A DEVICE FOR THE PACKAGING OF OBJECTS

Abstract: A device for the mailing of cut flowers, the device comprising a hollow body with a bottom and a lid, and a support pin extending between the bottom and the lid for supporting the cut flowers centrally within the hollow body.

Description: A DEVICE FOR THE PACKAGING OF OBJECTS TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a device for the packaging of objects, e.g. cut flowers, the device comprising a hollow body with a bottom and a lid. BACKGROUND ART Prior Art devices for the packaging of cut flowers are not suited for the mailing of one or more cut flowers, for which reason no suitable alternative to so-called Interflora (R) and similar flower relay services has hitherto been available. The package must not only be strong but must also be capable of providing a suitable presentation environment for the cut flowers. OBJECT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The object of the present invention is to realise such a package. SOLUTION This object is achieved according to the present invention in that the device described by way of introduction is characterised by a support pin extending between the bottom and the lid for sup¬ porting the object or objects centrally within the hollow body. The bottom is integral as a unit with the hollow body and the lid is removable. A bottom cup is disposed in the hollow body for central guidance of the support. The bottom cup is provided with a sponge¬ like insert which is moisture-retentive and in which the object or objects may be stuck. The hollow body is thin-walled and is of approximately the same length as the object. The support ex¬ tends between the bottom cup and he lid. The hollow body is hexa¬ gonal and is provided with spaced-apart rigidifying throats; The bottom cup fits with play into the hollow body, while the lid fits into the end of the hollow body. Preferably, the hollow body, the bottom cup and the lid are manufactured of a thin-walled and trans¬ parent plastics material. ADVANTAGES The major advantage afforded by the package according to the present invention is that a number of cut flowers can be sent as a normal postal consignment and thereby reach an addressee in a very short time, at least in those countries which enjoy an efficient postal service. The package according to the present invention is also capable of retaining the freshness of the cut flowers, as a result of the provision of the moisture-retentive insert. Moreover, the package is strong and nevertheless easy to handle on insertion of the cut flowers therein. Closing of the package is extremely simple. Furthermore, the package may advantageously be manufactured of a wholly transparent material, thus affording the further advantage that the package will be handled with considerable care, since visible cut flowers evoke care on the part of most of those who handle them. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING . The nature of the present invention and its aspects will be more readily understood from the following brief description of the accompanying Drawing, and discussion relating thereto. In the accompanying Drawing: Fig. 1 is a side elevation of one embodiment of a device ac- cording to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a section in the direction of the arrows II-II in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a section through a bottom portion for the device according to the present invention; and Fig. 4 is a section through a lid portion for the device ac¬ cording to the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The embodiment of the present invention shown on the Drawing consists essentially of a hollow body 1 of a length adapted to suit its purpose. As is most clearly apparent from Fig. 2, the hollow body 1 is of a slightly flattened hexagonal cross-section. The hol¬ low body 1 is manufactured of a thin, transparent plastics ma¬ terial, so-called high notch-value PVC. The hollow body 1 consists of two cup-like halves which are interconnected along a flange 2ex- tending along the length and ends of each half. Connection of the two halves along the flange 2 may be effected by welding or gluing. Rigidifying members 3 in the form of throats are disposed in spaced-apart relationship along the hollow body. The hollow body is open at its one end 4. The members 3 may be in the form of throats or bulges, or both. A bottom portion 5 is insertable into the hollow body 1 through the open end 4, is preferably manufactured of the same ma¬ terial as the hollow body, and has a depression 6 with a central hole 7. A lid 8 - shown in greater detail in Fig. 4 - fits into the open end 4 of the hollow body 1. Like the bottom 5, the lid 8 has a central depression 9 with a central bottomhole 10. A support pin 11 extends between the bottom 5 and the lid 8 and is preferably anchored in the hole 7 in the bottom 5. Snap lock means may suitably be disposed in or on the pin 11 for cooperation with the edges of the hole 7. Furthermore, a support member 12 may be disposed in the bottom 5 and preferably consists of a per se known moisture absorbing sponge material. The stalks of cut flowers may be inserted into the support member 12, whereafter the cut flowers may be suitably anchored to the support pin 11 in order, as far as is possible, to remain free of contact with the inner surface of the hollow body 1. Once the cut flowers have been placed in the support member 12 and against the support pin 11, the bottom portion, the support pin 11 and the support member 12 with the cut flowers are inserted into the hollow body 1. It should here be observed that the length of the suppport pin 11 is such that its end extends into the bottom hole 10 in the lid 8, when the lid 8 is pressed into the open end 4 of the hollow body 1. The grip between the lid 8 and the hollow body 1 can be suf¬ ficient for a reliable closing of the package, but, if desired, the lid 8 may be glued, welded or taped fast to the hollow body 1. Once the hollow body 1 has been provided with a suitable address label or the like, it can be sent through the post to an addressee. The present invention should not be considered as restricted to that embodiment described in the foregoing, many modifications being possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended Claims.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A device for the packaging of objects, e.g. cut flowers, the device comprising a hollow body (1) with a bottom and a lid (8), characterised in that a support pin (11) extends between the bottom and the lid (8) for supporting the object or objects cen¬ trally within the hollow body (1). 2. The device as recited in claim 1, characterised in that the bottom is integrally disposed as a unit with the hollow body (1); and that the lid (8) is removable. 3. The device as recited in claim 1, characterised in that a bottom cup (5) is disposed in the hollow body (1) for central guid¬ ance of the support (11). 4. The device as recited in claim 3, characterised in that the bottom cup (5) is provided with a sponge-like insert (12), which is moisture retentive and in which the object or objects may be stuck. 5. The device as recited in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support (11) extends between the bottom cup (5) and the lid (8). 6. The device as recited in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hollow body (1) is hexagonal and is pro¬ vided with spaced-apart rigidifying members (3); that the bottom cup (5) fits with play into the hollow body (1); and that the lid (8) fits into the end of the hollow body (1). 7. The device as recited in claim 6, characterised in that the hollow body (1), the bottom cup (5) and the lid (8) are manu¬ factured of a thin-walled and transparent plastics material.

Inventors: LEVY JOHN DAN, LEVY, JOHN, DAN
Applicants: MAIL FLOWER AB, MAIL FLOWER AKTIEBOLAG
Application year: 1985
Main classification: B65D85
IPC codes: B65D85