This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/886,734, filed Sep. 21, 2010 and entitled “Personalized Keepsake, which claims priority from U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/244,192, filed Sep. 21, 2009, and entitled “Novel Way for Event Guests to Submit Their Good Wishes and Then the Wishes to be Made into a Keepsake,” both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to keepsakes, and, more particularly, to a personalized keepsake that can be assembled to commemorate an event and which incorporates personal messages written by family, friends, loved ones, invitees, and others. The application also describes and claims a method for making the keepsake.
There are a variety of ways in which a guest or attendee at social events such as weddings, wedding ceremony rehearsals, baby showers, anniversaries, birthdays and the like can express good wishes to the person or occasion being honored. For example, it is common to use floral arrangements intended to be displayed at the event for this purpose. Floral arrangements typically are accompanied by a card identifying the gift giver and allowing the gift giver to express a personal thought. Where the floral arrangement is composed of live flowers, it typically does not survive beyond several days. Where the arrangement is made with artificial flowers, it will last indefinitely. With either, the personal wishes expressed on the card can only be read by picking up the card and reading it.
Other ways of expressing good wishes exist in the prior art as banners, oversized greeting cards, placards and the like. Often these are preprinted, although each may include a space where personal greetings or wishes can be written.
The present invention allows guests to write personal messages, good wishes and the like, and to have these messages incorporated into a keepsake that, in one embodiment, resembles a flower or flowering plant. The messages may be written and the keepsake may be assembled at the event itself, or the messages may be collected prior to the event and the keepsake assembled and given as a finished gift at the event.
The keepsake can be made in kit form, allowing a purchaser to create the messages and assemble the keepsake whenever needed.
In one version of the present invention, artificial flower petals or leaves are made from flat stock on which individual messages can be written or printed. After the individual petals have been marked, they are assembled with other elements to create a keepsake generally in the form of a flowering plant.
In another embodiment, the petals or leaves are supplied as die cut forms on sheet stock and are separated from the sheet stock after messages have been written.
In another version, the petals or leaves are supplied in various colors, sizes and shapes to replicate the specific flowers or, perhaps, the color theme of the event.
In another embodiment, the keepsake is fashioned in the form of a bouquet, a boutonniere, a centerpiece, a bower, or any other display commonly associated with flowers or plants.
In another embodiment, indicia other than hand written messages can be included on the petals or leaves, such as designs, photographs or the like.
In another embodiment, the petals may be supplied with pre-printed messages or designs to be used to create the keepsake or to be mixed with personally-written messages on other petals.
In another embodiment software templates are used from which petal or leaf shapes and sizes are selected, and text is added to the petals or leaves. Guests with computer access to the templates can design their own petals or leaves and email them to have them printed ut and included in the keepsake.
While the following describes a preferred embodiment or embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that this description is made by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It is expected that alterations and further modifications, as well as other and further applications of the principles of the present invention will occur to others skilled in the art to which the invention relates and, while differing from the foregoing, remain within the spirit and scope of the invention as herein described and claimed. Where means-plus-function clauses are used in the claims such language is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited functions and not only structural equivalents but equivalent structures as well. For the purposes of the present disclosure, two structures that perform the same function within an environment described above may be equivalent structures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and further aspects of the present invention may be better appreciated upon consideration of the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a front partial perspective view of a floral keepsake assembled in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front partial perspective view of a similar floral keepsake assembled in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a partial lateral perspective of a floral keepsake;
FIG. 4 is a partial lateral perspective view of the embodiment in FIG. 3 showing the upper parts of the simulated floral arrangement;
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of individual petals formed on flat sheet stock;
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an individual petal separated from the sheet stock of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a central petal mounting disk;
FIG. 8 is a partial lateral perspective of the petal of FIG. 6 showing it folded in a curved shape;
FIG. 9 is a lateral view of the petal of FIG. 8 attached to a central disk;
FIG. 10 is a top plan view showing five petals attached to a central disk;
FIG. 11 is a lateral plan view of a disk and petal, and a lower support installed on a support wire;
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a wire button;
FIG. 13 is a lateral view of the button of FIG. 11;
FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a piece of decorative tulle;
FIG. 15 is a lateral view of the gathered tulle of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a felt base;
FIG. 17 is a partial lateral schematic view of a partially assembled floral keepsake showing the positioning of the button, tulle and felt on a support wire with the mounting disk and petals removed;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the base shown in FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a front elevation of the base;
FIG. 21 is a top elevation of the base;
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a holder;
FIG. 23 is a front elevation of the holder;
FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the holder shown in FIG. 23;
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a holder cap;
FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the holder cap;
FIG. 27 is a section taken along 27-27 of FIG. 26;
FIG. 28 is a section taken along 28-28 of FIG. 26;
FIG. 29 is a detail view of a first cap socket;
FIG. 30 is a detail view of a second cap socket;
FIG. 31 is a detail view of a third cap socket;
FIG. 32 is a front elevation of a lower stem;
FIG. 33 is a bottom elevation of the stem of FIG. 32;
FIG. 34 is detail view of a mount formed on the stem of FIG. 32;
FIG. 35 is a detail view of a grip formed on the stem of FIG. 32;
FIG. 36 is a lateral plan view of a middle stem;
FIG. 37 is a front elevation of the stem of FIG. 36;
FIG. 38 is a bottom elevation of the stem of FIG. 36;
FIG. 39 is a detail view of a mount shown in FIG. 38;
FIG. 40 is a lateral detail view of the mount shown in FIG. 38;
FIG. 41 is a detail view of a grip shown in FIG. 36;
FIG. 42 is a lateral elevation of an upper stem;
FIG. 43 is a front elevation of the stem of FIG. 42;
FIG. 44 is a detail of a mount shown in the stem of FIG. 42;
FIG. 45 is a lateral plan view of the mount formed on the stem of FIG. 42;
FIG. 46 is a lateral sectional view of the mount shown in FIG. 45;
FIG. 47 is a detail view of a grip shown on the stem of FIG. 42;
FIG. 48 is a top plan view of a simulated plant petal;
FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a flower base plate;
FIG. 50 is a top plan view of the top plate of FIG. 49;
FIG. 51 is a lateral elevation of the plate shown in FIG. 50;
FIG. 52 is a detail of the tab shown in FIG. 51;
FIG. 53 is a lateral sectional view of the flower base plate shown in FIG. 51;
FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a flower top plate;
FIG. 55 is a top plan view of the top plate of FIG. 54;
FIG. 56 is a lateral elevation of the top plate of FIG. 55;
FIG. 57 is a lateral elevation of the top plate of FIG. 56;
FIG. 58 is a detail of the snap shown in FIG. 57;
FIG. 59 is a lateral sectional view of the top plate of FIG. 57;
FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a mounting button;
FIG. 61 is a top elevation of the mounting button of FIG. 60;
FIG. 62 is a front elevation of the mounting button of FIG. 60;
FIG. 63 is a lateral elevation of the mounting button of FIG. 60;
FIG. 64 is a perspective view of a partially assembled simulated flower;
FIG. 65 is a detail of the stem attachment of FIG. 64;
FIG. 66 is a perspective view of the flower of FIG. 64 with petals added;
FIG. 67 is a perspective view of the flower of FIG. 64 with the top plate in place;
FIG. 68 is a perspective view of the flower of FIG. 64 with the top button in place;
FIG. 69 is a perspective view of the holder and completed flower assembly removed from the base;
FIG. 70 is a perspective view of a display mount; and
FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view of the display mount of FIG. 70 juxtaposed with the cross-section of flower base 96 as seen in FIG. 53.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring now to FIG. 1, the numeral 10 identifies generally a keepsake formed in the shape of a petalled flower. While the keepsake described herein is capable of being manufactured in various sizes and shapes, including configurations of various other plants, or other selected shapes, for purposes of convenience throughout, we will refer to the exemplary keepsake 10 as a floral assembly.
Floral assembly 10 has a number of individual petals 12 upon which messages, good wishes or the like have been inscribed as shown at 14. In the embodiment shown, five petals 12 are included in the single floral arrangement 10. It is to be understood that a number of such floral assemblies may be created with varying numbers of petals in varying sizes and with varying numbers of individual floral assemblies 10 to allow a desired number of petals to be available for personal messages.
It is contemplated that messages can be placed on other parts of the floral assembly, such as leaves or the like. For purposes of convenience throughout, the descriptions will be of petals with the understanding that the invention is not to be limited to inscriptions on petals only.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, floral assembly 10 is held in a base 16 as described hereafter. It should also be understood that, depending upon the configuration selected, floral assembly 10 can be mounted on a plaque, in a shadow box, in a frame or in other commonly known display devices.
Floral assembly 10 has a top button 18 beneath which are arranged a layer of decorative tulle 20 and a felt pad 22 suggesting the interior shape of a live flower.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a top view of a floral assembly is shown illustrating the relative placement of button 18, tulle 20, felt 22, support base 26, leaf 28 and, of course, petals 12 with messages 14 imprinted thereon.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a lateral perspective view of floral assembly 10 is shown illustrating the placement of petals 12 and support base 26, all installed on a support wire 30 secured in base 16 and which, in this particular embodiment, simulates the function of the flower stem or stalk. Ribbons such as that shown at 24 may also be used to create a festive and attractive display.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a slightly different perspective of floral assembly 10 is shown illustrating the placement of button 18 at the end of support wire 30.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the numeral 32 identifies a sheet of flat stock, such as vellum, having a number of pre-shaped petals 34, 36, 38 and 40 printed or cut thereon. Petals 34, 36, 38 and 40 can be of the same or varying shapes and can be formed on sheet 32 by printing, die cutting, applied over an adhesive sublayer or in a variety of well-known ways that will allow the petals to be removed from sheet 32. For example, if the petals are simply printed on sheet 32, they may be cut with scissors. If the petals are die cut, they may be punched out or separated.
Referring now to FIG. 6, a top plan view of petal 34 is shown, with the understanding that petal 34 is exemplary of the function, if not the shape, of other selected petals.
Petal 34 has a top petal surface 42 upon which messages 14 or other indicia can be imprinted or applied. Surface 42 terminates at a tab 44 formed in this embodiment as a generally rectangular shape extending from top surface 42 at a fold line 46.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a petal base 48 is shown. In the embodiment disclosed, base 48 is formed as a disk.
Referring now to FIG. 8, petal 34 is shown detached from sheet 32 and folded at fold line 46 to create a curved, three-dimensional appearance. Petal 34 can also take on a curved shape depending upon the material from which it is made.
After each individual petal such as petal 34 has been written or printed upon, or has had indicia applied thereto, a select number of said petals are removed from sheets such as 32 and, as shown in FIG. 9, are attached to base 48 by affixing tab 44 to base 48.
Tab 44 can be attached to base 48 using a number of well-known expedients such as wet or dry adhesives, stapling, or the like. In one embodiment, a layer of contact adhesive is formed on the lower surface 50 of tab 44 and is covered by a contact sheet (not shown) which, when removed, exposes the adhesive and allows it to be pressed onto round base 48. In another embodiment, base 48 has contact adhesive applied thereto, overlaid by a protective sheet, and tabs 44 of petals 12 are pressed to the exposed adhesive.
Referring now to FIG. 10, a series of five petals 34, 36, 38, 40 and 52 are shown with tabs 44, 54, 56, 58 and 60, respectively, attached to base 48. As seen in FIGS. 7 and 11, a mounting aperture 62 is formed in the center of base 48. As seen in FIG. 11, aperture 62 allows base 48 to be inserted onto wire 16 with petal 34 (and all other petals attached to base 48) attached thereto.
Referring now to FIG. 12, a top view of top button 18 is shown. Top button 18 has a generally flattened flange 64 upon which a generally hemispherically shaped crown 66 is formed.
Referring to FIG. 13, a lateral view of top button 18 is shown. Top button 18 has an eyelet 68 formed on the lower surface of flange 64 and beneath crown 66.
Referring now to FIG. 14, a top plan view of tulle 20 is shown with tulle 20 gathered at 70 which forms an opening for support wire 30.
Referring now to FIG. 15, a lateral view of tulle 20 is shown, illustrating that the tulle, when gathered, forms a generally 3-dimensional shape.
Referring to FIG. 16, a top plan view of felt 20 is shown. In this embodiment, felt 20 is formed in a shape suggestive of a flower part. Felt 20 has a central aperture 72 providing a way to mount felt 22 to support wire 30.
The construction of floral assembly 10 may now be described.
Referring to FIG. 17, support wire 30 is attached to eyelet 68 of top button 18. In this particular embodiment, wire 30 is inserted through center 72 of tulle 22 and tulle 22 is moved along wire 30 to a position proximate button 18. Next, support wire 30 is inserted through central aperture 72 of flower shaped felt 22 and felt 22 is moved along wire 30 until it reaches a position proximate tulle 20. FIG. 17 shows floral assembly 10 now ready for the installation of the disk, petals and other remaining components. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 petals 12, attached to base 48 are installed on support wire 30 beneath felt 20 and top button 18. As seen in FIG. 11, lower support 26 is positioned beneath base 48.
Individual messages, greetings and best wishes 74 are written on petals 34, 36, 38 and 40 as shown on sheet 32 in FIG. 5. Thereafter, the inscribed petals are removed from sheet 32 and, as shown in FIG. 10, are assembled to round base 48. In FIG. 10 an additional petal 52 has been added o make a five petal array.
Support wire 30 is inserted through central aperture 62 of base 48 and with accompanying petals 34, 36, 38, 40 and 52 is moved along support wire 30 to a position proximate flower shaped felt 22. Thereafter, as seen in FIG. 11, support wire 30 is inserted through lower support 24 which, in turn, is moved along support wire 30 to a position proximate petal base 48. Thereafter, support wire 30 is installed in base 16.
As described above, additional leaves, ribbons and the like may be furnished and attached to or threaded onto support wire 30 to add a desired decorative finished effect.
It is a feature of the present invention that the individual petals such as 34 can be written upon at the event itself, or prior to the event. If the petals are written upon at the event, floral assembly 10 may be assembled at the event and then presented to the guest of honor.
Another aspect of the present invention is to have the petals made available to the guests prior to the event such as by mailing them and having the petals returned with wishes written thereon prior to the event so that the assembly may be put together prior to the event.
For arrangements where no base is needed support wire 30 is shortened and a cap, similar in function to top button 18 is attached to support wire 30.
The foregoing elements as described in FIGS. 1-16 may also be supplied in kit form whereupon the purchaser of the kit may perform the individual steps described above to create a finished floral assembly. It is another feature of the invention that a fold line formed on individual petals such as 34, allows the petal to be folded and assume a more 3-dimensional shape or attitude. It is also contemplated that the petals can be formed from material which would allow the petals to be curled, as by scraping the petal along the edge of a scissors blade to give the petals a more 3-dimensional affect. While a preferred material for the petals has been described herein as vellum, it is to be understood that the petals can be formed from any material satisfactory for the purpose of allowing messages to be written thereon and thereafter assembled to form the three-dimensional floral assembly. Where petals are formed from a thinner material, a support backing may be provided to allow the petal to assume a more natural 3-dimensional shape.
While the petals described herein have been shown to have a single upper writing surface, it is also contemplated that messages may be written on both sides of the petal, allowing the recipient of the floral assembly to discover the messages as the petals are moved.
Referring now to FIG. 18, the numeral 76 identifies generally a second embodiment of the personalized keepsake in the form of a flowering plant having a base 80 into which is removably set a holder 82 to which a holder cap 84 is insertably attached. A plurality of lower stems 86, middle stems 88 and upper stems 90 are insertable into sockets formed in holder cap 84. A simulated flower assembly 92 has a series of simulated petals 94 secured between a flower base 96 and a flower upper plate 98, secured one to the other by a button 100. One such assembly 92 is attachable to the end of each lower stem 86, middle stem 88 and upper stem 90.
Base 80 has formed thereon a series of petal insets 102 within which are hung a number of simulated plant petals 104 to be used in personalizing and constructing plant 76. One or more pen sockets 106 are also formed on base 80 for the purpose of holding a marking pen usable for writing on petals 104.
Referring now to FIG. 19, base 80 is shown in a perspective view. A holder socket 78 is formed on base 80 to receive holder 82 as shown in FIG. 18. As seen in FIG. 19, petal inset 102 has a holding peg 108 onto which simulated petals such as 104 are placed for use by guests wishing to write on them.
Referring now to FIG. 20, a front elevational view of base 80 is shown further identifying the placement of inset 102, pen socket 106 and petal holding peg 108.
Referring now to FIG. 21, a top plan view of base 80 is shown illustrating an embodiment in which three petal insets 102 and two pen sockets 106 are provided arranged about holder socket 78.
Referring now to FIG. 22, holder 82 is shown in perspective. Preferably, holder 82 is formed in a tubular configuration having an upper lip 110 which forms an open mouth 112. A circumferentially-positioned land 114 is formed within holder 82. As seen in FIG. 23, land 114 is formed by a tapered wall segment 116 formed in outer wall 118 of holder 82.
Referring now to FIG. 24, the structural relationship between tapered segment 116 and land 114 is illustrated. The embodiment shown in FIG. 24 includes a holder bottom 120 formed integrally with wall 118.
Referring now to FIG. 25, holder cap 84 is shown having a domed top 122 from which a skirt 124 depends. A series of mounting sockets 126, 128 and 130 are formed through domed top 122 to serve as attachment points for lower stems 86, middle stems 88 and upper stems 90 in a manner to be described hereinbelow.
Referring now to FIG. 26, a top plan view of cap 84 is shown illustrating the placement of sockets 126, 128 and 130. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 26 there are four sockets 126, four sockets 128 and four sockets 130, making possible the attachment of up to 12 stems. Other numbers and variations of patterns may be selected, making it possible to use a different number of stems to form different plant configurations or configurations of different sizes and complexity.
Referring now to FIG. 27, a sectional view taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 26 is shown. As seen in FIG. 27, sockets 128 and 130 are formed as blind bores extending partially through cap 84. A lip 132 is formed by the overlap of domed top 122 with skirt 124.
Referring now to FIG. 28, a sectional view is shown taken along 28-28 of FIG. 26 showing the formation of sockets 126 as blind bores extending from dome 122, partially through cap 84.
Referring now to FIGS. 29, 30 and 31, detailed views are shown of the configurations of first socket 126, second socket 128 and third socket 130. First socket 126 is formed having a central, generally circular portion 134 combined with a pair of diametrically opposed slots 136, 138. Second socket 128 has a triangular cross-sectional shape formed by walls 140. Third socket 130 is formed as a variation of first socket 140 having a central, generally circular central portion 142 into which diametrically opposed ribs 144, 146 extend.
It is a feature of the present invention that the shapes of sockets 126, 128 and 130 are of sufficiently unique configuration that a stem shaped to fit one socket will not fit into either of the remaining sockets, making reproducible arrangements possible and making assembly easier.
It is also a feature of the present invention that cap 84 is sized and shaped to engage holder 82 with skirt 124 fitting into mouth 112 The engagement of cap 84 with holder 82 is shown in FIG. 18 and also in FIG. 64.
Referring now to FIG. 32, an elevation of lower stem 86 is shown. Lower stem 86 has a stem branch 148, at one end of which a stem mount 150 is formed and at the other end of which a flower mount 152 is formed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 32, stem branch 148 is curved in a generally downward direction.
Referring now to FIG. 33, a bottom elevation of lower stem 148 is shown. In FIG. 33 is can be seen that stem mount 150 is formed as a triangular peg which extends from stem branch 148. The triangular shape of mount 150 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 34. It is intended that triangular mount 150 be sized and dimensioned to fit into socket 140.
As seen in FIGS. 32, 33 and 34, a lower wall 154 is formed at the junction of branch stem 148 and branch mount 150. In the embodiment shown, lower wall 154 is formed at an angle intended to correspond to the slope of domed top 122 of cap 84.
Referring now to FIG. 35 an enlarged view of flower mount 152 is shown. In this embodiment, flower mount 152 has a base 156 from which a pair of prongs 158, 160 extend. A catch 162 is formed on the outward-facing surface of prong 158.
Referring now to FIG. 36, middle stem 88 is shown having a stem branch 164 at one end of which a stem mount 166 is formed, and at the other end of which a flower mount 168 is formed.
Referring now to FIG. 37, a front elevation of middle stem 88 is shown, illustrating the formation of a rib 172 on mount 166.
Referring now to FIG. 38, it can be seen that a second rib 174 is also formed on mount 166. As can be seen in greater detail in FIG. 39 a central substantially circular portion 170 is formed in mount 166 from which ribs 172, 174 extend. Referring now to FIG. 40, it can be seen that each rib 172, 174 terminates in a sloped lower surface 176, 178, respectively. It is a feature of the present invention that mount 166 is configured to be accepted into top socket 126 in a snug friction fit.
Referring now to FIG. 41, flower mount 168 is shown having a base 180 from which a pair of prongs 182, 184 extend. A catch 186 is formed on the outward-facing surface of prong 186.
Referring now to FIGS. 42 and 43, upper stem 90 is shown having a stem branch 188 at one end of which a stem mount 190 is formed and at the other end of which a flower mount 192 is formed.
As seen in FIG. 44, stem mount 190 has a hollow cavity 194 into which protrude diametrically opposed ribs 196, 198.
Referring now to FIG. 45, a front plan view of stem mount 190 is shown. As seen in FIG. 46, a section taken along line 46-46 of FIG. 45, rib 196 terminates at a lower angled surface 200 while rib 198 terminates at a similar slanted lower surface 202.
It is a feature of the present invention that mount 190 is configured to frictionally engage socket 126 formed in cap 84.
Referring now to FIG. 47, upper stem flower mount 192 is shown having a base 1204 from which a pair of prongs 206, 208 extend. A catch 210 is formed on the outward-facing surface of prong 186.
From the foregoing descriptions, it should be appreciated that flower mounts 152, 168 and 192 are similarly configured. In a preferred embodiment, they are also similarly sized.
It is also a feature of the invention that lower, middle and upper stems 86, 88 and 90 are curved along their length to simulate the appearance of plant stems and are of varying degrees of curvature, making the appearance of keepsake 18 attractive and orderly.
Referring now to FIG. 48 simulated plant petal 104 is shown having a petal body 212 at one end of which a mounting aperture 214 is formed. As described hereinabove, petal 94 is formed from vellum or such other material that will give it a sufficient thickness to hold a generally petal shape while providing a writable surface for adding messages. Although reference is made here to a petal, it should be understood that 104 can be generally shaped as any plant part such as a leaf, needle or the like.
Referring now to FIG. 49, flower base 96 is shown in a perspective view. Base 96 has a bottom plate 216 that is generally disc shaped and upon which are formed a series of petal mounting tabs 218. Bottom plate 216 has a central aperture 208 and a pair of snap apertures 210 which, in this embodiment, are positioned proximate central aperture 208 and on opposite sides thereof.
As seen in FIG. 50, the present embodiment includes five mounting tabs 218 arranged at regular intervals about bottom plate 216. FIG. 50 also illustrates the spatial relationship between central aperture 208 and snap apertures 210.
Referring now to FIG. 51, it can be seen that a stem mount column 224 is mounted to bottom plate 216. Stem mount column 224 has a pair of mounting slots 226 formed on diametrically opposite surfaces of mount column 224. In FIG. 51, both slots appear in register with one another.
Referring now to FIG. 52, an enlarged detail of a petal mounting tab 218 is shown. In this embodiment, mounting tab 218 is formed integrally with bottom plate 216 and has a generally rectangular body 228 having a groove 230 formed at one end thereof. As seen in FIGS. 51 and 52, slot 230 faces toward central aperture 220.
Referring now to FIG. 53, flower base 96 is shown in cross section. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 53, column 224 and bottom plate 216 are formed as a single, unitary structure. As also seen in FIG. 53, column 224 has a central longitudinally-extending bore 232 formed therethrough.
Referring now to FIG. 54, flower top plate 98 is shown having a generally disc shaped body 234 through which a central aperture 236 is formed. As seen in FIG. 55, body 234 has a series of cavities 238 formed thereon. It is a feature of the present invention that the size and spacing of cavities 238 is selected to allow mounting tabs 218 to fit therewithin when top plate 98 and bottom plate 96 are placed in face-to-face relationship. Plate 96 also has formed therethrough a pair of button snap apertures 240 and a pair of snap tabs 242.
Referring now to FIG. 56, snap tab 230 is shown depending from body 234 as seen in FIGS. 57 and 58, each snap tab 242 has a snap tab body 244 and each snap tab body 244 terminates at a barb 246.
As seen in FIG. 59, snap tabs 242 are formed integrally with body 234 and it should be appreciated that the construction of each snap tab 242 allows each tab to flex along its length. Also seen in FIG. 59, in cross section, is one cavity 238 and central aperture 236.
Referring now to FIG. 60, button 100 is shown in a perspective view, having a button top 248 from which a pair of legs 250 depend. As seen in FIGS. 60 and 62, each leg 250 terminates in a barb 252. As seen in FIGS. 60 and 61, button 100 is preferably formed with a round decorative upper surface 254.
As seen in FIGS. 60, 62 and 63, each barb 252 has a tapered outer surface 256 terminating at a shoulder 258.
Use of the present invention may now be described. Referring to FIG. 64 a partially-constructed flower array 260 is shown. For purposes of clarity, an upper stem 188 is shown inserted into cap 84 of holder 82. Flower base 96 is shown attached to upper stem 90. In the example shown, additional decorative elements 262 in the form of tulle sheets and simulated leaves have been placed onto upper stem 90 prior to the attachment of flower base 96.
As seen in FIG. 65 upper stem 90 is attached to flower base 96 at column 224, with catch 210 engaging slot 226. Additional elements 262 are shown held frictionally to stem 90 at column 224.
Referring to FIG. 66 series of simulated petals 94 are shown placed on tabs 228 of flower base 96. It is contemplated that leaves 94 will have messages already written on them prior to being assembled to flower base 96, but the leaves can be inscribed after assembly as well.
Referring now to FIG. 67, upper plate 98 is shown assembled to and overlying flower base 96, with snap tabs 242 inserted through slots 222 in flower base 96, capturing petals 94 therebetween.
Referring now to FIG. 68 flower assembly is seen completed by the attachment of button 100, with legs 250 passing through slots 238 in top plate 98 and through slots 222 in flower base 96.
Thereafter, other assembled stems, with flower assemblies, may be inserted into holder cap 84 into the appropriately shaped sockets. It is a feature of the present invention to arrange sockets 126, 128 and 130 on cap 84 such that the lower, middle and upper stems form an attractive arrangement as well as an arrangement that allows the messages on each of the petals to be read.
Referring to FIG. 69, it can be seen that holder 82 may be removed from base socket 78 and carried or displayed as a hand-held bouquet 264. Holder 82 can also be decorated with overlaid fabric, ribbons and the like to give it a finished and attractive appearance.
Referring now to FIG. 70 a display mount 266 is shown having a flat disk 268 on which is formed a socket 270.
Referring now to FIG. 71, display mount 266 is shown in section. Socket 270 has a peg 272 formed therewithin as part of the floor 274. Socket 270 and peg 272 are shaped and sized to receive column 224 of flower base 96 via bore 276 to allow a floral display mounted to flower base 96 to be displayed apart from holder 82. For purposes of clarity the remaining components of the floral display have been omitted. A layer of adhesive 278 is applied to the bottom surface of display mount 266, allowing a portion of the floral display to be placed on a flat surface or mounted to, for example, a flat vertical surface such as a wall or bulletin board for display, along with personalized petals.
