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

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

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

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus in which decorative ribbons of varying thickness, width, and material can be automatically curled. The apparatus serves to impart a tendency to curl the strand in a helical formation by drawing the ribbon in a helical path around a curling tube. The tube is divided into two parts, so that the first part heats the ribbon while in a helical configuration and the second part cools the ribbon while still in the helical configuration, thereby setting into the ribbon material a tendency to curl. The helical path on the tube is defined between convolutions of a helically-wound fin on the exterior of the tube. The tube is hollow and has apertures opening into the helical path, so that temperature-controlled air may be blown into the two parts of the path through the hollow interior of the tube.