Vase Assembly

Abstract

An apparatus of a vase operable to hold a decorative object, is disclosed. The apparatus includes an opening configured to receive the decorative object. The apparatus includes a base configured to provide support for the vase. The apparatus includes a body extending vertically between the opening and the base. The apparatus includes a storage container rotatably coupled to the vase.

Claims

1. An apparatus of a vase operable to hold a decorative object, the apparatus comprising: an opening configured to receive the decorative object; a base configured to provide support for the vase; and a body extending vertically between the opening and the base; and a storage container rotatably coupled to the vase.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, the storage container is configured to rotate between: a first position, wherein the storage container is configured to be positioned inward in a closed positioned substantially parallel to the body; and a second position, wherein the storage container is configured to open outward substantially perpendicular to the body.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the storage container comprises of multiple openings positioned around the body of the vase.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the multiple openings comprise of one or more pedestals radially disposed and centered about the base of the vase.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of the one or more pedestals are configured to open in the first position, and close in the second position.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of the one or more pedestals are configured to be secured in a first position via a securing device.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of the one or more pedestals are configured to rotate between the first position and the second position via a hinge.

8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each of the multiple openings comprises of a serving dish.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the serving dish is removably attached.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of the pedestals are configured to fold out and display multiple dishes around the base of the vase.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the opening further comprises a receiving portion, wherein the receiving portion is elongated from a top portion of the vase, to the base of the base.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the receiving portion is funnel shaped.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least two other storage containers.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vase is one or more of ceramic, glass, wood, aluminum, brass, bronze, or stainless steel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Disclosed herein are embodiments of a vase assembly. This description includes drawings, wherein:

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vase assembly, in accordance with an example;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a vase assembly, in accordance with an example;

[0032] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a vase assembly, in accordance with an example; and

[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of the pedestals of the vase assembly, in accordance with an example.

[0034] Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention. Certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required.

[0036] The terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein.

[0038] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of essential characteristics thereof.

[0039] The present embodiments therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

[0040] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0041] The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of exemplary embodiments. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0042] The present disclosure provides for a vase configured to hold a decorative object. The vase includes an opening into which the decorative object is inserted, a base that provides support for the vase, and a body extending vertically between the opening and the base. The apparatus also includes a storage container rotatably coupled to the vase and configured to rotate between a first position substantially parallel to the body and a second position substantially perpendicular to the body.

[0043] Accordingly, an apparatus of a vase operable to hold a decorative object, is disclosed. The apparatus includes an opening configured to receive the decorative object. The apparatus includes a base configured to provide support for the vase. The apparatus includes a body extending vertically between the opening and the base. The apparatus includes a storage container rotatably coupled to the vase.

[0044] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the vase assembly 100. The vase assembly 100 in a preferred embodiment is configured to be wider at the bottom of the assembly 100, and narrower at the top of the assembly 100. The top of the assembly 100, as shown in FIG. 2 is configured to be smaller in order to tightly withhold a group or a bouquet of flowers in a neat and orderly fashion. The base being wider, allows for stability and a more consistent and evenly distributed weight load to prevent the vase from tipping over.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vase assembly 100. The vase assembly 100, in one embodiment, may function as a vase, and when desired, also function as a party tray for holding edible items. Accordingly, the vase assembly 100 may eliminates the need to buy a separate vase and party tray. The vase assembly 100, in certain embodiments, is compact, simple to use, and convenient. The vase assembly 100 is configured to hold a decorative object, such as real flowers, artificial flowers, and so forth. In one embodiment, the vase assembly 100 may hold water such that real flowers may receive water while in the vase assembly 100. In another embodiment, the vase assembly 100 may not hold water. The vase assembly 100 includes an opening 102 into which the decorative object is inserted, a base 104 that provides support for the vase assembly 100, and a body 106 extending vertically between the opening 102 and the base 104. The vase assembly 100 also includes a receiving portion 108 disposed at the top of the body 106 opposite the base 104 and having the opening 102. In some embodiments, the receiving portion 108 may be funnel-shaped and may have a wavy surface.

[0046] The vase assembly 100 includes a first storage container 110, a second storage container 112, a third storage container 114, and a fourth storage container 116 rotatably coupled to the base 104. In certain embodiments, the storage containers may be rotatably coupled to the body 106. Although four storage containers are attached to the vase assembly 100, other embodiments may include fewer or more storage containers. The first, second, third, and fourth storage containers 110, 112, 114, and 116 may be used to hold items, such as edible items.

[0047] As illustrated, the first and third storage containers 110 and 114 are in a first position substantially parallel to the body 106. The first position may be used as a storage position when the storage containers are not being used. Moreover, the second storage container 112 is in a second position substantially perpendicular to the body 106. The second position may be used as a use position when the storage containers are being used, such as during a party. In certain embodiments, each of the first, second, third, and fourth storage containers 110, 112, 114, and 116 may include a cover 118 that may be positioned over the storage containers to cover items in the storage containers. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth storage containers 110, 112, 114, and 116 may rotate between the first and second position via a hinge that couples the storage containers to the base 104. Moreover, each of the first, second, third, and fourth storage containers 110, 112, 114, and 116 may be removed from the vase assembly 100, as the fourth storage container 116 illustrates. Being able to remove the storage containers facilitates cleaning the storage containers.

[0048] In certain embodiments, a securing device (e.g., a hook) may be used to secure the storage containers in the first position. Accordingly, to use the storage containers, the securing device may be disabled (e.g., unhook a hook), and the storage containers may be folded to the second position. To transition from the second position to the first position, the securing device may be enabled (e.g., via a hook). In certain embodiments, the vase assembly 100 may be approximately 12 inches in height and approximately 8.75 inches in diameter. In other embodiments, the height and diameter may be any suitable value. As may be appreciated, the vase assembly 100 may have various shapes, sizes, colors, and designs.

[0049] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the vase assembly 100. As may be appreciated, the vase assembly 100 may be assembled by: inserting the body 106 into the base 104; placing the receiving portion 108 over the body 106; attaching the covers 118 to each of the first, second, third, and fourth storage containers 110, 112, 114, and 116; and attaching each of the first, second, third, and fourth storage containers 110, 112, 114, and 116 to the base 104.

[0050] In the above description, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “over,” “under” and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object. Further, the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. Further, the term “plurality” can be defined as “at least two.”

[0051] Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is “coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in some contact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined as coupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, but having one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element can include direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as used herein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, one element can be adjacent another element without being in contact with that element.

[0052] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of the items in the list may be needed. The item may be a particular object, thing, or category. In other words, “at least one of” means any combination of items or number of items may be used from the list, but not all of the items in the list may be required. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean item A; item A and item B; item B; item A, item B, and item C; or item B and item C. In some cases, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or some other suitable combination.

[0053] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

[0054] Example embodiments having thus been described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the intended spirit and scope of example embodiments, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

[0055] Although the present invention has been described in terms of various embodiments, it is not intended that the invention be limited to these embodiments. Modification within the spirit of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0056] It is additionally noted and anticipated that although the device is shown in its most simple form, various components and aspects of the device may be differently shaped or modified when forming the invention herein. As such those skilled in the art will appreciate the descriptions and depictions set forth in this disclosure or merely meant to portray examples of preferred modes within the overall scope and intent of the invention and are not to be considered limiting in any manner. While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.