U.S. patent application number 16/176531 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-28 for segmented vase.
The applicant listed for this patent is Karin van Smirren. Invention is credited to Karin van Smirren.
Application Number | 20190059617 16/176531 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64315754 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190059617 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
van Smirren; Karin |
February 28, 2019 |
SEGMENTED VASE
Abstract
A segmented vase adapted for use to display fresh cut or
artificial floral arrangements. The segmented floral vase is formed
from a plurality of vase segments that may be stacked or joined to
form a vase having a desired height for holding a floral
arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, the segments may be nested,
when not in use, to reduce the space required for storage of the
vase. The plurality of vase segments may be formed with a
frusto-conical sidewall. The segments may include a base segment,
at least one intermediate segment, and a top segment. The segments
may be joined in one or more of a snap fit, an interference fit, a
threaded connection, or a tab and slot arrangement.
Inventors: |
van Smirren; Karin;
(Potomac, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
van Smirren; Karin |
Potomac |
MD |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64315754 |
Appl. No.: |
16/176531 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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29576106 |
Aug 31, 2016 |
D834447 |
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16176531 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 7/06 20130101; A47G
2007/066 20130101; A47G 7/07 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 7/07 20060101
A47G007/07 |
Claims
1. A segmented vase, comprising: a plurality of vase segments
having a frusto-conical sidewall defining an interior cavity, a top
opening, and a bottom opening, wherein a top end of a subjacent
segment is dimensioned to interconnect with a bottom end of a
superjacent vase segment.
2. The segmented vase of claim 1, wherein the plurality of vase
segments comprises: a base segment, the base segment having a base
joining the frusto-conical sidewall to define an interior, liquid
containment reservoir; at least one intermediate segment,
connectable to a top end of the base segment; and a top segment
connectable to a top end of the at least one intermediate
section.
3. The segmented vase of claim 1, wherein the plurality of vase
segments are configurable in a nested stored condition.
4. The segmented vase of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality
of apertures defined in the frusto-conical sidewall of one or more
of the at least one intermediate segment and the top segment, the
plurality of apertures.
5. The segmented vase of claim 2, further comprising: a divider
defined in one or more of the base segment or the intermediate
segment, the divider having a plurality of ribs extending radially
inwardly from an inner face of the frusto-conical sidewall, and a
ring interconnecting the plurality of ribs.
6. The segmented vase of claim 1, further comprising: a joining
surface between the top end of the subjacent segment and the bottom
end of the superjacent vase segment.
7. The segmented vase of claim 6, wherein the joining surface
comprises: an annular flange dimensioned to interconnect with a
shouldered recess.
8. The segmented vase of claim 7, wherein the annular flange and
the shouldered recess are joinable in a snap fit configuration.
9. The segmented vase of claim 7, wherein the annular flange and
the shouldered recess are joinable in a threaded configuration.
10. The segmented vase of claim 7, wherein the annular flange and
the shouldered recess are joinable with an interference fit.
11. The segmented vase of claim 1, further comprising: at least one
lid dimensioned to be coupled to a bottom end of one or more of the
plurality of segments.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 29/576,106, filed Aug. 31, 2016, the contents
of which are herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to decorative vases for
holding floral arrangements.
[0003] Floral arrangements, whether made with fresh cut flowers or
with artificial floral elements come in a wide variety of sizes and
shapes. It is often a challenge to find a vase with the appropriate
dimensions to hold the floral arrangement. This situation often
requires that a variety of variously sized vases be available to
display the floral arrangement. When not in use, the vases take up
considerable storage space. For some, limited storage space may
precluded the vases from being stored, which can lead to premature
disposal of the vase while it is still suitable for its intended
use.
[0004] As can be seen, there is a need for an improved floral
display vase that can accommodate a variety floral arrangements and
may be stored in a reduced volume configuration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect of the present invention a segmented vase is
disclosed. The segmented vase includes a plurality of vase segments
having a frusto-conical sidewall defining an interior cavity, a top
opening, and a bottom opening, wherein a top end of a subjacent
segment is dimensioned to interconnect with a bottom end of a
superjacent vase segment. The plurality of vase segments may
include a base segment, the base segment having a base joining the
frusto-conical sidewall to define an interior, liquid containment
reservoir. At least one intermediate segment is connectable to a
top end of the base segment. A top segment is connectable to a top
end of the at least one intermediate section.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of vase segments
are configurable in a nested stored condition. A plurality of
apertures may be defined in the frusto-conical sidewall of one or
more of the at least one intermediate segment and the top segment.
A divider may defined in one or more of the base segment or the
intermediate segment, the divider having a plurality of ribs
extending radially inwardly from an inner face of the
frusto-conical sidewall, and a ring interconnecting the plurality
of ribs.
[0007] The plurality of segments include a joining surface between
the top end of the subjacent segment and the bottom end of the
superjacent vase segment. The joining surface may include an
annular flange dimensioned to interconnect with a shouldered
recess. The annular flange and the shouldered recess may be
joinable in a snap fit configuration. In other embodiments, the
annular flange and the shouldered recess are joinable in a threaded
configuration. The annular flange and the shouldered recess may
also be joinable with an interference fit.
[0008] The segmented vase of the present invention may also include
at least one lid dimensioned to be coupled to a bottom end of one
or more of the plurality of segments.
[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following drawings, description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a three
segment segmented vase according to aspects of the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the segmented
vase.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a base segment.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a base segment.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a base segment.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of a base segment.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an intermediate segment.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of an intermediate
segment.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an intermediate segment.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of an intermediate
segment.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a top segment.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a top segment.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a top segment.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of a top segment.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the segmented vase in use
with a floral arrangement.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a four segment embodiment
of a segmented vase.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a threaded base
element.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of a threaded base
element.
[0028] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a threaded intermediate
element.
[0029] FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of a threaded intermediate
element.
[0030] FIG. 21 is a top plan view of a threaded top element.
[0031] FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of a threaded top element.
[0032] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a threaded top element.
[0033] FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of a threaded top
element.
[0034] FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the assembled segmented
vase.
[0035] FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view of the assembled segmented
vase.
[0036] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the assembled segmented
vase with a floral arrangement.
[0037] FIG. 28 is a side sectional view of the segmented vase in an
assembled condition.
[0038] FIG. 29 is a side sectional view of the segmented vase in a
nested storage condition.
[0039] FIG. 30 is a side sectional view of a lid.
[0040] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a segmented vase.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] The following detailed description is of the best currently
contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the
invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense,
but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general
principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is
best defined by the appended claims.
[0042] Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide a
segmented vase adapted for use to display fresh cut or artificial
flow arrangements. The segmented floral vase is formed from a
plurality of vase segments that may be stacked or joined to form a
vase having a desired height for holding a floral arrangement. In a
preferred embodiment, the segments may be nested, when not in use,
to reduce the space required for storage of the vase.
[0043] As seen in reference to the drawings of FIGS. 1-13, the
segmented vase 10 may include a plurality of segments 12, 14, 16
that may be stacked or joined to form a vase for holding a floral
arrangement. The plurality of segments may include a base element
12 defined by a frusto-conical side wall. If the segmented vase 10
is being configured to carry fresh cut flowers, the base element
has a base 22 joined to the frusto-conical sidewall so that a
volume of water may be carried within for nourishment of the fresh
cut flowers.
[0044] A top end of the base may include a divider 18 to provide
separation of the stems of the flowers and to facilitate
maintaining their position within the floral arrangement. The
divider 18 may include a plurality of ribs extending radially
inwardly from the frusto-conical side wall. The plurality of ribs
may be joined by a ring element to provide additional separation
for the stems and support for the plurality of ribs. A top end of
the bottom segment 14 may have an annular flange 26 for
interconnection with a superjacent vase segment. The annular flange
26 may have one or more notches to receive a locking tab 28 of
protruding from a bottom end of the subsequent vase segment.
[0045] An intermediate segment 14 has a frusto-conical sidewall, a
top opening and a bottom opening. In some embodiments, a plurality
of apertures 20 may be defined in the sidewall for receiving the
stems of the floral arrangement. A bottom end of the intermediate
segment may have one or more locking tabs 28 to cooperatively
engage with the annular flange 26 of a subjacent segment.
[0046] As with the base segment 12, the intermediate segment may
have a divider 18 to provide separation of the stems of the flowers
and to facilitate maintaining their position within the floral
arrangement. The divider 18 may include a plurality of ribs
extending radially inwardly from the frusto-conical side wall. The
plurality of ribs may be joined by a ring element to provide
additional separation for the stems and support for the plurality
of ribs.
[0047] A top end of the intermediate segment may have an annular
flange 26 for interconnection with a superjacent vase segment. A
bottom end of the intermediate segment 14 may include an annular
shouldered recess that is adapted to receive the annular flange 26
of a preceding segment. In some embodiments, the annular flange 26
is received in one of an interference fit, a snap fit, a threaded
interconnection. In other embodiments, the annular flange 26 may
have one or more notches to receive the locking tab 28 protruding
from the bottom end of the subsequent vase segment. One or more
intermediate segments 14 may be provided, wherein each has a
progressively smaller diameter at each of the bottom end and the
tope end of the segment 14.
[0048] A top segment 16 is defined by a frusto-conical sidewall
having a top opening 24 and a bottom opening. The top segment 16
may also include a plurality of apertures 20 for receiving the stem
of one or more flowers. A bottom end of the top segment 16 may have
an annular shouldered recess that is adapted to receive the annular
flange 26 of a subjacent intermediate segment 16. In some
embodiments, the annular flange 26 is received in one of an
interference fit, a snap fit, a threaded interconnection with an
annular shouldered recess of a preceding segment.
[0049] As seen in reference to the drawings of FIGS. 16-28, an
alternative embodiment of the segmented vase is shown. The
segmented vase includes a base segment 12, one or more intermediate
segments 14, and a top segment 16. The plurality of segments may be
defined by a frusto-conical side wall. If the segmented vase 10 is
being configured to carry fresh cut flowers, the base element 12
has a base 22 joined to the frusto-conical sidewall so that a
volume of water may be carried within for nourishment of the fresh
cut flowers. A top end of the bottom segment 12 may have an annular
shouldered recess 25 for interconnection with a subsequent vase
segment. An annular flange 26 of an intermediate segment 14 may be
received in one of an interference fit, a snap fit, or a threaded
interconnection with the annular shouldered recess 25 of the base
segment 12. Alternatively, the annular shouldered recess 25 may
have one or more locking tabs 28 for interconnection with a bottom
end of the subsequent vase segment.
[0050] One or more intermediate segments 14 have a frusto-conical
sidewall, a top opening and a bottom opening. In some embodiments,
a plurality of apertures 20 may be defined in the sidewall for
receiving the stems of the floral arrangement. A bottom end of the
intermediate segment may have one or more locking tabs 28 to
cooperatively engage with the annular flange 26 of a subjacent
segment.
[0051] As with the base segment 12, the intermediate segment may
have a divider 18 to provide separation of the stems of the flowers
and to facilitate maintaining their position within the floral
arrangement. The divider 18 may include a plurality of ribs
extending radially inwardly from the frusto-conical side wall. The
plurality of ribs may be joined by a ring element to provide
additional separation for the stems and support for the plurality
of ribs. A top end of the one or more intermediate segments 14 may
have an annular shouldered recess 25 for interconnection with a
subsequent vase segment. An annular flange 26 of an intermediate
segment 14 or a top segment 16 may be received in one of an
interference fit, a snap fit, or a threaded interconnection with
the annular shouldered recess 25 of the base segment 12.
Alternatively, the annular shouldered recess 25 may have one or
more locking tabs 28 for interconnection with a bottom end of the
subsequent vase segment. The one or more intermediate segments 14
may be provided, wherein each has a progressively smaller diameter
at each of the bottom end and the tope end of the segment 14.
[0052] A top segment 16 is defined by a frusto-conical sidewall
having a top opening 24 and a bottom opening. The top segment 16
may also include a plurality of apertures 20 for receiving the stem
of one or more flowers. A bottom end of the top segment 16 may have
an annular flange 26 that is adapted to be received in the annular
shouldered recess 25 of a subjacent base segment 12 or an
intermediate segment 16. In some embodiments, the annular flange 26
is received in one of an interference fit, a snap fit, a threaded
interconnection with an annular shouldered recess of a preceding
segment.
[0053] As seen in reference to FIG. 29, illustrating the segmented
vase 10 in a storage condition, the base segment 12 is configured
to receive the accompanying intermediate 14 and top 16 segments in
a nested relationship. In the storage condition, the segmented vase
10 of the present invention occupies a small storage volume
relative to the assembled vase.
[0054] FIG. 30 illustrates a lid 30 that is adapted to be sealingly
joined with a bottom end one of an intermediate segment 14 or a top
segment 16. One or more lids 30 may be provided with each of the
one or more lids 30 dimensioned to a respective bottom end of the
intermediate segment 14 or top segment 16 to provide a vase 10 that
may have a height less than that of the fully assembled segmented
vase 10. The lid 30 thus permits a variety of vase sizes depending
upon the length and size of the flower arrangement carried therein.
As will be appreciated, one or more vase segments 12, 14, 16 may be
positioned in an inverted orientation to provide a vase 10 having a
narrow base and a wider top opening. In this instance, the lid 30
may be dimensioned to sealingly join with a top end of the vase
segment 12, 14, 16.
[0055] As seen in reference to FIG. 31, the frusto-conical segments
12, 14, 16 may be formed with a waved or arcuate sidewall
configured to interconnect for an in-use condition and nest within
each other when disassembled for storage. Likewise, the segments
12, 14, 16 may be joined with a post 31 and receiver 32, defined on
an interior sidewall of the segment 12, 14, 16 such that the
segments are snap-fit, or have a tab and slot arrangement. In this
instance, the apertures 20 may be defined by a separation between
adjacent segments 12, 14, 16.
[0056] The segmented vase, or one or more segments thereof, may be
used as would other vases to contain floral arrangements. The
segmented vase may also be utilized for planting bulbs and seeded
flowers, herbs, and other decorative plants. Floral foam inserts
may also be provided within the interior cavity of the segmented
vase to facilitate the creation of decorative floral
arrangements.
[0057] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing
relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *