Patent Publication Number: US-10766664-B2

Title: Modular potted plant shipping box

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to shipping boxes. More specifically, the present invention is a modular potted plant shipping box that preserves the structure and integrity of a potted plant. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The flower industry is a forever growing industry that greatly depends on shipping. Many variables dictate whether the delivery of flowers is a success. Such variables include, the amount of time between arrangement and delivery, the insulation that maintains a desired temperature within the shipment container, and so on. Ensuring that the plant itself, however, is preserved and not damaged throughout transportation is a variable that may be consistent for all shipments. 
     The present invention ensures the plants, preferably flowers, to be effectively protected throughout a shipment process while minimizing the amount packing material required to protect the plant. The present invention accommodates a variety of pots and vases and varying plants. The present invention minimizes the manufacturing cost of packing material needed to effectively contain and protect a potted plant. The present invention also allows additional items to be included with the package without compromising the safety of the potted plant. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of an outer box, a stopper frame, and a stabilizing frame of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view a receptacle and the stabilizing frame of the present invention with at least one first push tab engaged with at least one first tab-receiving slot. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view the receptacle and the stabilizing frame of the present invention with at least one first push tab engaged with at least one first tab-receiving slot. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the present invention with at least one first push tab disengaged with at least one first tab-receiving slot. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention with a removable compartment suspended by the stopper frame within the outer box. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     The present invention is a modular potted plant shipping box that securely positions a potted plant within a shipping box. More specifically, the present invention prevents a vase or a pot from sliding and moving within the shipping box without damaging the plant. The present invention preserves the integrity and structure of the plant. The present invention accommodates a variety of potted plants. In order for the present invention to maintain a desired position of a potted plant within a shipping box, the present invention comprises an outer box  1 , a stopper frame  8 , a stabilizing frame  13 , and a receptacle  41 . The outer box  1  protects and houses the stopper frame  8 , the stabilizing frame  13 , the receptacle  41 , and a plant within the receptacle  41 , seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 6 . The stopper frame  8  prevents the stabilizing frame  13  from sliding within the outer box  1 , and the stabilizing frame  13  maintains the desired position of the receptacle  41  within the outer box  1 . Moreover, the stopper frame  8  also allows a plant to remain erect within the outer box  1  while holding the position of the stabilizing frame  13 . The receptacle  41  houses a plant and the soil. In order for the stabilizing frame  13  to secure the receptacle  41  within the outer box  1  and allow a plant to freely extend past the receptacle  41 , the stabilizing frame  13  comprises a main base plate  14 , a first brace  17 , a second brace  28 , and a central slot  37 . The main base plate  14  connects the first brace  17  to the second brace  28 . The first brace  17  and the second brace  28  surround and press against the receptacle  41 . The central slot  37  allows the receptacle  41  to be positioned within the stabilizing frame  13 . 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer box  1 , the stopper frame  8 , and the stabilizing frame  13  comprise cardboard materials. It is understood, various embodiments of the present invention may comprise a variety of comparable shipping materials. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the plants housed within the receptacle  41  are natural flowers, but not necessarily fresh flower. The plants are also preferably fixed within the vase so that the plants do not escape the receptacle  41  and move within the outer box  1 . The receptacle  41  is preferably a vase, shown in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6 . with foam manufactured to fit within the vase. Additional wires and nets may further secure the foam within the vase. 
     The overall configuration of the aforementioned components allows a potted plant to be safely and securely contained within a shipping box. As shown in  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 6 , the stabilizing frame  13 , the stopper frame  8 , and the receptacle  41  are positioned within the outer box  1 . Seen in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , a first edge  15  of the main base plate  14  is positioned opposite a second edge  16  of the main base plate  14 , across the main base plate  14 . The receptacle  41  is easily separated from the stabilizing frame  13  as the first brace  17  is hingedly connected to the main base plate  14  along the first edge  15  of the main base plate  14 . Similarly, the second brace  28  is hingedly connected to the main base plate  14  along the second edge  16  of the main base plate  14 . The receptacle  41  is securely contained as the central slot  37  traverses through the first brace  17  and the second brace  28 . The weight of the receptacle  41  and the plant housed within the receptacle  41  is balanced by the main base plate  14  as the central slot  37  is oriented perpendicular with the main plate  14 . Moreover, the receptacle  41  is positioned within the central slot  37 , between the first brace  17  and the second brace  28  and is frictionally engaged with a main rim  38  of the central slot  37 . The stabilizing frame  13 , the stopper frame  8 , and the receptacle  41  are housed by the outer box  1  as a fourth rim  2  of the outer box  1  is positioned opposite a base  4  of the outer box  1  across a lateral wall  5  of the outer box  1 . More specifically, a main opening  3  of the outer box  1  is defined by the fourth rim  2 . The stabilizing frame  13  is pressed against the base  4  of the outer box  1  and the plant freely extends past the receptacle  41  as the stopper frame  8  is positioned in between the stabilizing frame  13  and the fourth rim  2 . 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stabilizing frame  13  is offset from the main opening  3  of the outer box  1  with only the stopper frame  8 , as seen in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . A second rim  39  of the stopper frame  8  is positioned opposite a third rim  40  of the stopper frame  8 , across the stabilizing frame  13 . The second rim  39  is positioned adjacent the main rim  38  of the central slot  37 . The third rim  40  is positioned adjacent the fourth rim  2  of the outer box  1 . A first rim  42  of the receptacle  41  is oriented parallel with the second rim  39 , the third rim  40 , and the fourth rim  2 . This arrangement allows a plant to extend past the first rim  42  of the receptacle  41  and remain undamaged through transportation. 
     The receptacle  41  is effectively contained while being readily removable from stabilizing frame  13 . Furthermore, the corresponding plant remains untouched as the first brace  17  comprises a first lateral wall  18 , a first cover plate  20 , a first stabilizing arm  22 , and a second stabilizing arm  23 , shown in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 , and  FIG. 5 . The first lateral wall  18  presses against the outer box  1  so that the receptacle  41  does not topple. The first lateral wall  18  also connects the first cover plate  20  with the main base plate  14 . The first cover plate  20  prevents the receptacle  41  from slipping past the stabilizing frame  13  and into the stopper frame  8 . The first stabilizing arm  22  and the second stabilizing arm  23  preserves the upright orientation of the receptacle  41  and prevents the receptacle  41  from slipping side to side. The receptacle  41  is easily separated from the stabilizing frame  13  as the first lateral wall  18  is hingedly connected along the first edge  15  of the main base plate  14 . The first cover plate  20  is positioned adjacent along a first edge  19  of the first lateral wall  18 , opposite the main base plate  14 , and is hingedly connected along the first edge  19  of the first lateral wall  18 . This arrangement allows the receptacle  41  to be easily positioned within the central slot  37  while preserving the structure of the plant. The first stabilizing arm  22  and the second stabilizing arm  23  is positioned adjacent a first edge  21  of the first cover plate  20  opposite the first lateral wall  18 , thereby leveling the first cover plate  20  with the first stabilizing arm  22  and the second stabilizing arm  23 . The receptacle  41  does not slide within the central slot  37  as the first stabilizing arm  22  is positioned opposite the second stabilizing arm  23  across the first edge  21  of the first cover plate  20 . Moreover, the receptacle  41  is positioned between and is frictionally engaged with the first stabilizing arm  22  and the second stabilizing arm  23 . The stopper frame  8  is securely upheld by the stabilizing frame  13  as the first cover plate  20  is offset from the main base plate  14  with the first lateral wall  18 , the first stabilizing arm  22 , and the second stabilizing arm  23 . In order for the receptacle  41  to be safely removed from within the outer box  1 , the receptacle  41  must be surrounded by the stabilizing frame  13  while being removed from the outer box  1 . The first stabilizing arm  22  and the second stabilizing arm  23  are removably coupled to the second brace  28 , maintaining the grip of the stabilizing frame  13  about the receptacle  41 . 
     Similar to the first brace  17 , the second brace  28  comprises a second lateral wall  29 , a second cover plate  31 , a third stabilizing arm  33 , and a fourth stabilizing arm  34 , shown in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 , and  FIG. 5 . The second lateral wall  29  presses against the outer box  1  so that the receptacle  41  does not topple. The second lateral wall  29  also connects the second cover plate  31  with the main base plate  14 . The second cover plate  31  prevents the receptacle  41  from slipping past the stabilizing frame  13  and into the stopper frame  8 . The third stabilizing arm  33  and the fourth stabilizing arm  34  preserves the upright orientation of the receptacle  41  and prevents the receptacle  41  from slipping side to side. The receptacle  41  is easily separated from the stabilizing frame  13  as the second lateral wall  29  is hingedly connected along the second edge  16  of the main base plate  14 . The second cover plate  31  is positioned adjacent along a first edge  30  of the second lateral wall  29 , opposite the main base plate  14 , and is hingedly connected along the first edge  30  of the second lateral wall  29 . This arrangement allows the receptacle  41  to be easily positioned within the central slot  37  while preserving the structure of the plant. The second cover plate  31  is leveled with the third stabilizing arm  33  and the fourth stabilizing arm  34  as the third stabilizing arm  33  and the fourth stabilizing arm  34  is positioned adjacent a first edge  32  of the second cover plate  31  opposite the second lateral wall  29 . The receptacle  41  does not slide within the central slot  37  as the third stabilizing arm  33  is positioned opposite the fourth stabilizing arm  34  across the first edge  32  of the second cover plate  31 . Moreover, the receptacle  41  is positioned between and is frictionally engaged with the third stabilizing arm  33  and the fourth stabilizing arm  34 . The stopper frame  8  is securely upheld by the stabilizing frame  13  as the second cover plate  31  is offset from the main base plate  14  with the second lateral wall  29 , the third stabilizing arm  33 , and the fourth stabilizing arm  34 . In order for the receptacle  41  to be safely removed from within the outer box  1 , the receptacle  41  must be surrounded by the stabilizing frame  13  while being removed from the outer box  1 . The third stabilizing arm  33  and the fourth stabilizing arm  34  are removably coupled to the first brace  17 , maintaining the grip of the stabilizing frame  13  about the receptacle  41 . 
     The first brace  17  does not buckle throughout transportation and the desired position of the receptacle  41  within the outer box  1  is preserved as the present invention further comprises a first elongated tab  43  and a first bumper  47 , shown in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6 . The first elongated tab  43  reinforces the structure of the first brace  17  about the receptacle  41  as well as supports the receptacle  41  against main base plate  14 . Similar to the first stabilizing arm  22  and the second stabilizing arm  23 , the first bumper  47  prevents the receptacle  41  from sliding. The first bumper  47  also absorbs the impact of any exterior force against outer box  1  in order to further protect the receptacle  41 . The first bumper  47  preferably comprises a first plate  48  and a second plate  49 . The first plate  48  positions the second plate  49  against the receptacle  41  and absorbs any impact against the outer box  1 . The second plate  49  presses against the receptacle  41 , further reinforcing the desired position of the receptacle  41  within the first brace  17 . The first brace  17  is hingedly connected to the main base plate  14 , along a first end  26  of the first brace  17 . A second end  27  of the first brace  17  is positioned opposite the first end  26  of the first brace  17 , across the first brace  17 . The first brace  17  is supported with both the first elongated tab  43  and the first bumper  47  as the first plate  48  is terminally fixed with the second plate  49 , and the second plate  49  is connected to the main plate, opposite the first plate  48 . Moreover, the first plate  48  is connected to the first brace  17 , adjacent the first end  26  of the first brace  17 . The second plate  49  is positioned offset the first end  26  of the first brace  17  with the first plate  48 . The receptacle  41  is supported against the main base plate  14 , beneath the first brace  17 , as a first lateral edge  45  of the first elongated tab  43  traverses across and is hingedly connected to the second end  27  of the first brace  17 . A second lateral edge  46  of the first elongated tab  43  is positioned adjacent the second plate  49 , further preserving the structural integrity of the first brace  17 . 
     The second brace  28  does not buckle throughout transportation and the desired position of the receptacle  41  within the outer box  1  is preserved as the present invention further comprises a second elongated tab  44  and a second bumper  50 , also shown in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6 . The second elongated tab  44  reinforces the structure of the second brace  28  about the receptacle  41  as well as supports the receptacle  41  against main base plate  14 . Similar to the first stabilizing arm  22  and the second stabilizing arm  23 , the second bumper  50  prevents the receptacle  41  from sliding. The second bumper  50  also absorbs the impact of any exterior force against outer box  1  in order to further protect the receptacle  41 . The second bumper  50  preferably comprises a third plate  51  and a fourth plate  52 . The third plate  51  positions the fourth plate  52  against the receptacle  41  and absorbs any impact against the outer box  1 . The fourth plate  52  presses against the receptacle  41 , further reinforcing the desired position of the receptacle  41  within the second brace  28 . The second brace  28  is hingedly connected to the main base plate  14 , along a first end  35  of the second brace  28 . A second end  36  of the second brace  28  is positioned opposite the first end  35  of the second brace  28 , across the second brace  28 . The second brace  28  is supported with both the second elongated tab  44  and the second bumper  50  as the third plate  51  is terminally fixed with the fourth plate  52 , and the fourth plate  52  is connected to the main plate, opposite the third plate  51 . Moreover, the third plate  51  is connected to the second brace  28 , adjacent the first end  35  of the second brace  28 . The fourth plate  52  is positioned offset the first end  35  of the second brace  28  with the third plate  51 . The receptacle  41  is supported against the main base plate  14 , beneath the second brace  28 , as a first lateral edge  45  of the second elongated tab  44  traverses across and is hingedly connected to the second end  36  of the second brace  28 . A second lateral edge  46  of the second elongated tab  44  is positioned adjacent the fourth plate  52  further preserves the structural integrity of the second brace  28 . 
     The first brace  17  and the second brace  28  are secured to each other in order for the receptacle  41  and the plant within the receptacle  41  remain safely housed within the stabilizing frame  13  while being separated from the outer box  1 , seen in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . The first brace  17  and the second brace  28  surround the receptacle  41  as the first lateral wall  18  is positioned opposite the second lateral wall  29  across the main base plate  14 . The first lateral wall  18  and the second lateral wall  29  is hingedly connected to the main base plate  14 , allowing the receptacle  41  to be easily positioned within the central slot  37 . In order for the first brace  17  and the second brace  28  to grip the receptacle  41  within the central slot  37 , the first stabilizing arm  22  is positioned adjacent and is removably attached with the third stabilizing arm  33 . Similarly, the second stabilizing arm  23  is positioned adjacent and is removably attached with the fourth stabilizing arm  34 . 
     In order for the first brace  17  and the second brace  28  to be removably attached to each other, the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises at least one first push tab  53 , at least one first tab-receiving slot  54 , at least one second push tab  55 , and at least one second tab-receiving slot  56 . The at least one first push tab  53  and the at least one first tab-receiving slot  54  attaches the third stabilizing arm  33  with the first stabilizing arm  22 , shown in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . The at least one second push tab  55  and the at least one second tab-receiving slot  56  attaches the second stabilizing arm  23  with the fourth stabilizing arm  34 , shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . The at least one first push tab  53  is hingedly connected along a folding edge  24  of the third stabilizing arm  33 . A first outer edge  25  of the first stabilizing arm  22  is positioned opposite the central slot  37  about the first stabilizing arm  22 . The folding edge  24  is positioned offset with the first outer edge  25  of the third stabilizing arm  33 . The at least one first tab-receiving slot  54  traverses through the first stabilizing arm  22 , positioned adjacent the first outer edge  25  of the first stabilizing arm  22 . The first outer edge  25  of the third stabilizing arm  33  is positioned opposite the central slot  37  about the third stabilizing arm  33 . The at least one first push tab  53  is being operatively coupled with the at least one first tab-receiving slot  54 , wherein the first stabilizing arm  22  is removably attached with the first stabilizing arm  22  with the at least one first push tab  53  and the at least one first tab-receiving slot  54 . In order to attach the third stabilizing arm  33  to the first stabilizing arm  22 , the user simply folds the at least one first push tab  53  through the at least one first tab-receiving slot  54  such that the at least one first push tab  53  is pressed against the first stabilizing arm  22 . In order to separate the third stabilizing arm  33  from the first stabilizing arm  22 , the user removes the at least one first push tab  53  from the at least one first tab-receiving slot  54 . 
     Similarly, the at least one second push tab  55  is hingedly connected along a folding edge  24  of the second stabilizing arm  23 . A first outer edge  25  of the second stabilizing arm  23  is positioned opposite the central slot  37  about the second stabilizing arm  23 , also seen in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . The folding edge  24  is positioned offset with the first outer edge  25  of the second stabilizing arm  23 . The at least one second tab-receiving slot  56  traverses through the fourth stabilizing arm  34 , positioned adjacent the first outer edge  25  of the fourth stabilizing arm  34 . The first outer edge  25  of the fourth stabilizing arm  34  is positioned opposite the central slot  37  about the second stabilizing arm  23 . The at least one second push tab  55  is being operatively coupled with the at least one second tab-receiving slot  56 , wherein the second stabilizing arm  23  is removably attached with the fourth stabilizing arm  34  with the at least one second push tab  55  and the at least one second tab-receiving slot  56 . In order to attach the second stabilizing arm  23  to the fourth stabilizing arm  34 , the user simply folds the at least one second push tab  55  through the at least one second tab-receiving slot  56  such that the at least one second push tab  55  is pressed against the fourth stabilizing arm  34 . In order to separate the second stabilizing arm  23  from the fourth stabilizing arm  34 , the user removes the at least one second push tab  55  from the at least one second tab-receiving slot  56 . 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one first push tab  53  and the at least one second push tab  55  are positioned opposite each other about a lateral plane of the stabilizing frame  13 . This arrangement further stabilizes the connection between the first brace  17  and the second brace  28 . Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one first push tab  53  and the at least one first tab-receiving slot  54  is a couple of first push tabs and a couple of first tab-receiving slots distributed along the third stabilizing arm  33  and the first stabilizing arm  22 , respectively, shown in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . Similarly, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention seen in  FIG. 3 , the at least one second push tab  55  and the at least one second tab-receiving slot  56  is a couple of second push tabs and a couple of second tab-receiving slots distributed along the second stabilizing arm  23  and the fourth stabilizing arm  34 , respectively. 
     In order to facilitate the removal of the stabilizing frame  13 , the receptacle  41 , and the plant within the receptacle  41  from within the outer box  1  and through the main opening  3  of the outer box  1 , the present invention preferably comprise a plurality of first finger-receiving holes  57  and a plurality of second finger-receiving holes  58 , seen in  FIG. 3 . The plurality of first finger-receiving holes  57  and the plurality of second finger-receiving holes  58  allows a user to have a sturdy and direct grip with the stabilizing frame  13 . The removal of the stabilizing frame  13 , and consequently the receptacle  41 , from within the outer box  1  is balanced as the plurality of first finger-receiving holes  57  is positioned opposite the main base plate  14  across the first brace  17 . Moreover, the plurality of first finger-receiving holes  57  traverses into the first brace  17 . Similarly, the plurality of second finger-receiving holes  58  is positioned opposite the main base plate  14 , across the second brace  28 . Moreover, the plurality of second finger-receiving holes  58  traverses into the second brace  28 . 
     Shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 , and  FIG. 5 , the present invention further comprises a first handle  59  and a second handle  60  that allows a user to remove the stabilizing frame  13  from within the outer box  1  if direct access to with the plurality of first finger-receiving holes  57  and the plurality of second finger-receiving holes  58  is inhibited by a plant housed by the receptacle  41 . The first handle  59  and the second handle  60  are preferably flexible straps that evenly distribute the weight of the stabilizing frame  13 , the receptacle  41 , and the plant across the first brace  17  and the second brace  28 , respectively. The first handle  59  is positioned opposite the main base plate  14  across the first brace  17  and is mounted onto the first brace  17 . Similarly, the second handle  60  is positioned opposite the main base plate  14  across the second brace  28  and is mounted onto the second brace  28 . 
     In order for a plant housed within the receptacle  41  to freely extend within the outer box  1 , the stopper frame  8  must structurally reinforce the space between the stabilizing frame  13  and the fourth rim  2  of the outer box  1 . In order for the stopper frame  8  to reinforce the outer box  1  and allow the plant to extend within the outer box  1  uninhibited, the stopper frame  8  comprise a first lateral wall  9 , a second lateral wall  10 , a third lateral wall  11 , and a fourth lateral wall  12 , shown in  FIG. 2 . The first lateral wall  9  is fixed adjacent the second lateral wall  10  and is oriented perpendicular with the second lateral wall  10 . The third lateral wall  11  is fixed adjacent the second lateral wall  10 , opposite the first lateral wall  9 . The second lateral wall  10  is oriented perpendicular with the third lateral wall  11 . The fourth lateral wall  12  is fixed adjacent the third lateral wall  11 , opposite the second lateral wall  10 . The third lateral wall  11  is oriented perpendicular with the fourth lateral wall  12 . The first lateral wall  9  is fixed adjacent the fourth lateral wall  12 , opposite the third lateral wall  11 . The fourth lateral wall  12  is oriented perpendicular with the first lateral wall  9 . This arrangement allows the stopper frame  8  to push the stabilizing frame  13  against the base  4  of the outer box  1  and reinforces the portion of the outer box  1  that surround the plant. 
     The outer box  1  fully encloses and shields the stabilizing frame  13 , the stopper frame  8 , and the receptacle  41  as the outer box  1  further comprises a first flap  6  and a second flap  7 , seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 6 . The lateral wall  5  is perimetrically fixed across the base  4  and is positioned adjacent the base  4 . The first flap  6  and the second flap  7  are positioned adjacent the lateral wall  5 , opposite the base  4 , thereby sealing the main opening  3  of the outer box  1 . Moreover, the first flap  6  and the second flap  7  are hingedly connected to the fourth rim  2  of the outer box  1 . A user may secure the first flap  6  and the second flap  7  with each other with an adhesive fastener or a variety of other fasteners. The first flap  6  is positioned opposite the second flap  7  across the fourth rim  2 , thereby fully covering the main opening  3 . 
     An alternate embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 6 , comprises a removable compartment  61  that may further utilize the space between the stabilizing frame  13  and the fourth rim  2  of the outer box  1 . The removable compartment  61  contains a variety of items that may compliment a plant housed within the receptacle  41  such as candy, chocolates, and so on. The removable compartment  61  is positioned within the outer box  1  and is positioned in between the stopper frame  8  and the fourth rim  2  of the outer box  1 . Moreover, the removable compartment  61  is positioned offset from the stabilizing frame  13  with the stopper frame  8 . 
     Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.