Multi-piece device for moving and storing potted plants and other objects having a base

A device for securely transporting multiple objects having a base, wherein the device comprises a foundation comprising multiple pieces wherein each piece has at least one adjustable opening that allows the base of an object to sit securely within the device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multi-piece device for moving and storing potted plants and other objects having a base.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,691,495, 6,546,700, 6,546,699 relate to a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. A potted plant is placed in a cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,189,295, 6,006,500 relate to a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. A potted plant is sorted according to a grade, placed in a decorative cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,871,479 relates to a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. A potted plant is placed in a cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,080,483 relates to a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. A potted plant is automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,649 relates to an assembly for storage of floral items which includes a housing made up of stepped sidewalls, a rear wall, a front wall section at each step and top wall sections at each step. At least one container is located at each step. The containers define at least one water drain opening associated with a water drain system. A cut item separator support may be provided within the containers for dividing the inside of the containers into a plurality of compartments for receipt of floral items therein and for water free transfer of foliage from one container to another.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,660 relates to a protective plant covering comprising a sheet of flexible material having two opposing side edges each with a plurality of fasteners such that with the material wrapped around the plant, the two side edges may be brought proximate to one another and adjustably fastened around the plant using the fasteners.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,235,782 relates to a cover for potted plants wherein the cover provides a water tight seal at its base while at the same time protecting the plant from water leaking out of the plant. The cover is a form of a flat, tear away bag that customers of florists and plant nurseries can use themselves without assistance.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,785 relates to a wrapping for plants or flowers placed in a pot like container made from a resilient material of natural rigidity and consisting of a frustoconical tubular element open at both ends, the terminal portion at the tube end of small diameter having a retaining stop shoulder extending along at least part of the circumference of the tubular element and defining a free internal opening which is smaller than that of an adjacent portion disposed in the direction of the tube end having a smaller diameter, which stop shoulder is formed by a local cut in the tubular element disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the tubular element.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,213 relates to a method and apparatus for packing horticultural items like cut flowers and potted plants for shipment in cardboard cartons. An elongated rod extends from the top of the carton into a vase holding the horticultural items and secures the vase and horticultural items from movement inside of the carton.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0085365 relates to a system and method for creating folded flower wraps that use a plurality of molds to define one or more lines in a sheet of material for folding to produce a floral wrap by sequentially placing each one of the plurality of molds in contact with the sheet of material and folding the sheet of material across each one or more of the edges of the molds, the sheet of material is moved from the first position through a plurality of intermediate partially folded positions to the second fully folded position. The second fully folded position corresponds to the desired folded flower wrap.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016/0137328 relates to an automated high through-put system and method for shrink wrapping potted plants for packaging and shipping. The system provides the ability to shrink wrap plants by utilizing a conveyer system and heating area with heating units having adjustable, directional nozzle heads.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for securely transporting multiple potted plants within a single device

The present invention relates to multiple objects having a base which can each securely fit within an opening in a device and be held within the opening hi the device during storage and transport and allow transport of the multiple objects safely.

The device comprises a foundation having several openings that allow the container base of a plant holder or other objects having a base to sit securely within the device.

It is an object of the present invention for the other objects to comprise a lamp or vase.

It is an object of the present invention for the device to comprise cardboard, paperboard or another fiber based material.

It is an object of the present invention for the device to comprise plastic, or polyethylene material.

It is an object of the present invention for the openings to allow different size container bases of plant holders or other objects to sit securely within the device.

It is an object of the present invention for the openings to allow different shaped container bases of plant holders or other objects to sit securely within the device.

It is an object of the present invention for the device to securely fit within a box or container so that the box or container can be easily moved and stored.

It is an object of the present invention for the plant or body of the object to fit securely within the box or container and for a portion of the plant or body of the object to fit above the device.

It is an object of the present invention for the device to be water-proof.

It is an object of the present invention for the device to be used multiple times.

It is an object of the present invention for the device to be easily cleaned of dirt or other material from the plant holders.

It is an object of the present invention for the openings to have slits within it that can change size to hold different size container bases for the plant holders or other objects having a base.

It is an object of the present invention for the openings to have slits within it that can change size to hold different shaped container bases for the plant holders or other objects having a base.

It is an object of the present invention for the device to fit snuggly within the box or container so that there is little or no movement of the device within the box or container so that the plants or other objects are not harmed during movement of the box or container.

It is an object of the present invention for the device to be made of a foldable material to assist with the device fitting properly within a box or container.

It is an object of the present invention for the device to further comprise a divider which is inserted into the box or container above the foundation that separates the different plants or other objects from each other.

It is an object of the present invention for the device to have adjustable sides so that the device fits multiple sizes of boxes or containers.

It is an object of the present invention for the device to have sides of different sizes so that the device fits multiple sizes of boxes and containers.

It is an object of the present invention to place a water repellent or waterproof sheet made from a material such as polyethylene underneath the device along the bottom of the box or container to protect the box or container from any water or dirt spillage from the plant holders.

It is an object of the present invention to attach a water repellent or waterproof sheet made from a material such as polyethylene to the box or container by way of a mechanism such as adhesive tape, caps or another device for attachment.

The present invention relates to a single device for securely transporting multiple potted plants or other objects having a base. The device comprises a foundation having several openings that allow the base of a plant holder or other objects having a base to sit securely within the device. The foundation has slots within it that panels fit within. It is an object of the present invention for there to be either two or four panels that then are attached to the foundation to hold the foundation above the bottom of the box or container. It is an object of the present invention for the panels to be made of different heights depending on the objects to be placed in the device.

The present invention relates to a device that comprises multiple pieces which are then placed together so that the device fits within a box or container and the device holds potted plants or objects having a base. It is an object of the present invention for each piece to contain an opening. It is an object of the present invention for each piece to contain more than one opening. It is an object of the present invention for each of the openings to have multiple slits to allow the device to retain different size plant holders or other objects having a base. It is an object of the present invention for each opening to have a different number of slits. It is an object of the present invention for the slits to be of different sizes. It is an object of the present invention for the slits to be symmetrical or asymmetrical compared to slits of other openings. It is an object of the present invention for each of the pieces to have a partial opening that when the pieces are put together that they form a further opening.

It is an object of the present invention for each piece of the device to have foldable portions so that each piece of the device can fit together and within a box or container. It is an object of the present invention for the foldable portions to have creases to assist with folding. It is an object of the present invention for each piece to have an attachment portion for attaching to other pieces or attaching to the box or container.

It is an object of the present invention for the device to be broken up into multiple pieces, i.e., two pieces, three pieces, four pieces, etc.

It is an object of the present invention for the device to be broken up into four pieces: upper left corner, upper right corner, lower right corner, and lower left corner. Each of the pieces has foldable sides. Each of the pieces has an opening and when all four pieces are put together a fifth opening is created in the middle of all four pieces. It is an object of the present invention for each of the pieces to have foldable portions to assist in placing the device in a box.

It is an object of the present invention for the plant holder or object having a base to assist in holding the piece upwards in the box or container once the plant holder or base is placed within an opening in the piece.

By separating the device into several pieces it makes the device easier to store when the device is not in use.

It is an object of the present invention for each piece of the device to comprise cardboard, paperboard or another fiber based material. It is an object of the present invention for each piece of the device to comprise plastic, or polyethylene material.

It is an object of the present invention for the device, once all the pieces are placed into the box or container to securely fit within a box or container so that the box or container can be easily moved and stored. It is an object of the present invention for the device, once all the pieces are put together to fit snugly within the box or container so that there is little or no movement of the device within the box or container so that the plants or other objects are not harmed during movement of the box or container.

It is an object of the present invention for each piece of the device to be made of a foldable material to assist with the device fitting properly within a box or container.

It is an object of the present invention for the device to further comprise a divider which is inserted into the box or container above the connected pieces of the device to separate the different plants or other objects that are placed in the openings from each other.

It is an object of the present invention for the device to have adjustable sides so that the device fits multiple sizes of boxes or containers.

It is an object of the present invention to place a water repellent or waterproof sheet made from a material such as polyethylene underneath the device along the bottom of the box or container to protect the box or container from any water or dirt spillage from the plant holders.

It is an object of the present invention to attach a water repellent or waterproof sheet made from a material such as polyethylene to the box or container by way of a mechanism such as adhesive tape, clips or another device for attachment.

It is an object of the present invention for each piece to have three sides with panels that fold down. These panels give each piece support and when put together the individual pieces support each other on the sides that they are missing panels.

The present invention relates to a device for securely transporting multiple potted plants or other objects having a base comprising; a device comprised of multiple pieces. Each of the pieces having a foldable portion(s) and each of the pieces having at least one opening. The openings are where a plant hold or other object having a base sits securely within the openings. The openings are adjustable so that different sized and shaped bases of plant holders or other objects sit securely within the openings. The pieces fit together when placed in a box or container to securely fit the device in the box or container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1shows a top view of the device10having four sides,12,14,16and18. Each of the sides has a foldable portion20,22,24and26respectfully. The device10is shown having five openings28,30,32,34, and36, however any amount of openings can be placed on the device10so long as there is enough space for the plants or other objects to fit within the device and in a box or container. Each of the openings has multiple slits40which allow the device to retain different size plant holders or other objects having a base.

FIG. 2shows a bottom view of the device10having four sides,12,14,16and18. Each of the sides has a foldable portion20,22,24and26respectfully. The device10is shown having five openings28,30,32,34, and36, however any amount of openings can be placed on the device10so long as there is enough space for the plants or other objects to fit within the device and in the box or container. Each of the openings has multiple slits40which allow the device to retain different size plant holders or other objects having a base.

FIG. 3shows a top view of the folded device10having sides12,14,16and18. Each of the sides has a foldable portion22,24(shown) and20,26, (not shown). The device10has five openings28,30,32,34and36. Each of the openings has multiple slits40which allows the device to retain different size plant holders or other objects having a base.

FIG. 4shows the device10sitting within a box50. The foldable portions20,22,24and26(not shown) of sides12,14,16and18fold against the sides of the box50. The device10has five openings28,30,32,34and36. Each of the openings has multiple slits40which allows the device to retain different sized and shaped plant holders or other objects having a base.

FIG. 5shows the device10inserted into a box50. Plant holder56is inserted in opening36, plant holder54is inserted into opening32and plant holder52is inserted into opening34. The plant holders56,52and54are of different sizes and different shapes.

FIG. 6shows the device10within box50. Plant holders56,52and54are placed in openings36,34and32respectively. Plant60is in a plant holder within opening30which is not shown.

FIG. 7shows the device10sitting within a box50. The foldable portions20,22,24and26(not shown) of sides12,14,16and18fold against the sides of the box50. The device10has five openings28,30,32,34and36. Each of the openings has multiple slits40which allows the device to retain different sized and shaped plant holders and other objects having a base. The box50further contains divider70which provides separation between the different plants and other objects that are placed in the openings.

FIG. 8shows the device10sitting within a box50. The device10has five openings28,30,32,34and36. Each of the openings has multiple slits40which allows the device10to retain different sized and shaped plant holders and other objects having a base. A vase80is placed in opening30. A lamp82is placed in opening34.

FIG. 9shows the device100. The device100has a foundation104which has slots106where the panels108fits in to support the device100.

FIG. 10shows the device100being in a box102, the device100having a foundation104having slots106. The device100has panels108placed through the slots106to support the device100.

FIG. 11shows the device100having a foundation104. The foundation104has slots106that is where the panels108are placed through. The foundation104has openings110,112,114,116and118.

FIG. 12shows a piece201of the device200, shown inFIG. 13, having foldable portions202,204and206. The foldable portion202is foldable along crease208. The foldable portion206is foldable along crease210. The foldable portion204is foldable along crease211. Piece201has an opening212having slits216. The opening212has multiple slits216which allow the opening212to retain different size plant holders or other objects having a base. The device200further includes a partial opening214which when joined with other pieces of the device,221,231and241shown inFIG. 13, creates an opening similar to opening212.

FIG. 13shows a top view of the device200. The device200is broken up into four pieces, upper left corner201, upper right corner221, lower right corner231, and lower left corner241. The device200is shown having five openings212,222,232,242and252. Each of the openings has multiple slits216,226,236,246and256respectively, which allow each opening to retain different size plant holders or other objects having a base. The opening252is made by placing each of the pieces201,221,231and241together. Each piece201,221,231and241has foldable portions to assist in placing the device200in a box.

FIG. 14shows a top view of the device300. The device is broken up into four pieces, upper left corner301, upper right corner321, lower right corner331, and lower left corner341. The pieces301,321,331and341are not of the same size. The device300is shown having five openings312,322,332,342and352. Each of the openings has multiple slits316,326,336,346which allow each opening to retain different size plant holders or other objects having a base. Opening352, an irregular shaped opening, is created by the pieces301,321,331and341which also creates the slits356and351, which shows slits of different size and shape, which allow the opening to retain different size plant holders or other objects having a base. The opening352is made by placing each of the pieces301,321,331and341together. Each piece301,321,331and341has foldable portions to assist in placing the device300in a box.

FIG. 15shows a side view of two pieces241and231of the device200showing the folding portions.FIG. 15shows the pieces241and231separated and folded along their creases, each having their respective openings242, and232with respective slits246and236, and each having a partial opening.

FIG. 16shows a side view of two pieces of241and231of the device200showing the folded portions, wherein the two pieces are placed together to form the device200.FIG. 16shows the pieces241and231folded along their crease, each having their respective openings242, and232with slits246and236, and each having a partial opening.

FIG. 17shows the device200placed in a box350. The device200has shown pieces241and231placed together to allow the device200to fit inside the box350securely, and supported.

FIG. 18shows a top view of the device200. The device200is broken up into four pieces, upper left corner201, upper right corner221, lower right corner231, and lower left corner241. The device200is shown having four openings212,222,232and242. Each of the openings has multiple slots216,226,236and246respectively which allow each opening to retain difference size plant holders or other objects having a base. Each piece201,221,231and241has foldable portions to assist in placing the device200in a box.