Handheld Bouquet Container

Abstract

The invention concerns a fresh cut flower vase that is composed of three parts. A tube holds the stem of the flowers with the base of the tube providing hydration to the cut flower stems for a long-lasting bouquet. The top of the tube has a varying flower design that complements the fresh flowers that are placed in the vase.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to floral arrangement and floral design. More particularly, the present invention concerns a novel handheld bouquet container.

2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

U.S. Pat. No. 6,862,841 issued to Ghiotti on Mar. 8, 2005 discloses a hand-held floral bouquet holder that comprises a handle, a collar and a body connected to the handle and the collar. The body is configured to define a volume. A removable material is positioned in the volume and a cage is arranged such that an edge of the cage contacts the collar.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

By way of brief summary, the present invention concerns a fresh cut flower vase that is composed of three parts. A tube holds the stem of the flowers with the base of the tube providing hydration to the cut flower sterns for a long-lasting bouquet. The top of the tube has a varying flower design that complements the fresh flowers that are placed in the vase.

With the forgoing in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide a slip-resistant vase for holding fresh cut flowers that is small enough to fit comfortably in the palm of the hand.

Another object of the invention is to simplify and optimize the freshness of cut flowers while also being economical, decorative and colorful. In one form of the invention, the vase can be color coordinated with the flowers chosen by the user.

Another object of the invention is to provide a bouquet container that can support various arrangements of flowers that make up a bouquet, with predetermined height and positioning.

Another object of the invention is to provide a flower holder that not only securely holds the stems of the flowers at varying heights, but also provides a small watertight container for keeping the arrangement fresh and, therefore, prolongs the life of the bouquet.

Another object of the invention is to use the bouquet container to create an attractive and unique appearance of the bouquet in order to enhance the beauty of color of the flowers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a generally perspective, exploded view of one form of the handheld bouquet container of the invention, showing the closure cap assembly open and separated from the container body.

FIG. 2 is a greatly enlarged generally perspective view of the closure cap assembly of the form of the handheld bouquet container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a generally perspective view of the handheld bouquet container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, generally perspective view of the body portion of the handheld bouquet container broken away to show the internal construction of the body portion.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the upper portion of the handheld bouquet container shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the handheld bouquet container shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 4, one form of the handheld container assembly of the present invention is there illustrated and generally designated by the numeral 14. Assembly 14 comprises a body portion 16 having an upper portion 18, a lower portion 20 having an internally threaded opening 22 (FIG. 4), and a gripping portion 24 located intermediate the upper and lower portions. Upper portion 18 has a top opening 26 that communicates with an internal chamber 28 that is formed within body portion 16. Internal chamber 28 is provided with circumferentially spaced striations 28a that function to hold in place the flowers contained within handheld container assembly (see FIGS. 3, 4 and 5). Best seen in FIG. 5, body portion 16 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, generally petal shaped segments 30. Petal shaped segments 30 can be configured to replicate the petals of the flowers contained within handheld container assembly, as for example, sunflowers, daisies, amaryllis, lilies, iris and zinnias. Body portion 16 also includes an upraised, generally planar indicia-receiving area 32 upon which suitable indicia, such as the florist's name, address or trademark can be imprinted or engraved.

Removably connected to lower portion 20 is an externally threaded lower assembly 34 that, when connected to lower portion 20, sealably closes opening 22. A unique feature of the invention resides in the provision of a generally cylindrically shaped, water absorbing sponge 36 that extends from the top 34a of the threaded portion into internal chamber 28 of body portion 16. When cut flowers are positioned within internal chamber 28, sponge 36 functions to effectively hydrate the flower stems. A rubber washer 38 which is located proximate the external threads 40 of the lower assembly, sealably engages the lower end of body portion 16. Lower assembly 34 includes a generally hemispherical end 34b.

In using the handheld container assembly of the invention, after the flower bouquet “FB” (FIG. 1) is cleaned of leaves or any thorns, it is inserted into the upper portion 18 via top opening 26. Preferably, the stems of the bouquet are pushed downwardly through the bottom opening 22 so that they can be trimmed to the proper length. This done, the sponge 36 is wetted and the lower assembly 34 is connected to the upper portion 18 so that the flower stems reside in engagement with the sponge. During use, the strategically located gripping portion 24 permits safe and easy transport of the container and an upstanding ridge 42 provided around top opening 26 (FIG. 4) provides stability to the flowers during transport.

The handheld container assembly of the invention can be molded from any suitable semi-rigid plastic material in various colors and can be of various sizes, depending on the use that is to be made of the container. For example, the height can be from 10 to 12 inches, the top diameter can be from 5 to 10 inches, and the bottom diameter can be from 1 to 1.5 inches.

Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A handheld container assembly for containing a flower bouquet comprising: (a) a body portion having an internal chamber, an upper portion having a top opening, a lower portion connected to said upper portion and a gripping portion located intermediate said upper and lower portions; and(b) a lower assembly connected to said lower portion of said body portion, said lower assembly including a sponge extending into said internal chamber of said body portion of said handheld container assembly.

2. The handheld container assembly as defined in claim 1 in which said lower portion of said body portion has an opening and in which said lower assembly sealably closes said opening in said lower portion.

3. The handheld container assembly as defined in claim 2 in which said lower portion of said body portion is threaded.

4. The handheld container assembly as defined in claim 3 in which said lower assembly is threaded and is removably connected to said lower portion of said body portion.

5. The handheld container assembly as defined in claim 4 in which said body portion includes an upraised, generally planar indicia receiving area.

6. A handheld container assembly for containing a flower bouquet comprising: (a) a body portion having an internal chamber, an upper portion having a top opening, a lower portion connected to said upper portion, said lower portion having an opening, and a gripping portion located intermediate said upper and lower portions; and(b) a lower assembly sealably connected to said lower portion of said body portion, said lower assembly including a sponge extending into said internal chamber of said body portion of said handheld container assembly.

7. The handheld container assembly as defined in claim 6 in which said lower portion of said body portion is threaded.

8. The handheld container assembly as defined in claim 7 in which said lower assembly is threaded and is removably connected to said lower portion of said body portion.

9. The handheld container assembly as defined in claim 8 in which said body portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced generally petal shaped segments.

10. A handheld container assembly for containing a flower bouquet comprising: (a) a body portion having an internal chamber, an upper portion having a top opening, a threaded lower portion connected to said upper portion, said lower portion having an opening, and a gripping portion located intermediate said upper and lower portions; and(b) a threaded lower assembly removably connected to said lower portion of said body portion, said lower assembly including a sponge extending into said internal chamber of said body portion of said handheld container assembly.

11. The handheld container assembly as defined in claim 10 in which said body portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, generally petal shaped segments.

12. The handheld container assembly as defined in claim 11 in which said body portion includes an upraised, generally planar indicia receiving area.