Multi-piece flower ball root container

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a multi-piece bulbophyllum container having interlocking top and bottom pieces for holding a bulbophyllum. The interlocking member allows for a quick connection to facilitate a releasable, water-impermeable connection. The top member defines a central top opening and a second chamber portion and the bottom member defines a first chamber portion and a reservoir. When engaged to form an integral container, the first and second chamber portions enclose the bulbophyllum, the reservoir is configured to allow a root of the bulbophyllum to propagate therein, and a resilient member positioned therein causes the bulbophyllum to face upward, thereby allowing the uppermost portion of the bulb and the growing flower to extend through the central top opening of the top member. The multi-piece bulb-of-flower container can accommodate bulbs of various shapes and sizes to create consistent aesthetic appeal while maintaining a stable environment for the growing bulbs of flower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of horticulture, and more particularly, to methods and systems for cultivating and displaying flower bulbs. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a hydroponic cultivation method for certain flower bulbs (such as amaryllis) and an apparatus for improving the visual appeal of flower bulbs without using a soil substrate or a wax coating.

[0002] Prior Art and Objects of the Invention

[0003] Certain flower bulbs, particularly amaryllis, are typically sold individually in vases or containers filled with a predetermined amount of soil. The soil is intended to hold a nutrient solution (such as water) and maintain the flower bulb in an upright position, especially during growth, transportation, and display. The container serves not only to hold the bulb and soil within the cavity of the container, but also to provide a certain aesthetic element to the combination. This method of cultivating and displaying flowers has been around for approximately several decades; however, in recent years, there has been an increasing interest in hydroponic cultivation, mainly due to the reduction in required resources.

[0004] To provide consumers with maximum visibility of the flower bulb and all its components (i.e., roots and flowers), the soil can be removed and replaced with a non-soil substrate. In some embodiments, rocks, sand, peat moss, clay, and other similar non-soil substrates are commonly used to support the flower while it grows. Due to the unique anatomy of the amaryllis bulb, they can be dipped in a wax material such that the wax dries and forms a shell around the amaryllis. To maintain the bulb upright, the bottom of the wax-sealed bulb includes a base member such as a foot member or a pedestal member. To wax-seal the amaryllis, the roots of the amaryllis must first be removed so that the bottom of the amaryllis bulb is substantially flat. Next, the exterior of the bulb is covered with a balloon-type sleeve so that the hot wax does not damage the skin of the flower bulb. Finally, the roots are cut off, and a sleeve is placed over the amaryllis, then the amaryllis is dipped in wax and set aside to cool and harden. This is a time-consuming process that requires a significant amount of physical labor due to the irregular size and shape of the amaryllis bulb and ultimately causes minor damage to the bulb and affects its growth. Additionally, removing the roots is also not ideal.

[0005] Finally, for certain flower bulbs, such as amaryllis, when the flower bulb grows, the bulb portion often shrinks as the flower bulb consumes the nutrients stored within the bulb portion of the flower bulb. This shrinkage typically reduces the aesthetic appeal of the bulb-container combination because the container appears too large and the bulb portion appears shriveled. Additionally, for wax-sealed embodiments, it is not possible to effectively supply nutrient solution to the root portion of the flower bulb, resulting in a poor growth environment.

[0006] Accordingly, in view of the problems and disadvantages associated with prior art devices, the present disclosure has been conceived and one of its objectives is to provide a flower bulb container capable of holding amaryllis bulbs without damaging the bulbs.

[0007] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a container for holding amaryllis that creates an ideal environment for the growth of amaryllis and allows the root portion to receive nutrient solution.

[0008] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a flower bulb container capable of accommodating amaryllis bulbs of various shapes and sizes.

[0009] Still another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a container for holding a flower bulb, the container having a water-impermeable bottom, a top with a top opening, and an elastic member positioned between the bottom member of the container and the root portion of the flower bulb.

[0010] A further objective of the present disclosure is to provide a flower bulb container that provides a novel way to deliver nutrient solution to the root portion of the flower bulb, thereby promoting growth and promoting the growth of more vibrant flowers.

[0011] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a flower bulb container that is easy to manufacture and convenient to use.

[0012] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a flower bulb container that creates a stable environment for the flower bulb and prevents the flower bulb from tipping over when the container is placed on a flat surface.

[0013] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a multi-piece flower bulb container that pushes the flower bulb upward within the container to eliminate any gap between the top perimeter of the container and the neck portion of the flower bulb such that when the flower bulb emerges from the top opening, its neck remains snug.

[0014] With the more detailed description set forth below, various other objectives and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The above and other objects are achieved by providing a container for holding flower bulbs, the container including a top member and a bottom member. The top member and the bottom member are preferably interlocked, snapped together, or capable of engaging with each other to form a single container. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom member includes a base and a sidewall that extends from an outer edge of the base and terminates at an upper perimeter that defines an opening. The sidewall defines an inner surface and an outer surface, and the base defines an inner base surface and an outer base surface. The base and the sidewall together define a first chamber portion and a reservoir within the interior space of the bottom member. The reservoir is defined at the bottom end of the bottom member and is configured (i.e., sized, shaped, and otherwise capable) to allow the roots of the bulb to propagate therein, to hold one or more resilient members that keep the bulb upright, and to store nutrient components. One or more of the inner and / or inner surfaces of the bottom member may include a plurality of radially extending protrusions that are configured to ensure proper positioning (e.g., alignment) of the bulb within the container. These protrusions ensure that the bulb is held above the reservoir such that only the root portion of the flower bulb spills into the reservoir. These protrusions also form a gap between the inner and / or inner surface of the bottom member and the bulb portion of the flower bulb, effectively promoting air flow around the bulb portion and the root portion.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the top member includes a sidewall that extends from a central top opening and terminates at a bottom perimeter, the central top opening defining a top perimeter and the bottom perimeter defining a bottom perimeter opening. The sidewall of the top member defines an inner surface and an outer surface. The top member defines a second chamber portion therein for receiving an upper portion of the flower bulb, and the central top opening allows the uppermost portion of the bulb and the growing flower to extend therethrough. The bottom perimeter of the top member and the upper perimeter of the bottom member each include interlocking members that facilitate a releasable, watertight connection between the bottom member and the top member by using corresponding interlocking features such as studs and slots (i.e., snap connections) that allow for quick and easy connection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 A top perspective view of the multi-piece flower bulb container of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 Shown is Figure 1 a bottom perspective view of the container;

[0019] Figure 3 Shown is Figure 1 an exploded top perspective view of the container;

[0020] Figure 4 Shown is Figure 1 an exploded top plan view of the container;

[0021] Figure 5 shows a Figure 1 bottom exploded plan view of a container;

[0022] Figure 6 is a Figure 1 rear exploded elevation view of a container;

[0023] Figure 7 shows a Figure 1 front exploded elevation view of a container;

[0024] Figure 8 shows a Figure 1 right - hand exploded elevation view of a container;

[0025] Figure 9 shows a Figure 1 left - hand exploded elevation view of a container;

[0026] Figure 10 shows an exploded cross - sectional view as seen along line 10 - 10 in Figure 4 ; and

[0027] Figure 11 schematically shows a Figure 1 front elevation view of a multi - piece flower bulb container, which includes an amaryllis bulb shown in dashed lines.

[0028] Preferred Embodiments of the Invention and Specific Modes of Operation

[0029] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. The use of the term "exemplary" is only meant to be illustrative or by way of example, and any reference herein to "the present disclosure" is not intended to confine or limit the present disclosure to any one or more of the exact features or steps of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in this specification. References to "exemplary embodiments", "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "various embodiments", etc. may indicate that the embodiments of the present disclosure so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Additionally, repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment", "in an exemplary embodiment", or "in an alternative embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

[0030] It should also be noted that terms such as "preferably", "generally", and "usually" are not used herein to limit the scope of the present disclosure or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the present disclosure. Instead, these terms are only intended to emphasize alternative or additional features that may or may not be used in a particular embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. The same numbers used herein refer to the same elements throughout. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be operable, feasible, and complete. Accordingly, the specific arrangements disclosed are only illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure and any and all equivalents thereof. In addition, many embodiments such as adjustments, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein, and these embodiments fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] Although specific terms are used herein, they are for general and descriptive purposes only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, these terms are intended to be given a broad, ordinary, and customary meaning consistent with the applicable meaning in the relevant industry and are not limited to any specific embodiment described hereinafter. As used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more items. When referring to only one item, the terms "one and only one", "single", or similar language are used. When used herein to connect a list of items, the term "or" means at least one item, but does not exclude multiple items of the list.

[0033] For the exemplary methods or processes of the present disclosure, the order and / or arrangement of the steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that although the steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described in sequential or chronological order, the steps of any such process or method are not limited to being performed in any specific order or arrangement unless otherwise stated. In fact, the steps in such processes or methods can generally be performed in a variety of different orders and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] In addition, any reference to the advantages, benefits, unexpected results, or operability of the present disclosure is not intended to confirm that the present disclosure has previously been put into practice or that any tests have been performed. Similarly, unless otherwise stated, the use of verbs in the simple past tense (present perfect or past tense) is not intended to indicate or imply that the present disclosure has previously been put into practice or that any tests have been performed.

[0035] The containers described in the present disclosure can be used in combination with flower bulbs such as amaryllis. For the purposes of the present disclosure, a flower bulb includes at least a bottom root portion extending downward from a central bulb portion and an upper stem portion extending upward from the central bulb portion. The root portion extends downward from a root plate defined on the bottom of the central bulb portion. The stem portion extends upward from a neck defined on the top of the central bulb portion.

[0036] To better understand the present disclosure and its operation, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 to 11 which show various orientations of a preferred embodiment of the multi-piece flower bulb container 10. The multi-piece flower bulb container 10 disclosed herein includes a bottom member 20 and a top member 60, which together form the multi-piece flower bulb container 10. The bottom member 20 is waterproof and is capable of accommodating the roots of the bulb when the bulb reproduces therein during growth, one or more resilient members 50 that urge the bulb upward, and one or more nutrient components. The bottom member 20 includes a base 22 that is configured to allow the container 10 to remain upright when placed on a flat surface. The base 22 defines an inner base surface 24 and an outer base surface 26. The bottom member 20 includes a sidewall 28 that extends upward from the outer edge 30 of the base 22 and terminates at an upper perimeter 32 that defines an upper perimeter opening 34. In a preferred embodiment, the upper perimeter opening 34 defines a diameter ranging between approximately twenty-two centimeters (22 cm) and forty-two centimeters (42 cm). The upper perimeter 32 of the bottom member 20 is preferably formed to have an inner groove and includes a series of interlocking features 46 therearound. The sidewall 28 defines an inner surface 36 and an outer surface 38. The inner base surface 24 and the inner surface 36 of the bottom member 20 define a first chamber portion 40 and a reservoir 42. The first chamber portion 40 is located above the reservoir 42 and is in fluid communication with the reservoir 42. The first chamber portion 40 is configured (i.e., sized, shaped, and otherwise capable) to receive, hold, and support a substantial portion of the flower bulb, such as the flower bulb 12 shown in dashed lines Figure 11 as being located above the reservoir 42 and within the first chamber portion 40. Preferably, the first chamber portion 40 holds at least half of the bulb portion 16 of the flower bulb 12. In other words, when the flower bulb 12 is placed within the bottom member 20, the first chamber portion 40 is preferably substantially occupied by the bulb portion 16 of the flower bulb 12. The reservoir 42 can be configured (i.e., sized, shaped, and otherwise capable) to receive the root portion 16 of the flower bulb 12 when the roots reproduce during growth, any nutrient components that can be placed therein to provide nutrition to the root portion 16 of the flower bulb 12, and / or one or more resilient members 50 that urge the flower bulb 12 upward into the top member 60, as will be further described herein.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom member 20 of the multi-piece bulb container 10 may include one or more protrusions 44 disposed on the inner surface 36 of the sidewall 28, the inner bottom surface 24 of the base 22, or both the inner surface 36 and the inner bottom surface 24. The one or more protrusions 44 are preferably disposed annularly around one or more of the inner surface 36 and the inner bottom surface 24 of the bottom member 20 to divide the inner space of the bottom member 20 into a first chamber portion 40 and a reservoir 42. The protrusions 44 may be configured (i.e., sized, shaped, or otherwise enabled) to support the bulb portion 16 of the bulb 12 such that the bulb portion 16 is substantially centered within the bottom member 20. In some embodiments, the inner surface 36 of the sidewall 28 defines the one or more protrusions 44. In other embodiments, the inner bottom surface 24 of the base 22 defines the one or more protrusions 44. In yet another embodiment, the one or more protrusions 44 are disposed on the inner bottom surface 24 of the base 22 and the inner surface 36 of the sidewall 28. The one or more protrusions 44 prevent the bulb portion 16 from rotting due to excessive moisture by enhancing air flow around the bulb portion, promote an ideal growing environment for the bulb 12, support the bulb portion 16 above the reservoir 42, while ensuring that the bulb 12 remains stable and visible for aesthetic purposes. Since the root portion of the bulb will propagate downward due to gravity, the root portion will be able to easily access any nutrients present in the reservoir 42.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the radius of the outer edge 30 of the base 22 is less than the upper perimeter 32 of the bottom member 20. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the sidewall 28 initially extends from the outer edge 30 in a substantially vertical manner for a predetermined distance D to form a base. Then, at a certain point (i.e., approximately the predetermined distance D), the sidewall 28 extends in a substantially convex manner, curving outwardly until the upper perimeter 32 forms a bowl-shaped portion, or the first chamber portion 40. The base portion or reservoir 42 elevates the first chamber portion 40 and also has a volume that is less than the volume of the first chamber portion 40. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of the top perimeter 68 is less than the bottom perimeter 62 of the top member 60. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the sidewall 66 initially extends downwardly from the top perimeter 68 in a substantially convex manner, curving outwardly until the bottom perimeter 62 forms a bowl-shaped portion, or the second chamber portion 76. The second chamber portion 76 of the top member 60 mates with the first chamber portion 40 of the bottom member 20 to form the container 10 including a bulb chamber therein to accommodate and maintain a bulb such as the bulb 12.

[0039] After the flower bulb 12 is placed within the bottom member 20 of the container 10, the top member 60 engages the bottom member 20 to form the integral container 10 having a smooth outer surface that is aesthetically appealing. In other embodiments, the outer surface may include aesthetic features (i.e., notches or grooves) that do not result in a smooth outer surface. The top member 60 includes a bottom perimeter 62 that defines a bottom perimeter opening 64 and includes a sidewall 66 that extends upwardly from the bottom perimeter 62 to a top perimeter 68 that defines a top center opening 70. The bottom perimeter 62 of the top member 60 is preferably formed to have an inner ridge that includes a series of interlocking features 78 therearound for mating with the interlocking features 46 on the upper perimeter 32 of the bottom member 20. The top center opening 70 is configured (sized, shaped, or otherwise capable) to permit the stem 18 of the flower bulb 12 to extend therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the top center opening 70 defines a diameter ranging between about two centimeters 2 cm and six centimeters 6 cm. The sidewall 66 of the top member 60 defines an inner surface 72 and an outer surface 74, and the interior space of the top member 60 defines a second chamber portion 76. The first chamber portion 40 and the second chamber portion 76 are configured (sized, shaped, or otherwise capable) to be substantially occupied by the bulb portion 16 when the flower bulb 12 is placed within the container 10 such that unnecessary movement of the flower bulb 12 within the container 10 is prevented. The top member 60 may be configured (i.e., sized, shaped, and otherwise capable) to releasably engage the bottom member 20 to form the container 10. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom perimeter 62 of the top member 60 and the upper perimeter 32 of the bottom member 20 are complementary such that the top member 60 and the bottom member 20 may form a substantially watertight seal. In a preferred embodiment, the upper perimeter 32 of the bottom member 20 includes interlocking features 46 such as slots that coincide with and releasably engage interlocking features 78 such as studs included on the bottom perimeter 62 of the top member 60. When the top member 60 is releasably engaged to the bottom member 20, the flower bulb 12 is substantially captured and maintained in an upright orientation throughout growth, transport, and display. Once the top member 60 engages the bottom member 20, the flower bulb 12 is held in a stable position and prevented from falling out of the container 10.

[0040] One or more protrusions 44 may facilitate air flow in the first chamber portion 40 and the reservoir 42. When the flower bulb 12 is placed within the bottom member 20, the bulb portion 16 of the flower bulb 12 rests against the protrusions 44, which facilitates the formation of a small gap between the inner surface 36 and the bulb portion 16 of the flower bulb 12, allowing air flow around the bulb portion 16 to the root portion 14 of the flower bulb 12 within the reservoir 42. Air flow into the reservoir 42 will increase the amount of air circulation to the root portion 14 and any nutrients placed within the reservoir 42, effectively promoting healthier growth of the flower bulb 12. The protrusions 44 are configured to funnel the flower bulb 12 such that the stem 18 of the flower bulb 12 can grow centrally through the top center opening 70. In a preferred embodiment, the laterally extending protrusions 44 include a surface 48 that preferably funnels and centers the bulb within the bottom member 20 to maintain the bulb 12 above the reservoir 42. The surface 48 serving as a support area for the bulb portion 16 may be located in a flat plane or a parabolic plane to ensure even weight distribution, enhanced bulb stability, and contribute to the security of the bulb within the container 10. As Figure 3 and Figure 4 best shown, the preferred bottom member 20 includes five equally spaced protrusions 44, each protrusion defining a support surface 48, and the five support surfaces 48 are defined in a parabolic plane.

[0041] As shown, the container 10 may include one or more resilient members 50 positioned within the reservoir 42 of the bottom member 20. The resilient members 50 may include any component that can push the bulb 12 upward, such as but not limited to springs, sponges, foams, and absorbent materials, to lift the bulb portion 16 above the reservoir 42 to ensure that the reservoir 42 is not occupied by the bulb portion 16 of the flower bulb 12. The resilient members 50 are configured (i.e., sized, shaped, or otherwise capable) to be positioned within the reservoir 42 and engage the bottom end of the bulb portion 16 to push the flower bulb 12 upward. In a preferred embodiment, one or more resilient members 50 include spring components made of a material suitable for positioning within a fluid solution (i.e., water). In other embodiments, the resilient member 50 may be a foam or sponge component made of a material capable of pushing the flower bulb upward while holding and storing a predetermined amount of nutrient solution.

[0042] Some flower bulbs, such as amaryllis, shrink during growth as the bulb consumes the nutrients stored within the bulb, causing the container to often appear too large and reducing the aesthetic appeal of the flower bulb 12. By substantially eliminating any gap between the top perimeter 68 of the flower bulb 12 and the bulb portion 16, pushing the flower bulb 12 upward within the container 10 enhances the aesthetic appeal of the flower bulb 12. In other words, the resilient member 50 pushes the flower bulb 12 upward within the container 10 such that the bulb portion remains in tight contact with the inner surface 72 of the top member 60. Even when the bulb portion 16 shrinks over time, the resilient member 50 allows the neck of the bulb portion 1 to always remain in a position against the inner surface of the top member 60. Without the resilient member 50 positioned within the reservoir 42, a gap may form between the bulb portion 16 and the inner surface 72 of the top member 60 when the bulb shrinks during growth. In a preferred embodiment, the container 10 includes a resilient member 50 to help keep the bulb 12 upward during growth, allowing the top of the bulb 12 to be visible within the top center opening 70 and preferably against the top perimeter 68 of the top member 60. Although shown herein as a conventional spring, the resilient member 50 may take the shape of any helical compression form such as conical, hourglass, barrel, variable pitch, or constant pitch, and is preferably formed of a material that will not rust or includes a protective layer to prevent rusting in a moist environment.

[0043] The preferred embodiment includes a nutrient component 80 placed within the reservoir 42 to provide a source of nutrients for the flower bulb 12. In other embodiments (not shown), the reservoir does not contain any nutrient component 80. The nutrient component 80 may include water, plant growth regulators, peat pellets, and any other components that provide nutrients to the root portion. When the roots propagate into the reservoir 42, they will grow around and soak in the reservoir while absorbing the nutrients required for healthy growth. When the nutrient component 80 is completely consumed by the root portion, the flower bulb 12 can be pushed downward, compressing the resilient member 50 until the root plate of the bulb portion contacts the support surface 48 of one or more protrusions 44, thereby creating a gap between the bulb portion 16 and the inner surface 72 of the top member 60 that allows fluid to bypass the bulb portion 16 and spill into the reservoir 42.

[0044] When the flower bulb reaches the end of its life, the top member 60 of the container 10 can be easily released so that the flower bulb 12 can be removed and replaced with another new flower bulb 12. The container 10 is environmentally friendly due to its infinite reusability. The components of the container 10 can be produced using various processes, such as but not limited to vacuum forming, additive manufacturing, or injection molding. The simplicity of the design of each of the components allows for a variety of manufacturing methods, which reduces the overall production cost of such a container 10. The parts of the container 10 may include defects or artifacts such as blisters or pits to assist in removing certain parts from the injection molding equipment. In a preferred embodiment, these defects or artifacts are located on the outer surface 26 of the base 22 so that they are hidden from view. The selection of the appropriate material will recognize that certain qualities of tensile strength or compressibility may be desirable within the capabilities of an individual, especially if an interlocking construction (i.e., snap-fit) is intended. The sidewalls of the container can be opaque, transparent, or translucent, depending on the need to see the flower bulb 12 inside the container 10. The transparent or translucent nature of the container 10 further allows ambient light to reach the roots to ensure the healthy growth of strong stems and beautiful flowers, thereby increasing their aesthetic appeal to the purchaser. The bottom member 20 is waterproof and includes continuous sidewalls. In some embodiments, the top member 60 may not be waterproof and may include discontinuous sidewalls.

[0045] The illustrations and examples provided herein are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-piece container (10) for holding flower bulbs (12), the container (10) comprising: a bottom member (20) and a top member (60); The base member (20) includes a base (22) and a side wall (28), the side wall extending from an outer edge (30) of the base (22) and terminating at an upper perimeter (32), the upper perimeter defining an upper perimeter opening (34), the base (22) defining an inner base surface (24) and an outer base surface (26), the side wall (28) defining an inner surface (36) and an outer surface (38), and the inner base surface (24) and the inner surface (36) defining a first chamber portion (40) and a reservoir (42), the reservoir being located below the first chamber portion (40) and in fluid communication with the first chamber portion; and and The top member (60) has a bottom perimeter (62) defining a bottom perimeter opening (64); a side wall (66) extending from the bottom perimeter (62) to a top perimeter (68) defining a top center opening (70); wherein the upper perimeter (32) and the bottom perimeter (62) are configured to be complementary to promote a secure, substantially watertight connection between the bottom member (20) and the top member (50); The flower bulb (12) is placed in the container (10) so that the bulb portion (16) rests above the reservoir (42).

2. The container (10) of claim 1, further comprising a resilient member (50) positioned within the reservoir (42).

3. The container (10) according to claim 2, wherein the elastic member (50) is selected from the group consisting of a spring, a sponge, a foam and a water-absorbing material.

4. The container (10) of claim 1, further comprising one or more protrusions (44) disposed on an inner surface (36) of the base member (20).

5. The container (10) of claim 4, wherein each of the one or more projections (44) defines a support surface (48) and each of the support surfaces (48) is defined on a parabolic plane.

6. The container (10) of claim 1, further comprising one or more protrusions (44) disposed on the interior base surface (24) of the base member (20).

7. The container (10) of claim 1, wherein the reservoir (42) defines a reservoir volume and the first chamber portion (40) defines a chamber volume, and wherein the reservoir volume is less than the chamber volume.

8. The container (10) of claim 1, wherein the upper peripheral opening (34) defines a diameter ranging between approximately twenty-two centimeters (22 cm) and forty-two centimeters (42 cm).

9. The container (10) of claim 1, wherein the bottom peripheral opening (62) defines a diameter ranging between approximately twenty-two centimeters (22 cm) and forty-two centimeters (42 cm).

10. The container (10) of claim 1, wherein the top central opening (70) defines a diameter ranging between approximately two centimeters (2 cm) and six centimeters (6 cm).

11. A container (10) according to claim 1, wherein the upper periphery (32) of the bottom member 20 includes one or more interlocking parts (46), and the bottom periphery (62) of the top member (60) includes one or more interlocking parts (78) complementary to the interlocking parts (46) of the upper periphery (32).

12. The container (10) of claim 11, wherein said one or more interlocking features (46) on said upper periphery (32) of said base member (20) comprise grooves.

13. The container (10) of claim 1, wherein said one or more interlocking features (78) on said bottom perimeter (62) of a top member (60) comprises studs.

14. A container (10) for capturing flower bulbs (12), the container (10) comprising: a bottom member (20) and a top member (60), The base member (20) includes a base (22) and a continuous side wall (28) extending from an edge (30) of the base (22) and terminating at an opening (34) defining a continuous upper perimeter (32), the base (22) defining an inner base surface (24) and an outer base surface (26), the continuous side wall (28) defining an inner surface (36) and an outer surface (38), the inner base surface (24) and the inner surface (36) defining a first chamber portion (40) and a reservoir (42), the reservoir being located below the first chamber portion (40), The top member (60) defines a bottom perimeter opening (64), the bottom perimeter opening defining a bottom perimeter (62), the bottom perimeter (62) and the upper perimeter (32) being configured concentrically to facilitate connection between the bottom member (20) and the top member (60); and One or more projections (44) divide the first chamber portion (40) and the reservoir (42) by supporting a substantial portion of the flower bulb (12) above the reservoir (42) and within the first chamber portion (40).

15. The container (10) of claim 14, further comprising a resilient member (50) positioned within the reservoir (42).

16. The container (10) of claim 14, wherein the reservoir (42) defines a reservoir volume and the first chamber portion (40) defines a chamber volume, and wherein the reservoir volume is less than the chamber volume.

17. A container (10) for capturing flower bulbs (12), the container (10) comprising: a bottom member (20) and a top member (60), The base member (20) includes a base (22) and a continuous side wall (28) extending from an edge (30) of the base (22) and terminating at an opening (34) defining a continuous upper perimeter (32), the base (22) defining an inner base surface (24) and an outer base surface (26), the continuous side wall (28) defining an inner surface (36) and an outer surface (38), the inner base surface (24) and the inner surface (36) defining a first chamber portion (40) and a reservoir (42), the reservoir being located below the first chamber portion (40), The top member (60) defines a bottom perimeter opening (64), the bottom perimeter opening defining a bottom perimeter (62), the bottom perimeter (62) and the upper perimeter (32) being configured concentrically to facilitate connection between the bottom member (20) and the top member (60); wherein one or more projections (44) divide the first chamber portion (40) and the reservoir (42) by supporting a substantial portion of the flower bulb (12) above the reservoir (42) and within the first chamber portion (40), and The elastic member (50) is positioned in the reservoir (42) so that the elastic member (50) can push the flower bulb (12) upward.

18. A container (10) according to claim 17, wherein the upper periphery (32) includes one or more interlocking parts (46), and the bottom periphery (62) includes one or more interlocking parts (78) complementary to the interlocking parts (46) of the upper periphery (32).

19. The container (10) of claim 17, wherein the reservoir contains at least one nutrient (80) selected from the group consisting of water, plant growth regulators, peat particles, and combinations thereof.

20. The container (10) of claim 17, wherein the reservoir (42) defines a reservoir volume and the first chamber portion (40) defines a chamber volume, and wherein the reservoir volume is less than the chamber volume.

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