Apparatus, Systems and Methods for Packaging, Protecting and Displaying Flowers

Abstract

Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for packaging and protecting flowers. Specifically, a rigid crate or bucket holds cut flowers therein, and a rigid sleeve protects the same. The crate or bucket may be stackable for storing and/or shipping of the same, thereby protecting the flowers therein. Moreover, systems comprise a foldable rack for holding one or a plurality of crates or buckets thereon for displaying the same.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A flower holding apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
 a bottom portion surrounded by at least one wall, wherein the at least one wall extends vertically from the bottom portion and forms a perimeter;   an upwardly open channel disposed about the perimeter of the at least one wall and extending outwardly away from the at least one wall; and   at least one strap channel disposed on the bottom portion for maintaining the position of a strap.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the at least one wall slopes inwardly. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising at least one ergonomic handgrip. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the upwardly open channel is U-shaped. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a protective tube disposed within the upwardly open channel. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a lid disposed on top of the upwardly open channel, wherein the lid comprises at least one strap channel for maintaining the position of a strap. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5  further comprising a lid disposed on top of the protective tube, wherein the lid comprises at least one strap channel for maintaining the position of a strap. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a foldable insert disposed a length above the bottom portion; and 
 a plurality to tabs disposed on the foldable insert, wherein the plurality of tabs are disposed in at least one of the plurality of apertures. 
 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the foldable insert comprises at least one leg disposed within the length between the bottom portion and the foldable insert 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus for holding and displaying flowers, the system comprising:
 a flower display apparatus comprising a trellis, a base, and at least one vertical support, wherein the trellis is hingedly connected to the base and to the at least one vertical support, and further wherein the at least one support removably attaches to the base; and   at least one hoop for levelly holding a flower holding crate, wherein the at least one hoop is removably disposed on the flower display apparatus by an angled connector.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  further comprising at least one flower holding apparatus comprising a bottom portion surrounded by at least one wall, wherein the at least one wall extends vertically from the bottom portion and forms a perimeter, a plurality of apertures disposed within the at least one wall, and an upwardly open channel disposed about the perimeter of the at least one wall extending outwardly away from the at least one wall. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the trellis is hinged to the base with an L-shaped hinge. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the trellis is hinged to the at least one vertical support with an L-shaped hinge. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the flower display apparatus has a first triangular configuration and a second flat configuration. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 10  further comprising at least one wheel disposed on the bottom of the flower display apparatus. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the angled connector comprises at least one hook. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus for adapting the height of a flower holding crate, the apparatus comprising:
 a base for supporting a plurality of flowers thereon, wherein the base has a first side and a second side;   at least one arm, wherein the at least one arm extends upwardly away from the base;   at least one leg, wherein the at least one leg extends downwardly away from the base; and   at least one tab hingedly disposed on the at least one arm, wherein the at least one tab is attachable to a flower holding crate.   
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the apparatus is disposed within a flower holding crate. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the base, the at least one arm, and the at least one leg are waterproof. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the at least one arm is hingedly disposed on the first side of the base and the at least one leg is hingedly disposed on the second side of the base.