WO2004066727A1

WO2004066727A1 - Preserving cut flowers during transport

Info

Publication number: WO2004066727A1
Application number: PCT/AU2004/000047
Authority: WO
Inventors: Margaret Rae King
Original assignee: Margaret Rae King
Priority date: 2003-01-31
Filing date: 2004-01-16
Publication date: 2004-08-12

Abstract

A method of preserving cut flowers (12) against deterioration by providing a container having a granular polymeric material (10) capable of forming a gel or provided with a gel on exposure to or contact with water, putting cut portions of the flower stems (14) into contact with the gel (10) and sealing the container around the stems (14) of the cut flowers (12), wherein the granular material or gel (10) has a particle size in to range 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

Description

"Preserving Cut Flowers during Transport"

The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for treating cut flowers so as to extend the life of the cut flowers and protect them against premature deterioration. The present invention also relates to transporting cut-flowers in such a manner so as to substantially prevent premature deterioration of the flowers. The present invention in some embodiments relates to methods o£ temporarily storing cut flowers in contact with water in which a chemical composition containing water or moisture is used as a replacement for liquid water or aqueous material in which the cut flowers are stored usually. In some of the embodiments, the present invention relates to the use of granular material capable of forming a gel, preferably granules made of or from an acrylic material which also contains water so as to provide a temporary source of water and/or nutrients for and to the flower to extend the life of the cut flowers. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a substantially sealed container or a resealable container that contains a gel of a water saturated cross linked polymer to provide a more or less continuous supply of water or moisture to the cut flowers during storage and/or transportation of the flowers in order to prolong the life of the cut-flowers. In one form the container is a self supporting container having a substantially stable base upon which the container can be supported in a substantially upright position. Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to one form of the invention being the use of a granular cross-linked poly-acrylic material and water to form a gel containing or entrapping water contained within a substantially sealed container, it is to be noted that the scope of the invention is not limited to the described embodiment but rather the scope of the present invention is more extensive so as to include the use of other materials and other methods for a variety of different purposes and applications other than those specifically described, including the availability of the materials in other forms and containers, the use of a variety of different containers, and the like.

Generally, it is well accepted that in order to preserve cut flowers they need to be standing vertically and also to be located substantially continuously in water after having been removed from the plants producing the flowers, ie. very shortly after cutting the stems of the flowers. This is particularly so when cut flowers are being transported from one location to another location, such as for example from the grower to market or to retailer or to other destination or to customers. Previous attempts at transporting cut flowers in ways to preserve the flowers, such as for example, when transporting the flowers in water, have included placing . the flowers in buckets of water or other open top containers. However, the transportation of open buckets is not entirely satisfactory due to spillage and splashes of the water from the bucket during travelling, particularly over uneven roads often encountered in rural areas where the flowers are grown. Additionally, the buckets have a tendency to tip over during transportation thus, resulting in the flowers drying out and prematurely deteriorating. Thus there is a need for an improved method of transporting cut-flowers which does not involve the use of open containers of water or similar.

Another problem associated with the transportation of cut flowers is that the cut flowers must travel in a substantially vertical orientation to keep the cut stems of the flowers in contact with the water, particularly as the level of water in the bucket lowers owing to capillary action of the flowers absorbing water over time. The arrangements take up a lot of space and results in expensive transport costs, through poor space utilisation efficiency, particularly for the wholesale flower industry where large volumes of flowers must travel over long distances in the substantially vertical orientation. Thus, there is a need for an improved method of transporting cut flowers, particularly over large distances which does not require that the flowers be stored vertically, or in buckets containing water or without access to water which is to say the transportation can be in a more space efficient or space saving manner.. Another problem of existing methods of preserving cut flowers and/or storing cut flowers is the sale of the flowers and the transportation of the flowers after purchase, particularly at a retail level such as a florist shop or flower stall or the like when the consumer takes possession of the flowers. It. is common practice for consumers to purchase bunches of flowers from a retail establishment, such as a florist, and keep them out of water for long periods whilst they are being transported to their final destinations where the flowers can be arranged for display or the like, such as for example by being located substantially vertically in water, such as in a vase or similar. This practice denies the flowers of any water for relatively lengthy periods of time and exposes them to the risk of dying prematurely since it is usual for florists to wrap the cut flowers in plastic or cellophane with the cut stems of the flowers exposed to the atmosphere. This allows the stems to dry out and also permits air to enter the interior of the stems. Thus, there is a need for improved methods of containing and/or storing the flowers for transport by consumers of the flowers .

The current practice of transporting cut flowers from a retail store to the customers' final destination without a water source limits the consumer to purchasing cut flowers at the latest possible moment so that expensive flowers are not left out of water for extended periods resulting in a reduction of their longevity and premature wilting of the flowers. The practice of consumers leaving the purchase of cut flowers to the latest possible moment results in retail florist shops having to remain open for business 7 days a week from early morning to late evening each day to allow customers the opportunity of purchasing flowers immediately prior to transporting them to their destination so as to ensure that on arrival and thereafter the flowers are fresh looking and have the greatest chance of survival by there being the shortest possible amount of time for the flowers to be transported without water. Thus, there is a need for a method of transporting the cut flowers which provides more flexibility for consumers purchasing the flowers.

Also, another problem associated with flowers being denied water for relatively extended periods of time such as during transportation either in a retail situation or in a wholesale situation, is that the cells located at or towards the end of the stem that was cut have a tendency to form over the cut in an attempt to heal the cut at the end of the stem to prevent the stem from drying out due to the stem being exposed to air. These cells have a tendency to block the flow of water and restrict the stems from taking up water once the cut end of the stems are reinserted in water again which can result in premature deterioration of the life of the flowers. Thus, there is a need to reduce the formation of such blocking cells at the cut ends of the stem.

Accordingly, it is an aim of the present invention to provide a method of transporting the cut-flowers or a method of preserving the cut-flowers or a method of extending the life of the cut-flowers by maintaining the flowers in contact with water or moisture by using a water-substitute material or a water-containing material, preferably a non-spill material, in order to ensure that the flowers do not prematurely deteriorate.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of transporting cut flowers to reduce or prevent the cut flowers from prematurely deteriorating comprising providing a container having granular material capable of forming a gel on exposure to or contact with moisture or water, contacting the stems of the flowers having the cut portion in the container with the gel when formed from the granular material and substantially sealing the container around the stem of the cut flower so as to expose the cut portion of the stem to the water contained within the gel to provide water to the stem so as to maintain the flowers in a substantially healthy condition, wherein the granular material and/or gel has a particle size range of from about 0.5mm to about 5.0mm.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of preserving cut flowers against premature deterioration comprising the steps of providing a container having a granular material capable of forming a gel or gel-like material upon exposure to moisture or water, contacting the stems of the flowers having the cut portion with the gel or gel-like material when formed from the granular material and substantially sealing the container around the stem of the cut flower in order to expose the stem of the cut-flowers to the water contained within the gel or gel-like material, wherein the granular material and/or gel has a particle size range of from about 0.5mm to about 5.0mm.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of extending the life of cut flowers to reduce or eliminate the chances of premature deterioration comprising the steps of providing a container having a granular material capable of forming a gel or gel-like material upon exposure to moisture or water, contacting the stems of the flowers having the cut portion with the gel or gel-like material formed from the granular material and substantially sealing the container around the stem of the cut flower so as to expose the stem of the cut-flower to water contained within the gel or gel-like material wherein the granular material or gel has a particle size of from about 0.5mm to about 5.0mm.

Typically, the cut flowers can be any type of cut flowers. More typically the cut flowers are flowers of the type that are usually sold by florists and require more or less continuous contact with water to remain healthy and present a pleasing appearance.

Typically, the granular material is a polymer or polymeric material. More typically, the polymer granules are water saturated and/or hydrated. More typically, the granules are saturated by means of soaking the granules in water for a period of up to ten hours in order for them to hold or absorb the water. Even more typically the soaking of the granules in water occurs at temperatures from 0° to 90°C, preferably at from about 8° to 35°, more preferably from about 10° to 30°, most preferably at room temperature.

Typically, the gel material is a water saturated material, more typically a water saturated cross-linked polymer. More typically the gel is derived from dry granules of material, preferably by soaking in water. Even more typically the gel is formed from a super absorbent cross-linked polymer.

Typically, the gel material is made from granules of acrylic copolymers, more typically from polyacrylamide materials.

Typically, the gel material contains additives. More typically the additives include biocides, preservatives, anti bacterial agents or the like. Typically the additives include flower preserving ingredients, coloring materials or the like.

Examples of additives include potassium chloride, glucose, antibacterial agents.

Typically the container is a made from a plastics material. One preferred form of the container is a film or sheet material. Another form is a tube or roll form. Typically the film material is folded so as to contain the gel and prevent the gel from spillage. More typically the material for making the container is a foil or plastics coated foil material or similar that is impervious to water. Typically the container is a bag, sachet, tube, satchel, pouch, bundle, or similar made from flexible or pliable material such as polyethylene, cellophane or similar materials. More typically, the container is self- supporting, typically in a vertical orientation. More typically, the container is provided with a base, typically a flat base, more typically a substantially stable base upon which the container can be supported in a vertical orientation. Even more typically, the container is provided with tapering or angularly inclined walls reducing in width from the base towards the top.

Typically the container is sealed by means of a suitable fastener. More typically, the fastener seals the end or ends of the container. Typically, the container is releasably resealable such as for example a snap-lock bag or similar. Even more typically the fastener includes a plastic coated wire tie, ribbon, rubber band, cable tie, zip tie, string, tape, or a combination of sealing or fastening products. Typically, the fastener is a "onetime-use" fastener or a reuseable fastener. Typically the fastener can be provided with an adhesive. Typically, the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive. More typically, the adhesive is applied to one side of the fastener only.

Typically the fastener is used to secure the film of the container or the body or walls of the container around the stem or stems of the cut flowers to hold the container in place and prevent leakage of the gel material from the container. More typically, the container has an open top that is scalable when the cut flowers are located in the container.

Typically the particle size of the granules is from 0.5 to 5.0mm, preferably from about 1.0mm to 4.0mm, more preferably from about 2 to 3mm, and most preferably from about 0.5 to 3.0mm.

Typically the flowers are transported horizontally. More typically, the stems are arranged in a bunch of individual flowers. Even more typically, there are a multitude of bunches of flowers.

Typically, there is a single bunch located in the container, or there are multiple bunches per container. More typically, any number of flowers can be contained within the one container.

Placing the flowers in a horizontal orientation will substantially reduce space when transporting large volumes of flowers and subsequently reduce transportation costs. The capillary action of flowers is not affected by gravity and the flowers will still be able to draw water up through the stems whilst remaining in a horizontal position. There is also less chance of damage to delicate petals whilst flowers are being transported horizontally since there is no tendency for the flowers to fall over or to be displaced from the vertical.

Typically, ethylene exposure of the cut-flowers is kept to a minimum, and preferably there is no exposure. Ethylene is a gas which causes flower ripening and thus accelerates the ageing process of the cut flowers resulting in premature deterioration. It is produced mainly by ripening fruit and vegetables, vehicle exhaust and dead flowers. The cross linked polyacrylamide used in the present invention does not produce ethylene gas and thus does not contribute to the accelerated ageing process. Therefore, the container and surroundings of the flowers are substantially elthylene free.

Typically, the container is a portable container. More typically, the portable container that is to be used to hold the gel is made of a water impermeable material such as plastic. This plastic may be polyethylene or other types of plastic, such as cellophane or the like. More typically, the container is made from a heavy grade plastic that will not readily tear, distort, degrade or the like during use. This is desirable as some cut flowers such as roses have thorns that may tear thin grade plastic thus allowing the gel to leak away thereby exposing the cut stem to air. Typically, the container is made from materials used in the packaging industry.

Typically, the container is located in a holder. Typically, the holder is a wire frame. More typically, the wire frame is provided with support legs. Even more typically, the container is suspended in the holder.

However, it is to be noted that the present invention can be used with or without the holder depending upon the precise nature of the container.

Without wishing to be bound by any theory on how the present invention works and achieves its advantages, the following information is provided to illustrate the manner in which flowers draw water to stay alive and thus are assisted in this by the present invention.

Once the stems of flowers have been cut to sever the flowers and stem from the remainder of the plant supporting their growth, such flowers have lost their life support system due to severing of the stem connecting the roots of the flowers to the flower head. Therefore, the cut stems and flowers should be placed immediately in water and remain continuously in contact with water. If the flowers are not placed in water immediately or if water is not provided to the plants immediately and these conditions not maintained continuously the longevity of flowers will be at risk. Once the flower stems are placed in the gel in the container according to the method of the present invention, they will be able to draw moisture from the gel to sustain their requirement for continuous supplies of water. The gel contains water and moisture in a form that is accessible to the stems, such as for example, as a result of chemical, biological and physical interaction or the like, including combinations thereof. Flowers continuously consume water by capillary action through the stem. Capillary action is the process that causes water to rise up through the stem and keeps the flowers alive. Capillary action is continuous and is able to overcome the pull of gravity to ensure the continuous hydration of the flower stems. As capillary action is continuous, when flower stems are not provided with a water source, the capillary action will cause air to be drawn up through the fine tube like vessels within the stem. Once an air bubble has entered the stem, the capillary action continues to draw it through the stem of the flowers, preventing the flow of water to the flower head. Once the air bubble reaches the top of the stem which is used to support the flower end, the stem is unable to sustain the weight of the flower head due to the stress in the plant caused by lack of water thereby causing the flower to wilt and to drop the flower head. In this condition, the capillary action is blocked not allowing any further water to reach the flower which in turn causes the flower to die prematurely.

The present invention may also have preservative and anti-bacterial solutions added to the granular material or to the gel formed by water and the granular material. This flower preservative and anti-bacterial solution is beneficial for extending the life of cut flowers. Flowers are living plant material and need to be fed. The sugar and/or sugar like material including derivatives of and precursors for the sugar in the preservative provides energy for the flowers to continue to develop and the buds to open. Flowers such as Fressias and spray carnations have lots of buds. By providing a preservative, flower development is assisted as is the opening of buds. The anti-bacterial solution prevents algae growth or bacteria from breeding. These bacteria are extremely damaging to cut flowers as they attach themselves to the stem ends and block the capillaries thus further reducing the flow of water up to the flower head resulting in premature deterioration of the flowers.

A coloring agent may also be added to the gel. This may be beneficial where it is necessary to vary the quantity of flower preservative or other additive added to the gel in accordance with the requirements for different flower types, making the different concentrations of preservatives in each of the gel mixtures easily identifiable Additionally, colouring material may be added to produce displays of flowers in containers such as for example, at point of sales locations to enhance the appearance of the flower display to increase sales or the like.

The polymer that is to be used in the method of the present invention is a cross linked polyacrylamide polymer that has the qualities of being super absorbent. The granules in their dry state have a diameter measurement or particle size of a minimum of 0.5mm up to a maximum of about 5.0mm, preferably about 3.0mm on average, before any water is added. The size of the granules is of particular importance. If granules of a smaller size than about

0.5mm are used, when they are added to water, the gel that is formed becomes very sloppy and can be likened to a thick liquid, with all of the attendant problems of using such a liquid. This mixture is very difficult to handle as it is very messy and difficult to clean up in the event of spillage. The other problem experienced with using smaller granule size of less than about 0.5mm to form the gel is that the flower stems are left with residue of the gel remaining on them after removal from the container and/or gel which must be washed so as to clean away the gel from the stem. This poses the problem of disposal of the waste wash water containing the gel when the gel has to be washed off the stems. The waste wash water will enter the drainage system and if this is done repeatedly over a period of time, there will almost certainly be blockages of the pipes and drainage system used to dispose of the wash water because of the accumulation of the gel. The larger size granules as specified being from about 0.5mm to 5.0mm are far superior to the smaller granules since the larger granules become a substantially solid particle of water filled gel which can be easily removed from the flower stems by simply shaking the stems and accordingly there is no residue remaining on the stems that requires to be washed off by water and thus there is no waste wash water containing gel that needs to be disposed of. Thus, the gel does not have to be washed off the stems. If the gel is accidentally spilt it can be swept up or retrieved easily. The gel can be disposed of in the rubbish and does not have to be washed down drain pipes and pose the problem of drainage system blockages. Further, it is to be noted that granules of a particle size greater than 5.0mm, do not produce a gel having the required properties of allowing access to the water owing to the large particle size which is formed that denies access to the water, which is to say that what little water is absorbed or otherwise combined with the larger sized particles is not readily available to the flowers to maintain the flowers in a fresh condition. The polymer used in the present invention is an organic superabsorbent polymer supplied as a coarse granulated solid. This polymer is capable of absorbing 50-200 times its own weight of water depending on water salinity, temperature, and other parameters or properties. Absorption of water causes the granules to swell to a volume significantly greater than that of the original granules. Once absorbed the water will be released gradually. These solid granules can be added to a volume of water at the ratio of from about 0.1 to 20g of granules per litre of water, preferably 0.25g to lOg per litre, more preferably 1.0 to 6.0g per litre, and most preferably 2 to 5g per litre or water. As an example, 20g of granules to 4 litres of water produces approximately 3 litres of gel. However other ratios of granules to water can be employed. The process of converting the dry granules to gel can be achieved by implementing one of the following methods. The dry granules must be in contact with water or moisture to become gel. The granules may be placed directly into the portable container with water and left to absorb the water for a period of up to 10 hours by which time the granules will have absorbed their full capacity of water. The length of time that the granules require to fully expand depends upon the temperature of the water used. The granules will absorb water and swell more quickly in warm or hot water than in cold water. Another method would be to use a large vessel, tub, bucket or container capable of holding the required amount of water and fill the vessel with water and dry granules and leave to absorb for up to 10 hours or a suitable time when the granules have fully expanded. If the later method is employed the gel may be scooped out of the large vessel and then placed into the portable container ready to receive the flowers. Alternatively the gel may be produced and packed into sealed or resealable containers that can be purchased when purchasing the flowers so that the containers are opened to receive the flowers and then resealed.

Each transportable container, such as a plastic bag, pouch, tube or the like should be filled with approximately 250g of gel which would comfortably keep one single bunch of cut flowers hydrated for up to 12 hours. Varying quantities of gel are required, depending on the exact container size and requirements of different flower varieties, ambient temperature and the like. Some flower varieties require more water than others and some flower varieties that have "hairy" stems are best kept in a minimal amount of moisture that does not cover the entire length of the stem, as these flowers are prone to the stem rotting and creating bacteria which would shorten the life of the flowers. The gel of the present invention does not deteriorate when heated or cooled. The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one form of the plastic bag in a holder ready to receive the granular material or gel of the present invention in preparation for receiving a bunch of flowers; and

Figure 2 is a perspective view of one form of the sealed container containing gel in accordance with the present invention and a bunch of flowers, ready for transportation.

Typically, a stand or holder may be provided to hold the bag (see figure 1) . In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1 there is a stand generally denoted as 2, of a more or less cylindrical configuration having a generally curved support 4 located at/or towards the top of stand 2 and three downwardly depending legs 6 for supporting the stand 2 on a suitable substrate. Stand 2 can be approximately 15-20cm in height and approximately 10cm diameter, and may or may not be made from wire. The curved support 4 and legs 6 are made from round tubular or solid material. A bag 8 or similar is located internally within circular support 4 and bag 8 is filled with gel 10. Flowers 12 are then located with bag 8. Stand 2 is required to hold the gel filled container or bag 10 in place whilst 8 flower stems are placed into the gel 10 and the container 8 is sealed with the upper part of flowers 16 such as flower heads, extending from the top of the bag 8. Typically, for ease of use, it is suggested that the container or bag is first secured around the rim 4 of the stand, then the water saturated gel 10 can be placed into the container 8, followed by the flower stems 14, and then the container 8 sealed. The portable container must be sealed to prevent leakage and spillage. The container may be sealed by means of a plastic coated wire tie, ribbon, rubber band, string or tape, or a combination of sealing products, to be secured around the stems of the cut flowers to hold the container in place, and prevent leakage.

The portable container is to be filled to approximately half full with the water saturated gel. It is recommended that the stems of the cut flowers are cut with sharp scissors on about a 45° angle to provide a large surface area for the uptake of moisture or water. It is also recommended that the stems are not pushed down to the very bottom of the container, but are sitting in the gel, so that there is gel beneath the cut stem and that there is gel in the very bottom of the container. This practice will ensure the release of water to the capillaries of the cut flower, which may be obstructed if stems are pushed down to the very bottom of the container.

In another embodiment of the present invention the container is self supporting so that stand 2 is not required. In this embodiment the container having a stable base is provided as a sealed container containing a predetermined amount of gel. On purchasing a bunch of flowers the sealed container is opened and the cut stems of the flowers inserted into the container so that the ends of the stems are in contact with the gel. Then the container is resealed around the outwardly extending stems of the flowers so that the flowers can be transported in any desired orientation without and substantial risk of prematurely deteriorating.

The present invention will be further illustrated with reference to the following examples

Example 1

The results obtained by carrying out tests in accordance with the present invention were very favorable and include the following. The flowers tested were Roses and Alstromeria.

Flowers were monitored for 24 hours at a temperature of 20°C. Flowers tested are from the same batch, and flower varieties kept separate. The two flower varieties were separated into bunches to make three groups of each.

The first group (GR-l)were placed standing vertically and continuously in water.

The second group (GR-2)were tested in accordance with the present invention by being placed in a portable container filled with the gel mixture and placed in a horizontal position. The third group (GR-3) were placed without a water source in a horizontal position to simulate the current standard practice of transporting cut flowers from retail shop to destination.

The results after 24 hours were as follows:-

Roses in GR-1 displayed the following signs:- buds opened color strong flower head remaining at 90o angle to stem no sign of wilting or limpness in stem

Roses in GR-2 Buds opened Color strong

Flower head remaining at 90o angle to stem no sign of wilting or limpness in stem

Roses in GR-3 Buds have not opened

Stem and flower head limp and wilted Flower head dropped at 45o angle to stem Edges of petals have darkened

Alstromeria in GR-1 Buds have opened Flower head remaining at 90o angle to stem Color strong

No sign of wilting or limpness in stem

Alstromeria in GR-2 Buds have opened

Flower head remaining at 90o angle to stem

Color strong

No sign of wilting or limpness in stem

Alstromeria in GR-3

Buds have not opened

Flower heads at 45o angle to stem when held up in horizontal position

Flower head and stems limp and wilted. Color fading

The results of this testing give strong evidence that cut flowers rapidly wilt and die when left without water or moisture for a period of time. In all cases the flowers in GR-1 and GR-2 were in the same condition after 24 hours of testing, however the flowers in GR-3 in both cases were dramatically deteriorated. This illustrates that by using the method of the present invention the life of the flowers is increased over the expected life of flowers not exposed to water and have a comparable life span to that of flowers in constant contact with water. Thus, the use of the water-substitute gel is as good as using water.

Further tests were carried out which are that following the initial 24 hour period, the flowers were all placed vertically and continuously in water for further monitoring. The results are astounding.

After 72 hours the flowers in GR-1 were as follows:- Roses & Alstromeria Buds opened Color strong Flower head remaining at 90o angle to stem no sign of wilting or limpness in stem

The flowers in GR-2 were the same as GR-1

The flowers in GR-3 were Buds have not opened at all

Flower heads at remained at 45o angle to stem when held up in horizontal position Flower head and stems limp and wilted. Color faded Flowers dead and lifeless

This test illustrates that once flowers have begu to die that it is not possible to reverse the ageing process. It is also testament to the fact that it is beneficial to place cut flowers immediately into contact with the gel material of the present invention once flowers are taken out of water, until they are again placed back into water.

Example 2

Flower Jel Pack Container Flowers tested: 40cm roses

Purpose of testing:

To prove the benefits of using the method of the present invention involving gel materails to provide water to the flowers. This form of the gel containing container of the present invention is referred to as a Flower Jel

Pack. The results of using the Flower Jel Pack are compared to the results obtained using traditional methods of leaving cut flowers out of water, wrapped in paper only. This is particularly relevant when gift giving, as fresh flowers are left out of water for about up to 3 hours or more, such as for example, (eg at restaurants, parties, lunchtime purchase, when being taken to hospital and similar activities that delay or prevent the flowers being placed quickly after purchase in water.

Summary of results: (i) The group of flowers identified as group R4 are Flowers that were not put into water at all from day 1 of the trial and were found to have lasted only 1 day. (ii) The group of flowers identified as group R3 are flowers that were left out of water for 3 hours and then placed into water, and were found to have lasted 5 days (iii) The group of flowers identified as group R2 are flowers placed in a jel pack in accordance with the present invention for 3 hours, then placed into water and were found to have lasted 13 days. (iv) The group of flowers identified as group Rl are flowers put immediately into water which were found to have lasted 11 days. The results of this trial are provided in Table 1.

The test results confirm that the use of the flower jel pack in accordance with the present invention keeps flowers alive for at least the same length of time as flowers that are put immediately into water. In some circumstances the flowers placed in the gel pack of the present invention outlasted the flowers placed immediately in and continuously maintained in water even though there was a delay of 3 hours before the flowers were placed into water.

Flowers that were put into the jel pack lasted 8 days longer than those left out of water or jel for the 3 hour period after purchase.

There is significant advantage in using the Flower Jel Pack, as the life of cut flowers can be extended for more than twice as long thereby avoiding premature deterioration of the flowers. TABLE 1.

Day Time Temp R1 R2 R3 R4 of Dav °C

' Into Water Only Jel Pack 3 hours to water Paper only 3 hours to water No water

Day 1 2.20pm 23 ^' Purchase flowers

Day 1 2.30pm 23 Put flowers into vase of water Put flowers into Jel Pack Put flowers on bench in Put flowers on bench in horizontal position horizontal position

CO Day 1 5.30pm 25 Buds beginning to open No change in buds No change in buds No change in buds c

00 End of stem dry and hard Ends of stem dry and hard CΛ

H Day 1

— | 5.35pm 25 No change Put flowers into water Put flowers into water No change

C H Day 2 11.00am 19 Buds opening. Buds beginning to open. Buds beginning to open. Buds lifeless. m ooping.

CO Heads all strong. Heads all strong. 3 heads drooping. Heads all dr m Petals all appear fresh Petals all appear fresh. Petals have creases and Petals brown m slight leathery appearance.

H Some petals curled at edges. Flowers dead.

*J

C Day 2 2.00pm 22 Buds opening more. Buds opening more. Buds opening more. r— m Heads all strong. Heads all strong. 3 heads drooping. r σ> Petals all appear fresh, Petals all appear fresh, Petals drying on edges.

73 O Leaves green and fresh. Leaves green and fresh. Leaves dry.

5 C Day 2 8.00pm 25 Buds nearing fully opened. Buds nearing fully opened. Buds open. Heads all strong. Heads all strong. Most heads are drooping. Petals all fresh. Petals all fresh. Petals browning on edges. Leaves all fresh. Leaves all fresh. Leaves dry.

Day 3 11.00am 24 Buds fully open. Buds fully open. Heads are all drooping.

Heads all strong. Heads all strong. Petals browning.

Some outside petals browning. Some outside petals Leaves dry and brittle. browning.

Leaves fresh.

Day Time Temp R1 R2 R3 R4 of Day

Into Water Only Jel Pack 3 hours to water Paper only 3 hours to water No water

Leaves fresh.

Day 4 1 .00am 25 As above As above As above

CO

C Day 5 11.00am 20 Buds fully opened. Buds fully open. Flowers lifeless and dead. 00 CO 2 heads drooping. 3 heads drooping Petals beginning to drop off. Petals browning on outside edges. m Leaves fresh.

CO Leaves fresh.

-E m Day 6 11.00am 17 Buds open - losing petals Buds open m 2 heads drooping 3 heads drooping c Petals browning on edges Petals fresh but outside petals r- a little brown m Leaves fresh r Leaves fresh σ>

73 Day 8 11.00am Buds open Buds open O 4 heads drooping 3 heads drooping

C Petals browning Petals fresh Leaves drying out Leaves dresh

Day 10 Most petals fallen off heads Flowers open Leaves dry and crisp Petals fresh but outside petals browning

Leaves fresh

Day Time Temp R1 R2 R3 R4 of Day °C

Into Water Only Jel Pack 3 hours to water Paper only 3 hours to water No water

Day 12 Flowers lifeless and dead 4 flowers open and fresh

All others have heads drooping and lifeless

CO Day 13 4 flowers still alive

C

00 Day 14 All flowers now dead

H H C H m

CO m m

H

*J

C r- m r σ>

73 O

C

Advantages of the present invention include the following. The present invention which includes the container holding the water filled gel, solves problems previously experienced by both consumers and the wholesale cut flower industry in trying to preserve or extend the life of cut flowers. Also, the problems encountered by persons involved in the transportation or movement of cut flowers is also solved, as a practical and/or secure method of carrying water without spillage is provided using the gel material which is not prone to spillage or the like.

The advantages of using this new invention would be of particular benefit to the retail florist industry. The main benefits would be that the purchase of flowers does not have to be restricted to the few hours prior to giving the flowers. This will mean that a consumer could buy flowers at 8am in the morning to be given to the recipient at 8pm the same day, without having to be concerned that the flowers would die before being received by the recipient.

Further, florists need not be open for extended hours since consumer could buy their flowers earlier in the day with the expectation that they will not deteriorate during the day if packaged with the gel material. Also the stocks held by florists could be maintained for longer without being sold since the life of the cut flowers can be extended.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A method of transporting cut flowers to reduce or prevent the cut flowers from prematurely deteriorating characterised in that the method comprises providing a container having granular material capable of forming a gel on exposure to or contact with moisture or water, or a gel material containing water or moisture, contacting stems of the flowers having cut portions with the gel when formed from the granular material and substantially sealing the container around the stem of the cut flower so as to expose the cut portion of the stem to the water contained within the gel so as to provide water to the stem to maintain the flowers in a substantially healthy condition so as to prolong the life of the flowers, wherein the granular material and/or gel has a particle size range of from about 0.5mm to about 5.0mm.

2. A method of preserving cut flowers against premature deterioration characterised in that the method comprises the steps of providing a container having a granular material capable of forming a gel or gel like material upon exposure to moisture or water or providing a container having a gel containing water, contacting stems of the flowers having the cut portion with a gel or gel like material and substantially sealing the container around the ste of the cut flower in order to expose the stem of the cut flower to the water contained within the gel or gel like material wherein the granular material and/or gel has a particle size range of from about 0.5mm to about 5.0mm.

3. A method of extending the life of cut flowers to reduce or eliminate the chances of premature deterioration characterised in that the method comprises the steps of providing a container having a granular material capable of forming a gel or gel like material upon exposure to moisture or water, or providing a container having a gel or gel like material, contacting stems of the flowers having the cut portions with the gel or gel like material and substantially sealing the container around the stem of the cut flower so as to expose the stem of the cut flower to water contained within the gel or gel like material wherein the granular material or gel has a particle size of from about 0.5mm to about 5.0mm.

4. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the granular material is a polymer or polymeric material.

5. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the polymer granules are water saturated and/or hydrated in which the granules are saturated or hydrated by means of soaking the granules in water or a water containing material.

6. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the granules are saturated by means of soaking the granules in water for a period of up to 10 hours in order for the granules to absorb or otherwise acquire water.

7. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that soaking of the granules in water occurs at temperatures from about 0² to 90²C, preferably at a temperature from about 8² to 35²C, more preferably at a temperature of from about 10° to 30°C, most preferably at room temperature or ambient temperature.

8. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the polymeric material is a cross linked polymer or polymeric material or a cross-linkable material.

9. A method according to any preceding claims characterised in that the granules of polymeric material are acrylic containing polymers or co-polymers.

10. A method according to any preceding claim in which the acrylic polymer or co-polymer is or contains a polyacrylamide material either alone or in a combination with other chemical materials including monomeric or polymeric materials.

11. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the granules and/or gel material further comprises additives.

12. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the additives include biocides, preservatives, antibacterial agents, colouring materials potassium chloride, glucose, anti-bacterial agents, sugars, nutrients, or the like.

13. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the container is made from a film or sheet material or from tubing or a roll the container is a bag, sachet, tube, satchel, pouch, bundle or an irregularly shaped container.

14. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the container is made from flexible or pliable material including polyethylene, cellophane, plastics material, foil or plastic coated foil or other similar material.

15. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the container is self supporting, preferably in a vertical orientation and is provided with a more or less substantially stable base for supporting the container in a substantially vertical orientation for receiving flowers.

16. A method according to any preceding claim in which the container is a sealed container or a resealable container provided with a suitable fastener, preferably a resealable fastener or a one time use fastener.

17. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the fastener seals the end or ends of the container, typically the open ends of the container through which the flowers are received.

18. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the fastener includes a plastic coated wire tie, ribbon, rubber band, string, tape, cable tie, zip tie, or other combination, or the container is provided with a resealable strip or portion having two complementary cooperatively engageable elements that when located against each other in abutting relationship seal the opening of the container, including a zip-lock or snap lock fastener.

19. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the fastener is provided with an adhesive, preferably a pressure sensitive adhesive, more preferably the adhesive is applied to one side of the fastener only.

20. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the granules are from about 1 to 4mm, preferably from about 2 to 3mm and most preferably from about 0.5 to 3mm in size, including the granules being of a range of different sizes.

21. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the flowers are transported horizontally or substantially horizontally.

22. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that there is a single bunch or two or more bunches locatable in a single container.

23. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the method provides an atmosphere for the flowers which is substantially free of ethylene in order to assist in preventing premature deterioration of the flowers.

24. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the container is located within a support holder frame or similar.

25. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the granules of polymeric material are capable of absorbing from about 50 to about 200 times their own weight of water.

26. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the granules of polymeric material can be added to a volume of water at the ratio of about 0.1 to 20 grams of granules per litre of water, preferably 0.25 grams to 10 grams of granules per litre, more preferably 1 to 6 grams per litre, and most preferably from about 2 to about 5 grams per litre of water.

27. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the container contains about 50 grams to 1kg, preferably 100 grams to 500 grams, more preferably about 250 grams of gel per bunch of flowers to be inserted into the container.

28. A method according to any preceding claim in which the ends of the stems of the flowers are cut at about an angle of 45° in order to provide a large or larger surface area for the uptake of moisture or water from the gel to further assist in preserving the flowers and preventing premature deterioration.

29. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that there is gel located intermediate the end of the cut stem and the bottom or base of the container so that the cut stem is in contact with the gel at all times and does not rest directly on the bottom surface of the container.

30. A method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the water or moisture containing gel is in a non-spillable form that prevents or reduces the chances of the water spilling during storage and/or transit.

31. A method of transporting cut flowers to reduce or prevent the cut flowers from prematurely deteriorating substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or anyone of the foregoing examples.

32. A method of preserving cut flowers against premature deterioration substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or anyone of the foregoing examples.

33. A method of extending the life of cut flowers to reduce or eliminate the chances of premature deterioration substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or with reference to anyone of the foregoing examples.

Dated this 16th day of January 2004 MARGARET RAE KING By their Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK

Fellows Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia