WO2001058783A1

WO2001058783A1 - Package and method for packaging flowers and the like

Info

Publication number: WO2001058783A1
Application number: PCT/NL2001/000089
Authority: WO
Inventors: Corné WITHAGEN; Tim Theodorus Maria Theresia Ter Bogt; H.J.B. Schoeren
Original assignee: Kappa De Zeeuw Golfkarton B.V.
Priority date: 2000-02-04
Filing date: 2001-02-05
Publication date: 2001-08-16
Also published as: NL1014285C2; AU2001237799A1

Abstract

A package (1) for flowers and plants, comprising a trough-shaped inner package (4) and a shell-shaped outer package (2), the inner package (4) being designed in watertight, such that a layer of water (44) can be received therein, while the outer package (2) can be slipped with a proper fit into or over the inner package (4), is provided at the upper end (12) with closing means (10) and has a height greater than the height of the inner package (4), and during use flowers (42) can be disposed in the inner package (4), standing in said layer of water (44), and then can find support against the inside of the outer package (2) and/or the wall of the inner package (4) and are enclosed on all sides, the inner package (4) and the outer package (2) having a substantially rectangular, at least polygonal base.

Description

Title: Package and method for packaging flowers and the like.

This invention relates to a package for flowers and the like. In particular, the invention relates to a package for packaging flowers with water, which package is moreover suitable for transporting the flowers. Such a package is known from practice. In this known package, in a plastic bucket of circular cross section an amount of flowers is disposed, while on the bottom of the bucket a layer of water is provided into which the stems of the flowers extend. The bucket is provided with a slightly projecting longitudinal edge on which a cardboard tube has been fixed which surrounds the flowers. At the top, during use, a plastic cover is fitted to close off the upper end. The tube has a square cross section, so that a number of these packages can be slid against each other with a proper mutual fit, while the round bucket has a diameter slightly greater than the length of the sides of the square, while adjacent the lower longitudinal edge notches are provided. With these notches, the tube is secured onto the longitudinal edge of the bucket.

This package has as a disadvantage that between the bucket and the tube, in particular in the corners of the tube, spaces remain open, so that water may easily egress from the bucket. Moreover, the lower longitudinal edge of the tube is situated approximately at the level of the upper longitudinal edge of the bucket, so that an unsteady, at any rate little stable connection is obtained. This means that the flowers during transport cannot find support against the inside of the tube because the tube then comes off the bucket. Further, this package has as a disadvantage that it can be disposed with little stability. The object of the invention is to provide a package of the type described in the preamble, in which the disadvantages mentioned are avoided, while maintaining the advantages thereof. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide such a package which is stable, can be easily stacked, at any rate can be received in standard outer packages, and with which the flowers and the water can be simply packaged and transported. To that end, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 1. In a package according to the invention, use is made, in a surprising manner, of the insight that use of an inner package and outer package both having a rectangular, at any rate polygonal base, which can be slipped one over the other with a proper fit, leads to a package which on the one hand exhibits particularly good watertightness, in assembled condition provides for a proper protection of the flowers and is particularly stable and, on the other hand, is simple to open. The proper fit of the outer package on the inner package then provides that a stable positioning is obtained, so that the flowers, if desired, can find support against the inside of the outer package. Moreover, the rectangular, at any rate polygonal, shape of the inner and outer package provides that a proper connection can be achieved between packages disposed side by side and behind each other, yielding an efficient use of space and a still stabler arrangement. Also, as a result, relatively many flowers can be disposed in the package per surface area occupied by the package. In fact, in the known round bucket, the corners of the package remain unused.

In a first advantageous embodiment, a package according to the invention is further characterized by the features according to claim 2. By designing the outer package without bottom, it can be slipped from above over the inner package when flowers have been received therein. This means that the filled inner packages can, through their bottom, remain standing on a fixed supporting surface, which prevents in a simple manner the possibility of, for instance, their falling. Moreover, the filled, relatively heavy inner packages do not need to be lifted to be inserted in the outer packages as with the known package, which is time consuming and strenuous and entails a high risk of accidents. In further elaboration, a package according to the invention is further characterized by the features according to claim 4.

In this embodiment, the advantage is achieved that upon stacking of the packages, the shell is capable of at least substantially bearing the weight of a superjacent package, while at least the weight of the inner package of a subjacent package can be carried by the bottom thereof, so that an optimum support can be obtained. To that end, for instance the height of the outer package can be tailored to the height of the inner package, such that the lower longitudinal edge of the outer package is approximately flush with, or slightly above, the underside of the bottom of the inner package. The bottom of a superjacent package can then moreover be supported on a closure, if provided, of a subjacent package.

In a package according to the invention, preferably fixing means are provided for fixing, at any rate locking, the inner package in the outer package. With the aid of such fixing means, the position of the inner package with respect to the outer package can be simply defined.

In an advantageous elaboration, such an embodiment of a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 6. The use of projections which define the distance over which the outer package can be slid relative to the inner package provides the advantage that the position of the inner package with respect to the outer package can be simply defined. Preferably, the projections are formed in the wall of the outer package, preferably folded. As a consequence, the projections can be simply formed, and the appearance and the waterproofness of the inner package are not adversely affected.

In further elaboration, a package according to the invention is further characterized by the features according to claim 8.

In this embodiment, the outer package can be slipped in upright orientation over the inner package, such that flowers in the inner package are thereby covered, whilst the inner package can be slipped into an inverted outer package and can be carried by the projections or like means. In this condition, flowers in the inner package are exhibited standing free at an attractive height. In a further advantageous embodiment, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 11.

Use of a band-like element which can be fitted around the outer package provides the advantage that the inner package can be simply locked in the outer package, without this giving rise to damage to the outer package. Even after opening of the package, a pleasant appearance of both the inner package and the outer package is preserved. Moreover, with such a band element, the top of the outer package can be closed, for instance in that closing flaps can be pressed shut and kept shut therewith.

Preferably, at least a portion of the wall of the outer package is designed such that a portion of the inner package in the assembled condition, with the outer package fitted over the inner package, is visible from the outside, other than the bottom. As a result, in a simpler manner, the inner package can be fixed in, at any rate on, the outer package. Indeed, a bandlike fixing element can then directly engage the visible portion mentioned, both along the bottom of the inner package and along the outside of the outer package.

An inner package for a package according to the invention is preferably provided with a compartmentation. As a consequence, flowers can be readily disposed in groups within the inner package, while the compartmentation prevents the flowers from slipping along the bottom of the inner package. In particular when the inner package is disposed in open position, i.e., uncovered, this is an advantage, especially also when a portion of the inner box is not filled with flowers (anymore). Indeed, the (remaining) flowers can then find support against wall parts of the inner package and against the walls of the compartments, which prevents their slipping. Incidentally, a friction-enhancing lining of the bottom can also make a contribution in this regard, or a bottom into which the stems of the flowers can extend, such as a layer of cardboard capable of taking up moisture.

The inner package and the outer package are preferably manufactured from cardboard. In particular, preferably the inner package is manufactured from coated, waterproof solid cardboard, while the outer package is preferably manufactured from corrugated cardboard. As a consequence, in a simple manner, an integrally recyclable, at any rate disposable package is obtained, whose inner package is waterproof and whose outer package is relatively inexpensive and light, which is especially relevant in view of transportation costs, in particular costs of air freight.

The invention further relates to a method for packaging flowers and the like, characterized by the features according to claim 18.

With such a method, in a simple manner flowers and the like can be packaged and prepared for transport, in particular by plane.

The invention further relates to a method for transporting flowers and the like, characterized by the features according to claim 20, and to the use of a package, in particular according to the invention, for packaging, transporting and displaying flowers and the like, characterized by the features according to claim 21 or 22.

The further subclaims describe further advantageous embodiments of a package, method and use according to the invention.

To clarify the invention, exemplary embodiments of a package, method and use will be described with reference to the drawing. In the drawing:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a package according to the invention, in closed condition;

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a package according to Fig. 1, in open condition; Fig. 3 shows a sectional side elevation of a package according to Figs. 1 and 2, in a display condition;

Fig. 4 shows a blank for a compartmentation for a package according to the invention and a compartmentation folded therefrom; Fig. 5 shows a blank for an inner package according to the invention;

Fig. 6 shows a blank for an outer package according to the invention;

Fig. 7 shows a top plan view of a first blank part of an alternative embodiment of a compartmentation;

Fig. 8 shows a second blank part for that alternative compartmentation;

Fig. 9 schematically shows, in partly sectional side elevation, a number of packages 1 according to the invention;

Fig. 10 shows in perspective view an inner package 4 for use with a package 1 according to Fig. 9; and Fig. 11 shows a blank for an inner package according to Fig. 10.

In this description, the same or corresponding parts have the same or corresponding reference numerals. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the packages have a rectangular base, at least in vertical projection, with dimensions such that they can be received densely stacked on a standard pallet or like packaging facilities. Thus the packages can have a base area of 20(n)*30(m) cm, with n and m being integers. In the exemplary embodiments shown, an inner package and outer package have been folded from cardboard blanks; the inner package preferably from solid cardboard coated waterproof with, for instance, polyethylene, the outer package from light and relatively stiff corrugated cardboard. Thus a monopackage has been obtained which satisfies the different packaging convenants, is environmentally sound and properly recyclable. Moreover, such a package is strong and light, which makes it particularly suitable for transport and storage, in particular for air transport. It will be clear, however, that other materials can also be used, for instance metal or plastic, and also other manufacturing techniques can be used, for instance deep-drawing, vacuum forming or injection molding.

In Fig. 1 there is shown in perspective top plan view a package 1 according to the invention, comprising a substantially hat-like or shell-shaped outer package 2 and a traylike inner package 4. Hatlike or shell-shaped should herein be understood as at least comprising an outer package 2 comprising four mutually perpendicular sidewall faces 6, mutually connected in ribs 8 and provided with closing means such as flaps 10 or a cover at the upper end 12, while the opposite, lower end 14 is at least partly open. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3, the outer package 2 is entirely open at the bottom end 14. The inside dimensions of the outer package 2, viewed parallel to the base, in particular to the bottom 16 of the inner package 4, are chosen such that the outer package 2 can be slipped with a proper fit over the inner package 4 in the direction P as shown in Fig. 2, with the lower end 14 leading in the sliding direction P. The inside of the outer package 2 then comes to lie against the outside of the longitudinal wall 18 of the inner package 4. As a result, sliding or tilting of the outer package 2 relative to the inner package 4 in any direction other than the sliding direction P and the opposite direction is simply but effectively prevented.

As appears clearly from Fig. 3, the height of the outer package 2 is considerably greater than the height of the inner package 4. At a distance H from the lower end 14, which distance H corresponds to the height of the inner package 4, four inwardly extending projections 22 are formed in the ribs 8 of the outer package 2. To that end, respective cuts 24 have been provided in the blank from which the outer package 2 has been manufactured, each cut 24 intersecting the respective rib 8, while from the ends of each cut 24 a fold line 26 extends, these fold lines 26 meeting in the respective rib 8 in a point 28 on the side of the cut 24 remote from the lower end 14 of the outer package 2. In the outer package 2 folded from the blank, the part of the respect ive rib 8 located between the cut 24 and the point 28 has subsequently been pushed inwards, thereby forming the desired projection 22. This projection 22 has two free edges 30 defined by the cut 24, which face towards the lower end 14 and have at least two functions which will be further described hereinbelow.

In the condition shown in Fig. 1, a fixing means in the form of a bandlike element, in particular a tightening strap 32, has been fitted around the outer package 2 and the inner package 4. Such tightening straps are known per se and can be closed and be tightened for instance using an arrest connection. In the lower longitudinal edge 34 of the outer package 2, recesses 36 are provided on two opposite sides, through which recesses a portion of the longitudinal wall of the inner package 4 is visible. In these recesses, the tightening strap 32 abuts against the respective parts of the longitudinal wall of the inner package 4, at least against the transition thereof to the bottom 16, so that a proper clamping of the inner package 4 is obtained. It is noted that the tightening strap 32 can also pass over the sidewalls that are not provided with recesses 36. Further, grips 38 are provided in the form of recesses, with which the package 1 can be picked up. In the condition shown in Fig. 1, the upper longitudinal edge 40 of the inner package 4 abuts against the free edges 30 of the projections 22, so that the outer package 2 cannot be slid further over the inner package 4. The lower longitudinal edge 34 of the outer package 2 is then approximately flush with the plane of the bottom 16 of the inner package 4. As a result, the inner package 4 is effectively locked and fixed within the outer package 2, while products extending above the inner box, such as flowers 42, remain free of the closing means 10 and can optionally find support against the inside of the wall parts 6 of the outer package 2. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 2-5, the inner package 4 is partly filled with tulips. It will be clear that the whole inner package 4 can be filled in such a manner, and also that other flowers or the like can be taken up. Packages according to the invention can be simply stacked, with the longitudinal walls 6 of the outer packages 2 resting on each other while the bottom 16 of the inner package 4 of a superjacent package 1 rests on the closing flaps 10 of a subjacent package and thus the forces are properly distributed. As shown in Fig. 3, in the inner package 4 a layer of water 44 is provided for maintaining the quality of the flowers during storage and transport. The height H of the inner package 4 is preferably chosen such that the center of gravity of the flowers is located adjacent to or under the upper longitudinal edge 40. In the inner package 4 a compartmentation 46 is provided, so that different compartments 48 are formed in which flowers 42 can be disposed. The compartments 48 then provide for proper support of the flowers 42, also when the inner package 4 is only partly filled. In particular, the possibility of the flowers 42 slipping is thereby prevented. To that end, also, on the bottom 16 of the inner package 4 a lining may be provided in which the ends of the flowers 42 can press, so that slipping is prevented, a rough lining being preferred. In Fig. 6 a blank 50 and a compartmentation 46 set up therefrom are shown in an advantageous embodiment. It will be clear, however, that such a compartmentation can be provided in any desired manner, and, further, that a different number than four compartments 48 can be provided.

In Fig. 3, in sectional side elevation, a package 1 according to the invention is shown, in a display condition. The outer package 2 is disposed upside down, i.e., it is disposed, for instance, on a floor V, resting on the closing flaps 10, such that the open bottom end 14 faces upwards. From this open endl4, the inner package 4 has been slipped in upright orientation back into the outer package 2, such that it rests by the bottom 16 thereof on the free edges 30 of the projections 22. The upper longitudinal edge 40 is then approximately flush with the lower longitudinal edge 34 of the outer package 2. The flowers 42 project above the open end 14, thus offering an attractive appearance and proper accessibility. Naturally, the inner package 4 can also be placed on an outer package 2 which is disposed upright, or directly on the floor V, so that with a number of these packages 1 a proper display of flowers can be obtained.

In Fig. 5 a blank 52 is shown, made of solid cardboard coated with, for instance, polyethylene, from which the inner package 4 can be folded. This blank 52 comprises a bottom face 16a, with first longitudinal wall flaps 18a bound thereto through first fold lines 54 extending on opposite sides parallel to each other, while along the remaining sides of the bottom face 16a second longitudinal wall flaps 18b are connected with the bottom face 16a through second fold lines 56. The first longitudinal wall flaps 18a and second longitudinal wall flaps 18b are mutually connected by corner flaps 58, which are square and which are provided with a third fold line 60 extending diagonally from the bottom face 16a. The first fold line 54 and second fold line 56 extend at right angles to each other as far as along the corner flaps 58. From the blank 52 the inner package 4 can be folded by pressing the diagonal third fold lines 60 inwards, such that the triangular parts of the corner flaps 58 located on opposite sides end up abutting against each other. As a result, the parts of the first and second fold line 54, 56 that bound the first longitudinal wall flaps 18a and second longitudinal wall flaps 18b will end up abutting against each other, so that the longitudinal wall flaps 18a, 18b will extend at right angles to the bottom face 16a. Next, the corner flaps 58 folded together are folded against the inside of the first longitudinal wall flaps 18a and secured thereto, for instance by gluing or with a staple or the like. Then the inner package 4 has been formed and is ready for receiving a compartmentation 46, if desired. The upper part of Fig. 4 shows a blank 50 from which a compartmentation 46 can be folded as shown in the lower part of Fig. 4. The blank 50 has a substantially rectangular shape of a width B which corresponds to the width of the bottom face 16a of the blank 52. In the width direction extends a central fold line 62, with a first bottom fold line 64 on opposite sides thereof. The distance between the central fold line 62 and the first bottom fold line 64 is equal to the desired height of the compartmentation 46. On the side of each first bottom fold line 64 remote from the central fold line 62, there is provided, parallel thereto, a second bottom fold line 66, spaced therefrom at a distance slightly less than half the length of the bottom face 16a of the blank 52. Enclosed between each first bottom fold line 64 and the adjacent second bottom fold line 66 is a bottom flap 68, and enclosed between the central fold line 62 and each adjacent first bottom fold line 64 is a wall flap 70. The wall flaps 70 are equal to each other and mirrored with respect to the center M of the blank 50. Each wall flap 70 comprises a first wall flap part 72 of a width K which is slightly greater than half of the width B of the blank 50. The first wall flap part 72 is connected via a wall flap fold line 74 with a second wall flap part 76 of a width R, which is slightly less than the remainder of the width B. The wall flap fold line 74 extends at right angles to the central fold line 62. The second wall flap part 76, except for the wall flap fold line 74, has been cut out from the blank 50, by way of the central fold line 62, the bounding first bottom fold line 64 and a cutting line 78 extending at right angles thereto. The remaining part of the wall flap 70 forms a third wall flap part 80 which connects the central fold line 62 with the respective adjacent first bottom fold line 64. The part of the central fold line 62 extending between the wall flap fold lines 74 connects the first wall flap parts 72. As appears from the set-up condition of the compartmentation 46 as shown in Fig. 4, the wall flaps 70 can be folded against each other, such that the first bottom fold lines 64 are situated against each other. Prop flaps 82 are connected via the second bottom fold lines 66 with the bottom flaps 68 and can be folded slightly upwards. In each prop flap 82, approximately in the middle, a slot 84 is provided. When the compartmentation 46 is pressed into the inner package 4, the prop flaps 82 will be pushed slightly upwards, so that they will extend at an inclination against the respective longitudinal wall parts 18. The bottom fold lines 64 are thereby pressed against each other. Next, the second wall flap parts 76 can be swung about the wall flap fold lines 74, away from the opposite wall flap 70, such that a free end thereof is received in the slot 84 and thus is fixed. As a result, in a simple manner, the desired compartmentation 46 has been obtained.

In Fig. 6 a blank 86 is shown from which an outer package 2 can be folded. This blank 86 comprises four longitudinal wall faces 6, mutually connected by parallel ribs 8 as fold lines. The cutting lines 24 and fold lines 26 already discussed are provided therein. Via the ribs 8 shown on the right side in Fig. 6, adhesive flaps 88, 90 are provided, which can be glued to the wall flap part 6 located on the left side. Provided along the upper side 12 is a fold line 92, extending over the full width of the blank 86, via which fold line 92 two closing flaps 10 and two auxiliary closing flaps 10a are connected with the adjacent wall parts 6. It will be immediately clear to one skilled in the art how the outer package 2 can be set up from this blank 86. Instead of the compartmentation shown in Fig. 4, use can be made of an alternative compartmentation, the blank parts of which are represented in Figs. 7 and 8. The first blank part is provided with four flaps 100, 101, 102, 103 which are connected with each other through fold lines 104, 105, 106. When setting up the compartmentation, the central fold line 105 is pulled up, such that the flaps 101 and 102 end up abutting against each other. The flaps 100 and 103 extend in the horizontal plane and are placed on the bottom of the inner package. In the vertically upstanding flaps 101, 102, a recess 107 is provided, into which the second blank part 108 represented in Fig. 8 can be slipped. This blank part 108 is also provided with a recess 109. The two recesses 107, 108 can interlock, so that after placement of the second blank part 108 on the first blank part, a similar compartmentation to that represented in Fig. 4 is obtained, albeit that the watertightness of the compartmentation made up of two blank parts is better guaranteed. Fig. 9 shows four packages 1 according to the invention in an alternative embodiment. These packages 1 are represented as being stacked, shown in sectional side elevation on the left-hand side of Fig. 9 and in closed condition on the right-hand side. As appears clearly from this figure, the outer packages 2 are designed as described hereinbefore, with the inner packages 4 being slightly conical in one direction, such that the bottom face 16 has a width Bi which is slightly less than the width B₂ of the lower end 14 of the outer package 2. This means that in the side elevation shown, a tapering air gap 15 is provided between the sidewall faces 6 and the respective sidewall 18A of the inner package 4. The end walls 18A parallel to the plane of the drawing abut flat against the respective sidewall faces 6 of the outer package 2, such that the tightening straps 32 can be simply fitted thereover without the outer package 2 being compressed. In the top surface of the outer package 2, a number of apertures 13 are provided, through which ventilation of the inner space 17 of the package 1 can occur. These apertures 13 are provided such that, with two packages 1 placed on top of each other, the apertures 13 terminate in the air gaps 15. Further, in the sidewall faces 6, further apertures 19 are provided, which likewise terminate in the air gaps 15. What is thereby achieved in a simple manner is that also with packages 1 stacked closely together, a proper ventilation of the inner space 17 remains possible, the more so since the projections 22 and the grips 38 provide further venting openings. Such ventilation is especially favorable when flowers are to be transported over relatively long distances and/or are to be stored for a long time. In this embodiment, the tightening strap 32 is slightly offset, such that it does not extend over the grip 38.

Fig. 10 shows in perspective view an inner package 4 according to the invention, folded from a blank as shown in Fig. 11. This blank comprises two rectangular bottom faces 16A, each flanked on two opposite sides by rectangular sidewall panels 18A. Further connected to each bottom face 16A are a second sidewall panel 18B and an intermediate wall panel 72, both somewhat trapezoidal. The second sidewall panels 18B are connected with the first sidewall panels 18A through corner panels 58, provided with a fold line 60 over the diagonal. The intermediate wall panels 72 are connected with the first sidewall panels 18A through second corner panels 58A which are divided into two substantially triangular parts by a fold line 60A. The intermediate wall panels 72 and the second corner panels 58A are connected through a fold line 61 extending centrally over the blank. The blank according to Fig. 11 can be set up by folding the intermediate wall panels 72 against each other, along the fold line 61, whereafter the corner panels 58, 58A are folded inwards along the fold lines 60 and 60A, respectively, such that the second sidewall panels 18B are brought into a vertical position and the first sidewall panels 18A into a slightly inclined position. Next, the corner panels 58 are folded against the first sidewall panels 18A, and the corner panels 58A against the intermediate wall panels 72. In the second corner panels 58A, openings 73 are provided which can simply serve as grip. Again, the inner package 4 can be readily slipped into the outer package 2 in the manner described hereinbefore, and can cooperate with the projections 22 in the manner described hereinbefore.

The invention is not limited in any way to the exemplary embodiments shown and described in the drawings and the description. Many variations thereon are possible within the framework of the invention outlined by the claims. Thus, the outer package 2 can be closed in a different manner, for instance by fitting a loose cover thereon. Also, as indicated, other materials can be used. Further, the compartmentation in the inner package can be omitted, or it can be provided in a different manner, while moreover the inner package can be secured to the outer package with adhesive tape or like adhesives, adjacent the lower longitudinal edge, so that the tightening element can be omitted, or be supported. The packages 1 according to the invention can be stacked on pallets or the like or be received in containers and thus be transported, for instance by airplane, while the flowers are kept in good condition with water. Of course, other means can be used to that effect, such as oasis or the like. The packages can be supplied in a flat condition and be set up immediately prior to use, but may also be supplied while already set up.

It will be clear that between the inner package 4 and the outer package 2, air gaps 15 can be provided in a different manner, for instance by providing the inner package 4 with ribbed or wavy outer walls, by inclining the intermediate wall panels 72 relative to each other, or by giving the outer package 2 a slightly conical shape.

Claims

1. A package for flowers and plants, comprising a boxlike inner package and a shell-shaped outer package, the inner package being designed in watertight material, such that a layer of water can be received therein, while the outer package can be slid with a proper fit into or over the inner package, is provided at the upper end with closing means and has a height greater than the height of the inner package, and during use flowers can be disposed in the inner package, standing in said layer of water, and then can find support against the inside of the outer package and/or against the wall of the inner package and are enclosed on all sides, the inner package and the outer package having a substantially rectangular, at least polygonal base.

2. A package according to claim 1, wherein the outer package is designed without bottom, such that it can be slipped from above over the inner package, in particular also when flowers are disposed therein.

3. A package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in assembled condition the inside of the outer package abuts with a proper fit against at least a portion of the outside of the longitudinal wall of the inner package.

4. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during use the underside of the outer package is situated approximately at the level of the underside of the inner package, such that the package can at least partly stand on the bottom of the inner package but, when the package is stacked on comparable packages, can find at least partial support on the outer package.

5. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein fixing means are provided with which the inner package can be fixed with respect to the outer package.

6. A package according to claim 5, wherein the outer package is slidable over the inner package in a sliding direction, in the direction of the bottom thereof, while the fixing means comprise projections by which the distance over which the outer package is slidable over the inner package is limited to an extreme position, preferably such that in such an extreme position the longitudinal edge of the outer package that is leading in the sliding direction is approximately flush with the bottom of the inner package.

7. A package according to claim 6, wherein the projections have been formed in the wall of the outer package, preferably through folding.

8. A package according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the inner package can be slid, with the bottom leading, into the outer package, from the side of said longitudinal edge, against the sliding direction, as far as the projections, while the outer package can be disposed on the upper end, such that the inner package is carried by the outer package.

9. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer package is provided at the top thereof with closing flaps with which the package is closable.

10. A package according to claim 5 and any one of claims 6-9, wherein the fixing means comprise clamping or adhesive means for locking the inner package in the outer package.

11. A package according to claim 10, wherein the clamping or adhesive means comprise at least a band-like element, in particular a tightening strap, which during use embraces the outer package and at least the bottom of the inner package.

12. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner package is provided with a compartmentation.

13. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner package and the outer package are manufactured from cardboard.

14. A package according to claim 13, wherein the inner package is manufactured from coated, waterproof solid cardboard, the outer package being preferably manufactured from corrugated cardboard.

15. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer package and the inner package have a substantially rectangular cross section, such that a matrix of such packages fits densely stacked into a standard package grid.

16. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein between the inner package and the outer package, air gaps are provided, which, with the packages stacked in a regular pattern, are in mutual fluid communication, while openings are provided in the outer package which are in communication with said air gaps.

17. A package according to claim 16, wherein the inner package is designed to be slightly conical at least in one direction, while the or each air gap is formed between an inclined wall part of the inner package and the outer package.

18. A method for packaging flowers and the like, wherein in an inner package open at the top and having a relatively low height, a layer of water is provided, in which flowers are disposed, whereafter the inner package is received upright in an outer package, which outer package is substantially shell-shaped and has a height greater than that of the inner package, such that during use the bottom of the inner package is substantially flush with the lower edge of the outer package, wherein the top of the outer package is at least substantially closed, whereafter fixing means are fitted around at least a part of the outer and inner package, such that the inner package is locked in the outer package.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the outer package is slid from above over the inner package, while the outer package is provided with inwardly extending projections with which the sliding movement is limited.

20. A method for transporting flowers packaged with a method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the packages are stacked in a closed matrix on or in an air freight transport container or pallet and are transported through the air to a destination.

21. Use of a boxlike, substantially rectangular inner package and an outer package slidable with a proper fit over the inner package for transporting flowers which at least through a portion of their stems are disposed in water received in the inner package.

22. Use of a boxlike inner package and an outer package, which is at partly slidable with a proper fit over the inner package, in particular according to claim 21, wherein after transport of a package formed from said inner package and outer package and filled with flowers, the outer package is pulled off over the inner package and is disposed upside down, whereafter the inner package is slid in upright orientation into the then open bottom end of the outer package and is carried by the outer package in a position wherein flowers present in the inner package reach at least above the outer package.