NL2028031B1 - A stalk-stem connection piece for connecting a flower or plant with an artificial stalk and a pre-assembled succulent kit - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the invention is achieved by a stalk-stem connection piece for connecting a flower with an artificial stalk, the connection piece comprising - a body having a stem insertion end and an opposite stalk end; - a thread extending from the body at the stern insertion end for rotational insertion into an stern of the flower; - a stalk channel extending from the stalk end towards the stem end; wherein the connection piece comprises an outwardly extending flange positioned between the thread and the stalk end.

Description

A stalk-stem connection piece for connecting a flower or plant with an artificial stalk and a pre-assembled succulent kit Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a stalk-stem connection piece for connecting a flower or plant with an artificial stalk. The present invention relates especially for providing an artificial stalk to a short stemmed flower or plant such as a succulent such that the succulent can be used in a bouquet flowers. Background of the Invention Bouquets of flowers having long-stalked flowers with a long longevity are of great value, since the bouquets can to be used as gifts. At present day florist modifies these bouquets of flowers using flower-like plants such as succulent wherein some embodiments look like flowers. The succulent has a long longevity which makes them suitable for these kinds of bouquets of flowers.

However, the succulent have little to no stalk and the succulent is brittle. Thus, the succulent must be modified with some kind of artificial stalk or other means for the succulent to be used or placed in the bouquet of flowers. Florist will often insert wire into the succulent to create holding means and then bind the succulent to an artificial stalk followed by an act of inserting the stalk into the bouquet of flowers. However, the brittle nature of the succulent makes this task slow and tedious as the succulent must be attached to the artificial stalk without visibly damaging the succu- lent.

Furthermore, the brittle nature of the succulent makes it susceptible to damage during transportation. Thus, there 1s a need for an improvement of the art in order to make the task of bind- ing a bouquet of flowers comprising at least one succulent less time consuming and with a higher success rate.

Florists often face the need to create bouquets of a variety of flowers.

Some flowers may have a long stalk and other flowers or plants may be shorter and will need to be extended to be arranged in the bouquet.

Over the years long-life (with a lifespan of say weeks or even months) and long stalk flowers have emerged.

For florists wanting to combine long stalked and long-life flowers with shorter or basically short plants, there is a need to be able to extend the short plants, in order to create a bouquet with a long lifespan.

At present there is a need for an improvement of means for extending the length of a short plant in a sustainable way that will last for a long period.

In example, for long stalked and long-life flower types like Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, it may be desirable to be combined with succulent plants to make a bouquet that can last for weeks or even months.

Object of the Invention It is an object to improve the art or overcome one or more of the above mentioned problems.

Description of the Invention An object of the invention is achieved by a stalk-stem connection piece for connecting a flower or a plant with an artificial stalk, the connection piece comprising - a body having a stem insertion end and an opposite stalk end; - a thread extending from the body at the stem insertion end for rotational insertion into an stem of the flower or plant; - a stalk channel extending from the stalk end towards the stem end; wherein the connection piece comprises an outwardly extending flange positioned between the thread and the stalk end.

Thereby, the stalk-stem connection piece can be inserted into a stem of a flower or a plant without applying a large force directed towards the flower or plant.

Thereby, the connection piece can be used to connect brittle plants, such as a succulent, without damaging the brittle plant.

Succulents are popular to use in bouquets of flowers because several genus of succu- lents have a flower-like appearance, see figure 3 for an example.

The connection piece is expected to find use for the flowers and plants of the genus Adromischus or Aleo or Crassula or Echeveria or Graptopetalum or Haworthia or Kalanchoe or Pachyphytum. The skilled person would from the list be able to deter- mine whether the connection piece could be of use for other not mentioned genus.

The flange function as a depth stop has a relative large area, thereby preventing fur- ther penetration without applying a significantly larger torque to the stalk-stem. Furthermore, the flange and stalk end enable transportation of the connection piece by inserting connection piece into a cardboard holding the individually connection piece in place during transportation.

Thereby, the florist can use the thread of the connection piece to rotate the connection piece into a stem of a succulent; thereby the succulent will experience a smaller force which reduces the risk of damage.

Furthermore, the stalk channel and flange also enable the connection piece to be in- serted into clay, wherein the flange will act as a depth stop.

Furthermore, the stalk channel and flange also enable the connection piece to be in- serted into clay or other deformable material such as the product sold under the trade- mark name Oasis, wherein the flange will act as a depth stop.

In this case the outer side of the stalk end may have one or more barbs for engaging and gripping the material, when the connection piece is inserted into the material.

The term artificial stalk should be interpreted broadly as a stalk not naturally belong- ing to the respective flower or plant. Thus, the stalk may be made of wood, bamboo, or plastic or any other matter.

The body part from the flange to the stalk end should have a length, such that after the connection piece is inserted into the stem of the flower or plant, then the connection piece can be held using two fingers without a need to touch the flower or plant while a stalk is inserted into the stalk channel with an upwardly directed force which would damage the flower or plant such as the succulent if the flower or plant was exposed to the force. However the force is only between the stalk and the connection piece.

Thus, the length from the flange to the stalk end should be at least 1.5 cm or prefera- bly at least 2 cm. Experiments have shown that the length from the flange to the stalk end being 6 cm is the optimum for handling of the connection piece, and the length enable a stalk chan- nel being of 6 cm enabling a strong frictionally connection with the artificial stalk. Furthermore, the connection piece total length is still such that transportation cost is kept low. In an embodiment the length from the flange to the stalk end is in the range of 1.5- 10 cm or more preferred 2-7 em. In an embodiment, the flange may be two or more abutments extending from the body.

An aspect of the invention is achieved by the stalk channel extending from the stalk end to the stem insertion end. The connection piece will, when being screwed into the stem, displace matter and as a consequence there is a risk of damaging the flower or plant. This is especially the case if the plant is a succulent. The stalk channel extending through the connection piece ensures that less plant mat- ter has to be replaced, which reduces the risk of damaging the plant such as the succu- lent. Furthermore, the connection with an artificial stalk is improved as the stalk can be inserted further. As a consequence, the plant material in the stalk channel is frictional-

ly engaging both the connection piece and the stalk. This will further improve the connection and thus stability of the flower or plant, connection piece and stalk. The penetration and rotation of the connection piece is further improved, when the 5 insertion end is pointed, such that the end can penetrate the stem and divide the plant matter, where some plant matter is displaced into the stalk channel. An aspect of the invention is achieved by a cross-section of the stalk channel which may decrease towards the stem insertion end.

The florist may have a variety of different stalks with different diameters. The diame- ter may be 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm or other diameters. The decreasing cross-section enables stalks having different diameters to be fastened to the same connection piece. This allows the florist to work faster. Furthermore, the gradually decreasing cross-section further improves the connection between the stalk and the stalk channel as the frictional connection will gradually in- crease. This is also easier for the florist to control as the force needed for making the connection gradually increases as the stalk is inserted, thereby the risk of damaging the flower or plant decreases. This is especially the case when the stalk has a threaded ending for engaging the stalk channel.

An aspect of the invention is achieved by the stalk channel being threaded or compris- ing one OT more grooves. The threaded stalk channel enables a connection with a stalk by rotation of the stalk into the stalk channel. This will limit the total force directly towards the stem and thus reduce the risk of breakage of the flower or plant. This is especially important when handling a brittle plant such as a succulent.

The one or more grooves will enable a connection with a stalk by insertion into the stalk channel. This is possible if the distance between the stalk end and the flange is at least 2 cm, thereby allowing two fingers to hold the connection piece while inserting the stalk.

Thereby, the flower or plant will not experience any force. This is especially im- portant when handling a brittle plant such as a succulent. An aspect of the invention is achieved by the connection piece comprising a bendable joint between the flange and the stalk end. Thereby, the flower or plant can be tilted relative to the stalk end enabling a better control of the presentation of the flower or plant.

A bouquet of flowers often has a sphere-like or round-like surface. An aspect of the invention is achieved by the connection piece comprising a threaded cylindrical part extending from the flange to the insertion end, wherein the insertion end is pointed. The insertion end has a larger thread pitch than the cylindrical part.

Thereby, it becomes easier to connect the connection piece to the flower or plant as the thread will more easily grip the flower or plant. This is especially important when handling a brittle plant like a succulent.

An aspect of the invention is achieved by the connection piece being made of a pulp, starch, sphagnum, grasses or combinations thereof. The thread and stem insertion end will upon insertion break the cell walls of the stem causing leakage of liquid. The liquid will cause said pulp, starch, sphagnum, grasses or combinations thereof to dissolve slightly, which surprisingly results in an improved frictional connection between the connection piece and the flower or plant after a short period. This is believed to be due to how the material of the flower or plant and the connection piece diffuses together.

This effect is further improved if the stalk channel extends from the stalk end to the stem insertion end as there is plant matter in the stalk channel.

In an embodiment the connection piece is made of a hard plastic such as polyamide (PA). Thereby, the stalk is inserted into the channel and twisted, causing a frictional connection.

In an embodiment the connection piece is made of a soft plastic, the skilled person would know what kind of plastic to use. The stalk will then be connected by insertion into the channel wherein the plastic material will be displaced, thereby creating a fric- tional connection.

An aspect of the invention is achieved by the connection piece being a monolith.

Thereby, the connection piece becomes easier to handle as the connection piece is a single unit and the risk of breakage is reduced, when the insertion end is rotated into the flower or plant.

An object of the invention is achieved by a pre-assembled succulent kit.

The succulent kit may comprise - a succulent having a stem; and - a stalk-stem connection piece comprising a body having a stem insertion end and an opposite stalk end, wherein the stem insertion end has means for insertion into the stem and the opposite stalk end being adapted for connection with an artificial stalk, wherein the stem insertion end is inserted into the stem and the opposite stalk end ex- tends away from the succulent.

The pre-assembled succulent kit is enabling transportation in a safe and reliable mat- ter. As previously mentioned the succulents are brittle, thus they are prone to be dam- aged during transportation.

However, the stalk end extending away from the succulent can be inserted into a hole of a plane surface such as a cardboard or the like.

Thereby, a plurality of succulent kits can be transported to florists with a small risk of damage. The florists may bind bouquets of flowers and when needed, connect the stalk end to an artificial stalk before placing the succulent in the bouquets of flowers. The connection piece may be one or more of the earlier described embodiments of the connection piece.

An object of the invention is achieved by a kit comprising an artificial stalk and a connection piece or a succulent kit. The connection piece and the stalk is a kit but not attached to one another before the connection piece is rotated into a flower or plant. The stalk and connection piece will when combined occupy a large volume, and, as a consequence it would be expensive to transport the combination. However, the kit can be transported at a lower cost. Furthermore, the kit enables the use of succulents in a bouquet of flowers.

An object of the invention is achieved by use of a kit for attaching a succulent to a bouquet of flowers. The kit greatly improves the speed of attaching a succulent to a bouquet of flowers, while reducing the risk of damaging the brittle succulent. Method for binding a bouquet of flowers comprising at least one succulent, the meth- od comprising acts of; - providing a connection piece or a succulent kit; - rotating the connection piece into a stem of a succulent; - attaching a stalk to the stalk end; - binding a bouquet of flowers; and - insert the stalk into the bouquet of flowers.

The rotation of the connection piece causes the thread to grip the stem such that the connection piece is inserted into the stem without using a large force when pushing into the stem, which would otherwise cause the brittle succulent to be damaged. If a succulent kit is used the connection piece is already attached.

Afterwards the stalk is attached to the stalk end by insertion of the stalk into the stalk end.

An act of binding a bouquet of flowers using any flowers is then performed followed by an act of inserting the stalk into the bouquet of flowers. The resulting bouquet of flowers comprises a succulent. More than one succulent can be inserted into the bou- quet of flowers.

This method is shown in figures 1-3.

Florists often face the need to create bouquets comprising a variety of decorative ele- ments.

These decorative elements are no longer restricted to cut-off flowers, but in a yet in- creasing degree comprises for example whole plants or parts, like whole succulent plants, bamboo plants, leaves, brunches, fruits, berries, pine tree cones, dried plants or blossoms, mushrooms, artificial plants and blossoms, and other natural and artificial decorative elements.

Therefore, there is an increasing need to provide a universal connector for such a dec- orative element, comprising first means for attaching it to a decorative element, and second attaching means for affixing to any support, being of a natural or artificial origin.

The first and second attachment means can both be screws made by any known pro- cess from any known materials, attached back-to-back in the opposite directions inside the connector, and connectors further having optional gripping means to ease insertion of said two connection means and in order to provide sufficient torque force to the connector when attaching any or both of the connection means.

Description of the Drawing Embodiments of the invention will be described in the figures, whereon: Fig. 1 illustrates a kit and a succulent; Fig. 2 illustrates a succulent kit; Fig. 3 illustrates succulents attached to a bouquet of flowers; Fig. 4 illustrates two embodiments of the connection piece; and Fig. 5 illustrates two other embodiments of the connection piece.

Detailed Description of the Invention a Boones [| Fig. 1 illustrates a kit 70 and a succulent 80. The succulent is a brittle plant, which will easily break or become damage if experi- encing a force.

The design of the connection piece 10 is made to minimise the force needed for attaching the connection piece to the stem 82 of the suceulent 80.

The kit 70 comprises an artificial stalk 72 and a connection piece 10. In the present case the artificial stalk is made of wood. The connection piece 10 disclosed is disclosed in greater detail in figure 4A.

Fig. 2 illustrates use of a succulent kit 88. Fig. 2A discloses a pre-assembled succulent kit 88.

The succulent kit 88 comprises a succulent 80 having a stem 82.

The succulent kit 88 comprises a stalk-stem connection piece 10 comprising a body 20 having a stem insertion end 30 and an opposite stalk end 40.

The stem insertion end 30 has means for insertion into the stem 82 and in the figure the stem insertion end 30 is inserted into the stem 82.This is preferably done using rotation and a thread, however other means are also possible.

The opposite stalk end 40 is adapted for connection with an artificial stalk 72 as seen in figs. 2B-C.

Furthermore, the opposite stalk end 40 extends away from the succulent 80 such that this end can be positioned into a cardboard or another surface having a suitable aper- ture for receiving and holding said stalk end 40.

Thereby, the pre-assembled succulent kit 88 can be transported with little to no risk of damaging the brittle succulent.

The kit 70 comprises an artificial stalk 72 and a connection piece 10. In the present case the artificial stalk is made of wood.

The succulent 80 as shown in fig. 2D may afterwards be used in a bouquet of flowers as shown in figure 3.

Fig. 3 illustrates succulents 80 attached to a bouquet of flowers 90. Fig. 4 illustrates two embodiments of the connection piece 10. Fig. 4A discloses a stalk-stem connection piece 10 for connecting a flower or plant with an artificial stalk 72. The connection piece 10 comprises a body 20 having a stem insertion end 30 and an opposite stalk end 40.

The connection piece 10 comprises a thread 32 extending from the body 20 at the stem insertion end 30 for rotational insertion into a stem 82 of the flower or plant. The connection piece 10 comprises a stalk channel 42 extending from the stalk end 40 towards the insertion end 30. The connection piece 10 further comprises an outwardly extending flange 50 posi- tioned between the thread 32 and the stalk end 40. The flange 50 functions as depth control and it has an area which is large enough to prevent damage without increasing the torque on the connection piece 10 significantly. The connection piece 10 comprises a threaded cylindrical part 34, which extends from the flange 50 to the insertion end 30, wherein the insertion end 30 is pointed and the insertion end 30 has a larger thread pitch than the cylindrical part 34. This improves the initial grip onto the flower or plant. Furthermore, a cross-section of the stalk channel 42 decreases towards the stem inser- tion end 30. Thereby, various stalks 72 having different diameters can be inserted into the stalk channel 42 and be locked in place due to a frictional connection. Fig. 4B discloses a stalk-stem connection piece 10 for connecting a flower or plant with an artificial stalk 72.

The connection piece 10 comprises a body 20 having a stem insertion end 30 and an opposite stalk end 40. The connection piece 10 comprises a thread 32 extending from the body 20 at the stem insertion end 30 for rotational insertion into a stem 82 of the flower or plant. The connection piece 10 comprises a stalk channel 42 extending from the stalk end 40 towards the insertion end 30.

The connection piece 10 further comprises an outwardly extending flange 50 posi- tioned between the thread 32 and the stalk end 40. The flange 50 functions as depth control and it has an area which is large enough to prevent damage without increasing the torque on the connection piece 10 significantly.

The connection piece 10 comprises a threaded cylindrical part 34, which extends from the flange 50 to the insertion end 30, wherein the insertion end 30 is pointed and the insertion end 30 has a larger thread pitch than the cylindrical part 34. This improves the initial grip onto the flower or plant.

The stalk channel 42 comprises a plurality of grooves 44, which grooves will engage a stalk 72 having a diameter substantially equal to the cross-section of the stalk channel. Fig. 5 illustrates two other embodiments of the connection piece 10.

Fig. SA discloses a stalk-stem connection piece 10 for connecting a flower or plant with an artificial stalk 72. The connection piece 10 comprises a body 20 having a stem insertion end 30 and an opposite stalk end 40. The connection piece 10 comprises a thread 32 extending from the body 20 at the stem insertion end 30 for rotational insertion into a stem 82 of the flower or plant.

The connection piece 10 comprises a stalk channel 42 extending from the stalk end 40 towards the insertion end 30.

The connection piece 10 further comprises an outwardly extending flange 50 posi- tioned between the thread 32 and the stalk end 40. The flange 50 functions as depth control and it has an area which is large enough to prevent damage without increasing the torque on the connection piece 10 significantly.

Fig. 5B discloses a stalk-stem connection piece 10 for connecting a flower or plant with an artificial stalk 72.

The connection piece 10 comprises a body 20 having a stem insertion end 30 and an opposite stalk end 40.

The connection piece 10 comprises a thread 32 extending from the body 20 at the stem insertion end 30 for rotational insertion into a stem 82 of the flower or plant. The thread 32 is not explicitly disclosed in figure SB, but it is present.

The connection piece 10 comprises a stalk channel 42 extending from the stalk end 40 towards the insertion end 30.

The connection piece 10 further comprises an outwardly extending flange 50 posi- tioned between the thread 32 and the stalk end 40. The flange 50 functions as depth control and it has an area which is large enough to prevent damage without increasing the torque on the connection piece 10 significantly.

The stalk channel 42 extends from the stalk end 40 to the insertion end 30 with a gradually decreasing cross-section. The through-going stalk channel 42 allows the flower or plant pulp to enter the stalk channel 42, thereby minimizing the total dis- placing of material. Thereby, the risk of damaging the flower or plant is reduced.

The stalk channel 42 may be threaded or comprise one or more grooves as shown in fig. 4B.

Claims (10)

CONCLUSIESCONCLUSIONS 1. Een steel/stengelverbindingsstuk (10) voor het verbinden van een bloem of plant met een kunstmatige stengel (72), waarbij het verbindingsstuk (10) omvat: — een lichaam (20) met een stengelinzetuiteinde (30) en een tegenoverliggend steeluiteinde (40); — een schroefdraad (32) die zich vanaf het lichaam (20) aan het stengelinzetuiteinde (30) uitstrekt om draaibaar in een stengel (82) van de bloem te worden gestoken; — een steelkanaal (42) dat zich uitstrekt vanaf het steeluiteinde (40) naar het inzetuiteinde (30); waarbij het verbindingsstuk (10) een naar buiten uitstekende flens (50) omvat die tussen de schroefdraad (32) en het steeluiteinde (40) is gelegen.A stem/stalk connector (10) for connecting a flower or plant to an artificial stem (72), the connector (10) comprising: - a body (20) having a stem insertion end (30) and an opposite stem end ( 40); - a thread (32) extending from the body (20) at the stem insertion end (30) to be rotatably inserted into a stem (82) of the flower; - a stem channel (42) extending from the stem end (40) to the insertion end (30); wherein the connector (10) includes an outwardly projecting flange (50) located between the threads (32) and the stem end (40). 2. Het verbindingsstuk (10) volgens conclusie 1, waarbij het steelkanaal (42) zich uitstrekt vanaf het steeluiteinde (40) naar het inzetuiteinde (30).The connector (10) of claim 1, wherein the stem channel (42) extends from the stem end (40) to the insert end (30). 3. Het verbindingsstuk (10) volgens conclusie 1 of 2, waarbij een dwarsdoorsnede van het steelkanaal (42) in de richting van het stengelinzetuiteinde (30) afneemt.The connector (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein a cross section of the stem channel (42) decreases toward the stem insertion end (30). 4, Het verbindingsstuk (10) volgens willekeurig welke van de conclusies 1 tot en met 3, waarin het steelkanaal (42) van schroefdraad is voorzien of een of meer groeven (44) omvat.The connector (10) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stem channel (42) is threaded or includes one or more grooves (44). 5. Het verbindingsstuk (10) volgens willekeurig welke van de conclusies 1 tot en met 4, waarbij het verbindingsstuk (10) een cilindrisch deel (34) met schroefdraad omvat dat zich uitstrekt vanaf de flens (50) tot het inzetuiteinde (30), waarbij het inzetuiteinde (30) puntig is en het inzetuiteinde (30) een grotere schroefdraadspoed heeft dan het cilindrische deel (34).The connector (10) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connector (10) comprises a threaded cylindrical member (34) extending from the flange (50) to the insert end (30), wherein the insertion end (30) is pointed and the insertion end (30) has a greater thread pitch than the cylindrical portion (34). 6. Het verbindingsstuk (10) volgens willekeurig welke van de conclusies 1 tot en met 5, waarbij het verbindingsstuk (10) een monoliet is.The connector (10) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connector (10) is a monolith. 7. Een vooraf samengestelde succulentkit (8), waarbij de succulentkit omvat: — een vetplant (80) met een stengel (82); en — een steel/stengelverbindingsstuk (10) bestaande uit een lichaam (20) met een stengelinzetuiteinde (30) en een tegenoverliggend steeluiteinde (40), waarbij het stengelinzetuiteinde (30) is voorzien van middelen om in de stengel (82) te steken en het tegenoverliggende steeluiteinde (40) geschikt is voor verbinding met een kunstmatige steel (72), waarbij het stengelinzetstuk (30) in de stengel (82) wordt gestoken en het tegenoverliggende stengeluiteinde (40) van het succulent (80) uitsteekt.7. A pre-assembled succulent kit (8), the succulent kit comprising: - a succulent (80) with a stem (82); and - a stem/stem connector (10) comprising a body (20) having a stem insert end (30) and an opposing stem end (40), the stem insert end (30) having means for insertion into the stem (82), and the opposite stem end (40) is adapted for connection to an artificial stem (72), with the stem insert (30) inserted into the stem (82) and the opposite stem end (40) extending from the succulent (80). 8. Een kit (70) omvattende: — een kunstmatige steel (72) en een verbindingsstuk (10) volgens willekeurig welke van de conclusies 1 tot en met 6; of — een kunstmatige steel (72) en een succulentkit (88) zoals gedefinieerd in conclusie 7.A kit (70) comprising: - an artificial stem (72) and a connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; or - an artificial stem (72) and a succulent kit (88) as defined in claim 7. 9. Toepassing van een kit (70) volgens conclusie 8 voor het bevestigen van een succulent (80) aan een boeket bloemen (90).Use of a kit (70) according to claim 8 for attaching a succulent (80) to a bouquet of flowers (90). 10. Werkwijze voor het binden van een boeket bloemen (90) dat ten minste één succulent (80) omvat, waarbij de werkwijze de stappen omvat — het voorzien in een verbindingsstuk (10) volgens willekeurig welke van de conclusies 1 tot en met 6; — het draaien van het verbindingsstuk in een stengel (82) van een succulent (80); — het bevestigen van een steel (70) aan het steeluiteinde (40); — het binden van een boeket bloemen (90); en — het inbrengen van de steel (70) in het boeket bloemen (90).A method of binding a bouquet of flowers (90) comprising at least one succulent (80), the method comprising the steps of - providing a connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; - turning the connector into a stem (82) of a succulent (80); - attaching a stem (70) to the stem end (40); - tying a bouquet of flowers (90); and - inserting the stem (70) into the bouquet of flowers (90).