WO2007042849A1

WO2007042849A1 - Packaging system for transporting floral arrangements

Info

Publication number: WO2007042849A1
Application number: PCT/IB2005/002993
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jorge E. Marin; Maria Juana Mcallister; Gustavo Moreno; Leyla Guido
Original assignee: Vista Flor Corporation Comercializadora Internacional Ltda C I
Priority date: 2005-10-14
Filing date: 2005-10-14
Publication date: 2007-04-19

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging system which is used to package and transport floral arrangements which have a high level of design and which are ready for immediate use by the user upon receipt of same. The system enables floral arrangements to be transported without refrigeration and packages and stacks of same to be easily managed, without any mechanical handling damage being caused to the product being transported. The inventive system comprises an external case consisting of a base and a lid, said base containing a removable tray for supporting different floral arrangements. The aforementioned tray comprises a support structure which is equipped with a plurality of holes for positioning the containers for the floral arrangements. The support structure can also include adjustment means for fixing said arrangement containers.

Description

PACKING SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTATION OF FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

The present invention is related to packaging systems for transporting perishable goods and in particular, it is directed to a packaging system for transporting floral arrangements with a high degree of design for immediate use by the user at the time of receipt thereof, facilitating The manipulation of the floral arrangements, allowing them to be transported with or without refrigeration and preventing them from being damaged during transport.

State of the Art

The packages currently used in the market are aimed at transporting cut flowers, with water or hydrated, which serve to move the flower from one place to another. However, there is no system for transporting floral arrangements that allow the end user to receive the product ready for use, except for the arrangements that are shipped mounted on water-retaining phenolic foams.

Previous technology related to the transport of flowers can be found in inventions protected by patents in the United States of America, such as, for example, US Patent 3,973,356 discloses a package that provides a protective wrapping for distribution and display of flowers, consisting of two pieces, where in the lower piece the water is placed, and the upper piece serves to protect the flower.

US 5,060,799 is directed to a flower package comprising a plastic container, an extension of waxed cardboard that is placed on the bucket and a plastic lid that is placed on the extension. This system allows the transportation of hydrated flower, which is packed vertically and by removing the extension the flower can be displayed in the same bucket. Application US 10 / 946,973 discloses a package for transporting cut flowers which can be used to display the flowers at the point of sale. The package comprises a cardboard box and an inner vessel to keep the water inside the package. The outer cardboard box has a length sufficient to keep the flowers in an upright position, and where said box has a line of weakness through which the box can be separated to expose the flowers that are inside.

Currently, exporters and distributors of flowers mainly use cardboard boxes, where the flower travels dehydrated until it reaches the distribution points and then it is transferred to plastic buckets for hydration and distribution to the points of sale. This system has the problem of the high risk of flowers spoiling during this manipulation. The above without mentioning that in the case of floral arrangements this is an even greater problem because its goal is to reach the end user in perfect condition, especially for arrangements that will be used at weddings, quinceañeras parties and other types of receptions

For example, US Patent 6,039,180 allows the packaging and transport of several flowers in a special arrangement but does not contemplate the transport of ready-made floral arrangements.

Patent application US 10 / 363,179 discloses a portable package for transporting a single floral arrangement in the form of a bouquet, which comprises a support element. However, said packaging does not include the transport of floral arrangements over long distances or the storage of several floral arrangements at the same time.

As can be seen, there is still a need in the market for a system that allows packing and transporting floral arrangements without suffering mechanical damage during transport handling and at the same time allowing User easy unpacking of the arrangement for immediate use. With the system of the present invention, not only is this problem solved, but it also allows to send the arrangements with a high degree of design already completed through air or land cargo companies with or without refrigeration. Thus the arrangements arrive directly to the end user without the user having to make any type of assembly, also avoiding the manipulation of these arrangements by intermediaries.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is directed to a packaging system for the packaging and transport of floral arrangements with a high degree of design ready for immediate use by the user at the time of receipt thereof, which allows the transport without refrigeration of the arrangements and a Easy handling of the packaging as well as the stacking thereof, without the elaborated product being transported suffering mechanical damage due to its handling.

The system comprises an external box comprising a base and a lid, wherein the box base contains a removable tray to support different floral arrangements. The tray has a support structure Ia which has a plurality of holes to position the means containing the floral arrangements. The support structure may also include adjustment means to fix the means containing the flower arrangements.

The box has a plurality of holes for the ventilation of the floral arrangements and as handles to facilitate the transport of the boxes. Likewise, the tray may optionally have holes and handles so that they coincide with those of the box.

To provide greater strength to the packaging system, the box can optionally have removable reinforcing bars across the width of the same, with which the deformation of the boxes during stacking is prevented.

Finally, the system comprises the accommodation means for keeping hydrated floral arrangements of different dimensions, within which waterproof tubes or wrappers containing water or hydrated foams are suitable.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 shows an external view of the packaging system of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the base of the outer box including the tray that supports the floral arrangements.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the tray showing in detail each of the elements of the support structure.

Figure 4 is a right front view of the tray showing the spatial arrangement of the support structure one of the preferred embodiments of the invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic sample of the housing means for keeping the flower arrangements hydrated.

Detailed description of the invention

The purpose of this application is to provide a system for packing and transporting ready-to-use floral arrangements, where the finished arrangements are highly elaborated and of great design. Specifically, the system provides a container for hydrated flower arrangements of different dimensions which ensures that the arrangements arrive in perfect condition to the consumer, with the advantage of easy handling and resistance of the system during transport and storage, with the advantage that the transport of the arrangements can be performed even without refrigeration.

Figures 1 and 2 show the system object of the invention. The system comprises an external box (1) comprising a base (11) and a cover (12) which slide slidably on one another. The box (1) can preferably be corrugated cardboard due to its low cost, however, other materials can be used for its construction. Although the preferred way to elaborate said box (1) is rectangular or square, it is possible to elaborate it in another geometric form as long as the elements inside allow the floral arrangements to not touch each other or touch the walls of The box, guaranteeing the perfect arrival of these at the hands of the end user.

In Figure 3 it can be seen that within the box there is a tray (2) of a single body that is folded into three sections, two sections as vertical walls (21) and a horizontal base section (22), parallel to the base (11) of the outer box, and perpendicular to the vertical walls (21). The dimensions of the tray (2) are such that the width thereof is equal to the interior width of the base of the box (11), and the length of the tray (2) is equal to the interior length of the base of the The box (11), such that the tray (2) fits perfectly inside the base of the box (11). The tray (2) and the elements that are optionally inside it may preferably be waterproofed with wax or with a plastic coating.

In an embodiment of the invention, the horizontal section (22) of the tray can also be the support structure for the housing means (4) to keep the arrangements hydrated. In this case, the horizontal section (22) is preferably arranged parallel to a height between 30% to 70% of the total height of the base of the box (11) and is perforated in its upper part with a plurality of holes (34), preferably circular, where the housing means (4) are inserted to keep the arrays hydrated vertically or substantially vertically on the horizontal section (22). Additionally, to secure the accommodation means (4) of the arrangements to the support structure, rubber bands, sailboat moorings or any other useful material can be used to prevent said accommodation means (4) from leaving their position.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the horizontal section (22) rests on the bottom of the base of the box (11) and on said horizontal section (22) a support structure (3) is adapted, which is composed by two bodies (31) and (32) which are symmetrically arranged side and side with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tray (2) to ensure the equitable distribution of the load and the weight of the floral arrangements.

In Figures 3 and 4 it can be seen that each body (31) and (32) rises vertically to form a central platform at a height of 30% to 70% of the total height of the base of the box (11), and the two bodies must not occupy more than a third of the width of the base of the box (11). In this embodiment, the upper surface of the platform formed by the two bodies (31) and (32) does not form a parallel plane with the horizontal section (22), but the upper surface of each body is arranged in the form of an angle of 0 to 45 ° so that said surfaces are in decline towards the center of the platform, both bodies forming a channel on which the floral arrangements are supported in an inclined position.

The bodies (31) and (32) are provided with two groups of holes (33) and (34) preferably circular or semicircular, where the housing means (4) of the arrangements are inserted. The first group of semicircular holes (33) are made on the upper surface of each of the bodies (31) and (32) in such a way that they cover part of the vertical internal wall and part of the platform at an angle. The semicircular holes (33) are arranged in each body in such a way that the hole (33) of the first body (31) is faced with the hole (33) of the second body (32), thus forming a circular through hole jointly towards the center of the platform. The semicircular orifices (33) are perforated in pairs and throughout the entire support structure (3) several pairs of semicircular orifices (33) are distributed equally.

The accommodation means (4) for keeping the arrangements hydrated are adjusted in the semicircular holes (33) by resting the arrangements on the platform at an angle to the side and side of the support structure (3), so that the inflorescences of each arrangement do not touch each other and remain free of contact with the platform. Additionally, on the platform there are fixing means (36) to prevent the housing means (4) from leaving their position, said fixing means (36) can be, although they are not limited to: rubber bands , sailboat moorings or plastic locks.

In the upper outer end of the bodies (31) and (32), where each arrangement is supported, cavities (35) are also included to prevent contact of the inflorescences with the platform and thus prevent the flower arrangements from suffering any damage . Optionally, under the cavities (35) and attached to the vertical wall of the bodies (31) and (32) means for damping (37) of the floral arrangements of materials such as foams or wadding can be placed.

To take advantage of all available space, smaller arrangements can be accommodated on the support structure (3). Thus, apart from the first group of semicircular holes (33), the bodies (31) and (32) can be perforated with a second group of holes (34), preferably circular, where the housing means are inserted to keep the arrangements (4) in perpendicular position with respect to the surface of the upper angled surface of each body (31) and (32). The second group of holes (34) have a diameter substantially smaller than that of the first group of semicircular holes

(33). The second group of holes (34) is arranged on the platform towards the upper outer end of each of the bodies (31) and (32), and are equally distributed so as not to interfere with the arrangements inserted in the first group of holes (33) and which are lying on the platform. To secure a housing means (4) to the support structure (3), two holes (34) are perforated, so that a first hole is on the angled platform and the second hole is drilled on the vertical wall of the body (31) or (32), the two holes forming a space through which the housing means (4) passes and is secured.

In Figures 1 to 3 it can be seen that the outer box (1) has a plurality of holes (15) arranged for the ventilation of the floral arrangements, and handles (16) to facilitate the transport of the boxes. Likewise, the tray (2) can optionally have holes (23) and handles (24) so that they coincide with those of the outer box (1), said ventilation holes (15) can also optionally be located in the upper, lateral part and / or lower of the outer box (1).

To provide greater strength to the packaging system, the outer box (1) can optionally have removable reinforcement bars or templates (13), which prevents deformation of the boxes during stacking, which can be made of wood, plastic or any other suitable material. From 1 to 3 bars or removable reinforcement templates (13) can be placed across the base (11) of the outer box on its upper edge. The bars or templates are placed in such a way that they are evenly distributed over the entire length of the base (11) of the outer box. Additionally, the bars or templates comprise the fastening means (14) for fixing the bars to the base (11) of the outer box. Said means may be sailboat belts, rubber bands, plastic locks or any other suitable material that allows the securing of the bars (13) in the packaging system.

The system can also comprise reinforcements and supports necessary to provide a solid construction of all the elements within the box. Also, these elements can be constructed of materials such as corrugated cardboard, resistant plastics or any other suitable material.

Finally, Figure 5 shows the accommodation means (4) to keep hydrated floral arrangements of different dimensions, within which tubes with perforated lids are suitable that allow the introduction of pressurized floral arrangements or wrappings that wrap the stems of Flower arrangements The accommodation means (4) for keeping the flower arrangements hydrated should be suitable for containing water, preservative solutions, jellies or foams moistened with water or said preservative solutions.

Although the present invention has been carried out with the thought of transporting floral arrangements over long distances, it is also possible to use the system for its local transport, for example. Its ease of stacking allows one package to be placed over another so that several arrangements can be taken to the same site without having to make several round trips to the place where the end user is located, for example, by placing several different packaging systems inside of a delivery truck.

It will be understood that the present invention is not restricted to the preferred embodiments described herein but that modifications thereof can be conceived within the scope of the appended claims herein.

Claims

1. A packaging system for transporting floral arrangements comprising a. An outer box, comprising a base and a lid, b. A tray comprising a support structure with a plurality of holes, and c. The accommodation means to keep the floral arrangements hydrated.

2. The packaging system of claim 1 characterized in that the outer box is geometric in shape, which is made of a resistant material.

3. The packaging system of claim 2 characterized in that the outer box is preferably rectangular in shape and is made of corrugated cardboard.

4. The packaging system of claim 1 characterized in that the tray is of a single body which is folded into three sections, two sections in the form of vertical walls and a horizontal base section.

5. The packaging system of claim 4 characterized in that the dimensions of the tray are such that, the width thereof is equal to the interior width of the base of the box and the length of the tray is equal to the interior length of the base of the box.

6. The packaging system of claim 4 characterized in that the horizontal base section is arranged parallel to the base of the outer box.

7. The packaging system of claim 4 characterized in that the tray can be optionally waterproofed with materials selected from waxes and / or plastics.

8. The packaging system of claim 1 characterized in that the support structure is the same horizontal base section of the tray.

9. The packaging system of claim 8 characterized in that the support structure is perforated with a plurality of holes in which the housing means fit to keep the floral arrangements hydrated.

10. The packaging system of claim 8 characterized in that the support structure is arranged parallel to the base of the box and is at a height that corresponds between 30% to 70% of the total height of the base of Ia box.

11. The packaging system of claim 1 characterized in that the tray comprises a support structure, which in turn comprises two bodies.

12. The packaging system of claim 12 characterized in that the two bodies are symmetrically arranged side and side with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tray.

13. The packaging system of claim 12 characterized in that the two bodies are raised vertically to form a central platform at a height between 30% to 70% of the total height of the base of the box and, because the two bodies they do not occupy more than a third of the width of the base of the box.

14. The packaging system of claim 14 characterized in that the surface of the platform of the two bodies is arranged at an angle of 0 to 45 °, so that said surfaces are in decline towards the center of the platform, both bodies forming a channel.

15. The packaging system of claim 12 characterized in that the bodies have two groups of holes, preferably circular or semicircular.

16. The packaging system of claim 16 characterized in that a first group of holes are located on the upper surface of each body towards the center of the platform, so that they cover part of the vertical internal wall and part of the platform at an angle of each body.

17. The packaging system of claim 17 characterized in that the first group of holes of the first body face the first group of holes of the second body, forming a circular through hole together.

18. The packaging system of claim 16 characterized in that the first group of semicircular orifices are perforated in pairs, wherein said pairs are distributed evenly throughout the entire support structure.

19. The packaging system of claim 15 characterized in that the second group of holes are preferably circular and have a diameter substantially smaller than that of the first group of holes.

20. The packaging system of claim 15 characterized in that the second group of holes are distributed equally so as not to interfere with the arrangements arranged on the support structure at the upper outer end of each of the bodies.

21. The packaging system of claim 20 characterized in that the second group of holes are perforated in pairs of holes, in such a way that A first hole is located on the angled platform and the second hole is drilled on the vertical wall of each body, the two holes forming a space through which the housing means is secured and secured.

22. The packaging system of claim 12 characterized in that each of the bodies further comprises cavities located at the upper outer end of each body.

23. The packaging system of claim 12 characterized in that, optionally, means for damping the floral arrangements can be placed, wherein said damping means are attached to the vertical wall of the bodies and under the cavities, and are made of materials such as foams or wadding.

24. The packaging system of claim 1 characterized in that on the support structure there are fixing means for adjusting the arrangements, which are made of a material selected from rubber bands or sailboat moorings.

25. The packaging system of claim 1 characterized in that the outer box has a plurality of holes arranged for ventilation and handles to facilitate the transport of the boxes.

26. The packaging system of claim 1 characterized in that the tray can optionally have holes for ventilation and handles to match those of the outer box.

27. The packaging system of claim 1 characterized in that the outer box can optionally have removable reinforcement bars or templates, which can be made of materials such as wood or plastic.

28. The packaging system of claim 27 characterized in that the outer box can contain 1 to 3 bars or removable reinforcement templates.

29. The packaging system of claim 27, characterized in that the removable reinforcing bars or templates are distributed evenly across the base of the outer box and on its upper edge.

30. The packaging system of claim 27, characterized in that the reinforcing bars or templates further comprise fastening means to be fixed to the base of the outer box, wherein said fastening means can be straps of suitable materials.

31. The packaging system of claim 30 characterized in that said means for fastening are selected from the group consisting of rubber bands, plastic locks or sailboat belts.

32. The packaging system of claim 1 characterized in that the accommodation means for keeping hydrated floral arrangements can be selected from the group consisting of waterproof tubes or wrappers.

33. The packaging system of claim 32 characterized in that said tubes further comprise perforated caps.

34. The packaging system of claim 32 characterized in that said waterproof tubes or wrappings are made of a material suitable for containing water or a preservative solution.

35. The packaging system of claim 33 characterized in that said waterproof tubes or wrappings are made of plastic.

36. The packaging system of claim 32 characterized in that said waterproof tubes or wrappings may contain water, preservative solutions, jellies and / or foams moistened with water or said preservative solutions.

COLO 14776-842-001-9 PRP / WPC14776 / ID-000004