Patents by Inventor Joseph G. Straeter

Joseph G. Straeter has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Conveyable cover former and fastening system
    Patent number: 6481181
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The apparatus includes a platform having at least one opening sized to allow passage therethrough of an article, a conveyable cover forming assembly having contacting portions for contacting the sheet of material, and a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of a covered article for fastening a cover about the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter
  • Flat sleeve convertible to a decorative container
    Patent number: 6477804
    Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants or comestibles. The sleeve has a closed curved bottom. The sleeve may also have an expansion element such as a gusset, pleats, random folds or elastic material for enabling the lower portion of the sleeve to conform to the outer and bottom surfaces of the pot to provide a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Decorative assembly for a floral grouping
    Publication number: 20020152679
    Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter, Joseph G. Straeter, Michael J. King, Franklin J. Craig, Michael R. Klemme
  • Method of wrapping a pot with a conformable sleeve
    Publication number: 20020148199
    Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants or comestibles. The sleeve has a closed curved bottom. The sleeve may also have an expansion element such as a gusset, pleats, random folds or elastic material for enabling the lower portion of the sleeve to conform to the outer and bottom surfaces of the pot to provide a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Flexible vase
    Publication number: 20020148160
    Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter, Joseph G. Straeter, Michael J. King, Franklin J. Craig, Michael R. Klemme
  • Method for packaging a potted plant
    Patent number: 6460315
    Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is placed in a cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Craig, Joseph G. Straeter, Donald E. Weder
  • METHOD OF COVERING A POT OR FLORAL GROUPING WITH A SLEEVE HAVING A BICONCAVE LOWER END
    Publication number: 20020139048
    Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened condition and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a biconcave lower end, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which when employed to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear, or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve. The biconcave lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Method of covering a pot or floral grouping with a sleeve having a biconcave lower end
    Patent number: 6453611
    Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened condition and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a biconcave lower end, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which when employed to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear, or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve. The biconcave lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Flexible vase
    Patent number: 6453612
    Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter, Joseph G. Straeter, Michael J. King, Franklin J. Craig, Michael R. Klemme
  • Apparatus and method for automatically forming an article
    Publication number: 20020132717
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically forming at least two sheets of material into an article, such as a flower pot cover, is provided. The apparatus includes a first roll of sheet material, a second roll of sheet material, a female die and a male die. A first sheet of material and a second sheet of material are automatically formed from the first and second rolls of sheet material, respectively, and the first and second sheets of material are positioned between the male die and the female die. The male and female dies are shaped such that at least a portion of the male die is receivable in the opening of the female die to form the article. The formed articles are automatically stacked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, William F. Straeter, Frank Craig, Michael J. King, William C. Funk
  • SLEEVE WITH TRAPEZOIDAL LOWER END
    Publication number: 20020129548
    Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened condition and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a trapezoidal lower end, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which when employed, to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear, or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve. The trapezoidal lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Method of covering a pot or floral grouping with a sleeve having a curvilinear lower end
    Publication number: 20020121049
    Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened condition and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a curvilinear lower end, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which when employed to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear, or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve, the curvilinear lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • METHOD OF COVERING A POT OR FLORAL GROUPING WITH A SLEEVE HAVING A ROUNDED LOWER END
    Publication number: 20020116871
    Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened condition and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a rounded lower end, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which when employed to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear, or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve. The rounded lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Method of covering a pot or floral grouping with a sleeve having a rounded lower end
    Patent number: 6438896
    Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened condition and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a rounded lower end, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which when employed to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear, or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve. The rounded lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Sleeve with trapezoidal lower end
    Patent number: 6438897
    Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened condition and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a trapezoidal lower end, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which when employed, to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear, or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve. The trapezoidal lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Sleeve with a triangular lower end
    Publication number: 20020112401
    Abstract: A tubular sleeve having a triangular lower end for covering a pot or floral grouping. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion and may have a non-linear or linear upper edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Method for making curled decorative grass
    Patent number: 6436324
    Abstract: Curled decorative grass having a variety of configurations and methods for making such decorative grass is provided which, because of its increased bulk, can also be used as a packing material, an animal bedding, cat litter, mulch for soil and a media for plants. The curled decorative grass is produced by curling a substantially flat sheet of material and thereafter cutting the resulting curled sheet of material; or by cutting a pre-curled material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter, Joseph G. Straeter, Franklin J. Craig, Michael J. King, Michael R. Klemme, Sonny K. Burnside
  • Decorative assembly for a floral grouping
    Patent number: 6427380
    Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter, Joseph G. Straeter, Michael J. King
  • Sleeve with rounded lower end
    Patent number: 6425203
    Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened condition and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a rounded lower end, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which when employed to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear, or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve. The rounded lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Method of covering a pot with a floral sleeve having a pleated skirt
    Publication number: 20020092231
    Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a flexible floral sleeve having a base portion and a skirt portion, and optionally an upper detachable portion which may be sized to surround a plant disposed in a flower pot. The base portion is generally made from two flat panels substantially free of overlapping portions and the skirt portion has a plurality of overlapping portions which allow the skirt portion to expand outwardly from the upper end of the base portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter