Abstract: A foamed sheet including: a polylactic acid; and a filler, wherein the foamed sheet has a compressive stress of 0.2 Mpa or less when the cushioning coefficient of the foamed sheet is 10 or less; and wherein the foamed sheet has a puncture strength of 2 N or more when the sheet thickness of the foamed sheet is 2 mm.

Abstract: Wreath is a popular home decoration or event decorations; especially during holiday season and memorial services. Traditional wreath is made of fresh flower and plant branches. Some of the modern wreath is made of plastic flower and plant branch. Some wreath even is equipped with lights for enhancing its beauty. These lights are powered by batteries or plugged into the home outlets. The connection of the power cable and the life span of the battery lift have hindered the operation of these wreaths.

Abstract: A binding wrap for maintaining the hydration of cut flowers is disclosed. The wrap is formed by folding a flexible, absorbent sheet over and around the stems of cut flowers. An assembly of a bouquet of cut flowers with a flexible, absorbent binding wrap folded around its stems is also disclosed as is a method of forming such a wrap.

Abstract: An orchid growing and holding apparatus that is configured to releasably secure an orchid thereto and further is configured to be mounted to a vertical support surface. A base member that is planar in manner and rectangular in shape is provided. The base member has a mounting aperture proximate the upper end thereof. The base member includes a first securing aperture and a second securing aperture axially aligned horizontally journaled through the base member proximate the lower end thereof. A securing member is provided and operable to be passed through the first securing aperture and second securing aperture and bias an orchid against the front surface of the base member. A plant support member is provided on the front surface and has a radius curved body that extends outward from the front surface. A hook member is provided to suspend the present invention from a vertical support surface.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a game apparatus and a method of playing the game are provided. In some exemplary embodiments, a method of playing a game is provided, comprising providing a first pole having a first hoop and a second hoop, providing a second pole having a first hoop and a second hoop, selecting a first team having a first player adjacent the first pole and a second player adjacent the second pole, selecting a second team having a first player adjacent the first pole and a second player adjacent the second pole, wherein the first player serves the ball directly to the second player of the first team, and providing a method of scoring wherein points are awarded to the first team if the second player puts the ball in the first hoop, second hoop or both the first hoop and the second hoop of the second pole.

Abstract: A vase apparatus includes a vase supported by a ground engagement mechanism such that the vase can be displaced from the ground engagement mechanism. The ground engagement mechanism is arranged to enable the vase to be presented substantially vertically. At least one displaceable portion extends from the ground engagement mechanism or the vase. Each displaceable portion includes a plurality of apertures for receiving bunches of flowers or stems of individual flowers or plants.

Abstract: A binding wrap for maintaining the hydration of cut flowers is disclosed. The wrap is formed by folding a flexible, absorbent sheet over and around the stems of cut flowers. An assembly of a bouquet of cut flowers with a flexible, absorbent binding wrap folded around its stems is also disclosed as is a method of forming such a wrap.

Abstract: A vertical hydroponic plant production apparatus for allowing vertical hydroponic greenhouse crop production is provided. The apparatus comprises a hollow grow tube having a front face, a back face, an open first end, and an open second end. A slot is formed in the front face of the grow tube with the slot having a width equal to only a portion of a width of the front face. A media material is insertable into the grow tube. The slot allows the front face to expand outward during insertion of the media material and biased inward against the media material once the media material is inserted. The grow tube is positionable in either a horizontal position, vertical position, or any position between the horizontal position and the vertical position allowing inclined, multi-angled crop production and multi-storied conveyor style crop production.

Abstract: A device for efficiently irrigating a number of housing assemblies containing soil and plants. The housing assemblies are vertically mounted on a support structure. An irrigation system provides a flow of water to each of the housing assemblies. Each housing assembly includes an interior shell nested within an exterior shell. The irrigation system delivers the flow of water to two different heights of soil within the interior shell. A user may adjust how water is distributed within each housing assembly by manipulating one of several valves controlling the delivery of water from a main artery to each housing assembly. Water may be selectively and adjustably delivered to a plant containing a shallow root system, or to a different variety plant containing an extended or deep root system as needed. Excess water may be drained from the interior shell and held within a cavity for reabsorption by the soil contained therein.

Abstract: A modular tray is provided for covering a portion of a surface with vegetation in a growth medium. The tray includes a pair of sidewalls, and a lower end wall and an upper end wall extending between and interconnecting the ends of the sidewalls such that the walls define a perimeter of the tray. A bottom wall extends between and interconnects the ends of the sidewalls and the lower end wall and extends in a plane disposed at an angle with the respect to the longitudinal axis of the sidewalls. Each of a plurality of platforms extends between and interconnects the sidewalls and are disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sidewalls. Each of a plurality of risers extends between the rear edge of a platform to the front edge of an adjacent platform. The tray is water impermeable for accommodating the growth medium and vegetation.

Abstract: A hydroponics plant growing system comprises a bamboo tower having a grow chamber and a water chamber formed therein. A plurality of grow cups are attached to side of the tower adjacent the grow chamber. Cutouts in a sidewall of the tower form passageways between the grow cups and grow chamber. A low voltage electric pump is disposed in the water chamber to pump water to the top of the grow chamber.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a spill- and leak-proof container for floriculture items including cut flowers, stems, other horticultural items, and the like. More specifically, the invention includes a receptacle having funnel-like primary closure. The funnel-like primary closure includes a wider opening generally adjacent to and contiguous with the mouth of the receptacle. The narrower opening of the funnel-like primary closure is positioned in the interior of the receptacle. A secondary closure atop the wider opening of the primary closure ensures no liquid can spill.

Abstract: A method for hydrating cut flowers during packing, storage, and transport is provided. The present disclosure also provides a method for hydrating cut flowers in which a particular absorbent pad is used therein. The present disclosure further provides that the absorbent pad can contain an active agent that is activated by water to nourish and treat the cut flowers and/or inhibit growth of microorganisms.

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: A flower pot and urn put together to make it possible to display a pet or loved one's cremated remains in a way like never before is generally provided. In a typical embodiment, a flower pot and urn are molded closely together so plants or flowers can drape around the urn. The pot and urn may be set on a mantel or table depending on the size or, for larger sizes, put in any room in a house. An embodiment of the present invention presents a combination flower pot and urn on a base that acts as a drip pan for the flower pot and a stand for the urn to keep it up out of the water.

Abstract: An assembly for displaying a flower bouquet that includes a container for holding the flower bouquet and a stand for supporting the container in a substantially upright position. The container is composed of three parts. A tube holds the stem of the flowers with the base of the tube providing hydration to the cut flower stems for a long-lasting bouquet. The top of the tube has a plurality of uniquely shaped, bouquet supporting segments of varying flower design that complements the fresh flowers that are placed in the vase.

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: An environmental controlling system to better preserve cut flowers and other flora in vase water. The system uses thermoelectric modules, heat exchangers, fans, power supply, and a thermal conductor to cool and/or heat the water in a flower vase as required. By cooling the water, formation of algae and formation of a callus on the cut stem is reduced. In addition, keeping the stems in water of optimal temperature controls production of ethylene and other phytohormones. These effects prevent premature wilting, leaf abscission, flower senescence, and reduces the care required to maximize the life of cut flowers and other flora. In the event of cold ambient conditions that might cause freezing, the flow of heat can optionally be reversed, warming the water in the vase to avoid freezing the stems and/or maintain optimum temperature and other conditions for a specific variety of flora.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plurality of at least 1000 plant pots for use in cultivating plants. Each plant pot has a side wall and bottom which delimit an interior space for substrate which is open at the top, in which the bottom has a bottom side which is turned away from the interior space. Each plant pot is provided with a tag which has an optically readable code. The tag is arranged on the bottom side of the bottom, and the optically readable code is turned away from the bottom so that it can read from below when the plant pot is upright. The invention furthermore relates to an assembly with these plant pots as well as to a method for cultivating plants.

Abstract: A fiber aggregate having cellulose fibers as a principal component. The cellulose fibers have an average fiber diameter of about 25 microns or less, and may be clustered together. Per gram of fiber aggregate, the cellulose fibers may hold about 10-21 mL of an impregnating solution that has water as a principal component. The fiber aggregate may be included as part of a water retention agent for flowers and/or woody ornamental plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floral arrangement device (100) comprising at least one ring of circularly arranged leaves (120) with a free-standing upper region (121) and a lower region (122), by means of which they are joined to form a stable unit via a support device. According to the invention, detachably fixed variations of a basic layout are enabled in that each leave (120) is connected in the region of its lower end (122) to a pivoting arm (110) which is pivotably mounted to a hinge (131, 151), wherein the angle of said pivoting arm can be adjusted with respect to the horizontal by means of an adjustment device.

Abstract: A bouquet making apparatus comprises a plurality of bouquet forms movably supported at spaced locations along a conveying device. Each bouquet form includes upper and lower stem supports that hold bouquet elements, such as flowers, at an angle with respect to vertical. As each bouquet maker travels along the conveying device, workers spaced along the conveying device sequentially insert sets of flowers into upper and lower stem supports until each bouquet maker hold a final bouquet set. Each of the final bouquet sets are removed from the bouquet form and secured with a fastener, thereby forming a plurality of twisted stem-type bouquets having a substantially identical design appearance.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a spill- and leak-proof container for floriculture items including cut flowers, stems, other horticultural items, and the like. More specifically, the invention includes a receptacle having funnel-like primary closure. The funnel-like primary closure includes a wider opening generally adjacent to and contiguous with the mouth of the receptacle. The narrower opening of the funnel-like primary closure is positioned in the interior of the receptacle. A secondary closure atop the wider opening of the primary closure ensures no liquid can spill.

Abstract: A power-saving flowerpots capable of serial connecting with other flowerpot includes a planting tank having a horizontal plane and an inclined plane at an upper side thereof for planting; a water tank connected to a lower side of the planting tank; the connection of the planting tank and the water tank being formed as an L shape; an interior of the water tank being formed with a water draining channel; an upper side of the water draining channel being formed with a communication hole so that when the water level in the water tank is over a lower edge of the communication hole; water will flow into the communication hole from the water tank. A plurality of flowerpot can be installed as a first row by a retaining rod to pass through all hooks of the flowerpots; and the water tubes of the flowerpot are connected one by one.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fresh cut flower vase that is composed of three parts. A tube holds the stem of the flowers with the base of the tube providing hydration to the cut flower stems for a long-lasting bouquet. The top of the tube has a varying flower design that complements the fresh flowers that are placed in the vase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for displaying flower bouquets or potted plants, including a first sheet (1), a central part (2), and a second sheet (4), said central part (2) being inserted between the first sheet (1) and the second sheet (4). Said first sheet (1) is stacked on top of said second sheet (4). Said device is characterized in that the central part includes a central body (2A) and at least two foldaway arms (3) rigidly connected to the central body (2A), and in that, when erecting the device, the angle formed between the central body (2A) and the at least two foldaway branches (3) is either less than 90° in the case of a device for displaying flower bouquets, or no less than 90° in the case of a device for displaying potted plants.

Abstract: A floral grouping package for a floral grouping having a bloom end and a stem end is disclosed. A wrapper is formed from a sheet of material or bag which is wrapped about at least a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping. The wrapped floral grouping is then positioned within a receiving space of a preformed sleeve whereby the wrapper is secured in a stable position about at least a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping by the preformed sleeve. A detaching element defines the detachable upper portion and a lower portion of the preformed sleeve so that the upper portion can be removed from the lower portion.

Abstract: Vase apparatus and decorating methods for associating flowers and other decorative items with cakes and other food products are described. Vase embodiments include a water-holding reservoir having a bottom wall, an upright rim, and plural flower-stem-receiving wells. Each well is defined by at least one well wall depending from the bottom wall and has an opening capable of receiving water from the reservoir. Vase embodiments may include a reservoir of various shapes and sizes. Vases may be placed on a cake or other food product permitting the cake or food product to be attractively and easily decorated.

Abstract: A retail display apparatus has a transparent inner cylinder with a top. An outer sleeve surrounds a portion of the transparent inner cylinder and has a top such that a first part of the top of the outer sleeve is a first distance from the top of the transparent inner cylinder and a second part of the top of the outer sleeve is a second distance from the top of the transparent inner cylinder.

Abstract: A support structure is configured to be pierced by stems of flowers to hold the flowers in place and to retain moisture. The support structure extends along a longitudinal path and has front and rear surfaces and two opposite side surfaces. A backplate overlies the support structure's rear surface. A frame overlies the support structure and is attached to the backplate to hold the support structure against the backplate. The frame includes longitudinal bands that extend along the longitudinal path along the support structure. The frame further includes cross bands that extend about the support structure's front and side surfaces in directions that are perpendicular to the longitudinal band. Each cross band crosses the longitudinal bands at crossing points at which the longitudinal band is perpendicular to and adjoined to and underlying the respective longitudinal band.

Abstract: A composite floral sphere to receive and maintain fresh cut vegetation in a floral arrangement is presented. The composite floral sphere includes a core of a first hydrophobic material, such as urethane foam. That core is fully encased by a shell bonded to the core, the shell being made of a hydrophilic or wettable material such as a wettable phenolic foam. A support rod including an enlarged head at one end and a receiving hook or ring at the other passes diametrically through the sphere. Fresh cut flowers or other vegetation have their stems cut to a length which is less than the thickness or depth of the shell of wettable material, the cut stems being inserted into the shell and receiving moisture therefrom when the shell is hydrated.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a floral grouping having a bloom end and a stem end is disclosed. A wrapper is formed from a sheet of material or bag which is wrapped about at least a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping. The wrapped floral grouping is then positioned within a receiving space of a preformed sleeve whereby the wrapper is secured in a stable position about at least a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping by the preformed sleeve. A detaching element defines the detachable upper portion and a lower portion of the preformed sleeve so that the upper portion can be removed from the lower portion.

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.

Abstract: A substantially shape-sustaining sheet of material having a substantially circular shape may be formed into a substantially frusto-conical shaped bouquet holder in which a floral grouping may be disposed.

Abstract: A dispenser of containers. A carousel is rotatably mounted to a main frame about a vertical axis of rotation and has a plurality of container compartments arranged around the axis and along the length of the axis. A driver mounted to the main frame rotates the carousel around the axis in a single direction and a lock limits rotation of the carousel in any direction when engaged.

Abstract: A bouquet making apparatus comprises a plurality of bouquet forms movably supported at spaced locations along a conveying device. Each bouquet form includes fixed upper and lower stem supports that hold bouquet elements, such as flowers, at an angle with respect to vertical. As each bouquet maker travels along the conveying device, workers spaced along the conveying device sequentially insert sets of flowers into upper and lower stem supports until each bouquet maker hold a final bouquet set. Each of the final bouquet sets are removed from the bouquet form and secured with a fastener, thereby forming a plurality of twisted stem-type bouquets having a substantially identical design appearance.

Abstract: Per TITLE OF INVENTION, there is disclosed methods, apparatus and kits for attaching artificial flowers (particularly flowers formed with means such a passage to frictionally receive an artificial stem in assembly of an artificial flower plant) to a non-blooming live vegetation stem or branch that is not frictionally receivable in the flower passage, whereby a substitute stem that is frictionally receivable in the flower passage may be custom-formed from various commercially-available wire-like elements to provide (a) single or double free-end twist tie means for attachment of such single flowers to such live stems or branches or (b) means for attaching a plurality of such flowers to a non-blooming live bush in the manner of a string of Christmas tree lights.

Abstract: A substantially shape-sustaining sheet of material having a substantially circular shape is capable of being formed into a substantially frusto-conical shaped bouquet holder in which a floral grouping may be disposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to orthogonal pairs of tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase that can incorporate the unnatural amino acid phenylselenocysteine into proteins produced in eubacterial host cells such as E. coli. The invention provides, for example but not limited to, novel orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides encoding the novel sythetases molecules, methods for identifying and making the novel synthetases, methods for producing containing the unnatural amino acid phenylselenocysteine and translation systems. The invention further provides methods for producing modified proteins (e.g., lapidated proteins) through targeted modification of the phenylselenocysteine residue in a protein.

Abstract: A kit includes non-floral components necessary for producing a customized shaped floral arrangement. The kit for creating a floral arrangement includes a substrate having a sculpted shape, a base connectable to the substrate, at least one non-floral component securable to the substrate, the substrate may be adapted to receive flowers to create the floral arrangement.

Abstract: Vase apparatus and decorating methods for associating flowers, and other decorative items with cakes and other food products are described. Vase embodiments include a water-holding reservoir having a bottom wall, an upright rim, and plural flower-stem-receiving wells. Each well is defined by at least one well wall depending from the bottom wall and has an opening capable of receiving water from the reservoir. Vase embodiments may include a reservoir of various shapes and sizes. Vases may be placed on a cake or other food product permitting the cake or food product to be attractively and easily decorated.

Abstract: 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 power-saving flowerpots capable of serial connecting with other flowerpot includes a planting tank having a horizontal plane and an inclined plane at an upper side thereof for planting; a water tank connected to a lower side of the planting tank; the connection of the planting tank and the water tank being formed as an L shape; an interior of the water tank being formed with a water draining channel; an upper side of the water draining channel being formed with a communication hole so that when the water level in the water tank is over a lower edge of the communication hole; water will flow into the communication hole from the water tank. A plurality of flowerpot can be installed as a first row by a retaining rod to pass through all hooks of the flowerpots;and the water tubes of the flowerpot are connected one by one.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flower vase for a cemetery memorial that can be stored within a compartment on the memorial when it is not in use. The cylindrical and hollow flower identification vase includes two photographs, two bronze engraving tags with personal data of the deceased people, a container for water and flowers when in an upright position, a serial number and exactly identification of the place where the vase is located in the cemetery property and a connection system between the vase and the compartment.

Abstract: An annular live floral holder in combination with an elongated candlestick is provided. The candlestick in includes a base, an elongated support, a tubular candle holder and a flat-circular or dish-shaped member in coaxial alignment with the candle holder. The annular live floral holder is removably seated on the flat-circular of dish-shaped member. The floral holder has a central opening that permits a candle to pass through it. A circular water-retaining trough is formed on the floral holder. At least on water retaining foam member is arranged within the water retaining trough. Live cut floral members having stalks embedded in and supported by the at least one foam member. A foam member retaining apparatus is included for securing the at least one foam member within the water-retaining trough. Preferably, the floral holder also includes a wax dripping containment portion formed on the outside of the inner wall of the trough.

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: Methods and apparatus for floral displays. In some embodiments the floral displays include interlocking features that couple a cage structure to a base. These interlocking features help retain blocks of water-retaining foam in between the cage and the base. Some embodiments further include attachment tabs around the outer periphery of the display that further hold the cage and base together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vase that is constituted by a package that comprises two faces that are connected together, both faces being flexible and presenting flap portions at both of their respective longitudinal ends, which flap portions are suitable for being folded inwards relative to said faces. In the bottom portion, each of the two flap portions presents an inside edge that constitutes a fold line that is interrupted by a cut line that presents an extreme point that lies on the straight line that is defined by the two side ends of said inside edge. In the top portion, the two flap portions include passage means for passing flower stems or stalks.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a floral grouping is disclosed. In the method a substantially shape-sustaining sheet of material having a substantially circular shape is formed into a substantially frusto-conical shaped bouquet holder with an open upper end that has a diameter greater than the diameter of a lower end thereof. A floral grouping may be disposed within the bouquet holder, and the bouquet holder may be further provided with a skirt.

Abstract: A vase is provided comprising a top containing portion having a base, and detachable bottom portion that is removeably connected to the base of the top portion.