Stem Extension for Artificial Flowers
Patent Number: US 10433603 Grant Date: 2019-10-08 Filing Date: 2015-02-17
Overview
This patent describes a practical, modular stem extender designed to simplify and standardize the assembly of artificial flower arrangements. Filed on February 17, 2015 and granted on October 8, 2019, the disclosure—by inventors based in Big Spring, TX and assigned to applicants in the same location—captures a straightforward mechanical solution that addresses common florist and decorator pain points. The device combines a graduated female receiving opening and a graduated male end so multiple extensions or existing stems can be joined securely without tape or wire. The exterior texture and radially arranged fins and veins improve retention and stabilize the stem when inserted into foams, clays, plaster, or soil. Material and manufacturing considerations are claimed as well, including polymer and olefin/ABS blends that allow controlled flexure and the ability to bend and retain shape while permitting simple cutting to exact length.
The firm’s drafting emphasizes both functional detail—specific stepped diameters and shoulder interfaces for reliable, repeatable fits—and manufacturing-friendly features, producing enforceable claim scope that benefits commercial production and end users.
Key Features
- Graduated female internal diameters and graduated male external diameters for secure, modular connections
- Coarse textured exterior and fins/veins for enhanced stability in decorating media
- Moldable polymer materials (including olefin/ABS alloy) enabling bend-and-hold behavior
- 6–8 inch nominal shaft length with option to cut to size
This invention reduces labor and hazard in floral assembly and creates a standardized component useful across event design, retail floristry, and mass-produced artificial-flower manufacturing.
Invention Details
Abstract: A stem extension for artificial flowers comprising a stem extension having an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft having a first end and a second end. The first end of the elongated shaft provided with a graduated female opening. The second end of the elongated shaft provided with a graduated male end. The stem extension comprises an exterior surface. A portion of the exterior surface comprises a course textured finish. The elongated shaft of the stem extension further comprises a one or more fins and veins arranged between the first end and the second end. The graduated male end comprises a one or more external diameters each separated from one another by a male shoulder. The graduated female receiving opening comprises a one or more internal diameters each separated from one another by a female shoulder. The graduated female opening comprises a first inside diameter and a second inside diameter.
Summary of the Invention: Two systems and a method are disclosed.
The two systems comprising a stem extension. Said stem extension for artificial flowers comprising a stem extension having an elongated shaft. Said elongated shaft having a first end and a second end. Said first end of said elongated shaft provided with a graduated female opening. Said second end of said elongated shaft provided with a graduated male end. Said stem extension comprises an exterior surface. A portion of said exterior surface comprises a course textured finish. Said elongated shaft of said stem extension further comprises a one or more fins and veins arranged between said first end and said second end. Said graduated male end comprises a one or more external diameters each separated from one another by a male shoulder. Said graduated female receiving opening comprises a one or more internal diameters each separated from one another by a female shoulder. Said graduated female opening comprises, at least, a first inside diameter and a second inside diameter. Said first inside diameter arranged proximate to said first end of said stem extension. Said first inside diameter being larger than said second inside diameter.
A method of adjusting an artificial flower arrangement comprising: positioning a one or more stem extensions in a decorating medium, and attaching a one or more artificial flowers to said one or more stem extensions. Said one or more stem extensions each comprise a stem extension having an elongated shaft. Said elongated shaft having a first end and a second end. Said first end of said elongated shaft provided with a graduated female opening. Said second end of said elongated shaft provided with a graduated male end. Said stem extension comprises an exterior surface. A portion of said exterior surface comprises a course textured finish. Said elongated shaft of said stem extension further comprises a one or more fins and veins arranged between said first end and said second end.
Patent Document
Related: Mechanical Engineering | Consumer Products | Materials | Big Spring, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney