Open Top Spill Resistant Vase Lid

The present disclosure broadly concerns lids for vases. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to spill resistant vase lids that include an open top.

The present invention is directed to improvements in vase lids. Prior vase lids are designed to prevent spilling water contained in the vase during transport, but come with certain drawbacks. For example, some vase lids, such as US2006112624 completely seal off the interior of the vase and provide only minimal passage for stems of flowers. This prevents easily refilling water levels in said vases and risks damaging flower stems and/or limiting arrangement options. Other options, such as KR101888119 B1 require assembly of various small component pieces, which could easily be lost and require time and care to attach to a flower pot or vase. Further, certain prior vase lids do not allow for simultaneous arrangement of flowers or bouquets, while preventing water from spilling or splashing from a vase. Still further, many vase lids are not aesthetically pleasing.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an open top vase lid that prevents water in the vase from spilling during transport and/or display. It is a further object of the present invention to allow easy access to add water to the vase so any plants, bouquets, flowers, etc. can remain healthy. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a vase lid capable of supporting a bouquet or flowers in an aesthetically pleasing arrangement. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an open top vase lid of a unitary construction for ease of affixing the lid to a pot or vase. Still further, the open top vase lid provides a natural choke point useful in many popular floral arrangement styles and designs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention shall become apparent from the detailed drawings and descriptions provided herein. Each embodiment described is not intended to address every object described herein, and each embodiment does not include each feature described. Some or all of these features may be present in the corresponding independent or dependent claims, but should not be construed to be a limitation unless expressly recited in a particular claim.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

According to, an illustrative embodiment of an open top vase lidattached to circular vaseis shown from a top perspective view. The lidincludes a top surface, a sidewall, a stem support, and a cavity. The top surfacerepresents the horizontal surface of the lid, relative to the support surface that vasesits upon. It is configured to partially cover the open end of vase, when lidis attached to said vase. In some embodiments, the top surfaceis configured to be roughly the same size and shape as the open end of vase. The size and shape of lidcan vary depending on the size and shape of vase.

Extending vertically downward from the periphery of top surfaceis sidewall. The sidewallis configured to secure the lidto the vase. The present disclosure includes various means for attaching lidto vase, as will be discussed with reference to, below. In some embodiments, the sidewalland top surfacedefine a 90-degree angle. In other embodiments, the top surfacetapers into sidewall, defining a curve-shaped edge.

Extending vertically downward from the center of top surfaceand into the cavity of the vase lidis attached to is stem support. The stem supportdefines cavity. In some embodiments, the cavityis in the direct center of the horizontal plane of top surface. In other embodiments, the cavity may be offset in any direction, relative to the center of the horizontal plane of top surface. In some embodiments, the shape of cavitydefined by stem supportis the same shape as the outer periphery of top surface, as shown in. In other embodiments, the cavitymay define a shape different than the shape of the top surface/lid. For example, the lidmay have an overall circular shape, while the cavityhas a rectangular or square shape. Similar to sidewall, stem supportand top surface may define a 90-degree angle, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the top surfacetapers into stem support, also defining a curve-shaped edge.

When lidis attached vase, flowers or other plants may be inserted into vasethrough cavity. Stem supportis configured to provide lateral support for the flowers or plants as they lay against lidwhen inserted into vase. The stem supportis further configured to act as a splash-guard, preventing water from spilling or splashing during transportation of said vase. Further still, stem supportprevents water from spilling in the event vaseis knocked or tipped over. Specifically, stem supportextends within the cavity of the vase, such as at least ½″ 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 surfaceand stem supportcreate a barrier preventing water from escaping.

As illustrated in, in this embodiment, the cavitydefined by stem supportprovides ample room for placing a large number of flowers, including bouquets or even plants. As such, the cavityis configured to allow water to easily be added to vase, whether flowers are already in vaseor not. This allows for easy maintenance of any flowers, plants, or bouquets within vaseduring transportation, handling, or display and ensures the flowers remain hydrated and healthy.

illustrates a side view of the vaseand lidof. In this embodiment of lid, the sidewallis defined by a first portionand a second portion. The first portionis defined by the curve-shaped edge where top surfacetapers into sidewall. The second portionextends completely vertically downward towards to support surface that vaserests on. Further, as shown, the open end of vaseactually narrows to form a neck and a lip, which will be discussed in more detail with reference to.

Turning to, a cross-sectional view of the vaseand liddepicted in, the vaseincludes sidewallsthat terminate towards the open end of the vasewith lip. The sidewalland the bottom of vasedefine cavity, where water, dirt, flowers, plants, and/or bouquets can be placed/inserted. The lipof vaseis defined by a portion of sidewallthat narrows towards the open end of vaseand defines lip. In this embodiment, the lidis configured to attach to vasevia lip. In this embodiment, sidewallincludes a retainerdefined by a thicker piece of material. The retaineris configured to enclose the lidaround lipof vase. Retaineris configured as a lip on the interior of lidthat is configured to retain and secure lip. In some embodiments, the size of lidand retainerare configured to correspond to the size of lipof vase, such that lidis attached to vasevia a friction fit.

The cavityof vaseincludes a width v and a height z. The width v and height z represent the interior dimensions of vase. Correspondingly, the cavityof lidincludes a width w and a height x. The sidewallof lidalso includes a height y, as illustrated in FIG.. In this embodiment, as cavityhas a circular shape, the width w is the diameter of the cavity. Further, in some embodiments, the stem supportmay taper inward as shown in. As such, the referenced width w of cavityreferences the width/diameter at the bottom of stem support.

In some embodiments, the height x of the cavityof lidis 1.5-2.5 times larger than the height y of sidewall. In other embodiments, the height x of cavity 30 is roughly ⅓ the width w of cavity. Still yet, the width w of cavitymay be in the range of 10% to 90% of the width v of cavity(discussed in more detail with reference to). In yet other embodiments, the height x of cavityis approximately ¼ the height z of cavityof vase.

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

depicts an embodiment of a lid. In this embodiment, the lidis attached to the same vaseas lidin a substantially identical manner (i.e., via lipand retainer. In this embodiment, lidincludes cavitywith width w. The cavityof lidhas a width w that is approximately half the length of width v of cavityof vase. As shown, the vaseand lidinclude a bouquetinserted into cavities,and laterally supported by stem support. In this embodiment, not only does stem supportprovide support for bouquet, but it also substantially supports the bouquetin a near vertical position. In other embodiments, the bouquetmay be supported at more horizontal positions/angles. In yet other embodiments, the bouquet is supported even more vertically than depicted in. This is accomplished by using a lid of the present disclosure with varying sizes of cavity(compareto).

depicts yet another embodiment of a lidaccording to the present disclosure. The lidofis nearly identical to the lidillustrated in. The primary different between lids,is the width w of cavityof the embodiments. In, the width w of cavityof lidis approximately 90% of the width v of the cavityof vase. As illustrated, this allows stem supportof lidto support bouquetat a substantially more horizontal position/angle compared to the bouquet supported by lidof. This allows for variation of display of bouquetwhen used with the same vasewith a different embodiments of lid,,. The relative sizes and ratios of the components of lids,, andapply to all the embodiments of open top lids referenced in the present disclosure.

According to, another illustrative embodiment of an open top vase lidattached to square vaseis shown from a top perspective view. The lidincludes a top surface, a sidewall, a stem support, and a cavity. In this embodiment, the lidhas a generally square shape similar to the shape of vase. More specifically, the top surfaceand sidewalldefine a rectangular shape with rounded edged. In other embodiments, the top surfaceand sidewallmay define a square with 90-degree corners. Similarly, the stem supportdefines the cavityin a rectangular shape. As mentioned with the previous embodiment, the stem supportmay define the cavityas a shape different than the overall shape of lid.illustrates a side view of the liddepicted in. As shown, the lidalso includes rounded edge. Specifically, top surfacetapers downward defining sidewall. As such, sidewallincludes a top portionthat defines the rounded corner and a bottom portionthat defines a completely vertical section of sidewall, relative to the support surface that vaserests on. In other embodiments, the top surfaceand the sidewallmay define a 90-degree edge.

is a cross-sectional view of the lidshown in. As shown, the attachment mechanism of this embodiment of lidis similar to the attachment mechanism of lids,,. Specifically, the vaseincludes a sidewallthat terminates at its open end in a lip. As such, the sidewallincludes a retainerfor securing lidto vase. Similar to vase, vaseincludes a cavityfor housing dirt, water, plant, flowers, and/or bouquets, etc. The cavityincludes a height z and a width v. Correspondingly, the cavityof lidincludes a height x and a width w. Additionally, the sidewallhas a height y. The ratios and corresponding sizes of cavitycompared to the dimension of vaseare the same as discussed above with reference to lids,, andof.

According to, a third illustrative embodiment of an open top vase lidattached to circular vaseis shown from a top perspective view. The lidincludes a top surface, a sidewall, a stem support, and a cavity. In this embodiment, the lidhas a generally circular shape similar to the shape of vase. More specifically, the top surfaceand sidewalldefine a circular shape. The stem supportdefines the cavityin a circular shape. As mentioned with the previous embodiments, the stem supportmay define the cavityas a shape different than the overall shape of lid. As illustrated, the diameter (discussed in more detail with reference to) of the cavityof lidis larger than the diameter of the cavityof lid.

illustrates a side view of the liddepicted in. As shown, the lidincludes a rounded edge. Specifically, top surfacetapers downward defining sidewall. As such, sidewallincludes a top portionthat defines the rounded corner and a bottom portionthat defines a completely vertical section of sidewall, relative to the support surface that vaserests on. In other embodiments, the top surfaceand the sidewallmay define a 90-degree edge.

is a cross-sectional view of the lidshown in. Similar to vases,, vaseincludes a cavityfor housing dirt, water, plant, flowers, and/or bouquets, etc. The cavityincludes a height z and a width v. Correspondingly, the cavityof lidincludes a height x and a width w. Additionally, the sidewallhas a height y. In some embodiments, the ratios and corresponding sizes of cavitycompared to the dimension of vaseare the same as discussed above with reference to lids,,, andof. In other embodiments, the height x of cavityis 2.5-3.5 times bigger than the height y of sidewall. In this embodiment, the height x of cavityis roughly ⅓ the length of height z of cavityof vase. It should be noted that previous embodiments of lids,,, may also utilize the ratios and lengths discussed with reference to lid.

The vaseincludes a sidewallthat terminates in top endand defines cavity. Unlike vases,, the vasedoes not include a lip. Rather, top endis a continuation of sidewall. In this embodiment, lidincludes bottom portionof sidewalland interior sidewall. The bottom portionof sidewalland the interior sidewallare configured to secure the lidto the vase. Specifically, the bottom portionand interior sidewall, along with a portion of the top surface, engage the top endof the sidewall, creating friction between the lidand the vase. The friction secures the lidto the vase. As illustrated, the interior sidewallextends an equal distance downward as the bottom portionof sidewall. In other embodiments, the interior sidewallis longer than the height y of sidewall.

According to, a fourth illustrative embodiment of an open top vase lidattached to square vaseis shown from a top perspective view. The lidincludes a top surface, a sidewall, a stem support, and a cavity. In this embodiment, the lidhas a generally circular shape similar to the shape of vase. More specifically, the top surfaceand sidewalldefine a square shape. The stem supportdefines the cavityin a square shape. As mentioned with the previous embodiments, the stem supportmay define the cavityas a shape different than the overall shape of lid.

illustrates a side view of the liddepicted in. As shown, the lidincludes a rounded edge. Specifically, top surfacetapers downward defining sidewall. As such, sidewallincludes a top portionthat defines the rounded corner and a bottom portionthat defines a completely vertical section of sidewall, relative to the support surface that vaserests on. In other embodiments, the top surfaceand the sidewallmay define a 90-degree edge.

is a cross-sectional view of the lidshown in. Vaseincludes a cavityfor housing dirt, water, plant, flowers, and/or bouquets, etc. The cavityincludes a height z and a width v. Correspondingly, the cavityof lidincludes a height x and a width w. Additionally, the sidewallhas a height y. The ratios and corresponding sizes of cavitycompared to the dimension of vaseare the same as discussed above.

The vaseincludes the same attachment mechanism as discussed with reference toand lid. Specifically, the vaseincludes a sidewallthat termination at its open end in top end, which is a continuation of sidewall. Also, lidincludes the bottom portionof sidewalland interior sidewallconfigured to provide friction between the lidand top endof sidewall, thus securing lidto vase.

The lids,,,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,,,may be created by additive manufacturing orD 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.

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.