DEVICE, SUPPORT, AND SYSTEM FOR SETTING OF FLORAL ITEMS

Abstract

An invention is disclosed for processes, apparatuses, devices, articles, structures, supports and systems for setting of floral items. In particular, embodiments of the present invention provide improved processes, methods, apparatuses, devices, articles, structures, supports, systems, and means for coupling one or more floral items or elements with or via one or more holders, bases, containers, receptacles, or artifacts, among other benefits and advantages. For instance, an embodiment may comprise a three-dimensional shape, one or more ridges, and another shape. The shape may comprise an empty space, which is adjacent to one or more surfaces associated with the shape. The other shape may comprise a cross section, where the one or more ridges are on the one or more surfaces, at least a portion of the empty space is adjacent to the one or more ridges, and at least a portion of the other shape is in contact with at least a portion of the one or more ridges.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/852,911, filed Sep. 10, 2022, and entitled “Article for Floral Bundling.”

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to processes, apparatuses, devices, articles, structures, supports and systems for setting of floral items. In particular, embodiments of the present invention provide improved processes, methods, apparatuses, devices, articles, structures, supports, systems and means for coupling floral items or elements with or via one or more holders, bases, containers, receptacles, or bunchers, among other benefits and advantages.

BACKGROUND

It could be challenging to place a bunch, bouquet or arrangement of flowers and foliage in an upright position or keep its pre-arranged presentation in a container or holder, with gaps among the stems of the flowers and foliage, and between them and the receptable of the container or holder. The known designs in the art for tackling such challenges such as one of a grid of pre-sized holes placed on top of the container or holder, are unsatisfactory due to the extra complexity and gap spaces introduced by these designs.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention or one of its embodiments, there is provided a support for one or more floral items, where the support may comprise a three-dimensional shape, e.g., a holder or container, and one or more grooves, e.g., three grooves. Such a shape may comprise an empty space inside or a hollow interior, and each of the one or more grooves therein is adjacent to the empty space or hollow interior associated with the shape, e.g., a holder or container. The one or more grooves are situated along lengthwise the interior of the shape, and at least a portion of the empty space or hollow interior is adjacent to the one or more grooves, e.g., three grooves.

In one embodiment, there are one or more floral items or artifacts, e.g., three floral artifacts, each with a stem or stem-like structure, that are inserted or otherwise placed into the three-dimensional shape, the quantity of the stem-like structures corresponding to the number of the one or more grooves, e.g., three grooves, with the stem-like structure of each floral artifact being in contact at least in part with the depressed surface of a groove from among the one or more grooves. In one embodiment, each such stem-like structure is in contact with at least one structure from among the rest of the stem-like structures, and there is no need for additional rigid structure at or near the center top of an opening of the three-dimensional shape, through which the one or more floral items or artifacts are inserted or otherwise placed. In one embodiment, an adhesive substance may be applied or otherwise included in at least a portion of the empty space where the stems or stem-like structures are placed. In one embodiment, an end of at least one groove from among the one or more grooves that is closer to an opening of the three-dimensional shape is near or flush with the opening or its rim. In another embodiment, an end of at least one groove from among the one or more grooves that is closer to an opening of the three-dimensional shape starts or is otherwise placed beneath or away from the rim of the opening.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention or one of its embodiments, there is provided a device for one or more floral items, where the device may comprise a three-dimensional shape, e.g., a holder or container, and one or more ridges, e.g., three ridges, where the shape may comprise an empty space, and the empty space is adjacent to one or more surfaces associated with the shape, e.g., a hollow interior of a holder or container, and where the one or more ridges are on the one or more surfaces, and at least a portion of the empty space is adjacent to the one or more ridges, e.g., three ridges, each ridge extending along the length of a hollow interior of a holder or container, with spacings among or surfaces between the ridges along the length.

In one embodiment, there are one or more floral items or artifacts, e.g., three floral artifacts, each with a stem or stem-like structure, that are inserted or otherwise placed into the three-dimensional shape, the quantity of the stem-like structures corresponding to the number of the one or more ridges, e.g., three ridges, with the stem-like structure of each floral artifact being in contact at least in part with the depressed surface(s) between two ridges from among the one or more ridges. In one embodiment, each such stem-like structure is in contact with at least one structure from among the rest of the stem-like structures, and there is no need for additional rigid structure at or near the center top of an opening of the three-dimensional shape, through which the one or more floral items or artifacts are inserted or otherwise placed. In one embodiment, an adhesive substance may be applied or otherwise included in at least a portion of the empty space where the stems or stem-like structures are placed. In one embodiment, an end of at least one ridge from among the one or more ridges that is closer to an opening of the three-dimensional shape is near or flush with the opening or its rim. In another embodiment, an end of at least one ridge from among the one or more ridges that is closer to an opening of the three-dimensional shape starts or is otherwise placed beneath or away from the rim of the opening.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention or one of its embodiments, there is provided a system for one or more floral items, where the system may comprise a three-dimensional shape, another shape, and one or more ridges or grooves, where the other shape is coupled with the three-dimensional shape with at least a portion of the other shape being inserted or otherwise placed into a hollow interior associated with the three-dimensional shape, the one or more ridges or grooves being at least in part a part of the hollow interior, and the at least a portion of the other shape having at least a partial contact with one or more depressed surfaces associated with the ridges or grooves in the hollow interior. In one embodiment, the shape and/or the other shape is made of synthetic material.

In one embodiment, the other shape may comprise at least two different cross section areas, where at least a portion of a part associated with a smaller cross section is inside the hollow interior associated with the shape, and at least a portion of a part associated with a larger cross section is outside the hollow interior, where the other shape comprises one or more floral elements, artifacts, or nodes, and the one or more floral elements, artifacts, or nodes are closer to the part associated with a larger cross section than the part associated with a smaller cross section. In another embodiment, the other shape may comprise a curvature along a length associated with the shape, and at least a portion of the curvature is exposed outside the shape or the hollow interior associated with the shape. In one embodiment, the shape and/or the other shape is made of synthetic material.

In yet another embodiment, the other shape may comprise a curvature and at least two different cross section areas, where at least a portion of a part associated with a smaller cross section is inside the hollow interior, and at least a portion of a part associated with a larger cross section is outside the hollow interior, where at least a portion of the curvature is exposed outside the shape or the hollow interior associated with the shape. In one embodiment, such a shape may comprise a container, holder, or a cone-shaped structure, with a plurality of grooves or ridges lining the interior surface(s) along the length or height of the shape and being closer to an end of the shape having a larger cross section than another end of the shape having a smaller cross section. In one embodiment, such an end having a larger cross section comprises an opening into a hollow space or interior surface(s) associated with the shape, while the end having a smaller cross section is fully enclosed, e.g., comprising no opening from outside the shape at its bottom. In one embodiment, two or more stems or stem-like structures whose quantity corresponds to the number of the two or more ridges or grooves, are at least partially inside the interior surface(s) of the shape. In one embodiment, each such stem or stem-like structure is at least partially in contact with each of the depressed surfaces of the two or more grooves, or with each of those between the two or more ridges, and each such stem or stem-like structure may comprise one or more floral elements, artifacts, or nodes that are at least partially exposed outside the shape through an opening associated with the shape, e.g., at the top of the shape when being placed or oriented upright. In one embodiment, such a shape is made of synesthetic material, and such stem or stem-like structure as well as its one or more floral elements, artifacts, or nodes is made of synesthetic substance, such as faux flower(s).

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Among other benefits and advantages, embodiments of the present invention provide cost-effective and convenient processes, methods, apparatuses, devices, articles, structures, supports, systems, and means for placement, arrangement, and aggregation of floral and foliage objects, articles, and artifacts. These and other aspects of the present invention provide benefits and advantages over prior art. For instance, an embodiment of the present invention would bring about cost-effective and flexible manufacturing and/or assembly of faux floral bouquets. Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the description or disclosure herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an object in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of an object in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an object in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of an object in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of another object in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of another object in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of another object in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view of another object in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view of yet another object in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sectional view of an object in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view of an object in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed are processes, apparatuses, devices, articles, structures, supports and systems for setting of floral items in accordance with the present invention. The description, illustrations, and accompanying figures disclose and exhibit a number of representative designs as well as functional aspects and features in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

For instance, FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 illustrate respectively a top view 100, a bottom view 200, a side view 300, and a cross section view 400 (with respect to the cutting-plane line 4-4 102) of a design for an object, device, or article that may be used for setting, combining, or arranging a plurality of floral elements, artifacts, or nodes, in accordance with an aspect or embodiment of the present invention. For instance, an object, device, or article having a top view, a side view, a bottom view, and a sectional view similar or corresponding to the top view 100, the bottom view 200, the side view 300, and the cross section view 400, would comprise an inverted cone-shaped hallow space or a concave or sunken recess similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4, which has an opening 104 at its top, through which one or more floral pieces can be inserted or placed, or at which the one or more floral pieces may be held. A top associated with such an object, device, or article would have a cross section larger than a cross section at its corresponding or associated bottom, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. Grooves and/or ridges such as some grooves 106, 402 and/or ridges 108, 110, 404, 406 illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 are located closer to the top than the bottom. In one embodiment, an end of at least one groove or ridge is flush or starts close to the rim of the top of the object, device, or article. In another embodiment, there would be a noticeable gap or distance between the rim associated with the top and an end associated with at least one of the grooves or ridges.

In one embodiment, there are five stalk-comprising or stalk-comprising or stem-comprising floral pieces, and each piece (e.g., a plurality of leaves or flowers sharing a common stem, stalk, or stalk/stem-like structure) has one end of its stem placed against or otherwise aligned with at least a portion of a depressed surface associated with one groove, or a depressed surface between two adjacent ridges, from among five grooves or ridges, such as those shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, thereby amalgamating, bundling, bunching, setting, arranging, or uniting the five stalk-comprising or stem-comprising floral pieces into or as a one presentational whole or organizational structure.

FIG. 5 to FIG. 8 illustrate respectively a top view 500, a bottom view 600, a side view 700, and a cross section view 800 (with respect to the cutting-plane line 8-8 502) of a design for another object, device, or article that may be used for setting, combining, or arranging a plurality of floral elements, artifacts, or nodes, in accordance with an aspect or embodiment of the present invention. For instance, an object, device, or article having a top view, a side view, a bottom view, and a sectional view similar or corresponding to the top view 500, the bottom view 600, the side view 700, and the cross section view 800, would comprise an inverted cone-shaped hallow space or a concave or sunken recess similar to that illustrated in FIG. 8, which has a circular-shaped opening 504 at its top, through which one or more floral pieces can be inserted or placed, or at which the one or more floral pieces may be held. A top associated with such an object, device, or article would have a cross section larger than that at its corresponding or associated bottom, as illustrated in FIGS. 5-8. Grooves and/or ridges such as some grooves 506, 802 and/or ridges 508, 510, 804, 806 illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8 are located closer to the top than the bottom of such an object, device, or article. In one embodiment, an end of at least one groove or ridge is flush or starts close to the rim of the top of the object, device, or article. In another embodiment, there is a noticeable gap or distance between the rim of the top and an end of at least one groove or ridge.

In one embodiment, there are three stalk-comprising or stem-comprising floral pieces, and each piece (e.g., a plurality of leaves or flowers sharing a common stem or stem-like structure) has one end of its stem placed against or otherwise aligned with at least a portion of a depressed surface associated with one groove, or a depressed surface between two adjacent ridges, from among three grooves or ridges, such as those shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8, thereby amalgamating, bundling, bunching, setting, arranging, or uniting the three stalk-comprising or stem-comprising floral pieces into or as a one presentational or organizational structure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross section view 900 of a design for a stem or stem-like structure, in accordance with an aspect or embodiment of the present invention. For instance, a floral item or artifact may comprise a stem or stem-like structure associated with a cross section similar to that shown in FIG. 9, with a top-down orientation, the thicker end being at or near the top while the thinner end being at or near the bottom. One or more floral elements, artifacts, or nodes may be placed at, near, or closer to the top or thicker part of the stem or structure, while at least a portion at, near, or closer to the bottom or thinner part of the stem or structure is inserted into or otherwise placed at an object, device, or article similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and/or FIGS. 5-8, through an opening similar to that shown in FIG. 4 and/or FIG. 8.

In one embodiment, there would be three such floral items or artifacts coupled to such an object, device, article having three grooves or ridges, via the stem or stem-like structure of each of the three such floral items or artifacts being at least partially in contact with one depressed surface associated with one of the three grooves, or with one depressed surface formed between two adjacent ridges from among the three ridges. In one embodiment, a thinner or the thinnest end or portion of the stem or structure is beneath the geometrical plane of the opening associated with the object, device, or article, such that the thinner or thinnest end or portion is not exposed or otherwise seen when looking at the object, device, or article with the rim at eye level. In one embodiment, less interior space is needed with such a stem or stem-like structure, and the corresponding object, device, or article for coupling with a plurality of such stems or structures can be made smaller, among other advantages or benefits. In one embodiment, this object, device, or article itself may become a part of a stem or stem-like structure for insertion into or placement at another object, device, or article with design similar to what is illustrated in FIGS. 1-8. In another embodiment, there would be two such floral items or artifacts coupled to such an object, device, article having three grooves or ridges, via the stem or stem-like structure of each of the two such floral items or artifacts being at least partially in contact with one depressed surface associated with one of the three grooves, or with one depressed surface formed between two adjacent ridges from among the three ridges.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross section view 1000 of a design for a stem or stem-like structure, in accordance with another aspect or embodiment of the present invention. For instance, a floral item or artifact may comprise a stem or stem-like structure associated with a cross section similar to that shown in FIG. 10, with a top-down orientation, the longer-straight-section end being at top while the closer-to-curvature-section end being at the bottom. One or more floral elements, artifacts, or nodes may be placed at, near, or closer to the top or to the longer-straight section of the stem or structure, while at least a portion at, near, or closer to the bottom or to the closer-to-curvature section of the stem or structure is inserted into or otherwise placed at an object, device, or article similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and/or FIGS. 5-8, through an opening similar to that shown in FIG. 4 and/or FIG. 8. In one embodiment, there are three floral artifacts, each having a stem whose cross section is similar to what is illustrated in FIG. 10, and a container having three grooves or ridges. The top or longer-straight-section part of the stem associated with each floral artifact is radiated, facing away, or otherwise oriented away, from the vertical center axis associated with the container when the container is positioned upright in its coupling or arrangement with the three floral artifacts. A setting, bundling, or arrangement that incorporates such articles and/or techniques would make possible a desirable flexibility and variability that a floral presentation can possess, such as one with a fuller or wider horizontal extent.

In one embodiment, such stems, stalks, or stem-like or stalk-like structures may comprise or be made of rigid material, such as metal, and/or semi-rigid material, such as semi-rigid synthetic-polymer, semi-rigid plastic plug, or semi-rigid nylon tube fitting, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, such floral elements, artifacts, or nodes may comprise or be made of plastic, glass, crystal, or metal, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, such groove-comprising or ridge-comprising objects, devices, or articles may comprise or be made of transparent or translucent material. In one embodiment, such objects, devices, or articles may comprise or be made of colored material. In one embodiment, such objects, devices, or articles may comprise or be made of polycarbonate (PC), acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), amorphous copolyester (PETG), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), liquid silicone rubber (LSR), cyclic olefin copolymers (COC), polyethylene (PE), ionomer resin, transparent polypropylene (PP), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), styrene methyl methacrylate (SMMA), styrene acrylonitrile resin (SAN), general purpose polystyrene (GPPS), or methyl methacrylate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (MABS), or any combination thereof.

In addition to the specific aspects, implementations, and embodiments explicitly set forth, other aspects, implementations, and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification, however specific and/or exhaustive the various features, aspects, implementations, and embodiments might have been disclosed and explained, be considered as enabling illustrations only. For instance, while embodiments herein illustrate and discuss, among others, an inverted cone-shaped container for floral artifacts, or containers mostly with round perimeters of interior surfaces, it does not exclude containers with different shapes or forms, because one of ordinary skill in the art would be able to provide floral arrangements involving these containers based on the disclosure herein. Furthermore, an article, a component, a part, or an object may combine or otherwise comprise different features that might have been attributed separately herein to different articles, components, parts, or objects. For instance, a stem or stem-like structure whose cross section similar to that 1100 which is shown in FIG. 11 may be adapted from those illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. A container with one ridge in its hollow interior may be coupled with three floral artifacts, each floral artifact having a stalk or stem-like structure. Moreover, the present invention, or an embodiment of the present invention, may comprise a plurality of inventive aspects, where one aspect alone or a subset from among them may be sufficient to provide meaningful improvements over the applicable art. Thus, although the invention has been described with respect to specific aspects, implementations, and embodiments, it will be appreciated that the invention is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A support for one or more floral items, comprising:

a three-dimensional shape;

one or more grooves;

wherein the shape comprises an empty space, and the empty space is adjacent to one or more surfaces associated with the shape; and

wherein the one or more grooves are on the one or more surfaces, and at least a portion of the empty space is adjacent to the one or more grooves.

2. The support of claim 1, further comprising:

another shape, wherein at least a portion of the other shape is in contact with at least a portion of the one or more grooves, thereby coupling the shape and the other shape.

3. The support of claim 1, wherein the one or more grooves comprise at least two grooves.

4. The support of claim 1, wherein the one or more grooves comprise at least three grooves.

5. The support of claim 1, further comprising:

wherein one end of at least one groove from among the one or more grooves is near or flush with an opening associated with the shape; and

wherein the empty space is accessible via the opening.

6. The support of claim 1, wherein the shape resembles a cone, the shape comprises an opening into the empty space, the opening is located at a top associated with the shape, the one or more grooves are placed closer to the top than to a bottom associated with the shape, and a cross section associated with the top is bigger in size than a cross section associated with the bottom.

7. The support of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more floral items, each comprising a stem-like or stalk-like structure, wherein the stem-like or stalk-like structure comprises a part having a cross section smaller than another part associated with the stem-like or stalk-like structure, and is connected to a flower or a node, and the other part associated with the stem-like or stalk-like structure is closer to the flower or the node than the part is; and

wherein the one or more floral items are connected to the shape, having at least a portion of the part associated with each of the one or more floral items fits into the empty space.

8. The support of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the part associated with the stem-like or stalk-like structure is off-center in relation to a center of the other part associated with the stem-like or stalk-like structure.

9. The support of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of floral items, each comprising a stem-like or stalk-like structure;

wherein the one or more grooves correspond to the plurality of floral items in quantity; and

wherein the one or more floral items are connected to the shape, having at least a portion of the stem-like or stalk-like structure associated with each of the one or more floral items fits into the empty space.

10. The support of claim 9, wherein the portion of the stem-like or stalk-like structure associated with each of the one or more floral items is coupled to a groove from among the one or more grooves.

11. The support of claim 1, further comprising:

wherein the shape comprises a cross section resembling a polygon; and

wherein the shape comprises another cross section, and the other cross section is smaller in size than the cross section.

12. The support of claim 11, wherein the shape comprises an opening, the empty space is accessible via the opening, and the cross section is closer to the opening than the other cross sections is.

13. The support of claim 12, wherein a portion associated with the shape is hollower than another portion, the portion being associated with the cross section, and the other portion being associated with the other cross section.

14. The support of claim 13, wherein the shape comprises synthetic material.

15. A device for holding one or more floral items, comprising:

a three-dimensional shape;

two or more ridges or grooves;

wherein the shape comprises an empty space, and the empty space is adjacent to one or more surfaces associated with the shape; and

wherein the one or more surfaces comprise the one or more ridges or grooves.

16. A system for connecting one or more floral items comprising:

a three-dimensional shape;

one or more ridges;

another shape;

wherein the shape comprises an empty space, and the empty space is adjacent to one or more surfaces associated with the shape;

wherein the other shape comprises a cross section; and

wherein the one or more ridges are on the one or more surfaces, at least a portion of the empty space is adjacent to the one or more ridges, and at least a portion of the other shape is in contact with at least a portion of the one or more ridges.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the other shape comprises a curvature, and at least a portion of the curvature is exposed outside the shape.

18. The system of claim 16, further comprising:

wherein the other shape comprises another cross section, and the cross section comprises an area less than that of the other cross section; and

wherein a part associated with the cross section is in more contact with the one or more ridges than another part associated with the other cross section, the other shape comprising the part and the other part.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the other shape comprises one or more faux floral items, and the one or more faux floral items are placed closer to the other part than to the part.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the other shape comprises a curvature, and at least a portion of the curvature is exposed outside the shape.