figurine.

17. a method of supporting a plant cutting comprising: providing a stemmed plant including a stem portion and a flower portion; providing a support, the support comprising an upper volute, a middle volute, and a lower volute; wrapping the support around the stemmed plant such that the lower volute is disposed on the stem of the plant and the upper volute is disposed on the flower of the plant, thereby fixedly positioning the flower with respect to the stem.

18. The method of supporting a plant cutting according to claim 17, wherein: the providing a support step further includes: wherein the upper volute, the lower volute, and the middle volute form a continuous circumvoluted support.

19. The method of supporting a plant cutting according to claim 18, wherein: the providing a support step further includes: the lower loop further includes a tie for affixing the lower loop to the stem portion of the stemmed plant.

20. The method of supporting a plant cutting according to claim 19, wherein: the providing a support step further includes: the upper loop further includes an ornamental figurine.