Abstract:
A hand-held floral bouquet holder is presented. The hand-held floral bouquet holder comprises a handle, a collar, a body connected to the handle and the collar, the body configured to define a volume, a removable material positioned in the volume, a cage arranged such that an edge of the cage contacts the collar; and a cage locking arrangement configured to lock the cage to the collar.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to hand-held floral bouquet arrangements. More specifically, the present invention provides a decorative, sturdy, reusable floral bouquet holder typically used in weddings or similar events that may also be used as a picture frame after use as a bouquet. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0002]    Formal occasions, such as weddings, often involve participants holding floral or decorative arrangements to provide a festive atmosphere for all present. Weddings, in particular, are life changing events that are planned for long periods of time, where even the smallest items are carefully detailed. Significant planning, in the case of bridal accessories, occurs prior to the wedding to ensure that the wedding exhibits the personal tastes of the bride. Often, the bride and/or others in the bridal party carry a ceremonial bouquet of flowers that is thrown to onlookers at the conclusion of festivities. 
         [0003]    Currently, conventional flower bouquets have several configurations. These bouquet configurations, however, often have many problems. One bouquet arrangement commonly used is a set of equal length cut flowers. This type of arrangement, however, has several obvious drawbacks. The cut ends of the stems usually result in water loss, causing premature wilting of the blossoms. Additionally, the leaking water and/or sap may potentially soil the hands and/or dress of the bride or bridal attendees. Lastly, the bouquet may be difficult to hold because the stems are not bound. 
         [0004]    To alleviate these drawbacks, florists often provide a binding around the exterior of the stems of the flowers. Such flower binding allows for ease of handling. To bunch the flowers, wire or a similar type binder is used to draw the stems together. An external wrapping is then applied, usually consisting of several layers of simple fabric, such as linen. The florist may also add a wetting device such that the stem cut ends do not dry out. This wetting device is usually a plastic bodied water retaining end cap. To create these arrangements, the flowers are tightly bound to allow the bride to be able to hold the flowers in a unified configuration. The wire binding process may damage the stems, causing an additional water leakage path for the flowers increasing the wilting process. The binding also only allows a limited tubular shape for the floral bouquet. A further drawback of these arrangements is that some species of delicate flowers may be wholly inappropriate for binding in this fashion, limiting the floral choices available for use. The bouquet prepared in this manner, therefore, limits the types and arrangements of flowers that may be carried by the bride or bridal party on wedding day. 
         [0005]    Another alternative bouquet arrangement for brides is a plastic bouquet holder. The plastic bouquet holder provides a binding point for cut flowers by using a friction-fit plastic handle configuration. These plastic holders, while functional, are often unattractive to the eye. They are used, however, because they are a superior alternative to other arrangements. The plastic bouquet holders are easier to hold with less possibility of soiling the user. The flowers are often kept in place by force fitting the stems into the holder or by a floral foam body that allows the cut flower ends to remain moist. 
         [0006]    There are many drawbacks to the typical plastic bouquet holder. Plastic bouquet holders are single use-throw away items not suitable for providing a keepsake of the occasion. If substantial changes are desired in the arrangement, such as when a bride or florist wishes to change or enhance a previously made bouquet, the entire floral holder and the flower holding foam head must be thrown away, as the head and the handle are crafted as a single unit. If multiple bouquets are to be used throughout the day, such as during the wedding and at the reception, multiple holders must be used due to the one piece construction, thereby increasing costs for the occasion. 
         [0007]    It is therefore desired to provide a floral bouquet holder which does not have the drawbacks typically present in fresh cut flower arrangements and hand-held plastic bouquet arrangements but that may be used after the occasion. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a hand-held floral bouquet holder, suitable as a commemorative heirloom of a special event, such as a wedding. 
         [0009]    It is also an objective of the invention to provide a hand-held floral bouquet holder that may be easily manipulated to allow changes in the bouquet arrangement without extensive waste. 
         [0010]    It is also an objective of the invention to provide a hand-held floral bouquet holder that will not present the bearer with soiling problems from cut flowers. 
         [0011]    It is also an objective of the invention to provide a binding arrangement for flowers that will be suitable for differing flower types, wherein the arrangement will not harm the flower stems. 
         [0012]    It is also an objective of the invention to provide a binding arrangement for flowers that will provide the cut ends with a water source to maintain bouquet freshness. 
         [0013]    It is also an objective of the invention to provide a bouquet holder that is a multifunction item for times after initial use as a holder. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a sectional view of a wedding history bridal bouquet holder in conformance with the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of a foam guard cage with clasps of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a view of the retainer of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a holder  20  in conformance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. The holder  20  comprises a handle  5  connected to a body  22  through a connection  26 . The holder  20  may be configured of a material, such as metal, that allows the holder  20  to be sturdy for holding flowers and/or decorative arrangements as well as throwing of the holder  20  with the arrangement. Metal materials, if used, may be chosen to provide a fanciful or attractive eye-catching presentation. Typical, materials may include gold, silver, aluminum, stainless steel, pewter or platinum as non-limiting examples. The material may be chosen such that the holder  20  may be used successive times and passed down as a family heirloom. In this embodiment, corrosion resistant materials may be used to provide an attractive appearance over many years. The holder  20  may also be configured from a composite of material, such as a structured core surrounded by a decorative top coat or surface. 
         [0018]    A handle  5  allows a bearer to hold the holder  20  The handle  5  may be shaped in a number of configurations, the configuration in  FIG. 1  being only one possibility for the invention, and as such the configuration shown should not be considered limiting. The handle  5  may be shaped as a flat bar, a rounded bar or other geometric configuration to allow the holding of the holder  20 . The handle  5  may also be configured with finger grips  34  to allow the bearer to hold the holder  20  with comfort. An exterior  36  of the handle  5  may be configured with a slip resistant surface to allow proper gripping limiting slip. Such configurations include, but are not limited to, grooves, formed indentations or protrusions on the exterior  36  to allow superior frictional contact during holding. 
         [0019]    The handle  5  is configured with an end  28 . The end  28  may be any geometric form, including a blunt end configuration to limit or eliminate any sharp edge which may damage a potential catcher of the holder  20  if the holder  20  is thrown as part of the festivities. 
         [0020]    A connection  26  connects the handle  5  to the body  22 . The connection  26  may allow the handle  5  to be positioned at a desired angle relative to the body  22  or alternatively the connection  26  may be a fixed/non-movable connection. The connection  26  may be a friction type connection, a ball and socket connection, or other arrangement to allow the relative positioning to occur. The connection  26  may be configured to allow water retention inside the body  22  of the holder  20 . The connection  26  may also be configured to allow the handle  5  to be quickly disconnected allowing differing “mix and match” ornamental designs between differing handles and bodies. The connection  26  may also be positioned external to the body  22  to allow the body  22  to be water tight independent from the connection  26 . 
         [0021]    A body  22  connects to the connection  28  and defines a volume  32 . Similar to the handle  5 , the body  22  may be made of any material to allow for sturdy and continued use of the holder  20  In the configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , the holder  20  is configured as an open topped cone, however other geometries are possible. The body  22  may be configured with a surface  38  that allows engraving to be ornamentally applied. Such a surface  38  may be a flat surface or a round surface according to the wishes of the bearer. In the case of a non-movable handle  5 , the holder  20  may be configured as a one piece arrangement during the initial forming and/or fabrication of the holder  20  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0022]    A collar  3  may be attached to the body  22  of the holder  20 . The collar  3  may be constructed of similar materials to the body  22 . The collar  3 /body  22  attachment may be done during the initial forming or construction of the holder  20  as a one piece design or alternatively a multi-piece design. The collar  3  has end  30  that may be formed as a blunt end or other configuration and may prevent a sharp edge limiting potential damage if the holder  20  is thrown. An exterior surface  40  on the collar  3  may be used to provide an engraving surface for ornamental decoration. Although shown as a flat collar  3 , the collar  3  may be attached at an angle or may be shaped with a different cross-section to provide differing eye-appealing configurations. The collar  3  and/or holder  20  may be also configured with differing ornamentation such as jewels, pictures or other types of materials to add to the festive appearance of the holder  20 . 
         [0023]    The collar loop  7  may be formed on the collar  3  or the body  22  to provide a connection point for objects to the collar  3 . The collar loop  7  may be configured such that an attachment  38  between the collar loop  7  is flush with the exterior surface  40  of the collar  3 . The loop  7  may be made of a material that is similar to the collar  3  to provide a seamless appearance or a differing material to provide a contrasting appearance. The loop  7  and the attachment  38  may be configured to provide a resistance to shear and bending forces which may be imparted to the loop  7  upon a throwing and/or impact of the holder  20 . Differing numbers of loops  7  may be configured on the holder  20 . Although shown as loops  7 , other geometric shapes, such as tabs, for example, may be used. 
         [0024]    The loops  7  provide an attachment point for a cage  8  through clasps  6 . The clasps  6  may be designed as both a structural and an ornamental feature of the holder  20  and transfer forces from the cage  8  through to the loops  7 . The cage  8  provides for a retention of a material  4  in the volume  32  of the holder  20 . The cage  8  may be constructed of a material to protect the interior volume  32 . In an exemplary embodiment, the cage  8  may be constructed of foam to provide for a retention and support of flowers, while guarding against unnecessary potential hard impact in the case of a thrown holder  20 . In the example embodiment shown, the cage  8  may be configured with a hemispherical head with a cage edge  42  that may contact the exterior surface  40 . The cage  8  may be configured to be removable as a single piece or in combination with the material  4 . The cage  8  may be made using any production methodology. Additionally, the cage tendons  44  may be positioned in equal radial arcs emanating from a center point  46  as shown, or may be configured in a different geometry. The cage  8  may be attached to the collar loop  7  through matching loops  9  on the cage  8  through which clasps  6  may be fastened. The clasps  6  may be ornamental in nature protruding to the outside of a floral arrangement, or may also be covered by the floral bouquet by positioning of flowers in the material  4 . The clasps  6  may be designed to be a rugged type connection which will only be detached with significant force by an individual to ensure that the cage  8  does not become detached prematurely or in an unintended manner. 
         [0025]    A detachable jewelry clasp  10  provides a clasp connection similar to that of the detachable clasps  6 , with the added feature of providing an identifiable symbol or ornamentation on the holder  20 . The clasps  6 , and  10  may be detachable for use separately as ornamentation for a bracelet or necklace for example. Differing amounts of clasps  6  and jewelry clasps  10  may be used for the holder  20 . 
         [0026]    A material  4  may be placed in the volume  32 . The material  4  provides for a connection between the floral bouquet and the holder  20 . The material  4  may provide a solution, such as water, to the ends of cut flowers allowing the flowers to absorb moisture from the material  4 . The material  4  may be formed in any type of geometry allowing flowers to be placed in differing configurations allowing the florist flexibility in providing a desired design. The material  4  may allow for minimal damage to the flowers, thereby allowing greater flexibility in the types of flowers used in bouquets. The material  4  may be chosen such that the color of the material  4  provides a harmonious design with the flowers and the holder  20 . The material  4  may be glued to the holder  20  or placed over a protrusion in the holder  20  to allow a friction fit of the material  4 . The material  4  may be configured such that it may easily be replaced for successive uses. The material  4  may be, for example, a typical floral foam or other appropriate material. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the holder  20  is configured to accept a picture. The picture is accepted and retained through a retainer  200 . The retainer  200  is configured to attach to the remainder of the holder through a slide connection  202 . The retainer  200  is configured with a front plate  204  and a back plate  206 . The front plate  204  and the back plate  206  join in unison and slid into the slide connection  202 . In an alternate configuration, the front plate  204  and the back plate  206  may be hinged together to form a unitary construction. In another exemplary embodiment, the retainer  200  is configured as a single unit where the picture is inserted into the unit. The retainer  200  may also be connected to the holder  20  through decorative screws. The retainer  200  may be a separate piece from the holder  20  or may be integrated into the holder  20  as needed. The retainer  200  may be made of any material such as, in the illustrated embodiment, a precious metal. 
         [0028]    The holder  20  is configured with a flat portion  1  that allows for the holder  20  to be supported upon a table. The holder  20  is configured to balance upon the flat portion  1  and the end  28 . 
         [0029]    Operationally, the material  4 , which retains a water solution, is inserted in the volume  32  of the holder  20 . The cage  8 , attached to the material  4  is positioned such that the loops  9  and the collar loop  7  provide a continuous hold through the combined loop  9  and collar loop  7  arrangement. The cage  8  is then secured to the collar  3  through three clasps  6  and one detachable jewelry clasp  10 . Flowers may be inserted into the material  4  in differing patterns, types and arrangements according to the wishes of the bearer. Upon insertion of the flowers into the material  4 , the cage  8  may be used to provide lateral support for the flower allowing for differing packing density and configurations of a finalized floral arrangement. Differing items may be inserted into the material  4  and as such the invention is not limited to the placement of flowers into the holder  28 . Other items such as stick pins or differing ornamentation may be used in lieu of flowers or in addition to flowers to create differing presentations. After the event, the material  4  with the flowers may be removed and presented to an individual while the holder  20  may be retained as an heirloom and/or memorabilia of the event. The holder  20  may be reused by simply repeating the above steps to produce another bouquet. 
         [0030]    The configuration described provides several advantages to existing designs that have been present in the floral industry for many years. The present configuration prevents the bearer from becoming soiled either on the hands or clothing from the cut ends of the flowers. The material  4  allows the cut flowers to maintain freshness while providing a sufficient non-damaging holding capability. The configuration severely limits the amount of waste present in current designs by allowing the reuse of the holder many times. The described configuration also allows the bearer to hold a plurality of flowers in a convenient way. Embodiments of the invention also provide the bearer with a memorable keepsake which may be passed down as family heirloom. 
         [0031]    In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.