Apparatus, Systems and Methods for Packaging, Protecting and Displaying Flowers

Abstract

Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for packaging and protecting flowers. Specifically, a rigid crate or bucket holds cut flowers therein, and a rigid sleeve protects the same. The crate or bucket may be stackable for storing and/or shipping of the same, thereby protecting the flowers therein. Moreover, systems comprise a foldable rack for holding one or a plurality of crates or buckets thereon for displaying the same.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to apparatuses, systems and methods for packaging and protecting flowers. Specifically, the present invention relates to a rigid crate or bucket for holding cut flowers therein, and a rigid sleeve for protecting the same. The crate or bucket may be stackable for storing and/or shipping of the same, thereby protecting the flowers therein. Moreover, the present invention relates to systems comprising a foldable rack for holding one or a plurality of crates or buckets thereon for displaying the same.

BACKGROUND

It is, of course, generally known to cut flowers for displaying and/or selling the same. Indeed, cut flowers have been a commodity for hundreds of years, as people use them for decorative purposes and other purposes. For example, decorative cut flower arrangements may be displayed inside buildings, such as on tables and the like, and are generally pleasing to people.

In fact, a recent study by Rutgers University confirms that the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions in individuals, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed. Specifically, fresh cut flowers may be pleasing to the eye and the nose, as flowers tend to be beautiful and emit pleasant fragrances.

Although some people may grow their own flowers, it is more common for people to purchase fresh cut flowers from stores, such as, for example, local florists or grocery stores Like many goods that are sold at stores, fresh cut flowers are grown, cut, and packaged typically miles from the stores in which they are sold. Many flowers are very delicate, and it may be difficult to transport flowers from where they are grown and harvested to a store for sale without causing damage to the flowers. Thus, a need exists for apparatuses, systems and methods for holding, packaging, storing and shipping freshly cut flowers from where they are grown and harvested to where they are displayed for purchase, such as at a store or the like.

Moreover, because of their delicate natures, flowers may be better displayed and, therefore, sold more easily if they are handled less during storing and shipping of the same as the flowers travel from their point of harvest to their point of sale. Various solutions have been proposed for minimizing the risk of damage. Specifically, EP Patent No. 0311174 proposed a rectangular crate with sloping side walls which are provided close to their top walls with a channel that projects outwardly and is open at the top, the base of which channel serves to support a foldable rectangular protective tube.

To solve problems with crates binding one with the other, U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,330 to Helsloot et al. proposed packaging for cut flowers having a crate with a shoulder that extends between the top edge of the sloping side walls of the crate and the base or bottom end of the inner flange of the channel that is open at the top. The shoulder serves the dual purpose of being a support for a rectangular presentation collar for long flowers that may extend beyond the top edge of the crate, and for nesting a number of crates together without risk of binding one to the other.

However, the '330 patent created additional problems by decreasing the usable inner space of the crate by incorporating a shoulder extending into the usable space of the crate. Moreover, the crates holding the flowers, as disclosed in the '330 patent, required both an inner collar and an outer protective tube for protecting the flowers contained therein. Therefore, a need exists for apparatuses, systems and methods for packaging, storing and shipping flowers utilizing less packaging, and providing the same if not more protection for the flowers than demonstrated by the '330 patent.

In addition, once flowers have been grown, harvested, packaged, stored and/or shipped to a point of sale, they must typically be displayed. Again, it is desirable to ensure that the flowers are not mishandled during the shipping process. Moreover, it is desirable that the flowers are not mishandled when set out for display. Therefore, the less the flowers are directly handled, or transferred from one package to another, the better condition the flowers will be in when displayed at a point of sale. Therefore, a need exists for apparatuses, systems and methods for displaying freshly cut flowers minimizing the handling of the same. Moreover, a need exists for apparatuses, systems and methods for displaying freshly cut flowers wherein the display utilizes the same packages utilized for storing and/or shipping the freshly cut flowers.

Moreover, flowers are cut to different sizes where harvested, packaged, stored, shipped, and/or displayed. Generally, different crates or buckets having different shapes and/or sizes have been used to store, ship, and/or display different sizes of flowers. Therefore, a need exists for apparatuses, systems and methods for adapting a single crate or bucket to store, ship, and/or display different sizes of flowers.

Further, it is desirable that the crates or buckets be easily transportable from a manufacturer to the users of the same. Of course, it is desirable that the apparatuses and systems thereof minimize space and weight during shipment of the same. Therefore, there is a need for apparatuses, systems and methods for packaging, storing, shipping and displaying freshly cut flowers that require minimal space and weight requirements when shipped to users of the same.

Specifically, there is a need for crates or buckets that may be easily packaged, such as with straps or bands, so that the crates, lids and/or any protective tube that may be disposed between the crate and the lid, may be easily and securely bound together. Moreover, there is a need for ergonomic handle grips, both on the lid and on the crate or bucket, for handling the same, such as by using one hand. Specifically, there is a need for handle grips, specifically on the lid, that do not protrude into the flower area of the bucket or the protective tube. Moreover, a need exists for handle grips, specifically on the lid, that do not protrude above the lid, thereby interfering with another crate or bucket unit that may be stacked thereupon.

Further, a need exists for crates or buckets that may easily drain water from areas that may otherwise collect the same, potentially interfering with protecting material, such as cardboard or the like, that may become saturated with water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparatuses, systems and methods for packaging and protecting flowers. Specifically, the present invention relates to a rigid crate or bucket for holding cut flowers therein, and a rigid sleeve for protecting the same. The crate or bucket may be stackable for storing and/or shipping of the same, thereby protecting the flowers therein. Moreover, the present invention relates to systems comprising a foldable rack for holding one or a plurality of crates or buckets thereon for displaying the same.

To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a crate or bucket is provided. The crate or bucket comprises an internal space for holding cut flowers therein, having four side walls, and a U-shaped channel disposed along the top of the four side walls, the U-shaped channel comprising a long side flange and a short side flange and a bottom surface, the U-shaped channel sized to hold a lid and a protective tube thereon.

In an alternate embodiment, a display rack is provided. The display rack comprises a trellis comprising a pair of support bars and a plurality of horizontal bars for supporting a display hoop thereof and a crate or bucket for holding cut flowers therein, the display rack further comprising a base hingedly connected to the trellis on a first end, and removably connected to a pair of vertical supports on a second end thereof, the vertical supports removably connected on a first end to the base and on a second end, hingedly connected to the trellis.

It is, therefore, an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide apparatuses, systems and methods for holding, packaging, storing and shipping freshly cut flowers from where they are grown and harvested to where they are displayed for purchase, such as at a store or the like.

Moreover, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide apparatuses, systems and methods for packaging, storing and shipping flowers utilizing less packaging, and providing the same if not more protection for the flowers than demonstrated by the '330 patent.

In addition, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide apparatuses, systems and methods for displaying freshly cut flowers minimizing the handling of the same.

Moreover, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide apparatuses, systems and methods for displaying freshly cut flowers wherein the display utilizes the same packages utilized for storing and/or shipping the freshly cut flowers.

Additionally, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide apparatuses, systems and methods for adapting a single crate or bucket to store, ship, and/or display different sizes of flowers.

Still further, it is an advantage and objective to provide apparatuses, systems and methods for packaging, storing, shipping and displaying freshly cut flowers that require minimal space and weight requirements when shipped to users of the same.

Moreover, it is an advantage and objective to provide apparatuses, systems and methods comprising crates or buckets that may be easily packaged, such as with straps or bands, so that the crates, lids and/or any protective tube that may be disposed between the crate and the lid, may be easily and securely bound together.

It is a further objective and advantage of the present invention to provide apparatuses, systems and methods comprising ergonomic handle grips, both on the lid and on the crate or bucket, for handling the same, such as by using one hand.

Specifically, it is an objective and advantage of the present invention to provide apparatuses, systems and methods comprising handle grips, specifically on the lid, that do not protrude into the flower area of the bucket or the protective tube.

Moreover, it is an objective and advantage of the present invention to provide apparatuses, systems and methods comprising handle grips, specifically on the lid, that do not protrude above the lid, thereby interfering with another crate or bucket unit that may be stacked thereupon.

Further, it is an objective and advantage of the present invention to provide apparatuses, systems and methods comprising crates or buckets that may easily drain water from areas that may otherwise collect the same, potentially interfering with protecting material, such as cardboard or the like, that may become saturated with water

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bucket for holding, storing, shipping and/or displaying flowers in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the bucket in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first side view of the bucket in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second side view of the bucket in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up raised perspective view of a corner of the bucket in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a lower perspective view of a top and side of the bucket in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a lid for a bucket in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a combination of the lid and the bucket in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a combination of the lid and the bucket, and a protective tube disposed between the lid and the bucket in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a close-up view of the lid in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the lid, protective tube, and bucket, and a strap holding the aforementioned together in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a stacked configuration of the aforementioned lid, protective tube, bucket, and strap combination, in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a nested configuration of a plurality of buckets in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a display rack with display hoops and buckets disposed therein in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a rear view of the display rack, display hoops and buckets disposed thereon an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a display hoop in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a display rack with a plurality of display hoops and buckets disposed thereon in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a support bar and base of the display rack in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a display rack in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates a stacked configuration of a plurality of display racks in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates a plan view of a flower crate insert in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of a flower crate insert in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates an elevated perspective view of a flower crate and an insert disposed therein in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to apparatuses, systems and methods for packaging and protecting flowers. Specifically, the present invention relates to a rigid crate or bucket for holding cut flowers therein, and a rigid sleeve for protecting the same. The crate or bucket may be stackable for storing and/or shipping of the same, thereby protecting the flowers therein. Moreover, the present invention relates to systems comprising a foldable rack for holding one or a plurality of crates or buckets thereon for displaying the same.

Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIG. 1 illustrates a bucket 10 for holding cut flowers in accordance with the present invention. Specifically, the bucket 10 may be of sufficient size, shape and volume to hold a plurality of cut flowers therein. In addition, the bucket 10 may be any shape, whether relatively small or relatively large, depending on the amount of flowers desired to be contained therein. Specifically, the bucket 10 may be utilized for holding cut flowers therein after harvesting the same for holding, storing, shipping and or displaying the same, as will be described in more detail below. In a preferred embodiment, the bucket 10 may be made from a rigid and relatively strong thermoplastic material, and may easily be molded as desired via any molding methodology apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The bucket 10 may comprise, generally, four side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, which may generally be sloped inwardly, or tapered inwardly. Disposed in side walls 12, 16 may be receptacles 20, 22 forming handgrips for a user to hold and carry the same. Moreover, sidewalls 14, 18 may have apertures or windows 24 disposed therein for providing ventilation for flowers that may be contained within the bucket 10. Disposed near a top of the bucket 10 may be an upwardly open U-shaped channel 26 that may run around a top perimeter of the four side walls 12, 14, 16, 18. The U-shaped channel 26 may provide a resting surface for a protective tube (shown below in FIG. 9).

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the bucket 10, illustrating the bucket 10 having the U-shaped channel 26 running around the top periphery of the sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18. Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of ribs 28 forming a pattern (such as, for example, a hexagonal “honeycomb” pattern) may be formed in a bottom 30 of the bucket 10. The ribs 28 may provide rigidity and strength to the bottom 30, thereby helping to hold the contents of the bucket 10, such as the cut flowers, water or any other material contained therein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of side wall 14, forming one of the long side walls of the bucket 10. It should be noted that the bucket 10 may preferably be symmetrical in that the side wall 14 may be identical, or nearly identical, to the other long side wall 18 disposed on an opposite side of the bucket 10. The U-shaped channel 26 may run along the top of the side wall 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the U-shaped channel may have a short side flange 32 disposed on an outside of the U-shaped channel 26 and a long side flange 34 disposed on an inside of the U-shaped channel 26, with a bottom surface (not shown) between the short side flange 32 and the long side flange 34. Further, apertures 24 may be disposed in the side wall 14 for ventilation of the interior of the bucket 10.

The short side flange 32 may have, in the corners of the U-shaped channel, extension flanges 36 that may extend downwardly from the short flange 32. As shown below, the extension flanges 36 may restrict the bucket 10 from traversing too deeply into another bucket 10 when nested. Specifically, the bottom surface of the extension flanges 36 may come to rest upon the top surface of the short flange 32 when buckets are nested together. Therefore, the buckets may be more easily removed one from another.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of side wall 12, forming one of the short side walls of the bucket 10. It should be noted that the bucket 10 may preferably be symmetrical in that the side wall 12 may be identical, or nearly identical, to the other short side wall 16 disposed on an opposite side of the bucket 10. The U-shaped channel may have the short side flange 32 and the long side flange 34, as described above, with the bottom surface of the U-shaped channel disposed therebetween. The bottom surface of the U-shaped channel may comprise a resting surface for a protective tube that may rest within the U-shaped channel, as describe in more detail below. The receptacle 20 may be provided in the side wall 12 forming the handle for a user to hold the bucket 10 in his or her hand.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective close-up view of the bucket 10, specifically, the corner of the U-shaped channel 36, showing details thereof. Specifically, the U-shaped channel 26 may have a plurality of drainholes 40 contained therein for draining water that may collect in the U-shaped channel 26. In addition, the U-shaped channel may further comprise ribs 42 that may extend from the short flange 32 to the long flange 34. The ribs 42 may serve the purposes of providing rigidity and strength to the U-shaped channel 26, but may also provide depressions 44 between the ribs 42 that may allow water to collect therein and drain out of the U-shaped channel through the drainholes 40 contained therein. As shown, the ribs 42 may be any shape or thickness, and further may provide an upper surface for the protective tube to fit thereon. By including the depressions 44, water may be drained away from the protective tube, which may be made from a material that may be damaged by the water, such as cardboard or the like, as described in more detail below.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the bottom surfaces of some of the depressions 44 may form an ergonomic hand grip 46 that may allow a user to handle the bucket 10 without discomfort or pain from sharp edges.

Now referring to FIG. 7, a lid 50 is illustrated. The lid 50 may comprise a frame 52 that may run around a perimeter of the lid 50, the frame 52 having a shape that may allow the lid 50 to rest upon the top of the bucket 10, as illustrated in FIG. 8 or a protective tube 51, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The frame 52 may be shaped to fit the top of the bucket 10, being preferably rectangular in shape. The frame 52 may further include receptacles for engaging with both the short flange 32 and the long flange 34 to form a relatively snug and form-fitted shape when disposed on the bucket 10. Specifically, the frame 52 may comprise a downwardly disposed flange having a bottom surface that may meet a top surface of the upwardly disposed short flange 32 of the U-shaped channel. In addition, the frame 52 may have a receptacle 56 formed therein to accept the long flange 34 of the U-shaped channel 26.

Disposed on the four corners of the frame 52 of the lid 50 may be platforms 58a, 58b, 58c, 58d for holding the bottom of another bucket 10 thereon. The platforms 58a, 58b, 58c, 58d may be shaped to provide a surface for the bottom of another bucket 10 to rest thereon, as illustrated below with respect to FIG. 11.

Cross beam 60 may extend across the frame 52. In addition, cross beam 62 may extend across the frame 52 such that cross beams 60, 62 are perpendicular to each other, forming within the frame 52. Thus, spaces 64 may be provided that may allow cut flowers to be disposed therethrough, and further may provide ventilation holes to allow air to flow therethrough. The crossbeams 60, 62 may have a relatively flat top surface so as to not interfere with the bottom of another bucket disposed thereon.

The lid 50 may preferably be made from a thermoplastic material and may be constructed via any molding methodology apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, although the materials and method of making the same should be not be limited as describe herein.

As shown in FIG. 9, protective tube 51 may sit atop the bucket 10, with the bottom surface of the protective tube 51 resting within the U-shaped channel 26. Preferably, the protective tube 51 may be made of rigid cardboard or another rigid material, such as rigid thermoplastic material or the like. Preferably, the protective tube 51 may be made from cardboard stock and folded into a rectangular tube configuration via foldlines disposed therein. When a protective tube 51 is utilized, the lid 50 may rest upon the protective tube 51 instead of the bucket 10 if the protective tube 51 is utilized. Specifically, the protective tube 51 may be utilized when flowers are contained within the bucket 10 that may extend a distance above the top of the bucket 10, requiring a heightened vertical protection of the same.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a close-up view of the lid 50 is illustrated. On the frame 52 of the lid 50 may be a strap receptacle 64, preferably comprising a first rib 66a and a second rib 66b disposed in a parallel or roughly parallel configuration, and providing a location for a strap to be disposed thereon for tying down the lid 50 when disposed on the protective tube 51 or directly on the bucket 10. The strap may lie on a top surface of the cross beam 60 and traverse to the other side of the lid 50. Specifically, the strap may extend downwardly from the lid around the bucket 10 and, if present, the protective tube disposed between the bucket 10 and the lid 50. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a strap 61 may be disposed atop crossbeam 62, and may be held in place via strap receptacles disposed on opposite sides of the lid 50, disposed downwardly and around both the protective tube 51 and the bucket 10.

Also illustrated in FIG. 10, crossbeams 60, 62 may comprise hand grip features that may be disposed on a bottom surface of the crossbeams 60, 62, thereby allowing a user to pick up the bucket and lid unit, without causing discomfort to the user's hand. Either or both of the crossbeams 60, 62 may comprise the hand grip features, as apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. The hand grip features may have a profile that prevents their extension downwardly into the flower area within the protective tube 51 (if disposed on the protective tube 51, as illustrated in FIG. 11), or downwardly into the bucket 10 if disposed directly on the bucket 10. Moreover, the crossbeams 60, 62 may have size and shape whereby each does not extend upwardly, so as not to interfere with a bucket 10 that may be disposed atop the lid 50, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, strap depressions 70 may be impressed into the bucket 10 at a bottom thereof to hold the strap as it wraps around the bucket 10 for tying down the lid 50 and protective tube 51. Specifically, a strap depression 70 may be disposed in each of the four side walls 12, 14, 16, 18 to hold the strap in place and restrict movement thereof. In addition, the strap depression 70 may be utilized to measure the amount of water that may be contained within the bucket 10. Specifically, it may be desired to have at least an inch of water within the bucket 10 for the storage, shipment and/or display of cut flowers within the bucket 10. The strap depression 70 may be appropriately sized to show whether the bucket is sufficiently filled with water. Preferably, the strap depression 70 may be about an inch tall, indicating that to a user that an inch of water is in the bucket 10. Preferably, the bucket 10 may be translucent so that the water level therein may be viewable from outside the bucket 10.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the strap 61 may traverse the crossbeam 62 and be held in place with strap receptacles 64 disposed on opposite sides of the lid 50. Moreover, the strap 61 may traverse downwardly and around the bucket 10, and may be disposed within the strap depressions 70 on the bottom of the bucket, strategically placed to hold the strap in place so that the strap 61 does not move during storage and/or shipment thereof. It should be noted that a strap (not shown) may be disposed across crossbeam 60 either additionally or in the alternative, and may traverse downwardly and around bucket 10 to tie down the lid 50, protective tube 51 and bucket 10.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a first unit A of bucket, protective tube and lid may be stacked with a second unit B of bucket, protective tube and lid. This may allow for the maximization of space during storage and/or shipment of the same. Although two units A, B are shown stacked together, it should be noted that any number of units may be stacked together, as apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. As illustrated, the bottom of the bucket of unit A fits neatly on the top surface of the lid of Unit B, thereby minimizing and/or restricting movement of the same during storage and/or shipment thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a plurality of buckets 10a, 10b are stacked together in a nested configuration with bucket 10a disposed within bucket 10b, in an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the top of long side flange 34a of the bucket 10a may rest on the bottom surface of U-shaped channel 26b of the bucket 10b, thereby restricting the positioning of the bucket 10b within the bucket 10a, thereby allowing the bucket 10b to be easily removed from the bucket 10a. Moreover, extension flanges 36b of bucket 10b that may extend downwardly from short extension flange 32b may also restrict the bucket 10b from traversing too deeply into another bucket 10 when nested. Specifically, the bottom surface of the extension flanges 36b of the bucket 10b may come to rest upon the top surface of the short flange 32a of bucket 10a when the buckets 10a, 10b are nested together. Although FIG. 13 illustrates only two buckets nested together, any number of buckets may be nested together, as apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, buckets as disclosed herein may be nested and stacked together for shipment of the same, thereby minimizing space during shipment, but may also be easily removed one from another.

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention, of a display rack system 100 comprising a display rack 102 and a plurality of buckets 10, held on the display rack 102 by a plurality of display hoops 112. Each display hoop apparatus 112 may comprise a roughly rectangular hoop 114 of strong, rigid and durable construction, preferably of steel or other like material, that may loop around each bucket 10 to hold each bucket 10 on the display rack 102. Specifically, the hoop 114 may have an upper surface 116 that may reside on a bottom surface of U-shaped channel 26, thereby holding the bucket 10 on the hoop 114 for displaying the bucket 10 and flowers that may be contained therein. The hoop 114 may further have hand-hold portions 118 that may extend downwardly, thereby clearing around the hand receptacles 20 disposed within the bucket 10, allowing a user's hands to easily grip the buckets by placing the hands within the receptacles 20 without interference from the hoop 114.

The display hoop apparatus 112 may further have one or more extension arms 120 extending from a side of the hoop 114, each extension arm 120 having a downwardly disposed hook 122 for hooking on a horizontal cross bar 130 of display rack 102. Moreover, each extension arm 120 may have a lower extension flange 124 on a roughly vertical support bar 126 for engaging with another horizontal cross bar 132 of the display rack 102 that may be lower than the horizontal crossbar 130 on which the hook 122 is engaged. The vertical support bar 126, along with angled support bar 128, may form a support apparatus for holding the hoop 112, the hook 122 and the extension flange 124. Thus, the display hoop may be effectively held in place without significant movement of the display hook while on the display rack 102 or falling of the same off of the display rack 102. Moreover, the hoop may be disposed on an angle relative to the support apparatus described above such that when a bucket of flowers is displayed therein, the front of the bucket may downwardly angled to more easily see the contents of the bucket.

The display rack 102 may have a plurality of horizontal crossbars for holding display hoops 114 and buckets thereon in various configurations as desired by a user. As illustrated in FIGS. 14-15, three display hoops are engaged with a plurality of crossbars on the display rack 102. FIG. 17 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention of a display rack 140 having a larger area on which to place display hoops and, consequently, buckets that may contain flowers for display. Of course, the display racks, as disclosed herein, may be any size to accommodate any number of display hoops and buckets thereon, in any configuration as desired by the user for display of the same.

Moreover, as illustrated in FIGS. 14, 15 and 17, the display racks of the present invention may generally comprise a display trellis 150, vertical supports 152a, 152b, and a base 154 for supporting the same. The display trellis 150 may have the aforementioned horizontal cross bars for holding the display hoops thereon, as illustrated in FIGS. 14, 15 and 17. The display trellis 150 may further have a pair of angled support bars 156a, 156b disposed on opposite sides of the horizontal crossbars for supporting the same. The vertical supports 152a, 152b may extend upwardly from the base 154 and may rigidly engage with the tops of the angled support bars 156a, 156b, and may further be rigidly engaged with the base 154. The base 154 may be rectangular in configuration having four rigid sides for supporting the display rack. Optionally, one or more wheels 158 may be disposed on the base 154 for easily moving the display rack where desired.

FIG. 18 illustrates a close-up view of the engagement of the vertical support 152a with the base 154, in an embodiment of the present invention. The vertical support 152a may be disposed within a receptacle 160 that may be disposed within the base 154 that may be sized to receive the same. An aperture 162 may be contained within the receptacle 160 that may match a receptacle 164 within the vertical support 152a for holding a pin (not shown) that may hold the vertical support 152a to the base 154.

The vertical supports 152a, 152b may further be connected via hinges 166a, 166b, respectively, at a top thereof to the angled support bars 156a, 156b, respectively. Thus, if the pin (not shown) is pulled from the receptacles 162, 164, thereby disconnecting the vertical supports 152a, 152b from the base 154, the vertical supports 152a, 152b may be removed and hingedly moved for packing the same for shipping, as illustrated in FIG. 20. Specifically, the vertical supports 152a, 152b may be L-shaped and hinged at the tip of the “L” such that the vertical supports 152a, 152b may be disposed toward display trellis 150 and lay flat against display trellis 150. In addition, base 154 may be hingedly connected to display trellis 150 via hinges 168a, 168b, and the base 154 may further be pivoted via hinges 168a, 168b toward display trellis 150 for packing, storing and/or shipping the same, thereby decreasing the overall size thereof. Specifically, the base 154 may be L-shaped and hinged at the tip of the “L” such that the base 154 may be disposed toward display trellis 150 and vertical supports 152a, 152b. The base 154 may have an L-shape longer than the L-shape of the vertical supports 152a, 152b such that the vertical supports 152a, 152b may lay flat against the display trellis 150 and the base may lay flat against the vertical supports 152a, 152b. FIG. 20 illustrates a plurality of three display racks that may be stacked together for packing, storing and/or shipping the same, although any number of display racks may be stacked together as apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. While FIG. 20 illustrates the display racks disposed vertically, it should be apparent that the display racks may be disposed horizontally and stacked together.

FIGS. 21-23 illustrate a stand insert 200. The stand insert 200 may be made of a waterproof or water resistant material such that it may withstand constant contact with water. Preferably, the stand insert 200 may be made from a water-resistant plastic material, or any other material that maintains its integrity when held in water, as described below. As shown in FIG. 21, the stand insert 200 may constructed of a single, unitary flattened material having fold lines so that the same may be folded like that seen in FIG. 22. Specifically, the stand insert 200 may have a flat surface 202, a plurality of legs 204, a plurality of sides 206, and a plurality of hinged tabs 208. The plurality of legs 204 may be mountain-folded away from the flat surface 202 such that the plurality of legs 204 may be disposed beneath the flat surface 202 as illustrated in FIG. 22. The plurality of sides 206 may be valley-folded towards the flat surface 202 such that the plurality of sides 206 may be disposed above the flat surface 202. The plurality of hinged tabs 208 may be mountain-folded away from the plurality of sides 206 and may be used to attach the stand apparatus 200 within a bucket 10 as illustrated in FIG. 23.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the stand insert 200 may be placed within a bucket 10. The plurality of legs 204 may be placed adjacent the side walls 12, 16 and may contact the bottom (not shown) of the bucket 10. The flat surface 202 may be disposed a length above the bottom of the bucket 10 and may leave an empty cavity therebeneath. The plurality of sides 206 may be placed adjacent the side walls 14, 18 and may extend toward the apertures 24 that may be disposed within the sides of the bucket 10. The plurality of hinged tabs 208 may be inserted in apertures 24 thereby holding the insert 200 in place when disposed within the bucket 10. The stand insert 200 may be made of a rigid material having a density that may allow it to sink when placed in water, so that when the bucket 10 may be filled with water, the insert 200 may resist buoyancy forces that may cause the insert to float, or otherwise displace out of position within the bucket 10.

In use, a user may insert water into the bucket 10 with the stand apparatus 200 therein. Water may increase in level to above the flat surface 202. Cut flowers (not shown) may therefore be placed into bucket the 10 and may rest o flat surface 202. Thus, cut flowers having relatively small stems may be held in place within the bucket 10 for shipment and/or storage thereof, and thus use of the insert 200 may preclude the use of a bucket of an alternate size to hold the same.

The stand insert 200 may completely fill the bucket 10 as shown in FIG. 23 or may partially fill bucket 10 such that multiple lengths of flowers may be placed in the same bucket. Specifically, stand inserts of various sizes may easily be constructed depending on the size of flowers and flower stems desired to be transported within the bucket.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.

Claims

1. A flower holding apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a bottom portion surrounded by at least one wall, wherein the at least one wall extends vertically from the bottom portion and forms a perimeter;

an upwardly open channel disposed about the perimeter of the at least one wall and extending outwardly away from the at least one wall; and

at least one strap channel disposed on the bottom portion for maintaining the position of a strap.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one wall slopes inwardly.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one ergonomic handgrip.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the upwardly open channel is U-shaped.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a protective tube disposed within the upwardly open channel.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a lid disposed on top of the upwardly open channel, wherein the lid comprises at least one strap channel for maintaining the position of a strap.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a lid disposed on top of the protective tube, wherein the lid comprises at least one strap channel for maintaining the position of a strap.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a foldable insert disposed a length above the bottom portion; and

a plurality to tabs disposed on the foldable insert, wherein the plurality of tabs are disposed in at least one of the plurality of apertures.

9. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the foldable insert comprises at least one leg disposed within the length between the bottom portion and the foldable insert

10. An apparatus for holding and displaying flowers, the system comprising:

a flower display apparatus comprising a trellis, a base, and at least one vertical support, wherein the trellis is hingedly connected to the base and to the at least one vertical support, and further wherein the at least one support removably attaches to the base; and

at least one hoop for levelly holding a flower holding crate, wherein the at least one hoop is removably disposed on the flower display apparatus by an angled connector.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising at least one flower holding apparatus comprising a bottom portion surrounded by at least one wall, wherein the at least one wall extends vertically from the bottom portion and forms a perimeter, a plurality of apertures disposed within the at least one wall, and an upwardly open channel disposed about the perimeter of the at least one wall extending outwardly away from the at least one wall.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the trellis is hinged to the base with an L-shaped hinge.

13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the trellis is hinged to the at least one vertical support with an L-shaped hinge.

14. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the flower display apparatus has a first triangular configuration and a second flat configuration.

15. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising at least one wheel disposed on the bottom of the flower display apparatus.

16. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the angled connector comprises at least one hook.

17. An apparatus for adapting the height of a flower holding crate, the apparatus comprising:

a base for supporting a plurality of flowers thereon, wherein the base has a first side and a second side;

at least one arm, wherein the at least one arm extends upwardly away from the base;

at least one leg, wherein the at least one leg extends downwardly away from the base; and

at least one tab hingedly disposed on the at least one arm, wherein the at least one tab is attachable to a flower holding crate.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the apparatus is disposed within a flower holding crate.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the base, the at least one arm, and the at least one leg are waterproof.

20. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the at least one arm is hingedly disposed on the first side of the base and the at least one leg is hingedly disposed on the second side of the base.