Patent US3874115A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3874115A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nonspill flexible package for shipping and storing cut flowers or the like
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1974-02-11
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Granted: 1975-04-01
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Expires: 1994-02-11
Abstract
Abstract A system for receiving and shipping out flowers or the like in a spill-resistant container including a quantity of liquid. The system includes a bag having an open end folding inwardly of the bag. The open end of the bag is maintained in spaced-apart relation with the surrounding side walls of the bag, and stems of cut flowers or the like can be inserted through the open end to be received within the bag. A quantity of water or other liquid is added to the bag to preserve the flowers. Although the bag and flowers are normally stored in an upright position, the spacedapart position of the open end relative to the side of the bag prevents liquid spillage if the bag becomes upset or overturned. The system also includes a container box for receiving and shipping a number of flower-containing bags. The box is convertible to display the flower-containing bags.
Inventors
- 👤 Herbert S London
- 👤 William Jackson Seay
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 10:16
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D85/00; B65D85/50; B65D85/505
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
214 words
Flexible package for receiving cut flowers or the like, comprising: an elongate bag made of a pliant, liquid-impermeable material; said elongate bag having sides of substantially a flat configuration extending from a closed bottom end to a top end which is open to admit the stems of a bunch of cut flowers or the like; an inflatable member secured within said elongate bag in annular surrounding relation with said open top end; said inflatable member extending within said elongate bag along substantially less than the entire elongate length of said bag so that space remains between said inflatable member and said closed bottom end to receive the cut ends of flower stems and also to receive and retain a quantity of liquid; said inflatable member when uninflated leaving said open top end substantially unobstructed to the entry of such flower stems or the like; said inflatable member, when expanded by inflation, snugly surrounding and engaging such flower stems or the like which are extending through said open top end there being an area between the outer surface of said inflatable member and the bag portion adjAcent thereto for water passage therebetween when said package is upended; and means in fluid flow communication with said inflatable member to admit pressurized fluid to said inflatable member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
214 words
Flexible package for receiving cut flowers or the like, comprising: an elongate bag made of a pliant, liquid-impermeable material; said elongate bag having sides of substantially a flat configuration extending from a closed bottom end to a top end which is open to admit the stems of a bunch of cut flowers or the like; an inflatable member secured within said elongate bag in annular surrounding relation with said open top end; said inflatable member extending within said elongate bag along substantially less than the entire elongate length of said bag so that space remains between said inflatable member and said closed bottom end to receive the cut ends of flower stems and also to receive and retain a quantity of liquid; said inflatable member when uninflated leaving said open top end substantially unobstructed to the entry of such flower stems or the like; said inflatable member, when expanded by inflation, snugly surrounding and engaging such flower stems or the like which are extending through said open top end there being an area between the outer surface of said inflatable member and the bag portion adjAcent thereto for water passage therebetween when said package is upended; and means in fluid flow communication with said inflatable member to admit pressurized fluid to said inflatable member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The package as in claim 1, wherein said means for admitting fluid to said inflatable member extends to a location outside of said bag.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
115 words
The package as in claim 1, wherein: said inflatable member comprises an inflatable cuff secured within said bag and having a first end disposed at and attached to said open top end of said bag and a second end in spaced apart relation to said open top end; and means providing a liquid impervious connection joining said first end of said cuff to said open top end of said bag, so that the space within said bag between the inflated cuff and the portions of said bag sides contiguous to said cuff provides a reservoir volume to receive liquid which is normally at said closed bottom end of said bag unless said bag is upended.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
87 words
The package as in claim 1, wherein: said inflatable member, when expanded by inflation, is extended into contact with said flat sides of said bag adjacent said open top end to maintain said bag sides in mutual spaced apart relation; and said open top end being maintained by said expanded inflatable member at a position intermediate of said mutually spaced apart flat sides, so that said open end may be maintained above the surface of the liquid when said bag is disposed in a proximately horizontal position.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-31 | 1978-09-30 | 1979-04-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-31 | 1982-09-30 | 1983-04-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-31 | 1986-09-30 | 1987-04-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |