Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a multisensory examination jar for botanical specimens. Embodiments of the disclosed jar may have a body portion with an integrated LED array for illuminating the contents of the jar. The jar may have a removable lid with an integrated magnifying lens, and an opening or port to enable a user to smell the contents of the jar. The opening may have a removable plug to establish a substantially air tight seal on the lid of the jar, to trap odors within the jar. The removable plug can be selectively removed to enable the user to smell the contents of the jar. The jar may have an electronics module and power source operable for wireless charging. The jar may also be configured to interface with a charging dock or base for wireless charging of integrated batteries.

Abstract: A base assembly for a ball display case includes a base configured to support the display case on a surface. A pedestal is supported by the base and configured to support the ball in the display case. The pedestal includes a platform for seating the ball in the display case. The platform includes a spring configured to yield when contacted by the ball in the display case.

Abstract: A planting pot and tray system comprises a plurality of pots and a tray having multiple receptacles configured to receive the pots. Each pot includes at least one rounded side, and at least one generally flat side, with each receptacle including at least one curved wall and at least one generally straight wall. The receptacles are configured to receive the pots with the rounded and flat sides of the pot engaging with respective walls of the receptacle to whereby the respective shapes of the receptacles and pots orient the pots within the receptacles. A front wall of the receptacle is shorter than the pot whereby a portion of side of the pot is exposed and directed outwardly from the tray.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a transportation bag particularly suitable for carrying articles that can be rolled-up such as yoga-pilates mats, elongated articles such as instruments, toys, or bottles as well as, blueprints or garments such as suits or shirts. The bag may be used as a foam roller when not being used for transportation. The disclosure further relates to methods of storing, packing, and displaying rolled yoga mats and garments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container suitable for holding objects such as flowers and which may include a body having at least one wall defining a cavity. The at least one wall may include openings separated apart from each other. A tensioner may pass through the openings. A platform may be situated within the cavity and coupled to the tensioner so as to receive a force from the tensioner when a tension is applied to the tensioner. This force may be operative to lift the platform and the flower coupled thereto so that the flower partially or fully extends from the cavity while at least a portion of the platform remains in the cavity.

Abstract: A fragrance releasing toilet paper assembly for freshening air in a bathroom includes a roll of toilet paper, which in turn comprises a tube and tissue paper. A reservoir is coupled to an inner surface of the tube. The reservoir comprises an aroma compound and is configured to release the aroma compound into the tissue paper so that the aroma compound is gradually emitted from the tissue paper on the tube, therein providing a base level of air freshening. The aroma compound is rapidly emitted from the tissue paper upon contact of the tissue paper with water, therein providing an increased level of air freshening. The tube is configured to be rotated on a rod of a toilet paper holder so that a rate of emission of the aroma compound from the reservoir is increased, which also increases the level of air freshening.

Abstract: An assembly for the automated production of conical paper sleeves for plants uses paper stock precut in a trapezoid configuration which is continuously fed to the assembly. The precut sheets are folded diagonally twice to form a conical sleeve. The folding process includes application of an adhesive on the overlap of the folded sides to securely seal the sleeve. The precut sheets are transported along the assembly via a series of belts, rollers and electrical motors. The synchronization of the folding process and the application of adhesive is electronically monitored and controlled.

Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree includes a central trunk broken into at least two separate portions including a fixed trunk portion and at least one rotating trunk portion. The fixed trunk extends up from an underlying base. Rotating trunks rotatably attach at midpoints thereof at least indirectly to an upper end of the fixed trunk. Limbs are pivotably attached to the rotating trunks with optional lights coupled thereto. These limbs pivot between a perpendicular orientation extending from the rotating trunks and a collapsed configuration closer to a centerline of the rotating trunks. The rotating trunks can be pivoted from a first collapsed configuration with a first end above a second end to a deployed configuration with the second end above the first end. During pivoting, the limbs attached to the rotating trunk transition between a collapsed to a deployed configuration automatically. A wheeled base and cover further facilitate storage and deployment.

Abstract: A packaging system for shipping floral arrangements includes an elongated presentation box sized to hold a floral arrangement, such as a dozen roses. The presentation box includes two long side panels, a floor panel extending between the side panels, head end and a stem end panels each extending between the side and floor panels, a top opening defined by the side and end panels, and an elongated inner lid hingedly connected on one of its long sides to one of the side panels. The inner lid extends longitudinally from a first end adjacent to the stem end panel to a second end spaced away from the head end panel such that it folds over only a portion of the top opening and creates a presentation opening bounded by the head end panel, side panels and the second end of the inner lid for displaying the flowers of the floral arrangement.

Abstract: A modular potted plant shipping box is an apparatus that protects a potted plant throughout a shipment process while preserving the structure of the plant. The apparatus includes an outer box, a stopper frame, a stabilizing frame, and a receptacle. The outer box contains and protects the stopper frame, the stabilizing frame, the receptacle, and a plant housed within the receptacle. The stopper frame maintains a desired position of the stabilizing frame, and consequently the receptacle, within the outer box. The stabilizing frame maintains the desired position of the receptacle within the outer box. The receptacle houses the plant. The apparatus may further include a removable compartment that houses a variety of items that may compliment the plant housed by the receptacle. The receptacle is positioned within the stabilizing frame, and the stopper frame is positioned in between the stabilizing frame and a main opening of the outer box.

Abstract: A balloon holder and balloon holder base for holding a balloon having a tail, including a securing element having flexible biased opposing projections bounding an elongated channel opening, an elongate member insertable into an opening in the tail of the balloon such that a first portion of said elongate member abuts a tapered self-closing bladder, creating an overlapping elongate member and balloon tail section, and a support element configured to be in contact with and support the inflated balloon, wherein the balloon is secured to the elongate member by transversely passing the overlapping elongate member and balloon tail section through the elongated channel opening and held in place by the projections.

Abstract: A new or improved modular plant display and storage system that reduces the risks of plants tipping over and of spillage of plant and soil (or other growing medium) out the top of the pot, as well as the risk of water (and soil/growing medium) seepage and mess from the bottom of the pot. The invention can house potted plants without the need to re-pot or transplant the plants into growing medium that sits within the modular structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the protection and transportation of floral arrangements are shown. The apparatus includes a container defining a central volume. A tray is included for the suspending of a floral arrangement within the central volume. A decorative base is configured to surround a portion of the flowers. An insert is in communication with the container and configured to cradle a portion of the decorative base so as to restrict movement. The floral arrangement is tied or coupled to a portion of the tray. An optional temperature regulating device may be inserted to assist in maintaining the freshness of the floral arrangement.

Abstract: A box with a closeable aperture and a method of accessing an interior of a box are provided. The box may include a sidewall and a flap formed in the sidewall. The flap may be repositionable relative to the sidewall to selectively open and close an aperture formed in the sidewall. The flap may include a main body and a tab, and the tab may be repositionable relative to the main body of the flap for grasping by a user. The method may include pivoting a flap formed in a sidewall of the box relative to the sidewall to provide access to an aperture in the sidewall, pivoting a tab of the flap relative to a main body of the flap, and grasping the tab to reposition the flap relative to the sidewall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for cut flowers, the container being nestable, the container comprising a container body which at an upper region is provided with a channel-shaped sleeve holder for holding a protective sleeve arranged to protect cut flowers. The channel-shaped sleeve holder is open at its top. Further, the channel-shaped sleeve holder has an outer channel wall. The container further comprises at least one anti-interlocking flange extending downwardly from the channel-shaped sleeve holder. The anti-interlocking flange, or at least a bottom section of the anti-interlocking flange, is staggered with respect to the outer channel wall, or at least a top section of the outer channel wall.

Abstract: A foldable tarp apparatus with enhanced strength to collect trimmed leaves and branches of a plant for a disposal is provided. The tarp apparatus includes a foldable circular sheet having a central opening and an outer edge, the circular sheet having a slit extending from an edge of the central opening to the outer edge of the circular sheet, and a plurality of spine members coupled to the circular sheet, each spine member extending radially on the circular sheet and positioned equidistant from adjacent spine members. The central opening of the circular sheet receives the base of the plant therethrough to secure the circular sheet on the ground area surrounding the plant, thereby permitting the circular sheet to collect the trimmed leaves and branches of the plant.

Abstract: A Christmas tree disposal casing, having an upper end and a lower end, and a first panel and a second panel that each have an inner edge, an outer edge, an upper edge, and a lower edge. The casing has a flat configuration and also has a sleeve configuration for encasing a tree therein when the first panel is joined to the second panel at or near their outer edges. An expansion panel is affixed near and extends between the inner edges. The inner edges are selectively joined directly together along an expansion seam. When the expansion seam is opened, the expansion panel provides additional circumference to the casing for holding larger trees. The outer edge of the first panel is selectively joined to a secondary zipper edge on the second panel, located inwardly of the outer edge of the second panel, to reduce the circumference of the casing.

Abstract: A method for using an attachment tag with a product includes affixing an adhesive layer of the attachment tag to the product. The attachment tag includes an elastomer portion and a tag portion bonded to the elastomer portion along a bond zone, wherein the adhesive layer is disposed on the tag portion. The method also includes expanding the elastomer portion by at least partially separating at least two of a plurality of leg segments of the elastomer portion and securing the expanded elastomer portion around at least a portion of the product.

Abstract: Cyclodextrin compositions, including a hydrophobic carrier and a cyclodextrin complex, are formed and disposed on a variety of substrates using conditions that avoid substantial loss of the complexed compound from the cyclodextrin complex, even where the complexed compound is a gas a common ambient temperatures (e.g. 20° C.). Flexographic printing is particularly useful for disposing the cyclodextrin compositions on one or more substrates. Substrates treated with the cyclodextrin complexes are useful for subsequent release of the complexed compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container including a container body with a removable tray wherein the container can house at least two materials that must be kept separate until use. The container also may have upwardly extending fingers in the removable tray for securing a material.

Abstract: A convertible display stand to seating assembly for selectively seating a user and exhibiting a display item includes a stool and the display item. The stool comprises a plate and a plurality of legs. The legs are coupled to and extend from the plate. The display item is configured to be reversibly coupled to the plate. The legs are positioned on the plate so that the stool is configured to seat a user. The display item is positioned to be coupled to the plate so that the display item is configured to be exhibited upon the stool.

Abstract: A flower gift kit, the gift kit comprising: a flower; an enclosure; a presentation tray for the flower inserted in the enclosure; an insert configured to be flat beneath the presentation tray and between the presentation tray and the enclosure of the flower; wherein the insert comprises pre-determined fold lines; and wherein the insert is user-erectable into a 3D stand for the flower using the predetermined fold lines.

Abstract: A versatile eco-friendly planting block includes: a block body in a form of a hexahedron; cut-off grooves formed at vertex parts of each surface of the block body in symmetrical to each other about a diagonal line of each surface of the block body; and a planting groove selectively formed in the cut-off groove so that vegetation is planted.

Abstract: A cremains container includes a container body (10), a cover (20) mounted on the container body, and a determined amount of filling powder (30) provided in the container body and the cover. The container body is made of transparent material. The container body has an interior formed with a receiving space (12) and has a periphery provided with a hollow portion (111) receiving the filling powder. The cover is made of transparent material and has an interior provided with a hollow portion (21) receiving the filling powder. Thus, the filling powder in the container body and the cover conceals the receiving space of the container body to prevent the receiving space of the container body from being viewed directly by a person outside of the container body.

Abstract: This invention in provides an a method to attach a handle to a generally rounded shipping container by attaching each end of a handle to opposite ends of a generally rounded shipping container to form a handle assembly made of a plurality of end cap units, each of the plurality of end cap units having an internal partition with a slit configured to retain a buckle, wherein the buckle is connected to a handle. This invention also provides an assembly made of plurality of retaining tabs each with a slit configured to retain one side of a handle and the handle connected to said plurality of retaining tabs and a plurality caps configured to retain said plurality of retaining tabs to affix a handle to said shipping container. The assembly, in an exemplary embodiment, can include a retaining tab made of a plurality of generally flat first retaining element and generally flat second retaining element.

Abstract: Cyclodextrin compositions, including a hydrophobic carrier and a cyclodextrin complex, are formed and disposed on a variety of substrates using conditions that avoid substantial loss of the complexed compound from the cyclodextrin complex, even where the complexed compound is a gas a common ambient temperatures (e.g. 20° C.). Flexographic printing is particularly useful for disposing the cyclodextrin compositions on one or more substrates. Substrates treated with the cyclodextrin complexes are useful for subsequent release of the complexed compound.

Abstract: A specially designed crafting tool having a base, a spinning wheel and tools, with which to create beautiful faux flowers from spools of wire-edged ribbon and wire to provide craft enthusiasts and others a practical decorating tool with which to create fancy faux flowers ideal for a variety of uses.

Abstract: A packaging cushioning material includes a connecting section, and a first assembly section and a second assembly section integrally extended from the connecting section. The first assembly section includes at least one first groove, at least one first assembly portion and a first clamping portion connected to the first assembly portion. The second assembly section includes at least one second groove, at least one second assembly portion disposed along an extension line of the first assembly portion, and a second clamping portion connected to the second assembly portion. By locking and fastening a fastening member at an assembly region, or by bending the first assembly section and the second assembly section towards the connecting section, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion form a locking and fastening means to allow the packaging cushioning material to form a multilayer structure providing reduced transportation and storage complications.

Abstract: A carrier mountable to a vehicle seat for holding objects, such as a vase with flowers. A one piece foldable structure has holes for receiving the vase at two separate locations along the vase length with the carrier back wall being positioned toward and against the inclined seat back. A seat belt extends across the front wall of the carrier through recesses securely holding the seat belt thereto.

Abstract: A divider that has a die-cut board that is grease resistant coated on both sides and is scored to define a plurality of alternative valley and peak folds. There is at least one perforated line that passes through all of the valley and peak folds. The divider may taper at its sides from the peak folds to neighboring ones of the valley folds. Two perforated lines may be provided to sever the tapers from the sides to leave the sides substantially reside in parallel planes with respect to each other.

Abstract: A Christmas tree bag is an apparatus which allows a user to easily carry and transport a Christmas tree and the like on a vehicle roof top while providing protection to a vehicles surface. The apparatus is comprised of a rectangular tarp like configuration that allows the user to enclose a Christmas tree within the tarp. The Christmas tree is placed on the tarp and the side edges are then brought together around the tree. The tree bag is secured around the Christmas tree with the attached straps. The outer surface includes a hand strap affixed for ease of carrying. The Christmas tree bag is then placed on a vehicle roof top and secured.

Abstract: A protection device segregates burrowing animals from plants. The protection device comprises a thread knitted into a boundary layer that is sealed with a staple. A user can insert a plant in a root ball earth into the protection device and insert the protection device into a hole in earth. The thread is flexible and does not release iron into the earth. The boundary layer prevents a burrowing animal from entering into the root ball earth and consuming roots of the plant. In some embodiments, the thread is a tubular non-woven stainless steel thread which is knitted in order to prevent existence of a seam. The thread allows the roots of the plant to grow out of the protection device allowing the plant to continue to grow, notwithstanding the boundary layer created by the thread.

Abstract: An attachment device for securing an item inside a container for shipping or storage. The attachment device can be used for a wide variety of items of varying size and shape, and allows them to be shipped in any existing box which is larger than the item. The attachment device consists of a sheet of material with bonding. The item being shipped is secured to the sheet of material, which is then bonded inside a box or container.

Abstract: A device is shown to transport potted plants through the mail and other common carriers. A tray assembly includes a series of apertures that hold potted plants. A beam holds the plants into the tray assembly. The tray assembly is enclosed inside of a box assembly. The beam is held in place over the pots when tabs are held into slots by the walls of the box assembly. Indents on the corners of the box assembly hold the tray assembly to the bottom of the box assembly.

Abstract: A protection device segregates burrowing animals from plants. The protection device comprises a thread knitted into a boundary layer that is sealed with a staple. A user can insert a plant in a root ball earth into the protection device and insert the protection device into a hole in earth. The thread is flexible and does not release iron into the earth. The boundary layer prevents a burrowing animal from entering into the root ball earth and consuming roots of the plant. In some embodiments, the thread is a tubular non-woven stainless steel thread which is knitted in order to prevent existence of a seam. The thread allows the roots of the plant to grow out of the protection device allowing the plant to continue to grow, notwithstanding the boundary layer created by the thread.

Abstract: The invention involves an apparatus and system for a self-watering planter. The system includes a liquid container and a growth medium container secured together with snap type fasteners. A plurality of evenly distributed growth medium wells extends downwardly from the growth medium container into the liquid container for utilizing capillary action to transfer liquid into the growth medium. Root apertures are provided for the roots to extend into the liquid container. A snap together hanger, which includes snap-lock type fasteners, is provided for hanging the assembly from an overhead structure, and a filling window is provided to fill the liquid container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a box system for keeping medicine and other payloads at a desired temperature for prolonged periods of time. The system generally includes three or more insulating materials between a refrigerant and the payload so that the payload is not cold-shocked by the refrigerant but instead maintains a desired temperature range during shipment. An advantage of the box system of certain embodiments of the present disclosure is that the system allows a shipper to use a temperature controlled system that is effective in controlling temperature without the need for any expensive phase change materials. A box having foldable tabs for securing the materials to each other is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A packaging for a bouquet of flowers is disclosed. The packaging includes a packaging foil impermeable to water, designed to constitute a water reservoir, onto which is glued a reinforcing element designed to shape said packaging, said reinforcing element including a base around which are distributed, at an angle, arms directed in directions, specifically radial, around the base and articulated at said base. The arms are provided with loops in their upper part, said packaging including two independent drawstrings, called the first and second drawstring. In one embodiment, the two drawstrings pass successively through a number of the loops, and each drawstring exhibits an area for grasping. The two drawstrings pass respectively through two orifices of two diametrically opposed arms, such that the grasping areas are diametrically opposed.

Abstract: A hanging vessel includes a hanger and a containment vessel shaped as a solid of rotation having a central axis, a closed bottom, an open top, and a lower sidewall with a diameter that increases from the bottom upward. The hanger includes a first hoop located around the lower sidewall, and a second hoop located above the first hoop. The first and second hoops are open hoops having respective first and second gaps, and are connected by an intermediate section aligned with a tensile section extending from the second hoop to an attachment point on the axis above the open end. An alternative hanger has helical turns conforming to the vase. The hanger is preferably formed from a single piece of resilient wire. The vessel may be a vase having a bulbous portion that can be positively retained by the hoops or turns.

Abstract: A three-dimensional coaster apparatus for use with a vessel or container, wherein the coaster apparatus includes a substantially square base, and a substantially circular element container within the square base, wherein a plurality of side flaps extend outwardly from the square base and are hingedly attached at a point tangential to the square base.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a tray for transporting a plurality of horticultural containers. The tray comprises: a plurality of connected container receiving pockets each having a bottom portion and an open distal portion opposite the bottom portion and sized to receive a horticultural container; and a plurality of tabs projecting into at least one of the pockets, each of the plurality of tabs including an upper end connected to the pocket below the open distal portion and extending downward at an angle to position a free distal end into the pocket with a bias against outward radial displacement.

Abstract: A container for flowers and other plant parts as well as other items, and adapted for use in, inter alia, motor vehicles. The container can further include a ring such as a detachable grooved ring for holding aromatic substances and to prevent water from splashing out of the container.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an apparatus and method of use to facilitate storing, conserving and exhibition of fresh flowers particularly where the flowers originate in country such as Columbia and are internationally shipped to a country such as the United States and doing so while the flowers are maintained completely hydrated. Hydration is accomplished by placing fresh flowers stems into florists' foam which is soaked to make hydration continuously available to the fresh flowers during storage shipment and exhibition. Thus there is no water to leak from the packaging and no need to maintain the shipping container in a vertical upright position. The packaging further includes perforations so the fresh flowers can breath while being stored and in transit and the packaging includes a stand for exhibition of the flowers at a convenient and attractive height of about waist high when the fresh flowers arrive at a retailer having no special equipment or personnel for the care of perishables.

Abstract: Provided is a hangable container including a shell with a bottom portion and a top rim spaced from the bottom portion, the shell having an inner and an outer surface and defining a basin of the container. The container also including a hollow stem extending from the inner surface of the shell and having a first end associated with the bottom portion and a second, free end, remote from the bottom portion formed with an articulation member; and a catch provided at an inner portion of the hollow stem adjacent the first end, the catch being configured for engagement with an articulation member of a corresponding container.

Abstract: A cover for a plant-growing medium comprises a main cover portion, a peripheral base spaced from the main cover portion and defining an outer perimeter of the cover, and a peripheral wall extending from a first side of the main cover portion between the main cover portion and the peripheral base. One or more plant growth channels are defined by one or more tubes extending from the first side of the main cover portion. Each tube has a proximal end adjacent the main cover portion and a distal end relative to the proximal end, with a first aperture defined in the main cover portion at the proximal end of the tube and a second aperture defined at the distal end of the tube. The first aperture and the second aperture communicate through the tube to define each plant growth channel.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a carrier for organizing and transporting a plurality of horticultural containers. In one aspect, a carrier includes: a plurality of connected open ended container receiving receptacles each configured to carry a horticultural container by supporting an upper portion thereof; and at least one tab configured to engage a container received by one of the plurality of container receiving receptacles such that the carrier is at least partially suspended with respect to the container.

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

Abstract: A container for transporting and displaying cut flowers comprising six elements. A material of the apparatus is substantially deformable and dishwasher safe. A base, top and sides are constructed to hold cut flowers and water and the top has at least a first and a second affixing element equidistant from each other on opposite ends of the perimeter. A bottom member suspends below the base. A carrying element has an adjustable functional length with a first and second functional end, a first and second actual end that can extend beyond each functional end, and a first and second attachable elements between the respective first and second actual end and the corresponding nearest functional end to each, the attachable element able to be removably attached at various lengths to the respective first and second affixing element for transport and attachment to a suspending element.

Abstract: A horticultural cut flower container assembly having a triangular shaped piece of flexible foam material with the ends of the triangular shaped foam material being adapted to be folded over the stem ends of a bunch of cut flowers. An elastic band is placed over the folded foam material to hold foam material in a folded configuration and an outer plastic bag is placed over the folded foam material and stem ends.