U.S. patent application number 16/150723 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-09 for dual sided open ended floral design mechanic.
This patent application is currently assigned to Syndicate Sales, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Syndicate Sales, Inc.. Invention is credited to Holly Heider Chapple, Trent A. Harshman.
Application Number | 20200107656 16/150723 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 70050252 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200107656 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harshman; Trent A. ; et
al. |
April 9, 2020 |
DUAL SIDED OPEN ENDED FLORAL DESIGN MECHANIC
Abstract
A floral design mechanic includes a top shell that includes top
supports and top openings defined between the top supports. A
bottom shell including bottom supports and bottom openings defined
between the bottom supports is attached to the top shell. A plant
or a portion of a plant is held in place by the floral design
mechanic by inserting the stem of the plant through a top opening
and a bottom opening so that the stem is supported by a top support
and a bottom support. The floral design mechanic is used without a
container or may be placed at least partially within a vase.
Inventors: |
Harshman; Trent A.;
(Galveston, IN) ; Chapple; Holly Heider;
(Leesburg, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Syndicate Sales, Inc. |
Kokomo |
IN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Syndicate Sales, Inc.
Kokomo
IN
|
Family ID: |
70050252 |
Appl. No.: |
16/150723 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 45/18 20130101;
A47G 7/07 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 7/07 20060101
A47G007/07; B65D 45/18 20060101 B65D045/18 |
Claims
1. A floral arrangement system comprising: a floral design mechanic
including: a top shell including top openings defined between top
supports; a bottom shell including bottom openings defined between
bottom supports, wherein said bottom shell is attached to said top
shell; an interior cavity defined between said top shell and said
bottom shell when said top shell is attached to said bottom shell;
a vase having a base and a top rim with an inner surface, said vase
including a body defining a hollow interior between said base and
said top rim; and wherein said floral design mechanic is supported
by the inner surface of said vase so that a floral stem inserted
through one of said top openings and one of said bottom openings
extends into said hollow interior defined by said body of said
vase.
2. The floral arrangement system of claim 1, wherein at least a
portion of said floral design mechanic extends above said top rim
of said vase when said floral design mechanic is supported by the
inner surface of said vase.
3. The floral arrangement system of claim 1, wherein said floral
design mechanic is supported by the inner surface at a position
above a neck of the base.
4. The floral arrangement system of claim 1, wherein said top shell
is separable from said bottom shell.
5. The floral arrangement system of claim 1, wherein said floral
design mechanic is removable from said vase.
6. The floral arrangement system of claim 1, wherein said top shell
includes a top outer edge and said bottom shell includes a bottom
outer edge; and wherein said top outer edge and said bottom outer
edge are circular.
7. The floral arrangement system of claim 6, wherein said top
supports extend convexly from said top outer edge and said bottom
supports extend convexly from said bottom outer edge.
8. A floral design mechanic comprising: a top shell including a
series of top supports and top openings defined between said top
supports; a bottom shell including a series of bottom supports and
bottom openings defined between said bottom supports, wherein said
bottom shell is attachable to said top shell; an interior cavity
defined between said top shell and said bottom shell when said top
shell is attached to said bottom shell; and wherein the floral
design mechanic is configured to secure a plant or a portion of the
plant by accepting a stem that extends through one of said top
openings and through one of said bottom openings.
9. The floral design mechanic of claim 8, wherein the stem of the
plant is secured to one of the top supports and secured to one of
the bottom supports.
10. The floral design mechanic of claim 8, wherein said top shell
includes a top outer edge and said bottom shell includes a bottom
outer edge; and wherein said top supports extend convexly from said
top outer edge and said bottom supports extend convexly from said
bottom outer edge.
11. The floral design mechanic of claim 10, wherein said top outer
edge and said bottom outer edge are circular.
12. The floral design mechanic of claim 10, wherein said top outer
edge and said bottom outer edge are oval shaped.
13. The floral design mechanic of claim 8, wherein said top
supports and said bottom supports are made of plastic.
14. The floral design mechanic of claim 8, wherein said top shell
attaches to said bottom shell using a snap fit mechanism.
15. A floral design mechanic comprising: a top shell including top
openings defined between top supports, wherein said top shell
includes an top outer edge; a bottom shell including bottom
openings defined between bottom supports, wherein said bottom shell
includes a bottom outer edge and is attachable to said top shell;
at least one connection prong positioned on either said top outer
edge or said bottom outer edge; at least one prong reception member
positioned on either said top outer edge or said bottom outer edge,
opposite said connection prong; and wherein said connection prong
couples to said prong reception member to attach said top shell to
said bottom shell, forming an interior cavity defined between said
top shell and said bottom shell.
16. The floral design mechanic of claim 15, wherein each of said
top shell and said bottom shell includes at least one connection
prong and at least one prong reception member.
17. The floral design mechanic of claim 16, wherein the top shell
includes four connection prongs and four prong reception
members.
18. The floral design mechanic of claim 15, wherein said at least
one prong reception member includes a connection opening, and
wherein said prong reception member is coupled to said connection
prong by inserting said connection prong through said connection
opening.
19. The floral design mechanic of claim 18, wherein said connection
prong includes a body and an extension extending from said body;
wherein said prong reception member includes a projection having a
top surface and a bottom surface; and wherein after said connection
prong is inserted through said connection opening, said connection
prong flexes so that said extension of said connection prong
contacts said bottom surface of said projection of said prong
reception member to prevent said connection prong from being
removed from said connection opening.
20. The floral design mechanic of claim 15, wherein the floral
design mechanic is configured to secure a plant or a portion of the
plant by accepting a stem that extends through one of said top
openings and through one of said bottom openings.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention pertains generally to the field of
floral arrangements and specifically to floral design mechanics for
creating and securing a floral arrangement, such as a bouquet,
centerpiece, basket or the like. A wide range of products are used
to create floral arrangements and to hold a floral arrangement in a
desired shape or position. As an example, floral foam is a commonly
used product that comprises a shaped foam that receives the end of
a stem of a flower used in the floral arrangement. The stem of the
flower is forced into the foam so that the foam supports the flower
at a particular position. However, with floral foam, the flower is
only supported at one location making it easy for the flower to be
knocked out of position while moving the arrangement. Additionally,
since only the end of the flower is supported, it is difficult to
keep flowers at an extremely angled position within the bouquet or
arrangement. Alternative methods include the use of chicken wire or
flower frogs to support floral arrangements.
[0002] Thus, there is a need for improvement in this field.
SUMMARY
[0003] Certain embodiments include a floral design mechanic for
arranging and securing a bouquet or arrangement of flowers or other
decorative plants. In one form, a floral design mechanic includes a
top shell having a top outer edge. The top shell includes top
supports and top openings defined between the top supports. The
floral design mechanic also includes a bottom shell having a bottom
outer edge. The bottom shell includes bottom supports defining
bottom openings and is attached to the top shell. An interior
cavity is defined between the top shell and the bottom shell when
the top shell is attached to the bottom shell.
[0004] The floral design mechanic is configured to secure a plant
or a portion of the plant by accepting a stem that extends through
one of the top openings and through one of the bottom openings. The
top supports surrounding the top opening and the bottom supports
surrounding the bottom opening keep the plant constrained to a
general location and placement within the floral arrangement.
[0005] In some embodiments, the floral design mechanic includes at
least one connection prong positioned on either the top outer edge
or said bottom outer edge. The connection prong corresponds to a
prong reception member positioned on either the top outer edge or
the bottom outer edge, opposite of the connection prong. The
connection prong couples to the prong reception member to attach
the top shell to the bottom shell.
[0006] In some instances, a floral design mechanic may be
configured for and/or used with a vase. The vase may have a base
and a top rim with an inner surface. A body defining a hollow
interior extends between the base and the top rim. The floral
design mechanic is supported by the inner surface of the vase. A
stem of a plant is inserted through a top opening and then through
one of the bottom openings of the floral design mechanic so that
the stem extends into the hollow interior defined by the body of
the vase. In certain embodiments, the floral design mechanic is
positioned on the vase so that at least a portion of the floral
design mechanic extends above the top rim of the vase. The design
mechanic may be secured to the vase by friction, clips, tape or
some other attachment mechanism, if desired.
[0007] Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits,
advantages, and embodiments of the present invention will become
apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided
herewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a floral
design mechanic according to the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a top shell of the floral
design mechanic of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bottom shell of the floral
design mechanic of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the interaction between a
connection prong on the top shell and a connection assembly on the
bottom shell of the floral design mechanic of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the interaction between a
connection assembly on the top shell and a connection prong on the
bottom shell of the floral design mechanic of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of flowers supported by the
floral design mechanic of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
floral design mechanic.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a top shell of the floral
design mechanic of FIG. 7.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bottom shell of the floral
design mechanic of FIG. 7.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a front view of the floral design mechanic of
FIG. 7 supported by a vase.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a front view of a flower in a vase supported by
the floral design mechanic of FIG. 7 (or 10).
DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will
be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the
described embodiments, and any further applications of the
principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as
would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the
invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in
great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the
relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the
present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment
of a floral design mechanic 20. Floral design mechanic 20 defines
an interior cavity 25 situated between a top shell 30 and a bottom
shell 60. Top shell 30 and bottom shell 60 are shown as being
separably attached to each other, allowing floral design mechanic
20 to be split into two separate pieces. Floral design mechanic 20
has an oblong, pill-like shape, such as for creating horizontal
bouquets.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, top shell 30 includes a series of top
supports 32 that collectively form a frame with a lattice-type
arrangement. Top openings 36 are voids defined through top shell 30
between the series of top supports 32. In the embodiment shown, top
openings 36 come in a variety of shapes. Some of top openings 36
are quadrilateral, pentagonal, or hexagonal. In other embodiments,
different shapes for top openings 36 may be used or top shell 30
may include top openings 36 that are all the same shape.
[0022] Top shell 30 includes a top outer edge 42. Top connection
prongs 44 and top prong reception members 50 are spaced around top
outer edge 42. In the embodiment shown, one half of the top outer
edge 42 of top shell 30 includes top connection prongs 44 and the
other half of outer edge 42 of top shell 30 includes top prong
reception members 50. In other embodiments, the arrangement of top
connection prongs 44 and top prong reception members 50 may be
modified. As an example, top connection prongs 44 and top prong
reception members 50 may alternate around outer edge 42. In other
instances, outer edge 42 may include only top connection prongs 44
or may include only top prong reception members 50. In alternate
embodiments, other connection types may be utilized, such as
snap-fit, clips or other known alternatives.
[0023] Bottom shell 60, shown in FIG. 3, is symmetric with top
shell 30. Similar to top shell 30, bottom shell 60 includes a
series of bottom supports 62 that collectively form a frame with a
lattice-type arrangement. Bottom openings 66 are voids defined
through bottom shell 60 between the series of bottom supports 62.
Bottom openings 66 are arranged to correspond with the position of
top openings 36 defined through top shell 30. In other forms, the
bottom shell 60 may take on a different shape and configuration
from top shell 30, provided that the two remain connectable.
[0024] Bottom shell 60 includes a bottom outer edge 72. Bottom
connection prongs 74 and bottom prong reception members 80 are
spaced around bottom outer edge 72. Bottom connection prongs 74 are
positioned around one half of outer edge 72 to correspond with top
prong reception members 50 of top shell 30. Bottom prong reception
members 80 are positioned along the other half of bottom outer edge
72 to correspond with the position of top connection prongs 44 of
top shell 30. In other embodiments, where the arrangement of top
connection prongs 44 and top prong reception members 50 on top
shell 30 is modified, the arrangement of bottom connection prongs
74 and bottom prong reception members 80 is also modified. Bottom
connection prongs 74 are positioned to correspond with top prong
reception members 50 and bottom prong reception members 80 are
positioned to correspond with top connection prongs 44.
[0025] Top shell 30 and bottom shell 60 in the illustrated
embodiment are connected by interlocking top connection prongs 44
with corresponding bottom prong reception members 80 and
interlocking bottom connection prongs 74 with corresponding top
prong reception members 50. As shown in FIG. 4, top connection
prong 44 includes a body 45. An extension 46 projects from body 45
and a tapered surface 47 is provided between extension 46 and an
end surface 48 of connection prong 44. Bottom prong reception
member 80 includes a projection 81 that extends from outer edge 72
of bottom shell 60. Projection 81 includes a top surface 82 and a
bottom surface 84. A prong opening 85 is defined through projection
81 and extends completely through top surface 82 and bottom surface
84.
[0026] Connection prongs 44 and 74 connect to prong reception
members 50 and 80 using a snap fit mechanism. To interlock top
connection prong 44 with bottom prong reception member 80, end
surface 48 of connection prong 44 is inserted into prong opening
85. Connection prong 44 is advanced so that tapered surface 47
extends through prong opening 85 until extension 46 clears bottom
surface 84 of projection 81. Once extension 46 clears bottom
surface 84, connection prong 44 flexes outward so that extension 46
contacts bottom surface 84 when top shell 30 is pulled away from
bottom shell 60 (see FIG. 1). This connects top shell 30 and bottom
shell 60 and assists to prevent accidental separation of top shell
30 and bottom shell 60.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, the interaction between bottom
connection prong 74 and top prong reception member 50 is
symmetrical to the interaction between top connection prong 44 and
bottom prong reception member 80. Top prong reception member 50
includes a projection 51 that extends from outer edge 42 of top
shell 30. Bottom connection prong 74 is inserted through a prong
opening 55 in top prong reception member 50. A tapered surface 77
of bottom connection prong 74 is advanced through prong opening 85
until an extension 76 extending from a body 75 of bottom connection
prong 74 clears the top surface 52 of projection 51. Once extension
76 clears top surface 52, connection prong 74 flexes outward so
that the lack of clearance between extension 76 and top surface 52
prevents top shell 30 from being separated from bottom shell
60.
[0028] Floral design mechanic 20 provides a lightweight, easy to
handle structure for a floral arrangement or bouquet of flowers 90
that keeps the arrangement intact during construction. The interior
cavity 25 of floral design mechanic 20 remains empty, without the
addition of floral foam or any other material which supports the
stems of the flowers used in the bouquet. The floral design
mechanic allows a florist or designer to insert flower stems at all
angles and keep them in a horizontal fan-shaped or asymmetrical
array without the flowers popping to a vertical position when the
stem handle is tied. As shown in FIG. 6, the structure of the
bouquet is maintained by securing the stems 92 of flowers to the
supports 32 and/or 62 of shells 30 and 60. The stems 92 may be
secured to supports 32 and/or 62 by wire 94 or by any other
suitable attachment mechanism. The open ended design allows stems
to extend through the top shell 30 and the bottom shell 60 of
floral design mechanic 20 so that one stem can be supported at two
points. This assists to secure the flower in the desired position
in the bouquet while also allowing for built-out, cascading
bouquets.
[0029] By securing stems of flowers in the bouquet at supports 32,
62 of floral design mechanic 20, the stems of each of the flowers
are separated so that each bloom in the bouquet can be seen. This
reduces the number of flowers and stems needed to fill the bouquet.
Additionally, the two points of also supports permit stems of to be
severely angled (see FIG. 6) without allowing the stems to collapse
into a ball.
[0030] As the arrangement is created, the user may set down the
floral design mechanic 20 to take a break, while the flowers
attached to floral design mechanic 20 remain in the position at
which they were arranged. In other instances, the user may place
the floral design mechanic 20 on a vase to support floral design
mechanic 20 while the bouquet is designed rather than having to
hold floral design mechanic 20 during design and arrangement.
[0031] Once the bouquet is completed, floral design mechanic 20 is
easily hidden. As an example, in some embodiments, floral design
mechanic 20 is hidden by a collar of green leaves. Other
embodiments may use other suitable materials or techniques to hide
floral design mechanic 20; however, in some instances, floral
design mechanic 20 may not be hidden, but instead remains visible.
Floral design mechanic 20 and the stems of the flowers used in the
bouquet can also be easily placed into water to prolong the life of
the flowers and the bouquet.
[0032] In some embodiments, a bouquet designer may use wired stems
for the flowers in the bouquet. The wired stems may be twisted into
the interior 24 of floral design mechanic 20 to provide additional
support to the bouquet. In some embodiments, a designer may include
succulents or pods on the frame, either with stemmed flowers or for
a bouquet that only includes succulents and/or pods.
[0033] The separable top shell 30 and bottom shell 60 allows floral
design mechanic 20 to be reduced in size for storage. Top shell 30
is removed from bottom shell 60 and one of the shells 30, 60 can be
nested within the other shell 30, 60 to minimize storage space
needed for floral design mechanic 20.
[0034] An alternative embodiment of a floral design mechanic 120 is
shown in FIG. 7. Floral design mechanic 120 includes a top shell
130 and a bottom shell 160 that are separably attached to each
other to define an interior cavity 125. In this embodiment, the top
shell 130 has a circular outer edge 142 and supports 132 defining
openings 136 and extending convexly from outer edge 142 (see FIG.
8). Similarly, bottom shell 160 has a circular outer edge 172 and
supports 162 defining openings 166 and extending convexly from
outer edge 172 (see FIG. 9).
[0035] Top shell 130 and bottom shell may be connected by
connection prongs 144 and corresponding connection assemblies 174
arranged around the outer edges of the top shell and bottom shell
160, similar to the top connection prongs 44 and bottom connection
assemblies 80 already discussed above. As shown in FIGS. 8-9, each
of top shell 130 and bottom shell 160 may include both connection
prongs 144 and connection assemblies 174 around outer edges 142,
172. As an example, in some embodiments, outer edge 142 may have
alternating connection prongs 144 and connection assemblies 174. In
other embodiments, outer edge includes only connection prongs 144
or only connection assemblies 174. Still other examples may include
any other suitable arrangement of connection prongs 144 and
connection assemblies 174.
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 10, floral design mechanic 120 can be
used in combination with a vase 210 to create a structured floral
arrangement system. Vase 210 includes a base 212 and a top rim 214.
A body 216 defining a hollow interior 218 bounded by an inner
surface 220 of body 216 extends between the base 212 and the top
rim 214. Hollow interior 218 is accessible through top rim 214.
Floral design mechanic 120 is placed on top of vase 210 and
supported by top rim 214 so that at least a portion of floral
design mechanic 120 is positioned within hollow interior 218 of
vase 210 and a portion of floral design mechanic is positioned
above the top rim 214 of vase 210. In some embodiments, vase 210
may include a neck 222, and floral design mechanic 120 is
positioned above neck 222.
[0037] In FIG. 10, floral design mechanic 120 rests on top rim 214
so that roughly the top shell 130 extends above top rim 214 while
the bottom shell 160 is below top rim 214, within hollow interior
218. In other embodiments, floral design mechanic 120 may be used
with different sized vases so that either more of floral design
mechanic 120 is above top rim 214 or so that less of floral design
mechanic 120 is above top rim 214. For vases with a wider top rim
214, less of top shell 130 extends above top rim 214. In some
cases, floral design mechanic 120 may be positioned so that the
entirety of floral design mechanic 120 is within hollow interior
218. For vases with a narrower top rim 214, a greater portion of
floral design mechanic 120 extends above top rim 214, so that the
entirety of top shell 130 and even some of bottom shell 160 extends
above top rim 214.
[0038] A portion of the plant or flower 90, such as the stem 92,
desired for use in the bouquet is inserted through the openings
136, 166 in floral design mechanic 120 and into the hollow interior
218 of vase 210 (see FIG. 11). It shall be appreciated that both
organic and artificial flowers and floral products shall be
considered "plants" or "flowers" for purposes of this disclosure.
The supports 132, 162 of floral design mechanic 120 keep the plants
in a desired location in the bouquet, and in some embodiments, a
plant may be attached to a support 132 and/or 162 using wire or
another suitable attachment method. The two support points allow
floral stems to be held and maintained at sharp angles without
falling over as might occur if the flower is only supported at the
base of the stem.
[0039] Because both the top shell 130 and the bottom shell 160 of
floral design mechanic 120 include openings 136, 166, the stems of
the plants in the bouquet can be kept in water, lengthening the
life of the bouquet. In contrast, floral foam used to stabilize and
maintain the shape of a floral bouquet requires the base of the
flowers to be inserted directly into the foam, preventing the
floral bouquet from being placed in water.
[0040] Floral design mechanic 120 allows for a floral arrangement
to easily be moved from vase 210 without disrupting the floral
bouquet. Floral design mechanic 120 is lifted off of top rim 214 of
vase 210 while the plants and flowers of the bouquet remain secured
by floral design mechanic 120. Floral design mechanic 120 may then
be moved to a different container such as a bowl or to another
vase. This may also be useful for transportation of the bouquet so
that the floral bouquet may be kept in water and delivered
separately from the vase 210 to reduce the chances of breaking vase
210 and to maintain the health of the bouquet. Additionally, even
if the floral design mechanic 120 remains with the vase 210 during
transportation, if the vase 210 is broken, the design of the floral
bouquet remains intact.
[0041] The position of floral design mechanic 120 on top rim 214 of
vase 210 provides several other advantages. The ability of floral
design mechanic 120 to support flowers at steep angels allows a
soft edge of flowers and cascading flowers to be arranged along the
outer edges 142, 172 so that flowers surround top rim 214. Floral
design mechanic 120 also allows elevated designs without having to
rely on certain types of flowers, such as hydrangea, to create the
high-profile design.
[0042] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown
and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications
that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by following
claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and
patent applications cited in this specification are herein
incorporated by reference as if each individual publication,
patent, or patent application were specifically and individually
indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its
entirety herein.
* * * * *