Abstract: A gunsight reticle having a system of critically dimensioned and positioned target spanning indicia improves the aiming of a rifle. The indicia include orthogonally intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four horizontal range-marker lines of sequentially incremental length disposed below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. The effectiveness of the gunsight is enhanced by a shooter's training program, interactive with the gunsight, which emphasizes the thought processes involving the planning, aiming and execution of a shot.

Abstract: A decoy moving apparatus for attracting animals including a set of reels attached to a clutch system which is workable on an automated drive motor system. The clutch system works to engage and disengage the reels to takeon/take-off line which is extending from the reels to at least one stake or decoy anchor reference point, wherein the line is attached to a decoy pulled between the reels and one or more anchors, whereby the takeon/take-off of the line with the decoy apparatus moves the decoy back and forth and/or rotates the decoy on its axis. The decoy may float in water, mounted to a sled type mounting base, or suspended from a wire, depending upon the habitat of the animal to be attracted to the viewer.

Abstract: A device and system for, and a method of attracting waterfowl. The method comprises the steps of: providing a lighter than air object; attaching a deployable retainer to the lighter than air object; releasing the lighter than air object proximal a waterfowl landing area; allowing the lighter than air object to deploy to an area downwind of the waterfowl landing area; and retrieving the lighter than air object from the downwind area to the waterfowl landing area.

Abstract: A device for anchoring and moving a buoyant water fowl decoy consisting of a weighted base, a stabilizing component and an elongated member. The stabilizing component and elongated member are coupled to and extend from the base. To the base and the elongated member are attached connection elements for connecting the device to a water fowl decoy. A pulling line is also coupled to one of the connection elements. The pulling line extends from the connection member to the hunter's blind where the hunter may remotely actuate movement of the decoy.

Abstract: A device (10) having a cylinder housing (12) with a bore (12a) receives a piston sleeve (14) in which a tapered bore is formed in radially movable sections extending from the piston head. A rope gripping split sleeve (16) having a tapered outer circumference and formed of separable sections which are radially movable but maintained in axial alignment is received in the tapered bore of the piston sleeve. A rope is placed in the split sleeve which is inserted in the piston sleeve and in turn in the housing bore. A valve (18) disposed in the head (14a) of the piston sleeve allows piston movement inwardly but resists outward movement of the piston, allowing a metering fluid flow providing a timed release of the rope dependent on the force level applied. In a second embodiment device (100) includes a piston rod (122) attached to the piston sleeve which extends through a guide plug (116) into a compression chamber.

Abstract: Methods of capture, recognition, detection, identification or quantitation of nucleic acids and diagnostics uses generally are described in which are used: (a) a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) comprising a polyamide backbone bearing a plurality of ligands at respective spaced locations along said backbone, said ligands being each independently naturally occurring nucleobases, non-naturally occurring nucleobases or nucleobase-binding groups, each said ligand being bound directly or indirectly to a nitrogen atom in said backbone, and said ligand bearing nitrogen atoms mainly being separated from one another in said backbone by from 4 to 8 intervening atoms; or (b) a nucleic acid analogue capable of hybridizing to a nucleic acid of complementary sequence to form a hybrid which is more stable against denaturation by heat than a hybrid between the conventional deoxyribonucleotide corresponding to said analogue and said nucleic acid; or (c) a nucleic acid analogue capable of hybridizing to a double stranded nucleic aci

Abstract: Mesh bars (35, 283) of a trawl (13, 263) include at least a portion having a corkscrew-shaped pitch which exhibits a hydrofoil-like effect. Such mesh bars (35, 283) are preferably formed from a material having a substantially incompressible cross-sectional shape. By appropriately selecting the lay and leading edge of mesh bars (35, 283), movement of the trawl (13, 263) through the water entrained environment creates a pressure differential and lift across that portion of mesh bars (25, 283) which exhibit the hydrofoil-like effect. The lift thus created increases performance characteristics of the trawl (13, 263) including increased trawl volume, improved trawl shape, and reduced vibration, noise, and drag. Obtaining the greatest improvement of trawls (13, 263) requires controlling a pitch range for twisted product strands (e.g. twisted ropes) (36, 37), and for straps (284) forming mesh bars (35, 283).

Abstract: A fishing rod structure including a handle and a fixing seat disposed on front section of the handle. A front end of the fixing seat is formed with a thread section on which a movable seat is screwed for fixing a line winder. A locating ring is fitted on the movable seat. A rib section is formed on inner wall of the locating ring. The thread section of the fixing seat being formed with an axially extending notch in which the rib section is fitted. A top section of the locating ring is formed with a receptacle in which a base seat of a thread sleeve is seated. An inner thread of the thread sleeve is screwed on the thread section of the fixing seat. A circumferential wall of the receptacle is formed with a toothed face. An abutting member is disposed on the base seat of the thread sleeve. The abutting member protrudes out of the base seat to abut against the toothed face of the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a passive restraint system and method for a variety of implements, such as a fisherman's rod assembly, adapted to allow rapid extraction of the implement from the restraint system. A preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a retaining member configured to provide a substantially spiral groove to result in a side exit of a retained rod when operated in a otherwise useful motion, such as a hook setting motion of a fisherman's rod. Preferred embodiments also include the use of resilient closures to provide an incarceration force which may easily be overcome in a typical use situation, but which are sufficient to discourage unwanted release or removal of an implement from a holder of the present invention.

Abstract: A fishing lure apparatus having a changeable skirt has a head having a bore therethrough for passage of a fishing line in a chamber formed therein. An attaching member is attached to the rear of the head. A lure skirt has a slotted skirt sleeve at one end thereof with a plurality of stringers extending therefrom which attaches to a slotted skirt support ring using a slotted clamp. A locking member having a bore therethrough slides on the fishing line and attaches to the head attaching member through the slotted skirt sleeve, slotted skirt supporting ring, and slotted clamp for attaching the skirt to the fishing lure. By loosening the locking member, the skirt attached to the skirt supporting ring with the slotted clamp can be slid off the leader and removed from the lure head.

Abstract: A safety fishhook which substantially prevents skin punctures is formed from a wire and includes a first end adapted for attachment to a line, a shank adjacent to the first end, and a curved bend extending from the shank to a free end, the curved bend defining partially enclosing a planar area, and the free end terminating within the area and being oriented at a safe angle with respect to a line bounding the curved bend and the first end.

Abstract: A bait saver bucket with a multi-chambered container having separations for segregating different sizes of live bait as well as providing slots for segregating fishing lines having bait and hook attached thereto, especially while relocating equipment from one location to another. The multi-chambered container is comprised of an outer container for holding an amount of fluid therein and having a closure and a handle and having an inner floating container comprising removable basket-like compartments oppositely opposed and spaced apart by a cover member having apertures substantially conforming to the top openings of the basket-like compartments and having a centrally disposed aperture having a hingedly attached cover for covering the aperture and when opened providing access to the interior of the remainder of the outside bucket enclosure not occupied by the compartments. The cover has slots for allowing leaders to pass through the cover without being crimped.

Abstract: A system for detecting and monitoring termite infestation includes cover assembly having top and bottom plates having axially aligned apertures and linked by a threaded bolt, and bore gasket disposed between the plates. Bottom plates have additional apertures. Top plates have protruding dimples with nonslip surface and coating, tapered apertures therethrough, and plugs or, alternatively, an essentially flat top surface and areas of reduced thickness. An alternative cover assembly includes a top having a top disc portion with an axially aligned aperture therethrough and protruding dimples with tapered apertures and a cylinder portion, axially disposed downward therefrom and having retaining ridges encircling its exterior surface and rows of teeth axially disposed upon its inner surface; and a bottom cup in the shape of a tapered cylinder having a bottom covering, the bottom cup having an axially aligned aperture therethrough, additional apertures, and teeth axially disposed on the exterior surface thereof.

Abstract: Disclosure of a method for aerial distribution of pollinating agents into a field by either propelling the agent through the air from the field periphery or dropping the agent into the field from above. Aerial distribution of pollinating agents is a particularly effective, efficient, and economic means for achieving uniform saturation pollination of large fields of row crops.

Abstract: A plant protector is positionable about the base of a young tree or other plant. The protector has first and second shells, each formed of a rigid material and having a semi-cylindrical shaped portion and with flanges extending outwardly from and running longitudinally along the semi-cylindrical portions. Each semi-cylindrical portion may have raised circumferential ribs which are spaced apart at regular intervals to increase strength and rigidity. The opposed flanges abut and the semi-cylindrical portions form a cylindrical tube when the shells are engaged together. The shells are locked together by locking structures formed on at least one of the flanges of the shells. The shells may be held together at one edge by a hinge extending longitudinally along edges of the shells. Various locking structures may be used, such as mating bosses and indentations formed on the flanges on opposite sides of the first and second shells.

Abstract: A tree stand (10) comprising a base (12) extending about an axis (A) and a tree support wall (14) extending about the axis (A) upwardly from the base (12) to an open top. The top of the support wall (14) and the open top of a receptacle (24) define trunk support portions (26) and liquid storage portions (28) disposed about the axis (A). The trunk support portions (26) are disposed radially closer to the axis (A) than the storage portions (28) and the support portions (26) are intermingled with and alternate the storage portions (28) circumferentially about the axis (A) and the wall (14) undulates continuously and circumferentially about the axis (A) through the support (26) and storage (28) portions.

Abstract: A simulated tree comprises an armature including a trunk with nodes thereon from which are supported branches guyed together by shrouds to stiffen the trunk and maintain the branches in spaced relationship, with a net cover supported thereon. Vines are cultivated over the surface of the net cover, whereby a structure having a mature tree-like appearance can be grown in a relatively short period, and at much lower cost than transplanting mature trees. The profile of the armatures is easily varied by changing the position of the nodes and the length of the branches, and a wide variety of trees can be simulated using modular components. Such components are easily joined together without the use of tools, making it possible to ship the armatures in kit form, using common carriers, for assembly and erection at remote and difficultly accessible terrains.

Abstract: Unique methods for improving growth and maintenance of warm and cool season grasses are provided by treatment with prescribed irrigation solutions to improve water penetration and to increase soil oxygen, while, at the same time reducing water usage and inhibiting pathogens. In a presently preferred embodiment, the inventive method comprises the steps of producing a gaseous mixture of negatively charged ionized air including from about 50 parts per million to about 4,000 parts per million ozone, from about 1,000 parts per million to 20,000 parts per million oxygen ions, and from 2,000 to about 50,000 parts per million nitrogen oxides from ambient air; effecting direct contact between the ionized air gaseous mixture and a supply of water by means of a submicron injector to produce a substantially dissolved gaseous solution for irrigation of a wide variety of warm and cool season grasses.

Abstract: A soil- and grass seed-less sod precursor containing a non-woven bio-cellulosic fiber mat and grass sprigs. The sod precursor can be used to produce a soil-free sod which is useful for manufacturing athletic fields, golf courses and lawns.

Abstract: Bottom sand for growing aquatic plants containing a granular sinter consisting essentially of volcanic ash and having a bonding strength to collapse when a pressure of 2.5 kg/cm2 or above is applied on a 1.0 cm thick layer. This bottom sand permits good filtration of water and satisfactory growing of aquatic plants. Aquariums using such bottom sand not only purify the water but also assures satisfactory growth of aquatic plants placed in the aquariums.

Abstract: A self-watering planter (20) having a container (22) and a floor structure (60). The latter includes one or more troughs (80) that extend downwardly from floor (70). When manufacture of the planter is complete, a chamber portion (28a) for receiving planting medium (100) is provided above the floor. This chamber portion includes interior regions (82) of the troughs. A lower chamber portion (28b) is provided beneath the floor structure for receiving water. Openings (96, 97) in bottom ends (84) of troughs (80) permit water in the lower chamber portion to be wicked up into the planting medium in the troughs, which in turn is wicked up into planting medium in upper portions of the upper chamber portion. The planter is designed to be manufactured with a single mold in a single molding operation.

Abstract: The present invention entails a plant/seedling/cutting/plug growing tray and container system that includes a tray with a plurality of individual plant cells and container with each cell and container having an open top and bottom and a detachable screen bottom, and that allows plant removal either from the open bottom of the tray/container or open top of the tray/container. As plant roots emerge through an open-bottom tray or container supported above ground, the roots shrivel due to contacting dry air and temporarily suspend their growth. This bare-root growth phenomenon is known as air pruning. Proper application of root air-pruning process in conjunction with the use of properly shaped tray-cells and containers (small at the top and gradually getting larger at the bottom) significantly increases plant production, improves crop quality and promotes mechanization. Air pruning alone without the right tray and container will not provide these benefits.

Abstract: A door hanging retaining alignment plug for a pre-hung door assembly. The pre-hung door assembly including a door having a first bore opening along its free swinging edge for accommodating a retractable bolt or lock and a second bore opening along a face of the door for accommodating a lock box and communicating with the first bore. The retaining alignment plug comprises an elongated strap formed of a flexible material and a cylindrical member projecting longitudinally from one end of the strap and adaptable for seating in the first bore. The strap being adaptable for extending outwardly of the second bore, across the face of the door and the marginal edge of the jamb and across a portion of the jamb face for securing the strap to the jamb face. The strap is secured to the jamb by a suitable nail or staple.

Abstract: A structure for attaching a door weather strip to a periphery of a doorframe. The doorframe has an inwardly facing protrusion in a projecting edge thereof. A door weather strip has a concave surface formed in its outside surface so as to face and be spaced apart from the protrusion. A channel-shaped groove is formed in a lower part of the concave surface, and a first seal lip is formed along an upper part of the concave surface to close an upper end of a space formed between the projecting edge and the concave surface. A second seal lip is formed along an outside part of the channel-shaped groove to close a lower end of the space, whereby leaked water is received within the channel-shaped groove.

Abstract: The invention relates a water storage and storm water collection and detention system including at least one storage reservoir integrally attached to and extending along the edge of an extremity of a roof of a building structure; wherein the storage reservoir directly receives run-off from the roof. The system further includes at least one outlet, a supply line in communication with the outlet, an overflow outlet, and a float valve assembly connected to the supply line such that the reservoir communicates with a mechanism that allows for the water collected therein to be used with a water consumption apparatus or tap line on demand.

Abstract: A device capable of being attached to a roof as part of a snowguard system to prevent snow or ice from falling off the roof. The snowguard system includes a plurality of mounting brackets each having a bracket portion with at least one bore defining at least one cutout region therethrough. This cutout region has a first circumferential shape. At least one pipe is slidably inserted through one of the bores in each of the bracket portions. Each pipe has a circumferential shape substantially similar to that of each cutout region to thereby prevent rotation of the pipe with respect to the bracket. At least one flag is provided for attachment to the pipe. Each flag has an interior which is substantially geometrically similar to at least a portion of the circumferential shape of the pipe, thereby allowing the interior portion of the flag to lockingly engage the exterior of one of the pipes such that the flag does not rotate with respect to the pipe to which it is attached.

Abstract: A rafter air infiltration block for use in house construction to prevent loss of blown-in insulation and to prevent air infiltration between the outside and the trusses. A generally rectangular piece of stiff, waterproof material has a plurality of fold lines to allow the block to be readily placed where desired in a variety of different settings and to conform to a roof vent.

Abstract: A hollow window frame structure is provided with a one way valve to permit flow from the exterior of the building to the interior of the building through the hollow frame when the air pressure is higher outside than in the interior of the building and impair flow from the interior of the building to the exterior of the building when the air pressure in the interior of the building is higher than the exterior pressure.

Abstract: A device for protecting the edge of a doorway. The device includes opposing contact edges which extend around the edge of a doorway to contact and grip opposing walls adjacent the doorway. The edge of the doorway, which may include a door frame, is enclosed within a protective space defined by the device. Alternatively, the device may be mounted on a doorway and an attached door so that both the edge of the doorway and a portion of the door are enclosed within a protective space defined by the device. The device may be modified in the field to fit doorways and/or doors of various sizes.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a connector laid within a manhole wall for connecting cable-protecting pipes, including a body formed with a passage which said pipes can be inserted into, and a fixing member and a coupling member formed on both ends of said body, respectively, to be coupled and fixed each other, wherein said fixing member includes a first fixing protrusion and a first fixing groove formed on an outer surface of said body, respectively, to be located at the same surface as an end surface of said body and a second fixing protrusion and a second fixing groove formed on the outer surface of said body, respectively, to be located apart from the end surface of said body by a thickness of said first fixing protrusion and said first fixing groove. The end of said body formed with said fixing member is provided with a cover for preventing extraneous substance from invading inside of said body.

Abstract: The specification describes a wall base which is preferably provided by an elongate strip of carpeting with a pair of spaced-apart strips of double-sided adhesive tape on the back of the strip of carpeting covered by a release liner. For a 3 to 6 inch wide carpet strip, the strips of adhesive tape are preferably spaced apart by a distance of from about ¼ inch to about 2 inches, one being positioned close by adjacent the top edge of the carpet strip and the other spaced from the bottom edge.

Abstract: A wall bracing system that uses a beam capable of bending to conform to a partially-buckled masonry wall that has buckled inward from external forces, such as hydrostatic pressures to which basement walls are typically exposed. The bracing beam is sufficiently flexible to conform to the partially-buckled wall, enabling the bracing system to apply a relatively uniform pressure against the wall to prevent further inward movement. One end of the beam is secured to the basement floor adjacent the wall, generally not more than the distance the wall has bowed inward, i.e., the horizontal displacement of the primary fracture point of the wall. The upper end of the beam is held in place with a bracket system secured to one or more overhead floor joists. The bracket system applies a force against the upper end of the beam toward the wall. Sufficient pressure is applied against the beam so that at least the upper end of the beam contacts and conforms to the buckled portion of the wall.

Abstract: A ribbed metal plate for a composite slab that includes a substantially planar plate having an upper surface and a lower surface and a plurality of laterally-spaced, longitudinally-extending ribs that have a keystone profile and wherein the sidewalls are angled toward each other. Ends of the ribs are integrally formed. The rib plate is secured to bearing walls in a structure and concrete is poured on the ribs to form a composite deck. The ends of the ribs extend in the lateral direction to form a composite structure retarding movement of cured concrete in a longitudinal direction. The ribbed plate can also be used in composite beams.

Abstract: A bridge device for providing a transition between two bordering floor segments of different levels includes a securement shank, a terminal shank and a transition shank. The securement shank is positionable under one of the bordering floor segments which are separated by a space. The terminal shank has spaced upper and lower ends and opposite sides extending between the upper and lower ends. The terminal shank is attached at the lower end to the securement shank and is positionable in the space between the floor segments. One side of the terminal shank is disposed adjacent to and faces toward the one floor segment whereas the other side of the terminal shank faces toward the other floor segment.

Abstract: A roof batten for use in spacing tiles or similar exterior roofing members from a roof overlayment is provided. In one embodiment, the batten includes at least one layer of a corrugated plastic material with a pair of generally planar plies and a convoluted ply cooperating with the planar plies to define a multiplicity of passages. The passages allow drainage of water infiltrating the tiles and further promote drying.

Abstract: The tapered dovetail joint is a method of joining two boards, or other rigid materials such as particleboard, wafer board, etc., by a unique type of modified dovetail joint. The modification to the classic dovetail joint includes tapering the dovetail pins as well as the dovetail tails with the same angle of taper in the same direction. The mating of this tapered dovetail joint will be greatly facilitated due to these corresponding tapers. The tapered nature of this joint minimizes difficulties in assembly due to the wedging action that takes place as the two boards are brought into union to create the joint. This wedging action allows the joint to be assembled even when there is moderate damage to the tails or pins including swelling—due to moisture, from the time of manufacture to time of assembly, impact damage, as well as minor manufacturing tolerance deficiencies in cutting of the pins and tails.

Abstract: A support frame is intended to support the decorative sheet product and is formed of a plurality of longitudinal elements and horizontal elements, which are in turn formed of a plurality of base portions and main bodies. The base portions are provided with a protrusion and a recess opposite in location to the protrusion, and two slots opposite in location to each other. The base portions are joined together by the mortise-tenon joints to form the longitudinal elements. The main bodies are provided with two protruded blocks opposite in location to each other and are arranged in alignment such that the protruded blocks are received in the slots of the base portions of the longitudinal elements, and that the main bodies form the horizontal elements perpendicular to the longitudinal elements.

Abstract: A hollow fiberglass utility pole includes a pair of segments that are a fiberglass sheet that has a semicircular cross-section. The segments have first and second longitudinal edges with male and female couplers respective shapes that have a complimentary relationship to each other for mechanical engagement thereof. The fiberglass pole is assembled by engaging the first longitudinal edge of one segment with the second longitudinal edge of the other segment at an installation site. The fiberglass pole may be used as a sheath to encase an existing wooden pole.

Abstract: A composite structural member of the invention comprises a linear member having a first end and a second end attached to each end of the linear member as an end piece or end cap structure. Covering the composite member is a thermoplastic envelope preferably adherently bonded to the composite member. The end caps or end pieces are preferably thermoplastic materials typically thermoplastic composites comprising a thermoplastic resin and a fiber. Such a member is environmentally stable, resists moisture absorption, forms strong mitered joints and can be used in the assembly of fenestration products for commercial and residential real estate.

Abstract: A method of mounting cladding on an already-installed wall of a cabin of a ship, said cladding being made up of a plurality of panels, said method comprising the following steps: placing and fixing at least one coupling element at the bottom of said wall; placing and fixing at least one coupling element at the top of said wall; and placing and fixing said panels successively on said coupling elements.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for supporting and stabilizing elongated electrical distribution units intermediate first and second elongated generally parallel channels within modular furniture by fixing a plurality of spaced legs to the distribution units with each leg extending transversely to, and in generally the same direction from each distribution unit. A portion of each distribution engages the first channel and a plurality of mounting brackets are disposed intermediate the distribution unit and the second channel with each mounting bracket located adjacent to a corresponding leg. Each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket at a generally central location of the adjacent bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred minimum distance, while each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket near one end of the bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred maximum distance.

Abstract: A door framing apparatus and method wherein a pad member permits easy securing of the door and jamb to the king stud. The pad member maybe injected with an adhesive material to form a bond between the door/jamb assembly and the king stud. The pad member is formed of a compressible cellular foam material. A reservoir is formed within the pad to hold adhesive material which serves to attach the jamb to the king stud. A fill slot is provided in the pad to allow injection of the adhesive material into the reservoir. A channel is formed in the pad to allow the adhesive material within the reservoir to extend outside of the pad to form a bonding surface between the jamb and king stud. An adhesive layer is provided on a lateral edge of the pad member to allow initial attachment to either the jamb or king stud prior to installation of the door.

Abstract: Packaging machine, in particular for cigarettes, having subassemblies and elements for handling packaging material and cigarettes. In order to reduce the outlay on servicing for the packaging machine, the practice, in the region where dust and material particles occur to a pronounced extent, is for air to be extracted constantly or temporarily by suction, the particles being carried along in the process. Furthermore, particles adhering to articles, in particular to material webs, may be processed mechanically, in particular by brushes (41, 42), in order for particles to be detached and extracted by suction.

Abstract: A device capable of transporting package sleeves in an upright position, from any of several filling lines to one or more filling machines, wherein said several filling lines are aligned parallel to each other. The device utilizes a manipulator capable of linear travel in a direction perpendicular to the plane of alignment of the filling lines, a swiveling unit for moving the package sleeves in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the manipulator unit, and a gripper unit for gripping the package sleeves. The gripper unit is capable of supplying horizontal force to the package sleeves to enable their transport in an upright position. The gripper unit also has means to clamp to the loading magazine of the filling machine and to cause the horizontal transfer of the package sleeves thereto. By use of the present device, semi-automatic or automatic loading of package sleeves to one or more filling machines is possible.

Abstract: A top panel pre-folder for a form, fill and seal packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing an extended top panel gable top carton includes an mandrel positioned along the machine processing path that is movable from above the carton to the interior of the carton as the carton moves along the processing path. A pair of spaced apart pivotal arms, each disposed on opposing sides of the mandrel and transverse to the processing path, is pivotal about an axis toward and away from the mandrel. Each arm includes a flap mounted thereto having a raised portion extending from a face of the flap. The arms pivot to contact the flaps with gable side panels of the carton to infold the gable side panels inwardly over the mandrels. The flap raised portions contact the gable side panels at about gable side panel/vertical side panel junctures.

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 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 protective upper portion can be detached from the lower portion of the package system once the protective function of the upper portion has been completed. The sleeve may be provided without a detachable upper portion. 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 securing an article in a container or to a panel member for insertion in a container for shipping comprising providing at least two anchor clips extending into the container through the bottom, side panel or a corner of the container and defining an eye or aperture through which strapping is passed. The strapping is secured at its free ends by a friction buckle or other securing device and extends about the article to be shipped to secure the article at a given location within the container. The clips have a base which engages, essentially flush, an outside surface, outside wall or outside corner of the container and an upstanding leg which extends through the bottom, wall or corner of the container. The eye or aperture through which the strapping passes is defined in the legs extending into the interior of the container.

Abstract: Methods are provided for packaging floral groupings in a modified atmosphere at or near the site or harvest. The modified atmosphere package, which generally contain oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations which differ from those seen in air, is constructed of a material which has modified atmosphere characteristics such that the material is permeable to certain gases while impermeable to others. The package may also include fluid impermeable perforations to assist in the removal of the floral grouping from the package. A surface packaging agent, which maintains the appearance of the floral grouping and/or the modified atmosphere package, may also be present on the package, and a floral grouping maintenance agent, which maintains the appearance of the floral grouping, may also be disposed within the package with the floral grouping before partially sealing the modified atmosphere package about the floral grouping.

Abstract: In a unit for feeding collars to a continuous packing line for producing rigid packets of cigarettes, a continuous strip is cut by a knife, at a cutting station, into a succession of collars which are picked up continuously by respective pickup members, each of which is swung with the knife to grip a collar, just cut off the strip, between the knife and the respective pickup member.