OPEN TOP SPILL RESISTANT VASE LID

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to open top vase lids configured to prevent spilling during transportation or display while also providing easy access to add or refill water levels within the vase. The lids of the present disclosure come in various shapes and sizes, configured to attach to all types of vases, including but not limited to lipped and non-lipped vases. The lids of the present disclosure further include stem supports defining a cavity within the top surface of the lid configured to allow flowers or bouquets to be inserted therethrough. Further, the stem support, depending on its width/diameter, will orient the flowers/bouquets are varying degrees to allow a designer to display said flowers in an aesthetically pleasing arrangement. Some embodiments of lids include colors or patterns added during or after manufacturing. Further, some lids include care instructions for specific species of plants or flowers.

Claims

1. An open top vase lid, comprising: a top surface configured to cover at least a portion of an open end of a vase, wherein the top surface includes a center and a periphery, a sidewall located at the periphery of the top surface and at least a portion of said sidewall extends vertically downward along the outside of the vase, wherein the sidewall is configured to secure the lid to the open end of the vase, and a stem support having a height located towards the center of the top surface, wherein the stem support extends vertically downward into the vase and defines a cavity having a width configured to receive one or more flowers; wherein the height of the stem support is 1.5 to 3.5 times longer than the height of the sidewall of the lid; and wherein the width of the cavity exceeds the height of the stem support

2. The open top vase lid of claim 1, wherein the stem support downwardly extends into the vase at least one inch.

3. The open top vase lid of claim 2, wherein the width of the cavity is between 10% to 90% of the length of the width of the interior of the vase.

4. The open top vase lid of claim 1, wherein the width of the cavity is between 10% to 90% of the length of the width of the interior of vase.

5. The open top vase lid of claim 1, wherein the top surface, sidewall, and stem support are all made of one piece of material.

6. The open top vase lid of claim 1, wherein the lid is made of a flexible plastic material.

7. The open top vase lid of claim 1, wherein the sidewall includes a retainer configured to secure the lid to the lip of a vase.

8. The open top vase lid of claim 1, wherein the lid includes an interior sidewall configured to provide friction to secure the lid to a vase without a lip.

9. The open top vase lid of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a pattern, text, and/or color.

10. The open top vase lid of claim 9, wherein the text on the lid includes care instructions for species of plants and/or flowers.

11. The open top vase lid of claim 1, wherein the stem support tapers inward as it extends downward into the interior of the vase.

12. An open top vase lid, comprising: a top surface configured to cover at least a portion of an open end of a vase, wherein the top surface includes a center and a periphery, a sidewall located at the periphery of the top surface and at least a portion of said sidewall extends vertically downward along the outside of the vase, wherein the sidewall is configured to secure the lid to the open end of the vase, and a stem support having a height located towards the center of the top surface, wherein the stem support extends vertically downward into the vase and defines a cavity having a width configured to receive one or more flowers; wherein the stem support downwardly extends into the interior of the vase at least one inch; and wherein the width of the cavity exceeds the height of the stem support.

13. The open top vase lid of claim 12, wherein the sidewall includes a retainer configured to secure the lid to the lip of a vase.

14. The open top vase lid of claim 12, wherein the lid includes an interior sidewall configured to provide friction to secure the lid to a vase without a lip.

15. The open top vase lid of claim 12, wherein the width of the cavity is between 10% to 90% of the length of the width of the interior of the vase.

16. The open top vase lid of claim 12, wherein the stem support tapers inward as it extends downward into the interior of the vase.

17. An open top vase lid, comprising: a top surface configured to cover at least a portion of an open end of a vase, said vase having an interior with a width, wherein the top surface includes a center and a periphery, a sidewall located at the periphery of the top surface and at least a portion of said sidewall extends vertically downward along the outside of the vase, wherein the sidewall is configured to secure the lid to the open end of the vase, and a stem support having a height located towards the center of the top surface, wherein the stem support extends vertically downward into the vase and defines a cavity having a width configured to receive one or more flowers; wherein the width of the cavity is between 10% to 90% of the width of the interior of the vase; and wherein the width of the cavity exceeds the height of the stem support.

18. The open top vase lid of claim 17, wherein the sidewall includes a retainer configured to secure the lid to the lip of a vase.

19. The open top vase lid of claim 17, wherein the lid includes an interior sidewall configured to provide friction to secure the lid to a vase without a lip.

20. The open top vase lid of claim 17, wherein the stem support tapers inward as it extends downward into the interior of the vase.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of an open top lid of the present disclosure attached to a vase.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a side view of the lid and vase illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a lid attached to a vase with a bouquet of flowers inserted in said lid and vase.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a lid attached to a vase with a bouquet of flowers inserted in said lid and vase.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of an open top lid of the present disclosure attached to a vase.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a side view of the lid and vase illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of FIG. 7.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of an open top lid of the present disclosure attached to a vase.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a side view of the lid and vase illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of an open top lid of the present disclosure attached to a vase.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a side view of the lid and vase illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

[0022] The present disclosure includes certain embodiments for an open top spill resistant vase lid. In certain embodiments of the present invention, a spill resistant lid includes a top surface and a sidewall configured to attach the lid to a vase. In certain embodiments the lids are a unitary construction, i.e., made from one piece of material. As such, the lids are self-securing to a vase and do not require additional pieces or components for securing the lid to the vase. The top surface includes a stem support that extends vertically into the interior of the vase and defines a cavity within the lid. Flowers or bouquets can be inserted through the cavity of the lid and held within the vase. The stem support not only allows for the bouquet to be pleasingly arranged, but also acts as a splash guard to prevent water from spilling or splashing during handling or transportation of the bouquet and vase.

[0023] In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the cavity of the lid defined by the stem support is large enough to allow flowers to be inserted and held within the vase and cavity, while also providing sufficient room to easily add water and/or nutrients to the vase with the flowers inserted therein to ensure the bouquet, flowers, and/or plants remain healthy.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the lids may be adorned with patterns, color, logos, and/or care instructions. These decorative/informative ornamentations may be added during or after manufacturing of the lid.

[0025] Lids of the present disclosure are compatible with may various types of vases. A non-limiting list of vases envisioned for use with embodiments of vase lids herein includes: bubble ball vases, cylinder vases, trumpet vases, hour glass vases, high choke vases, low choke vases, center choke vases, and dual choke vases.

[0026] According to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of an open top vase lid 10 attached to circular vase 5 is shown from a top perspective view. The lid 10 includes a top surface 15, a sidewall 20, a stem support 25, and a cavity 30. The top surface 15 represents the horizontal surface of the lid 10, relative to the support surface that vase 5 sits upon. It is configured to partially cover the open end of vase 5, when lid 10 is attached to said vase 5. In some embodiments, the top surface 15 is configured to be roughly the same size and shape as the open end of vase 5. The size and shape of lid 10 can vary depending on the size and shape of vase 5.

[0027] Extending vertically downward from the periphery of top surface 15 is sidewall 20. The sidewall 20 is configured to secure the lid 10 to the vase 5. The present disclosure includes various means for attaching lid 10 to vase 5, as will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 3, 8, 11, and 14, below. In some embodiments, the sidewall 20 and top surface 15 define a 90-degree angle. In other embodiments, the top surface 15 tapers into sidewall 20, defining a curve-shaped edge.

[0028] Extending vertically downward from the center of top surface 15 and into the cavity of the vase lid 10 is attached to is stem support 25. The stem support 25 defines cavity 30. In some embodiments, the cavity 30 is in the direct center of the horizontal plane of top surface 15. In other embodiments, the cavity may be offset in any direction, relative to the center of the horizontal plane of top surface 15. In some embodiments, the shape of cavity 30 defined by stem support 25 is the same shape as the outer periphery of top surface 15, as shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the cavity 30 may define a shape different than the shape of the top surface 15/lid 10. For example, the lid 10 may have an overall circular shape, while the cavity 30 has a rectangular or square shape. Similar to sidewall 20, stem support 25 and top surface may define a 90-degree angle, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the top surface 15 tapers into stem support 25, also defining a curve-shaped edge.

[0029] When lid 10 is attached vase 5, flowers or other plants may be inserted into vase 5 through cavity 30. Stem support 25 is configured to provide lateral support for the flowers or plants as they lay against lid 10 when inserted into vase 5. The stem support 25 is further configured to act as a splash-guard, preventing water from spilling or splashing during transportation of said vase 5. Further still, stem support 25 prevents water from spilling in the event vase 5 is knocked or tipped over. Specifically, stem support 25 extends within the cavity of the vase, such as at least below the rim, at least 1 below the rim, at least 2 below the rim or at least 3 below the rim. As such, the vase is knocked on its side, the water will remain within the vase as top surface 15 and stem support 25 create a barrier preventing water from escaping.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the cavity 30 defined by stem support 25 provides ample room for placing a large number of flowers, including bouquets or even plants. As such, the cavity 30 is configured to allow water to easily be added to vase 5, whether flowers are already in vase 5 or not. This allows for easy maintenance of any flowers, plants, or bouquets within vase 5 during transportation, handling, or display and ensures the flowers remain hydrated and healthy.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the vase 5 and lid 10 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment of lid 10, the sidewall 20 is defined by a first portion 21 and a second portion 22. The first portion 21 is defined by the curve-shaped edge where top surface 15 tapers into sidewall 20. The second portion 22 extends completely vertically downward towards to support surface that vase 5 rests on. Further, as shown, the open end of vase 5 actually narrows to form a neck and a lip, which will be discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0032] Turning to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of the vase 5 and lid 10 depicted in FIG. 2, the vase 5 includes sidewalls 6 that terminate towards the open end of the vase 5 with lip 7. The sidewall 6 and the bottom of vase 5 define cavity 8, where water, dirt, flowers, plants, and/or bouquets can be placed/inserted. The lip 7 of vase 5 is defined by a portion of sidewall 6 that narrows towards the open end of vase 5 and defines lip 7. In this embodiment, the lid 10 is configured to attach to vase 5 via lip 7. In this embodiment, sidewall 20 includes a retainer 23 defined by a thicker piece of material. The retainer 23 is configured to enclose the lid 10 around lip 7 of vase 5. Retainer 23 is configured as a lip on the interior of lid 10 that is configured to retain and secure lip 7. In some embodiments, the size of lid 10 and retainer 23 are configured to correspond to the size of lip 7 of vase 5, such that lid 10 is attached to vase 5 via a friction fit.

[0033] The cavity 8 of vase 5 includes a width v and a height z. The width v and height z represent the interior dimensions of vase 5. Correspondingly, the cavity 30 of lid 10 includes a width w and a height x. The sidewall 20 of lid 10 also includes a height y, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, as cavity 30 has a circular shape, the width w is the diameter of the cavity 30. Further, in some embodiments, the stem support 25 may taper inward as shown in FIG. 3. As such, the referenced width w of cavity 30 references the width/diameter at the bottom of stem support 25.

[0034] In some embodiments, the height x of the cavity 30 of lid 10 is 1.5-2.5 times larger than the height y of sidewall 20. In other embodiments, the height x of cavity 30 is roughly the width w of cavity 30. Still yet, the width w of cavity 30 may be in the range of 10% to 90% of the width v of cavity 8 (discussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5). In yet other embodiments, the height x of cavity 30 is approximately the height z of cavity 8 of vase 5.

[0035] Further, in some embodiments one or more of the aforementioned ratios may be implemented alone or in combination.

[0036] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a lid 11. In this embodiment, the lid 11 is attached to the same vase 5 as lid 10 in a substantially identical manner (i.e., via lip 7 and retainer 23. In this embodiment, lid 11 includes cavity 30 with width w. The cavity 30 of lid 11 has a width w that is approximately half the length of width v of cavity 8 of vase 5. As shown, the vase 5 and lid 11 include a bouquet 35 inserted into cavities 30, 8 and laterally supported by stem support 25. In this embodiment, not only does stem support 25 provide support for bouquet 35, but it also substantially supports the bouquet 35 in a near vertical position. In other embodiments, the bouquet 35 may be supported at more horizontal positions/angles. In yet other embodiments, the bouquet is supported even more vertically than depicted in FIG. 4. This is accomplished by using a lid of the present disclosure with varying sizes of cavity 30 (compare FIG. 4 to FIG. 5).

[0037] FIG. 5 depicts yet another embodiment of a lid 12 according to the present disclosure. The lid 12 of FIG. 5 is nearly identical to the lid 11 illustrated in FIG. 4. The primary different between lids 11, 12 is the width w of cavity 30 of the embodiments. In FIG. 5, the width w of cavity 30 of lid 12 is approximately 90% of the width v of the cavity 8 of vase 5. As illustrated, this allows stem support 25 of lid 25 to support bouquet 35 at a substantially more horizontal position/angle compared to the bouquet supported by lid 11 of FIG. 4. This allows for variation of display of bouquet 35 when used with the same vase 5 with a different embodiments of lid 10, 11, 12. The relative sizes and ratios of the components of lids 10, 11, and 12 apply to all the embodiments of open top lids referenced in the present disclosure.

[0038] According to FIG. 6, another illustrative embodiment of an open top vase lid 50 attached to square vase 45 is shown from a top perspective view. The lid 50 includes a top surface 55, a sidewall 60, a stem support 65, and a cavity 70. In this embodiment, the lid 50 has a generally square shape similar to the shape of vase 45. More specifically, the top surface 55 and sidewall 60 define a rectangular shape with rounded edged. In other embodiments, the top surface 55 and sidewall 60 may define a square with 90-degree corners. Similarly, the stem support 65 defines the cavity 70 in a rectangular shape. As mentioned with the previous embodiment, the stem support 65 may define the cavity 70 as a shape different than the overall shape of lid 50. FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the lid 50 depicted in FIG. 6. As shown, the lid 50 also includes rounded edge. Specifically, top surface 55 tapers downward defining sidewall 60. As such, sidewall 60 includes a top portion 61 that defines the rounded corner and a bottom portion 62 that defines a completely vertical section of sidewall 60, relative to the support surface that vase 45 rests on. In other embodiments, the top surface 55 and the sidewall 60 may define a 90-degree edge.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the lid 50 shown in FIG. 7. As shown, the attachment mechanism of this embodiment of lid 50 is similar to the attachment mechanism of lids 10, 11, 12. Specifically, the vase 45 includes a sidewall 46 that terminates at its open end in a lip 47. As such, the sidewall 60 includes a retainer 63 for securing lid 50 to vase 45. Similar to vase 5, vase 45 includes a cavity 48 for housing dirt, water, plant, flowers, and/or bouquets, etc. The cavity 48 includes a height z and a width v. Correspondingly, the cavity 70 of lid 50 includes a height x and a width w. Additionally, the sidewall 60 has a height y. The ratios and corresponding sizes of cavity 70 compared to the dimension of vase 45 are the same as discussed above with reference to lids 10, 11, and 12 of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.

[0040] According to FIG. 9, a third illustrative embodiment of an open top vase lid 100 attached to circular vase 105 is shown from a top perspective view. The lid 100 includes a top surface 115, a sidewall 120, a stem support 125, and a cavity 130. In this embodiment, the lid 100 has a generally circular shape similar to the shape of vase 105. More specifically, the top surface 115 and sidewall 120 define a circular shape. The stem support 125 defines the cavity 130 in a circular shape. As mentioned with the previous embodiments, the stem support 125 may define the cavity 130 as a shape different than the overall shape of lid 100. As illustrated, the diameter (discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 11) of the cavity 130 of lid 100 is larger than the diameter of the cavity 30 of lid 10.

[0041] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the lid 100 depicted in FIG. 9. As shown, the lid 100 includes a rounded edge. Specifically, top surface 115 tapers downward defining sidewall 120. As such, sidewall 120 includes a top portion 121 that defines the rounded corner and a bottom portion 122 that defines a completely vertical section of sidewall 120, relative to the support surface that vase 105 rests on. In other embodiments, the top surface 115 and the sidewall 120 may define a 90-degree edge.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the lid 100 shown in FIG. 10. Similar to vases 5, 45, vase 105 includes a cavity 108 for housing dirt, water, plant, flowers, and/or bouquets, etc. The cavity 108 includes a height z and a width v. Correspondingly, the cavity 130 of lid 100 includes a height x and a width w. Additionally, the sidewall 120 has a height y. In some embodiments, the ratios and corresponding sizes of cavity 130 compared to the dimension of vase 105 are the same as discussed above with reference to lids 10, 11, 12, and 50 of FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 8. In other embodiments, the height x of cavity 130 is 2.5-3.5 times bigger than the height y of sidewall 120. In this embodiment, the height x of cavity 130 is roughly the length of height z of cavity 108 of vase 105. It should be noted that previous embodiments of lids, 10, 50, may also utilize the ratios and lengths discussed with reference to lid 100.

[0043] The vase 105 includes a sidewall 106 that terminates in top end 107 and defines cavity 108. Unlike vases 5, 45, the vase 105 does not include a lip. Rather, top end 107 is a continuation of sidewall 106. In this embodiment, lid 100 includes bottom portion 122 of sidewall 120 and interior sidewall 123. The bottom portion 122 of sidewall 120 and the interior sidewall 123 are configured to secure the lid 100 to the vase 105. Specifically, the bottom portion 122 and interior sidewall 123, along with a portion of the top surface 115, engage the top end 107 of the sidewall 106, creating friction between the lid 100 and the vase 105. The friction secures the lid 100 to the vase 105. As illustrated, the interior sidewall 123 extends an equal distance downward as the bottom portion 122 of sidewall 120. In other embodiments, the interior sidewall 123 is longer than the height y of sidewall 120.

[0044] According to FIG. 12, a fourth illustrative embodiment of an open top vase lid 150 attached to square vase 145 is shown from a top perspective view. The lid 150 includes a top surface 155, a sidewall 160, a stem support 165, and a cavity 170. In this embodiment, the lid 150 has a generally circular shape similar to the shape of vase 145. More specifically, the top surface 155 and sidewall 160 define a square shape. The stem support 165 defines the cavity 170 in a square shape. As mentioned with the previous embodiments, the stem support 165 may define the cavity 170 as a shape different than the overall shape of lid 150.

[0045] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the lid 150 depicted in FIG. 12. As shown, the lid 150 includes a rounded edge. Specifically, top surface 155 tapers downward defining sidewall 160. As such, sidewall 160 includes a top portion 161 that defines the rounded corner and a bottom portion 162 that defines a completely vertical section of sidewall 160, relative to the support surface that vase 145 rests on. In other embodiments, the top surface 155 and the sidewall 160 may define a 90-degree edge.

[0046] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the lid 150 shown in FIG. 13. Vase 145 includes a cavity 148 for housing dirt, water, plant, flowers, and/or bouquets, etc. The cavity 148 includes a height z and a width v. Correspondingly, the cavity 170 of lid 150 includes a height x and a width w. Additionally, the sidewall 160 has a height y. The ratios and corresponding sizes of cavity 170 compared to the dimension of vase 145 are the same as discussed above.

[0047] The vase 145 includes the same attachment mechanism as discussed with reference to FIG. 11 and lid 100. Specifically, the vase 145 includes a sidewall 146 that termination at its open end in top end 147, which is a continuation of sidewall 146. Also, lid 150 includes the bottom portion 162 of sidewall 160 and interior sidewall 163 configured to provide friction between the lid 150 and top end 147 of sidewall 106, thus securing lid 150 to vase 145.

[0048] The lids 10, 50, 100, 150 are configured as a unitary construction. Said differently, the lids are made of one piece of material. In some embodiments, injection molding may be used to manufacture the lids, while in other embodiments lids 10, 50, 100, 150 may be created by additive manufacturing or 3D printing. In some embodiments, the lids are made of rubber. In other embodiments, the lids are made of polyurethane. Other similar materials are envisioned within the present disclosure. The lids may also be dyed or created with colors and/or patterns to create a desirable ornamentation for display, either commercially or domestically. Further, the lids may also include print, either added during or after manufacturing, such as logos or care information for specific plants or flowers. For example, a lot of lids may all includes care information for peace lilies, including the amount of required sun light and water. Thus, handlers and/or owners of the plant can keep the plant happy and healthy. Care instructions may be included for any and all types of flowers and/or plants, alone or in combinations.

[0049] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.