Abstract: A packaging for long-stemmed flowers having little or no leaf, in particular gerberas, anthuriums and arum lilies, comprises: at least one or more vases (2) made of flexible or rigid material, means for positioning said vase or vases (2), one or more display tubes (3) with rows of openings (17) which allow the stems of the packed flowers to pass through, but not the flowers themselves, means for positioning the display tubes (3) above the vases (2) in such a way that the flower stems inserted through the openings in the display tubes (3) extend into the vases, a tubular protective collar (4) and means for positioning the protective collar (4) around the display tubes. Preferably the packaging also has a lid (5) that fits on the protective collar and contains ventilation openings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for shipping a plurality of preformed flower pot covers is provided. Each preformed flower pot cover including a base formed into a shape sized to receive a flower pot. The preformed flower pot cover having a closed lower end and an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough for receiving the flower pot. The apparatus includes a container provided with a top, a bottom, and a plurality of sidewalls cooperating to define an inner packing compartment. Each of the top, bottom and sidewalls have an interior surface and an exterior surface. The apparatus includes at least a first stacking shell configured to receive the base of the preformed flower pot cover. The first stacking shell extending from the interior surface of the bottom of the container. The apparatus further includes at least a second stacking shell configured to be received in the object opening of the preformed flower pot cover.

Abstract: A container for flowers and other plant parts, for use in motor vehicles. The container includes a receptacle having a closed bottom, an open top, and sides that connect the bottom and top, and means to support flower stems and other plant parts that are inserted into the receptacle. 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: A method and apparatus for preparing a floral assembly for shipment. Disposing at least one floral assembly on a shipping device formed from a thermoplastic or resinous material having a connecting bonding material thereon wherein the floral assembly is connectingly bonded to the shipping device. The apparatus may be used as a base for displaying a scene comprised of decorative objects.

Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of floral sleeves having a uniform design or pattern and printed circumferentially about a lower end thereof without requiring the waste of significant portions of sheet material is provided. The method includes the step of sealing and severing a pair of web portions along lines defined by coextensive first side edges and coextensive second side edges of printed portions. In another aspect, the method includes the step of sealing and severing a pair of overlapping web portions provided with a plurality of printed portions along a plurality of lines which traverse the printed portions and each of the corresponding unprinted portions to form a plurality of sleeves wherein each sleeve has an upper portion and a lower portion with the lower portion having a printed portion extending continuously about the exterior circumference of the lower portion of the sleeve while the upper portion is free of any printing contained in the lower portion of an adjacently formed sleeve.

Abstract: A sleeve comprising a lower portion preferably having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a floral grouping or plant. The sleeve may have an upper portion which can be detached from the lower portion of the sleeve once the function of the upper portion has been completed. The sleeve has a plurality of horizontally and diagonally positioned expansion elements.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material or both and optionally a detaching element such as perforations for detaching a portion of the sleeve or sheet of material and a reservoir disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The cinching tab is attached near one end of the sheet or sleeve. The cinching tab has a bonding material disposed thereon which, when the cinching tab is pulled tightly about the wrapper, causes the wrapper to be crimped and tightly bound about the stems of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A flower sleeve, being a package for a bouquet of flowers, comprising a tube of a plastic film, open at a large end and sealed at an opposite smaller end. An opening is formed near the smaller end of the tube. One edge of a flap is adhered on an inside surface of the tube that closes off the opening when pressure is applied to the flap from inside the tube. A panel adhered to the outside of the tube forms a pocket over the opening. A pocket opening permits inserting the nozzle of a wand into the pocket to inject preservative gel through the opening into the region of the tube adjacent to the sealed end of the tube. Once the gel is injected into the tube, the flap on the inside of the tube functions like a oneway valve to prevent escape of the gel out of the tube through the opening.

Abstract: The shipping system envelopes plants within their containers in perforated plastic. The perforations of the plastic are sized and spaced to allow respiration but to prevent the plant from becoming dislodged from their container. The container can be a tray having multiple cells holding a plurality of plants, or a single pot. The perforated plastic is used as an over wrap of the plant within its container. The plants are placed within a shipping container. Inserts are placed within the container and prevent the plant from becoming crushed if the shipping container becomes inverted by supporting the edge of the plant container and preventing the plant material from contacting any surface which would damage the plant.

Abstract: A sleeve for containing a flower pot wherein the sleeve is formed of a polymeric film having at least one surface thereof modified to provide the sleeve with an appearance or texture simulating the appearance or texture of cloth. The sleeve has a lower end, an upper end, an outer peripheral surface, an inner peripheral surface surrounding an inner retaining space, a base portion and a skirt portion.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have an upper sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the sleeve is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern has a curved or non-linear upper boundary which gives the sleeve the appearance of having a curved or non-linear upper skirt extending from the base portion.

Abstract: A packaging system adapted to provide for the secure retention of one or more individual boxes including: a frame dimensioned to receive the one or more boxes, the frame having inner dimensions configured to co-operate with outer dimensions of the boxes such that when the one or more boxes are positioned within the frame they are held securely therein, the frame being further adapted to provide rigid support about the periphery of the boxes, and a skin adapted to be provided over the frame, the skin covering the frame and the boxes contained therein.

Abstract: A wrap having a wrap opening formed through a portion thereof for wrapping a floral grouping having a bloom end and a stem end. The stem end of the floral grouping is inserted through the wrap opening in the wrap and the wrap is formed about the floral grouping and encompasses a substantial portion of the floral grouping while a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping remains extended through the wrap opening in the wrap.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a floral sleeve having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have a lower portion sized to cover a pot and an upper portion which can surround a plant disposed in the pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the upper portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern preferably has a non-linear upper boundary which gives the sleeve the appearance of having a non-linear upper edge or skirt extending from the lower portion.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material or both and optionally a detaching element such as perforations for detaching a portion of the sleeve or sheet of material and a reservoir disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The cinching tab is attached near one end of the sheet or sleeve. The cinching tab has a bonding material disposed thereon which, when the cinching tab is pulled tightly about the wrapper, causes the wrapper to be crimped and tightly bound about the stems of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A plant container containing sidewalls extending from a bottom to a top opening so as to define a cavity, said top opening smaller than said bottom, an opening at said bottom and removable plug means for closing said opening.

Abstract: The invention concerns a portable packaging device for a floral bouquet, comprising a support element (14) for maintaining the bouquet (12), and a packaging film (16) made of soft material designed to enclose the support element (14). The packaging film (16) is provided with carrier means (18) designed to be fixed when the sheet (16) is laid flat in unfolded state, and to be positioned in a state to be grasped when the sheet (16) encloses the lateral surface of the support element (14). The carrier means (18) are formed by a couple of handles (18a, 18b) fixed to the packaging film (16) with securing members (20a, 20b).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for shipping a plurality of preformed flower pot covers is provided. Each preformed flower pot cover including a base formed into a shape sized to receive a flower pot. The preformed flower pot cover having a closed lower end and an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough for receiving the flower pot. The apparatus includes a container provided with a top, a bottom, and a plurality of sidewalls cooperating to define an inner packing compartment. Each of the top, bottom and sidewalls have an interior surface and an exterior surface. The apparatus includes at least a first stacking shell configured to receive the base of the preformed flower pot cover. The first stacking shell extending from the interior surface of the bottom of the container. The apparatus further includes at least a second stacking shell configured to be received in the object opening of the preformed flower pot cover.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of making receptacles, packages, or parcels for living organisms or materials that are sensitive to changes in atmospheric conditions or surroundings, such as cut flowers. The lower portion (31) of a funnel-shaped shell overlies and matches the shape of a top portion (21) of a vase (2) which has the same funnel shape as the lower portion of the shell.

Abstract: A bag sleeve that provides a protective packaging for a floral bouquet contained therein while providing a convenient way to pick-up and carry the bouquet. The bag sleeve has a shield portion defining a bouquet receiving space that can be made of a rigid paper layer and a water-resistant layer attached to the paper layer. At least one handle can be attached to a blossom end of the shield portion. In one embodiment, a water-resistant base portion extends from a stem end of the shield portion, wherein the base portion has an opening which permits stems of the floral bouquet to protrude from the bag sleeve. In another embodiment, the bag sleeve comprises at least two panels configured to form v-grip backbones along a lateral edges of the bag sleeve.

Abstract: A self-contained portable display for use in displaying decorative or informational objects in the home, office or the like. The display includes a base portion including a top surface and a bottom surface and an integral sheath which serves both as a storage cover and as a decorative skirt. In a preferred form of the invention, the sheath includes a first layer and a second layer, between which is arranged the base portion, and a hem extending about a peripheral edge. Arranged within the hem and extending around the peripheral edge, is a drawstring which serves both as a closure and as a handle for the display when placed in a storage configuration. In addition, a plurality of support points are arranged on a bottom portion of the base for attaching a respective plurality of removable support members.

Abstract: A box for transporting items such as cut plants includes a retention member that is easily, quickly and safely inserted into one or more retention slits formed in a first side and a second side of the box, and that retains the plants within the box and prevents the one or more plants from crushing their flowers against an end or side of the box. The retention member includes a contact portion that presses one or more stems of the plants against a bottom side of the box when ends of the retention member are inserted into the appropriate retention slits. The retention member is retained in the box by the plant stems that force the ends against a top portion of the retention slits. A blank that includes a plurality of sections connected to each other can be easily formed into the box. To receive and retain the retention member once formed, the blanks includes a first and second section that includes an arrangement of retention slits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for providing decorative covers, decorative collars and decorative cover collar combinations for covering a flower pot. The methods and apparatuses 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: A shipping package for a floral grouping including a sheet of material bonded to a support member and wrapped upwardly and gathered at a portion above the floral grouping to enclose the floral grouping. A bonding material joins the gathered portion, and a plurality of perforations in the sheet of material provides for the detachment of a detachable portion above the floral grouping. The support member can be provided as a foldable member to form an outer enclosure about the floral grouping with the sheet of material forming a substantially water tight enclosure between the floral grouping and the outer enclosure.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material, or both, and a detaching element such as perforations for detaching a portion of the sleeve or sheet of material. The floral grouping is placed on the sheet of material which is wrapped thereabout, or the floral grouping is disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The wrapper may further comprise an additional strip of bonding material for bonding an informational card or label to the wrapper. After the wrapper is wrapped about the floral grouping, a portion of the wrapper may be removed by using the detaching element, thereby leaving a portion of the wrapper wrapped or bound about the floral grouping.

Abstract: The new item is the marriage of these two unrelated items, a seed packet and a piece of flannel which is folded to be a mini-diaper. Although useful on their own terms, but when these items are put together this produces an original, unique and useful product that is being used as a favor or gift for parties, baby showers, announcements, christenings and more.

Abstract: A flower sleeve, being a package for a bouquet of flowers, comprising a tube of a plastic film, open at a large end and sealed at an opposite smaller end. An opening is formed near the smaller end of the tube. One edge of a flap is adhered on an inside surface of the tube that closes off the opening when pressure is applied to the flap from inside the tube. A panel adhered to the outside of the tube forms a pocket over the opening. A pocket opening permits inserting the nozzle of a wand into the pocket to inject preservative gel through the opening into the region of the tube adjacent to the sealed end of the tube. Once the gel is injected into the tube, the flap on the inside of the tube functions like a oneway valve to prevent escape of the gel out of the tube through the opening.

Abstract: A box, a blank that can be easily formed into the box via an intermediate box assembly, and methods for generating and using the box allows one to quickly and easily package flowers and accessories for shipment to a consumer without bending, bruising or otherwise damaging the flowers. The box includes an insert that extends from a side of the box and is pivotable into an interior of the box. The insert includes a divider that extends from the insert and can be attached to a side after the flowers have been placed in the interior to extend between two sides and divide the interior into two compartments. One compartment contains the flower portion of the flowers while the other compartment contains the stem portion of the flowers and the accessories. The blanks allow one to quickly and easily generate the boxes and ensure that the box generated will have an insert to protect the flowers during shipment.

Abstract: An artificial tree duffle for the purpose of efficiently handling and protecting artificial trees during times of non-display or non-use; in which the artificial tree is kept in a cloth or textile type duffle, sack, bag, or housing of verbiage with the same meaning. This duffle has a single opening on one end, and shall have two or more circumferentially attached braided textile type tightening straps, while also having an additional non-tightening braided textile type strap attached in a longitudinal direction from the enclosed bottom end of the duffle to the open top end. In addition, the open end of the duffle is to have a hem type closing cord guide that houses the closing cord which when tightened may be secured to an optional (VELCRO) or anchor patch.

Abstract: A shipping package for a floral grouping including a sheet of material bonded to a support member and wrapped upwardly and gathered at a portion above the floral grouping to enclose the floral grouping. A bonding material joins the gathered portion, and a plurality of perforations in the sheet of material provides for the detachment of a detachable portion above the floral grouping. The support member can be provided as a foldable member to form an outer enclosure about the floral grouping with the sheet of material forming a substantially water tight enclosure between the floral grouping and the outer enclosure.

Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened state and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a concave lower end having an inwardly curved lower edge, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which, when employed to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve. The concave lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.

Abstract: A shipping package for a floral grouping including a sheet of material bonded to a support member and wrapped upwardly and gathered at a portion above the floral grouping to enclose the floral grouping. A bonding material joins the gathered portion, and a plurality of perforations in the sheet of material provides for the detachment of a detachable portion above the floral grouping. The support member can be provided as a foldable member to form an outer enclosure about the floral grouping with the sheet of material forming a substantially water tight enclosure between the floral grouping and the outer enclosure.

Abstract: A decorative cover or container which is a flattened sleeve which includes a lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion with a plurality of portions extending from the base portion, and optionally an upper portion which is detachable via a detaching element, for example, perforations. Upon opening of the sleeve, the lower portion of the sleeve defines and encompasses an inner retaining space and in one embodiment conforms generally to the outer surface of a pot. The potted plant is disposed in the inner retaining space of the lower portion of the sleeve such that at least a portion of the pot is covered by the lower portion of the sleeve. The lower portion of the sleeve is detachable from the upper portion, when the upper portion is present, by tearing along the detaching element forming an upper edge of the lower portion of the sleeve. The upper edge may be non-linear. The lower portion may be tapered and may have a gusset in the lower end.

Abstract: A floral shipper comprising an inner container for supporting a floral grouping therein in an upright position and an outer container sized to receive therein the inner container and the upright floral grouping. The outer container has a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly therefrom. At least some of the side walls have a heightened portion that is greater than the height of the inner container and the floral grouping and have disposed therein ventilation openings for allowing air to circulate within the outer container. The ventilation openings are disposed in the at least some of the side walls so that when two or more outer containers are oriented adjacent one another, at least some ventilation openings of one outer container align with the ventilation openings of the adjacent outer container.

Abstract: A floral container including a receptacle that holds a liquid and an insert which supports the floral grouping. The insert is positioned within the receptacle above the bottom wall of the receptacle to define a liquid-holding region. The side walls of the receptacle and the side walls of the insert may define a spill-catching region which communicates with the liquid-holding region of the container to catch displaced liquid if the floral container is tilted. The insert may include a divider positioned to form compartments through which the stems may extend to the liquid-containing region of the receptacle. The floral container may be loaded into an outer container to form a floral shipper and a plurality of these floral shippers may be assembled on a pallet.

Abstract: A container for storing herbs and other leafy produce includes a base cup, center tube, and cap. Optionally, the container may also include internal separators or spikes. Herbs are stored in the container so that the stem can remain in water but the leafy portion remains upward, out of water.

Abstract: Packaging for cut flowers comprises: a rectangular crate (1) with sloping side walls which are provided close to their top walls with a channel (5, 6, 7) that projects outwards and is open at the top, the base of which channel serves to support a foldable rectangular protective tube (2). In order to be able to nest a number of crates (1) deeply into one another without risk of binding, a shoulder (9) is arranged between the top edge of the sloping side walls of the crate and the base (7) or the bottom end of the inner flange (6) of the channel (5, 6, 7) open at the top. Said shoulder can also serve as support for a rectangular presentation collar.

Abstract: A two piece vase adapted to house flowers or a floral arrangement. An insert is adapted to be mounted in a chamber of a vase structure. The insert is not readily visible when inserted into the vase structure and provides a watertight seal. The insert is further easier to clean and provides a more convenient method of mounting the flowers into the vase.

Abstract: Flexible polymeric materials having a cloth-like appearance suitable for use in the formation of flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials are disclosed.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a floral sleeve having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have a lower portion sized to cover a pot and an upper portion which dan surround a plant disposed in the pot and which can be detached after the protective function of the upper portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern preferably has an arcuate upper boundary in the flattened condition which when opened, gives the sleeve the appearance of having an upper edge which is parallel to the upper rim of the pot disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing an item or plurality of items for shipment. Disposing one or a plurality of items on a rigid surface having a layer of deformable cushioning material with a bonding material thereon wherein the items are connectingly bonded to the foam layer which is deformed in response to the items. The items may be items of china, floral containers, and flower pots, or other similar items.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a vase upon a car seat, the apparatus and method including elements and steps of providing a vase holder, the vase holder, having a ceiling panel, including a forward end, a rearward end, a right end, a left end, and a vase receiving aperture, the vase holder further having a front wall panel hingedly attached to the forward end of ceiling panel, a rear wall panel hingedly attached to a rearward end of the ceiling panel, a floor panel hingedly attached to a lower end of the front wall panel, a car seat engaging panel hingedly attached to a rearward end of the rear wall panel, and a tab and slot attachment for connecting the rearward end of the floor panel to the lower end of the rear wall panel; downwardly pivoting the front and rear wall panels; rearwardly pivoting the floor panel; attaching the floor panel to the lower end of the rear panel; inserting the car seat engaging panel into a cleft within the car seat; and, inserting the vase into the vase receiving aperture.

Abstract: A plant container containing side walls extending from a bottom to a top opening so as to define a cavity, the top opening smaller than the bottom; means for introducing seeds of the plant into the cavity from the bottom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new delivery systems for cyclopropenes in which the cyclopropene, either free or encapsulated within a molecular encapsulation agent is incorporated into produce packaging materials.

Abstract: A storage system for artificial trees having a central support member and a set of removable limbs having a plurality of branches pivotably mounted and spaced longitudinally on each limb, comprising a plurality of limb-storage members having a first annular support member, a second annular support member and a flexible sleeve having a first end secured to the first annular support member and a second end secured to the second annular support member thus defining an interior volume within the sleeve.

Abstract: This container for vegetables with a water reserve comprises:

Abstract: A planter (10) having a vertical rabbet (12) for conformally engaging a post (14). The planter comprises a sidewall (18) and a bottom wall (20) that together define a cavity (22) for receiving potting soil or other material for supporting one or more plants and/or other items. A first portion (24) of the sidewall extends into the cavity to define the rabbet. A second portion (26) of the sidewall is preferably circular in shape and tapered so that the cavity is generally frusto-conical in shape. The rabbet includes a front face (28), a first lateral face (30) and a second lateral face (32), each for confronting a corresponding face of the post.

Abstract: A flower container in accordance with the invention is characterized by a container shell comprised of a head portion, a base portion, and a connecting trunk portion. The trunk portion defines a plurality of parallel elongate channels, each dimensioned to accommodate one or more flower stems. First ends of the channels open into an upper cavity, defined by the head portion, dimensioned to accommodate flower blooms. Second ends of the channels open into a lower cavity defined by the shell base portion. The lower cavity is useful for accommodating an aqueous gel intended to contact the stem lower ends to nourish the flowers.

Abstract: A decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve which includes a lower portion having a base portion and a decorative skirt portion and an upper portion which are connected along a detaching element, for example, perforations. Upon opening of the sleeve, the lower portion of the sleeve defines and encompasses an inner retaining space and conforms to the outer surface of a pot. The potted plant is disposed in the inner retaining space of the lower portion of the sleeve such that at least a portion of the pot is covered by the lower portion of the sleeve. The lower portion of the sleeve is detachable from the upper portion by tearing along the detaching element forming an upper edge of the lower portion of the sleeve.