Floral packaging method and apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus and method for the protection and transportation of floral arrangements are shown. The apparatus includes a container defining a central volume. A tray is included for the suspending of a floral arrangement within the central volume. A decorative base is configured to surround a portion of the flowers. An insert is in communication with the container and configured to cradle a portion of the decorative base so as to restrict movement. The floral arrangement is tied or coupled to a portion of the tray. An optional temperature regulating device may be inserted to assist in maintaining the freshness of the floral arrangement.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . The method of transporting a floral arrangement, comprising:
 locating an insert into a container;   placing a decorative base in contact with the insert;   inserting a tray above the decorative base; and   securing the floral arrangement to the tray, the floral arrangement being suspended by the tray so as to avoid contact with the container and the decorative base.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the insert is contoured to the shape of the decorative base. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the insert passes through one or more grooves within an internal surface of the container. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 assembling the insert such that the insert is composed of a plurality of members in communication with one another through a half-lap joint.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 placing a temperature regulating device adjacent the insert.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tray is configured to contact a ridge formed along an internal surface of the container. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 attaching the floral arrangement to a center portion of the tray; and attaching the center portion of the tray to a base of the tray.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 detaching the center portion from the base of the tray for handling with the floral arrangement.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 coupling a tying device to the tray center portion, the tying device configured to extend away from the tray in contact with the floral arrangement.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the tray includes a detachable center portion and the tying device is coupled to the center portion of the tray. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 wrapping the floral arrangement with a wrapping member configured to secure the tying device to the floral arrangement.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the floral arrangement is suspended from the center portion through the tying device. 
     
     
         13 . The method of transporting a floral arrangement, comprising:
 locating an insert into a container;   placing a decorative base in contact with the insert;   inserting a tray above the decorative base;   securing the floral arrangement to the tray by coupling a tying device to the tray, the tying device configured to extend away from the tray and in contact with the floral arrangement; and   wrapping the floral arrangement with a wrapping member configured to secure the plurality of tying devices to the floral arrangement, floral arrangement being suspended by the tray so as to avoid contact with the container and the decorative base.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the insert is contoured to the shape of the decorative base. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the insert passes through one or more grooves within an internal surface of the container. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 assembling the insert such that the insert is composed of a plurality of members in communication with one another through a half-lap joint.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 placing a temperature regulating device adjacent the insert.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the tray is configured to contact a ridge formed along an internal surface of the container. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 attaching the floral arrangement to a center portion of the tray; and attaching the center portion of the tray to a base of the tray.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 detaching the center portion from the base of the tray for handling with the floral arrangement.