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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sturdy display package which, in an embodiment, is made of first and second peripherally sealed transparent PVC sheets approximately 7.5 mils thick each. The package is particularly useful for displaying and protecting small items such as pain reliever packets or condoms. The invention includes a method and apparatus for making such a package. The first sheet is positioned over a nesting plate having a plurality of nesting modules, each corresponding to one package and being independently height-adjustable by a shim at a selected location to correct sealing flaws. The second sheet is then positioned over the first sheet so that the items are between the sheets. An RF-sealing die is provided having package-shaped sealing dies, each defining a pocket. The sealing die and nesting plate are pressed together so that each pocket receives a bulge formed by from one of the items.

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 of 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 edge. 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: A method of 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 edge. 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: 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: A method and apparatus for covering portions of an object having an outer peripheral surface with a sheet of material having an upper surface and a lower surface with a pressure sensitive adhesive on at least a portion of the lower surface by wrapping the sheet of material about portions of the outer peripheral surface and positioning the sheet of material so that the pressure sensitive coating either contacts portions of the outer peripheral surface of the object and is bonded thereto or contacts overlapping portions of the sheet of material and is bonded to other adjacent portions of the sheet of material having the pressure sensitive coating thereon or overlapping portions of the sheet of material are bonded by the pressure sensitive adhesive.

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 process for the packaging of fragile articles, such as processed foods articles. The fragile articles are receiving from a source and positioned in a staging area, prior to being placed, in a shock-free manner, upon an unerected container blank. The protective container is erected around the fragile articles, substantially without any contact or physical shock to the fragile articles, so as to preclude damage to the articles. The invention further includes an apparatus for accomplishing the process of packaging the fragile articles.

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 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 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 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: 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: A portion of film, with a length proportionate to the dimensions and to the characteristics of the product to be wrapped, is subjected to a transverse pre-stretching, the extent of which is also proportionate to the said parameters. The film is held at one end by a fixed dispenser (30) and at the other end by a movable rear clamp (61), which conveniently reduce the longitudinal tension of the film, both in pre-stretching and during the subsequent lifting of the product. In this phase, the side clamps (78-178) approach each other to reduce the pre-stretching, and are then inserted under the product and are opened, to extend the side flaps of the film under the product.

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 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 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: 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 and a conveyable cover forming assembly. A sheet of material can be supported in a position generally over the opening. 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 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 close-fitting wrapper for a product is produced from two sheets, the first of which is made dish-shaped so as to surround the greater part of the product. The other sheet is laid on the rest of the product so as to assume a shape complementary to that of the product itself. After the two sheets have been joined peripherally to give the wrapper sealing characteristics and the edges which project beyond the region of the join have been trimmed, the wrapper formed is subjected to a shaping step which causes the first sheet to cover practically the entire product, hiding the second sheet from view.

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: A method of producing packaging in which the goods to be packaged are engaged against a rigid base and a flexible material is held taut over the goods. Portions of the flexible material near the side edges thereof are engaged and moved to a position below the top of the goods. The intermediate portions of the flexible material are tensioned and stretched thereby compressing the goods to the base. A lid is applied over the base so there is a space between the lid and the flexible material which is secured to the base below the goods to maintain the goods against the base. A gas is charged into the space to preserve the goods, ad the lid and flexible material are sealed to the base with the gas in the space.

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. In one embodiment, the wrap includes an adhesive or cohesive or drawstring or the like for cooperating to secure the wrap tightly wrapped about the stem end of the floral grouping and for cooperating to secure the wrap wrapped about the floral grouping.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a flower pot using an upper cover forming device and a lower banding device. The wrapper sheet is placed on the upper supporting surface of the cover forming device, the flower pot is pushed into the opening of the forming device which then forms the wrapper sheet around the flower pot while leaving the upper opening of the pot uncovered and while the wrapper is held in place by the forming device the pot is further pushed down into the banding device where a band is applied around the pot to hold the wrapper in place.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating floral displays, and other products formed by layers of superposed materials such as pouch or pocket type packages has a base member with an opening therethrough in communication with a receiving space below the base member and at least one or more plate members with openings therein serially and pivotably connected to the base member so they can be pivoted from an open or disengaged position to a closed or engaged position superposed over the base member and/or another of the plate members to bring the openings therein into alignment with one another and with the opening in the base member to permit layers of material to be positioned on the base and between each of the given number of plates, and a plunger tube is used to depress and move the layers of material so they gather or pinch inwardly into the area about the opening to form a centrally disposed depressed section, pouch or pocket for selectively and electively receiving random items therein, spaced clips conne

Abstract: A high speed apparatus for cutting and wrapping soft chewing gum comprises a plurality of substantially parallel cutters having cutting heads to cut the gum into relatively thin rectangular-shaped pieces. The cutters are moved to a position where each individually shaped piece of gum is placed into a nest on a wrapping tray with a wrapper located therebetween. The cutters are moved in an eccentric ovoid path by a ring wheel and grooved cam wheel arrangement which causes the cutting heads to separate and move back together as they move through a cycle. During placement of the stick of gum in the nest, a flat side of the shaped piece of gum is urged against the flat bottom of the nest. The apparatus further comprises an apparatus to complete wrapping the wrapper around the piece of gum.

Abstract: An elevator package wrapping machine comprises a film gripper for initially drawing fixed lengths of film into the machine. While the film is held by the film gripper and side clamps, a package is elevated into the film such that the height of the package draws a first addition to the film drawn by the gripper, if required. Film side and rear underfolders fold the lateral edges of the film and the rear edge of the film extending from the film source under the packages, respectively. A film cutter is provided for severing the film from its source as the packages are being wrapped, and the cutter is controlled such that the timing of its operation is based on package length. By timing the operation of the film cutter to correspond to package length, a second film addition may be drawn by the rear underfolder during package wrapping, if required.

Abstract: An automatic bag system for supermarket check-out counters is disclosed. An open top loading compartment is provided adjacent to the check-out clerk and a roll of plastic material is mounted to feed sheet plastic over the open top of the loading compartment. The loading compartment is provided with transversely opposed vertical slots and guide rollers rotatively secured at the top of the slots. Upon loading purchased items into the loading compartment above the plastic material, the plastic material will be urged interiorly of the loading compartment and will assume the shape of the compartment interior configuration. The guide rollers and the vertical slots cooperate to form left and right vertical seams in the plastic material as the compartment is loaded. The left and right seams are heat sealed upon completion of the loading operations to form a finished plastic package with the purchased items contained therewithin.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping soft chewing gum comprises a turret having means to cut the gum into relatively thin rectangular shaped pieces. Operatively associated with the turret are means to hold the shaped pieces of gum thereon for transport to a position where each individually shaped piece is placed into a nest on a wrapping tray with a wrapper located therebetween. During placement, a flat side of the shaped piece of gum is urged against the flat bottom of the nest. The apparatus further comprises means to complete wrapping the wrapper around the piece of gum.

Abstract: A method of packing small components, in which at least one small component (9) is packed by means of a packing body (1) having a multilayer construction and comprising a non-deformable base plate (3) and a thermoplastically deformable elastic carrier layer (5) fixedly connected to the base plate, the small component (9) being depressed into the heated carrier layer (5) thereby forming a nest by thermoplastic deformation of the carrier layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a machine for wrapping filled trays in thermoplastic film, said machine having a film folding device in which the side folding arms and back folding bar move along linear paths in synchronized motion so that the points of coincidence between the back folding bar and the side folding arms define a curve which approximates a diagonal to the tray being wrapped. This film folding device provides uniquely smooth folds on the bottom of a tray which can be readily heat sealed to produce a relatively leakproof package.

Abstract: An elevator package wrapping machine comprises a film gripper for initially drawing fixed lengths of film into the machine. While the film is held by the film gripper and side clamps, a package is elevated into the film such that the height of the package draws a first addition to the film drawn by the gripper, if required. Film side and rear underfolders fold the lateral edges of the film and the rear edge of the film extending from the film source under the packages, respectively. A film cutter is provided for severing the film from its source as the packages are being wrapped, and the cutter is controlled such that the timing of its operation is based on package length. By timing the operation of the film cutter to correspond to package length, a second film addition may be drawn by the rear underfolder during package wrapping, if required.

Abstract: A process for covering a paint tray so that it may be reused without the necessity of cleaning. The process involves the placing of a flexible, paint-impervious bag over the entire paint tray before any paint is placed therein. The bag is sufficiently large so that a portion of it fits against the interior of the tray and is of sufficient length so that it extends past the end of the paint tray. After the paint tray has been used, the plastic bag is completely reversed thereby capturing and containing all the paint that was formerly in the tray leaving a completely clean tray.

Abstract: Large, paper mill reels of product are protectively wrapped for shipment by capping the reel ends with a header sheet of larger area than that reel end face circle to pleat a flange portion of the header sheet onto the cylindrical surface of reel with a resilient planar element having a freely suspended, circumferentially expansible aperture drawn coaxially over the header sheet and reel to wipe the header sheet flange onto the reel cylindrical surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of packing collected objects having different shapes and volumes, and to a packing station therefor. The method consists in assembling beforehand the objects to be dispatched in a container having a retractable bottom; the container is lowered towards an open-top chest covered with a plasticized film. The bottom of the container is removed so that the objects bear directly upon the plasticized film, whereafter vacuum is created in the inner volume of the chest in order to alter the shape of the plasticized film and thus lower the top level of the objects. Then the container is removed in turn and a rigid support is laid upon the objects and bonded to the plasticized film at the level of the flange of the aperture; finally, the vacuum is discontinued in the chest for releasing the package thus obtained. This invention is applicable more particularly to the mail order industry and the dispatching of goods in general.

Abstract: A system for wrapping and sealing objects, such as fresh heads of lettuce, may include two fabric tube type iris valves which are capable of fully closing and opening up to a diameter greater than the object to be wrapped and sealed. The two iris valves may be mounted one above the other; then a sheet of plastic wrap film material is dispensed over the top iris valve, and a head of lettuce is set in place on the sheet of plastic. The sheet of plastic may be dispensed from a roll automatically and may be cut either mechanically or by a hot wire, for example. The upper iris valve is open end, and then, as the head of lettuce or other object slides through and is supported by the lower iris valve, the upper valve is at least substantially closed, rotating and drawing together the edges of the plastic wrap. The plastic sheet material is then heat sealed above the head of lettuce, either above or below the upper iris valve.

Abstract: A sheet of flexible material such as fabric or plastic is provided with flaps, loops and ties so that it can be laid over a pile of loose material with rigid sticks attached to loops along two parallel edges of the sheet and the rigid sticks can be grasped by the user and forced together between the surface and the material forming an open ended envelope containing the material which is then turned over and the flaps at the end of the envelope pulled up and tied over the ends to close the envelope while the two sides made rigid by the sticks are tied together. Then the sticks may be removed leaving the flexible sheet formed into an envelope that encloses the material and so forming a bag containing the material for disposal.

Abstract: The object to be wrapped is deposited on thin aluminium foil which extends over the mouth of a forming device comprising an annulus and a plurality of resilient blades each fixed at one end to the annulus and converging at their other, free ends towards a first half mould having a hemispherical cavity coaxial with the annulus. A push rod is advanced axially of the preforming device to push the object and the aluminium foil between the resilient blades, making the foil adhere to the leading surface of the object and effecting a first moulding of the aluminium foil around the trailing surface of the object. The partially wrapped object is expelled from the forming device the blades of which close to effect a second moulding of the aluminium foil over the trailing surface of the object, forming a rear projection in the form of a tail constituted by that part of the aluminium foil which does not adhere to the object.

Abstract: A flood protection apparatus for vehicles which comprises the unitary flexible container, having at least a bottom, and a continuous side wall integrally and sealably connected thereto and extended upward during operation, an upper orifice in the container for receiving a vehicle within, a length of cord housed within a continuous channel on the uppermost end of the side wall for constricting the orifice of the container after the vehicle has been placed within, at least one marking place on the bottom of the container running its length, and up at least one side of the container for indicating placement of the tires of the vehicle within the container. The walls of the container are collapsible, and the container material would be a multi-layer flexible material, with the outer most and inner most layers being plastic based, and the middle layer being a canvas type material.

Abstract: A device is provided for enclosing fish bait in a permeable mesh bag using a base with a well therein into which the central portion of such mesh may be depressed and wherein the bait may be placed in the mesh. A pair of metal plates are provided which act to close over the bait the mesh protruding from the well.