Floral design container system

Abstract

A floral design system is described having a base that is utilized to house water when displaying live flowers. A lid is designed to fit within the base and has a series of openings about its surface. Rigid holding structures are attached to the lid with one or more elastic bands intertwined with the rigid holding structures to form a flexible web. The flexible web provides support for the stems of the flowers to be held firmly in place. The flexible web is made out of a pliable material for conforming to the shape of the stem while providing a tight fit. The bottom of the stems protrudes down into the base for water supply.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of copending and co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/001,880 entitled “Floral Design Container System”, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,096,623, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Dec. 2, 2004, by the inventor herein, which is based upon and claims benefit of copending and co-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/526,748 entitled “Flower Patch Design Containers”, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Dec. 3, 2003 by the inventor herein, the specifications of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a plant container system. More specifically, the invention relates to a system to enable a user to create a decorative floral display for use as a centerpiece or as a decorative display piece.

2. Background of the Prior Art

Holders for floral arrangements and other items requiring moisture are known in the art. Most holders for floral arrangements are constructed to receive a foam block into which the stem of a flower can be inserted. Various shapes of the foam block can be used to create different arrangements of flowers. Generally, the flower stems are placed into the foam in a desired orientation. If the stem is not strong enough to penetrate the floral foam, the flower may be attached to a wooden or plastic stick, usually by means of wire or tape.

Often, it is also desirable to include flowers in a holder so that the flowers extend at an angle relative to other flowers that are inserted into and vertically extend from the surface of the foam block in the holder. It is often desirable to have the flowers over both the flat top and the sloping portions and, preferably, drape over the upper portions of the vertical sides of the floral foam block. With the prior art holders in which the sides of the blocks extend only vertically, it is difficult, and requires skill, to insert the stems of the flowers into a side of the block and provide a good appearance as well as to cause the flowers to present a cascade effect. With a block having only horizontal and vertical surfaces, the stems of flowers that are to extend at an angle relative to the vertically extending flowers generally are inserted at an angle offset from the orthogonal to the top surface of the foam block and into the vertical side surfaces of the block. The insertion of stems into a foam block at a non-orthogonal angle to its top surface, in addition to the difficulties set forth, does not always result in secure retention of those stems in the block.

Many attempts have been made to simplify the design and display of floral arrangements. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,965,565; 1,973,868; and 1,989,952, issued to Bartlett, Field, and Thomas, respectively, disclose flower-holding devices. U.S. Pat. No. 2,577,251, issued to King, discloses a flower holder that is designed to hold cut flowers, regardless of the length or diameter of the stem. U.S. Pat. No. 4,958,461, issued to Aldrich, discloses a bucket with a cover to hold several small bunches of flowers while preventing the stems from becoming entangled.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,463, issued to Domurat, discloses a floral stand designed to display flower or branch arrangements in any desired orientation, including horizontally or upside down. The stand is a hollow shell made of a lightweight plastic material and formed in any pleasing shape desired for flower display. Inside the shell are located airtight compartments for holding liquid nutrient. Each compartment includes a hole for the insertion of a flower stem into it and means to grip the stem tightly.

While each of the above-mentioned devices may be effective to some degree in assisting a user in creating a pleasing floral arrangement, none of the references, however, discloses a compact and inexpensive container system using a flexible web attached to a specially designed lid to hold flowers at a variety of angles. None of the references discloses an alternative to the use of floral foam to hold flower stems in a desired arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a solution to the above and other problems by enabling a simply designed, easy to construct, and simple to use floral display system.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to enable a floral design container system that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

The present invention comprises a container designed to hold floral stems, greenery, (live, dried or artificial), and/or decorative picks as well as a candle or candles in an arranged pattern. This system also gives the option of displaying objects within the arrangement. The container can be created in various shapes and sizes. The container's shape dictates the various arrangements that can be made with the container. The structural concept of angled holding structures and elastic bands is how the stems or picks are held in place. Each system consists of a base, a lid, a unit base, a plurality of holding structures, and one or more elastic bands. In some embodiments, a wax catcher, and one or more candleholders can be included. The number and type (ex. tapered or pillar candles) of candleholders depends on the size and shape of the container. The container can be made of either transparent, translucent, or opaque materials or a combination of part transparent, translucent, and opaque materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are considered in more detail, in relation to the following description of embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings, in that:

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a floral centerpiece device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the floral centerpiece device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a base for use in the floral centerpiece device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of a lid for the floral centerpiece device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a holding structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of a floral centerpiece device of FIG. 1 with the flexible web removed.

FIG. 7 shows a unit base for use in the floral centerpiece device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The invention summarized above and defined by the enumerated claims may be better understood by referring to the following description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers are used for like parts. This description of an embodiment, set out below to enable one to build and use an implementation of the invention, is not intended to limit the enumerated claims, but to serve as a particular example thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

The invention is a centerpiece/floral holder. The holder comprises a base that is utilized to hold water when displaying live flowers. A lid is designed to fit within the base and has a series of openings about its surface. A plurality of rigid holding structures is attached to the lid. One or more elastic bands are intertwined with the rigid holding structures to form a flexible web. The flexible web provides openings through which the stems of the flowers are passed to be held firmly in place. The bottom of the stems protrudes down into the base for water supply. The lid of the holder may also include a circular aperture that serves as a means for replenishing the water supply in the base and for adding an optional candleholder member. An optional outer base having a diameter larger than the inner base is tailored to receive the first base within its inner cavity. The outer base allows the user flexibility in decorating the entire holder.

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a floral design container system according to the present invention, indicated generally as 10. The container system comprises a base 13, a lid 28, a plurality of rigid holding structures 16 with one or more elastic bands 17, and optionally a candleholder 19. The base 13 (see FIG. 3) comprises a flat bottom 22 and a peripheral wall 25 creating a shallow, hollow dish for water, stem, or pick containment. Base 13 should be made from water resistant solid material that maintains its shape. The material can be transparent, translucent, opaque, or a combination of materials. The shape of base 13 should correspond with the shape of lid 28.

Referring to FIG. 4, the lid 28 has a generally rigid, flat or convex domed surface having a plurality of openings 31 therein. Such openings 31 may be arranged symmetrically around a central location on the lid 28. An inner alignment wall 34 extends downward and substantially perpendicular from the bottom of the lid 28. The inner diameter of the peripheral wall 25 of base 13 should be slightly larger than the exterior diameter of the alignment wall 34, in order to create a snug fit between the peripheral wall 25 of base 13 and the alignment wall 34 of lid 28, so as to prevent water leakage. The alignment wall 34 also allows a user to place and use the lid 28 in vessels other than the base 13. In an alternate embodiment, the lid 28 can be placed in a mounting post, for arrangement in a vase or other container, if so desired.

The lid 28 is constructed for stem or pick placement and containment. The lid 28 should be made from a water resistant solid material that maintains its shape. The material can be made from transparent, translucent, or opaque materials or a combination of them. The lid 28 may contain one or more candleholders 19 that extend out from the top side of the lid. The candleholder 19 is hollow on the inside and open on the top end (where the candle is inserted) and open on the bottom end (where it is connected to the lid) so it can be used as an outlet to fill the base 13 with water when the container is assembled. If there is more than one candleholder 19 on a lid 28, at least one candleholder should have an open-ended bottom to be used as an outlet for water filling purposes, the others may or may not be sealed on the bottom end. The lid 28 may or may not include candleholders.

Also disposed on the lid 28 are a central hub 37 and a plurality of elongate slots 40 extending radially from the central hub 37. The top of the central hub 37 comprises the candleholder 19, if included. Near the base of the central hub 37, there is a plurality of apertures 42. Each opening 42 should be aligned with one of the elongate slots 40.

FIG. 5 shows a holding structure 16. The holding structure 16 can vary in shape or size according to the shape and size of the floral design container 10. In some embodiments, the holding structure 16 can be made as part of the lid 28 or it can be made separately and attached to the lid 28. The holding structure 16 is preferably made from a rigid material and has one or more slits 44 that accommodate one or more bands 17 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Each slit 44 on the holding structure 16 is positioned at a particular angle; the angles are determined by the design of the floral container 10. To maintain support and placement of the slits 44, support material is configured in a lattice structure 46 between the slits 44. If the holding structure 16 is not formed integrally with the lid 28 a tab 47 and notch 50 are provided on a base extension 52. The base extension 52 is sized and configured to fit in the elongate slot 40 in the lid 28. Tab 47 is placed into the aperture 42 in the central hub 37 and the notch 50 engages the outer end of the elongate slot 40.

In an alternate embodiment, the base extension 52 need not be connected to the central hub 37. The base extension 52 can be configured to have a notch 50 on each end to engage both ends of the elongate slot 40.

FIG. 6 shows a plurality of holding structures 16 attached to the lid 28. The angles, shape, and number of the holding structures 16 can vary according to the design of the container.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, one or more wide elastic bands 17 are entwined with the holding structures 16 to form a flexible web 55. The elastic bands 17 are made from a pliable material in order to have a degree of stretch, so as to conform to various stem diameters. The elastic bands 17 have an interior wall facing toward the central hub 37 and an exterior wall facing in the opposite direction. The width and thickness of the elastic bands 17 is selected to fit within the slit 44 of the holding structure 16. In some embodiments, an additional elastic band can be placed together such that a pair of bands 17 is engaged in the slit 44 and leaving an accessible opening at the top and bottom of the bands 17. This enables a secure method of holding the stem or pick in place. In some embodiments, the elastic bands 17 may be a porous or semi-porous material.

The holding structures 16 are positioned in the elongate slot 40 near the openings 31 so the band 17 stretching between adjacent holding structures 16 forms a flexible web 55 positioned near or over the openings 31. When a flower stem is inserted through the bands 17 and the opening 31 to the base 13, it is held in place. When only a single band 17 is used, the flower stem rests between the interior wall of the band and an edge of the opening 31. When two or more bands are used, the flower stem is held between two juxtaposed strips of the elastic band 17. When a stem or pick is inserted between the bands 17, they will separate enough to receive the stem or pick into, through the space between the bands, and out the bottom that leads to the base 13. This enables a secure method of holding the stem or pick in place.

The purpose of the flexible web 55 is to place the stem of a flower in the display system 10 at a particular angle when the stem is inserted through the flexible web 55 into the container 10. The flexible web 55 can vary in shape and design but is always used for the purpose of angle placement and stem or pick containment. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible web 55 is made out of material that is pliable, yet firm enough to hold its shape and the angle at which it is formed.

A unit base 56 is shown in FIG. 7. The unit base 56 comprises a flat bottom 58 and a peripheral wall 61 creating a shallow, hollow dish that is made from water resistant solid material that maintains its shape. Typically, a rim 64 extends around the top edge of the peripheral wall 61. The material of the unit base 56 can be transparent, translucent, opaque, or a combination of materials. The shape of the unit base 56 corresponds with the shape of the base 13 and lid 28. The unit base 56 is a separate container in which the floral design container 10 can be placed. The unit base 56 should be hollow and approximately the same shape and height as the base 13 of the floral design container 10 with a substantially larger diameter. The function of unit base 56 is to hold random materials to give the user a variety of looks for their arrangements. This feature also gives the user the option of having their arrangement appear as if it were arranged in various mediums other than water. This is achieved by filling the unit base 56 with desired materials and letting them flow over onto the surface of the lid 28.

The invention has been described with references to a preferred embodiment. While specific values, relationships, materials and steps have been set forth for purposes of describing concepts of the invention, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the basic concepts and operating principles of the invention as broadly described. It should be recognized that, in the light of the above teachings, those skilled in the art can modify those specifics without departing from the invention taught herein. Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with such underlying concept. It is intended to include all such modifications, alternatives and other embodiments insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or equivalents thereof. It should be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein. Consequently, the present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A floral design container system comprising:

a lid, comprising: (1) a top surface having a plurality of openings therein; and (2) an alignment wall extending from said lid;

a plurality of holding structures attached to said lid; and

one or more elastic bands connected between adjacent holding structures wherein the plurality of holding structures and one or more elastic bands are configured to enable a flower stem inserted in said system to be held in place.

2. The floral design system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one candleholder attached to said lid.

3. The floral design system according to claim 1, said holding structure further comprising:

at least one slit that can accommodate said one or more elastic bands.

4. The floral design system according to claim 3, said holding structure comprising a lattice structure between slits.

5. The floral design system according to claim 1, said lid further comprising a plurality of elongate slots disposed on said lid.

6. The floral design system according to claim 5, said holding structure further comprising a base extension sized and configured to fit in said elongate slot on said lid, said base extension having a notch at at least one end of said based extension.

7. The floral design system according to claim 1, said lid further comprising:

a central hub; and

a plurality of elongate slots disposed on said lid.

8. The floral design system according to claim 7, said holding structure further comprising a base extension sized and configured to fit in said elongate slot on said lid, said base extension having a notch at a first end thereof and a tab at a second end thereof

wherein said central hub comprises a plurality of apertures sized and configured to enable said tab to be placed therein.

9. The floral design system according to claim 8, wherein said apertures are aligned with one of the elongate slots disposed on said lid.

10. The floral design system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a base, comprising: (1) a bottom surface; and (2) a base wall around the periphery of said bottom surface

wherein the diameter of said base wall is sized and configured to fit said alignment wall.

11. The floral design system according to claim 10, wherein said candleholder has at least one opening in the bottom thereof to enable water to be added to said base through said candleholder.

12. The floral design system according to claim 10, further comprising:

a unit base, comprising: (1) a bottom surface; and (2) a wall around the periphery of said bottom surface; wherein the interior diameter of said wall is larger than the exterior diameter of said base wall.