Patent Publication Number: US-2019183058-A1

Title: Insulated flower vessel device and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/607,747 filed Dec. 19, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     Technical Field 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of receptacles of existing art and more specifically relates to vases. 
     Related Art 
     Many people like to cut and display flowers in water. The conventional way is by either replacing cold tap water frequently or maintain the coldness of the water while the vase sits on a table, counter, etc., is to add ice. This method, although effective, is messy because ice must be added frequently, and may drip on the table or counter top. Also, the ice may be quite bulky and cumbersome which may cause the arrangement to become distorted. Placing fresh cut flowers in a vase often results in the flowers dying within a few days. It is frustrating for consumers who spend a good deal of money on flowers to have them die so quickly. This short lifespan can discourage individuals from wanting to purchase flowers for other than special occasions. What is needed is a convenient, compact, attractive, immediately effective, and mess-free means for maintaining water at the refrigerator temperature over an extended period to keep flowers fresh and promote longevity. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 650,614 to Alexander Roeseler relates to a flower-pot. The described flower-pot includes flower pots and vases and the like; and it consists in providing these receptacles with double walls inclosing a stagnant layer of air and in providing the bottoms of the same with inwardly and upwardly extending tubes or pipes instead of the ordinary orifices. The pot or vase is provided with double walls, closed at the top by an annular ring and open at the bottom, which closes up the inner wall only. The pot itself is provided with feet, any desired number of which may be employed, and inwardly-extending tubes are arranged in the said bottom, so that all the water fed to the contents of the pot will not at once escape, as is the case with the ordinary flowerpots; but a certain quantity will remain, which may then be absorbed by the earth in case the flower or other plant in the pot may at any time not have been watered by inadvertence or from any other cause. The tubes constitute overflow-pipes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known receptacles art, the present disclosure provides a novel insulated flower vessel device and method. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an effective and efficient insulated flower vessel device and method. 
     An insulated flower vessel for extending longevity of fresh cut flowers is disclosed herein. The insulated flower vessel for extending longevity of fresh cut flowers preferably includes a conical-cylindrical outer body having a first-closed-bottom configured to be terminated at a top rim with a conical-cylindrical inner body having a second-closed-bottom defining an internal volume. In preferred embodiments the conical-cylindrical outer body and the conical-cylindrical inner body are integral with one another and are configured to have a volumetric insulating space between the conical-cylindrical outer body and the conical-cylindrical inner body such that insulation means can be realized to resist heat movement into and out of said insulated flower vessel for extending longevity of the fresh cut flowers. 
     According to another embodiment, a method of use for an insulated flower vessel for extending longevity of fresh cut flowers is also disclosed herein. The method of use for an insulated flower vessel for extending longevity of fresh cut flowers includes a first step, providing an insulated flower vessel for extending longevity of fresh cut flowers comprising; a conical-cylindrical outer body having a first-closed-bottom configured to be terminated at a top rim with a conical-cylindrical inner body having a second-closed-bottom defining an internal volume and wherein said conical-cylindrical outer body and the conical-cylindrical inner body are integral with one another and are configured to have a volumetric insulating space between the conical-cylindrical outer body and the conical-cylindrical inner body such that insulation means can be realized to resist heat movement into and out of the insulated flower vessel for extending longevity of the fresh cut flowers; second step, filling the internal volume with refrigerated water; third step, submersing the stems of fresh cut flowers into the water within the internal volume; forth step, displaying a floral arrangement in the insulated flower vessel in a preferred location; and a fifth step, disposing contents held in the vessel; and a sixth step, storing vessel in a refrigerated environment. 
     For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, an insulated flower vessel device, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the insulated flower vessel during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a front cut-away view of the insulated flower vessel of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the insulated flower vessel of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a front cut-away view of the insulated flower vessel of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use for the insulated flower vessel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a receptacle and more particularly to an insulated flower vessel device as used to improve the longevity of cut flowers 
     Generally, the insulated flower vase of the present invention provides an insulated vase designed to extend the life of fresh cut flowers to several weeks. It offers a functionally decorative flower vase that keeps the water inside cooler to maintain freshness. 
     Insulated Vase is designed to house and display flowers while extending the life of the flowers. The invention is comprised of an insulated vase made of stainless steel that is double wall and vacuum insulated. The vase may also be made from double wall plastic or combinations of other composites and alloys. The bottom and side walls of the vase are insulated to keep the water inside cool. The vase may be decorated and designed in all shapes, sizes and colors. It may also be personalized and customized. 
     Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , various views of an insulated flower vessel  100 . 
       FIG. 1  shows an insulated flower vessel  100  during an ‘in-use’ condition  50 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the insulated flower vessel  100  may be beneficial for use by a user  40  to extend longevity of fresh cut flowers  5 . As illustrated, the insulated flower vessel  100  may include a conical-cylindrical outer body  110  having a first-closed-bottom  112  configured to be terminated at a top rim  114 . A conical-cylindrical inner body  120  having a second-closed-bottom  122  defines an internal volume  124 . The conical-cylindrical outer body  110  and the conical-cylindrical inner body  120  are integral with one another and are configured to have a volumetric insulating space  130  between the conical-cylindrical outer body  110  and the conical-cylindrical inner body  120  as will be detailed in the following  FIGS. 2-4 . The volumetric insulating space  130  may be arranged such that an insulation means may be provided to resist heat movement into and out of the insulated flower vessel  100 . By providing an insulating means, the water  10  held within the vessel  100  remains colder for a longer period, extending longevity of the fresh cut flowers  5 . 
     In an embodiment of the present disclosure the volumetric insulating space  130  may be a sealed vacuum  138 . Additionally, the bottom diameter of the outer body  110  may be significantly larger than the diameter of the top rim  114 . Although other outer body  110  configurations may also be envisioned. 
     In yet another embodiment the conical-cylindrical outer body  110  may be removably couplable to the conical-cylindrical inner body  120  as shown in  FIGS. 3 &amp; 4 . Furthermore, the exterior of the conical-cylindrical outer body  110  may include functional decorative indicia  134  useful for promotional gifts, holidays or special occasions. 
     According to one embodiment of the insulated flower vessel  100  the conical-cylindrical outer body  110  and the conical-cylindrical inner body  120  may be made of a combination of metal alloy and a composite material. Further as shown in  FIG. 1 , the insulated flower vessel  100  stands vertically during use and the top rim  114  is on a plane higher than the bottom. It may also be constructed with materials such that the device can be stored in a refrigerator or freezer during pre-use. The insulated flower vessel  100  may also be configured to be dishwasher-safe for cleaning. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other inner/outer body  110  arrangements such as, for example, larger in size, tall and cylindrical, decorative shapes, etc., may be sufficient. 
     According to one embodiment, the insulated flower vessel  100  may be arranged as a kit  105 . In particular, the insulated flower vessel  100  may further include a set of instructions  107 . The instructions  107  may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of the insulated flower vessel  100  such that the insulated flower vessel  100  can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner. 
       FIG. 2  is a front cut-away view of the insulated flower vessel  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the insulated flower vessel  100  may include a conical-cylindrical outer body  110  having a first closed-bottom  112  configured to be terminated at a top rim  114  with a conical-cylindrical inner body  120  having a second-closed-bottom  122  defining an internal volume  124 . 
     In an embodiment of the present disclosure the conical-cylindrical outer body  110  and the conical-cylindrical inner body  120  as shown are integral with one another and may be configured to have a volumetric insulating space  130 . The volumetric insulating space  130  between the conical-cylindrical outer body  110  and the conical-cylindrical inner body  120  may be such that insulation means can be realized to resist heat movement into and out of the insulated flower vessel  100  for extending longevity of the fresh cut flowers  5 . In one embodiment volumetric insulating space  130  may be a sealed vacuum. 
     Further the bottom diameter of the outer body  110  may be significantly larger than the diameter of the top rim  114  as shown, and the device stands vertically during use. However other outer body shapes may be incorporated. Additionally, the conical-cylindrical outer body  110  and the conical-cylindrical inner body  120  may be made of glass, metal alloy, composite material or any suitable combination thereof. Advantageously, the material(s) used in the construction of the insulated flower vessel  100  may be stored in freezer pre-use and dishwasher-safe for cleaning. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the insulated flower vessel  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown the conical-cylindrical outer body  110  is removably couplable to the conical-cylindrical inner body  120 . According to an embodiment the insulated flower vessel  100  the top rim  114  of the conical-cylindrical inner body  120  may include a treaded collar removably couplable  132  to a treaded portion on the upper portion of the outer body  110 . Other embodiments may be removably couplable  132  via a friction coupling, snap lock coupling or other coupling common to the art. Sill other embodiments of the insulated flower vessel  100  although not illustrated, may include a conical-cylindrical inner body  120  removably couplable  132  and may further comprise a slip-fit conical-cylindrical inner body  120 , having a top rim flange nestable or restable to the top rim  114  of the conical-cylindrical outer body  110 . These configurations provide a user an easier means of water  10  and/or flower  5  replacement and disposal when the use of a larger heavier insulated flower vessel  100  may be desired. 
     According to still another embodiment, the exterior of the conical-cylindrical outer body includes functional decorative indicia  134 . The functional decorative indicia  134  may include but are not limited to for example digital print, paint, embossing and magnetic indicia. Further the functional decorative indicia  134  may be useful for promotional gifts, holidays or special occasions. It should be noted that the functional decorative indicia  134  may also be inter-changeable and/or removable in certain embodiment configurations. 
       FIG. 4  is a front cut-away view of the insulated flower vessel  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above the insulated flower vessel  100  may include a conical-cylindrical outer body  110  having a first closed-bottom  112  configured to be terminated at a top rim  114  with a conical-cylindrical inner body  120  having a second-closed-bottom  122  defining an internal volume  124 . Further as illustrated in  FIG. 4  the insulated flower vessel  100  the top rim  114  may include a treaded collar removably couplable  132  to a treaded portion on the upper portion of the outer body  110 . 
     The volumetric insulating space  130  shown in  FIG. 2  may be arranged such that an insulation means may be provided to resist heat movement into and out of the insulated flower vessel  100 . By providing an insulating means, the water  10  held within the vessel  100  remains colder for a longer period, extending longevity of the fresh cut flowers  5 . According to an embodiment of the insulated flower vessel  100  the volumetric insulating space  130  between the conical-cylindrical outer body  110  and the conical-cylindrical inner body  120  is partially evacuated of air, creating a near-vacuum which significantly reduces heat transfer by convection. Conversely the volumetric insulating space  130  between the conical-cylindrical outer body  110  and the conical-cylindrical inner body  120  is partially evacuated of air, creating a near-vacuum which significantly reduces heat transfer by conduction. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art, the volumetric insulating space  130  between the conical-cylindrical outer body  110  and the conical-cylindrical inner body  120  is partially evacuated of air, although other methods of insulating will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. Other examples may include but not be limited to filling the volumetric insulating space  130  with insulating foam  136  as illustrated, re-freezable gel or cold water  10 . 
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a method for using  500  the insulated flower vessel  100 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method for use  500  of the insulated flower vessel  100  may include one or more components or features of the insulated flower vessel  100  as described above. As illustrated, the method for use  500  of an insulated flower vessel  100  may include the steps of: step one  501 , providing an insulated flower vessel  100  for extending longevity of fresh cut flowers comprising; a conical-cylindrical outer body  110  having a first-closed-bottom  112  configured to be terminated at a top rim  114  with a conical-cylindrical inner body  120  having a second-closed-bottom  122  defining an internal volume  124 ; and wherein said conical-cylindrical outer body  110  and the conical-cylindrical inner body  120  are integral with one another and are configured to have a volumetric insulating space  130  between the conical-cylindrical outer body  110  and the conical-cylindrical inner body  120  such that insulation means can be realized to resist heat movement into and out of said insulated flower vessel  100  for extending longevity of the fresh cut flowers  5 ; step two  502 , filling the internal volume  124  with refrigerated water  10 . Under certain circumstances a user may find it advantageous to add a plant food additive typically included with the purchase of fresh cut flowers into the water as well; step three  503 , submersing the stems of fresh cut flowers into the water within the internal volume. This step may include trimming the stems and positioning of the fresh cut flowers  5  in a manner that is commonly referred to as a floral arrangement as shown in FIG. 1 . As disclosed in  FIG. 3  the insulated flower vessel  100  may be configured such that the top rim  114  of the conical-cylindrical inner body  120  may include a treaded collar removably couplable  132  to a treaded portion on the upper portion of the outer body  110 . This configuration may prove especially useful when changing the water  10  held within the internal volume  124  of the insulated flower vessel  100 . The need to move the conical-cylindrical outer body  130  of the insulated flower vessel  100  when using a larger and/or highly decretive insulated flower vessel  100  may be undesirable; step four  504 , displaying a floral arrangement in the preferred location on a planar surface such that the device stands vertically during use. As mentioned above in  FIG. 1  the insulated flower vessel  100  may include functional decorative indicia  134  which may be useful for promotional gifts, holidays or special occasions. Further, as noted above, the functional decorative indicia  134  may also be inter-changeable and/or removable in certain embodiment configurations. In such embodiments the user  40  may select and apply the functional decorative indicia  134  that is most appropriate for an occasion; step five  505 , disposing contents held in the insulated flower vessel  100 . When the floral arrangement displayed in the insulated flower vessel  100  are no longer desired the user  40  may then dispose of the fresh cut flowers  5 . When using an embodiment including the functional decorative indicia  134  that may also be inter-changeable and/or removable the user  40  may further wish to remove the functional decorative indicia  134 ; step six  506 , storing the insulated flower vessel  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2  the insulated flower vessel  100  may also be configured to be dishwasher-safe for cleaning. These materials may be made of glass or a combination of metal alloy and/or a composite material. Advantageously, the material(s) used in the construction of the insulated flower vessel  100  may be stored in dishwasher-safe for cleaning. Accordingly, in an embodiment as disclosed in  FIG. 4  the insulated flower vessel  100  may include filling the volumetric insulating space  130  with insulating foam, re-freezable gel or cold water and may be stored in a freezer or refrigerated environment during pre-use. 
     It should be noted that step  506  is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use  500  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 5  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use  500 . It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for insulated flower vessel are taught herein. 
     The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.