Patent Publication Number: US-2011067300-A1

Title: Method and device for packaging and transporting a floral grouping

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the packaging and transport of floral groupings, in particular, a device and method for packaging and transporting a floral grouping. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     Floral groupings, such as floral bouquets, arrangements, and bunches, are typically presented to consumers in supermarkets and other retail stores wrapped in an over-wrap of disposable materials such as foil, plastic, or paper, with the stem portion bunched together with elastics, rubber bands, twist ties, ribbon, tape, or the like. These floral groupings are typically purchased by the supermarket or retail store and arrive pre-arranged and pre-packaged from wholesalers or direct through channels such as the mass market floral industry, bouquet or floral farms. 
     Upon arriving at the supermarket or retail store, the retailer removes each pre-arranged floral grouping from a box or other transport package and positions them for display. Typically this involves grasping each floral grouping at a lower stem portion, so as to not damage the flowers or blossom. This can prove difficult and time consuming, as in many cases, a retailer must reach toward the bottom portion of each floral grouping. Having to grasp the floral grouping from the bottom portions, or stems, of the floral grouping in many cases forces the retailer to bend over repeatedly, as well as exposing the retailer to thorns, water and slimy plant residues on the stems. 
     Alternatively, in some floral retailer shops, single flowers and/or plants are presented to consumers who then request a florist to arrange and/or package a floral arrangement according to a specified arrangement. In most cases, this involves wrapping the floral arrangement in a disposable paper or foil and bunching the stems of the arrangement with an elastic tie. 
     Whether it is a wholesaler or bouquet manufacturer/grower packaging and/or prearranging floral groupings for transport, a retailer unpacking and presenting the floral groupings for sale, or a florist arranging a single floral grouping, each typically involves grasping and/or transporting the floral grouping at the lower portion, on or around the stems. As previously indicated, this can expose a transporter to injury from protruding thorns and water and plant residues on the stem, in addition to forcing packaging personnel to bend over repeatedly. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Described is a device for packaging, packing, and transporting a floral grouping. The device may comprise an elongated member having a top portion and a base portion; a handle coupled to the top portion; and a securing member coupled to the elongated member configured to secure a floral grouping to the elongated member. 
     In various embodiments of the invention, the device for packaging and transporting a floral grouping may comprise an elongated member having a top portion and a base portion. The base portion may include a protruding member oriented substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal plane, the longitudinal plane being substantially parallel to the elongated member, thereby resulting in an increased cross-sectional area of the base portion relative to the top portion. The protruding member may be defined at least in part by a flared first edge. A handle may be coupled to the top portion of the elongated member. Further, a securing member may be coupled to the base portion of the elongated member and may be configured to secure a floral grouping to the elongated member. 
     In another embodiment, there is a method for packaging and transporting a floral grouping. The method may comprise providing an elongated member having a handle coupled to a top portion of the elongated member; positioning a floral grouping adjacent to the elongated member; and securing the floral grouping to the elongated member. 
     In yet another embodiment, there is a method for manufacturing a floral group packaging and transporting device. The method of manufacturing may comprise: providing an elongated member defined by a top portion and a bottom portion; coupling a handle to the top portion; and coupling a securing member to the base portion. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming that which is regarded as the present invention, the advantages of this invention can be more readily ascertained from the following description of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a device and method for transporting and packaging a floral grouping, according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side cross-sectional view of a device and method for transporting and packaging a floral grouping, according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a device and method for transporting and packaging a floral grouping, according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a device and method for transporting and packaging a floral grouping, according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a device and method for transporting and packaging a floral grouping, according to one embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a device and method for transporting and packaging a floral grouping, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as providing illustrations of some representative embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be devised that do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination, and may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the various elements and features described herein. 
     Reference will now be made to the drawings. Like elements are identified by like numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a device  10  for packaging and transporting a floral grouping. The device  10  comprises an elongated member  12  defined by, or including, a top portion  13  and a base portion  14 ; a handle  15  coupled to the top portion  13 ; and a securing member  16  coupled to the elongated member  12  configured to secure a floral grouping to the elongated member  12 . 
     Shown in  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the elongated member  12  may be substantially equidistant, or have a substantially uniform width along the length thereof. The width of the elongated member  12  may be defined as being orthogonal to the longitudinal axis  17  and the length of the elongated member  12  may be defined as being parallel to the longitudinal axis  17 . In being substantially equidistant, the elongated member  12  need not be exactly equidistant or have an exact uniform width along the length thereof. Additionally, in being substantially equidistant, the elongated member  12  may include one or more portions that are not equidistant along the length thereof. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 1 , the device  10  comprises a handle  15  coupled to, or otherwise connected to, the top portion  13  of the elongated member  12 . While it is shown that the handle  15  may include a substantially oval shape having an opening therethrough, it is contemplated that the handle  15  may form any shape or size suitable for grasping. In one exemplary embodiment, the handle  15  may be formed or comprise sizes and shapes that are particular to a specific holiday or season, such as, but not limited to, hearts on Valentine&#39;s day, pumpkins on Halloween, Christmas ornaments on Christmas, and so forth. Varying the shape of the handle according to a particular season or holiday is particularly advantageous, as it can heighten or augment the effect of an accompanying floral arrangement for a particular occasion. 
     It is additionally contemplated that the handle  15  and the elongated member  12  may include various designs and writing associated with a particular holiday or occasion, such as, but not limited to Mother&#39;s Day, Valentine&#39;s Day, Christmas, and so forth. The various designs and writing may be printed upon the device  10 , for example, on the handle  15 , or the elongated member  12 . 
     It is contemplated that the handle  15  may be coupled to the elongated member  12  in a variety of ways such as, but not limited to, by staples, hooks, adhesive, clips, Velcro®, brads, and so forth. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the handle  15  and the elongated member  12  may be coupled together via a molding process. For example, the handle  15  and the elongated member  12  may be formed or manufactured from one or more molds, or through a molding process, such that the handle  15  and the elongated member  12  are fabricated into a single or continuous piece. 
     In another alternative embodiment, the handle  15  may be removably coupled to the top portion  13  of the elongated member  12 . Removably coupling the handle  15  to the top portion  13  may be accomplished in a variety ways such as through the use of fastening elements, e.g., staples, hooks, adhesive, clips, Velcro®, brads, and so forth. 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the device  10  comprises a securing member  16  coupled to the elongated member  12 , the securing member  16  being configured to secure a floral grouping to the elongated member  12 . In one embodiment, the securing member  16  is configured to circumferentially wrap around a floral grouping. The securing member  16  can then be tightened such that the floral grouping is secured to the elongated member  12 . The securing member  16  may be embodied in a tie, wire, band, ribbon, string, plastic, or equivalents thereof. Further, the securing member  16  may be composed or fabricated, at in least part, of a variety of materials, such as, but not limited to, elastic, wire, plastic, polyurethane, polypropylene rubber, fabric, silk, string, and so forth. 
     It is contemplated that the securing member  16  may be coupled to the elongated member  12  in a variety of ways, such as by fastening elements  18 , e.g., staples, hooks, adhesive, clips, brads, etc. 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 2  is a side cross-sectional view of a device  10  for packaging or transporting a floral grouping. As shown, the securing member  16  may extend through the elongated member  12  via a hole  20  in the elongated member  12 . The securing member may be secured on an opposing side of the elongated member  12  such that the securing member  16  is prevented from returning back through the hole  20 . The securing member  16  may be secured on the opposing side in a variety of ways, such as but not limited to, by a simple knot  21 , a fastener, e.g., staples, hooks, adhesive, clips, Velcro®, and so forth. 
     It is contemplated that the securing member  16  may be coupled to any portion or area of the elongated member  12 . In one non-limiting example, shown in  FIG. 1 , the securing member  16  is coupled to the base portion  14  of the elongated member  12  at a position that is spatially removed from the edges of the elongated member  12 . 
     Shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in one embodiment, the base portion  14 , or at least a portion thereof, is further defined by, or includes, a cross-sectional area that is greater than the cross-sectional area of the top portion  13 . It is contemplated that the greater, or increased, cross-sectional area of the base portion  14  may be embodied in any shape or size. In one non-limiting example, as shown, the greater, or increased cross-sectional area of the base portion  14 , or at least a portion thereof, extends outward forming at least one protruding portion  31 , or protruding member  31  that is oriented substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal plane  17 . In being substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal plane  17 , at least a portion of the base portion  14 , or cross-sectional area thereof, need not extend or be oriented exactly orthogonal to the longitudinal plane  17 . 
     In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 3  at least a portion of the base portion  14 , and protruding portion  31  thereof is defined by, or comprises, a flared first edge  32 . As shown, the base portion  14  being defined by a flared first edge  32  results in a gradually increasing cross-sectional area. The illustrated flared first edge  32  may be oriented substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal plane  17  and may serve to further secure a floral grouping and its packaging elements to the elongated member  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . For example, gradually increasing the cross-sectional area of the base portion  14  decreases the distance between any packaging elements and the elongated member  12  until the packaging elements  52  are tightly abutting or pressed against the base portion  14 . In this manner, packaging elements  52  such as, disposable material, may be further secured during transport and packaging. 
     Shown in  FIG. 4 , at least a portion of the base portion  14  and protruding portion  31  thereof may be defined by, or may comprise, a flared second edge  42 . The flared second edge  42  may serve to further gradually increase the cross-sectional area of the base portion  14 , and thus provide an additional element to secure a floral grouping and packaging elements to the elongated member  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-5 , in one embodiment, the securing member  16  is coupled to the area of greater cross-sectional area found in the base portion  14 . In a non-limiting example, as shown, the securing member  16  may be coupled to the protruding portion  31 . Additionally, the securing member  16  may be coupled at a position spatially removed from the first flared edge  32 . As can be seen, coupling the securing member  16  to the area of greater cross sectional area or the protruding portion  31  results in the securing member  16  being coupled to the elongated member  12  away from, or otherwise outside of an exemplary positioning of a floral grouping  54  along the elongated member  12 . Coupling and positioning the securing member  16  in this manner can substantially reduce or eliminate the need to search through a floral grouping  54  for the securing member  16  while attempting to position and secure a floral grouping  54 . This can reduce the time necessary to secure a floral grouping  54  to the device  10 , as well as limit exposure to a floral grouping which can cause injury or damage to a floral grouping  54  and/or those persons packaging or packing the floral groupings. 
     While the Figures illustrate that the base portion  14  includes an increased cross-sectional area, or protruding portion  31 , it is contemplated any portion of the elongated member  12  may include an increased cross sectional area, or protruding portion, having a securing member  16  may be coupled thereto. 
     Shown in  FIG. 6 , the base portion  14  having a cross-sectional area greater than the top portion  13  provides additional advantages in the packaging, packing, and transporting of floral groupings. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, a floral grouping  54  is packaged having a packaging element  52 , such as plastic, foil, paper, etc., wrapped around the circumference thereof. Once wrapped around a floral grouping, the packaging element  52  forms a substantially conical shape and tapers inward moving down towards the stem or bottom portions of the floral grouping  54 . In one aspect, the increased cross-sectional area of the base portion  14  functions to prevent the packaging element  52  from sliding down and off the floral grouping  54  secured to the elongated member  12 . 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 1-6 , coupling the securing member  16  to the base portion  14 , results in the securing member  16  being on a portion, or end, of the elongated member  12  substantially opposite to the handle  15 . Advantageously, this enables a floral grouping  54  to be transported in an upright position using the handle  15  while still securing the floral grouping  54  around the stems. 
     It is contemplated that the device  10  may be manufactured, at least in part, as a single unit. The device  10  may be manufactured in a variety of ways, such as, but not limited to, molding, injection molding, cutting, shaping, and so forth. The device  10  may comprise a variety of materials, such as, but not limited to, paper, plastic, polyurethane, polypropylene, cardboard, and so forth. It is further contemplated that the materials may have varying levels of rigidity and thickness. In a non-limiting example, the rigidity of the material may depend upon the type and weight of the floral grouping being packaged or transported, e.g., a more rigid or thick device  10  may be used for a heavier or larger floral grouping. 
     It is additionally contemplated that the device  10  may be defined by varying lengths or widths. In one non-limiting example, the length of the device  10  may be dependent upon the type of floral grouping, e.g., a device  10  having an elongated member  12  of increased length may be used for larger or more lengthy floral groupings. In this manner, the position of the handle  15  may not interfere or potentially damage blossoms or flowers of a floral grouping. 
     In one embodiment, the device  10  may comprise an extendible or telescopic elongated member or handle. This may be accomplished in a variety of ways. In one non-limiting example, the device  10  may comprise a first and second elongated member coupled together and configured to slide against each other. In this manner, a single device may be applicable to a variety of floral groupings. 
     The device  10  and method provide numerous benefits and advantages to the assembly, packaging, packing, and transport of one or more floral groupings. In one exemplary embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a floral grouping may be positioned adjacent to the elongated member  12  with the stems or bottom portion of the floral grouping proximate to the securing member  16 . It is contemplated that a floral grouping  54  may be positioned and secured proximate to the elongated member  12  such that the stem portions of the floral grouping extend beyond the bottom edge of the device  10 . This may decrease the amount of area occupied by a floral group package, and may be particularly advantageous for transporting large number of floral groupings. Alternatively shown in  FIG. 6 , a floral grouping may be positioned and secured such that the stem portions are aligned substantially flush with a bottom edge of the device  10 . 
     Also shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the floral grouping may then be secured to the elongated member  16  by circumferentially wrapping the securing member  16  to the floral grouping  54 . Various packaging elements  52 , such as disposable material, ribbons, cards, etc. may then be placed about or around a floral grouping  54 , such that, in one embodiment, the device  10  may be characterized as an insert to be used in packaging, packing, and transport of one or more floral groupings. The packaged floral grouping can then be transported by simply grasping the handle  15 . Advantageously, this assists to limit or obviate the need to reach down and grasp the stem or base portion of the floral groupings. In view of this, the device  10  and method are particularly advantageous in packaging, packing, and transporting large numbers of floral groupings, such as occurs in mass market floral industries, bouquet and/or floral farms. 
     Although the foregoing description includes many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention but, merely, as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the present invention. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated and limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description. All additions, deletions and modifications to the invention as disclosed herein which fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are to be embraced thereby.