Plant protecting and regulating compositions – Compositions for preservation or maintenance of cut flowers
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-27
2001-07-10
Clardy, S. Mark (Department: 1616)
Plant protecting and regulating compositions
Compositions for preservation or maintenance of cut flowers
Reexamination Certificate
active
06258748
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of floral preservatives, and specifically, to a device and method used to preserve cut flowers well beyond their ordinary shelf life.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Flowers have long been a special gift for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and many other special occasions. However, the gift of flowers only lasts for a short time. Within a few short days or weeks, cut flowers wilt and die unless they have been properly preserved.
Over time, various approaches to preserving flowers have been developed. These include freeze drying, hang drying, use of silica gels and sand mixtures, and spraying with the various compounds such as polyurethane, hairspray, and shellac. However, none of these approaches is fully satisfactory in terms of the shelf life achieved, the ability to achieve a lasting, pleasant aroma, and/or providing suitable coloration.
Additionally, desired scents and colorations, if any, are frequently introduced after the flower has already been preserved, rather than during the preservation process itself, which makes these susceptible to wearing off over time.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is desirable, therefore, to provide an improved device and method for preserving flowers which increases their shelf life substantially.
It is further desirable to integrate such an improved device and method for preserving flowers with an improved device and method to provide a lasting, pleasant aroma, and/or the ability to provide suitable coloration to the preserved flowers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Low temperature paraffin is heated to a liquid state of approximately 130 degrees Fahrenheit. A floral nutrient and preservative such as sugar is then added to the low temperature paraffin. Optionally, scents and/or color dyes are also added. The heads of the flowers to be preserved are then dipped in this paraffin mixture for one to three seconds and thereafter allowed to dry. The flower can then be used immediately, or optionally hung upside down for one to three weeks prior to use to further improve shelf life.
REFERENCES:
patent: 116375 (1871-06-01), Vining
patent: 1779299 (1930-10-01), Valentine
patent: 3791839 (1974-02-01), Cushman et al.
patent: 3929448 (1975-12-01), Brantley
patent: 4348424 (1982-09-01), Consalazio et al.
patent: 4885175 (1989-12-01), Zibell
patent: 5723407 (1998-03-01), Midou et al.
patent: 5834074 (1989-11-01), Mikkola
patent: 2 189 676 (1987-11-01), None
Creekmore, Betsey B. Making Gifts from Oddments & Outdoor Materials. Hearthside Pr.: NY. pp. 167-169.*
Databasde WPI, Section Ch. Week 199431, Derwent Publications Ltd., London, GB; Class E19, AN 1994-252656, XP002161255 & JP 06 183903 (Hyponex Japan KK), Jul. 5, 1994.
Database WPI, Sect. Ch, Week 199624, Derwent Publications Ltd., London, GB; Class A97, AN 1996-235893, XP002161256 & JP 08 092003 (Toppon Printing Co. Ltd.), Apr. 9, 1996.
Database WPI, Section Ch, Week 199431, Derwent Publications Ltd., London, GB; Class E19, AN 1994-252656, XP002161255 & JP 06 183903 (Hyponex Japan KK), Jul. 5, 1994.
Database WPI, Section Ch, Week 199624, Derwent Publications Ltd., London, GB; Class A97, AN 1996-235893, XP002161256 & JP 08 092003 (Toppon Printing Co. Ltd.), Apr. 9, 1996.
Clardy S. Mark
Yablon Jay R.
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