US20150164248A1 - Foldable vase - Google Patents
Foldable vase Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150164248A1 US20150164248A1 US14/405,578 US201314405578A US2015164248A1 US 20150164248 A1 US20150164248 A1 US 20150164248A1 US 201314405578 A US201314405578 A US 201314405578A US 2015164248 A1 US2015164248 A1 US 2015164248A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- vase
- foldable
- sides
- base
- permit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
- B65B25/02—Packaging agricultural or horticultural products
- B65B25/023—Packaging flower bouquets
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G7/00—Flower holders or the like
- A47G7/02—Devices for supporting flower-pots or cut flowers
- A47G7/06—Flower vases
- A47G7/063—Flower vases foldable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G7/00—Flower holders or the like
- A47G7/02—Devices for supporting flower-pots or cut flowers
- A47G7/06—Flower vases
- A47G7/07—Guiding means for flowers in vases, e.g. perforated covers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
- B65B25/02—Packaging agricultural or horticultural products
- B65B25/026—Packaging flower pots
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a foldable vase.
- flowers are purchased as a gift for a variety of occasions such as birthdays, funerals, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day and anniversaries, amongst others.
- the cost of flowers alone is quite high and it is often necessary to purchase a vase to put the flowers in once delivered.
- the inclusion of a vase in the flower delivery can make the gift seem more substantial but depending on the type of vase ordered, can add significant cost to the order.
- foldable vases Due to the flexible nature of foldable vases, the weight of flowers can cause distortion to the shape of the vase and make it difficult to arrange the flowers in a desirable configuration. Owing to their limited use, foldable vases are often used once before being discarded.
- the present invention provides a foldable vase comprising:
- one or more structural members within a foldable vase offers improved rigidity of the vase.
- foldable vases are typically made of flexible material, it can be very difficult, in use, to encourage the vase to maintain its shape.
- the structural members are attached to opposing sides of the vase to permit folding. In a typical vase of square or rectangular cross section, the members will be attached to just two sides of the vase.
- the structural member is provided with one or more flexible joints thereon.
- the member will be attached to the vase only on sides where there is no joint end point. It will be appreciated that on vases having more than four sides, multiple flexible joints may be required to permit the member to fold with the vase.
- each member will be provided with a plurality of cut-outs therethrough for receiving and supporting flowers.
- Vases of typical construction rely on the strength and rigidity of the side of the vase to support flowers which are located in and arranged in the vase.
- the flexible nature of the material means that the strength of the side walls may not be sufficient to support the weight of the flowers.
- the provision of a support member offers increased rigidity to the vase and the addition of a suitable level of water to the vase prevents both the vase and the member from collapsing upon themselves.
- the external shape of the support member will closely correspond to the internal shape of the vase.
- the stems need to be located such that they make use of much of the free space within the vase.
- Having support members, with a plurality of holes therethrough, which are substantially the same size as the internal cross-section of the vase permits flowers to be received and supported by the member or members across the free space of the vase.
- the vase and structural member will be manufactured from polypropylene or a combination of paperboard made from wood pulp and low density polyethylene.
- the materials listed are not intended to be a definitive list of materials which are suitable for use in the invention.
- the wall thickness of the, or each, member is at least 2 mm to enable the member to support the weight of an arrangement of flowers.
- the wall thickness required depends on the material used.
- the, or each, member will be glued to the inside of the vase.
- the vase is intended to hold water, it is preferable for the, or each, member to be attached to the vase without compromising the integrity of the vase side walls.
- Gluing is the most convenient and effective attachment method of the, or each member, to the vase but it will be appreciated that other attachment methods could be used.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the vase
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vase
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the vase
- FIG. 4 is a view from the underside of the vase.
- a foldable vase comprises: a base 10 , four sides 20 extending upwardly therefrom and two structural members 30 located inside the vase.
- the vase and the members 30 are made from polypropylene sheet material to prevent absorption of water from within the vase.
- the members 30 comprise a flat plate 32 with a plurality of cut-outs 34 therethrough.
- the plate 32 is substantially the same shape as the internal cross-section of the vase and has flanges 36 extending upwardly from two opposing sides 20 .
- the flanges 36 are glued to respective internal sides 20 of the vase.
- Two sides 20 of the vase are provided with longitudinal flexible joints 22 which are centrally located permitting each side 20 to fold around a central hinge point. To permit folding, the two sides 20 provided with flexible joints 22 must be opposing sides.
- the base 10 is provided with at least one flexible joint 12 to permit the base 10 to be folded flat within the sides 20 .
- Each member 30 is similarly provided with a flexible joint 38 thereon which, to permit folding, does not run between sides of the member having up-extending flanges 36 .
- the base 10 is provided with a plurality of flexible joints 12 running from each corner of the base 10 to the centre point of the base 10 . When folded, the base 10 concertinas upwardly to permit the vase to fold substantially flat.
Abstract
The present invention provides a foldable vase having a plurality of sides extending upwardly from a base. Each side and the base are provided with flexible joints, to permit the vase to be folded flat and to be extended to form an open topped enclosure defined between the sides. One or more foldable support members are attached to the interior of the vase to increase rigidity of the vase and to permit flowers to be arranged and supported within the vase.
Description
- The present invention relates to a foldable vase.
- In many countries, flowers are purchased as a gift for a variety of occasions such as birthdays, funerals, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day and anniversaries, amongst others. The cost of flowers alone is quite high and it is often necessary to purchase a vase to put the flowers in once delivered. The inclusion of a vase in the flower delivery can make the gift seem more substantial but depending on the type of vase ordered, can add significant cost to the order.
- There are two types of vase which can typically be purchased from a florist. Firstly, it is possible to purchase a traditional glass vase. These are generally quite expensive. Secondly, foldable vases are available which typically comprise a plurality of sides extending upwardly from a base. The sides and base are usually made from water resistant material to prevent water being absorbed by the vase.
- Due to the flexible nature of foldable vases, the weight of flowers can cause distortion to the shape of the vase and make it difficult to arrange the flowers in a desirable configuration. Owing to their limited use, foldable vases are often used once before being discarded.
- A need exists for a low cost, foldable vase which has sufficient strength and rigidity to support the weight of flowers.
- The present invention provides a foldable vase comprising:
-
- a base and a plurality of sides, made from a water resistant sheet material, the sides extending upwardly from the base and defining between them an open topped enclosure, at least one side being provided with at least one flexible joint running longitudinally therealong to permit the vase to be collapsed and extended, and
- at least one structural member, made from a water resistant material, spaced between the top and bottom of the vase and attached to opposing sides of the inside of the vase, each member being provided with at least one flexible joint thereon to permit the member to be folded together with the vase.
- The provision of one or more structural members within a foldable vase offers improved rigidity of the vase. As foldable vases are typically made of flexible material, it can be very difficult, in use, to encourage the vase to maintain its shape. The structural members are attached to opposing sides of the vase to permit folding. In a typical vase of square or rectangular cross section, the members will be attached to just two sides of the vase.
- The structural member is provided with one or more flexible joints thereon. In use, the member will be attached to the vase only on sides where there is no joint end point. It will be appreciated that on vases having more than four sides, multiple flexible joints may be required to permit the member to fold with the vase.
- Preferably, each member will be provided with a plurality of cut-outs therethrough for receiving and supporting flowers. Vases of typical construction rely on the strength and rigidity of the side of the vase to support flowers which are located in and arranged in the vase. In the case of foldable vases, the flexible nature of the material means that the strength of the side walls may not be sufficient to support the weight of the flowers. The provision of a support member offers increased rigidity to the vase and the addition of a suitable level of water to the vase prevents both the vase and the member from collapsing upon themselves.
- Preferably, the external shape of the support member will closely correspond to the internal shape of the vase. In order to conveniently arrange flowers within a foldable vase, the stems need to be located such that they make use of much of the free space within the vase. Having support members, with a plurality of holes therethrough, which are substantially the same size as the internal cross-section of the vase permits flowers to be received and supported by the member or members across the free space of the vase.
- Preferably, the vase and structural member will be manufactured from polypropylene or a combination of paperboard made from wood pulp and low density polyethylene. The materials listed are not intended to be a definitive list of materials which are suitable for use in the invention.
- Preferably, the wall thickness of the, or each, member is at least 2 mm to enable the member to support the weight of an arrangement of flowers. The wall thickness required depends on the material used.
- Preferably, the, or each, member will be glued to the inside of the vase. As the vase is intended to hold water, it is preferable for the, or each, member to be attached to the vase without compromising the integrity of the vase side walls. Gluing is the most convenient and effective attachment method of the, or each member, to the vase but it will be appreciated that other attachment methods could be used.
- In the drawings, which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention:
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the vase; -
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vase -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the vase; and -
FIG. 4 is a view from the underside of the vase. - Referring to the drawings, a foldable vase comprises: a
base 10, foursides 20 extending upwardly therefrom and twostructural members 30 located inside the vase. - The vase and the
members 30 are made from polypropylene sheet material to prevent absorption of water from within the vase. Themembers 30 comprise aflat plate 32 with a plurality of cut-outs 34 therethrough. Theplate 32 is substantially the same shape as the internal cross-section of the vase and hasflanges 36 extending upwardly from twoopposing sides 20. Theflanges 36 are glued to respectiveinternal sides 20 of the vase. - Two
sides 20 of the vase are provided with longitudinalflexible joints 22 which are centrally located permitting eachside 20 to fold around a central hinge point. To permit folding, the twosides 20 provided withflexible joints 22 must be opposing sides. Thebase 10 is provided with at least oneflexible joint 12 to permit thebase 10 to be folded flat within thesides 20. - Each
member 30 is similarly provided with a flexible joint 38 thereon which, to permit folding, does not run between sides of the member having up-extendingflanges 36. Thebase 10 is provided with a plurality offlexible joints 12 running from each corner of thebase 10 to the centre point of thebase 10. When folded, thebase 10 concertinas upwardly to permit the vase to fold substantially flat.
Claims (7)
1. A foldable vase comprising:
a base and a plurality of sides, made from a water resistant sheet material, the sides extending upwardly from the base and defining between them an open topped enclosure, at least one side being provided with at least one flexible joint running longitudinally therealong to permit the vase to be collapsed and extended; and
at least one structural member, made from a water resistant material, spaced between the top and bottom of the vase and attached to opposing sides of the inside of the vase, each member being provided with at least one flexible joint thereon to permit the member to be folded together with the vase.
2. A foldable vase according to claim 1 , wherein the, or each, member is provided with a plurality of cut-outs therethrough for receiving and supporting flowers.
3. A foldable vase according to claim 2 , wherein the external shape of the, or each, member closely corresponds to the internal shape of the vase.
4. A foldable vase according to claim 1 , wherein the vase is made from polypropylene or paperboard made from a combination of wood pulp and low density polyethylene.
5. A foldable vase according to claim 1 , wherein the wall thickness of the, or each, member is at least 2 mm.
6. A foldable vase according to claim 1 , wherein the, or each, member is glued to the inside of the vase.
7. A foldable vase according to claim 1 , wherein, the, or each, member is re-usable.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1210148.1A GB2502823B (en) | 2012-06-08 | 2012-06-08 | Foldable vase |
PCT/GB2013/051480 WO2013182846A1 (en) | 2012-06-08 | 2013-06-04 | Foldable vase |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150164248A1 true US20150164248A1 (en) | 2015-06-18 |
Family
ID=46605629
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/405,578 Abandoned US20150164248A1 (en) | 2012-06-08 | 2013-06-04 | Foldable vase |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150164248A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2858537B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6296250B2 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2502823B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013182846A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2020072522A1 (en) * | 2018-10-02 | 2020-04-09 | Fortem Technologies, Inc. | System and method for drone and object classification |
Citations (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2276220A (en) * | 1940-08-14 | 1942-03-10 | Sr Wilfred D Le Veiller | Paper container for smudge oil |
US3021046A (en) * | 1958-06-03 | 1962-02-13 | Pullen Molded Products Inc | Container for shipping potted plants |
US4209092A (en) * | 1978-12-26 | 1980-06-24 | Jackson & Perkins Co. | Plant container |
US4662107A (en) * | 1985-12-30 | 1987-05-05 | Den Kieboom Jan M Van | Combination flower and display container |
USD294801S (en) * | 1984-10-24 | 1988-03-22 | Harris Charles C | Floral package |
US4792086A (en) * | 1987-08-31 | 1988-12-20 | Chen Gwo Cherng | Foldable cardboard cup |
US4910913A (en) * | 1989-04-04 | 1990-03-27 | Streeter Ken M | Paper vase and blank for forming same |
US5088216A (en) * | 1991-03-07 | 1992-02-18 | Carol Wasilko | Display holder for cards, flowers, and the like |
US5410856A (en) * | 1988-09-26 | 1995-05-02 | Highland Supply Corporation | Decorative assembly for a floral grouping |
US5572826A (en) * | 1994-05-13 | 1996-11-12 | Weder; Donald E. | Collapsible vase for containing a floral grouping |
US5752649A (en) * | 1995-03-30 | 1998-05-19 | Southpac Trust International, Inc. | Self-erecting container with liner |
US6018908A (en) * | 1995-05-24 | 2000-02-01 | Charrin; Philippe | Bouquet presentation device |
US6227439B1 (en) * | 1999-06-01 | 2001-05-08 | Multi-Pak As | Flexible bag in the box container for liquids |
US20030155410A1 (en) * | 2001-12-10 | 2003-08-21 | Cozens Daphne Lyn | Transportation and display container |
US20070089361A1 (en) * | 2005-10-20 | 2007-04-26 | Weder Donald E | Floral container and methods of use thereof |
US20070257093A1 (en) * | 2006-05-03 | 2007-11-08 | Lott James E | Foldable container |
US20070289212A1 (en) * | 2006-06-07 | 2007-12-20 | Broadway Kleer-Guard Corp. | Space saving vase |
US7681783B2 (en) * | 2003-06-25 | 2010-03-23 | John Stephenson | Bag in box (BIB) |
US8070006B2 (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2011-12-06 | Evergreen Innovation Partners I, Lp | Deployable and disposable container assemblies with bendable support members |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB9308692D0 (en) * | 1993-04-27 | 1993-06-09 | Costa Vernon L D | Vase |
GB2379874A (en) * | 2001-09-20 | 2003-03-26 | Richard William Tozer | Collapsible vase |
JP4582766B2 (en) * | 2004-04-16 | 2010-11-17 | 宏泰 長田 | Reservoir type cut flower stand transport container |
GB2418417A (en) * | 2004-09-22 | 2006-03-29 | Jardin Corrugated Cases Ltd | Packaging for cut flowers |
US20060265951A1 (en) * | 2005-05-31 | 2006-11-30 | Richard Foster | Fresh flower bouquet system |
US20090282734A1 (en) * | 2008-05-16 | 2009-11-19 | Lyudmila Mirakyan | Floral display device |
FR2940008A1 (en) * | 2008-12-19 | 2010-06-25 | Victor Hai David Berrebi | Package for conservation, packaging, transporting and presentation of e.g. fresh flower bouquet in shop, has cords, where tightening of cords, leads tightening of buckle causing bottleneck around film sheet to seal water pocket |
JP5595182B2 (en) * | 2010-08-25 | 2014-09-24 | ジャパンパック株式会社 | Vertical cut flower case with water bag |
-
2012
- 2012-06-08 GB GB1210148.1A patent/GB2502823B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2013
- 2013-06-04 EP EP13730304.6A patent/EP2858537B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2013-06-04 US US14/405,578 patent/US20150164248A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-06-04 JP JP2015515581A patent/JP6296250B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2013-06-04 WO PCT/GB2013/051480 patent/WO2013182846A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2276220A (en) * | 1940-08-14 | 1942-03-10 | Sr Wilfred D Le Veiller | Paper container for smudge oil |
US3021046A (en) * | 1958-06-03 | 1962-02-13 | Pullen Molded Products Inc | Container for shipping potted plants |
US4209092A (en) * | 1978-12-26 | 1980-06-24 | Jackson & Perkins Co. | Plant container |
USD294801S (en) * | 1984-10-24 | 1988-03-22 | Harris Charles C | Floral package |
US4662107A (en) * | 1985-12-30 | 1987-05-05 | Den Kieboom Jan M Van | Combination flower and display container |
US4792086A (en) * | 1987-08-31 | 1988-12-20 | Chen Gwo Cherng | Foldable cardboard cup |
US5410856A (en) * | 1988-09-26 | 1995-05-02 | Highland Supply Corporation | Decorative assembly for a floral grouping |
US4910913A (en) * | 1989-04-04 | 1990-03-27 | Streeter Ken M | Paper vase and blank for forming same |
US5088216A (en) * | 1991-03-07 | 1992-02-18 | Carol Wasilko | Display holder for cards, flowers, and the like |
US5572826A (en) * | 1994-05-13 | 1996-11-12 | Weder; Donald E. | Collapsible vase for containing a floral grouping |
US5752649A (en) * | 1995-03-30 | 1998-05-19 | Southpac Trust International, Inc. | Self-erecting container with liner |
US6018908A (en) * | 1995-05-24 | 2000-02-01 | Charrin; Philippe | Bouquet presentation device |
US6227439B1 (en) * | 1999-06-01 | 2001-05-08 | Multi-Pak As | Flexible bag in the box container for liquids |
US20030155410A1 (en) * | 2001-12-10 | 2003-08-21 | Cozens Daphne Lyn | Transportation and display container |
US7681783B2 (en) * | 2003-06-25 | 2010-03-23 | John Stephenson | Bag in box (BIB) |
US20070089361A1 (en) * | 2005-10-20 | 2007-04-26 | Weder Donald E | Floral container and methods of use thereof |
US8070006B2 (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2011-12-06 | Evergreen Innovation Partners I, Lp | Deployable and disposable container assemblies with bendable support members |
US20070257093A1 (en) * | 2006-05-03 | 2007-11-08 | Lott James E | Foldable container |
US20070289212A1 (en) * | 2006-06-07 | 2007-12-20 | Broadway Kleer-Guard Corp. | Space saving vase |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2858537B1 (en) | 2016-10-12 |
JP6296250B2 (en) | 2018-03-20 |
GB2502823A (en) | 2013-12-11 |
GB201210148D0 (en) | 2012-07-25 |
GB2502823B (en) | 2015-03-11 |
WO2013182846A1 (en) | 2013-12-12 |
JP2015522323A (en) | 2015-08-06 |
EP2858537A1 (en) | 2015-04-15 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |