1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally apparatus and methods for displaying flowers and other decorative plants.
2. Description of Related Art
Bouquets and other floral displays have moved well past the “gathered bunch of flowers” tied with a pretty ribbon. Technological advancement has allowed floral displays to expand into great structures and small. One such advancement is water retaining floral foam that may be cut into various shapes to fit into vessels and support flowers from commercial flower displays to personal sized displays.
Within the floral display industry, and in particular within the personal sized display market, current means for supporting as floral display are either unduly complex or require extensive training to create inspiring shapes and designs. These limitations exist because there has been a lack of simple design forms that allow for a base of creative expression.
All references cited herein are incorporated by reference to the maximum extent allowable by law. To the extent a reference may not be fully incorporated herein, it is incorporated by reference for background purposes and indicative of the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.
The problems presented in the field of floral display are addressed by the systems and methods of the present invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a floral display is described. The floral display comprises a frame for securing water retaining florist foam in a decorative shape that may be hung for display. The floral display frame provides for simple securing of the foam and allows access to the foam for complete floral coverage.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the drawings and detailed description that follow.
All references cited herein are incorporated by reference to the maximum extent allowable by law. To the extent a reference may not be fully incorporated herein, it is incorporated by reference for background purposes and indicative of the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.
In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.
Floral foam 20 (not shown) is cut to the shape of interior edge 14. Floral foam 20 is typically of a water retaining nature and allows for floral material 40 to be placed and retain appropriate hydration. Anchors 18 allow for the placement of retaining bands 22 to secure floral foam 20 within frame 12. Anchors 18 have a base 24 that extends from exterior edge 16 and protrusions 26 that extend in opposing directions from base 24.
Frame 12 has a face 36 and a back 38, although until the floral material 40 is added there is no difference between the face 36 and the back 38. Even with the addition of floral material 40 the designer may choose to make the face 36 and back 38 identical. Supports 28 extend from the face 36 and back 38 beyond expected depth of the floral foam 20. A support string 30 is attached to the supports to allow the display to be hung for display. The support string 30 may be a string, wire, filament, yarn, ribbon, or any similar element depending on the decorative aims of the display. Each support 28 may have string holes 32 to make attachment of the support string easier. The number and location of the supports 28 will depend on the decorative shape of the frame 12.
The frame 12 may be molded of a single piece or may be cut from sheet material, as shown. When frame 12 is cut from sheet material slots 34 may be added at the locations where supports 28 are needed. Slots 34 would be between the interior edge 14 and the exterior edge 16 and extend from the face 36 to the back 38. Supports 28 may then be inserted through slots 34 to protrude evenly from the face 36 and the back 38.
The frame 12 is preferably formed of a clear material so that it is less likely to be visible if the floral material 40 fails to completely cover frame 12. Green tones may also be used for the material of frame 12, as well as any other color that is not likely to stand out from the floral material.
It should be apparent from the foregoing that an invention having significant advantages has been provided. While the invention is shown in only a few of its forms, it is not just limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, frame 12 may define multiple pieces of floral foam 20 and supports 28 may be moved wherever needed to support the frame 12.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20150143747 A1 | May 2015 | US |