US20100044523A1

US20100044523A1 - Floral latch

Info

Publication number: US20100044523A1
Application number: US12/229,196
Authority: US
Inventors: Mary Jo Collins; Mark A. Johnson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-08-21
Filing date: 2008-08-21
Publication date: 2010-02-25

Abstract

The present invention is designed to prevent the loss of artificial flowers from vases and is used for various sizes of vases. It attaches to the top of the flower vase in such a way that it does not impede the appearance of the existing vase. The present invention is inexpensive to manufacture and can be used with a wide variety of vases such as those found in cemeteries at grave sites.

The present invention is a metal collar that is functional and does not take away from the appearance of the vase. The metal collar is available in two sizes. A larger one is made to fit around retangular vases that have a larger opening and a smaller one maybe used to fit the round vases. A flat adjustable band that attaches around the top of the flower vase has two screws, with one opposite the other, with an adjustable cord that reaches from one screw through the flower arrangement to secure at the other screw. The band has various pre-drilled holes for the screws to attach to the band.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 2,381,253, issued Aug. 7, 1945, for FLOWER HOLDER AND ARRANGER, by H. L. Bierwert, included by reference herein.
The present application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 3,065,947, issued Nov. 27, 1962, for CEMETERY POT AND WREATH HOLDER, by J. R. Thompson, included by reference herein.
The present application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,130, issued Jul. 22, 1986, for RETAINER FOR ATTACHING A FLOWER CONTAINER LID, by Gregory Du Vall, included by reference herein.
The present application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 5,732,830, issued Mar. 31, 1998, for VASE WITH CLAMPING APPARATUS, by Curtis Craig Harrington, included by reference herein.
The present application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,574, issued Dec. 27, 2005, for FLOWER BOUQUET SUPPORT, by Tina M. Valenta, included by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to securing floral arrangements in the flower vases and, more particularly, to using a collar of bronze or brown finish attached around the top of the vase to prevent lost arrangements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Placing floral arrangements in vases on graves is a sign of devotion and commitment to lost loved ones. Unfortunately, costly arrangements are often lost (due to winds and/or storms) or stolen (often for the purpose of reselling the arrangement) from vases in cemeteries. Those who make the investment in artificial flowers desire an easy-to-use apparatus for securing arrangements.
Various devices have been used in the past to attempt to secure flowers in holders. One such device is grid-like and may be placed in the bottom or near the top of the vase as it aims at arranging cut flowers securely. A second device affixes a lid to flower containers. The goal was to give florists the ability to offer for sale not only the container and flowers but also an attached lid that would allow for prolonged use of the container. One device is a vase that includes an interior clamping apparatus to keep flowers secure. Another device uses stake members to secure actual pots and wreaths in the ground at cemeteries. Finally, a device that includes hangers, screws, and straps is used to secure arrangements inside the vase.
Although the referenced devices served some utilitarian purposes, they have not been entirely satisfactory in securing in vases and protecting artificial flowers from winds and quick theft. Two devices come close to best fulfilling the purposes but fall short for different reasons. One is that the attachment is actually built into the vase. Thus, there is no room for adding a device after the initial purchase of a vase. The second device with a multitude of components is far too complex for use by the average person who wishes to secure an arrangement within a reasonable measure of time.
It is an object of the invention to adjust to fit a variety of vase sizes. It is an object of the invention to be easy to use and quick to place on the vase. This is especially important to the elderly consumer. It is a further object of the invention to deter theft of costly artificial flower arrangements. Helping to prevent the loss of flowers from winds is an additional object of the invention.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the acompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is designed to prevent the loss of artificial flowers from vases and is used for various sizes of vases. It attaches to the top of the flower vase in such a way that it does not impede the appearance of the existing vase. The present invention is inexpensive to manufacture and can be used with a wide variety of vases such as those found in cemeteries at grave sites.
The present invention is a metal collar that is functional and does not take away from the appearance of the vase. A flat adjustable band that attaches around the top of the flower vase has two screws, with one opposite the other, with an adjustable cord that reaches from one screw through the flower arrangement to secure at the other screw. The band has various pre-drilled holes for the screws to attach to the band.
The present invention comes in two different sizes. One to fit the rectangular shaped vase that has a larger opening and the second size to fit the round vase that has a smaller opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is a frontal view view of an invention securing artificial arrangement in vase;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the collar as it would appear when closed;

FIG. 3 is a front detail view of the collar including drilled holes for adjustement purposes;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the band that attaches to both sides of the collar with screws;

FIG. 5 is a frontal view view of the rubber piece that goes between the collar and the vase; and

FIG. 6 is a frontal view view of the collar securing an artificiial arrangement in a rectaganular vase.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of invention securing artificial arrangement in vase 15.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the collar 13 as it would appear when closed.
FIG. 3 is a front detail view of the collar 13 including drilled holes for adjustment purposes.
FIG. 4 is the top view of the band that attaches to both sides of the collar 13 with screws.
FIG. 5 is a front view of the rubber piece 18 that goes between the metal collar 13 and the vase 15.
FIG. 6 is a frontal view of invention securing artificial arrangement in a rectangular shaped vase 15.
Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

Claims

1. A floral latch for to keep floral arrangements secure from wind and theft, comprising:

means for securing the flowers in the vase by connecting each end to the screws;

means for holding in place the cord that runs through the artificial floral arrangement;

means for attaching to each end of the cord that goes through the artificial arrangment, swivelly coupled to said means for holding in place the cord that runs through the artificial floral arrangement, and adjustably connected to said means for securing the flowers in the vase by connecting each end to the screws;

means for adjusting the size of the collar;

means for a flat piece of rubber that goes between the metal and the vase; and

means for attaching the invention to the existing vase and securing all components, correctly inserted to said means for a flat piece of rubber that goes between the metal and the vase, and tightly screwed to said means for holding in place the cord that runs through the artificial floral arrangement.

2. The floral latch in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for securing the flowers in the vase by connecting each end to the screws comprises a nylon coated, durable rubber material (“bungee” type) cord.

3. The floral latch in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for holding in place the cord that runs through the artificial floral arrangement comprises a metal, must fit pre-drilled holes of collar screw.

4. The floral latch in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for attaching to each end of the cord that goes through the artificial arrangment comprises a metal eyelets.

5. The floral latch in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for adjusting the size of the collar comprises a metal screw on metal collar.

6. The floral latch in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for a flat piece of rubber that goes between the metal and the vase comprises a new attribute 1 rubber piece.

7. A floral latch for to keep floral arrangements secure from wind and theft, comprising:

a nylon coated, durable rubber material (“bungee” type) cord, for securing the flowers in the vase by connecting each end to the screws;

a metal, must fit pre-drilled holes of collar screw, for holding in place the cord that runs through the artificial floral arrangement;

a metal eyelets, for attaching to each end of the cord that goes through the artificial arrangment, swivelly coupled to said screw, and adjustably connected to said cord;

a metal screw on metal collar, for adjusting the size of the collar;

a new attribute 1 rubber piece, for a flat piece of rubber that goes between the metal and the vase; and

a metal, pre-drilled holes, adjustable collar, for attaching the invention to the existing vase and securing all components, correctly inserted to said rubber piece, and tightly screwed to said screw.

8. A floral latch for to keep floral arrangements secure from wind and theft, comprising:

a metal screw on metal collar, for adjusting the size of the collar;