EP2799365A1 - Freshening cloth, in particular for floral bouquets and potted plants - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a fresh wiping cloth (1), in particular for bouquets and potted plants, consisting of a water-impermeable film and a liquid storage device (4) connected to the film. According to the invention, it is provided that the freshness-keeping cloth (1) has a planar configuration, on which a liquid reservoir (4) is arranged on one side, wherein the liquid reservoir (4) has a distance (6) to the respective free ends of the film.

Description

The invention relates to a keep-fresh wipe, in particular for bouquets and potted plants, which consists of a flexible cloth and of a liquid storage connected to the cloth.

definitions

Under a cloth, a cloth-like device is understood to be comparable to a handkerchief, wherein the cloth is flexible in itself and has a small thickness. This can have different configurations in plan view, for example rectangular, round or oval or any other desired shape. The cloth also has the property of keeping bouquets and potted plants fresh, for example, for transportation. In addition, it is suitable to keep any kind of plants especially for transport or presentation fresh. For example, such a cloth may be wrapped around the roots of a plant to prevent the roots from drying out. Therefore, it is referred to below as a freshness-keeping cloth, which is suitable, any kind of plants, whether they are in the ground or its roots or stems are free to keep fresh.

Cut flowers are flowers that are grown and marketed for use in arrangements, bunches, etc. Cut flowers are used for decoration and as a gift on special occasions, for example as a bouquet or as Bouquet. In the following, a bouquet of flowers is simply spoken, although this is not to be seen as a restriction on protection. Rather, all types of cut flowers should be understood. The bouquet represents only one application example. A bouquet consists of a variety of cut flowers, the cut flower itself consists of a flowering area and a stem. The flowering area receives the necessary moisture via the stems. In order to ensure the longest usability of the cut flower, it must be ensured that the cutting area of the stem does not dry up. This danger is especially during the transport of the bouquet, if this area is not kept moist.

Potted plants are plants that are already set in the ground. The earth is held by a plastic pot or cup. This has on its side opposite the plant in the area of the footprint openings through which excess liquid that is present within the earth (for example, by a casting process) can flow out. For transport, it is usually sufficient if the earth is held with a net.

State of the art

The purpose of a keep-fresh cloth is that the free ends of the stems of the bouquet do not dry during transport. To prevent this, different approaches are already known.

Well known storage containers for cut flowers, such as from the EP 0 625 117 , Herein, an embodiment is taught in which a flexible bag-like formation of a water-impermeable, material. A provided with the material of the bag-shaped training and associated absorbent material is preferably made of pulp. The water-impermeable casing and the liquid storage are formed such that the liquid storage completely the inside of the covered bag-like training. The free ends of the stems of the bouquet touch the absorbent material.

Cut flowers are also available through online trading, which must be delivered from one delivery location to the customer. For transport, however, it is not suitable to use a vase-like design, which include water or similar fluid-like means, since it can not be guaranteed that the bouquet can be transported in its position of use. Rather, it is necessary to use a liquid storage in order to provide the cut flowers with sufficient liquid for transport, as in the EP 0625 117 is written.

Such a transport vase is for example also from the DE 10 2004 063 287 B4 known. The transport vase is suitable for cut flowers and consists of a flexible bag-like shell, as already described above. It has a water-impermeable film. The opening area comparable with a bag is dimensioned such that the free stems of a bouquet can be inserted into this opening. By means of a tape, the opening is reduced and fixed the transport vase to the bouquet.

From the prior art, a vase in the formation of a transport and gift packaging for a bouquet with water is also known. This vase is made of plastic and is cup-shaped. It also has a removable plastic inner ring with clamping fingers that hold the bouquet. The inner ring serves as a water barrier, which prevents the outflow of water, even if the vase is not in the usual position of use. In the vase is a water-absorbing, sponge-like filling. Before the bouquet is placed in the vase, the vase is filled with water, sufficient for transportation and a sales period in the shop. Furthermore, similarly constructed transport containers for bouquets, which are also leak-proof, known. They all consist of a cup-like Training in plastic and also provided with plastic leakage protection.

Disadvantages of the prior art

A first problem with the embodiments of the prior art is that during transport over the opening, the fluid not absorbed by the liquid storage can leak. Since the parcel services can not guarantee that the packaged cut flowers can always be handled and shipped in an upright manner and thus the opening is aligned against gravity, it happens that liquid leaks and both the cut flowers themselves, but also the cardboard and the inside Cartons contained information, such as a letter, moistened and possibly even unusable. This fact also occurs when water-absorbing agents such as nonwovens, wadding or the like are present within the bag-like device.

A second problem is that cut flowers are tied at a distance from their free end. It is achieved a waist-like configuration, so that the collar of cut flowers like a calyx towards the flowers forms, whereas away from the binding point, the diameter is larger. But this area, namely this free end of the cut flowers, but must be introduced into the bag-like design of the storage and transport device. This is possible only with patience and care and dexterity.

If the execution is not carried out correctly, then there is the danger that the quite thin outward-facing impermeable film of the hard and sometimes also sharp (comparable to a fork) stalks of cut flowers is pierced and the principle of storage of liquid thus completely lost. The bouquet or the cut flowers, dry up during transport and the desired properties can no longer be handed over to the customer.

If liquid runs out of the packaging, it can also cause considerable problems and technical disruptions for the parcel service companies, for example if this happens on a conveyor belt in a distribution center.

The cup-like or vase-like embodiments according to the prior art are complex and, in terms of dimensions, they take up much space, in particular during storage. In addition, they are made of plastic and are usually thrown into the trash after single use or handed over to the recycling route.

Object of the invention

Therefore, the object of the invention is to further develop the existing storage containers so that a simple attachment of a device for moisturizing example, the stem of a bouquet or the soil of a potted plant is possible.

Solution of the task

The solution of the problem is provided by the features of claim 1.

Advantages of the invention

The basic idea of the invention is to use no conventional and known from the prior art bag as a storage body. Rather, a storage means is provided which can be easily attached to the free end of the bouquet, without the desired properties, namely the supply of cut flowers with moisture, in particular the Cut surfaces of the stems, for a defined period of time, interrupted or worsened by a non-optimal transport.

Thus, a Frischhaltetuch is proposed, which consists on the one hand of a water-impermeable and thin and thus movable film. On the one side of the water-impermeable film, a liquid reservoir is arranged centrally, which is suitable for receiving storage and dispensing of liquid or at least moisture. The cloth-like configuration is preferably rectangular, so that the liquid reservoir is arranged centrally within the rectangular arrangement such that it only takes up a small area, which generally corresponds to the planar projection of the free end of the bouquet. The remaining area outside the liquid reservoir is advantageously determined exclusively by the water-impermeable film.

For the attachment of the keep-fresh cloth, a flat surface is provided which has an opening in the region of the liquid reservoir. The fresh tissue is placed over this opening with the liquid storage and the bouquet is placed with its free end on the liquid storage, so that the free ends of the stems of the bouquet can be kept moist. By increased pressure, the liquid reservoir is pushed into the opening and guided downwards, so that due to the opening of the remaining part of the Frischhaltetuches arranged umschlagartig around the stems of the bouquet. A simple bag-like enclosure of the free end of the bouquet is given. In the area of the stems and in particular on the cut surfaces of the liquid storage is now arranged. The free ends of the stems of the bouquet are thus contacted directly with the liquid storage, so that a direct transfer of the liquid can take place.

Alternatively, it is also envisaged that either by hand or by machine instead of the band, a rubber band or ring is used, which fixes the freshness holding cloth grasped around the stems of the bouquet.

The user preferably uses a corresponding band to tie the freshness-keeping cloth in the waist-like configuration of the bouquet. A simple arrangement of the Frischhaltetuches is given.

Such a band can either be fed by machine or already attached. Alternatively, the tape can be wrapped by hand and knotted. Reuse is possible. Alternatively, the band is an integral part of Frischhaltetuchs, so that an attachment without any additional aids is possible.

An advantageous further development provides that the function on the outer regions of the fresh-keeping cloth that liquid which emerges unintentionally from the liquid store is retained. This catchment area can be designed differently.

On the one hand, sealing lip-like formations can be provided. These formations are in the edge region of the Frischhaltetuchs on the inside, i. on the side on which the fleece is arranged, attached. Preferably, a plurality of circumferential lines of the sealing lip-like formation are arranged.

These sealing lip-like formations are preferably made of beaded soft material which has the property of retaining liquid in which the formation presses against the stems of the flowers. This is supported by a band surrounding the folded-up wipes.

Such a material may be, for example, silicone. By means of this cloth-like packaging of the free end of the bouquet, these bead-like sealing lips reach the waisted area of the bouquet and, in addition, seal the liquid reservoir, insofar as it loses liquid, with the band which is arranged around the freshness-keeping cloth by the user. The beaded materials are included pressed against each other and thus seal the space within the Frischhaltetuchs from the environment.

Other sealants may also be provided which are either added to the keep-fresh wipe or added separately.

On the other hand, at least in some areas, but in such a way that no liquid can escape in the bound state, a spongy structure may be formed around the liquid reservoir. This can preferably be glued to the film. This has the function, in particular in the bound state, to absorb the liquid emerging from the liquid storage, so that even in the lying state of the bouquet or pot from the fresh wipe no liquid can escape. This can be provided in a very simple manner, without changing the advantageous function of the cloth, a kind of residual water stop. The exiting liquid is bound with it.

A further embodiment provides that at least over the liquid storage a Abdeckvlies is laid. As a result, the liquid storage preferably made of cellulose is held together in a form-fitting manner and can also be fixed in a position-appropriate manner by fastening the fleece to the inside of the cloth. A further embodiment provides that the fleece extends to the edge of the freshness-keeping cloth. Thus, on the one hand, the area of the residual water stop can be formed (sponge-like structures can also be fixed in this way). Or the fleece has the property that it absorbs the residual water in this area.

Preferably, the cloth substantially comprises a water impermeable film. This film can also consist of a recyclable material or a compostable material. For fixing the liquid reservoir, the spongy structures for forming the Restwasserstops or the web can be fixed either with appropriate biodegradable adhesives or similar materials.

In order to ensure easy handling, it is advantageously provided to provide a version of a freshness holding cloth wound up on a roll as described above. Thus, depending on use, a desired fresh wiping cloth can be pulled over the opening, separated from the roll and then attached to the bouquet.

Another development provides for inserting a standing aid into the fresh-keeping cloth. Such a standing aid has the purpose that a bunch of flowers or pot wrapped by a cleansing towel can stand on its own. To effect this is provided as a standing aid a planar element, for example in the formation of a ring or a square. This is preferably arranged in the region of the liquid reservoir. A further embodiment provides that extends from this planar element, a vertically wegführender rod which is inserted into the bouquet or the pot. This rod together with the flat element gives additional stability.

A particular embodiment provides that the keep-fresh wipes are designed such that they can cover the entire bouquet or pot, so that the plants are completely packed. There is also the possibility that the fresh wiping cloth is at least partially transparent.

Another application example provides that, for example, asparagus is smashed into such a fresh weft. The peripheral sides of the asparagus are covered with moisture by the inner fleece, so that a longer shelf life is given in the embraced Frischhaltek. A fixation can be done for example with one or more round rubbers.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the following description, the drawings and the claims.

drawings

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht auf das angeordnete Frischhaltetuch für Schnittblumen;

Fig. 2

eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht auf das Frischhaltetuch gemäss Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

das Frischhaltetuch gemäss Fig. 1, ausgebreitet, ohne Schnittblumen.

Show it

Fig. 1

a perspective view of the arranged cleansing towel for cut flowers;

Fig. 2

a further perspective view of the fresh tissue according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

according to the Frischhaltetuch Fig. 1 , laid out, without cut flowers.

Description of an embodiment

In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 the inventive fresh wiping cloth 1 is shown in its use. The fresh wiping cloth 1 is bound envelope around the free end of a bouquet S and arranged with a fixing band 2 on the bouquet S.

The Frischhaltetuch 1 consists of a water-impermeable film 3, which in the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment forms the outside of the fresh wipe 1. In the area of the free ends of the bouquet S (not shown in detail in the drawing), a liquid reservoir 4 is provided. The liquid reservoir 4 is preferably made of a pulp. Alternatively, all materials and storage containers are designed, which are suitable to supply cut flowers with the necessary liquid or moisture for a defined period of time.

At the in Fig. 1 and 2 shown freshness wipe 1 are the high-bound ends 5 of the fresh wiping cloth 1 decorative. This means that in addition to the technical function, namely the provision of the necessary liquid for the transport and the stabilization of the respective leaves of the cut flowers, also rosette-like the bouquet S in the lower area surround. The free ends of the keep-fresh cloth 1 can be designed differently colored. Alternatively, the film 3 can be one or more colors.

It also makes sense to graphically design these free ends 5, to print or use as advertising space.

In Fig. 3 the food towel 1 is shown in its inoperative position. The non-use position can of course also have a folded training. For attaching the Frischhaltetuchs to cut flowers or potted plants, this is a preferred starting position. Also for the transport of such fresh wipes this training takes up little space.

The freshness holding cloth 1 consists of the water-impermeable film 3 and the liquid reservoir 4. The liquid reservoir 4 is arranged centrally in the here preferably rectangular formed Frischhaltetuch 1 and has at the free ends of the Frischhaltetuches 1 at a distance 6. The distance 6 is formed such that the free ends of the bouquet S reach the center of the liquid storage 4. The distance can be designed differently depending on the purpose of the cloth. As a rule, a small area of the liquid reservoir 4, which can have different shapes, is sufficient in the middle. Up to the outer edge, starting from the edge of the liquid reservoir 4, no or an absorbent material is arranged. The latter is decoupled from the liquid storage 4 and should only absorb excess liquid escaping from the liquid storage 4. A freshness-keeping cloth 1 can be 40 cm by 40 cm, for example, whereas the liquid reservoir 4 assumes a dimension of 15 cm by 15 cm. Thus, the distance 6 is 25 cm,

Alternatively and as described above, it is provided that the freshness-keeping cloth 1 rests on a surface which has an opening in the region of the liquid reservoir 4. To attach the keep-fresh towel 1 to the bouquet, it is provided the free ends of the bouquet S to put on the liquid storage 4 and push it further down into the opening, so that create the free ends of the bouquet S. A corresponding fixing band, for example a rubber band, which is applied either manually or mechanically, comes to rest on the fresh-keeping cloth 1 in the waist of the bouquet S in order to fix it.

A further education provides and this is likewise in Fig. 3 represented by dashed lines that at least one sealing lip bead 7 is provided at the outer free ends and in the intermediate space between the liquid reservoir 4 and the free ends (distance 6). The Dichtlippenwulst 7 is capable of liquid that is not absorbed by the liquid storage 4, yet to keep within the Frischhaltetuches 1, so that at least almost completely avoided that liquid can escape even if the bouquet S is not transported in its usable position. As an alternative to this residual water stop area, sponge-like structures can also be attached instead of the sealing lip bead.

Advantageously, a fleece can also be arranged on the side of the liquid reservoir via the liquid reservoir or even the entire cloth, which at least fixes the liquid reservoir to the film. The fleece itself is fixed at least on the edge. As a result, the liquid reservoir 4 is kept in shape, press the free ends of the stems of the flowers on this.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Saran cloth

2

fixing

3

water-impermeable film

4

liquid storage

5

tied ends

6

distance

7

Dichtlippenwulst

S

bunch of flowers

Claims (9)

A fresh-keeping cloth (1), in particular for flower bouquets and potted plants, consisting of a water-impermeable film and a liquid reservoir (4) connected to the film, wherein the liquid reservoir is arranged on one side of the film, characterized in that the freshness-keeping cloth (1) is used when not in use planar cloth-like design, on which on one side a liquid reservoir (4) is arranged, wherein the liquid reservoir (4) in terms of surface area is smaller than the film (3), whereby between the outer edge of the liquid reservoir (4) and the outer Edge of the film (3) a distance (6) is formed. A fresh-keeping cloth according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid reservoir (4) is arranged centrally, so that the same distance (6) is formed on all sides. A fresh wiping cloth according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid storage (4) is a pulp. A fresh-keeping cloth according to claim 3, characterized in that the liquid reservoir (4) is glued to the film. A fresh-keeping cloth according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the region of the distance (6) between the free ends (5) and the liquid reservoir (4) at least one sealing means is provided which forms a residual water stop in the used state. A fresh-keeping cloth according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film (5) consists of compostable material. A fresh-keeping cloth according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fleece is arranged at least over the liquid store (4). Fresh wiping cloth according to claim 7, characterized in that the nonwoven is absorbent. Use of the fresh-keeping cloth according to claims 1 to 7 for the keeping fresh of optionally cut flowers, potted plants or asparagus.

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