Cut flower packaging

Abstract

A packaging apparatus for cut flowers includes an elongated body having a closed base and an upper portion with an open top that extends from the base. The base serves as a reservoir for water and supports the apparatus an upright orientation. Strips of flexible material are secured to the top of the upper portion of the body and function as handles. In operation, the apparatus is filled with water and one or more flowers. The water assists in forcing the body into a generally cylindrical shape having a flat bottom and also functions as a weight that further supports the body in its upright orientation. The cut portions of the stems of the flowers thus have the advantage of being positioned in a reservoir of water during later transportation and the upper portion provides space to safely accommodate the stem, leaves and petal portions of the flower(s).

1 . A packaging apparatus for cut flowers and water: 
 a generally elongated body, the body being operable to contain a fluid and including a closed cylindrical base, an upper portion that flares outwardly from the base, the base having a pair of gussets and a bottom, the upper portion defining an open top and including a front panel and a rear panel,    whereby the water is contained in the base to help support the packaging in an upright position.    
   
   
       2 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a strip of flexible material are formed into an inverted U and secured to the upper portion proximate the open top.  
   
   
       3 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion further comprises print indicia.  
   
   
       4 . A packaging apparatus for cut flowers comprising: 
 a collapsible, generally elongated body, the body including a closed base, an upper portion that extends from the base and defines an open top and a handle secured to the upper portion proximate the open top, the base having a pair of gussets, a flat bottom and containing an amount of fluid, the upper portion including a front panel and a rear panel,    whereby the fluid in the base is operable to urge open the front panel and rear  8  panel and gussets such that the body takes on a generally cylindrical shape and supports the body in a substantially vertical orientation; and    
   
   
       5 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the upper portion further comprises print indicia.  
   
   
       6 . A packaging apparatus for cut flowers comprising, in combination: 
 a collapsible, generally elongated body, the body including a closed base, an upper portion that extends from the base and a strip of flexible material, the base having a pair of gussets, a flat bottom and containing an amount of fluid, the upper portion defining an open top and including a front panel, a rear panel and print indicia, the strip of flexible material being formed into an inverted U and secured to the upper portion proximate the open top, the fluid in the base being operable to urge open the front panel and rear panel and gussets and into a generally cylindrical shape and support the body in a substantially vertical orientation; and    a flower having a stem and a petal portion, the stem having a cut end that is positioned in the fluid in base of the body.