Vase assembly for holding one or more stems or twigs, which may or may not be bearing flowers, and packaging assembly

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a vase assembly for one or more stems and/or twigs, which may or may not be bearing flowers, such as one or more stems of cut amaryllis and/or one or more twigs of coniferous greenery. The vase assembly comprises: a holder for receiving the lower ends of the stems and/or twigs; and a detachable foot for the holder. The foot comprises three or more elongated panels, each of which is provided with two slits extending from a longitudinal edge of the panel in the transverse direction of the panel. The slits in the panels are provided and formed in such a manner that said panels can be inserted into each other to form a grid-like structure, leaving a central three-cornered or four-cornered central grid opening free for at least the bottom end of the holder.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vase assembly for holding one or more stems and/or twigs, which may or may not be bearing flowers, such as one or more stems of cut amaryllis and/or one or more twigs of coniferous greenery, wherein said vase assembly comprises:

• a holder for receiving the lower ends of the stems and/or twigs
• a detachable foot for the holder,
  wherein the foot comprises x elongated panels, wherein x = three or four or a number greater than four, and wherein each panel is provided with two slits extending from a longitudinal edge of the panel in a transverse direction of the panel in the direction of the other longitudinal edge of said panel, which slits are provided and arranged in such a manner that the panels can be inserted into each other to form a grid-like structure, whilst leaving an x-cornered central grid opening free, into which at least the bottom end of the holder can be received,
  wherein, when the panels have been inserted into each other to form a grid-like structure, at each corner of the x-cornered central grid opening, two panels cross each other in each case, with the slit of the one crossed panel in line with the slit in the other crossed panel.

[0002] Such a vase assembly is known from NL-1.015.990. In the case of stems and/or twigs that are relatively long the problem may occur - as is described in NL-1.015.990 - that when such stems and/or twigs are placed in a vase, the vase easily falls over. This is especially the case when the stems and/or twigs are relatively top-heavy or become relatively top-heavy when already standing in the vase, for example, due to the flowers opening, and if one uses or wishes to use a slender vase for the vase. This is the case, for example, with an amaryllis, which is also known as a cut flower and is generally designated in this context as a cut amaryllis. A cut amaryllis is composed of a relatively thick long stem with a relatively large and heavy flower on top. Thus, a cut amaryllis can stand quite nicely in a vase by itself, as well as with two or three or possibly more amaryllis at the same time. In particular in the case of a small number of amaryllis, such as a single amaryllis, it is nice to use a slender vase which has a sufficient water capacity and must therefore be relatively high. Such a vase will then need to be provided with a sturdy foot since the vase would otherwise topple over. In this connection, roses and sunflowers may also be mentioned as further examples. A single rose or sunflower or one, possibly two or more roses or sunflowers, may also stand very attractively in a relatively slender high vase, which must then have a sturdy foot in order to prevent it from toppling over. It will be clear that it can also be attractive, for a further arrangement in this case, to place one or more, preferably a single or only a couple of twigs of a different plant in the same vase. In the case of a cut amaryllis a twig of coniferous greenery may be considered. However, practice shows that the consumer, in particular if it is someone who receives the respective flower or otherwise the respective plant as a present, does not have a suitable vase, more specifically a slender vase with a sufficiently sturdy foot. This makes such plants less suitable as a present other than as part of a relatively large bouquet.

[0003] The vase assembly from the aforementioned NL-1.015.990 overcomes these drawbacks by providing a vase assembly according to the preamble of claim 1. However, the stability of this known vase assembly seems to leave something to be desired. The holder, i.e. the high slender vase, has the tendency to topple over when it is accidentally knocked or when someone takes hold of it and wobbles it to and fro. The foot then creeps upwards along the holder and becomes detached from the base. The result of this is that function of the foot of keeping the holder upright in a stable and reliable manner diminishes. This stability problem also occurs when the flower, for example that of an amaryllis, opens up. The entire assembly then becomes top-heavy and begins to topple over, during which the foot tends to creep upwards along the holder.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a vase assembly according the description of claim 1, wherein said vase assembly overcomes the drawbacks of the assembly disclosed in NL-1.015.990.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the present invention by providing a vase assembly according to the preamble of claim 1, said vase assembly being characterized in that when the panels have been inserted into each other to form a grid-like structure, at least a first of the two panels crossing said corner is provided with a groove at each corner of the x-cornered central grid opening, which extend from the closed end of the slit in the corner of said first panel, in that longitudinal direction of said slit to the other longitudinal edge of said first panel, wherein said groove has a width equal to the thickness of the second of the two panels crossing each other in said corner at the location of said corner, in such a manner that said second of the two panels crossing in said corner engages into said groove. According to the invention, the term "groove" denotes an elongated, channel-like structure formed within a delimiting plane of the panel (therefore, not in a side edge of the panel). A groove in accordance with the invention has a closed bottom and an open end at the slit. The term "slit" denotes, according to the invention, a cut in a side edge of the panel. According to the invention, the invention has an essentially closed bottom and is open towards both delimiting planes of the panel.

[0006] As a result of the slits, the elongated panels can be simply composed to form a relatively wide foot for the holder and be easily packaged when disassembled, lying alongside the holder or possibly alongside stems and/or twigs, together with the holder and/or an arrangement of holder and stems and/or twigs.
In each corner, the groove of the one panel secures the edges of the slit in the other panel that engage in the groove. Thus, the part of the other panel extending between two corners is prevented from flexing outwardly when a holder inserted in the central grid opening is subjected to a tilting or wobbling movement. This makes the foot more rigid. The stability of the foot is greater and it prevents the foot from creeping upwards along the holder.
According to a further embodiment, it is advantageous, when the panels are inserted into each other to form a grid-like structure, if both panels crossing at said corner are provided at each corner of the x-cornered central grid opening with an aforementioned groove. This therefore further increases the rigidity and stability of the foot.
According to an advantageous embodiment, on the one hand, the inner circumferential dimensions of the central grid opening, when the foot has been assembled, and, on the other hand, the outer circumferential dimensions of at least the bottom end of the holder, are such that, when viewed in the directions parallel to the plane defined by the grid structure, the holder fits into the central grid opening, relative to the foot, essentially without play. Thus, a tightly fitting, possibly slightly clamping reception of the holder in the central grid opening of the foot is achieved, as it were, and at the most, only allows a displacement of the foot in the longitudinal direction of the holder, thus excluding any titling movement of the holder relative to the foot. Thus, the term "without play" here denotes not so much a reception of the bottom end of the holder in the central grid opening without any crevice between the holder and the surrounding panel parts, but rather a reception without displacement, at least a reception that prevents individual displacement of the holder relative to the foot in the surface secured by the foot. At the same time, the use of the term "without play" does not imply that clamping is involved. Although a slight clamping poses no problem, a strong clamping should be avoided because it would be difficult for the consumer during the assembly and disassembly of the foot relative to the holder and because too strong a clamping can result in the breakage of the holder, if it were to be manufactured from glass, for example.

[0007] In this manner, the tightly fitting and clamped reception of the holder in the foot can be further improved if each of the panels comprises a slit in the panel surface which, when the panels have been inserted into each other to form a grid-like structure, defines the central grid opening, wherein the grooved channel is located between the slits of that panel and wherein, when the holder has been inserted in the foot, the grooved channels engage the holder. In particular in the case of a holder with an outwardly curved surface, at least at the bottom end of the holder, the contact surface between the holder and the foot is thus increased, resulting in greater friction which must be overcome in order to slide the foot along the holder. If the panels are sufficiently thick, the grooved channel may even extend in each case continually towards the grooved channel of the adjacent panel when assembled. In this manner, complete contact between the holder and all surrounding surfaces of the grid structure can be achieved when the holder is placed in the grid structure. The friction and the fit are then maximal and, moreover, this makes the external appearance more attractive.

[0008] In this case, it is a further advantage if the structure comprises four of these panels and, when these four panels have been inserted into each other to form a grid-like structure, that the central grid opening - with or without grooved channels - is essentially square and if the holder has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0009] According to the invention, the holder is advantageously tubular in shape, in particular elongated and tubular. This is to ensure, in particular, that the stems and/or twigs to be received in the holder by their lower ends will remain substantially upright and only be allowed to assume a slightly oblique upright position. The elongated tubular shape is advantageous here in order to enable a sufficiently large water compartment to be incorporated in the holder. According to a further advantageous embodiment, the holder also comprises a compartment for water and/or for a water-absorbent material. It is conceivable, for example, to provide a wad-like material in the compartment and to impregnate this with water.

[0010] In order to ensure that the three or four panels can be readily assembled to form a grid-like structure, it is advantageous, according to the invention, if the slits are formed in at least two of the panels in the same longitudinal edge. In the case of a foot consisting of three panels, this means that the third panel has two slits opening in opposing longitudinal edges. In the case of a foot constructed from four panels, it is advantageous for a simple assembly if, in two of the panels, both slits open upwardly in the assembled state, whereas in the two other panels the slits open downwardly in the assembled state.

[0011] In view of a correct and at the same time simple assembly, it is a further advantage if the mutual pitch distance between the slits in a panel is the same for all panels. This therefore significantly reduces the risk of an incorrect assembly by an inexperienced person.

[0012] For the foot to ensure that a vase with a relatively long stem and/or twig remains upright in a stable and reliable manner when assembled, it is furthermore advantageous according to the invention if, as viewed in the longitudinal direction, each panel is divided into three equal zones, and if the slits are located in the centremost zone. This ensures a satisfactory sideways projection of the foot, i.e. in the transverse direction of the holder.

[0013] In order to ensure that stems and/or twigs are held in an approximately upright standing position and, at the same time, that the holder has a slender shape, it is preferable, according to the invention, for the height of the holder to be at least three times greater than the outer width of the holder.

[0014] In order to ensure that the foot, when assembled, is easily kept and stored together with the holder, it is preferable, according to the invention, if the inner width of the holder is larger than or equal to the largest transverse dimension of the panels, and such that the panels, when the foot is disassembled, can be received in the holder. Accordingly, if the consumer wishes, for example, to store the vase assembly for a subsequent use, this reduces the risk of losing the foot or one or more panels of the foot, or that one knows where the foot is kept but has mislaid the holder. This is because the panels can be inserted in the holder and the entire assembly can be stored in any place in a combined state. The vase assembly can also be offered for sale in this compact form, either by a florist or, alternatively, in a shop.

[0015] The invention further relates to a packaging assembly comprising:

a) a vase assembly according to the invention;

b) one or more stems and/or twigs, which may or may not be bearing flowers, such as one or more stems of cut amaryllis and/or one or more twigs of coniferous greenery;

c) an outer packaging, such as a box or tube with items a) and b) packed therein, in which the panels, when disassembled, run from the foot parallel to the direction of the stems and/or twigs.

[0016] Accordingly, the panels can be inserted in the holder but can also lie adjacent to the holder or otherwise lengthwise along the stems and/or twigs whereas, for example, the lower ends of the stems and/or twigs can be inserted in the holder. It is also a further advantage if the outer packaging has one or more transparent windows, through which at least a part of the stems and/or twigs, which may or may not be bearing flowers, and preferably at least a part of the holder and/or foot are visible from the outside. Therefore, on the one hand, this enables a consumer to inspect the state of the plant packaged in the packaging structure and, on the other hand, to check the presence of the vase assembly.

[0017] The present invention will be described hereinafter in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a vase assembly according to the invention containing two cut amaryllis;

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view, with exploded parts, of the foot of the vase assembly according to fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a foot for a vase assembly according to the invention, which second embodiment of the foot may, of course, replace the foot of fig. 1;

Fig. 4 shows the vase assembly of fig. 1 when disassembled for storage;

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view, with exploded parts, of a third embodiment of the foot of the vase assembly according to the invention, which third embodiment may, of course, replace the foot of fig. 1; and

Fig. 6 shows a top view of a fourth embodiment of the foot of the vase assembly according to the invention.

[0018] In the figs. 1, 2 and 4, the numeral 1 indicates the so-called holder, and numeral 2 the foot. Although the holder can be designed in numerous ways, the holder 1 shown consists of a cylindrical glass vase that is open at the top and closed at the bottom along its perimeter. The holder 1 can very well be manufactured from plastic, metal or any other material and may also very well be non-transparent instead of transparent, as shown. Furthermore, it is quite conceivable that the holder 1 is an element that, instead of protruding from the top of the foot, can be precisely received in the foot, and/or comprises no water reservoir, but instead comprises a few small holes into which the lower ends of stems and/or twigs can be inserted.

[0019] The foot comprises four panels, notably two panels 3 and two panels 4. Panels 3 and 4 each have a straight lowermost longitudinal edge 7 and a curved uppermost longitudinal edge 8. However, the shape of these longitudinal edges 7 and 8 is in no way essential, as will be apparent hereinafter in fig. 3 for the uppermost longitudinal edge 8. But even the lowest longitudinal edge 7 does not need to be straight. It can be a hollow, curved longitudinal edge, for example, or a toothed longitudinal edge.

[0020] The mutually identical panels 3 are each provided with two slits 5 opening in the lowermost longitudinal edge 7 and the mutually identical panels 4 are provided with two slits 6 opening in the uppermost longitudinal edge 8. Each panel 3 is further provided with two grooves 12, one groove 12 per slit 5. Each groove 12 extends outwardly from the closed end 15 of the respective slit 5 in the extending plane of the slit towards the longitudinal edge 8, which is the other longitudinal edge 8 than said 7 in which slits 5 are formed. The width B of each groove 12 is equal to the thickness D of the other panel at the position of the slit 6 formed therein. As is indicated in fig. 2 by arrows A, the foot can be assembled by inserting panels 3 and 4 into each other. The width of each slit 5, 6 should be essentially equal to the thickness of the other panel 4 respectively 3. Thus, a grid-like structure of nine grid openings is formed (see also fig. 1) with a four-cornered central grid opening 11, defined by four panels 3, 4 which cross each other in the corners 9 of the grid opening and which engage each other in said corners by the slits and grooves in order to form a rigid structure.

[0021] The mutual pitch distance S between slits 5 and the mutual pitch distance S between slits 6 are both identical, although these pitch distances may also vary. It is possible, for example, to make the pitch distance between slits 5 twice as great as the pitch distance between slits 6, and it is also possible to vary the pitch distance between slits 6 for each panel, in which panels 4 will then no longer be entirely mutually identical.

[0022] Panels 3 and 4 can be conceived as being subdivided into three zones of equal length 1/3 L extending out in a longitudinal direction L of the panels. According to one of the preferred embodiments, slits 6 and 5 are then located in the centremost zone with a length of 1/3 L.

[0023] An amaryllis 100 with flower 101 can be placed in holder 1 or two amaryllis 100 each with a flower 101, as shown in fig. 1. It is very decorative, in this case, to also place a twig of greenery, such as coniferous greenery, in holder 1 or to place a different plant in holder 1.

[0024] Fig. 4 shows a stored state, wherein the foot is disassembled and panels 3 and 4 thereof are inserted into holder 1 and lie alongside each other. The advantage of this is that the vase assembly can be stored as a whole, thus preventing individual parts from being mislaid. The vase assembly can also be offered for sale in the form illustrated in fig. 4.

[0025] In order to illustrate that foot 2 can also assume many other forms, fig. 3 shows a second further embodiment 22 of the foot, that deviates from the embodiment shown in figs. 1, 2 and 4 only by way of the shape of the curved longitudinal edge 28 (compare the curved longitudinal edge 8 in fig. 2). In fig. 3 the same reference numerals are used for parts corresponding to the numerals in fig. 2, but with an increase in the numeral of 20.

[0026] Fig. 5 shows yet a third embodiment 42 of the foot. This third embodiment 42 of the foot differs in two respects from foot 2 in figs. 1, 2 and 4. In fig. 5, the same reference numerals are used for parts corresponding to those in fig. 2, but with an increase in the numeral of 40.

[0027] The first respect in which foot 42 differs from foot 2 is that foot 42 has a groove 52 and/or 53 in all slits 45, 46. The second respect in which foot 42 differs from foot 2 is that, in foot 42, all panels in the zone between the slits have a grooved channel or recess 55. The surface of the grooved channels 55 will run in a curved circular arc, wherein the radius of the circular arc corresponds to the radius of the outer surface of cylindrical holder 1.

[0028] It will be clear that the additional grooves 53 can also be applied in foot 2 (or 22) without applying the grooved channels in the foot 2 (or 22). Furthermore, it will also be clear that the grooved channels 55 may also be applied in foot 2 (or 22) without applying the additional grooves 53 in the foot 2 (or 22).

[0029] Fig. 6 shows yet a fourth embodiment 72 of the foot. This embodiment differs from that of fig. 5 in that each of the grooved channels 75 in each case continues up to the slits of said panel so that, when assembled, the grooved channels of adjacent panels each directly connect and, when the holder has been inserted into the foot, engage the foot tightly on the entire perimeter of the bottom end of the holder. It can be seen in figure 6 that, despite the four grooved channels 75 which jointly form a circle, the central grid opening is still substantially square.

[0030] The panels of foot 2, 22, 52 can be manufactured from various materials. For example, such materials may include wood, a plywood such as a triplex plywood, plastic, metal, cardboard, etc.

[0031] It will be evident that, within the scope of protection defined by the claims, many different alternative embodiments of the vase structure according to the invention are conceivable. It is thus conceivable, for example, that the panels are formed in a curved manner in the longitudinal direction or are so flexible that they fit in a curved manner into the grid structure. It is also conceivable, within the scope of the claims, that the panels are connected in pairs by a fold at one of the longitudinal ends. With reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, for example, it is also conceivable that there are two pairs jointly connected by a fold at one of the longitudinal ends. Each pair would then comprise a panel 3 and a panel 4 and, for the benefit of the fold line connection, at least one longitudinal end would be truncated or at least formed straight or less pointed. Such a vase assembly then has a playfully constructed foot of two panel assemblies inserted into each other, each panel assembly 3, 4 having an essentially V-shaped form.
A further invention is described in the following clauses:

1. Vase assembly for one or more stems (103) and/or twigs, which may or may not be bearing flowers, such as one or more stems of cut amaryllis and/or one or more twigs of coniferous greenery, wherein said vase assembly comprises:

a holder (1) for receiving the lower ends (102) of the stems (103) and/or twigs;

a detachable foot (2, 22, 42) for the holder (1),

wherein the foot comprises x elongated panels (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44), wherein x = three or four or a number greater than four, and wherein each panel (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44) is provided with two slits (5, 6; 25, 26; 45, 46) extending from a longitudinal edge (7, 8; 27, 28; 47, 48) of the panel (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44) in a transverse direction of the panel in the direction of the other longitudinal edge (8, 7; 28, 27; 48, 47) of said panel, which slits are provided and arranged in such a manner that the panels (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44) can be inserted into each other to form a grid-like structure, whilst leaving an x-cornered central grid opening (11; 31), into which at least the bottom end of the holder (1) can be received,
wherein, when the panels (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44) have been inserted into each other to form a grid-like structure, two panels cross each other in each case at each corner (9; 29) of the x-cornered central grid opening (11; 31) with the slit (5, 6) of the one crossed panel (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44) resting in line with the slit (5, 6) in the other crossed panel (4, 3; 24, 23; 44, 43),
characterized in that on the one hand, the inner circumferential dimensions of the central grid opening (11; 31), when the foot (2; 22; 42) has been assembled and, on the other hand, the outer circumferential dimensions of at least the bottom end (104) of the holder, are such that, when viewed in the directions parallel to the area defined by the grid structure, the holder (1) fits into the central grid opening (11, 31), relative to the foot (2), essentially without play; and that each of the panels (43, 44) comprises a grooved channel or recess (55) in the panel surface (56) that, when the panels (43, 45) have been inserted into each other to form a grid-like structure, defines the central grid opening (11, 13), wherein said grooved channel (55) is located between the slits (45, 46) of said panel (43, 44); and wherein, when the holder (1) has been inserted into the foot (42), the grooved channels (55) engage the holder (1).

2. Vase assembly according to clause 2, wherein the grooved channel in each panel in each case continues up to the slits of said panel so that, when assembled, the grooved channels of adjacent panels directly connect to each other and, when the holder has been inserted into the foot, engage the foot tightly on the entire circumference of the bottom end of the holder.

3. Vase assembly according to clause 1 or 2, in conjunction with any of the claims 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13.

4. Packaging structure comprising:

a vase assembly (1, 2; 22; 42) according to any of the preceding clauses 1-3,

one or more stems (103) and/or twigs, which may or may not be bearing flowers, such as one or more stems of cut amaryllis (100) and/or one or more twigs of coniferous greenery;

an outer packaging, such as a box or tube with items a) and b) packed therein, wherein the panels (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44) of the foot (2; 22; 42), when disassembled, run parallel to the direction of the stems (103) and/or twigs.

5. Packaging structure according to clause 4, wherein the outer packaging has one or more transparent windows through which at least a part of the stems (103) and/or twigs, which may or may not be bearing flowers and preferably at least a part of the holder (1) and/or foot (2; 22; 42) are also visible from the outside. The invention set forth in these clauses has independent significance and may be the subject of a separate patent application.

Claims

1. Vase assembly for one or more stems (103) and/or twigs, which may or may not be bearing flowers, such as one or more stems of cut amaryllis and/or one or more twigs of coniferous greenery, wherein said vase assembly comprises:

■ a holder (1) for receiving the lower ends (102) of the stems (103) and/or twigs;

■ a detachable foot (2, 22, 42) for the holder (1),

wherein the foot comprises x elongated panels (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44), wherein x = three or four or a number greater than four, and wherein each panel (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44) is provided with two slits (5, 6; 25, 26; 45, 46) extending from a longitudinal edge (7, 8; 27, 28; 47, 48) of the panel (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44) in a transverse direction of the panel in the direction of the other longitudinal edge (8, 7; 28, 27; 48, 47) of said panel, which slits are provided and arranged in such a manner that the panels (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44) can be inserted into each other to form a grid-like structure, whilst leaving an x-cornered central grid opening (11; 31), into which at least the bottom end of the holder (1) can be received,
wherein, when the panels (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44) have been inserted into each other to form a grid-like structure, two panels cross each other in each case at each corner (9; 29) of the x-cornered central grid opening (11; 31) with the slit (5, 6) of the one crossed panel (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44) resting in line with the slit (5, 6) in the other crossed panel (4, 3; 24, 23; 44, 43),
characterized in that
when the panels (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44) have been inserted into each other to form a grid-like structure at each corner (9; 29) of the x-cornered central grid opening (11; 31), at least a first (3; 23; 43) of the two panels crossing said corner is provided with a groove (12; 32; 52) extending from the closed end (15; 65) of the slit (5; 25; 45) in the corner of said first panel (3; 23; 43), in line with said slit (5; 25; 45) to the other longitudinal edge (8; 28; 48) of said first panel (3; 23; 43), wherein said groove (12; 32; 52) has a width (B) equal to the thickness (D) of the second (4; 24; 44) of the two panels crossing each other in said corner (9; 29) at the location of said corner (9; 29), in such a manner that said second (4; 24; 44) of the two panels crossing in said corner engages into said groove (12; 32; 52).

2. Vase assembly according to claim 1, wherein, when the panels (43, 44) have been inserted into each other to form a grid-like structure, both panels (43, 44) crossing in said corner (9; 29) are provided at each corner (9; 29) of the x-cornered central grid opening (11; 31) with an aforementioned groove (52, 53).

3. Vase assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, on the one hand, the inner circumferential dimensions of the central grid opening (11; 31) when the foot (2; 22; 42) is assembled and, on the other hand, the outer circumference dimensions of at least the bottom end (104) of the holder (1) are such that, as viewed in the directions parallel to the plane defined by the grid structure, the holder (1) fits into the central grid opening (11; 31) essentially without play, relative to the foot (2).

4. Vase assembly according to claim 3, wherein each of the panels (43, 44) comprises a grooved channel or recess (55) in the panel surface (56) which, when the panels (4, 45) have been inserted into each other to form a grid-like structure, delimits the central grid opening (11, 31), wherein the grooved channel (55) is located between the slits (45, 46) of said panel (43, 44); and wherein, when the holder (1) has been inserted into the foot (42), the grooved channels (55) engage the holder (1).

5. Vase assembly according to claim 4, wherein the grooved channel in each panel in each case continues up to the slits of said panel so that, when assembled, the grooved channels of adjacent panels directly connect to each other and, when the holder has been inserted into the foot, the foot engages in a form-locking manner on the entire circumference of the bottom end of the holder.

6. Vase assembly according to any of the preceding claims, comprising four of said panels (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44), wherein, when said four panels (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44) have been inserted into each other to form a grid-like structure, the central grid opening (11, 31) is essentially square, and wherein the holder has a substantially cylindrical shape.

7. Vase assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holder (1) is tubular in shape, in particular elongated and tubular.

8. Vase assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holder (1) comprises a compartment for water (10) and/or for a water-absorbent material.

9. Vase assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the slits (5, 6; 25, 26; 45, 46) are formed in the same longitudinal edge (7, 8; 27, 28; 47, 48) in at least two of the panels (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44).

10. Vase assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mutual pitch distance (S) between the slits (5, 6; 25, 26; 45, 46) in a panel (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44) is the same for all panels.

11. Vase assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each panel (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44), viewed in the longitudinal direction, is divided into three equal zones, and
wherein the slits (5, 6; 25, 26; 45, 46) are formed in the centremost zone.

12. Vase assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the holder (1) is at least three times greater than the outer width of the holder (1).

13. Vase assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner width of the holder (1) is larger than or equal to the largest transverse dimension of the panels (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44), such that the panels (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44), when the foot (2; 22, 42) is disassembled, can be received in the holder (1).

14. Packaging assembly comprising:

a vase assembly (1, 2; 22; 42) according to any of the preceding claims;

one or more stems (103) and/or twigs, which may or may not be bearing flowers, such as one or more stems of cut amaryllis (100) and/or one or more twigs of coniferous

greenery;

an outer packaging, such as a box or tube with items a) and b) packed therein, wherein the panels (3, 4; 23, 24; 43, 44) of the foot (2; 22; 42), when disassembled, run parallel to the direction of the stems (103) and/or twigs.

15. Packaging assembly according to claim 14, wherein the outer packaging has one or more transparent windows through which at least a part of the stems (103) and/or twigs, which may or may not be bearing flowers, and preferably at least a part of the holder (1) and/or foot (2; 22; 42), are visible from the outside.

Drawing