Abstract: This invention provides a method and associated apparatus in which decorative ribbons of varying thickness, width, and material can be automatically produced, curled, grouped, and combined in a decorative element which is packaged for distribution. The apparatus serves to impart a helical curl to at least one of a plurality of ribbon strands, meters the strands into preselected lengths, separates the lengths from the ribbon stock, and packages the resulting coiled ribbon arrangements for distribution to customers. The apparatus includes one or more roll stands for storing rolls of ribbon stock, a feed unit for advancing the ribbon through the apparatus and imparting a tendency to curl the strands, a tension regulator unit for accumulating metered lengths of the stands and regulating the advancement of the ribbon strands through the apparatus, and a packaging unit for attaching the ribbon on a placard, to form a decorative element having a cluster of curled ribbon strands.

Abstract: A flower pot cover of single circular sheet construction comprising a circular planar bottom, an outwardly bowed generally cylindrical side portion upstanding from said bottom about the periphery thereof, said side portion being loosely folded over and against itself to form a circumferentially continuous series of randomly shaped rolled, non-planar vertically elongated ruffles presenting a curved and bowed outwardly facing surface along said cylindrical side portion and extending generally parallel with an axis of said cylinder and forming rolls bowing outwardly proximate the vertical midpoint thereof to provide greater pot cover diameter proximate the vertical midpoint of said side portion than at upper and lower circular extremities of said side portion, an annular lip having a circular outer periphery and extending angularly outwardly and upwardly from said cylindrical side portion about the upper extremity thereof, said annular lip being loosely folded and curled against itself to form a circumferentiall

Abstract: A vehicular loading dock shelter with opposed hinge gap and head bag closures. For the hinge gap closures, reinforced side curtains seal corner hinge areas, as a truck/trailer is backed into the loading dock, to thereby form a protective weather seal for the sides of the dock. Excessive pull on opposed side curtains is compensated by a pair of single leaf spring-loaded hinge assemblies, connecting the respective curtains to corresponding shelter side frames of the front walls. These hinge gap closures having side curtains for are each adapted to set the side curtains parallel to the door of the dock in the normal closed position, when the dock is not in use.

Abstract: A longitudinally extending decorative flexible ribbon having opposite side edges and a central longitudinal axis is provided with a plurality of cutouts within opposite side edges of the ribbon at longitudinally spaced positions forming narrow necks joining uncut portions of the ribbon, intermediate of the cutouts. A longitudinally extending drawstring fixed at one end to an end of the longitudinally extending decorative flexible ribbon extends along the ribbon and is positioned in alignment with said neck at each longitudinally spaced position. A retainer encircles each neck and the drawstring at each longitudinally spaced position such that the drawstring runs freely through the retainers.

Abstract: A container for receiving and holding an object comprises generally parallel front and rear panels, generally parallel side panels, and a bottom panel, the edges of the front, rear and side panels being joined together and being joined with the bottom panel to form a generally bag-like container with an open top. The top edges of the front, rear and side panels are folded toward the bottom panel to form a reinforcing cuff proximate the open top of the container. A support member includes a first portion installed within the cuff and a second portion extending from the first portion out of the cuff and beyond the top of the container. The second support member portion includes an opening for receiving a supporting member for supporting the container in a hanging condition.