Abstract: A plant packaging system and method comprising a combination of a protective upper portion and a decorative lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a potted plant or a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. The upper portion may be detachable from the lower portion of the sleeve. The lower portion may have a skirt portion which has a non-linear upper peripheral edge. The lower portion may be tapered and may have a gusset in the lower end.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a bottom which may be closed, and the sleeve is sized to cover a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

Abstract: A method of covering a pot containing a floral grouping with a flexible sleeve having a bonding material thereon which connects the sleeve to the pot when the pot is positioned within the sleeve. In one version, the sleeve is positioned about the pot and a lower portion of the sleeve closely surrounds and encompasses the pot, an upper portion of the sleeve extending upwardly from the pot and substantially surrounding and encompassing the floral grouping contained within the pot, at least a portion of the sleeve being removable via the detaching elements, leaving a portion of the sleeve which is a decorative plant cover.

Abstract: A method for providing a decorative covering for a floral grouping. The method includes the step of providing a decorative covering assembly comprising a header assembly and at least one sheet of material detachably connected to the header assembly. The header assembly is secured to a holder assembly such that the decorative covering assembly is supported by the holder assembly and at least one sheet of material can be detached from the header assembly. At least one sheet of material is detached from the header assembly and is disposed about at least a portion of the floral grouping to provide a decorative covering for the floral grouping.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot. The floral sleeve has an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and a pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: A method for wrapping groups of products with stretch film comprises the following steps: forming groups of products having a front and a longitudinal dimension following a line of feed; winding a stretch film unrolled from a first roll around a plurality of stretching rods positioned inside a film wrapping area and along the product group line of feed; forming a first tubular portion of stretch film; stretching the portion of film by moving the plurality of stretching rods to create an access area, whose transversal dimension is larger than the front, for a single group of products moving along the feed line; releasing the film portion to allow the portion to shrink and thus wrap over the group of products and thus wrapping it; expelling the wrapped package thus obtained onto the feed line.

Abstract: A method for providing a decorative covering for a floral grouping wherein at least one sheet of material is secured to an individual so as to maintain the individual's hands unconstrained. The sheet of material is detached, and then the detached sheet of material is disposed about at least a portion of the floral grouping such that a portion of the floral grouping is left exposed to provide the decorative covering for the floral grouping. In one embodiment, the decorative covering assembly is delivered to a customer for use by the customer in covering floral groupings. The customer can be a grower, for example.

Abstract: A method of product packaging wherein oblong sleeve-simulating product packaging labels are adapted to be printed with variable product information as weight data and are fed long-edge first towards a product packaging station while being maintain in an indexed relationship to a series of product items which are likewise fed towards the product packaging station. By adopting a long-edge-first feed direction for the packaging elements the indexed relationship with the product items can be established and maintained whereby direct printing of the variable data on the packaging elements or sleeves is feasible without the need to resort to printing on adhesive labels for application to the sleeved product.

Abstract: A product packaging system and method. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a backing member to which a product will be adhereingly disposed thereon. The packaging system is further comprised of an adhering material disposed upon the backing material for adhering the product to the backing member. The packaging system is further comprised of a flexible plastic material for encasing the backing member with the product adhereingly attached thereto. The flexible plastic material is sealable and tear resistant. The present invention is further comprised of a sealing component for sealing the flexible plastic material, such that the product and the backing member to which the product is disposed thereon are packaged. In one embodiment, the backing member is relatively rigid in nature and readily recyclable. In one embodiment, the flexible plastic is adapted to receive marketing communication materials and graphics/artwork.

Abstract: A plant package includes a flower pot containing a floral grouping and a sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth, wherein the sleeve is formed of a flexible, laminated material having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth. The sleeve includes a lower portion, which has a base portion and a skirt portion, and an upper portion which is detachable from the lower portion. The base, skirt and/or upper portion of the sleeve may be provided with a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth. A method for wrapping a floral grouping in a sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth includes placing a floral grouping in the sleeve and binding the sleeve about a stem portion of the floral grouping via a bonding material disposed on the sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth.

Abstract: A bottle packaging sleeve, and method of using same, for placing advertising on wine and spirits bottles, which provides both advertising and a way to protect the bottles from damage in a shopping bag or box, comprising a sheet of cushioning material, the exterior face of which is provided with informational material, the sheet being sufficiently elastic to be fitted onto a bottle. Optionally, the sleeve includes a bottle girth adaptor for coupling a first and second end of the sheet of cushioning material while further adapting to the girth of the bottle.

Abstract: A method for packaging a plant using a flexible sleeve having a cloth-like appearance.

Abstract: A flattened decorative bag having gussets which is convertible to a decorative bag for a basket which, when a basket is inserted therein, conforms to the shape of the basket. Methods of making and using a flattened decorative bag having gussets.

Abstract: Flexible polymeric materials having a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of cloth suitable for use in the formation of decorative flower pot covers are disclosed.

Abstract: A wrap having a wrap opening formed through a portion thereof for wrapping a floral grouping having a bloom end and a stem end. The stem end of the floral grouping is inserted through the wrap opening in the wrap and the wrap is formed about the floral grouping and encompasses a substantial portion of the floral grouping while a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping remains extended through the wrap opening in the wrap.

Abstract: A method of forming a scented decorative cover, a scented sleeve or a scented preformed pot cover for a floral grouping or flower pot from a sheet of material having a printed pattern and a scent corresponding to the printed pattern thereon.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatuses and a method for pushing tubular films over elongate objects, which preferably have varying cross sections, in which one, preferably two, conveyors (5, 6) transport the objects (4) lying freely, by the objects (4) being held, preferably in a clamping manner, at at least one, preferably at both ends, by a holding device (7), in which a pushing means guides a sleeve (27), on which the film tube (9) is arranged, over the object (4) in order to withdraw the sleeve again at a later time, in which a further pushing means (28, 32) holds the film tube in such a way that the film tube is pushed off the sleeve as the sleeve (27) is withdrawn, in order then to extend around the object.

Abstract: An ultra bright material formed from a metallic foil connected to a metallized film, used as a floral wrapper, a floral sleeve wrapper, a pot wrapper, a preformed flower pot cover, a pot sleeve having a detachable portion which forms a decorative cover, and glitter, confetti, tinsel, and the like. Methods of making and using an ultra bright film in a variety of applications.

Abstract: This machine is a cell for bulk palletizing a load such as the packaging of containers (bottles). The machine comprises a tier building system, a bulk load and dunnage supply systems. The cell also includes a programmable robot with cantilevered arm including an effector for transferring pallets, tiers of bulk product, tier sheets and top frames to the load build area. The effector includes an inverted drawer, suction means, pallet gripper means and top frame grippers for doing the transferring.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for covering a flower pot with a sheet of material. The apparatus includes a supporting platform, a pot receiving opening formed through the supporting platform and a plurality of forming members radially arranged around the pot receiving opening. The plurality of forming members are designed and disposed such that upon insertion of the flower pot and the sheet of material into the pot receiving opening the forming members pivot in a downward direction and form the sheet of material around an outer peripheral surface of the flower pot. The forming members are also upwardly biased so as to assist in ejecting the covered flower pot in an upward direction from the pot receiving opening.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for enclosing a head portion of a stethoscope in a barrier material. The packaging apparatus includes a housing having an interior with an opening for allowing the insertion of a head portion of a stethoscope into the interior. A sensor assembly detects the insertion of the head portion of the stethoscope. A door assembly selectively closes the opening. The door assembly comprises a door member and a door actuator. The door member is movable between an open position and a closed position. A vacuum assembly evacuates air from the interior. A table member supports a section of a roll of barrier material comprising individual plastic sleeves. A feed assembly positions the barrier material. A handling assembly manipulates an open end of the sleeves. The handling assembly includes an upper attachment member and a lower attachment member for releasably attaching to top and bottom sides of the open end of the sleeve respectively.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping, preferably an orchid, with a wrapper which may be a sheet of material, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover. The wrapper is preferably constructed from a laminated material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are superposed upon each other and connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The waxy layer is made from a waxy material such as waxed paper, waxed tissue or high density polyethylene. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. Preferably the extension has a lace pattern thereon. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may having one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: A method of covering a pot wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve which comprises a lower portion which is tapered and an upper portion which is detachable from the lower portion via a detaching element, leaving a non-linear upper peripheral edge in the lower portion. The cover may be bondingly connected to or crimped about the pot.

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 shape of the pot, thereby providing a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: A method for packaging a plant using a flexible sleeve having a cloth-like appearance.

Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article having an appearance simulating paper made by forming a flexible, laminated material having a paper-like texture or appearance into a substantially flexible article for receiving an object. The substantially flexible article includes a base having a lower end, an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end of the base. The lower end of the base of the article may be closed and may also contain a gusset.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for covering a flower pot with a sheet of material. The apparatus includes a supporting platform, a pot receiving opening formed through the supporting platform, a forming member concentric with the pot receiving opening, a bonding material applicator, and a printing and/or label applicator. The forming member is designed and disposed such that upon insertion of the flower pot and the sheet of material into the pot receiving opening the forming member presses the sheet of material against an outer peripheral surface of the flower pot. The bonding material applicator is designed or disposed so as to apply a bonding material to the sheet of material for bonding the sheet of material to the flower pot. The printing and/or label applicator is designed and disposed so as to apply printing and/or a label to the sheet of material.

Abstract: A method for containing a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. A tubular sleeve is provided and the growing medium and botanical item are disposed therein. The tubular sleeve is secured thereabout by using a bonding material to crimp the tubular sleeve.

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.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a bottom which may be closed, and the sleeve is sized to cover a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened state 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 concave lower end having an inwardly curved lower edge, 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 concave lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.

Abstract: A plant packaging system and method comprising a combination of a protective upper portion and a decorative lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a potted plant or a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. The upper portion may be detachable from the lower portion of the sleeve. The lower portion may have a skirt portion which has a non-linear upper peripheral edge. The lower portion may be tapered and may have a gusset in the lower end.

Abstract: Flexible polymeric materials having a cloth-like appearance suitable for use in the formation of flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials are disclosed.

Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened state 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 concave lower end having an inwardly curved lower edge, 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 concave lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants. The sleeve may have an open or closed bottom. When closed, the bottom may have a gusset for allowing expansion upon the depositing of the pot into the sleeve. The sleeve has a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a bonding material disposed upon an inner or outer portion of the sleeve for attaching the sleeve to the pot or item.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping, preferably an orchid, with a wrapper which may be a sheet of material, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover. The wrapper is preferably constructed from a laminated material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are superposed upon each other and connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The waxy layer is made from a waxy material such as waxed paper, waxed tissue or high density polyethylene. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A wrapper for a floral grouping includes a sheet of material having a contoured configuration such that the wrapper formed therefrom has a contoured configuration which closely approximates the configuration of the floral grouping, as well as methods for making same. The sheet of material may be constructed of waxed tissue, non-waxed tissue or a tissue substitute, such as a tissue having a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of waxed tissue.

Abstract: A method for providing a decorative covering for a floral grouping wherein at least one sheet of material is secured to an individual so as to maintain the individual's hands unconstrained. The sheet of material is detached, and then the detached sheet of material is disposed about at least a portion of the floral grouping such that a portion of the floral grouping is left exposed to provide the decorative covering for the floral grouping. In one embodiment, the decorative covering assembly is delivered to a customer for use by the customer in covering floral groupings. The customer can be a grower, for example.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot. The floral sleeve has an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and a pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: A method of applying at least one web of insulator material to a plurality of spring assemblies is provided. Each web of insulator material is unwound from a roll, passed along a roller and applied to multiple spring assemblies which are passed between rollers. Each web of insulator material is folded around outermost coil springs along longitudinal edges of the spring assemblies. Side portions of each web of insulator material are glued, welded or otherwise permanently secured to a middle portion of the web of insulator material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for covering a flower pot with a sheet of material. The apparatus includes a supporting platform, a pot receiving opening formed through the supporting platform and a plurality of forming members radially arranged around the pot receiving opening. The plurality of forming members are designed and disposed such that upon insertion of the flower pot and the sheet of material into the pot receiving opening the forming members pivot in a downward direction and form the sheet of material around an outer peripheral surface of the flower pot. The forming members are also upwardly biased so as to assist in ejecting the covered flower pot in an upward direction from the pot receiving opening.

Abstract: A method of covering a pot wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve which comprises a base portion tapered to fit a pot and may have a skirt having an edge and having a lower end having excess material therein for forming a bottom. The cover may be bondingly connected to or crimped about the pot.

Abstract: A flattened decorative bag having gussets which is convertible to a decorative bag for a basket which, when a basket is inserted therein, conforms to the shape of the basket. Methods of making and using a flattened decorative bag having gussets.

Abstract: A new and improved film wrapping or packaging machine has incorporated therein a new and improved mechanism or system for implementing the downward folding of outwardly projecting edge or tab portions of slip sheets interposed between successive tiers, levels, or layers of articles or goods forming a palletized load. The folding mechanism or system comprises a plurality of vertically oriented posts which are initially disposed above the outwardly projecting tab portions, subsequently independently aligned with outer edge portions of the outwardly projecting tab portions of the slip sheets, and thereafter lowered so as engage the tab portions of the slip sheets and fold the same vertically downwardly against the vertical sides of the palletized load such that the downwardly folded tab portions can now be enveloped within the wrapping or packaging film.

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.

Abstract: A method of covering a pot with a plant cover, the plant cover at least comprising a base portion, and optionally having a skirt or a detachable upper portion. The plant cover has a heat shrinkable bonding material which can be heat shrink to secure to plant cover about the pot.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a floral grouping in a sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating that of cloth includes the step of placing a floral grouping in the sleeve and binding the sleeve about a stem portion of the floral grouping via a bonding material disposed on the sleeve.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a bottom which may be closed, and the sleeve is sized to fit a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.