Patent ID: 6460316
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: A01G,B65B,B65D

Abstract:
A method for providing a modified atmosphere package for a floral grouping to increase the life of the floral grouping, the method comprising the steps of:providing a floral grouping comprising cut flowers having a bloom portion and a stem portion; providing a vial having an upper end, a closed lower end and a sidewall, the closed lower end and the sidewall cooperating to define a floral stem retaining space openly communicating with the upper end of the vial which is adapted to receive a portion of the stem portion of the cut flowers of the floral grouping; placing a floral preservative solution into the floral stem retaining space of the vial; placing a portion of the stem portion of the cut flowers of the floral grouping into the vial; providing a package having an open first end, a closed second end and a sidewall, the closed second end and the sidewall cooperating to define a floral grouping retaining space openly communicating with the open first end of the package, the package constructed of a sheet of material having modified atmosphere characteristics such that the package is permeable to certain gases while impermeable to other gases, the package also having a bonding material present on a portion thereof; disposing the floral grouping and vial in which a portion of the stem portion of the cut flowers of the floral grouping are disposed into the floral grouping retaining space of the package; injecting a modified atmosphere into the floral grouping retaining space of the package, the modified atmosphere containing an oxygen concentration ranging from 0% to about 21% by volume, a carbon dioxide concentration ranging from 0% to about 30% by volume, and the remaining concentration of the modified atmosphere being substantially molecular nitrogen; and sealing the open first end of the package to provide a modified atmosphere package for the floral grouping.