Patent ID: 6672002
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: B65D

Abstract:
A display and packaging unit comprising:a plurality of packages for holding bunches of fresh-cut flowers, each of said flowers having a flowering end and an opposed cut end, each of said plurality of packages including: a quasi-rigid shell having a lower portion and an upper funnel-shaped portion surrounding at least said flowering, ends of said flowers a top of said upper portion having an opening therein; a leakproof and rigid vase having an upper portion and a bottom portion, said upper portion of said vase being configured to mate with said lower portion of said shell, and said bottom portion of said vase being adapted to contain at least one of a liquid and a gel for hydrating said cut ends of said flowers; connection means for removably connecting said shell to said vase, said connection means including an opening disposed on one of the upper portion of the vase and the lower portion of the shell, and a hook disposed on the other of the upper portion of the vase and the lower portion of the shell, said hook being positioned to engage said opening and thereby connect the upper portion of the vase and the lower portion of the shell; a cover connected to said top of said upper portion of said shell, and adapted to close said opening therein, to protect said flowering ends of said flowers; at least one lateral opening/closing means in said upper portion of said shell, for permitting the opening and closing of said upper funnel-shaped portion of said shell; and a stand having a second plurality of sockets therein, said second plurality being no less than said first plurality, each of said second plurality of sockets having an inner surface suitable for co-operating with a bottom portion of one of said vases, said second plurality of sockets being arranged so that adjacent ones of said second plurality of sockets are spaced from each other at a distance and an orientation sufficient to permit said covers of said shells of said packages disposed in said adjacent sockets to bear against one another.