Abstract: Sheets and rolls of sheets with labels having multiple choice blocks and information areas corresponding to the choice blocks. The sheets include a closure bonding material for securing the sheets around items to be wrapped. The labels are detachably connected to the sheets with an adhesive, a perforation or a tear line. Spots of closure bonding material may be placed on the labels to hold the labels in a wrapped position. The information areas typically include data which may be selected to describe the source, type and characteristics of the items to be wrapped in the sheets. The sheets may also include detachable sleeve areas for protecting wrapped items during shipping and handle areas which may be punched out of the sheets for grasping the wrapped items. The handle areas may also contain information similar to that on the detachable labels. Sheets having labels with choice blocks may also be used for forming flower pots or flower pot covers.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is sorted according to a grade, placed in a decorative cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.

Abstract: A method of lining a basket with a basket lining material, in which the basket lining material comprises an unpreformed sheet of material. The sheet of material is disposed in the basket without first preforming the sheet of material to conform to the inner surface of the basket, and the sheet of material disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the basket. The sheet of material is crushed and flattened against the inner surface of the basket thereby forming a liner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying items in two orthogonal planes on a display card. The items are preferably extensibly secured to the display card by an elastic strand secured to opposed lateral portions of the item.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a floral grouping with at least one sheet of material of a pad of such sheets of material wherein each sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with an adhesive on at least a portion of the upper surface of the sheet of material and a release material on at least a portion of the lower surface of the sheet of material. The sheet of material is wrapped about the floral grouping so that the adhesive contacts overlapping portions of the sheet of material wrapped about the floral grouping and is bonded to other adjacent portions of the sheet of material.

Abstract: A wrapper for a floral grouping comprising a first and a second sheet of material. The first sheet of material is constructed of a polymer film, metal foil, fabric, denim, cellophane or burlap. The second sheet of material is constructed of a paper. At least one of the first and the second sheets of material includes a closure bonding material on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of such sheet of material. The second sheet of material is disposed adjacent the first sheet of material and the two sheets of material then are wrapped about the floral grouping with the closure bonding material bondingly engaging a portion of at least one of the first and the second sheets of material for cooperating to secure the first and the second sheets of material in a wrapped condition about the floral grouping to form the wrapper.

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 Minimal Container, made of pre-cut corrugated cardboard strips fastened together at overlapping surfaces and folded to form a rectangular frame, without generating any scrap corrugated cardboard. The Minimal Container is intended to protect contents for one shipping application. Each side and top and bottom ends of the rectangular frame have an open area. Plastic film is wrapped around the Minimal Container, enclosing it and being connected to it, not only for dust and weather protection, but also to enhance structural rigidity of the Minimal Container. A method of constructing the Minimal Container includes gluing or stapling the corrugated cardboard strips together to form a ladder structure; scoring, slitting, and folding the ladder structure to form the rectangular frame; fastening the rectangular frame together; loading contents in to the rectangular frame; enclosing the rectangular frame with a flexible plastic film wrap; and connecting the flexible plastic film wrap to the rectangular frame.

Abstract: A wrapping material comprising a sheet of material such as paper, cellophane, foil, or man-made organic polymer film and a cling material such as polyethylene secured to a portion of the sheet of material. The cling material connects to the sheet of material and/or itself as the wrapping material is wrapped about a flower pot thereby securing the sheet of material about the flower pot. A method of wrapping a flower pot by wrapping the flower pot with the wrapping material.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a floral grouping wherein a plurality of sheets of material are connected into a pad of sheets of material. The pad has a top sheet of material with the other sheets of material being disposed under the top sheet of material. The floral grouping is placed on the top sheet of material. The top sheet of material is wrapped about a portion of the floral grouping and the top sheet of material and the floral grouping are rolled to wrap the floral grouping in the top sheet of material and simultaneously disconnect the top sheet of material from the pad. The sheets of material are secured about the floral grouping in a wrapped position by an adhesive or cohesive on the sheets of material and the sheets of material are secured in the form of the pad by the adhesive or cohesive materials on the sheet.

Abstract: A wrapper, comprising a floral grouping having a bloom portion and a stem portion and a flexible sleeve having a bonding material thereon, the sleeve being positioned about the floral grouping and the sleeve substantially surrounding and encompassing the floral grouping, forming a wrapper, and methods of using the wrapper.

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: The present invention is a modular system and method for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is sorted according to a grade, placed in a decorative cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.

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 waxed paper or waxed tissue. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A paperboard tray packaging machine is adapted to handle the tray blanks and product to be packaged as both move continually in a downstream direction. The blanks are stored in an auxiliary magazine alongside the main magazine and are transferred from one to the other individually so each tray blank can be printed, at least on the blank end walls that cannot be conveniently printed in the machine itself.

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 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 method and apparatus for automatically wrapping a sheet of material about a bouquet of flowers. A sheet of material having spaced apart defined first and second portions is placed against a support member, such as a prepared table top, and the bouquet is positioned on the sheet with the first and second portions of the sheet extending on right and left sides, respectively, of the bouquet. The first sheet portion is then moved in a path to at least partially encompass the bouquet, and the second sheet portion is moved in a path to at least partially encompass the bouquet and to extend over part of the first sheet portion. The two sheet portions may be secured together by a bonding material, or the first and second portions of the sheet of wrapping material can themselves act as a bonding material by application of appropriate heat sealing, sonic welding, vibratory welding, and similar methods.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus having a springable base with attached arms which support a wrapping material. The spaced apart arms extend upward and outward from the perimeter of the springable base, which is flexible to assume an arched posture and a flat posture. In response to downward pressure on a central area of the springable base, the springable base snaps from the arched posture into the flat posture. When the springable base is in the arched posture, the arms and wrapping material are in an open position to receive an item to be wrapped. The arms and wrapping material move into a closed position when the springable base assumes the flat posture. The wrapping apparatus may be constructed with or without an upper skirt of wrapping material. The wrapping material may be inside the arms, outside the arms or may envelope the arms.

Abstract: A method of packaging a load that is generally prismatic in shape in which at least one rigid protective angle strip is initially placed on at least one edge of the load. The strip is then rigidly and permanently secured to the load. An apparatus is used for grasping, displacing, depositing, and holding the protective angle strip. A protective angle strip is taken from a magazine to an edge of the load by using the apparatus, wherein the protective angle strip is held temporarily while the angle strip is simultaneously secured rigidly to the load, and once it has been rigidly secured, the apparatus is disengaged from the angle strip.

Abstract: A wrapper for a floral grouping formed from a sheet of material having a closure bonding material on a portion thereof. The sheet of material is wrapped about the floral grouping with the closure bonding material securing the sheet of material in a wrapped position about the floral grouping to form the wrapper. A top flap is folded over an open upper end of the wrapper and connected to the wrapper to prevent the floral grouping from shifting in the wrapper and extending out from the open upper end of the wrapper. In one form, a bottom flap is connected to the wrapper and extends over an open lower end of the wrapper to prevent the floral grouping from shifting in the wrapper and extending out from the open lower end of the wrapper.

Abstract: A decorative plant assembly and a method for making such including a flower pot or other pot or plant container, a sheet of material having an opening formed through a portion of the sheet of material and a bonding means for holding the sheet of material in a position about the outer peripheral surface of the pot. When placed about the pot, at least a portion of the sheet of material engages a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot. At least a portion of the bottom of the pot means is exposed through the opening in the sheet of material. A portion of the sheet of material may extend away from the upper end of the pot means to form a skirt. The sheet of material when extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot may further comprise a plurality of folds. The sheet of material may further comprise a tubular extension extending from the lower surface of the sheet of material.

Abstract: A package is formed by holding a nonextensible strip taut and wrapping it around the upper and/or lower periphery of the bundle and joining the ends of the strip segments e.g. by adhesive bonding. A projecting margin of the strip is folded to overlie the bundle or underlie the bundle so that an L-configuration is imparted to the frame formed around the bundle after the strip is applied thereto.

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

Abstract: A method for wrapping a floral grouping wherein a plurality of sheets of material are connected into a pad of sheets of material. The pad has a top sheet of material with the other sheets of material being disposed under the top sheet of material. The floral grouping is placed on the top sheet of material. The top sheet of material is wrapped about a portion of the floral grouping and the top sheet of material and the floral grouping are rolled to wrap the floral grouping in the top sheet of material and simultaneously disconnect the top sheet of material from the pad. The sheets of material are secured about the floral grouping in a wrapped position by an adhesive or cohesive on the sheets of material and the sheets of material are secured in the form of the pad by the adhesive or cohesive materials on the sheet.

Abstract: A wrapper for a floral grouping formed from a sheet of material having a closure bonding material on a portion thereof. The sheet of material is wrapped about the floral grouping with the closure bonding material securing the sheet of material in a wrapped position about the floral grouping to form the wrapper. A top flap is folded over an open upper end of the wrapper and connected to the wrapper to prevent the floral grouping from shifting in the wrapper and extending out from the open upper end of the wrapper. In one form, a bottom flap is connected to the wrapper and extends over an open lower end of the wrapper to prevent the floral grouping from shifting in the wrapper and extending out from the open lower end of the wrapper.

Abstract: A wrapper for a floral grouping formed from a sheet of material having a closure bonding material on a portion thereof. The sheet of material is wrapped about the floral grouping with the closure bonding material securing the sheet of material in a wrapped position about the floral grouping to form the wrapper. A top flap is folded over an open upper end of the wrapper and connected to the wrapper to prevent the floral grouping from shifting in the wrapper and extending out from the open upper end of the wrapper. In one form, a bottom flap is connected to the wrapper and extends over an open lower end of the wrapper to prevent the floral grouping from shifting in the wrapper and extending out from the open lower end of the wrapper.

Abstract: Sheets and rolls of sheets with labels having multiple choice blocks and information areas corresponding to the choice blocks. The sheets include a closure bonding material for securing the sheets around items to be wrapped. The labels are detachably connected to the sheets with an adhesive, a perforation or a tear line. Spots of closure bonding material may be placed on the labels to hold the labels in a wrapped position. The information areas typically include data which may be selected to describe the source, type and characteristics of the items to be wrapped in the sheets. The sheets may also include detachable sleeves for protecting wrapped items during shipping and handle areas which may be punched out of the sheets for grasping the wrapped items. The handle areas may also contain information similar to that on the detachable labels. Sheets having labels with choice blocks may also be used for forming flower pots or flower pot covers.

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 is provided for wrapping a plastic bag about a piece of luggage to leave the handle grip exposed. A heat shrinkable plastic bag is used with the luggage being loosely enclosed and the edge of an open top of the bag being folded over the top surface of the luggage around the sides of the grip to leave the grip exposed. The bag may be dispensed from a roll and may be in the form of a flat bag having an open top or in the form of a flat tube having an open top and bottom. A hot air gun is employed to seal the folded over edges and the loosely enclosing bag to a tight seal around the luggage. A pressure sensitive tape may be employed to tack together the folded over edges. Measurements are taken along the length, width and height of the luggage to provide a formula for the size of the plastic bag to be employed. The shrink wrapped luggage is used to prevent theft and provide visual signs of breaking into and also to provide protection against marring or scuffing.

Abstract: A decorative plant assembly and a method for making such including a flower pot or other pot or plant container, a sheet of material having an opening formed through a portion of the sheet of material and a bonding means for holding the sheet of material in a position about the outer peripheral surface of the pot. When placed about the pot, at least a portion of the sheet of material engages a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot. At least a portion of the bottom of the pot means is exposed through the opening in the sheet of material. A portion of the sheet of material may extend away from the upper end of the pot means to form a skirt. The sheet of material when extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot may further comprise a plurality of folds. The sheet of material may further comprise a tubular extension extending from the lower surface of the sheet of material.

Abstract: A material dispenser for dispensing sheets of material with an adhesive applied thereto. The material is passed through a material applicator and the material applicator includes a contact portion with adhesive in contact with a portion of the material for applying adhesive to the material. The material in one embodiment is a non-heat sealable, non-shape sustaining material and the material is wrapped about a floral grouping.

Abstract: A container for nestably holding a sink for storing, shipping and displaying. The container forms from a blank of corrugated paperboard scored for folding to provide a back, two opposing side walls, and two opposing end walls. The back includes an opening for partially receiving therethrough the bowl of the sink. A pair of supports are each foldably attached along a first score to a respective one of the end walls. A plurality of sections in the support are defined by second scores. The support folds on the scores and bears against the bottom and the end wall. The sink sits on the support. Two containers are nested together by placing one container on the other. This positions the bottom side of the bowl of one sink in the bowl of the second sink.

Abstract: A wrapper for a floral grouping formed from a sheet of material having a closure bonding material on a portion thereof. The sheet of material is wrapped about the floral grouping with the closure bonding material securing the sheet of material in a wrapped position about the floral grouping to form the wrapper. A top flap is folded over an open upper end of the wrapper and connected to the wrapper to prevent the floral grouping from shifting in the wrapper and extending out from the open upper end of the wrapper. In one form, a bottom flap is connected to the wrapper and extends over an open lower end of the wrapper to prevent the floral grouping from shifting in the wrapper and extending out from the open lower end of the wrapper.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a method for wrapping a floral grouping, to form a wrapper with a water holding and releasing material disposed in the wrapper in contact with a portion of the floral grouping, are disclosed. Several embodiments of wrappers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sticky element, comprising a sticky element having an insect-attracting color and an insect-attracting scent, the sticky element comprising sufficient sticky qualities to cause an insect to become permanently attached to the sticky element when any portion of the insect contacts with the sticky element, the sticky element adaptable to being disposed upon a surface. The surface may comprise a wrapping material, a flower pot cover, a flower pot, a floral arrangement, or other surface. When the sticky element is disposed on a wrapping material, the wrapping material is used to wrap a floral arrangement or decoratively cover a flower pot.

Abstract: A flower pot cover consisting of a base and a skirt. The base has an upper end and a lower end with a pot opening being formed through the upper end of the base providing access to a pot receiving space. The skirt is connected to the upper end of the base and the skirt extends a distance outwardly from the base terminating with an outer periphery. A bonding material is disposed on the skirt or the base or both. A flower pot is disposed in the pot receiving space and the portion of the skirt and/or the base having the bonding material thereon is crimped to provide a crimped portion for cooperating to maintain the flower pot cover connected to the flower pot.

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: A method for providing a protective wrapper about a vase containing a floral grouping. A connecting bonding material and a closure bonding material are disposed on the sheet. The sheet is wrapped about the vase causing the connecting bonding material to connect the sheet to the vase. The closure bonding material is sealed above the floral grouping to enclose the floral grouping within the sheet of material. The sheet may have a second closure bonding material for effecting a vertically sealed area in the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for 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 comprises a rotatable platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. At least portions of a sheet of material are supported in a position generally over the opening. A cover forming assembly having contacting portions for contacting the sheet of material is disposed in the opening in the support surface. 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 when the platform is rotated into a fastening position.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for housing a stacked supply of hooks which permits the individual withdrawal of a lowermost hook from the stack. A dispensing apparatus provides a chamber having an open top, a rear wall, two side walls, a front wall, a spaced floor providing a gap between the floor and the front wall, the front wall providing a longitudinal opening transversing the wall, the opening permitting the passage of a loop portion of each hook.

Abstract: A display package comprising a flexible card upon which is mounted an elongated tool with a handle and a shank at one end. The handle has a shoulder adjacent the shank, and a portion of reduced cross section between the shoulder and its other end, and it increases in cross section from the portion of reduced cross section towards the other end. The card has a generally planar body portion, and a flexible portion adjacent one end of the card extends at an angle to the body portion and has an aperture in which is seated the reduced portion of the handle. A slit extends radially outwardly from this aperture to enable flexure of the flexible portion to permit insertion of the handle into the aperture and to preclude withdrawal of the inserted handle. The card also has a tab intermediate the length of the body portion extending at an angle to the plane of the body portion, and having an aperture aligned with the aperture in the flexible portion, through which the shank extends.

Abstract: A wrapping material for providing a decorative covering for an item wherein the wrapping material has a width and at least a first end. The first end of the wrapping material is positioned on the outer peripheral surface of the item to be wrapped and the wrapping material is wrapped about the outer peripheral surface of the item while moving the wrapping material generally over the outer peripheral surface of the item until the wrapping material covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the item.

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

Abstract: A method for both wrapping a floral arrangement and removing the wrapping material from the floral arrangement, comprising a sheet of material having a pull tab and pull indicia thereon, the pull tab sized to be easily graspable, a bonding material disposed on the sheet of material near the pull tab. A floral arrangement is utilized, the floral arrangement being wrapped in the sheet of material, the sheet of material being crimped about a portion of the floral arrangement.

Abstract: A stacking and carrying device for spherical objects such as golf balls wherein a tray member supports the spherical objects in the form of a pyramid and has strap members for carrying the tray. A filling device is also provided which stacks the balls on the tray member in a pyramidal fashion automatically and without any orientation. The filling device and method disclosed afford use in an automated dispensing machine such as for use on a golf practice range.

Abstract: A method for wrapping an item wherein a plurality of sheets of material are connected into a pad of material. The sheets of material in the pad are organized into even numbered sheets of material and odd numbered sheets of material with each odd numbered sheet of material being disposed between a pair of even numbered sheets of material. A portion of each of the odd numbered sheets of material extends beyond the even numbered sheet of material disposed thereon to facilitate the removal of the sheets of material from the pad. The sheet of material is wrapped about the item.

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 material dispenser for dispensing single sheets of material from stacks of sheets of material or from rolls of material and applying an adhesive strip to the sheet. The adhesive strip is applied by contacting the adhesive portion of an adhesive transfer tape to the sheet. The sheet of material with the adhesive strip applied thereto can be used to wrap floral arrangements or flower pots or other articles. The apparatus may be combined with an automatic pot wrapping apparatus so the adhesive application and decorative pot wrapping sequence can be combined into one continuous operation.