Method of packaging, storing and transporting decorative grass

Details Method of packaging, storing and transporting decorative grass Method of packaging, storing and transporting decorative grass

2000-12-19

2001-08-21

Jones, Deborah (Department: 1775)

Stock material or miscellaneous articles

Three dimension imitation or 'treated' natural product

Flora

C206S083500, C206S417000, C206S521000, C100S003000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06277453

ABSTRACT:

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to packaging materials for packaging articles, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a method of packaging, storing and transporting decorative grass by forming a quantity of decorative grass into a bale that weighs significantly more than previously produced bales of the same material.
2. Brief Description of the Related Art
Strips of sheet material, commonly known as decorative grass or Easter grass, have been used for many years to provide a decorative as well as cushioning effect in fruit baskets, Easter baskets, and picnic baskets. Decorative grass has been produced by numerous methods and from a variety of materials such as polymeric materials, paper, cellophane, or the like. Typically, such materials are cut and shredded to produce segments having predetermined dimensions.
In use, strips of decorative grass are formed into small tufts which are placed on a table or in a basket to provide a decorative and protective cushion. Because decorative grass is used by consumers in small quantities, decorative grass has previously been packaged in bags weighing 2 to 16 ounces, in cartons weighing 5 to 10 pounds, or in bales weighing 5 to 100 pounds. While packaging decorative grass in these manners has become well accepted in the decorative grass industry, inefficiencies are nevertheless encountered in the packaging, storage, and transportation of decorative grass, particularly with respect to bales. For example, the decorative grass forming the outer surface of the bale has a tendency to get soiled during transport and storage, thereby requiring the soiled portion of the bail to be disposed of or otherwise recycled prior to use. In addition, the relatively small size of these bales of decorative grass make them relatively unstable when stacked on one another, and thus unsafe. Further, these stacks must be made by persons manually stacking the bales onto pallets or onto a floor which results in significant handling costs.
To this end, a need exists for an improved method of packaging decorative grass which results in less product waste, facilitates handling while reducing handling costs, and increasing safety. It is to such a method that the present invention is directed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a bale of decorative grass comprising a quantity of strands of decorative grass weighing in a range of 400 to 800 pounds compressed into a single bale of decorative grass and means for removably securing the strands of decorative grass in the bale.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of packaging strands of decorative grass wherein the strands of decorative grass have a length and a generally rectangularly shaped cross section. The method includes (1) amassing a quantity of strands of decorative grass weighing in a range of 400 to 800 pounds; and (2) compressing and securing the quantity of strands of decorative grass into a single bale of decorative grass.
The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3244275 (1966-04-01), Murley
patent: 4884682 (1989-12-01), Weder et al.
Highland Supply Corporation brochure for Highlander Shredded Grasses; 1 page (front and back).

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Method of packaging, storing and transporting decorative grass does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Method of packaging, storing and transporting decorative grass, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of packaging, storing and transporting decorative grass will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2484245