Patent ID: 6444072
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: B29C,B29L,B32B,G03H,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for forming a decorative flower pot cover having a holographic image thereon, the method comprising the steps of:providing a sleeve having a first end, a second end, an outer peripheral surface and a retaining space, the sleeve comprising an upper portion and a lower portion wherein the lower portion of the sleeve is sized to closely surround and encompass a flower pot disposed therein and the upper portion extends upwardly from a flower pot disposed therein, the upper portion of the sleeve being detachable from the lower portion of the sleeve via vertical perforations and circumferential perforations, the sleeve formed of a holographic material wherein the holographic material is produced by a continuous process comprising the steps of: providing a printing element having a polished, resilient surface, the printing element being selected from the group consisting of a cylindrical drum and a roller; applying a coating capable of receiving a holographic image to the polished, resilient surface of the printing element to provide a coated surface; embossing the coated surface to provide a holographic image thereon, the holographic image having a first surface and a second surface wherein the second surface of the holographic image is disposed substantially adjacent the polished, resilient surface of the printing element; applying a bonding material to the first surface of the holographic image; and disposing a substrate adjacent the first surface of the holographic image containing the bonding material so as to bondingly connect the holographic image to the substrate, thereby producing a holographic material and thus removing the holographic material from the polished, resilient surface of the printing element; providing a flower pot having an open upper end, a closed lower end, an outer peripheral surface and a retaining space, the flower pot having growing medium and a floral grouping or a plant disposed in the retaining space thereof; and disposing the flower pot within the sleeve, whereby the lower portion of the sleeve is positioned substantially adjacent the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot and the upper portion of the sleeve extends upwardly from the flower pot and substantially surrounds and encompasses the floral grouping or plant disposed in the flower pot, the upper portion of the sleeve being detachable from the lower portion of the sleeve along the vertical and circumferential perforations such that upon detachment of the upper portion of the sleeve, the lower portion of the sleeve remains disposed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot and forms a decorative flower pot cover having a holographic image thereon which constitutes at least a portion of the decor of the decorative flower pot cover.