Abstract: A packaging system for seedling trays is provided which maintains the trays in a stacked, spaced apart vertical arrangement. The packaging system comprises an outer box, a tray holder folded into a U-shape and placed inside the box for holding the trays, and a locking device comprising locking panels wedged between the trays.

Abstract: A moveable vehicle such as a truck, railway carriage, or the like is structured and dimensioned to enable the transportation of products including live aquatic species such as fish in a refrigerated condition. The vehicle includes insulating and heat exchange layers which when utilized to transport live aquatic species may maintain them in a dormant state by temperature controls within the refrigeration system. A water spraying assembly provides a humidity and oxygen level for disposing of waste and also enables the spraying of fog to provide effective humidity between spraying cycles. Any existing animal waste is treated in the water and a recirculation or closed loop system is provided. A product storage area facilitates loading and unloading and a separate storage room may be provided to house the systems equipment or optionally may be attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A casket and memorialization accessory combination comprises a casket comprising a casket shell having a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls and a casket lid closable on the casket shell, a decorative ornament, and a planter adapted to receive a plant therein. The casket shell and ornament are configured such that the ornament is removably attachable to the casket shell. The planter and ornament are configured such that the ornament is attachable to the planter. The ornament can be removed from the casket in which a deceased was displayed for viewing and attached to the planter so that the planter and ornament can be presented to a loved one of the deceased as a memorial to the deceased.

Abstract: A method and system provides a stored value token that includes a three dimensional, closed volume which can include a movable cover for allowing access to the closed volume. The closed volume can contain various movable objects such as consumer goods, like plant seeds, edible food stuffs like mints, and/or utilitarian objects that can be used by the consumer such as screws, nails, nuts, bolts, etc. The closed volume can comprise human readable printed media on one side that identifies the volume as a stored value card and that identifies the contents being contained within the closed volume.

Abstract: A flower holder includes a liquid container having a diameter, length, and taper to retain fluid in the container even when one end of the container is not capped. A retainer is coupled to the container, with a first moveable portion and a second portion fixed to the container. The holder includes a cap with a resizable orifice.

Abstract: A carrier handle for insertion into a plant tray or pot includes highly flexible locking tabs at opposite ends. Each of the opposed ends includes a generally triangular tab which deflects for ease of insertion into an aperture in a tray or pot. The handle includes a center section with inwardly projecting concave indentations for defining a handhold centered for balancing the item being carried.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container (10) for containing a living organism (5), a docking station (100) for docking the container, and a transportation system (200) comprising the container and the docking station. The container comprises docking means (40, 42) for docking the container to a docking station. The docking station comprises a light emitter (110). The container comprises light-guiding means (30, 32, 34, 36) for guiding at least part of the light emitted by the light emitter to the living organism. The effect of the measures according to the invention is that the light required for illuminating the living organism is generated by the light emitter of the docking station. As a result, no light emitters are necessary in the container according to the invention which reduces the cost of the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a herb keeper that allows a user to easily access the herbs, or other items, kept within it.

Abstract: A lightweight portable garden container consists of a space frame that supports a flexible waterproof liner such that the floor of the flexible liner is elevated above the ground. The flexible liner includes a plurality of drain holes formed in the bottom surface that are attached to a manifold for collecting water draining from the flexible liner. The manifold drains into a closed reservoir which is attached to a pump that recirculates water from the reservoir back into to the container for irrigating the plants growing therein. The raised floor facilitates gardening at a comfortable level, while the recirculation system minimizes the amount of wasted water.

Abstract: Long-day onion plants, capable of producing onion bulbs comprising ‘high soluble solids’ combined with a ‘sweet taste’ as a result of low pungency, are provided, as are methods for producing such plants, bulbs and seeds. Such onions can be stored for long periods without a loss in quality and without an increase in pungency.

Abstract: The collapsible flower basket contains a first frame set, a second frame set, and a base frame. The first frame set contains two oppositely positioned first frames, each having a number of first connection elements. The second frame set contains two oppositely positioned second frames, each having a number of second connection elements. The first frames and the second frames are alternately positioned side-by-side to form a laterally enclosed structure where the base frame acts as a bottom. The base frame contains a number of third connection elements, each rotatably joined to one of the first connection elements, the second connection elements, and the hook elements. Additionally, some corresponding first and second connection elements are also rotatably joined together.

Abstract: Some of the exemplary embodiments provide a biome in a box system comprising a transparent external container having a first size and a top edge and a transparent internal container having a second size configured to fit within the external container. The internal container is for placement of a habitat and has at least one handle configured to hang over and suspend from the top edge of the external container. The system further includes a hinged lid having a side wall extending over the at least one handle and the top edge and a drain assembly under the transparent internal container.

Abstract: A storage container system for the transport and storage of multiple trunk segment artificial trees. The system takes advantage of the hinged branch or similarly flexible branched artificial trees capability to be disassembled into two or more trunk segments and stored with branches folded against the trunk. The object of the storage container system is to distribute the otherwise heavy and bulky artificial tree trunk segments among multiple storage units. Each storage unit, which varies by size, is comprised of a hollow cylinder body (10) and two end caps (20A) (20B), to form the enclosed storage container. The sturdy, non-flexible, cylindrically shaped storage containers, of varying sizes, are matched by size to the individual trunk segments of the artificial tree, for an orderly, efficient, and flexible use of space for storage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to reusable tree cover systems and methods that may be used with live trees or artificial trees. The cover systems may be stored in a pouch placed around the lower trunk of the tree from which the cover or tree bag is withdrawn and pulled up to substantially enclose the tree for transport and/or storage. The reusable systems may be designed to facilitate removal of the cover systems from the stored/covered tree while minimizing the undesirable forces on the tree and the cover system. This may be done by providing features that facilitate removing the cover systems in an upward direction relative to the tree along the stored/covered tree. As this removal direction is the same direction used to store/cover the tree in the first place and matches the natural bending/storing direction of the tree, storing and removal are facilitated by these systems.

Abstract: A protective bag for plants comprises a body including two fitting sides disposed on an open end thereof, and each fitting side including two holes mounted on two ends thereof respectively; two ropes inserted into the fitting sides of the body and extending out of the holes respectively so that an open end of the body wraps the ropes and one parts of the ropes extend out of the body. Thereby, the protective bag is operated easily by pulling or retracting the ropes to wrap or take out of the plants; the protective bag allows to position the plants to a trunk of the plants or a plant stand securely; the protective bag allows to monitor and take out of the fade plants clearly; the protective bag is capable of being used repeatedly, obtain environmental friendly purpose.

Abstract: A floral arrangement assembly according to the present invention embodiments provides protection and maintenance of a floral arrangement during display, transport and/or shipping. The floral arrangement assembly includes a floral retaining structure, a base to secure the floral retaining structure and a cover. The floral retaining structure includes a floral holding material secured to a platform via a suitable adhesive. A plurality of prongs may further be secured to the platform and utilized to engage the floral holding material. The floral retaining structure may further include a plate secured to the assembly base with the platform secured to the plate via a plurality of ties. Alternatively, the floral retaining structure may be secured directly to the assembly base via the plurality of ties. The floral arrangement assembly may be placed within a water proof bag or other containers, where optional cooling and absorption materials may be placed underneath the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention includes long-day onion plants comprising bulbs having low pungency and methods for obtaining such onions. The present invention also provides reagents and materials that can be used in the methods for obtaining such onions.

Abstract: A shipping cradle for seedlings and the like is both nestable and stackable. When stacked, a gap is formed between vertically-adjacent cradles to permit insertion and removal of trays of seedlings, and to permit visual inspection of the seedlings. A drainage system includes a series of channels and openings that prevent water from draining onto seedlings positioned in the lower cradles. The cradles are lightweight, and can be shipped in the nested position to substantially reduce shipping costs.

Abstract: The disclosure shows a retail display stand that can be used to display products sold in tapered packages. The display stand has at least one row of upper product apertures and a corresponding row of lower product apertures. The lower product apertures have a lateral dimension that is smaller than the corresponding lateral dimension of the upper product apertures. The stand also has distinct forward and back sets of product apertures. The back apertures have a lateral dimension that is smaller than the corresponding lateral dimension of the forward apertures. The difference in sizing causes tapered packages in the back row to sit in an elevated position with respect to the packages in the forward row of apertures, improving purchaser visibility of the back row of products and creating a better retail display.

Abstract: A product packaging container including end caps with reciprocating pins moved by rotating cams that secure a sidewall sheet fabricated of a flexible material capable of receiving ink or laser printing on one surface, and an end cap may include a sound-playing circuit that plays when the pins are actuated to release the sidewall sheet. Embodiments of a frusto-conical floral stand with a nutrient-filled bladder are provided. A frame kit is provided that, when assembled, holds the sidewall sheet of the container therewithin. A method for processing orders and shipping parcels such as horticultural articles in such containers is also provided, and the orders may specify a personalized sound and a personalized message on the sidewall sheet for framing.

Abstract: A method and system suitable for ordering, packaging, and delivering harvested plants, such as fresh-cut flowers. The method and method entail placing an order for harvested plants by selecting at least one plant varietal, identifying a recipient for the plant by name and address, indicating a date for the recipient to receive the plant, and optionally creating a message to be delivered with the plant to the recipient. The plant is then placed in at least one recess within a transparent shell comprising a raised peripheral edge that surrounds and defines the recess. The shell and plant are then placed in a transparent enclosure formed from a perforated transparent foil, and the enclosure and a shipping label are then inserted in a shipping container that is at least translucent to enable the plant and the label to be visible therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for providing decorative covers, decorative collars and decorative cover-collar combinations for covering a flower pot. The decorative covers and/or collars are formed from a variety of configurations of heat shrinkable sheet of material placed over all or a portion of a peripheral surface of the flower pot and then heated to shrink the sheet of material into a pressing engagement against the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating a cucumber, eggplant or the like includes a fastening element for allowing an opened cover body to be fastened into a closed state or a closed cover body to be separated into an opened state by causing a catching protrusion opened along the longitudinal direction of the cover body, and a plurality of catching steps to allow the cover body to be coupled and fastened when catching steps are hooked on a catching protrusion, and a cover body distortion prevention projection formed protruding from the catching protrusion to fix opposite sides of each of the catching steps when each catching step is hooked on the catching protrusion. Cover body separation/opening supports are formed, respectively, on the top of each catching step and on the catching protrusion such that the fastened cover body can be unfastened and opened.

Abstract: An in-ground planting pot apparatus for facilitating watering and fertilizing a plant having: a frustro-conical portion having a minimum diameter, a maximum diameter opposite the minimum diameter, and an outer surface; a curved lip portion circumscribing most of the maximum diameter and extending outwardly from, and having an outside diameter greater than, the maximum diameter, the curved lip portion starting on the outer surface and terminating at the same plane formed by the maximum diameter; and an elongated tray portion having a tray bottom that is co-planar with the start of the curved lip portion, and a tray rim starting from the tray bottom and terminating at the same plane formed by the maximum diameter and curved lip portion The apparatus can be inserted into soil with the minimum diameter down and a fraction of the frustro-conical portion remaining above ground, a plant may be planted in the middle, and then water and fertilizer dispensed into the frustro-conical, tray, and lip portions which direct

Abstract: This invention is about a fountain movement flower, which includes a hollow outer barrel, the upper opening of inner chamber and its lower end connecting with water supply pipes through water inlet. The inner tank is inside the inner chamber of outer barrel. When inner chamber is charged with water, inner tank can float upward; artificial flowers are set in the upper section of inner tank. When they are within the inner chamber of outer barrel, the petals are closed. When the inner chamber is filled with water, the flowers float to the chamber opening and open their petals, a sight of splendid blossom. This invention has simple structure and clever design, and it can be placed various spectator fountains, water pools and horticultural fountains. When the water level inside outer barrel is rising, the artificial flowers rise in the outer barrel's inner chamber along the inner tank, and spread their petals at the upper opening of outer barrel's inner chamber, a dynamic sight of beautiful blossom.

Abstract: A plant product includes a plant item and an envelope attached directly to the plant item wherein a flat object, such as a flattened vase, an instruction card, a storybook, a seed packet or a greeting card, is disposed in the envelope's interior. The plant item may be wrapped in a wrapper to which the envelope is secured, such as by an adhesive. Also disclosed is a structure for an exemplary envelope and flattened vase combination. A method utilizing these articles is also described. Where a flattened vase is used, it is of a type that can be selectively configured to an expanded state to receive the plant item.

Abstract: A stackable plant pot including a cavity provided with water flow directing gutters, a recesses centrally located water catchment region with drainage slits and suited to receive a moisture retaining device, and a soil holding region located above the water catchment region.

Abstract: A conical container that is stable includes a cup adapted to contain liquid and/or one or more selected item(s) and a frustoconical skirt depending therefrom. The container may further include a plurality of removable and interchangeable inserts operable with the cup and/or one or more tray operable with the skirt. The container may advantageously be used as a vase for an arrangement of fresh cut flowers, and may optionally be converted for use with one or more additional selected item.

Abstract: An angled plant material transporter having a horizontal concave platform angled to elevate plant material contained in a plant material container. The angled horizontal concave platform is connected to an angled upright back platform and to upright side platforms to secure the plant material container securely and at an angle. A recessed platform is attached to the angled horizontal concave platform to receive and hold plant material debris and liquid that may fall from the plant material container above. The angled plant material transporter has a lock mechanism to secure more than one angled plant material transporter together along with a plurality of side and back openings to facilitate moving, lifting, and transporting plant material containers. The angled plant material transporter has an underside cavity that facilitates stacking more than one angled plant material transporter.

Abstract: An open-topped container has an outwardly turned rim extending around the open top a thermoformed body of the containers with the rim formed by a clamping ring which has one or more projections each forming an indentation into the rim. Trim tooling subsequently forms a slit through the bottom wall of each indentation able to receive a flat plastic display inserted therein.

Abstract: A flowerpot 1 made of plastic, in particular in a deep-drawn embodiment having a bottom 7 that is provided with holes and hollow layer regions of the bottom 7 on the bottom side for connecting the holes to the environment on the bottom side is designed so that the holes 12, 13 are arranged at least partially in the bottom areas 8, 9, 10, 11 which sit without any spacers for distancing on a supporting surface and have channels 14, 15 in the form of a bottom channeling crisscrossing through the lower area in at least two directions and leading out to the edges. These channels ensure drainage of the flowerpot at the bottom and optionally watering of the pot without providing feet or edge webs on the bottom that would be susceptible entanglement when being shifted on working surfaces or in conveyance with the help of conveyor belts and which can lead to deformation and resilient recoil movements when work is done by machine, in particular when the pots are being placed on a substrate.

Abstract: A package assembly for automated aliquot and/or dispersal processes is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to: first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot, wherein a flexure channel is defined in each of opposite sides of at least one of the first or second portions, the flexure channels cooperating to define a flexure axis extending through the pair of flexure channels. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may allow at least one of first and second portions of the package assembly to flex about the flexure axis in response to an opening force exerted on the package assembly such that the first and second portions separate in response to the opening force.

Abstract: The present invention provides, e.g., methods, devices and compositions to preserve plants, such as cut flowers. The methods include, e.g., sealing cut stems in antimicrobial preservative media, sealing the leaves in a substantially unvented compartment and sealing the flower blossoms in a less humid vented environment. Methods include, e.g., sealing cut flower ends in a preservative liquid, sealing the majority of the stem length and leaves in a stem compartment and holding the blossoms and at least a portion of the leaves in a relatively open blossom compartment. The devices include, e.g., packaging materials and preservative to vitalize and protect uprooted plants and/or cut flowers. The compositions of the invention provide, e.g., packaging systems and preservative media which inhibit microbe growth and vitalize cut plants.

Abstract: A support for a food product display arrangement is presented. The support includes a cylindrical structure having a diameter, an exterior surface and a height. The cylindrical structure is a food safe, foam material having a density suitable for supporting at least one of food products and display elements. The cylindrical structure is selectively adjustable about its diameter and height to accommodate a container used in the display arrangement. A plurality of supports are disposed in the cylindrical structure at positions and angles to create a visually interesting and aesthetically pleasing food product display arrangement. A plurality of food items are coupled to the supports.

Abstract: A device for keeping cut flowers in condition comprises a holder (10) for receiving the cut flowers therein in a suitable medium, in particular water. Cooling means (21, 22) comprise a cooling body (22) which is capable of heat-exchanging contact with at least a part of a wall of the holder for cooling the medium therein. The holder has a bottom with a channel (13) for releasably receiving the cooling body (22) therein. In a method for displaying cut flowers such a holder is placed together with flowers received therein on a cooling body and, when deterioration is imminent, exchanged for a similar holder with a fresh bouquet of flowers.

Abstract: A collapsible floral container stored and shipped in a substantially planar configuration and expanded into the form of a flower pot or flower pot cover is disclosed. The collapsible container includes a plurality of segments and a connecting member for connecting the segments such that the segments define a sidewall and such that the segments are movable between an expanded position wherein the segments cooperate with one another to form an object receiving space and to provide the sidewall with a unitary appearance and a collapsed position wherein the sidewall is substantially flattened.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a planter that does not need to use a saucer or the like; said planter can be used as a planter after the content thereof is gone; the leakage of the content (soil and the like) at the distribution thereof is eliminated. The planter comprises a planter body including an air space capable of containing a plant cultivating material, wherein said planter body includes at least one drainage opening for draining a solution pored into said air space, said drainage opening being liquid tightly occluded by an occluding member, said occluding member being operatively provided for optionally opening or occluding said drainage opening from the outside of said planter, thereby realizing the planter.

Abstract: A container for flowers and such includes a stackable holder with upright walls, a carrier supported on the walls, an upper holder being placeable on the carrier, and also A ventilation element located in at least one of the walls and also at the top of the carrier. The ventilation element includes at least one recess opening out at the upper edge of the wall.

Abstract: An artificial life form construction includes an artificial aquatic life form for display; an anchor for receiving the artificial aquatic life form; and a retainer for aiding in retaining the artificial aquatic life form in the anchor. The artificial aquatic life form may have a stem, which the anchor receives with frictional fit in a support. The stem may include an opening. The retainer includes a plug portion, which is inserted in to the opening and expands a peripheral portion of the stem at the opening to increases frictional resistance with the support to prevent dislocation of the artificial aquatic life form.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and package for shipping and handling fresh cut floral arrangements where fragile flower blooms cover the top and sides of the arrangement.

Abstract: A flattened decorative bag having gussets which is convertible to a decorative bag for a basket which, when a basket is inserted therein, conforms to the shape of the basket. Methods of making and using a flattened decorative bag having gussets.

Abstract: Described is a wrap for allowing a decorative cover to be formed by an assembler, such as a florist, about a pot, such as a flower pot. The wrap includes: a substantially non-shape sustaining body having a first surface and a second surface separated from the first surface by a substantially thin side border, the first surface having a center area located within an outer area that extends to the side border; a first application of bonding material coupled to the outer area of the first surface of the body; and a second application of bonding material coupled to the outer area of the first surface, the center area substantially separates the first application and the second application of bonding material. A pot assembly and a method of forming a pot assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus bounds and retains the medium in which a transplantable plant is grown, and promotes the production of lateral root tips by such a plant at all levels in the growth medium. The apparatus includes a sheet having a plurality of hollow protuberances formed with proximal protuberance openings that communicate with distal protuberance openings. The protuberances provide pathways that mimic the natural tendency of the plant roots, so as to decrease the likelihood of the root tips evading the protuberances and promote root-tip growth towards the distal protuberance openings whereby air-root pruning is assured.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a cover, a method of covering, and a cover system to be used with shipments of products transported by air with ULDs. The dimensions of the cover system can vary depending on the ULD they are designed to be used with. The cover system can also be adapted to any individual skid such as wooden or plastic pallets used for smaller loads used in air transport or any other mode of transportation. The cover system can include one or multiple parts that wrap the shipment. Each part of the cover system can be made of one or more layers. Each layer can be made of a single material or a combination of different materials, and different layers can incorporate different materials. The different parts of the cover can be made of different materials or different combination of materials. In specific embodiments, materials used for the cover system are Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) friendly.

Abstract: An impact resistant container (1) for trees or other large plants. The container (1) comprises: side walls (3) fabricated from a plurality of layers of steel beams (7), the beams having a rectangular open cross-section; and a rigid base member (5) arranged within the side walls (3), wherein at least one of the side walls (3) comprises a deformation initiating means (11) for initiating deformation of the steel beams (7) in an impact.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a container of arbitrary size, shape, and density configured with ventilating holes of arbitrary size, shape, and distribution to promote air circulation and drainage. In some variations of the present invention a hinged rotatable cover or a supported removable cover prevents the entry of rain into the container. In a closed container organic material will generate dangerous heat build-up that can lead to spontaneous combustion and will present a malingering stench problem as the material decomposes. The present invention alleviates both problems by promoting and facilitating the circulation of air and the drainage of moisture while the organic material is being staged for collection and also provides additional benefits thereby inhibiting the build up of dangerous heat and objectionable fumes and reducing the possibility of spontaneous combustion. The ventilating and drainage holes significantly reduce container weight without significantly reducing strength.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel designs of tray lids and tray bases for modified atmosphere packaging of fresh fruit, vegetables and cut flowers. More particularly, this invention relates to novel designs of landscaped lids and corresponding tray bases which enable cooling air to be circulated in single or multiple directions through stacked lid and tray combinations that contain fresh fruits, vegetables and cut flowers in a modified atmosphere environment. The gas-permeable modified atmosphere package comprises a lid constructed of a polymer, the lid having on the top surface thereof at the mid-regions of each side a plurality of raised load supports and in between grooves; and a base with a hollow interior constructed of corrugated kraft paper polymer and having a configuration at the top edges which conforms with the interior profile of the lid; the grooves enabling air to be circulated over the lid when one package combination is stacked on another.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to reusable tree cover systems and methods that may be used with live trees or artificial trees. The cover systems may be stored in a pouch placed around the lower trunk of the tree from which the cover or tree bag is withdrawn and pulled up to substantially enclose the tree for transport and/or storage. The reusable systems may be designed to facilitate removal of the cover systems from the stored/covered tree while minimizing the undesirable forces on the tree and the cover system. This may be done by providing features that facilitate removing the cover systems in an upward direction relative to the tree along the stored/covered tree. As this removal direction is the same direction used to store/cover the tree in the first place and matches the natural bending/storing direction of the tree, storing and removal are facilitated by these systems.

Abstract: A system and method for producing flowers and stems from flower bulbs and marketing them by securing a desired number of bulbs to a uniquely configured support device and causing the bulbs to develop roots and shoots. The support tray is then transferred and inserted into a transparent display container where the support device is elevated from the bottom of the container by a predetermined distance, and a nourishing liquid is added to the container. The combined display container and support device is then shipped either directly to retailers for sale.

Abstract: A storage container for artificial trees comprising a container portion, a transportation portion that is attached to a base of the container portion, and a handle portion that is attached to a top end of the container portion. The container portion is made of a soft flexible material, such that the container portion may be compressed or rolled-up when not containing an artificial tree. The container portion is preferably a truncated pyramid, with a base, at least one side section and a top. The side section and the top are bisected by a reusable closure mechanism. Attached to the base is the transportation portion, which comprises a transverse spine to which at least one wheel mechanism is attached. Attached to an upper end of the container portion is a handle portion. The handle portion is at least one loop that spans the top of the container portion.