Abstract: A floral delivery box apparatus which provides protection of a floral arrangement associated therewith from being damaged while carried or damaged from tipping during delivery and further allows for floral wrapping thereof, composed of a box member and a base member. The base is provided with a plurality of wings which are connected by stapling to the side walls of the box. The box is configured to receive the pot of a floral arrangement, and the base is configured to provide a planar surface having an area much larger than that of the box. In this regard, the box serves as a receptacle to restrain lateral movement of the floral arrangement with respect to the base, and the base serves as an anti-tipping member, where a sufficiently large lever arm between the center thereof and the edge of the base is such that the floral arrangement is immune to tipping over during normally encountered inertial forces of transportation by a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A decorative plant assembly and a method for making such including a flower pot or other pot or plant container, a sheet of material having an opening formed through a portion of the sheet of material and a bonding means for holding the sheet of material in a position about the outer peripheral surface of the pot. When placed about the pot, at least a portion of the sheet of material engages a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot. At least a portion of the bottom of the pot means is exposed through the opening in the sheet of material. A portion of the sheet of material may extend away from the upper end of the pot means to form a skirt. The sheet of material when extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot may further comprise a plurality of folds. The sheet of material may further comprise a tubular extension extending from the lower surface of the sheet of material.

Abstract: A device having a coiled section (13) and clip (12) attached over the rim of a pot (10) with an elongated stem (14) extending over and holding a plant in the pot. The coiled section (13) contains spring-like semi-circular loops and an outer vertical clip so that the rim of the pot fits between the loops and the clip for secure holding. An optional inward bending hook (15) may be further provided to hold the device under the bottom of the rim. Due to the spring-like expandability of the coiled section (13), the device can be easily used on plastic pots or any type of pot without modification.

Abstract: A decorative plant assembly and a method for making such including a flower pot or other pot or plant container, a sheet of material having an opening formed through a portion of the sheet of material and a bonding means for holding the sheet of material in a position about the outer peripheral surface of the pot. When placed about the pot, at least a portion of the sheet of material engages a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot. At least a portion of the bottom of the pot means is exposed through the opening in the sheet of material. A portion of the sheet of material may extend away from the upper end of the pot means to form a skirt. The sheet of material when extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot may further comprise a plurality of folds. The sheet of material may further comprise a tubular extension extending from the lower surface of the sheet of material.

Abstract: A plant package for a live plant having a stem, roots and rooting medium surrounding the roots. The package comprises a self-supporting, light transmissive, sealed polymer shell having an internal surface defining a package interior. A shelf is provided on the internal surface, and defines first and second interior compartments for containing the roots and stem, respectively. An inner container is provided for the roots and rooting medium, and an outer container engaged with the internal surface is provided for the inner container. A divider is engaged with the stem and inner container and assists with the maintenance of the roots and rooting medium within the inner container.

Abstract: A flat, flexible protective covering (10) having a center cavity (12), and a slot (14), that runs from the center cavity (12) to the outside diameter (16) of material, with a plurality of holes (18) connected by grooves (20).

Abstract: A Christmas tree storage and transport satchel adapted for use in association with a Christmas tree, the apparatus comprising: a tarp formed in a generally elliptical configuration with two end edges and a rounded central region therebetween, the tarp having an inner surface and an outer surface, each end edge including a plurality of grommets extending therealong, the tarp having a first side edge and a second side edge each including coupling devices, the outer surface of the tarp including a hand strap affixed thereto, in an operative orientation the tarp being wrapped around a Christmas tree with the coupling devices of each side edge being coupled together, a drawstring being positioned through the grommets of each end edge to enable users to close the edges by tightening the drawstrings so that debris from the Christmas tree does not escape from the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for packaging roses or other flowers (or other "botanicals"; e.g., cedar fronds) so that they are preserved in a fresh state for an extended period. A modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) machine seals the flower in a container under vacuum, and a vial which is attached to the stem of the flower includes a solution which releases preservative and rehydration materials from an absorbent medium so that the materials flow through the stem and outwardly through the pores of the flower and its leaves. An ion balanced environment stabilizes pollen and color while prolonging the shelf life of the cut flowers.

Abstract: A method for preparing a plant package assembly for delivery to a predetermined location and for transporting the plant package assembly thereto. The plant package assembly comprises a plurality of floral groupings disposed within floral containers. Each floral container is bondingly connected at its base to a support surface by a bonding material disposed on the floral container base, the floral container positioned in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: An animal barrier generally comprises a substantially open, substantially rigid grid, such as of wire, and a plurality of spikes of various lengths, heights and angles connected to the grid and projecting upward therefrom. In a preferred embodiment, the grid has a slit from its periphery inward for placing the grid around said stem of a plant, long spikes are at substantially right angles to the grid and slanted spikes are between 45.degree. and 80.degree. to the grid.

Abstract: A decorative plant assembly and a method for making such including a flower pot or other pot or plant container, a sheet of material having an opening formed through a portion of the sheet of material and a bonding means for holding the sheet of material in a position about the outer peripheral surface of the pot. When placed about the pot, at least a portion of the sheet of material engages a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot. At least a portion of the bottom of the pot means is exposed through the opening in the sheet of material. A portion of the sheet of material may extend away from the upper end of the pot means to form a skirt. The sheet of material when extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot may further comprise a plurality of folds. The sheet of material may further comprise a tubular extension extending from the lower surface of the sheet of material.

Abstract: A device for leak-resistant transport and storage of container plants is disclosed. The device employs an outer liquid reservoir which has a open-ended re-entrant structure extending from the top of the reservoir into the body thereof into which is placed a pot containing a plant. The height of the re-entrant structure is determined by an optimization formula so that a maximum quantity of liquid will be retained in the reservoir regardless of the orientation of the reservoir.

Abstract: A method of using a paper packing product (10) to store/ship a plant (12) with exposed roots (14). The method comprises the steps of: providing a multitude of narrow, elongated strips of paper material; wetting the paper strips; and packing the paper strips around the exposed roots (14) of a plant (12). In this manner, a root-packed plant is created which comprises a plant with unsoiled roots and a paper packing product packed around the unsoiled roots. Preferably, the paper strips include a plurality of transverse folds against the natural resilience of the material to form a longitudinally compressed strip and these strips are intertwined and interconnected to form a resilient mass. The preferred paper material is untreated thirty pound kraft paper and the strips are approximately 1/8 inch wide and approximately four to six inches long in an unfolded state.

Abstract: A pot for culturing a plant, particularly bulbous plants from which sprouts elongate while stem roots stretch out such as Liliaceae wherein the plant can grow upright in good condition, has a good appearance, and moreover, the grown plant may not fall down and assure a satisfactory number of flowers.In other words, a pot for culturing plants has a lid having a stem opening at the center, a guide tube having openings for the passage of stem roots and a pot having a side wall and a bottom portion, wherein the lid is attached onto the upper edge of the pot with the pot combined with the guide tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging horticultural items like cut flowers and potted plants for shippment in cardboard cartons is disclosed. An elongated rod extends from the top of the carton into a vase holding the horticultural items and secures the vase and horticultural from movement inside of the carton even in the event that the carton is upended.

Abstract: A shipping box for plants set with soil in pots, in which a plurality of holder panels are positioned in the box in spaced relation. Each panel is formed with a plurality of pairs of entry slots extending vertically upwardly from the bottom of the panel. The entry slots terminate at their upper ends in retaining slots adapted to receive elastic, resilient retainer bands which when expanded are adapted to extend around and thus constrict a potted plant and resiliently bias the plant toward the panel. The plant is thus retained in position during shipping, and its spilling of soil is prevented in the event the box is tipped or tilted.

Abstract: A new and improved open mesh plant soil protector apparatus includes a first half-cover assembly which includes a first open mesh portion adapted to cover an approximately first half of a quantity of soil in a potted plant. The first half-cover assembly also includes a first pot-encompassing portion connected to the first open mesh portion. The first pot-encompassing portion is adapted to encompass an approximately first half of a pot circumference. A second half-cover assembly includes a second open mesh portion adapted to cover an approximately second half of a quantity of soil in a potted plant. The second half-cover assembly also includes a second pot-encompassing portion connected to the second open mesh portion. The second open mesh portion is adapted to encompass an approximately second half of a pot circumference.

Abstract: Tubular structure, referred to herein as a plant funnel, surrounds a body of enclosed soil that, in turn, surrounds the base of a growing plant. This funnel, when inserted into garden soil, acts to confine about the base of the plant water and nutrients supplied from above to the body of enclosed soil. The funnel has an open and unobstructed bottom through which the body of enclosed soil can make contact with the garden soil and through which the base of the plant extends or can grow into the garden soil beneath the funnel. The funnel is made of a material that is substantially non-biodegradable.

Abstract: A receptacle for surrounding an article such as a pot containing a plant which is protective and decorative. A precut sheet having a central element and elongated strips radiating therefore is placed in a container having a floor and side walls. In one form of the invention, the central element is forced against the floor of the container by a retaining element which also urges the strips into an upright condition against the side walls of the container. Preferably, the strips are elevated to a height sufficient to protectively encompass the plant contained in the pot.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a growing container in which plants are hydroponically grown on a support medium is disclosed. The growing container includes a plurality of openings in which seals are installed. The seals include holes through which the plants grow. When seeds are planted, a hollow tube is placed through the seal hole to maintain the seed in position. After the seed germinates, it grows through the tube. As continued growth expands the plant's stem to the size of the tube, the tube breaks apart and does not constrain future plant growth. Moreover, as the plant grows further, the seal hole expands to accommodate the plant stem. The seal surrounds and contacts the plant stem to reduce evaporation of nutrient solution from the growing container and to keep insects and contamination out of the growing container. A holding container is positioned above the growing container and coupled to the growing container through a manifold arrangement.

Abstract: This receptacle for shipping horticultural products comprises an exterior box having an upper, lower, back and sidewall panels forming a rectangular shaped box having an open front; an open top vase including a moisture retention block is disposed within the lower portion of the vase; the moisture retention block is encompassed by a moisture barrier for maintaining the proper humidity for the floral arrangement; the moisture barrier including an open end that is closed by a retaining means; the exterior box receiving the vase therein and including means for holding the vase and the horticultural products in a stable condition during shipping, and at least one front panel and means for securing at least one front panel to the exterior box.

Abstract: An improved watering system is provided which consists of a water supply, an area of soil, vegetation within the area of soil and a mechanism for conveying water from the water supply by capillary action to the vegetation within the area of soil, so that the vegetation can grow normally within the soil.

Abstract: A wrap having a wrap opening formed through a portion thereof for wrapping a floral grouping having a bloom end and a stem end. The stem end of the floral grouping is inserted through the wrap opening in the wrap and the wrap is formed about the floral grouping and encompasses a substantial portion of the floral grouping while a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping remains extended through the wrap opening in the wrap. In one embodiment, the wrap includes an adhesive or cohesive or drawstring or the like for cooperating to secure the wrap tightly wrapped about the stem end of the floral grouping and for cooperating to secure the wrap wrapped about the floral grouping.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective shroud or cover for young trees or shrubberies. The shroud envelopes the tree via a zipper fastener and firmly secures itself thereon by means of two drawstrings and a fastening strip. The shroud consists of an essentially oval-shaped, protective fabric portion, a zipper fastener disposed on opposing side edges of the fabric portion, two drawstrings, and a lower fastening strip which can be constructed from Velcro.

Abstract: A new and improved protection apparatus is provided for a plant pot. The protection apparatus is installed in the plant pot which contains a quantity of soil and a plant therein. The protection apparatus includes a planar base member and an array of ridge portions that project upward from the planar base member. The ridge portions are arrayed on the planar base member in an alternating arrangement of planar base member portions and ridge portions. A plurality of apertures is located in the planar base member portions for permitting water to pass from the planar base member portions to the soil in the pot. A slot extends through a portion of the planar base member and through respective portions of the respective ridge portions. The slot permits respective opposing portions of the planar base member and the ridge portions which are adjacent to the slot to be separated by a person installing the protection apparatus in the pot.

Abstract: A device for mechanically checking the growth of noxious weeds within the growing containers of potted plants is shown. The device includes a mat of porous construction adapted to fit within the open top of a pot and engage a side wall thereof for inhibiting weed growth by shading the pot interior from light. A retainer, for positioning atop the mat, frictionally engages a side wall of the pot and retains the mat securely within the open top thereof. The pot may be provided with an overhanging and inwardly directed lip proximate the top of its side wall for engaging the retainer and locking such in place. In an alternative embodiment of the device, the retainer is formed as a ring, having an inverted U-shaped cross section, integrally joined to the outer edge of the mat for frictionally securing the mat to the pot. The device may also be provided with one or more chemical treatments such as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizers for promoting the growth of specified plant materials.

Abstract: A Christmas tree or tree container and protective underlay comprising a bottom which lays in a flat circular sheet forming the top of a first open bottomed container and the bottom of a second open topped container, the walls and circular sheet being so constructed, secured and configured as to define cylindrical containers closed at one end with the disk-shaped circular sheet and open at the other end and being substantially moisture and vapor tight, the first container walls being constructed and configured to be folded accordion-like under the circular sheet during display of the Christmas tree and to be lifted to enclose the Christmas tree for disposal thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: A flowerpot employs a water reservoir in its bottom section, a soil holding section above the water reservoir, a porous water/soil separation board which separates the water reservoir and the soil holding section, and a pot cover. Any excessive water in the water reservoir can escape to the outside through an overflow water escape facility. The porous water/soil separation board holds the soil thereon and allows any moisture or water to pass therethrough. The pot cover collects dews and rainwater and keeps the moisture in the pot from escaping to the outside by evaporation. Namely, the flowerpot is a planting system which has automatic water preserving, drainage, and recycling facilities.

Abstract: A wrap having a wrap opening formed through a portion thereof for wrapping a floral grouping having a bloom end and a stem end. The stem end of the floral grouping is inserted through the wrap opening in the wrap and the wrap is formed about the floral grouping and encompasses a substantial portion of the floral grouping while a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping remains extended through the wrap opening in the wrap. In one embodiment, the wrap includes an adhesive or cohesive or drawstring or the like for cooperating to secure the wrap tightly wrapped about the stem end of the floral grouping and for cooperating to secure the wrap wrapped about the floral grouping.

Abstract: A self-watering dish garden includes a lower container section which defines a liquid holding reservoir, an upper container section which fits on the lower container section and has an open top, and a tray which fits into the upper container section. The tray receives plant material in a growing medium and has a depth such that the bottom of the tray is above the top of the lower container section. The tray includes a supporting flange for supporting a partition which includes an outer rim and retaining members. At least one water absorbing member extends from the growing medium through the bottom of the tray into the liquid holding reservoir.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for manufacturing and protecting containers used in nurseries and horticulture, presenting an upper opening obturated by a cover for protecting the substrate previously filled in said container. Each container is subjected at least to an operation for fixing a sheet on its opening, thus closing it, at least an operation of perforating the sheet at its center, at least an operation of cutting the sheet to disconnect it from the web of sheet, and an operation for trimming the excess sheet by cutting it around the pot. These operations are carried out as the pots advance on a machine. The invention also relates to such a machine and to the containers produced.

Abstract: An improved cover for potted plants and method for covering potted plants is described. The cover provides a water tight seal at its base while at the same time protecting the plant from contact with water leaking out of the plant. The cover is in the form of a flat, tear-away bag that customers of florists and plant nurseries can use themselves without assistance.

Abstract: A plant package [12] for a live plant having a stem [S], roots [R] and rooting medium [D] surrounding the roots. The package comprises a self-supporting, light transmissive, sealed polymer shell [14] having an internal surface [22] defining a package interior [24]. A shelf [16] is provided on the internal surface, and defines first and second interior compartments [18, 20] for containing the roots and stem, respectively. The portion of the shell defining the first interior compartment has a greater thickness than the portion of the shell defining the second interior compartment, and the second compartment is substantially more permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules than the first compartment. An inner container [60] is provided for the roots and rooting medium, and an outer container [62] engaged with the internal surface is provided for the inner container. Together the containers and first interior compartment form a substantial water vapor barrier.

Abstract: A kit is provided for cultivating a plant, e.g. a pine tree. The kit comprises container in which the components of the kit are housed and which also serves as a growing pot. Inside the container is a package of seed or seeds, and a growing medium. The growing medium preferably comprises a first composition which is peat, for example in the form of a water-expandable pellet, and a second composition such as gravel which is placed over the peat in the container once the seeds have been planted.

Abstract: A plant packing container for retaining plant freshness has a flexible waterproof sheet laid on the bottom of a container body. An upper sheet overlays the flexible waterproof sheet and covers almost the entire bottom of the container body. The upper sheet retains moisture between the flexible waterproof sheet and itself. The stems of flowers or plants to be transported are inserted through perforations formed in the upper sheet to maintain the relative positions of the flowers or plants during transport. The flexible waterproof sheet is then folded over and wrapped around the plants held by the upper sheet. The packing container maintains an appropriate internal humidity level and minimizes factors which can cause the flowers or plants to be cut or spoiled during transportation.

Abstract: First and second sheets of material laminated by preferably sealing the same both peripherally and intermediate the side edges thereof to form first and second packages. Prior to sealing, seeds are disposed within the first package, while in the second package there is disposed all of the elements necessary to insure sprouting of the seeds and includes a propagation-grade soil mixture. The packages are severed with the first package, when properly trimmed, forming a sprouting container within which the sprouting elements and seeds are placed and thereafter watered to insure sprouting of the seeds.

Abstract: A pot cover covers the dirt in a flower pot, and locks to the pot to prevent scattering of the dirt and to prevent access by a small child or pet. The pot cover is a disk that is normally flat. The disk is split so the disk can be overlapped to cause the disk to become conical. The cover has water holes to allow adequate moistening of the soil. There is a hole in the cover for the stem of the plant, and the area surrounding the hole has easily removable rings to allow expansion of the hole. A skirt is attached to the cover, the skirt being adapted to be fixed to the pot. In one form, the skirt locks firmly around the perimeter of the pot. In another form, tabs on the skirt engage a lip of the pot.

Abstract: An integument and related process for the micropropagation of tissue and for the culturing of other organic matter is made of a translucent and semipermeable membrane.

Abstract: A combination greeting card and seed germination container which is suitable for mailing and contains a suitable greeting but when one side is removed the remaining portion can be utilized as a seed bed by moistening the growing medium contained in the container and placing seeds also contained in the container therein, which within a normal period of time will sprout and produce flowers.

Abstract: A multiple use packaging and shipping container for plants includes two opposed vertical side trays separated by a horizontal floor. Flats of bedding plants placed on the horizontal floor extend into the two opposed vertical side trays, which hold the flats and prevent them from moving. The opposed vertical side trays will support several additional shipping and display containers, allowing them to be stacked, one on top of another, without crushing or damaging the plants. The sides may also include vertical top tabs and bottom slots for aligning and holding the shipping and display containers in position when they stacked one on top of the other. Once delivered, these containers may be displayed in the stacked configuration, or may be unstacked. Each side tray of the container may be separated from the floor and reconfigured into a customer carry-out tray.

Abstract: Method and composition for retarding bloom development thereby extending shelf life of fresh cut flowers (16) by "blanketing" and "feeding" techniques. Fresh cut flowers, typified by roses are refrigerated and provided a blanketing confinement within a close environment of an essence of aromatic flower (such as lavender or rose) by the presence of essential flower oils or real aromatic flowers. The essence is, effectively, a vapor blanket. Cut stemmed (10) flowers are initially transported, stored or displayed in a container (18') of fresh water (19), in which a light or expanded magnesium carbonate sediment layer (21) provides cut flower end (14') envelopment for bacterial filtration, oxygen buffering and sufficient water-borne nutritional intake with or without the adjunct blanketing. Additionally, freshness is made determinable by a simple testing process which will anticipate the value of applying or reapplying the carbonate treatment technique.

Abstract: A fresh produce packing assembly and method for storing and transporting fresh produce. The produce packing assembly includes a hollow container having a liquid collection volume therein defined by a liquid impervious device and a passageway providing for liquid communication between the interior and exterior of the container. Produce pieces are positioned in the container and liquid, usually water, is added to the container for retention in contact with a portion of the produce positioned in the collection volume. The produce packing method includes the steps of placing produce pieces within a package having a liquid collection volume, closing the package to secure the pieces inside, introducing a liquid into the package for accumulation within the collection volume, and draining any liquid exceeding the amount retained by the collection volume from the interior of the container through the passageway.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for growing embryonic or other undeveloped plant material in a controlled, biologically sterile environment to produce plants capable of surviving in soil in an uncontrolled environment. Cloned somatic embryos of a particular plant are individually embeddeed in separate sterile plugs comprised of a soil-like particulate medium. A volume of aqueous medium comprising a source of carbon and energy for the somatic embryos, and plant growth regulating substances, if required, is added to each plug. The sterile plugs are then isolated from the ambient environment while permitting exposure to light and atmospheric gases sufficient to effect development of photosynthesis in the developing embryos in the plugs. While in such isolation, the resulting plantlets develop roots and shoots.

Abstract: A kit is provided for cultivating a plant, e.g. a pine tree. The kit comprises a container in which the components of the kit are housed and which also serves as a growing pot. Inside the container is a package of seed or seeds, and a growing medium. The growing medium preferably comprises a first composition which is peat, for example in the form of a water-expandable pellet, and a second composition such as gravel which is placed over the peat in the container once the seeds have been planted.

Abstract: The package (10) for shipping and storing articles such as cut flower arrangements (14) includes a flower container (12) lower portion is provided with water-containing absorbent foam block (18) receiving the flower stems (38) in pierced relation and a block (20) of non-absorbent, relatively rigid foam, above the absorbent block sealing said block and said flower stems in place. A plastic film vented shell (16) is disposed about the flowers and connected to the container in shrink-wrap relation. The package includes U-shaped insert (22) which holds the container firmly in place in the shipping carton (24) and refrigerated gel envelopes to ensure freshness of the flowers on arrival at their destination.

Abstract: A cover/wrap system for flower pots and the like allows the use of any sheet material to cover a pot and be held in place by a sleeve. A transparent sleeve can be used, and colored or patterned material will decorate the pot; and, if the material is subject to moisture damage, an inner sleeve acts as a moisture barrier. The sleeve can be set down, the sheet material placed over the sleeve, and the pot simply placed on the sheet material. The pot will sink into the sleeve and will urge the sheet material around the pot, then hold the material in place.

Abstract: This container system can be used for a delivery van (10) having an interior floor covering (18) providing the loop component of a hook and loop fastener. The floor covering provides attachment for a tray (24) having VELCRO strips (32) on the bottom (26) providing the hook component of the hook and loop fastener. The tray (24) can have tapered sides (28) adapted to receive the compatibly configurated container (40) of a relatively tall floral package (22). The floral package (22) includes a cooperating, tapered sleeve (42) which is sandwiched between the two containers when the floral package (22) is placed within the awaiting tray (24). The gripping interaction between the VELCRO strips (32) on the tray (24) and the floor covering (18) resists the tendency of the package to overturn and slide.

Abstract: A package (1) for the production and/or storage of plants, comprising a sealed container (2) for the plants in which at least a portion of the container is a membrane assembly of at least two selectively permeable membrane layers, an innermost membrane (5) having relatively high permeability to both gases and water vapor and an outermost membrane (6) having relatively high permeability to gases but being substantially impermeable to water vapor, said outer membrane layer (6) being strippable from the package leaving the innermost membrane (5) intact.

Abstract: A square RSC carton for potted plants and flowers to be used for shipping the potted item in the carton to the retail store, and for display of the potted item at the retail store. The top flaps are perforated for removal of arcuate portions of the top flaps and form a circular rim defining an aperture through which the flower pot is placed for support of its flange on the top flaps at the circular rim. "Pop-in" segments are formed across the corners of the adjacent side panels by parallel lateral slits and parallel vertical hinges enabling reversing the structure to support the weight of the flower pot by the top flaps. The top flaps are also infolded at second fold lines to suspend the flower pot below the top end of the carton thereby hiding the pot inside the display and showing only the flowers or plant.

Abstract: A plant tray having a locking mechanism which secures the contents of a propagation strip having a plurality cells containing growth medium and plants, and methods of using the same during the transportation or storage. The locking mechanism is an L-shaped moveable device which, when pivoted, easily secures the contents of the cells in place during shipment. The locking mechanism may be readily placed in an open position to facilitate removal of the contents.