Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system which includes a floral sleeve having a base portion, which may have a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have an upper sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the upper sleeve portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The sleeve has on its inner surface a bonding material in an offset pattern, which can be used to form a crimped portion in the sleeve or which can be used to attach the sleeve to a pot.

Abstract: A plant cover, comprising a base formed from a sheet of material, said base having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface, an opening intersecting the upper end forming an inner peripheral surface and a retaining space, a skirt formed from a sheet of material, said skirt connected to the upper end of the base, and expansion means formed integrally with the base, the expansion means comprising an excess of material, the expansion means permitting the base to expand and contract to both closely encompass and follow the contours of a pot. Methods of using a plant cover.

Abstract: A bulb casing encases a plant bulb and properly positions, feeds and protects the plant bulb, in a biodegradable casing including two joinable, substantially hemispheric cavity members, preferably having plant nutritional supplements on or in an inside surface adjacent to the bulb's outer surface and rodent repellent materials on or in the outside surface thereof. The plant nutritional supplements can be plant food, such as bone meal. Artificial rodent repellents such as mothball materials or biodegradable, non-toxic chemicals such as cayenne pepper can be used. Preferably, the hemispheric cavity members are formed out of biodegradable cardboard or cellulosic material, such as moldable paper pulp or starch resins, so that the casings will degrade in the ground as the bulb grows to a plant.

Abstract: An article forming system for forming at least one sheet of material into an article, such as a decorative flower pot cover for example, and a novel article formed utilizing such a system. The article forming system includes a male die, a female die and a platform having a support surface and an opening extending through the support surface. The female die is disposed generally within the opening in the platform with the upper end of the female die being disposed near the support surface. The article forming system includes means for slidingly holding portions of the sheet of material generally against portions of the support surface while permitting such held portions to slide on the support surface during the forming of the article for cooperating in forming a decorative border on the decorative flower pot cover type of article which flares generally away from the flower pot object when the decorative flower pot cover article is applied to the flower pot.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A plant package assembly, comprising a pot containing a floral grouping and a flexible sleeve having curved, circumferentially oriented detaching elements. The sleeve is positioned about the pot so that a lower portion of the sleeve closely surrounds and encompasses the pot, and an upper portion of the sleeve extends upwardly from the pot and substantially surrounds and encompasses the floral grouping contained within the pot. The upper portion of the sleeve is removable via the detaching elements, leaving a curved upper end of the lower portion which extends upwardly focusing attention on the upper portion of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material or both and a detaching means such as perforations for detaching a portion of the sleeve or sheet of material. The floral grouping is placed on the sheet of material which is wrapped thereabout, or the floral grouping is disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The cinching tab is attached near one end of the sheet or sleeve. The cinching tab has a bonding material disposed thereon which, when the cinching tab is pulled tightly about the wrapper, causes the wrapper to be crimped and tightly bound about the stems of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A plant item package which includes a vessel portion and a lid with an opening. The vessel portion may be at least partially filled with water. Stems of plant items, e.g. herbs, are passed through the opening of the lid and into the water of the vessel. Placing herbs in the vessel maintains the freshness of the herbs, eliminates shrinkage of the herbs, eliminates refrigeration requirements, and increases the shelf life of the herbs. Further, the herbs can continue to grow in the water filled vessel. A cellophane wrapping may also be placed around the herbs outside of the vessel. The herbs can thus be sold in predetermined amounts, and price and/or identification information can be placed on a label placed on one of the wrapping or vessel. Further, a plurality of the vessels can be inserted into a shipping container which can also be used as a display for the vessels.

Abstract: A container for holding a floral grouping. The container, most generally a vase, is formed from a sheet of material and has an outer peripheral wall which extends from the closed lower end to the open upper end. The peripheral wall may comprise a plurality of folds in the sheet of material with adjacent portions of at least some of the folds, which connected via a bonding material to form connected folds, which connected folds cooperate to maintain the vase in the shape of a vase. The container preferably has a bonding material disposed on a portion of the surface of the vase for enabling the vase to be bondingly connected to a surface in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for a plant facilitating its shipment and merchandising. The packaging arrangement includes a pot having a frustoconical portion and a lip portion, a flexible barrier mounted on the pot at the junction of the frustoconical and lip portions, and an annular elastic member constricting a portion of the barrier that is gather around the stalk of the plant.

Abstract: A plant flat-collapsible-container made from a first panel of thin heat-sealable film, a second panel of thin heat-sealable film, a first decorative panel and a second decorative panel. The first panel, second panel, first decorative panel and second decorative panel are joined together along a first longitudinally-extending seam and a second longitudinally-extending seam. The first longitudinally-extending seam forms a first angle with a transverse axis of the container. The second longitudinally-extending seam forms a second angle with the a line drawn transverse to the axis of the container. The first and second angles can be the same, or, alternatively, the first angle can be between 55.degree. and 65.degree. and the second angle can be between 85.degree. and 90.degree.. The container can include a protruding portion which extends beyond a transversely-extending edge of the container. The protruding portion can have perforations.

Abstract: A sleeve apparatus for retaining cut stems of several different types of plants, where the stems each having a stem cut end, includes a tube of sheet material having a tube upper end and a tube lower end; at least one substantially longitudinal divider formed of sheet material extending across the interior of the tube and joined to cross-sectionally spaced apart points on the tube, defining at least two plant stem longitudinal compartments each having an open compartment upper end and an open compartment lower end, so that at least one plant stem may be fitted longitudinally through each of the compartments to an extent that each stem cut end protrudes out of the tube lower end for immersion in water. The tube preferably is longitudinally tapered to define a truncated cone. The sheet material preferably is flexible. The divider optionally defines compartments of equal size, or alternatively defines compartments of differing sizes.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material or both. The floral grouping is placed on the sheet of material which is wrapped thereabout, or the floral grouping is disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The cinching tab is attached near one end of the sheet or sleeve. The cinching tab has a bonding material disposed thereon which, when the cinching tab is pulled tightly about the wrapper, causes the wrapper to be crimped and tightly bound about the stems of the floral grouping. When a sheet or sleeve having a strip of bonding material is used, the portion of the wrapper having the strip of bonding material is crimped manually or automatically about a portion of the stems of the floral grouping causing portions of the wrapper to overlap and bond to each other causing the wrapper to be held firmly about the stems of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

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

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A plant package for an artificial aquarium plant including a card member having a front face and a shaped shell member affixed to the front face by a peripheral bonding flange. The shell member has an upper section including a plant base holding pocket with a top edge. The top edge is free of the card member. The bottom portion of the plant base holding pocket is shaped to confine a base of the artificial aquarium plant with the top portion being restricted and shaped to overlay and support one or more plant stems of the artificial aquarium plant. A lower section of the shell member is designed with raised ridges reinforcing the shell member and defining an indicia window portion.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material or both. The floral grouping is placed on the sheet of material which is wrapped thereabout, or the floral grouping is disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The cinching tab is attached near one end of the sheet or sleeve. The cinching tab has a bonding material disposed thereon which, when the cinching tab is pulled tightly about the wrapper, causes the wrapper to be crimped and tightly bound about the stems of the floral grouping. When a sheet or sleeve having a strip of bonding material is used, the portion of the wrapper having the strip of bonding material is crimped manually or automatically about a portion of the stems of the floral grouping causing portions of the wrapper to overlap and bond to each other causing the wrapper to be held firmly about the stems of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A transport container for fragile articles having a substantially rigid base member with a bottom planar surface. A plurality of flexible foamed plastic members having the same overall shape as the base member stacked and secured together forming a container body which is secured to the base member. Each of the flexible foamed plastic members defines a plurality of throughgoing substantially circular cutouts with a tooth assembly for each cutout extending inward toward the center point of each substantially circular cutout. The foamed plastic member cutouts axially aligned with cutouts of an adjacent foamed plastic member to form a stepped bore which can hold various sized articles.

Abstract: A plant sleeve or plant bag made from a first panel of thin heat-sealable film and a second panel of thin heat-sealable film. The first panel and second panel are joined together along a first longitudinally-extending seam and a second longitudinally-extending seam. The first longitudinally-extending seam forms a first angle between 55.degree. and 65.degree. with a transverse axis of the container. The second longitudinally-extending seam forms a second angle of between 85.degree. and 90.degree. with the transverse axis. The sleeve or bag can include a protruding portion which extends beyond a transversely-extending edge of the container. The protruding portion can have perforations.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A wrapping material for wrapping an item, such as a floral grouping is provided. The wrapping material has a bonding material on a surface so that, when the wrapping material is formed into a wrapper, the wrapper may be releasably attached to a mounting surface, such as a board or wall, by way of the bonding material.

Abstract: A collapsible flower vase assembly for use in holding and preserving a plurality of long-stemmed flowers in an entrapped volume of water. The assembly includes an elongate and sleeve shaped body which defines a polygonal shape in cross section. Fold lines extend along a longitudinal length of the body and the body includes a first open end and second open end. A cork attachment corresponds in shape to the cross sectional shape of the sleeve body and is biasingly engaged against the second open end of the sleeve body so that the interior of the body is water tight and the attachment provides a pedestal base for the arraying the body in an upwardly extending fashion. The sleeve shaped body is further capable of being outwardly expanded from a first folded position to a second unfolded position prior to the cork attachment being releasably secured.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for packaging and shipping horticultural products including cut flowers. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel method of and packaging for packaging cut flowers in a modified atmosphere package to prolong shelf life, shipping the packaged flowers to the destination, and then at the destination, opening the package and rehydrating the cut flowers in the package by saturating the stems of the flowers with water.

Abstract: A container for shipping or transporting one or more young plants or seedlings, especially through the mail. The container has an open top and is made preferably of a thin, very light-weight, thermoformed plastic. The container is divided into two sections: a bottom section for receiving the plant pot and/or root ball and an upper section for receiving the stem and leaves. A cover is connected by a living hinge to the bottom section. The cover acts to hold the plant pot and/or root ball in place and to reduce evaporation of moisture from the root region of the plant. The container is provided with a wall separating the upper and bottom sections. The wall is supplied with a smoothly contoured notch that permits the plant stem to pass from the bottom section to the upper section, and the cover or lid utilizes a "V"-shaped projecting member to gently direct the plant's leaves and stem into the contoured notch. A combination of engaging recesses and projections form a closure system that holds the lid in place.

Abstract: A closeable shipping container for containment of a plurality of flowers with stems which includes separated protective bud-containing housings and/or separate stem supports. The container is made of plastic, or other lightweight, but strong materials. The container is dimensioned so that the volume it occupies, per dozen flowers, is most economical to ship.

Abstract: Retaining flaps for shipping cartons, with bonding material disposed on at least a portion of the flaps, are provided. The flaps are interposed between delicate items, such as, for example, floral grouping assemblies, to hold the delicate items essentially immobile within a shipping carton in order to prevent damage from internal movement of the delicate items when the shipping carton is transported. The bonding material disposed on the flaps releasably connects to portions of the floral grouping wrappings and to portions of the internal surface of the shipping carton. The flaps can be constructed of a flexible or a rigid material.

Abstract: A packaging assembly for shipping a container. A support member supports the container in an upright position. A sheet of material is wrapped about the support member and at least a portion of the container such that the sheet of material encompasses the support member and at least a portion of the container. The sheet of material may be secured about the support member and at least a portion of the container. The container may be bondingly secured to the support member.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have an upper sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the sleeve is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern has a curved or non-linear upper boundary which gives the sleeve the appearance of having a curved or non-linear upper skirt extending from the base portion.

Abstract: A breathable packaging material used for packaging items, such as floral groupings, flower pots, fresh produce, food, medical supplies/equipment, pharmaceutical products, and the like, thereby forming a breathable package for containing said items. The breathable packaging material comprises a sheet of material having controlled atmosphere characteristics, and having a desiccant and/or an antimicrobial agent. Methods for using breathable packaging material.

Abstract: The invention provides a variable shape device, with or without a base, for presenting all types of bouquets individually, vertically and without water. The device (1) is made of water- and deformation-resistant materials, with an adjustable attachment means having a male (3) and a female portion (4). The assembled device has a tapered portion (5) with tabs (11), which adapts to every type of bouquet, and a stable base (2). The openings (6) enable the bouquet to be initially retained in the device, for individual presentation, by any fastening means inserted in the openings. A water-tight decorated sheet (8), extending towards the top (5) of the outer walls (1) and adhering to members (7), is retained by a ribbon (21) on blade members which holds together the sheet, the device and the bouquet, the sheet providing water-tightness to the device (8). Water (10) introduced into the device collects at its base (2), thus providing stability to the bouquet and converting the device into a disposable flower-pot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a floral assembly for shipment. Disposing at least one floral assembly on a shipping device formed from a thermoplastic or resinous material having a connecting bonding material thereon wherein the floral assembly is connectingly bonded to the shipping device.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A plant package assembly, comprising a pot containing a floral grouping and a flexible sleeve having curved, circumferentially oriented detaching elements. The sleeve is positioned about the pot so that a lower portion of the sleeve closely surrounds and encompasses the pot, and an upper portion of the sleeve extends upwardly from the pot and substantially surrounds and encompasses the floral grouping contained within the pot. The upper portion of the sleeve is removable via the detaching elements, leaving a curved upper end of the lower portion which extends upwardly focusing attention on the upper portion of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for packaging cut foliage such as fern fronds is formed from two flexible, generally triangular sheets joined along two side edges to form an inverted conical enclosure having a pointed top end. The bottom edges are joinable with an adhesive tape after inserting the cut foliage. An aperture is provided along the bottom for permitting the stem to protrude therefrom to permit watering.

Abstract: A wrapper for a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material or both and a detaching means such as perforations for detaching a portion of the sleeve or sheet of material. The floral grouping is placed on the sheet of material which is wrapped thereabout, or the floral grouping is disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The cinching tab is attached near one end of the sheet or sleeve. The cinching tab has a bonding material disposed thereon which, when the cinching tab is pulled tightly about the wrapper, causes the wrapper to be crimped and tightly bound about the stems of the floral grouping.

Abstract: Method for the improved packing of stemmed produce in produce containers, and apparatus to perform the method. The present invention teaches a methodology based on the use of a packaging adaptor for insertion into a produce container, such as a berry basket. The adapter is formed as a substantially hollow, box-like structure having at least one and preferably a plurality of apertures defined in an upper surface thereof. The adapter, inserted into the container defines a first, lower compartment and a second, upper compartment. The adapter is inserted in the container, and the stem of the fruit, for instance a strawberry, is inserted therein. The stems are retained in the first compartment and the body of the fruit in the second compartment. In this manner, the relatively soft body of the fruit is precluded from contact with, and damage from, the relatively tough, woody stem portion of fruit.

Abstract: A flower sleeve includes an upper sleeve part of non-elongatable material and a lower sleeve part of elongatable material. The lateral edges of the upper sleeve part and the lower sleeve part are connected by heat fusion. Each of the upper sleeve part and the lower sleeve part has a tear line formed adjacent to a longer upper edge thereof Alternatively, the flower sleeve includes an upper sleeve part of non-elongatable material, a lower sleeve part of non-elongatable material, a first layer of elongatable material sandwiched between upper ends of the upper and lower sleeve parts, and a second layer of elongatable material sandwiched between lower ends of the upper and lower sleeve parts. The first and second layers of elongatable material are adhered to the lower sleeve part. Heat fusion is applied to connect the lateral edges of the upper and lower sleeve parts and the lateral edges of the layers of elongatable material.

Abstract: An article forming system for forming at least one sheet of material into an article, such as a decorative flower pot cover for example, and a novel article formed utilizing such a system. The article forming system includes a male die, a female die and a platform having a support surface and an opening extending through the support surface. The female die is disposed generally within the opening in the platform with the upper end of the female die being disposed near the support surface. The article forming system includes means for slidingly holding portions of the sheet of material generally against portions of the support surface while permitting such held portions to slide on the support surface during the forming of the article for cooperating in forming a decorative border on the decorative flower pot cover type of article which flares generally away from the flower pot object when the decorative flower pot cover article is applied to the flower pot.

Abstract: A wrapping material for wrapping floral groupings and pots having reinforcing elements therein which provide resiliency and strength to the wrapping material. Methods for using a wrapping material having reinforcing elements.

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

Abstract: A plant sleeve or plant bag made from a first panel of thin heat-sealable film and a second panel of thin heat-sealable film. The first panel and second panel are joined together along a first longitudinally-extending seam and a second longitudinally-extending seam. The first longitudinally-extending seam forms a first angle between 55.degree. and 65.degree. with a transverse axis of the container. The second longitudinally-extending seam forms a second angle of between 85.degree. and 90.degree. with the transverse axis. The sleeve or bag can include a protruding portion which extends beyond a transversely-extending edge of the container. The protruding portion can have perforations.

Abstract: An article forming system for forming at least one sheet of material into an article, such as a decorative flower pot cover for example, and a novel article formed utilizing such a system. The article forming system includes a male die, a female die and a platform having a support surface and an opening extending through the support surface. The female die is disposed generally within the opening in the platform with the upper end of the female die being disposed near the support surface. The article forming system includes means for slidingly holding portions of the sheet of material generally against portions of the support surface while permitting such held portions to slide on the support surface during the forming of the article for cooperating in forming a decorative border on the decorative flower pot cover type of article which flares generally away from the flower pot object when the decorative flower pot cover article is applied to the flower pot.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a package for flowers, candy or other consumables or objects which can easily be transformed from a first, transport configuration into a second, stationary configuration, is stable in its stationary configuration and can be manufactured exclusively out of thin walled material such as (biodegradable) plastic board or fiber board. Transformation from the transport configuration into the stationary configuration can easily be accomplished by detaching the upper part from the lower part along a weakened line delimitating the upper and the lower part when the package is in transport condition. Then the lower part is inserted into the upper part, which preferably has to be inverted first so that the generally relatively wide upper end of the upper part faces downward and forms the new lower end until the lower part is supported by the lower end of the upper part.

Abstract: A breathable packaging material used for packaging items, such as floral groupings, flower pots, fresh produce, food, medical supplies/equipment, pharmaceutical products, and the like, thereby forming a breathable package for containing said items. The breathable packaging material comprises a sheet of material having controlled atmosphere characteristics, and having a desiccant and/or an antimicrobial agent. Methods for using breathable packaging material.

Abstract: A combined floral display and keepsake are described. The floral display includes a container (1) with a bottom (4), side walls (7) and a pick (8) extending vertically upwards from the container bottom. Flowers (13) are displayed by positioning them into a foam block (14) contained in the container. The keepsake (2) is elevated above the container, connected to the top of the pick by an attachment mechanism (3). When the floral arrangement is no longer fresh, the container, the pick, the foam block, and the flowers may be discarded, while the keepsake remains useful and decorative.