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 a top 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 flexible sleeve disposable about at least a portion of a flower pot or floral grouping is formed of a flexible polymeric material having at least a portion of one surface thereof modified to provide a textured or matte finish to the flexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve may also be provided with perforations at preselected areas for removing an upper portion of the flexible sleeve from a lower portion thereof. Methods for wrapping a floral grouping or packaging a plant using the flexible sleeve are also described.

Abstract: A flexible vase for transporting and displaying cut flowers comprising a flexible walled waterproof container that is capable of standing upright when partially filled with water. A block of floral foam sized to fit into the container and fill a bottom portion of the container secures the bases of the flower stems. A tie for cinching the walls of the container provides a mouth of the container of reduced effective size from the opening of the container. The container being capable of supporting the stems of the cut flowers.

Abstract: A floral arranging vase cover provides enhanced decoration and for supporting floral arrangements within a vase. The floral arranging cover includes a circular ring, inner bands and outer bands. Preferably, the floral arranging cover includes four to twelve inner bands which are arcuate in shape and have first and second ends which rotatably affix to the circular ring. The outer bands are also arcuate in shape and include first and second ends which attach to the circular ring. Preferably, the outer bands project outwardly from the ring and are arranged in an overlapping manner. Moreover, the outer bands are preferably affixed to adjacent bands to prevent their rotation about the circular ring. The floral arranging cover is placed upon a vase with the circular ring substantially adjacent to the vases' rim. The inner bands project inwardly to form a grid-like structure having openings for floral and plant stems.

Abstract: A transport container for cut flowers includes at least one substantially watertight first container part (10) for receiving stems of cut flowers and a second container part (30), which at least during transport at least largely surrounds the cut flowers. The second container part includes a hollow base portion (20) which substantially receives the first container part on an upper surface thereof. The manually removable base portion (20) connects with a bottom of the second container part (30) and surrounds the cut flowers at least over a part of their length. Optionally, a collar element (40) is placed on the sleeve element.

Abstract: A malleable vase constructed from silicone rubber or other malleable material and a method for producing said vase.

Abstract: A modular system for generation of acetylene gas, in a reactor suitable for the controlled reaction of calcium carbide and water, is disclosed. In this system, a self-container reactor module is provided which is suitable for coupling to an acetylene gas reservoir. In one of the preferred embodiments of this invention, this reactor module can include a primary and a secondary charge of calcium carbide, and a stoichiometric excess of water. Acetylene gas is formed by initial contact of a primary calcium carbide charge with water in the reactor reservoir. Upon essentially complete reaction of the primary charge and the water in the reservoir, the pressure within the reactor is monitored, as such gas is drawn off to fuel the operation of an internal combustion engine. Where such pressure drops to, or below a pre-determined level, a secondary charge of calcium carbide is contacted with the remaining water in the reactor reservoir, so as to prevent interruption in the fueling of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a floral grouping having a bloom end and a stem end. 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 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 sleeve. A detaching element defines the detachable upper portion and a lower portion of the sleeve so that the upper portion can be removed from the lower portion.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for mounting a device (10) for displaying individual flower arrangements. The device includes a base element (2) which may or may not be equipped with a raised ridge (4) over its entire circumference, and a sheet (5) which may or may not be watertight placed under base element (2) and which is gathered around the center top of the device (10) and held by an fastener (9) such as a ribbon (7) for keeping the sheet (5) sealed around the flower arrangement.

Abstract: A device and method for helping a floral designer create a floral arrangement that is well balanced in its distribution of flowers and greens. The device includes a three-dimensional foam structure that has a plurality of different levels. Each of the different levels is of a different size, thereby creating an overall tapered foam structure. Areas of equal size are demarcated on each of the different levels. The areas of equal size are evenly distributed around a plurality of different levels. The demarcation of the various equal sized areas are created either by using an external grid work that lay over the foam structure or shaping the foam into protrusions on each level. Using the equal sized areas as a distribution grid, a floral designer can quickly and easily place flowers and greens throughout the three-dimensional foam structure in a manner that is evenly distributed and well balanced.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for packaging a horticultural product, especially cut flowers, for transportation, one or more stems are inserted through a flexible foam block formed from a low density, low compression force material disposed in an opening of container such that the foam is compressed. The compression of the foam forms a water-tight seal around each stem to prevent water or other liquid inside the container from leaking during shipment of the horticultural product and insulates each stem from each other stem.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for arranging a bunch of flowers, in particular a twisted bunch of flowers. The device comprises a top and a bottom grating, each having grating openings through which the stems of flowers/twigs can be inserted. The top grating is made up of two multiplicities of bars, each parallel to one another, at least one of the multiplicity of bars being able to be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction thereof in order to be able to break the grating structure for removal of the bunch of flowers formed. The top and bottom gratings can be turned relative to one another about a vertical axis of rotation to twist the stems of a bunch of flowers placed therein.

Abstract: A flower holder having a base shaft and an upper shaft with a disc disposed therebetween, the upper portion of the upper shaft being enlarged, multiple flexible extensions extending from outwardly from the base shaft, and the upper shaft adapted to receive a foam insert.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination flower protector and variable diameter display sleeve for cut flower bouquets that is fabricated from a single sheet of flexible planar plastic or other material that is adapted to be rolled about the stems of a bouquet of cut flowers, preferably roses. The apparatus is comprised of a pie shaped segment in which are disposed a pair of elongated parallel slots that extend to near the left side of the sheet while at the right edge is disposed a tab structure. The tab structure may be inserted into the elongated slots to hold the cone together but also to allow its upper diameter to be varied in amount commensurate with the length of the slots.

Abstract: A floral design system is described having a base that is utilized to house water when displaying live flowers. A lid is designed to fit within the base and has a series of openings about its surface. A series of sleeves with a flap attachment configuration comprising upper and lower ridges are attached to the lid through the openings. The sleeves provide openings through which the stems of the flowers are passed to be held firmly in place. The sleeves are made out of a pliable material for conforming to the shape of the stem while providing a tight fit. The bottom of the stems protrudes down into the base for water supply.

Abstract: A bouquet of flowers is wrapped with a leaf-shaped sheet that creates a floral presentation having a common floral theme.

Abstract: A machine for vending floral arrangements is described including stack of generally circular carousels each for supporting a plurality of floral arrangements; and a generally cylindrical exterior housing surrounding the carousels.

Abstract: A vessel provides a decorative display of a floral arrangement or like items utilizing a reservoir of liquid for providing visual effects, with the items placed within the reservoir and extending upwardly out of the reservoir, and a light source within an inner chamber surrounded by the reservoir, the walls of the reservoir being light-transmitting and the inner chamber being flared radially outwardly and upwardly to dissipate heat from the light source and to deflect the items radially outwardly away from the heat emanating from the light source.

Abstract: The instant invention allows the reuse of the insert to replace old flower arrangements with new ones. The instant invention is comprised of foam that is fan folded with folded edges on the topside insert. This fan folded foam is firmly inserted into the insert. Artificial flowers are inserted into the instant invention by placing floral stems between the foam layers that are capable of holding various sizes of floral stems and wooden or metal dowels for decorative ornaments such as flags. Artificial flower stems can be removed and reinserted into the foam layers without placing holes in foam layers making multiple reuse practical. The instant invention is superior to floral and craft foam which is traditionally used. The use of medium and large sleeves allows the vase insert to fit various sizes of memorial vases. The instant invention also provides a convenient and novel means of holding helium balloons.

Abstract: A vase made of a thin foldable material and having a wall, an upper opening and a lower bottom, provided with a foot, with the foot of the vase being formed by unfolding a first planar material along fold lines, with the first planar material designed with a central panel having essentially the same configuration as the bottom of the vase and defined by a first set of fold lines, a number of radial panels defined by a second set of fold lines and extending outwardly from the first fold lines, and a number of edge panels issuing from the second fold lines. The vase has a bottom formed by folding the bottom panels along the fold lines. The bottom is, by gluing, joined to a central panel of the first plane unfolding to secure the foot to the vase. The foot parts are provided by the radial panels and the edge panels folded up around the side panels or third fold lines of the vase. The vase is especially applicable as packaging during transport of a flower bouquet.

Abstract: A gravesite marking device for providing illumination at a gravesite, comprising a vase; a receiver mounted inside the vase, which includes: a large aperture, large enough that a flower stem may be placed therethrough; and a coupling aperture; a side panel with at least three faces, which includes: an illumination device disposed on one of the at least two faces; a solar panel disposed on one of the at least two faces, and directed to collect solar power; and a securing device mounted on one of the at least three faces, and coupled to the coupling aperture of the receiver.

Abstract: A flower supporting device. A plurality of rotatable beads are connected by connection means having elasticity so that a support body is formed. A plurality of support bodies are arranged to be staggered up and down with each other so that a stem of a flower can be inserted between adjoining supporting bodies to be supported by them.

Abstract: A device and method for preparing a vase or other container to receive a floral arrangement. The device includes a grid cover that is placed around the open end of a vase or similar container. The grid cover has a flat top surface and a peripheral wall that extends downwardly from the edge of the top surface. The grid cover is made of elastomeric material and is initially smaller than the open top of the vase. The grid cover is stretched over the open top of the vase, wherein the peripheral wall of the grid cover passes over the edge of the vase's open top and retains the stretched grid cover element in place. A plurality of openings are distributed throughout the top surface of the grid cover. As the grid cover is stretched over the top of a vase, the openings become positioned across the open top of the vase.

Abstract: A plant container including a receptacle having a top opening for insertion of a plant therein and a top flap for selective folding over the top opening to cover the receptacle. A stack of these containers may be compactly stored in a collapsed flat state and then individual containers expanded upon purchase of plant. The containers may be made from panels having a right triangular shape so that may be mass produced in such a manner that wasted web material is minimized.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying at least one of culinary, horticultural and floral item(s) allows the item to be easily attached to or removed from a variety of bases. The display may include a support for holding the arrangement. The support may be made of reformable sculpting wire, allowing a user to form the wire in any desired shape. The interface may comprise an insulating material, allowing the arrangement to be mounted to an ice sculpture. The base may be any decorative base.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bag for transporting flower bouquets or plants. It comprises a support for receiving the bouquet or the plant, forming the bottom of the bag, and two substantially parallel lateral portions comprising at least one cutout over at least one of the lateral portions.

Abstract: Spinning vase comprising a hollow member and an inner member inserted within the hollow member, the inner member comprising an ornament receiving top end for receiving a ornament such as a floral upwardly emanating beyond the open upper end of the hollow member, and a tapered bottom end terminating to a point gravity biased against a bottom interior surface of the hollow member for providing limited frictional engagement therewith such that the inner member rotates and/or spins about the point for rotating and/or spinning the floral as a function of an applied torque provided by vibration to the device or by a differential air pressure acting on the floral. A pliant bumper circumscribes the inner member for deflecting the inner member away from a sidewall of the hollow member to help sustain the rotation and/or spin of the ornament.

Abstract: A decorative flower stand includes a decorative plate and one or more vases. The decorative plate is bored with at least one insert groove and each vase has its outer wall provided with an engage block to be fitted with the insert groove to fix the vase on the decorative plate. The decorative plate has its rear side provided with fastening members, such as screws, magnets, sucking disks, magic blankets or two-sided adhesive tapes so that the decorative plate can be assembled on the stationary surface of a certain location where people wish to place fresh flowers, such as the faceplate of a cinerary cabinet, the surface of a wall, the surface of a refrigerator or the glossy surface of a piece of furniture and glass, and the vase has fresh flower set therein, having an effect of beautifying the interior of a house.

Abstract: A sachet assembly, includes a closed bag (2) which is formed from water-permeable filter paper, and a solid substance (3) which is contained in the bag and is at least partially water-soluble. The water-soluble solid substance comprises a preparation for cut flowers. In particular, the preparation comprises a foodstuff and/or conditioning agent and/or disinfectant and/or biocide and/or growth inhibitor. The packaging assembly includes a waterproof, or at least moisture-proof, outer packaging containing a large number of sachets. The invention also relates to the use of a sachet made from water-permeable filter paper for administering a preparation to cut flowers which are standing in water.

Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened condition 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 curvilinear lower end, 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 curvilinear lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.

Abstract: A clip structure for supporting ornamental items on a pew support includes a mounting portion for gripping a portion of a pew support. The mounting portion has a pair of opposite inner and outer faces, a pair of side edges, and a pair of end edges. The mounting portion includes an elongate longitudinal extent having opposite end regions, a pair of transverse extents each extending from one of the end regions of the longitudinal extent in a generally transverse orientation to the longitudinal extent, a pair of return extents each extending from one of the transverse extents, with each of the return extents extending towards each other. The mounting portion includes a pair of free end extents each extending from one of the return extents. Optionally, the clip includes a securing portion mounting on the mounting portion for removably securing an ornamental item on the mounting portion.

Abstract: A foldable vase having upper and base portions of such plastic film layers as polyvinylchloride spreadably openable from an initial flat configuration upon immersion in warm water, and hardenable to a predetermined shape when thereafter filled with cold water.

Abstract: Various sleeves and bags or packaging goods, especially floral groupings such as bouquets and pot plants, can be provided using the present invention. Exemplary sleeves are manufactured with an outer wall and an inner wall, each of which is formed of two layers. The outer layers are a transparent or semitransparent sheet material such as polypropylene, and the inner layers are a nonwoven fabric material made of a compatible polymer. The outer and inner layers of each wall may be printed with complementary images or patterns. The inner and outer layers of the one or both walls may be fastened to each other not only along the side edges of the sleeve, but also at discrete locations along the top edge where the sleeve is opened. The connection can be made using glue or the equivalent, by melting or welding the two layers together, or by punching a tab of the outer layer through the inner layer. The top and bottom edges of the inner and outer layers may be coincident, or not.

Abstract: A flower cup having a flared bell-like shape has a flared rim, tapered sides and a substantially flat base. The rim, sides and a portion of the base have a plurality of perforations running from the rim to the base, where the perforations meet a plurality of lines which radiate from the center of the base. The plurality of side perforations can be six and the plurality of base lines six. The side perforations align with the base lines. The plurality of base lines are partly perforated and partly cut, or half of the base lines are fully cut and the other half of the base lines are partly cut and partly perforated. The flower cup can have a stippled finish. A flower-stem protector has a straw sized to accommodate flower stems and having at least one rib on its proximal end, and a collar affixed to the proximal end of the straw.

Abstract: A feeding station for processing bulbous flowers comprises a conveyor unit with suspension elements provided at discrete mutual distances and at least one feeding unit (3) with a guiding mechanism (4) for guiding, for instance by hand, flowers suspended in the guiding mechanism (4) with the bulbs upward to the conveyor unit and to take over the flowers therein in this position. Below the guiding mechanism (4) an actuator (12) is provided to place the bulbous flowers in the suspension elements (1) of the conveyor unit while seizing the steams. Preferably, a suspension element (1) is provided with a lock, which, during the takeover of bulbous flowers in a suspension element (1), is released for the time requires to effect the takeover of the flower in the suspension element (1).

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 made of a rigid paper layer and a water-resistant layer attached to said paper layer. At least one handle is attached to a blossom end of the shield portion. 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.

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: A decorative wrapper for a floral grouping or flower pot wherein a sheet of material having embossed and printed patterns thereon is wrapped about at least a portion of the floral grouping or flower pot. The printed pattern may be in or out of register with the embossed pattern, or a portion of the printed and embossed patterns may be in register with one another and a portion of the printed and embossed patterns may be out of register with one another. The sheet of material may be provided in the form of a pad containing a plurality of sheets of material or in the form of a roll wherein the sheets of material are separable from the roll of material.

Abstract: A wrapping material for wrapping an item, such as a floral grouping is provided. The wrapping material has a bonding material on a surface so that, when the wrapping material is formed into a wrapper, the wrapper may be releasably attached to a mounting surface, such as a board or wall, by way of the bonding material.

Abstract: A decorative flower pot cover having a textured or matte finish simulating the appearance of cloth disposed on at least a portion of one surface thereof is disclosed. The decorative flower pot cover is formed of a sheet of polymeric material having at least a portion of one surface thereof printed, embossed, or printed and embossed to provide the matte or textured finish simulating the appearance of cloth.

Abstract: An adjustable, modular transport system for safely moving floral arrangements for funerals and other events by means of a truck or van. The system includes a base unit of various lengths having an elongated base with groove-forming rails mounted on the sides of the base along the length thereof to form respective inward facing grooves. The base floor and the inward facing grooves form a slot. The rails contained bores spaced therealong at equal intervals to accommodate spacers having corresponding rods extending downward therefrom. The slot accommodates a conventional floral basket base extension. A number of baskets may be inserted and separated by the spacers installed therebetween. The slot accommodate a base support for a flower pot or vase holder and of the same dimensions as that of the conventional basket base. The flower vase holder is tubular in shape, vertically mounted on an end.

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: An apparatus for displaying at least one of culinary, horticultural and floral item(s) allows the item to be easily attached to or removed from a variety of bases. The display may include a support for holding the arrangement. The support may be made of reformable sculpting wire, allowing a user to form the wire in any desired shape. The interface may comprise an insulating material, allowing the arrangement to be mounted to an ice sculpture. The base may be any decorative base.

Abstract: A method of preserving cut flowers, in which the cut flowers are placed with their stems into a holder containing a polyacrylamide aqueous gel, in which the size of the dry granules is 0.2 mm or less. In addition, a polyacrylamide aqueous gel, in which the size of the dry granules is 0.2 mm or less, and a holder suitable for the preservation of cut flowers in such a gel.

Abstract: A self-clamping Christmas tree stand provides a stable platform for a Christmas tree that allows simple installation and adjustment of the tree angle without having to be positioned under the tree to perform the adjustments. The tree stand uses the weight of the tree to firmly clamp the tree's trunk. A clamping mechanism provides a constant grip that will not loosen unless an upward force is provided by the user. The adjustment range of the tree trunk angle with respect to the vertical plane may be varied to accommodate tree trunks of different shapes. Lastly, the tree stand includes a large liquid reservoir to maintain the tree's moisture content.

Abstract: A decorative apparatus comprising a frog, a frog holder, a decorative attachment, and a means of attaching, positioning and orienting the decorative attachment.

Abstract: Various sleeves and bags or packaging goods, especially floral groupings such as bouquets and pot plants, can be provided using the present invention. Exemplary sleeves are manufactured with an outer wall and an inner wall, each of which is formed of two layers. The outer layers are a transparent or semitransparent sheet material such as polypropylene, and the inner layers are a nonwoven fabric material made of a compatible polymer. The outer and inner layers of each wall may be printed with complementary images or patterns. The inner and outer layers of the one or both walls may be fastened to each other not only along the side edges of the sleeve, but also at discrete locations along the top edge where the sleeve is opened. The connection can be made using glue or the equivalent, by melting or welding the two layers together, or by punching a tab of the outer layer through the inner layer. The top and bottom edges of the inner and outer layers may be coincident, or not.

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 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 made of a rigid paper layer and a water-resistant layer attached to said paper layer. At least one handle is attached to a blossom end of the shield portion. 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.