Abstract: A standardized shipping tray is disclosed for use in an order fulfillment system. The standardized shipping tray includes a bottom panel that includes raised portions that assist to inhibit rolling on an object within along the bottom panel, and at least two flexible side panels that are adapted to fold inward under a force of a wrapping.

Abstract: Disclosed are high-density soil-less hydroponic cultivation systems, apparatus used therein, and methods of operation thereof. A high-density soil-less cultivation system can comprise one or more grow columns, each comprising a column lumen, and one or more angled housings coupled to the grow columns. The system can further comprise a nutrient reservoir configured to contain a nutrient solution to be delivered to the grow columns, a capture conduit coupled to the grow columns configured to capture or recapture nutrient solution flowing through the grow columns, and a capture reservoir configured to collect the captured or recaptured nutrient solution from the capture conduit for delivery to the nutrient reservoir to be reused. The system can also comprise an omnidirectional light tower configured to shine light on the one or more angled housings to induce growth of any plant matter within the angled housings.

Abstract: A display system comprises a sleeve with a plurality of apertures defined therethrough, and a plurality of support inserts arranged in a stack within the sleeve, wherein at least one of the support inserts is aligned with one or more of the apertures to provide a shelf accessible through the one or more of the apertures.

Abstract: A protective tree tube has an elongated hollow body that is made of a biodegradable material, and has holes formed in the wall of the tube. The tube can be filled, at a bottom portion, with drainage material, and on top of the drainage material a planting material can be provided in which the root ball of a tree is placed. Upon placing the protective tree tube with the tree into a planting hole, the protective tree tube ca be buried and thereafter the tree will commence forming new rootage and become established.

Abstract: A sterile packaged plant delivery system includes a container having an opening, an amount of growth medium, a plant, and cover. The amount of growth medium is disposed within an interior of the container and part of the plant is disposed within the growth medium. The cover seals the interior of the container thereby maintaining the plant within a sterile growth environment. In one example, the cover is a thin film seal. A user obtains the system, punctures the film seal, removes the plant from the interior of the container, and plants the plant in a growth environment outside of the container. The system provides a low-cost technique for delivering live plants to end consumers without fungus or bacteria as in typical soil growth and without having to apply costly antimicrobial agent. This eliminates the need for watering and maintenance of any kind while the plant remains in the container.

Abstract: A cartridge for use with a beneficial agent delivery device having a fillable reservoir. The cartridge includes a reconstitution, unit dose package having first and second compartments, and a fitment. The first compartment contains at least a first constituent of the beneficial agent. The second compartment contains at least a second constituent of the beneficial agent. The fitment is disposed on the package for interfacing the package to the fillable reservoir.

Abstract: A planter system includes fluid and light impervious first and second vessels, a plant growing medium, and a fluid impervious third vessel including a perimetric extremity and configured to hold the growing medium received therein through an opening defined by the perimetric extremity. The first and second vessels each includes a closed bottom and a rim encircling an opening over the closed bottom and configured with an inwardly-directed recess. The recess of the first vessel is configured to receive the perimetric extremity of the third vessel for supporting the third vessel over the first closed bottom. The recess of the second vessel is configured to receive the rim of the first vessel in a covering placement of the second vessel over the first vessel, and the closed bottom of the first vessel in a supporting placement of the second vessel under the first vessel.

Abstract: A shipping container comprising first and second side panels, and first and second end panels connecting the first and second side panels. A pair of major upper flaps are foldably connected to respective side panels, the major upper flaps each forming half of a top panel. A pair of minor upper flaps are foldably connected to respective end panels, each of the minor upper flaps including a central tuck flap panel and a pair of gusset panels foldably connected to and overlapping the central tuck flap panel to form a tuck flap structure. Each tuck flap structure extending along an outer side of a respective end panel and including an end portion extending into an access port formed on the respective end panel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a live plant container which is to be utilized when transporting plants from one location to another. The invention works on keeping the plant live and healthy during shipping and maintains the plant's vegetative or flowering growth cycle through controlled photoperiod light exposure. The main parts of the assembly include, an opaque tubular container body (TUBE) with an interior restriction flange, a top lid (LID-1) containing a battery powered light source on the bottom of the lid, a disc shaped propagation rooting medium retainer (RETAINER) and a bottom lid (LID-2) attaches to the bottom end of the TUBE.

Abstract: The invention “simulation device and method for studying the influence of wetland plant litter decomposition on water quality”, belongs to the ecological engineering field. The simulation device comprises a distributing reservoir, a planting pool and a discharge bay, and the three are connected successively through a first-level pipeline; the distributing reservoir is used to supply water to the planting pool; the discharge bay is used to collect wastewater discharged from the planting pool; the planting pool comprises a plurality of planting units; the planting unit is a container-like structure and used to hold the planting substrate and plant wetland plants on the planting substrate. By using the simulation device and/or simulation method of the invention, the whole process of the influence of plant litters especially wetland plants litters on water quality under natural state can be highly simulated and restored.

Abstract: A method of packaging a botanical arrangement includes sliding an inner container holding the botanical arrangement into a front opening of an outer container. The inner container has a flanged portion, and the outer container has a track system configured such that the flanged portion of the inner container engages with the track system of the outer container during the sliding. In addition, the method includes closing the front opening of the outer container by lifting a hinged front panel of the outer container.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a container for hydroponically growing plants. The container has a bottom surface and an open top surface and a fluid reservoir having at least a portion of the volume between the bottom surface and the top surface. A pump is positioned at a bottom portion of the fluid reservoir. A length of tubing connects the pump to a valve that is further connected to additional tubing. A plurality of jets are connected to the additional tubing to spray fluid internal to the fluid reservoir. Further, there is a support structure, configured to fit into the open top surface, that has support components for interconnecting a plurality of openings and supporting the plurality of jets. Finally, a cover plate is configured to fit over the support structure in the open top surface.

Abstract: A method for shipping live plants that require illumination during shipping including steps of selecting an illuminated shipping container that includes a lower pot configured to hold soil and a plant, and an upper lid with pendent side wall and an upper closed end made of material that allows light from an illuminating light source attached to its upper closed end. Soil is placed into the lower pot and a light requiring plant in embedded in the soil with the stem, branches, and leaves extending above the soil. Next, an elastic seal is places around the stem of the plant and pressed against the soil to hold the soil in the pot during shipment. Next, the lower edge of the upper lid is attached to the upper edge of the lower pot. A tamper resistant indicator then disposed between the pot and lid. Next, the illuminating source is activated. The shipping container containing the plant is then shipped to the desired destination.

Abstract: A container for transporting an item is provided having an outer case member erectable from a collapsed configuration to an erected configuration and at least one erectable support member fixedly attached to the outer case member. The support member may include: a first base panel; a second base panel foldably coupled to the first base panel to form a folded, dual-layer structure; a first functional portion foldably coupled to the first base panel and being foldable to form a structure to at least one of partially support or partially secure the item to be transported within the outer case member; and a second functional portion foldably coupled to the second base panel and being foldable to form another structure to at least one of partially support or partially secure the item to be transported within the outer case member. Methods of packaging and transporting an item in a container are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for seed sprouting. An example system may include a jar having a top opening and a bottom opening, a seal lid, and a perforated lid. The system may include a seed packet containing seeds. A quantity of the seeds is calibrated based on a volume of the jar. The system may include a stand to support the jar vertically when the seeds are placed into the jar and moistened with water after the seal lid is secured at the bottom opening. The perforated lid includes holes to allow draining of the water after the perforated lid is secured at the top opening and the jar is positioned with the top opening down. The system may include a further perforated lid to be secured at the bottom opening after the jar is positioned with the top opening down to allow air to flow through the jar.

Abstract: A system for efficient transportation and display of plants or flowers has been designed that contains two or more trays and a container. The first tray and alternative tray house the plants or flowers. The second tray, in which the first tray and alternative tray nest, allows for easy movement of the first tray, the alternative tray and the supply of water or nutrients. The container is designed to serve two functions, shipping and displaying.

Abstract: A multi-pot device for facilitating a press fit connection between the device and a plurality of pots or planters, which enables a user to simultaneously and securely use, store, and transport multiple pots. Further, the multi-pot device does not conceal the markings located on the exterior of the individual pots. The multi-pot device comprises a top portion and a side portion. The top portion is further comprised of a plurality of spaced apart openings therein for receipt of the pots. Further, each of the openings is formed by a side that extends downwardly from the top portion, and each side is preferably comprised of a first lip, a first wall portion, a second lip, a second wall portion, a third lip, a third wall portion, a fourth lip and a fourth wall portion, the purpose of which is to form a press fit with the side walls of the pot.

Abstract: A tray has a plurality of receptacles. A receptacle is enabled to receive a container with a locking device. The container contains a potted plant. The locking device contains a protrusion, the protrusion being a protrusion on a wall of the container when the locking device is in a neutral position. The protrusion can move inwards and outwards from the neutral position relative to the wall when an inward or outward force is applied. The container is in a secured position in the receptacle when the protrusion mates with an opening in the receptacle. The protrusion has a slanted side allowing the protrusion to be lifted from the opening by rotating the container around a vertical axis.

Abstract: Packaging using Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric based Film extends the shelf life and vase life of fresh cut flowers by changing the atmosphere in which these living products are stored and respires. The high oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability of the Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric based Film establishes an ideal atmosphere for the cut flowers, and therefore extends its shelf life and vase life. The establishment of lower oxygen and carbon dioxide atmospheres inside packages using Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric based film, also leads to reduction in the respiration rate of the cut flowers. The reduction in the respiration rate prevents loss of moisture, production of metabolic heat, and yellowing, browning, reduction in production levels of ethylene. Thus the created atmosphere is able to extend shelf life, maintain high quality and preserve nutrients of cut flowers items by naturally regulating respiration of said flower.

Abstract: Methods, devices and compositions to preserve plants, such as cut flowers. The methods include, e.g., sealing cut stems in antimicrobial preservative media, sealing the leaves in a substantially unvented compartment and sealing the flower blossoms in a less humid vented environment. Methods include, e.g., sealing cut flower ends in a preservative liquid, sealing the majority of the stem length and leaves in a stem compartment and holding the blossoms and at least a portion of the leaves in a relatively open blossom compartment. The devices include, e.g., packaging materials and preservative to vitalize and protect uprooted plants and/or cut flowers. The compositions of the invention provide, e.g., packaging systems and preservative media which inhibit microbe growth and vitalize cut plants.

Abstract: A plant handling, tagging and shipping system includes a flood trailer towed by a cart for delivering potted plants from a grow site to a prepping station while also soaking the pots, an on-demand tag-printing system for printing plant tags based on customized client data, and a conveyor system that enables workers to trim, weed, clean, and tag the plants as they travel along the conveyor. This novel system and process for handling, tagging and shipping plants provides enormous efficiencies as compared with traditional processes.

Abstract: A nursery container includes a container body and a grip-and-hold arrangement. The container body has at least one sidewall having a top edge portion and defining a nursery compartment within the container body, and a bottom panel. The grip-and-hold arrangement is formed at the top edge portion of the sidewall of the container body, and comprises a reinforcing rim integrally and outwardly extended from the top edge portion of the sidewall, wherein the reinforcing rim has a curved sectional shape formed along an entire length of the reinforcing rim so as to evenly distribute externally applied force along the reinforcing rim without substantial stress concentration, wherein a user is allowed to effectively grip on the reinforcing rim to carry an entire structure of the nursery container without significant risk of breakage at the reinforcing rim.

Abstract: A floral arrangement assembly according to the present invention embodiments provides protection and maintenance of a floral arrangement during display, transport and/or shipping. The floral arrangement assembly includes a floral retaining structure, a base to secure the floral retaining structure and a cover. The floral retaining structure includes a floral holding material secured to a platform via a suitable adhesive. A plurality of prongs may further be secured to the platform and utilized to engage the floral holding material. The floral retaining structure may further include a plate secured to the assembly base with the platform secured to the plate via a plurality of ties. Alternatively, the floral retaining structure may be secured directly to the assembly base via the plurality of ties. The floral arrangement assembly may be placed within a water proof bag or other containers, where optional cooling and absorption materials may be placed underneath the assembly.

Abstract: A method and system suitable for ordering, packaging, and delivering harvested plants, such as fresh-cut flowers. The method and method entail placing an order for harvested plants by selecting at least one plant varietal, identifying a recipient for the plant by name and address, indicating a date for the recipient to receive the plant, and optionally creating a message to be delivered with the plant to the recipient. The plant is then placed in at least one recess within a transparent shell comprising a raised peripheral edge that surrounds and defines the recess. The shell and plant are then placed in a transparent enclosure formed from a perforated transparent foil, and the enclosure and a shipping label are then inserted in a shipping container that is at least translucent to enable the plant and the label to be visible therethrough.

Abstract: An agricultural growth management tool can include a biodegradable polymer body having a synthetic polymer and an optional biodegradability enhancement additive. The biodegradability enhancement additive can include a microbial attractant. The biodegradable polymer body can be configured as a plant stake, branch tag, blister pack, plantable container, agrifilm, drip tubing, drip tubing connectors, drip tubing accessories, market trays, plug and propagation trays, flats and inserts, transfer pots, transfer trays, landscape ribbon, landscape twine/rope, landscaping bags, pot wraps, floral wraps, hanging basket assemblies, greenhouse films/sheets or the like. The synthetic polymer can be a biodegradable polymer, inherently non-biodegradable polymer, or a combination of the two.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating a cucumber, eggplant or the like includes a fastening element for allowing an opened cover body to be fastened into a closed state or a closed cover body to be separated into an opened state by causing a catching protrusion opened along the longitudinal direction of the cover body, and a plurality of catching steps to allow the cover body to be coupled and fastened when catching steps are hooked on a catching protrusion, and a cover body distortion prevention projection formed protruding from the catching protrusion to fix opposite sides of each of the catching steps when each catching step is hooked on the catching protrusion. Cover body separation/opening supports are formed, respectively, on the top of each catching step and on the catching protrusion such that the fastened cover body can be unfastened and opened.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flower flat compartment retention device to assist in storage and transportation of plants in flower flats. The invention comprises a retention means to prevent the accidental dislodging of the contents of a flower flat compartment during storage and transportation of said flower flat.

Abstract: A plant pail includes a base and a wall extending upwardly from a periphery of the base. The wall includes an upper portion defining a mouth of the container and a body portion below the upper portion. The upper portion includes opposite portions of increased width, such that the opposite portions protrude outwardly relative to the body portion, thereby defining upper handles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of hydratable polymer materials and hydrogels. In particular, the present invention describes polyurethane polymer networks for releasably retaining water, and methods for preparing the same.

Abstract: A method and system suitable for ordering, packaging, and delivering harvested plants, such as fresh-cut flowers. The method and method entail placing an order for harvested plants by selecting at least one plant varietal, identifying a recipient for the plant by name and address, indicating a date for the recipient to receive the plant, and optionally creating a message to be delivered with the plant to the recipient. The plant is then placed in at least one recess within a transparent shell comprising a raised peripheral edge that surrounds and defines the recess. The shell and plant are then placed in a transparent enclosure formed from a perforated transparent foil, and the enclosure and a shipping label are then inserted in a shipping container that is at least translucent to enable the plant and the label to be visible therethrough.

Abstract: A packaging carton box for flower and plant transportation is disclosed. The flower and plant packaging carton box comprises a main body having a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface comprises at least a first pore hole. While plural of the packaging carton boxes are piled up, an air flow channel is formed by the first pore holes at the bottom surfaces of the main bodies, so as to cooperate with the transport carrier having a cold air flow blowing from bottom to top. Therefore, the cold air flow may enter the interior of each of the main body of the packaging carton box through the first pore hole and the air flow channel for adjusting the interior temperature and humidity of the packaging carton box.

Abstract: Packaging for protecting or for sending of plants or plant containers in which the packaging is formed from at least two parts. A lower part is connected to an upper part in such a manner that a recess is present between a wall of the lower part and an inner wall of the upper part and in which recess a plant container is secured against movement or displacement.

Abstract: A sealed container system for packaging and displaying a live plant for sale. The system has a subcontainer that is partially filled with a hydrogel, or has a divider lid that separates the hydrogel from the rest of the container system. A lid covers the subcontainer, where the lid has a tapered or elongate lumen to accommodate the plant roots while preventing the leakage of the hydrogel. The clear or transparent container, with the hydrogel, allows the container to operate as a miniature greenhouse allowing the plant to be displayed for an extended period of time without the need for interventional care by a human.

Abstract: A box, a blank that can be easily formed into the box via an intermediate box assembly, and methods for generating and using the box allows one to quickly and easily package flowers and accessories for shipment to a consumer without bending, bruising or otherwise damaging the flowers. The box includes an insert that extends from a side of the box and is pivotable into an interior of the box. The insert includes a divider that extends from the insert and can be attached to a side after the flowers have been placed in the interior to extend between two sides and divide the interior into two compartments. One compartment contains the flower portion of the flowers while the other compartment contains the stem portion of the flowers and the accessories. The blanks allow one to quickly and easily generate the boxes and ensure that the box generated will have an insert to protect the flowers during shipment.

Abstract: A floral product container and method of making the same is disclosed. The floral product container has a back and two sides that define an open top. A front portion of the floral product container is partially, selectively closeable with flaps connected to the two side panels.

Abstract: A device and method for preparing a vase or other container to receive a floral arrangement. The device includes a grid cover that is placed around the open end of a vase or similar container. The grid cover has a flat top surface and a peripheral wall that extends downwardly from the edge of the top surface. The grid cover is made of elastomeric material and is initially smaller than the open top of the vase. The grid cover is stretched over the open top of the vase, wherein the peripheral wall of the grid cover passes over the edge of the vase's open top and retains the stretched grid cover element in place. A plurality of openings are distributed throughout the top surface of the grid cover. As the grid cover is stretched over the top of a vase, the openings become positioned across the open top of the vase.

Abstract: A sealed container system for packaging and displaying a live plant for sale. The system has a subcontainer that is partially filled with a hydrogel, or has a divider lid that separates the hydrogel from the rest of the container system. A lid covers the subcontainer, where the lid has a tapered or elongate lumen to accommodate the plant roots while preventing the leakage of the hydrogel. The clear or transparent container, with the hydrogel, allows the container to operate as a miniature greenhouse allowing the plant to be displayed for an extended period of time without the need for interventional care by a human.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bag for transporting flower bouquets or plants. It comprises a support for receiving the bouquet or the plant, forming the bottom of the bag, and two substantially parallel lateral portions comprising at least one cutout over at least one of the lateral portions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a portable packaging device for a floral bouquet, comprising a support element (14) for maintaining the bouquet (12), and a packaging film (16) made of soft material designed to enclose the support element (14). The packaging film (16) is provided with carrier means (18) designed to be fixed when the sheet (16) is laid flat in unfolded state, and to be positioned in a state to be grasped when the sheet (16) encloses the lateral surface of the support element (14). The carrier means (18) are formed by a couple of handles (18a, 18b) fixed to the packaging film (16) with securing members (20a, 20b).

Abstract: The Christmas tree stand of this invention includes an annular ring base supporting a central upright post having a tree trunk set pin at its bottom end and a transverse opening adjacent its top end for receiving the screw thread end of a screw crank for threading into the side of a tree trunk. The screw crank extends from the screw thread end to an intermediate angular bend which includes an arcuate portion providing an impact anvil aligned with the screw thread for striking by a hammer to set the screw thread into the side of a tree trunk. The screw crank is secured releasably to the ring base for storage, by a socket member secured to the ring base for receiving the screw thread end and by an angular clip member secured to the ring base to capture an intermediate portion of the screw crank.

Abstract: A device and method for use in growing, transporting and transplanting aquatic plants. The device includes an open web fibrous strip of water resistant material. When utilized in conjunction with a juvenile water lily or marginal plant, the material is configured as a coil around the roots of a single plant. When utilized in conjunction with “oxygenator” stems or bare root cuttings, the material is configured as a strip folded to enclose multiple cuttings/plants spaced at periodic intervals. Using the present invention, aquatic plant(s) are grown in a soil-less environment, making them lightweight for economically shipping via parcel post and exportable to all states and many foreign countries because they do not contain potentially contaminated soil. A plant grown in the present invention is fully developed and will quickly resume growing once planted in an end user's pond.

Abstract: A flower pot assembly for keeping at least one plant temporarily alive without having to water it, includes a pot permeable to water in which the plant is potted with the required amount of soil, and a container impermeable to water in which the pot is received, so that a space is formed between the pot and the container. A gel formed of a water-absorbing polymer and water at least partially fills the space between the pot and the container. The container and gel are used as a packaging for the potted plant in order to keep this plant alive without having to water it during transport and when put on display for sale.

Abstract: A container for shipping and/or display of flowers includes a watertight or water-resistant inner receptacle for holding flowers and water; an outer shipping and display sleeve which protects the flowers and inner receptacle during shipping and display; and a holding unit which supports the inner receptacle within the outer sleeve at least during shipping. These components may be made of paperboard (e.g., corrugated cardboard) if desired. For shipping, the inner receptacle (with flowers and water) may be placed in the holding unit, which may then be placed in the outer sleeve for shipping purposes. Upon arrival, the holding unit and inner receptacle may be removed from the outer sleeve, which may be converted into a display pedestal for the holding unit and inner receptacle if desired.

Abstract: A plant container comprising a lower section, an upper section removably securable to said lower section so as to define a cavity therein, said upper section presenting a top opening communicating with said cavity, fastening means associated with said upper and lower sections for fastening said upper section to said lower section.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of making receptacles, packages, or parcels for living organisms or materials that are sensitive to changes in atmospheric conditions or surroundings, such as cut flowers. The lower portion (31) of a funnel-shaped shell overlies and matches the shape of a top portion (21) of a vase (2) which has the same funnel shape as the lower portion of the shell.

Abstract: The container of the present invention relates to a type of box for containing plant products, especially flowers, for transport, which includes an external box that contains an internal box, which is covered by a thermal wrapper applied by vacuum, with inserts at the ends of the box, which can be taken out of the box, and chemical compounds that prevent the deterioration of the plaint products caused by ethylene emanations and by humidity (caused by cold temperature) in a bag with cooling gel incorporated therein. This container eliminates the need for electromechanical cold chains for express deliveries of plant products.

Abstract: A floral shipper comprising an inner container for supporting a floral grouping therein in an upright position and an outer container sized to receive therein the inner container and the upright floral grouping. The outer container has a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly therefrom. At least some of the side walls have a heightened portion that is greater than the height of the inner container and the floral grouping and have disposed therein ventilation openings for allowing air to circulate within the outer container. The ventilation openings are disposed in the at least some of the side walls so that when two or more outer containers are oriented adjacent one another, at least some ventilation openings of one outer container align with the ventilation openings of the adjacent outer container.

Abstract: A floral container including a receptacle that holds a liquid and an insert which supports the floral grouping. The insert is positioned within the receptacle above the bottom wall of the receptacle to define a liquid-holding region. The side walls of the receptacle and the side walls of the insert may define a spill-catching region which communicates with the liquid-holding region of the container to catch displaced liquid if the floral container is tilted. The insert may include a divider positioned to form compartments through which the stems may extend to the liquid-containing region of the receptacle. The floral container may be loaded into an outer container to form a floral shipper and a plurality of these floral shippers may be assembled on a pallet.

Abstract: Packaging for cut flowers comprises: a rectangular crate (1) with sloping side walls which are provided close to their top walls with a channel (5, 6, 7) that projects outwards and is open at the top, the base of which channel serves to support a foldable rectangular protective tube (2). In order to be able to nest a number of crates (1) deeply into one another without risk of binding, a shoulder (9) is arranged between the top edge of the sloping side walls of the crate and the base (7) or the bottom end of the inner flange (6) of the channel (5, 6, 7) open at the top. Said shoulder can also serve as support for a rectangular presentation collar.

Abstract: A container for leaf product and other bulk pack materials wherein a blank of corrugated paperboard is scored to define side walls of the container, and a field of passageways are defined in at least one side wall of the container by a conical pin punch-pressed from opposing sides of the blank to define a passageway for communication of moisture from the container to the atmosphere for drying and long term storage of the leaf products. A method of defining passageways in the blank of paperboard is disclosed.