Patent ID: 6457296
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: A01G,A47G,B65B,B65D,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of wrapping a potted plant, comprising the steps of:providing a potted plant comprising a pot and a floral grouping disposed in the pot, the pot having a lower end, an upper rim and an outer peripheral surface; providing a sleeve comprising: a lower portion having an upper end, a lower end, an inner peripheral surface, and an outer peripheral surface, the lower portion having a flattened state wherein at least a portion of the lower portion is tapered and wherein the lower portion of the sleeve is openable from the flattened state to an opened position wherein the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion defines and encompasses an inner retaining space, an opening being formed through the upper end of the lower portion in communication with the inner retaining space, at least a portion of the lower portion sized and tapered to fit the outer peripheral surface of the pot and having a gusset in the lower end thereof which is unfoldable in the opened position of the lower portion; and an upper portion connected to the upper end of the lower portion along a non-linear detaching element and wherein the upper portion of the sleeve is adapted to be supported by a support assembly; opening the lower portion of the sleeve into the opened position thereby exposing the inner retaining space of the lower portion and providing a lower portion tapered for fitting the pot; disposing the potted plant in the inner retaining space of the lower portion of the sleeve with the lower end of the pot positioned upon the lower end of the lower portion of the sleeve whereby the lower portion of the sleeve is substantially adjacent to and surrounds at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot; and wherein the lower portion of the sleeve is detachable from the upper portion by tearing along the non-linear detaching element, thereby forming a non-linear upper peripheral edge of the lower portion of the sleeve.