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.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    There is no related application. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
       [0003]    None. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates to spill-proof containers. More particularly, the present invention is directed toward a container for cut flowers, stems, horticultural items, and the like providing a fluid reservoir for maintaining the hydration fluid for the items contained therein. The container facilitates handling, storage, transport, and display of cut flowers while greatly reducing the likelihood of damage and prolonging the useful life of the cut flowers. 
         [0006]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0007]    Once a flower is cut, it is deprived of water, food and growth hormones naturally provided by its mother plant. In order for a fresh cut flower to reach its full bloom while retaining its color and scent, it must have access to water at every phase of the distribution chain. When a cut flower is unable to access water, its vascular bundles begin to close and it is unable to absorb the necessary amount of water unless the flower&#39;s stem is re-cut and hydrated. As of 2011, floriculture in the United States, including flowers, cut stems, plants, and related horticultural items and goods is estimated to be a $32.1 billion industry. About 20% of fresh cut flowers transactions occur at a florist and 45% of the total dollars spent on fresh-cut flowers occur at a florist. About 52% of fresh cut flower transactions occur at a supermarket and 28% of the total dollars spent on fresh cut flowers occur at a supermarket. Bouquet purchases account for approximately 64% of cut flower sales at a supermarket. Cut flowers make up approximately 70% of total online floral purchases in the US. By their nature, these cut flowers tend to be quite delicate and unable to withstand rough handling or periods of dehydration. Hence, time from cutting to sale is of the essence throughout the industry. With the advent of expedited shipping and transportation services, producers are now able to transport their products great distances in a matter of days. Nevertheless, losses due to wilting and spoilage of the cut flowers are a reality of the industry and account for a significant portion of unrealized sales. In internet retail sales, intemet retailers ship flowers “dry”, or without water. An online order can take anywhere from 1-4 days to ship. As a result online flowers often arrive at the final destination wilted. With time and hydration, the flowers return to their pre-shipping condition, however, initial flower receipt quality drives customer perception and effects future customer behavior. Flowers that arrive wilted are typically perceived as lower quality flowers by the consumer. 
         [0008]    In supermarket sales, cut flowers are exposed to flower specific secretions, decomposing leaves and microorganisms, dust and other pollutants from the air. These contaminates clog the flower&#39;s vascular bundles, and prevent the flower from getting access to sufficient amount of available water. While on display at supermarkets, customers typically remove bouquets from their buckets containing water supply, inspect them and place them back into the buckets above the water supply. Depending on the time of year, conditions of the surrounding environment and type of cut flowers, water can be depleted through evaporation or through flower consumption leading the aforementioned problems. Without access to water, flowers within the bouquet will begin to wilt. Wilted flowers are neglected by customers, and after a certain amount of time, must be thrown away. Cut flower waste or “shrink” at the supermarket level typically range between 8% and 12% of the total flowers offered for sale. Waste represents the number of flowers that aren&#39;t sold during the retail display period (typically 5 days). Customers are looking for two things when purchasing cut flowers: first a fresh appearance and secondly a preferred bouquet arrangement. A secondary problem occurs during transport and while on display at supermarkets, as water evaporates from the open buckets and must be refilled. When store employees add water to buckets, water can spill on the floor and create a slipping hazard which exposes the retailer to slip and fall related liability. 
         [0009]    The present invention is a container for cut flowers designed to prevent spillage of the hydrating fluid while allowing the flowers to be continuously hydrated. The present container is designed to hold enough water for 5-8 days of transport for the European Market. (250 ml or 8.5 oz. of total water) or 7-11 days of transport for the US Market. (350 ml or 11.8 oz. of total water) The containers are leak resistant if shipped horizontally, puncture resistant and stackable. 
         [0010]    The early containers for shipping cut flowers range from a simple box as shown by U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,799 issued Oct. 29, 1991 to a more complex crate as shown by U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,330 issued Jun. 24, 2003. Long stemmed flowers have been packed in a more complex packaging as shown by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,752,270 issued Jun. 22, 2004 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,416 issued Jan. 17, 2012. Shipping containers for cut flowers providing hydration medium in the containers in the nature of mineral wool, polypropylene or polyester/polyethylene are disclosed in WO 2006/107204 published Oct. 12, 2006 and WO 2007/011224 published Jan. 25, 20007. It is also known in the prior art to use spill proof containers. U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,827, issued Sep. 10, 2002 discloses a paint container having a rectangular shaped paint holding bucket, an intermediate member with a centrally positioned funnel mounted to the top end rim of the bucket and a cover mounted over the intermediate funnel member. Similarly, United Kingdom Patent Number GB 2461579 published Jan. 6, 2010 is directed to a container with an anti-spill access lid formed with an inwardly directed tapered sleeve which extends into the container. Netherlands Patent Number 9400634 having a filing date of Apr. 20, 1994 discloses a cut flower holder with a stacked inverted flower pot container having an open upper end which is closed by a cap assembly which snaps over the upper lip of the upper flower pot section. The cap assembly has a disc shaped upper portion with a funnel member extending downward from the base of the disc into the chamber of the stacked flower pot container. The bottom of the funnel member is closed but has a plurality of throughgoing apertures which allow water into the funnel. The top of the funnel member is wider than the base and is open to receive the stems of a bunch of cut flowers. 
         [0011]    What is needed, therefore, are methods and/or apparatuses for prolonging the useful life of floriculture items. Ideally, the devices will allow the items to withstand the rough handling of commercial production operations, and transportation delays, and in addition may be used in a retail setting to display cut flowers and the like. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    The present invention is generally directed toward a spill-proof container for cut flowers, stems, horticultural items, and the like used during commercial transportation and retail display of the same. More specifically, the invention includes a container for cut flowers where their blooms, leaves, stems, and the like extend from a primary closure comprising a funnel-shaped structure having an opening capped by a disc member defining a plurality of radial cuts forming flexible, segments. This allows access of the stems into the interior chamber of the container which prevents hydrating liquid from reaching the opening and spilling out regardless of the container&#39;s orientation. The funnel-like shape of the primary closure also facilitates filling of the container and/or insertion of flower stems therein. The radial slitted disc member and flexible segments hold the stems and the funnel shaped structure prevents leakage of hydrating fluid when the container is on its side or upended, and facilitates display, growth, viability and shipping. Additionally, the container assembly facilitates loading of the container inasmuch as the funnel-shaped opening eases insertion of stems and the like into the container chamber. A secondary closure member mounted generally adjacent the primary closure member seated on the funnel opening eliminates spillage of any liquids bypassing the primary closure member and additionally functions to space and secure the stems within the container. In a preferred embodiment the container includes flattened portions on its sidewall(s) and a flattened bottom to facilitate loading, transport and storage of, and displaying the cut flowers, stems, and other horticultural products contained therein, and to provide anti-roll properties. In another embodiment, the container is tubular. 
         [0013]    It is an object of the invention to provide a spill- and leak-proof container for floricultural products, including cut flowers and related horticultural items. 
         [0014]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide a spill preventative container for floricultural products that extends the viability of items contained therein. 
         [0015]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a spill preventative container for floricultural products that facilitates easy loading of the products therein. 
         [0016]    These and other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent when considered with the teachings contained in the detailed disclosure along with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of the cut flower container invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the invention shown in  FIG. 1  with the stem funnel sleeve shown in phantom; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a cross section side elevation view taken across line  3 ′- 3 ′ of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the cut flower container invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the assembled cut flower container shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view of the disc stem holder shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a side elevation of the cut flower container shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the cut flower container; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a perspective side view of the assembled container shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged side elevation of the cut flower container shown in  FIG. 8  with a funnel member shown in phantom; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective enlarged view of the closure assembly shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged perspective view of the disc member used in a number of the embodiments; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged perspective view of the cylindrical disc member used in a number of the embodiments; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of a tubular container embodiment of the cut flower container using the flat disc stem holder; 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is an assembled perspective view of the tubular container shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  is a side view partially in phantom of the tubular container shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view of another tubular container embodiment of the cut flower container using the cylindrical stem holder with sectional end; 
           [0034]      FIG. 18  is an assembled perspective view of the tubular container shown in  FIG. 17 ; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 19  is a side view with the funnel member shown in phantom of the tubular container shown in  FIG. 17 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    The preferred embodiment and best mode of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 1  through  3 . This mode is set forth for the limited purpose now required by statute. While the invention is described in connection with certain embodiments, it is not intended that the present invention be so limited and it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalent arrangements as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
         [0037]    This invention may be constructed from any suitable material including but not limited to various polymers and/or plastics, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, various aramids, polyamides, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), fluoroplastics (PTFE, FEP), expanded polypropylene (EPP), nylons, polyamides (PA), polybutene, polycarbonate, polyacetals, polyesters, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, phenolics, polyurethane, vinyl esters, polyisocyanate polymer diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), including any foamed and/or expanded conformations of same, other polymers, various metals and their alloys, biodegradable materials, environmentally sustainable materials, combinations thereof, and the like. Similarly, the invention may be fabricated using any suitable process or combination of processes including but not limited to molding, blow-molding, roto-molding, pressure forming, machining, computer numerical control (CNC) milling, and the like. 
         [0038]    The preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . In the Figures, a container body  20  having planar side walls  22  and a planar bottom wall  24  is provided with a tubular neck  26  extending away from the planar side walls  22  having external threads  27  and defining an opening  28 . The circular opening  28  has a planar end surface  29  and provides access into a chamber  30  formed by the side walls  22  and bottom wall  24 . A tapered funnel member  40  having an open proximal end  42  with an outwardly extending circumferential lip  44  is sized to fit into the chamber  30  of container body  20  with the lip bottom surface  45  resting and being seated upon on the upper end surface  29  of the neck  26 . A tapered frustum conical foam member  50  is inserted into the funnel member  40  until it rests against the distal end against the funnel member bottom end piece  46 . The end piece  46  is provided with throughgoing wicking holes  48  as shown in  FIG. 3  allowing hydrating fluid  200  placed in the chamber  30  to wick into the foam member to hydrate the ends of flower stems which are pressed against the upper surface of the foam member  50 . A secondary funnel shaped spacer member  60  with an upper or proximal circumferential extending lip  62  is inserted into the funnel member  40  with the lower surface  63  of lip  62  being seated on the circumferential lip  44  of the tapered funnel member  40 . A circular flat disc  70 , as more clearly seen in  FIG. 12 , defining radial slits  72  extending outward from a central aperture or point  71  form flexible flap sections  74  is seated on the upper surface of lip  62  of the secondary funnel shaped spacer member  60  to hold the stems of the cut flowers in a fixed position. A cylindrical top member  80 , as more clearly seen in  FIG. 13 , having a lower extending circumferential lip  82  provided with a bottom planar surface  83  is seated on the upper surface of the flat disc  70 . Opposite lip  82  is a flat disc shaped end member  84  defining radial slits  86  extending outward from a central point  88  is secured on the distal end of cylindrical top member  80 . The radial slits  86  form flexible flap sections  89  to hold the stems of the cut flowers a spaced distance from disc  70 . The entire cap assembly is held in place by a circular locking ring  90  with internal threads  92  is mounted over the funnel member lip  44 , secondary funnel spacer member lip  62 , disc  70 , and cylindrical top member lip  82  and is secured to the neck threads  27  of the container body to hold the complete assembly in a fixed position so that a bouquet of cut flowers can be held and hydrated by the fluid  200  in the container 
         [0039]    In  FIGS. 4 through 7 , an alternate embodiment of the container is shown including a container  120  of generally conventional form and closure assembly  130  mounted thereto. In this embodiment, the container  120  is generally formed in the shape of a rectangle or cube. The container  120  has planar sides  121  which are generally coplanar. The container  120  includes a planar bottom  122  facilitating freestanding use of the container and a cylindrical neck  126  which open. The neck  126  interconnects the sides  121  forming a generally circular mouth  128 . The neck  126  has external threads  127  that are complimentary to internal threads  162  of the locking ring  160  (discussed in detail below). 
         [0040]    The closure assembly  130  is mounted to the cylindrical neck  126 . The closure assembly includes a funnel shaped insert  140  having an inwardly sloping contiguous sidewall forming a tapered funnel-like, frustum conical structure having openings  141  and  142  at both ends. The opening  141  is defined by lip  144  which is adjacent and flush with the planar end surface  129  of the neck  126 . When assembled, the funnel insert  140  projects into the interior chamber of the receptacle  120 . It will be understood by one skilled in the art that anti-spill inserts having other shapes may operate in the same or similar manner. 
         [0041]    A stem holder and closure member  150  is positioned atop and seated adjacent the lip  144  of the anti-spill funnel insert  140 . The closure member  150  is circular disc shaped with flat upper and lower surface and has a diameter approximating that of lip  144 . The disc defines a plurality of radial throughgoing slits  156  which run across the substantially diameter of the disc  150  forming flexible wedge shaped sections  158  as seen in  FIGS. 6 and 12  to facilitate insertion of cut flower stems into the chamber  123  of the container  120 . 
         [0042]    A locking ring  160  having internal threads  162  and inwardly projecting flange  164  is mounted over the disc  150  outer circumference and funnel insert lip  144  and neck  126 . In use the anti-spill funnel insert  140  is inserted into the chamber  123  of the container  120  through the mouth  128  so that lip  144  is generally adjacent to and flush with the mouth  128  of the receptacle  120 . The disc closure member  150  is then positioned atop the anti-spill insert  140  on lip  144  so that it is generally adjacent to and flush with same. In a final assembly step, the locking ring  160  is threaded onto the container neck threads  127  thereby locking and sealing the disc closure member  150  and anti-spill funnel insert  140  onto the mouth  124  of the receptacle  120 . 
         [0043]    In  FIGS. 8 through 11 , another embodiment of the container is shown including a container body  220  of generally conventional form and a closure assembly  230  mounted thereto. In this embodiment, the container  220  is also generally formed in the shape of a rectangle or cube. The container  220  has planar sides  221 . The container  220  includes a planar bottom  222  facilitating freestanding use of the container and a circular neck  226  which opens into the container chamber  223 . The neck  226  interconnects the sides  221  forming a generally circular mouth  228 . The neck  226  has external threads  227  that are complimentary to internal threads  262  of the locking ring  260  (discussed in detail below). 
         [0044]    The closure assembly  230  is mounted to the neck  226 . The closure assembly  230  includes a funnel insert  240  forming a primary closure having an inwardly sloping contiguous sidewall forming a tapered funnel-like, frustum conical structure having openings  241  and  242  at both ends. The opening  241  is defined by lip  244  which is adjacent to and seated flush with the planar end surface  229  of the threaded tubular neck  226 . When assembled, the funnel insert  240  projects into the interior chamber  223  of the container  220 . It will be understood by one skilled in the art that anti-spill inserts having other shapes may operate in the same or similar manner. 
         [0045]    A stem holder and closure member  250  is positioned atop and seated adjacent the lip  244  of the anti-spill insert  240 . The closure member  250  is cylindrical and has a diameter approximating that of the first opening  241  with an outwardly extending circumferential lip  252  which is seated on lip  244  of the funnel insert  240  with the opposite end being closed by a thin flexible disc shaped membrane  256 . A plurality of slits  258  run across the diameter of the disc shaped membrane  256  to facilitate insertion of cut flower stems into the container  220 . In this embodiment, slits  253  are cut in a radiant pattern to form a plurality of flexible wedge shaped sections  254 . The distal end of locking ring  260  is flanged inward to provide a stop against circumferential lip  252  of member  250 . 
         [0046]    In  FIGS. 14 through 16 , a tubular shaped embodiment of the container  320  has closure assembly  330  mounted thereto. The container  320  has a circular sidewall  321  with a planar bottom  322  facilitating freestanding use of the container. A cylindrical neck  326  which is open is interconnected to the sidewall  321  forming a generally circular mouth  328 . The neck  326  has external threads  327  that are complimentary to internal threads  362  of the locking ring  360  (discussed in detail below). 
         [0047]    The closure assembly  330  is mounted to the cylindrical neck  326 . The closure assembly includes a funnel shaped insert  340  having an inwardly sloping contiguous sidewall forming a tapered funnel-like, frustum conical structure having openings  341  and  342  at both ends. The opening  341  is defined by lip  344  which is seated adjacent and flush with the planar end surface  329  of neck  326 . When assembled, the funnel insert  340  projects into the interior chamber  323  of the container  320 . 
         [0048]    A stem holder and closure member  350  is positioned atop and seated adjacent the lip  344  of the funnel  340 . The closure member  350  is circular disc shaped with flat upper and lower surface and has a diameter approximating that of lip  344 . The disc defines a plurality of radial throughgoing slits  356  which run across the substantially diameter of the disc  350  forming flexible wedge shaped sections  358  to facilitate insertion of cut flower stems into the chamber  323  of the container  320 . 
         [0049]    A locking ring  360  having internal threads  362  and inwardly projecting flange  364  is mounted over the disc  350  and funnel insert lip  344  and container front end surface  327 . In use the anti-spill funnel insert  340  is inserted into the chamber of the receptacle  320  through mouth  328  so that lip  344  is generally adjacent to and flush with the mouth  326  of the receptacle  320 . The disc closure member  350  is then positioned atop the anti-spill insert  340  on lip  344  so that it is generally adjacent to and flush with same. In a final assembly step, the locking ring  360  is threaded onto the container neck threads  327  thereby locking and sealing the disc closure member  350  and anti-spill funnel insert  340  onto the mouth  324  of the receptacle  320 . 
         [0050]    In  FIGS. 17 through 19 , another tubular embodiment of the container is shown including a container  420  of generally conventional form and closure assembly  430  mounted thereto. The receptacle  420  has a cylindrical sidewall  421 . The receptacle  420  includes a planar bottom  422  facilitating freestanding use of the container and a circular neck  426  which is open. The neck  426  interconnects the sidewall  421  forming a generally circular mouth  428 . The neck  426  has external threads  427  that are complimentary to internal threads  462  of the locking ring  460  (discussed in detail below). 
         [0051]    The closure assembly  430  is mounted to the neck  426 . The closure assembly  430  includes a funnel insert  440  forming a primary closure having an inwardly sloping contiguous sidewall forming a tapered funnel-like, frustum conical structure having openings  441  and  442  at both ends. The opening  441  is defined by lip  444  which is adjacent and flush with the planar end surface  429  of the threaded tubular neck  426 . When assembled, the funnel insert  440  projects into the interior chamber  423  of the container  420 . It will be understood by one skilled in the art that anti-spill inserts having other shapes may operate in the same or similar manner. 
         [0052]    A stem holder and closure member  450  is positioned atop and seated adjacent the lip  444  of the funnel insert  440 . The closure member  450  is cylindrical and has a diameter approximating that of the first opening  441  with a circumferential lip  452  which is seated on lip  444  of the funnel insert  440  with the opposite end being closed by a thin flexible disc shaped membrane  456 . A plurality of slits  458  run across the diameter of the disc shaped membrane  456  to facilitate insertion of cut flower stems into the container  420 . In this embodiment, slits  458  are cut in a radiant pattern to form a plurality of flexible wedge shaped sections  454 . The distal end of closure member  450  is flanged inward to provide a stop against circumferential lip  452 . 
         [0053]    A locking ring  460  having internal threads  462  and inwardly projecting flange  464  is mounted over the disc  450  and funnel insert lip  444  and container front end surface  427 . In use the anti-spill funnel insert  440  is inserted into the chamber of the receptacle  420  through mouth  428  so that lip  444  is generally adjacent to and flush with the mouth  426  of the receptacle  420 . The disc closure member  450  is then positioned atop the anti-spill insert  440  on lip  444  so that it is generally adjacent to and flush with same. In a final assembly step, the locking ring  460  is threaded onto the container neck threads  427  thereby locking and sealing the disc closure member  450  and anti-spill funnel insert  440  onto the mouth  424  of the receptacle  420 . 
         [0054]    The hydrating solution used in the container may include but is not limited to anti-microbial additives, bactericidal additives, bacteriostatic additives, germicidal additives, biocidal additives, fungicidal additives, growth adjuvants, viability adjuvants, fertilizers, and the like. 
         [0055]    As noted supra, it is contemplated that the containers can be large holding 14 oz. of hydrating fluid, medium 9.5 oz. of hydrating fluid and small 4.6 oz. of hydrating fluid. Alternatively, it is further contemplated that the closure assembly of the present invention may be manufactured to be retro-fitted onto existing containers. 
         [0056]    It should also be noted that all of the containers can have particles ranging in size from about 1000 to about 4000 microns of cross-linked potassium polyacrylate placed filled in the container chamber. This will yield a gel-like material with the addition of water. Such material can be commercially obtained from Evonik Stockhausen GmbH under the product name STOCKOSORB® 660XL. 
         [0057]    The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular embodiments which have been described above. Instead, the embodiments described here should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims: