Method and package for assembling and shipping fresh cut floral arrangements

Abstract

This invention relates generally to a method and package for shipping and handling fresh cut floral arrangements where fragile flower blooms cover the top and sides of the arrangement.

1 . A package for shipping and handling fragile floral arrangements with flowers protruding from and covering the top and sides of said arrangement, comprising:
 a plate with an upper surface, a lower surface, an outside diameter, a concentric block retaining well extending upwards from said upper surface;   a foam block disposed on said upper surface of said plate in said block retaining well;   a cage attached to said block retaining well, trapping said foam block between said upper surface of said plate and said cage;   a shipping carton;   a liner with fold over interlocking tops with finger slots, a bottom of sufficient length and width as to slip-fit in said carton, two or more sidewalls with plate retainer slots in said sidewalls a sufficient distance above said bottom as to interface with said outside diameter of said plate and of sufficient length and width as to hold said plate securely when said fold over tops are interlocked without touching said flowers.   
   
   
       2 . A package for shipping and handling fragile floral arrangements with flowers protruding from and covering the top and sides of said arrangement as in  claim 1  further comprising:
 a pedestal attached to said lower surface of said plate.   
   
   
       3 . A method of packaging fragile floral arrangements with flowers protruding from and covering the top and sides of said arrangement for shipping and handling comprising the steps of:
 placing a water absorbing foam block on a plate;   attaching a cage to said plate to retain said foam bock to said plate;   saturating said foam block with a material selected from a group of water, water admixed with floral nutrients, and water admixed with floral nutrients and fungicides;   inserting flowers into said saturated foam block in such a manner as to cover top and sides of said floral arrangement;   placing said floral arrangement in the center of a liner with a bottom, side walls, plate retainer slots in said side walls, fold over interlocking tops with finger slots;   folding said liner side walls at 90 degree angles forming a U-shaped liner with said plate retainer slots at a sufficient height above said bottom as interface with outside diameter of said plate;   folding said tops at 90 degree angles inward interlocking said tops; and   slipping said liner into said carton and sealing, whereby said arrangement is secured for shipment to remote locations without touching said flowers;   opening carton at consumer destination;   grasping said liner by said finger slots and lifting from said carton;   separating said liner tops;   unfolding said tops; and   unfolding said sides whereby said floral arrangement is in display ready condition.   
   
   
       5 . A method of packaging fragile floral arrangements with flowers protruding from and covering the top and sides of said arrangement for shipping and handling as in claim  4  further comprising the step of:
 attaching pedestal into said bottom surface of said plate.