Abstract: Systems and method of wrapping an object are disclosed. An object wrapping system includes a contractible loop, a positioning system, and a wrapping material system. The contractible loop is configured to be deployed in an expanded position and a contracted position. The positioning system is configured to position an object in alignment with an aperture defined by the contractible loop. The wrapping material system is configured to position a wrapping material between the object and the aperture. The positioning system is configured to move the object into the wrapping material and through the aperture when the contractible loop is deployed in the expanded position. The contractible loop is configured to deploy into the contracted position to at least partially close the wrapping material around the object.

Abstract: A packing method and unit (11) for folding a sheet (3) of packing material about a group (2) of cigarettes, and having: a first packing conveyor (12) having a first pocket (14) for receiving the group (2) wrapped in the tubular-folded sheet (3) of packing material; a second packing conveyor (18) having a second pocket (20) for receiving the group (2) wrapped in the tubular-folded sheet (3) of packing material; and a transfer device (24) which transfers the group (2), wrapped in the tubular-folded sheet (3) of packing material, from the first pocket (14) to the second pocket (20), and has a pusher (26) located at the first pocket (14) and engaging a first base wall (4) of the group (2), and a counter-pusher (27) located at the second pocket and engaging a second base wall (4), opposite the first base wall (4), of the group (2); the pusher (26) and/or the counter-pusher (27) of the transfer device (24) having respective lateral appendixes (28) which engage minor lateral walls (6) of the group (2), when the push

Abstract: A single-dose package for transdermal therapeutic systems or film-shaped administration forms, in the form of a tear-open sealed-edge pouch with a completely surrounding and continuous non-peelable sealing surface. The single-dose packages comprise two packaging material elements, which are arranged one lying an top of the other and form the upper side and underside of a pouch that contains the product. At least one packaging material element is a tear-resistant film laminate with an at least three-layer structure, wherein at least one layer of the packaging material elements is a metal layer. The single-dose package also has a linear weakening, which lies in the sealing area, does not touch the edge of the package and extends in the direction of the weaker tear resistance of the upper side and underside and the linear form of the anisotropically tear-resistant plastic.

Abstract: Methods disclosed herein include methods of manufacturing integrally thermally-sealed storage containers. Methods include creating at least one indentation in at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet, wherein the at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet includes at least one first ultra efficient insulation material and wherein the at least one indentation is in a size and shape substantially conforming with material to be stored; placing material to be stored within one or more of the at least one indentation; placing at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet adjacent to the material to be stored, wherein the at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet includes at least one second ultra efficient insulation material; and creating a thermal seal between at least two layers of thermal barrier sheet, substantially thermally sealing the material to be stored.

Abstract: A packing method and machine for producing a package, the method including the steps of feeding the content of the package into a first pocket of a first packing conveyor; transferring the content of the package from the first pocket of the first packing conveyor to a second pocket of a second packing conveyor at a first transfer station; feeding a first blank to the second pocket by means of a first feed device; and folding the first blank, in the second pocket, about the content of the package to form a container with a lid.

Abstract: A packing method and unit (11) for folding a sheet (3) of packing material about a group (2) of cigarettes, and having: a first packing conveyor (12) having a first pocket (14) for receiving the group (2) wrapped in the tubular-folded sheet (3) of packing material; a second packing conveyor (18) having a second pocket (20) for receiving the group (2) wrapped in the tubular-folded sheet (3) of packing material; and a transfer device (24) which transfers the group (2), wrapped in the tubular-folded sheet (3) of packing material, from the first pocket (14) to the second pocket (20), and has a pusher (26) located at the first pocket (14) and engaging a first base wall (4) of the group (2), and a counter-pusher (27) located at the second pocket and engaging a second base wall (4), opposite the first base wall (4), of the group (2); the pusher (26) and/or the counter-pusher (27) of the transfer device (24) having respective lateral appendixes (28) which engage minor lateral walls (6) of the group (2), when the push

Abstract: A method and a device for packaging a confectionery product (P) in a shaped wrapper of sheet material (1, 2) having a cup-shaped portion (1c, 2c) (pleated cup) formed from the same sheet material as the product wrapper; the method and the device comprise the use or a mandrel with petals (14a, 14b) which cooperates with a forming cavity (11) and which may assume a retracted configuration so that it can penetrate into the forming cavity to shape the wrapper into a cup shape adhering to the product. The packaging is characterized in that the wrapper has a central region (2a) on which the product bears and from which the cup extends with a transverse dimension (or diameter) smaller than the maximum transverse dimension of the packaged product.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a product in a sheet material wrapper employing a first sheet of plastically deformable sheet material (for example aluminium) and a second sheet of wrapping material (for example a plastic film) having springback. Once the product is placed on the first sheet, the second sheet is applied on the product providing in the second sheet a part wrapping the product and a part facing the first sheet. The first sheet and the part of said second sheet facing it are airtight-seal coupled so to form, by effect of the coupling, a plastically deformable composite sheet material against the product or to form an integral housing cup.

Abstract: A method for making a hinge-lid pack of cigarettes, which finds particular application in the manufacture of a pack with rounded or beveled vertical edges having retention means to facilitate consistent lid closure, comprises: positioning an inner frame on a bundle of cigarettes; folding a first end of a blank for a hinge-lid cigarette pack over one end of the bundle of cigarettes to at least partially form the lid of the pack; and moving the inner frame relative to the blank in the direction of the at least partially formed lid. Apparatus for making a hinge-lid pack of cigarettes by folding a blank for a hinge-lid cigarette pack about a bundle of cigarettes having an inner frame thereon, includes means for forming a portion of the blank into the lid of the pack, the apparatus further comprises means for moving the inner frame relative to the blank towards the at least partially formed lid.

Abstract: A method for production of a tamper-proof packaging (V), is disclosed whereby recesses (3) are formed in a formed strip for accommodating a product for packaging and at least one security mark is applied to the packaging. The at least one security mark is applied before the forming of the recesses (3) to a region of the blank wherein the formed strip remains largely unchanged during the forming of the recesses.

Abstract: A process for covering a rigid, penetrable core article with covering material and automatically tucking the material into a surface of the article with an automatically reciprocating plunger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for providing decorative covers, decorative collars and decorative cover collar combinations for covering a flower pot. The methods and apparatuses are formed from a variety of configurations of heat shrinkable sheet of material placed over all or a portion of a peripheral surface of the flower pot and then heated to shrink the sheet of material into a pressing engagement against the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: A method of producing a wallet packet with a hinged lid, whereby a blank, having a first portion defining a body and a second portion defining a hinged lid of a relative wallet packet, is fed into a respective pocket, having a respective pair of side by side seats, of a packing wheel, so that the relative first portion defines two adjacent receptacles separated by a central rib; and wherein the pocket is fed through a loading station, where the two receptacles simultaneously receive respective wrapped groups of cigarettes; one of the two receptacles then being turned over onto the other to define the body of the relative wallet packet.

Abstract: A process for the production of water-soluble pouches. The process comprises the steps of drawing a first film into a mould to form a first compartment, adding composition to the first compartment, drawing a second film into the mould to form a second compartment which comprises a composition and, preferably, sealing. The first film is perforated and the second film is drawn into the mould by means of suction applied through the first film. This eliminates the need to align separately formed pouches or containers. This also reduces the total amount of film needed to produce a multi-compartment pouch. Furthermore, it is very easy to vary the film material used according to what properties are desired. Since the different compartments may require different properties this adds flexibility to the process. Process particularly suited for the production of water soluble pouches such as cleaning or fabric care pouches.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for automatically covering an article with covering material and automatically tucking the material into a surface of the article.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging an article in a wrapping of a sheet material surrounding the article and closed in a fantail configuration, comprising: shaping means suited to wrapping the article with the said wrapping of sheet material and shaping the wrapping into a general cup-like configuration formed into a plurality of loops surmounting the article, holding means suited to grasping the upper portions of the wrapping shaped in said manner in the connecting zones between said loops, to maintain said portions in an upright position, opposed pushing means which are intended to be operated subsequently to said holding means and which are displaceable between a retracted position and an advanced position, in which they interfere with the loops of the wrapping to impart a generally flattened configuration to the wrapping in the zone extending above the article, and opposed fastening means displaceable in a direction substantially at right angles to the direction of motion of said pushing means, and intended to

Abstract: A decorative cover or container for holding a flower pot, floral grouping or botanical item, and constructed from a sheet of material having a plurality of folded portions, wherein the decorative cover or container is initially constructed in a flattened condition, and having a base portion which is opened to expose an interior space into which a pot or floral grouping can be disposed, and having a bottom having bottom folds secured by a bottom fold securing element.

Abstract: An airtight pouch or packaging (10,20) made of synthetic material for the preservation of food products (12) is obtained by sealing (13, 14, 15) and cutting said synthetic material by an automatic packaging machine with a horizontal or vertical motioning of the product. The packaging (10,20) is constituted by a single peelable type film (11) consisting of an oriented polyamide layer coupled with a coextruded peelable polyethylene layer, the film being folded once on the polyethylene layer side in order to form the inner part of the packaging.

Abstract: A rotary heat sealing system heat seals top and bottom webs to each other around discrete articles held in predetermined alignments and spacings between the webs. The rotary heat sealing system comprises a sealing station at which the heat sealing occurs, and a tensioning station upstream of the sealing station. The tensioning station produces a tension in the top and bottom webs and the articles by wrapping them in a reverse bend so as to maintain the predetermined alignments and spacings of the articles as they enter the sealing station. The sealing station includes an anvil and a heating die with a heat sealing grid and pockets between circumferential rails. The articles enter the pockets, and the webs are sealed to each other at areas corresponding to the heat sealing grid. A force mechanism applies a predetermined force between the heating die rails and the anvil.

Abstract: A rotary heat sealing system heat seals top and bottom webs to each other around discrete articles held in predetermined alignments and spacings between the webs. The rotary heat sealing system comprises a sealing station at which the heat sealing occurs, and a tensioning station upstream of the sealing station. The tensioning station produces a tension in the top and bottom webs and the articles by wrapping them in a reverse bend so as to maintain the predetermined alignments and spacings of the articles as they enter the sealing station. The sealing station includes an anvil and a heating die with a heat sealing grid and pockets between circumferential rails. The articles enter the pockets, and the webs are sealed to each other at areas corresponding to the heat sealing grid. A force mechanism applies a predetermined force between the heating die rails and the anvil.

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 flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein. In the method, a sheet of material with a sheet extension connected to the outer peripheral edge of the sheet of material and extending a distance therefrom is formed about the flower pot to a position wherein the sheet of material extends about substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering and the sheet extension is formed about the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering. A portion of the sheet of material is then crimped to form a crimped portion in the sheet of material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cartons and materials for cartons that may be used to prepare party favors to form a small, attractive, package with small gifts within. The physical process of making a party favor is facilitated by an easy-to-assemble carton for preparing party favors. In one embodiment, blank walls of material for preparing the cartons may be employed to prepare the party favor as well as a pushing element facilitating wrapping of a gift. The carton may, in one embodiment, have multiple polygonal wall portions formed from blank wall material such as for example, plastic or cardboard with possible openings through wall surfaces to define a carton cavity for assembling a gift. The carton cavity may have an optional pushing element to insert into wrapping to help fill a wrapper, carton openings, or be formed from a sheet of blank wall material to form the party favor.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cartons and materials for cartons that may be used to prepare party favors to form a small, attractive, package with small gifts within. The physical process of making a party favor is facilitated by an easy-to-assemble carton for preparing party favors. In one embodiment, blank walls of material for preparing the cartons may be employed to prepare the party favor as well as a pushing element facilitating wrapping of a gift. The carton may, in one embodiment, have multiple polygonal wall portions formed from blank wall material such as for example, plastic or cardboard with possible openings through wall surfaces to define a carton cavity for assembling a gift. The carton cavity may have an optional pushing element to insert into wrapping, to help fill a wrapper, carton openings, or be formed from a sheet of blank wall material to form the party favor.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoformed package comprises the steps of placing a first sheet of film over a forming die having at least one cavity, heating the film to mold the film into the at least one cavity thereby forming at least one recess in the film, placing a composition in the at least one formed recess; and sealing a second sheet of film across the at least one formed recess to produce at least one closed package. The film is heated by a heating plate having at least one concave depression which in use overlies the at least one cavity, wherein the heating step involves the step of bringing the film into intimate contact with the or each depression.

Abstract: A method of covering a flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein. In the method, a sheet of material with a sheet extension connected to the outer peripheral edge of the sheet of material and extending a distance therefrom is formed about the flower pot to a position wherein the sheet of material extends about substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering and the sheet extension is formed about the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering. A portion of the sheet of material is then crimped to form a crimped portion in the sheet of material.

Abstract: A covering for a flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein and extending a distance above an upper end of the flower pot wherein the flower pot has a lower end and an outer peripheral surface. The covering includes a sheet of material having an upper surface, a lower surface and an outer peripheral surface with a sheet extension connected to the outer peripheral surface of the sheet of material and extending a distance from the outer peripheral surface of the sheet of material. The sheet of material is formed about the flower pot to a position wherein the sheet of material extends about substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering and the sheet extension is formed about the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a substantial portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering.

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 invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.

Abstract: A method of covering a flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein. In the method, a sheet of material with a sheet extension connected to the outer peripheral edge of the sheet of material and extending a distance therefrom is formed about the flower pot to a position wherein the sheet of material extends about substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering and the sheet extension is formed abut the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering. A portion of the sheet of material is then crimped to form a crimped portion in the sheet of material.

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 invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.

Abstract: A method for forming a sheet of material about an article and for automatically fastening the sheet of material about the article, and optionally, for automatically placing a label on the sheet of material formed about the article.

Abstract: A cover for a flower pot, the cover comprising a sheet of material sized to substantially surround and encompass the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot and a fastener comprised of elastic or elasticized materials and forming a generally continuous loop, the fastener connectingly held to either the upper surface or the lower surface of the sheet of material. The fastener can be stretched to an extent sufficient to enable the fastener to be disposed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot and to hold the sheet of material applied thereabout. The invention further comprises a method for wrapping a pot with a covering such as described above, and a preformed pot cover having a fastener connected circumferentially to the interior surface of the pot cover.

Abstract: A method of covering a flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein. In the method, a sheet of material with a sheet extension connected to the outer peripheral edge of the sheet of material and extending a distance therefrom is formed about the flower pot to a position wherein the sheet of material extends about substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering and the sheet extension is formed abut the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a substantial portion of the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a substantial portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering. A portion of the sheet of material is then crimped wherein the sheet is held about the pot by the crimped portion.

Abstract: A covering for a flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein and extending a distance above an upper end of the flower pot wherein the flower pot has a lower end and an outer peripheral surface. The covering includes a sheet of material having an upper surface, a lower surface and an outer peripheral edge with a sheet extension connected to the outer peripheral edge of the sheet of material and extending a distance from the outer peripheral edge of the sheet of material. The sheet of material is formed about the flower pot to a position wherein the sheet of material extends about substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering and the sheet extension is formed about the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a substantial portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering.

Abstract: At a certain stage in the fabrication of a rigid cigarette packet, which appears essentially as a rectangular cup or body with a coaxial lid, the partly formed packet is transferred from a first feed path onto a second feed path, still having longitudinal flaps that project on either side from a front face of the body and a front face of the lid; the transfer is effected by means of a device that includes in a rotatable platform with at least one gripper head designed to engage at least the two front faces of the single packet in such a way that the body and lid remain stably interconnected, and during the course of the transfer movement to rotate the packet through 90.degree. about an axis which is normal to the front faces.

Abstract: A method of covering a flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein. In the method, sheet of material with a sheet extension connected to the outer peripheral edge of the sheet of material and extending a distance therefrom is formed about the flower pot to a position wherein the sheet of material extends about substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering and the sheet extension is formed abut the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension sxtends about a substantial portion of the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a substantial portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering. A portion of the sheet of material is then crimped wherein the sheet is held about the pot by the crimped portion.

Abstract: A method for forming a cover about an article from a sheet of material and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally, for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The sheet od material is formed into a cover about the article and a fastener is automatically positioned about a portion of the cover for fastening the cover about the article wherein the article having the cover formed about at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the article is moved to a fastening station of the fastening device. A labeling device may also be provided for automatically applying a label to the covered article.

Abstract: A method of continuously wrapping products, whereby sheets of wrapping material, as they are fed continuously and together with respective products along a first path, an instantaneous tangent of which extends in a first direction possibly varying from one point to another along the first path, are engaged by respective folding tools fed continuously and cyclically along a second closed path to perform a folding operation of a respective sheet at each cycle; each tool being imparted, in the course of each folding operation, at least a first movement in a second direction substantially crosswise, at each instant, to the first direction, and at least a second movement in the first direction.

Abstract: A sheet of material formed about a flower pot to provide a decorative cover wherein a portion of the sheet of material near an outer peripheral surface thereof extends above an upper end of the flower pot and such portion is crimped to assist in holding the sheet of material formed about the flower pot. The crimping is accomplished by forming overlapping folds in the crimp portion of the sheet of material or by connecting the crimp portion to a portion of the flower pot by way of a bonding material or by way of a drawstring or ribbon or by way of reinforcing members in the sheet of material or by way of a shrinkable material formed in the sheet of material for example.

Abstract: A method of wrapping generally spherical objects (16), for example, lettuces, includes placing a thermoplastic film on a work surface (14) which includes a downwardly movable support member (17) on to which the object (16) is placed. A displacement member (21) is then moved into engagement with the object (16) so as to displace the object (16) and the film downwardly through the central opening of an iris diaphragm (20). After the displacement member (21) has moved a predetermined distance downwardly, it is retracted upwardly and the iris diaphragm (20) is then closed. The object (16) is then rotated to gather the film around it. The displacement member (21) also comprises a heater head (22) which is then moved downwardly to contact the portions of the film projecting upwardly through the diaphragm (20) to fuse them together.

Abstract: A band applicator for applying a band about a sheet of material disposed about a pot to provide a decorative cover for the pot. The band applicator includes a pot frame having a pot opening and a band holder configured to releasably hold a plurality of bands. The sheet of material is extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot, and the pot with the sheet of material disposed thereabout is disposed in a pot receiving space in the pot frame. The pot frame holds the sheet of material positioned about the pot. A band is removed from the band holder and disposed about the sheet of material and pot for cooperating to hold the sheet of material positioned about the pot.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a floral grouping or flower pot or both wherein a sheet of material constructed of paper and having a pattern embossed thereon and a printed pattern in register with the embossed pattern printed on the embossed pattern is wrapped about at least a portion of the floral grouping or the flower pot or both. The sheet of material may be provided in the form of a pad of a plurality of sheets of material or a roll wherein the sheets of material are separated from the roll of material.

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 invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.

Abstract: A method for lighttightly packaging a stack of light-sensitive photographic sheets in a lighttight holder comprising a rectangular tray-like base and a cover therefore, which comprises the steps of:placing one light- and dusttight wrapping foil on said base, said wrapping foil extending beyond the periphery of said base,disposing said stack of sheets onto said wrapping foil so that the wrapping foil becomes displaced in the base and is made to conform to the inner space thereof,placing another light- and dusttight wrapping foil on said loaded stack of sheets,placing a cover on said loaded base, the two wrapping foils protruding between the base and its cover,cutting simultaneously the protruding portions of the wrapping foils, andlighttightly sealing the cover to the base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a sheet of material about a flower pot for providing a decorative cover to the flower pot, using a band applicator with an object opening. The sheet of material is held in place on the flower pot and the flower pot with the sheet of material held there about is inserted into the object opening of the band applicator. The band applicator applies a band about the sheet of material and the flower pot whereby the sheet of material is secured to the flower pot via the band.

Abstract: An optical effect material used for making shredded, flaked, die-cut and sheets of decorative materials. The optical effect material comprises an iridescent sheet and a light transmitting material connected together. Methods for using an optical effect material.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus for forming a flower pot or flower pot cover from a sheet of material by engaging a sheet of material about the outer surface of a mold, die or pot. The cover forming apparatus includes a plurality of pivotable forming members resting in a surface which supports a sheet of material upon which is positioned a flower pot mold or flower pot. When the forming members are pivotally moved from the storage position to an extended position, the forming members cause the sheet of material to be appressed to or engaged with the mold or pot. The article formed in accordance with the present invention may be separable from the mold or pot and usable as a flower pot or flower pot cover or may be more or less securely attached to the pot by adhesive, cohesive, barbs, friction pinches or other securing means thereby forming a decorative cover connected to a flower pot.

Abstract: A container and jig assembly for dispensing a sheet of material and for wrapping the sheet of material about a flower pot or floral grouping. The container accommodates a roll of sheet material suitable for wrapping flower pots or floral groupings. In addition, the container may have a cutter for separating a sheet of material from the roll of sheet material. The jig assembly is attached to the container and has a jig opening surrounded by a sheet-supporting surface. The jig opening is sized and shaped to receive a lower portion of a flower pot or a stem end portion of a floral grouping. In operation, a sheet of material is separated from the roll of sheet material and disposed on the sheet-supporting surface over the jig opening. The lower portion of the flower pot or the stem end portion of the floral grouping is inserted through the jig opening and carries a portion of the sheet of material with it. In the process, the sheet of material is formed into a covering about the flower pot or floral grouping.

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 apparatus is provided with 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 a sheet of material is supported on a conveying assembly beneath the opening in the platform. The article can be pushed into the cover forming assembly, causing the sheet to be formed into a cover about the article. The apparatus also provides for automatically applying a band or fastener about the covered article for fastening the cover about the article wherein the cover forming assembly is conveyed via the rail to the banding or fastening device. The apparatus may also include a labeling device for automatically applying a label to the covered article.