Cut Flower Preserving Devices and Method

Abstract

A device and method that uses the application of light to retard the wilting and spoilage of cut flowers. The lamps used can direct focused illumination in the targeted wavelengths known to positively and optimally affect the viability of different types of cut flowers, hi the most preferred embodiment, an LED light source is positioned to direct light upwardly toward the flowers, either from a base structure upon which a vase holding the flowers and having a transparent bottom surface is placed, or from a position within an opaque vase holding flowers that is substantially below the flower stems. Optionally, light can be directed from the side or overhead, but such a configuration is not optimal. Side-by-side testing confirms that flowers exposed to the light lasted more than a week longer than those not having the added illumination.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This invention relates to flowers, and more particularly to containing cut flowers so as to lengthen their useful life.BACKGROUND[0002]This invention relates to the field of preserving cut flowers, specifically to a device and method for extending the vitality of cut flowers so they can be maintained in a fresh looking condition during transport, while on display prior to sale, and for an extended period of enjoyment by the consumer after sale, without the flowers experiencing premature wilting, browning, fading in color, or otherwise spoiling.*[0003]Cut flowers have a limited shelf life, and are adversely affected by elevated temperatures, drafts, low humidity, vibration, and other environmental factors. Many cut flowers must be disposed of unsold due to spoilage in transit and while they are on display prior to sale. Attempts have been made to prolong the usable life of cut flowers during transport, so that they arrive at their destination while still looking ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]We have found that for roses the concentration of dissolved oxygen remains higher in the water of those whose stems are subjected to light from a red LED (650 nm plus or minus 5 nm) as compared to untreated roses. In the alternative, other light sources and lamps in combination with wavelength-selection systems, for example, filters, can be used to provide the needed wavelengths. In the most preferred embodiment, the LED light source is positioned to direct light upwardly through a vase in which the stems of cut flowers are held, either by use of a vase having a transparent bottom to hold the flowers placed upon a base structure supporting a light source able to produce the needed wavelength of light, or when an opaque vase is used, the light source is placed into a position within the vase that is generally near to the lower end of the flower stems. An immersable light with integral battery can be placed in the bottom of a vase before adding the water and the flowers. The foliage may also be illuminated. Side-by-side testing with LED light sources confirmed that cut flowers exposed to the light source lasted more than a week

Problems solved by technology

The light can be directed from above or the side, although this will not be the optimal configuration.

Side-by-side testing with LED light sources confirmed that cut flowers exposed to the light source lasted more than a week longer than those not having the added illumination,

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