GB2478106A - Greeting card holder with collapsible vase - Google Patents

Greeting card holder with collapsible vase Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2478106A
GB2478106A GB0919691A GB0919691A GB2478106A GB 2478106 A GB2478106 A GB 2478106A GB 0919691 A GB0919691 A GB 0919691A GB 0919691 A GB0919691 A GB 0919691A GB 2478106 A GB2478106 A GB 2478106A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
vase
envelope
display means
holder
plastic
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0919691A
Other versions
GB0919691D0 (en
Inventor
James Anthony Charles Kent
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ASHBURTON PRODUCTS Ltd
Original Assignee
ASHBURTON PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ASHBURTON PRODUCTS Ltd filed Critical ASHBURTON PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority to GB0919691A priority Critical patent/GB2478106A/en
Publication of GB0919691D0 publication Critical patent/GB0919691D0/en
Publication of GB2478106A publication Critical patent/GB2478106A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D15/00—Printed matter of special format or style not otherwise provided for
    • B42D15/02—Postcards; Greeting, menu, business or like cards; Letter cards or letter-sheets
    • B42D15/027—Postcards; Greeting, menu, business or like cards; Letter cards or letter-sheets combined with permanently fastened other articles, e.g. photographs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D15/00—Printed matter of special format or style not otherwise provided for
    • B42D15/02—Postcards; Greeting, menu, business or like cards; Letter cards or letter-sheets
    • B42D15/04—Foldable or multi-part cards or sheets
    • B42D15/045—Multi-part cards or sheets, i.e. combined with detachably mounted articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D73/00—Packages comprising articles attached to cards, sheets or webs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/36—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

A greeting card holder comprises a transparent envelope 12 and is joined to a collapsible vase 18 by a seam or hinge 20. The envelope 12 and the vase 18 may be formed from the same two flat plastic sheets 14, 16. The envelope 12 allows for the insertion or retention of a greeting card. The vase 18 may have an arcuate or semi-circular shaped floor 40. The orientation of the envelope 12 relative to the vase 18 can be adjusted by virtue of the hinge portion 20, and by suitable adjustment the combination of the bottom edge of the card 26 and the vase 44 resting on a support surface improves stability of the unit 10.

Description

Greeting Card Holder with Collapsible Va
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a greeting card holder that includes a collapsible vase for accommodating cut flowers.
Background Art
Cut flowers are typically wrapped in cellophane and if they are purchased as a gift the giver will often attach a small card, with ribbon or string, and write a personal greeting on the card. Sometimes a florist will write such a message on behalf of the purchaser.
When flowers are given for a special reason, such as a birthday, the giver will normally also purchase a greeting card; such as a birthday card. Sometimes cut flowers are packaged with a supply of water to help keep the flowers fresh and possibly allow them to bloom. In such cases the packaging is typically removed by the recipient; who then normally arranges the flowers in a traditional vase and adds water and possibly nutrients.
Summary of Invention
An aim of the present invention is to provide display means that can separately accommodate a greeting card and also cut flowers and water. Another aim is to provide an improved collapsible flower vase. A further aim is to provide means of attaching a greeting card to the side of a collapsible flower vase or the like. Yet another aim is to provide a collapsible vase which in use has improved stability.
In one aspect the present invention is display means that comprises a plastic holder or envelope having means to allow insertion or retention of a greeting card and comprising at least one fixing edge; said holder or envelope being connected along at least part of said fixing edge either directly or indirectly to the side wall of a collapsible plastic vase. Preferably, said vase comprises two flat side face members; part at least of said face members bowing outwardly when flowers and water are placed therein. Preferably, the orientation of the holder or envelope relative to the vase may be adjusted in order to improve the stability of the display means in use. This reduces the chance of water being spilled and flowers damaged by the vase being accidentally knocked over when resting on a flat support surface.
The holder or envelope is preferably connected to said plastic vase by an elongate plastic seam. Preferably, the seam is flexible and forms a hinge between said fixing edge and said collapsible plastic vase. This facilitates said adjustment of the orientation of the holder or envelope relative to the vase. Preferably, the elongate plastic seam is shaped to allow a further straight edge of the holder or envelope to be fully in contact with a flat surface upon which the packaging is standing when in use.
This enhances the stability of the display means in use when placed on a flat support surface. Preferably, the seam comprises sheet material that is trapezoidal in shape; the non-parallel sides may be elongate; one of the parallel sides may be connected to a fixing edge of the holder or envelope.
The collapsible vase may further comprise a collapsible floor portion that before use is folded and when water is poured into the vase unfolds to provide an open floor member. Again, this enhances the stability of the display means in use when placed on a flat support surface. This floor member may comprise a member defined by two arcuate side edges each of these edges being bonded to one of the inner surfaces of said flat side members.
The display means is preferably constructed from flexible plastic sheet material. This is advantageous as it allows the display means to be sold as a flat and relatively thin article. Normally, the collapsible vase will be made from a plurality of such sheets; joined by seams. The seams may be formed by heat sealing (for example: ultrasonic welding) or by bonding sheets with a suitable adhesive. The elongate plastic seam that joins the envelope to the collapsible vase may be similarly formed, as may the fixing edge of the plastic envelope. The collapsible vase may be made from transparent material, but is preferably made from coloured plastic sheet material. Also after initial use and drying the display means may again be collapsed; thus assisting space efficient storage before re-use.
Normally, at least part of the plastic holder or envelope will be transparent to light.
Where a card holder is used rather than an envelope the means of retention may comprise a retaining member located along at least one edge portion or at one corner portion of the holder. This retaining member may comprise a plastic flap.
In another aspect the invention comprises a transparent greeting card envelope that has an associated collapsible flower vase that can accept cut flowers and water, where in use the holder or envelope is attached to the side of the vase.
Brief description of Figures
The following schematic drawings illustrate different embodiments of the invention, where: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an opened display means according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a sectioned perspective view corresponding to the lower portion of the (fully opened) vase shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a sectioned perspective view corresponding to the lower portion of the (slightly opened) vase shown in Figure 2; and Figure 5 shows a view of display means according to another embodiment of the invention using a greeting card holder instead of an envelope.
Detailed description of the invention
Various embodiments of the invention will now be described by reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of display means (10) according to the present invention. It may be considered to be a gift container and it could; for example, be purchased from either a greeting card retailer or a florist. The display means (10) comprises two main portions; the first main portion is a transparent envelope (12), preferably made by joining two flat sheets of transparent plastic material (14, 16); the second main portion is a collapsible vase (18). These two main portions (12, 18) are joined by a seam or hinge portion (20). The hinge portion may be elongate and either; triangular, rectangular, or trapezoidal in shape. As illustrated in Figure 1, the hinge portion (20) is trapezoidal in shape; having parallel edges (22, 24) at the top and bottom respectively; and being narrower at the top end than at the bottom end.
However, (according to the shape of the vase) the hinge portion may have parallel edges that are narrower at the bottom end than at top bottom end. The envelope (12) and the collapsible vase (18) may both be made from the same two flat plastic sheets (14 and 16). Thus, the envelope (12) comprises two such sheets joined at bottom edge (26) and at side edge (28) but with an open (top) edge (30) -that provides means of allowing a greeting card to be inserted within the envelope. The envelope (12) is also separated from the hinge portion (20) by a vertical seam joint (32). Thus, a greeting card (not shown) may be inserted through the top open edge (30); this is assisted by optionally providing a semi-circular cut-out (34) at the centre of the top edge on just one of the two plastic sheets (14, 16). When purchased from a greeting card retailer it would be convenient to have a variety of greeting cards sized to snugly fit within the envelope. At least one of the two plastic sheets (14, 16) will normally be transparent so that the greeting card may be visible while being used to display flowers.
Consequently, the greeting card can be inserted directly within the envelope (12) when the display means (10) with such a greeting card is presented to the recipient personally by the giver. The collapsible vase (18) in its simplest form may be formed by the addition of a two further vertical seam joint (36, 38) and by bonding the two sheets of plastic (14, 16) so as to form an arcuate or semi-circular shaped floor (40)-when viewed in collapsed form; the two sheets optionally being bonded (see region A in Figure 1) below this floor (40) to provide increased rigidity. Alternatively, the bonded region A may be replaced by joining a lower portion of sheets 14 and 16 by an arcuate or semi-circular shaped seam (not shown). When purchased, the display means can be closed like the cover of a book; optionally the size of the envelope (12) and the vase (18) (when collapsed) can be matched to provide a more appealing appearance.
The display means (10) shown in Figure 1 may also be fabricated in other ways. Thus, two (first) sheets of plastic may be used to make the envelope (12) and two further (second) sheets of plastic may be used to make the collapsible vase (18). This has the advantage that the vase portion may be made of quite pliable plastic sheet material and the envelope portion can be made from a more rigid plastic sheet material. This form of fabrication also allows the vase to be made from non-transparent or coloured plastic sheets; possibly with patterns printed upon the surface. The first and second pair of sheets may each be sealed and joined one to another by the seams (20) etc. described above. The seams and bonded surfaces may be formed using an adhesive or by the application of heat; for example the use of ultrasonic welding. When the vase (18) is partly filled with water the fiat side sheets between vertical seams (36, 38) bow outwardly to form a vase shaped container (see Figure 1). Cut flowers or the like may then inserted within the water filled vase. Thus, the recipient has an article that can display both the cut flowers (not shown) and the greeting card (not shown). In many cases both the greeting card and the flowers will be a gift from the same person.
Importantly, the orientation of the envelope (12) relative to the vase (18) can be adjusted by virtue or the flexible hinge portion (20) that connects the envelope to the vase. By suitable adjustment (for example; as shown in Figure 1) the combination of the bottom edge or the card (26) and the bottom edge of the vase (44) resting on a support surface (not shown) improves stability of the display means; thereby reducing the likelihood of the display means falling over and spilling water etc. The envelope (12) need not be rectangular in shape; however it will normally have an open edge to allow the insertion of a greeting card; it also preferably has straight bottom edge (26) to provide improved stability.
A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 2 to 4. The envelope is the same as the Figure 1 embodiment. However, the collapsible vase portion (50) differs in several respects. The floor (52) of the base portion (54) is defined by two arcuate edges (56, 58) one of which are sealed (60) (see Figures 3 and 4) to the inner face of each plastic sheet (14, 16); the inner side sheets (62a, 62b) of the base portion are adjacent the inners lower surfaces of each plastic sheet (14, 16) and are further sealed (66) to form a rim (64) located at the bottom of the vase portion (50). Thus, the collapsible vase of this embodiment has an approximately ellipsoidal base shaped rim (64) when filled with water; this confers improved stability.
Figures 3 and 4 show sectioned views (in a vertical plane) of the lower part of the vase. Figure 3 corresponds to the configuration in use (when filled with water) where the walls (14, 16) are bowed outwardly. Figure 4 shows a sectioned view (in a vertical plane) of the lower part of the vase when the vase contains no water and the vase portion is nearer being flat. The floor (52) slopes downwardly from each apex (66) defined by the point of intersection of the arcuate edges (56, 58). The inner sides (62a, 62b) of the base portion (see Figure 4) in combination with walls 14 and 16 of the vase form a double layered wall portion near the base of the vase.
Optionally, the vase portion (18, 50) may have two holder or envelope portions attached thereto by the use of two hinge portions; for example in the first embodiment (see Figure 1) having hinge portions (with accompanying envelopes) attached to the vertical seam joints (36, 38).
In another embodiment of the invention (see Figure 5) the first main portion comprises a greeting card holder (70) rather than an envelope. The greeting card holder (70) may simply comprise a rigid plastic sheet (72); preferably rectangular in shape with a retaining flap (74) located at each corner. Thus, a greeting card (not shown) may be attached to the holder by slightly bending the card so that each corner of the card fits under each of the flaps (74) and so is held between the flaps (74) and the sheet (72).
As previously described, the greeting card holder may be attached to the collapsible vase (18) by means of a seam or hinge portion (20).

Claims (12)

  1. CLAIMS1. Display means (10) that comprises a plastic holder (70) or envelope (12) having means to allow insertion (14,74) or retention of a greeting card and comprising at least one fixing edge (32); said holder or envelope being connected along at least part of said fixing edge either directly or indirectly to the side wall (36) of a collapsible plastic vase (18, 50).
  2. 2. Display means according to Claim 1 where the vase comprises two flat side face members (14,16); said face members bowing outwardly when flowers and/or water are placed therein.
  3. 3. Display means according to Claim 1 or 2 where in use the orientation of the holder (70) or envelope (12) relative to the vase (18, 50) may be adjusted in order to improve the stability of the standing vase and its contents.
  4. 4. Display means according to any preceding claim where said holder (70) or envelope (12) is connected to said plastic vase (18, 50) by an elongate plastic seam (20).
  5. 5. Display means according to Claim 4 where the elongate plastic seam (20) is flexible and forms a hinge between said fixing edge and said collapsible plastic vase.
  6. 6. Display means according to Claim 4 or 5 where the seam is shaped to allow a further straight edge (26) of the holder or envelope to be fully in contact with a flat surface upon which the packaging is standing when in use.
  7. 7. Display means according to any preceding claim where the collapsible vase further comprised a collapsible floor portion (54) that before use is folded and when water is poured into the vase unfolds to provide an open floor member.
  8. 8. Display means according to any preceding claim where the collapsible vase further comprised a floor portion (54) defined by two arcuate side edges (56, 58) each of these edges being bonded (60) to one of the inner surfaces of said flat side members (14, 16).
  9. 9. Display means according to any preceding claim where at least part of the plastic holder or envelope is transparent to light.
  10. 10. Display means according to any preceding claim where the means of retention (74) comprises a retaining member located along at least one edge portion or at one corner portion of the holder.
  11. 11. Display means according to Claim 10 where the retaining member comprises a plastic flap.
  12. 12. Display means (10) comprising a transparent greeting card holder or envelope (12) that has an associated collapsible flower vase (18,50) that can accept cut flowers and water, where in use the holder or envelope is attached to the side of the vase.
GB0919691A 2009-11-11 2009-11-11 Greeting card holder with collapsible vase Withdrawn GB2478106A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0919691A GB2478106A (en) 2009-11-11 2009-11-11 Greeting card holder with collapsible vase

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0919691A GB2478106A (en) 2009-11-11 2009-11-11 Greeting card holder with collapsible vase

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0919691D0 GB0919691D0 (en) 2009-12-30
GB2478106A true GB2478106A (en) 2011-08-31

Family

ID=41509158

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0919691A Withdrawn GB2478106A (en) 2009-11-11 2009-11-11 Greeting card holder with collapsible vase

Country Status (1)

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GB (1) GB2478106A (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1005489C1 (en) * 1997-03-11 1998-09-14 Zurel & Co B V S Tapered sleeve for bouquet of flowers
GB2378127A (en) * 2001-07-28 2003-02-05 Denise Jones Floral packaging
US6543183B1 (en) * 1998-10-02 2003-04-08 Mcnaughton, Incorporated Flexible vase
DE202006003071U1 (en) * 2006-02-22 2006-07-13 Zisser, Michael Hinged vase for plants, has malleable housing and information surface, where inside of vase is provided with several compartments for individual objects and vase is made of material such as paper
DE202006014578U1 (en) * 2006-09-20 2006-11-23 Mast, Maria Decorative cover for flower vases has two walls which fit around vase, are fastened together at their ends and have transparent sections, in which greetings cards can be mounted
WO2007039899A2 (en) * 2005-10-02 2007-04-12 Tzvi Nachumzon Flexible vase with integral label and a method for its manufacture

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1005489C1 (en) * 1997-03-11 1998-09-14 Zurel & Co B V S Tapered sleeve for bouquet of flowers
US6543183B1 (en) * 1998-10-02 2003-04-08 Mcnaughton, Incorporated Flexible vase
GB2378127A (en) * 2001-07-28 2003-02-05 Denise Jones Floral packaging
WO2007039899A2 (en) * 2005-10-02 2007-04-12 Tzvi Nachumzon Flexible vase with integral label and a method for its manufacture
DE202006003071U1 (en) * 2006-02-22 2006-07-13 Zisser, Michael Hinged vase for plants, has malleable housing and information surface, where inside of vase is provided with several compartments for individual objects and vase is made of material such as paper
DE202006014578U1 (en) * 2006-09-20 2006-11-23 Mast, Maria Decorative cover for flower vases has two walls which fit around vase, are fastened together at their ends and have transparent sections, in which greetings cards can be mounted

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0919691D0 (en) 2009-12-30

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AT Applications terminated before publication under section 16(1)
S20A Reinstatement of application (sect. 20a/patents act 1977)

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Effective date: 20110719

Free format text: REQUEST FOR REINSTATEMENT FILED

Effective date: 20110620

WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)