Abstract:
A method for providing a decorative covering for a floral grouping wherein at least one sheet of material is secured to an individual so as to maintain the individual&#39;s hands unconstrained. The sheet of material is detached, and then the detached sheet of material is disposed about at least a portion of the floral grouping such that a portion of the floral grouping is left exposed to provide the decorative covering for the floral grouping. In one embodiment, the decorative covering assembly is delivered to a customer for use by the customer in covering floral groupings. The customer can be a grower, for example.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/957,560, entitled METHOD FOR PROVIDING A DECORATIVE COVERING FOR A FLORAL GROUPING, filed Sep. 20, 2001 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,185), which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/561,635, filed May 2, 2000 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,043), which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/073,015, filed May 5, 1998 and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,997; which is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 08/832,552 filed Apr. 3, 1997, abandoned. The entire content of each of the above-referenced applications is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a method for providing a covering for a container and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a method for providing a decorative covering for a flower pot wherein at least one sheet of material is detached from a decorative covering assembly and disposed about the flower pot to provide the decorative covering for the flower pot. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for providing a decorative covering for a flower pot wherein a cover bottom is disposed about a lower end of the flower pot. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a method for providing a decorative covering for a flower pot having an upper end, a lower end, a bottom, and a sidewall extending generally between the upper end and the lower end thereof. Broadly, the method provides a decorative covering assembly comprising a header assembly and at least one sheet of material detachably connected to the header assembly. For ease of use, the header assembly is secured to a holder assembly such that the decorative covering assembly is supported by the holder assembly and at least one sheet of material can be detached from the header assembly. At least one sheet of material is then detached from the header assembly and thereafter disposed about at least a portion of the flower pot to provide the decorative covering for the flower pot. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of providing the decorative covering for the flower pot. 
     Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a decorative covering assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention, the decorative covering assembly including a header assembly and at least one sheet of material detachably connected to the header assembly. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the decorative covering assembly of FIG. 1 wherein a plurality of sheets of material are connected to the header assembly to form a pad. 
     FIG. 3 is a partial, side elevational view of the decorative covering assembly of FIG. 2 wherein a header connector assembly is disposed about the header assembly. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a holder assembly which is constructed in accordance with the present invention and which has the decorative covering assembly of FIG. 2 attached thereto. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sheet of material detached from the decorative covering assembly of FIG. 4 wherein the sheet of material is disposed about a flower pot to provide a decorative covering for the flower pot. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the flower pot having the decorative covering of FIG. 5 disposed thereabout wherein one embodiment of a cover bottom is disposed about a lower end of the flower pot such that an upper end of the cover bottom is disposed substantially adjacent the decorative covering. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the flower pot having the decorative covering of FIG. 5 disposed thereabout wherein another embodiment of a cover bottom is disposed about the lower end of the flower pot such that an upper end of the cover bottom is spaced a distance from the decorative covering. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a belt holding a second embodiment of a decorative covering assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sheet of material which is shown as being detached from a decorative covering assembly which is similar to the decorative covering assembly of FIG. 1 or the decorative covering assembly of FIG. 8 wherein the sheet of material has a bonding material applied to an upper surface thereof. 
     FIG. 10 is perspective view of the sheet of material of FIG. 9 wherein the sheet of material is disposed about the flower pot to provide a decorative covering for the flower pot. 
     FIG. 11 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a sheet of material which is shown as being detached from a decorative covering assembly which is similar to the decorative covering assembly of FIG. 1 or the decorative covering assembly of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the sheet of material of FIG. 11 taken along the lines  12 — 12  wherein a stem portion of a floral grouping is disposed through the opening formed in the sheet of material. 
     FIG. 13 is a pictoral representation of a decorative covering formed about a floral grouping from the sheet of material of FIG.  11 . 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sheet of material which is shown as being detached from a decorative covering assembly which is similar to the decorative covering assembly of FIG. 1 or the decorative covering assembly of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a preformed decorative cover for a flower pot wherein the preformed decorative cover is formed from the sheet of material of FIG.  14 . 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the preformed decorative cover of FIG. 15 wherein the preformed decorative cover is disposed about a flower pot. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     2. Definitions 
     The term “holder assembly” as used herein refers to any device which can be used for supporting a decorative covering assembly such that one or more sheets of material can be detached from the decorative covering assembly and positioned about a flower pot or a floral grouping to provide a decorative covering thereabout. The holder assembly may be provided with wheels or attached to individuals so as to make the holder assembly transportable from one location to another. 
     The term “decorative covering” or “decorative cover” as used herein refers to a cover formed by at least one sheet of material which is disposed about a flower pot or a floral grouping. 
     The term “floral grouping” as used herein refers to a single flower, foliage, a botanical item, a propagule, cut flowers, artificial flowers, and/or other fresh and/or artificial plants or floral materials, including secondary plants, growing potted plants having a root portion and/or other ornamentation which adds to the aesthetic qualities of the overall floral grouping. The term “floral grouping” may be interchanged with the term “floral arrangement”. The term “floral grouping” as used herein may also refer to a “floral grouping”, as defined above, which is disposed within a pot or a flower pot. 
     The term “pot” or “flower pot” as used herein refers to any container or pot-type container which can be used for holding and/or supporting floral groupings. Examples of pots and flower pots include, but are not limited to, clay pots, wooden pots, plastic pots, pots made from natural and/or synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof. 
     The term “cover bottom” as used herein refers to any container or decorative covering capable of being disposed about and substantially encompassing at least a lower end of another container, such as a pot or flower pot. The cover bottom may be a preformed container or the cover bottom may be formed of one or more sheets of material which are disposed about the lower end of the pot, flower pot, or container. 
     The term “bonding material” as used herein refers to any adhesive or cohesive including pressure sensitive adhesives and co-adhesives. The term “bonding material” as used herein also refers to materials which are heat sealable, sonic sealable, and/or vibratory sealable. For example, the term “bonding material” can refer to a heat sealing lacquer which may be applied to a sheet of material and effectively bonded thereto by heat, sound waves, or vibrations. 
     The term “bonding material” as used herein also refers to any type of material or device which can be used to effect the bonding or connecting of two adjacent portions of a sheet of material to effect the connection or bonding described herein. Thus, the term “bonding material” can refer to ties, labels, band, ribbons, strings, tape, staples, and combinations thereof. 
     The term “bonding material” as used herein also refers to any heat or chemically shrinkable material, electrical bonding means such as static electricity, magnetic bonding means, mechanical or barb-type fastening means, clamping means, curl-type characteristics of a film means, materials incorporated into the sheet of material which can cause the sheet of material to take on certain shapes, and any type of welding methods which may weld portions of the sheet to itself and/or other sheets. 
     The term “polymer film” as used herein refers to a film formed of synthetic polymers such as polypropylene or naturally occurring polymers such as cellophane, which are relatively strong and not subject to tearing (substantially non-tearable). Various types of “polymer films” are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,991, issued to Weder et al. on May 17, 1994 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     The terms “cling wrap” or “cling material” as used herein refer to any material which is capable of connecting a sheet of material to itself when such material is wrapped about an item, such as a flower pot or a floral grouping. The terms “cling wrap” or “cling material” are defined in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,991 issued to Weder et al. on May 17, 1994 which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIGS.  1 - 7   
     Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, shown therein and designated by the general reference numeral  10  is a decorative covering assembly which is constructed in accordance with the present invention. The decorative covering assembly includes a header assembly  12  and at least one substantially flexible sheet of material  14  which is detachably connected to the header assembly  12  such that the sheet of material  14  can be detached from the header assembly  12  and disposed about a flower pot  16  to form a decorative covering  18  thereabout substantially as shown in FIG.  5 . It should be noted that only one sheet of material  14  and one header assembly  12  are shown in FIG. 1 for purposes of clarity. 
     The sheet of material  14  has an upper surface  20 , a lower surface  22  and an opening  24  formed through a portion thereof. The opening  24  is shaped and dimensioned to matingly receive at least a portion of the flower pot  16  such that upon positioning at least a portion of the flower pot  16  through the opening  24 , the sheet of material  14  extends over at least a portion of the flower pot  16  and forms the decorative covering  18  for the flower pot  16  substantially as shown in FIG.  5 . The sheet of material  14  is also provided with a first end  26 , an opposed second end  28  spaced a distance from the first end  26 , a first side  30 , and an opposed second side  32  spaced a distance from the first side  30 . The first end  26 , the second end  28 , the first side  30  and the second side  32  cooperate to provide the sheet of material  14  with a periphery  34 . The sheet of material  14  has a substantially planar cross-section. 
     The sheet of material  14  is a relatively thin sheet of material having a thickness  36  in the range of from about 0.1 mils to about 30 mils and more desirably from about 1.0 mils to about 10.0 mils. However, it should be understood that the thickness  36  of the sheet of material  14  may vary depending on the type of material and it should be understood that the sheet of material  14  can have any thickness so long as the sheet of material  14  retains sufficient flexibility and foldability so that the sheet of material  14  can be disposed about an object to be covered, such as the flower pot  16  and shaped to form the decorative covering  18  thereabout. For example, the sheet of material  14  can be constructed of any of the materials selected from a group of materials comprising paper, foil, natural organic polymer films, man-made organic polymer films, cling wrap, cloth (natural or synthetic), burlap (natural or synthetic) and/or combinations thereof. 
     Although the sheet of material  14  has been shown and described herein as having a substantially square shape, it should be understood that the sheet of material  14  may assume any geometric, non-geometric, asymmetrical or fanciful shape having any appropriate size so long as the sheet of material  14  can be disposed about the flower pot  16  to form the decorative covering  18  thereabout. For example, the sheet of material  14  may be square, rectangular, circular, heart-shaped or the like. 
     The header assembly  12  of the decorative covering assembly  10  is detachably connected to the first end  26  of the sheet of material  14 , generally between the first side  30  and the second side  32  thereof. The header assembly  12  has an upper surface  38 , a lower surface  40 , a first end  42 , an opposed second end  44  spaced a distance from the first end  42 , a first side  46 , and an opposed second side  48  spaced a distance from the first side  46 . The first end  42 , the second end  44 , the first side  46  and the second side  48  cooperate to provide the header assembly  12  with a periphery  50 . A line of perforations  52  is provided between the second end  44  of the header assembly  12  and the first end  26  of the sheet of material  14  so that the sheet of material  14  can be readily detached from the header assembly  12  and positioned about the flower pot  16  to form the decorative covering  18  for the flower pot  16  substantially as shown in FIG.  5 . The header assembly  12  is provided with a plurality of spatially disposed holes  54  extending between the upper surface  38  and the lower surface  40  thereof for a purpose to be described hereinafter. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, the decorative covering assembly  10  of the present invention contemplates a plurality of sheets of material  14  stacked one on top of the other and detachably connected to the header assembly  12  to form a pad  56  substantially as shown in FIG.  2 . In one embodiment (which is shown in FIGS. 2,  3  and  4 ), each sheet of material  14  has one respective header assembly  12  connected thereto and each sheet of material  14  is positioned such that the first end  42  of the header assembly  12 , the first side  30  of the sheet of material  14 , the second side  32  of the sheet of material  14  and the second end  28  of each of the sheets of material  14  are generally aligned. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, when each sheet of material  14  has the respective header assembly  12  connected thereto, the decorative covering assembly  10  can be further provided with a header connector assembly  58  disposed about the respective header assemblies  12  for supporting the sheets of material  14  and the respective header assemblies  12  and for connecting the respective header assemblies  12  together to facilitate the removal of each sheet of material  14  from its respective header assembly  12 . The header connector assembly  58  is shaped and dimensioned to provide an elongated slot  60  formed through a lower end  62  thereof. The elongated slot  60  receives the respective header assemblies  12  of the decorative covering assembly  10  therein so that the header connector assembly  58  extends over and substantially encompasses the respective header assemblies  12  substantially as shown in FIG. 3. A bonding material is provided for connecting the respective header assemblies  12  together. As shown in FIG. 3, the bonding material can be a staple  64  disposed through the header connector assembly  58  and the respective header assemblies  12  so as to connect the header connector assembly  58  and the respective header assemblies  12  together. However, it should be understood that any bonding material capable of connecting the respective header assemblies  12  together can be utilized by the present invention. 
     While the header assembly  12  has been shown and described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 as a plurality of respective header assemblies  12  which are connected together via the header connector assembly  58 , it should be understood that the header assembly  12  can be any suitable means for detachably supporting at least one sheet of material  14  such that the sheet of material  14  can be removed therefrom and disposed about the flower pot  16  for providing the decorative covering  18  thereabout. For example, the header assembly  12  may be a single body member such as shown in FIG. 1, which detachably supports at least one sheet of material  14  via a bonding material (not shown), such as an adhesive which is applied generally between a portion of the periphery  34  of the sheet of material  14  and the header assembly  12 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 4, a holder assembly  70  constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown with the decorative covering assembly  10  comprising the plurality of sheets of material  14  attached thereto via their respective header assemblies  12 . The holder assembly  70  is provided with a base member  72 , a substantially upright member  74  extending upwardly from the base member  72 , and a plurality of wheels  76 . The base member  72  is connected to a lower end  78  of the substantially upright member  74  such that the upright member  74  extends upwardly from the base member  72  and is supported in a substantially vertical plane. The wheels  76  of the holder assembly  70  are operably connected to the base member  72  so that the holder assembly  70  is selectively movable from one location to another location by an individual, such as when an individual moves the holder assembly  70  through a greenhouse. 
     A plurality of spatially disposed prongs  80  extend outwardly from an upper portion  82  of the substantially upright member  74  of the holder assembly  70 . The prongs  80  are adapted to be disposed through the holes  54  provided in the header assemblies  12  of the decorative covering assembly  10  to connect the header assemblies  12  to the substantially upright member  74  of the holder assembly  70  so that the decorative covering assembly  10  is held in a substantially stable position on the holder assembly  70  during transportation of the holder assembly  70  from one location to another location and so that one or more sheets of material  14  can be detached from its header assembly  12  and disposed about the flower pot  16  (FIG.  5 ). 
     Referring now to FIG. 5, the flower pot  16  is depicted as having the sheet of material  14  disposed thereabout so as to provide the decorative covering  18  for the flower pot  16 . The flower pot  16  has an upper end  90 , a lower end  92 , a bottom  94  and a substantially continuous sidewall  96  extending generally upwardly from a periphery  98  of the bottom  94 . The bottom  94  and the sidewall  96  cooperate to encompass a receiving space  100  which is adapted to receive a floral grouping  102 . 
     To form the decorative covering  18  about the flower pot  16 , an individual grips at least one of the sheets of material  14  of the decorative covering assembly  10  and tears the sheets of material  14  from the header assemblies  12  along the line of perforations  52 . The individual then positions the lower end  92  of the flower pot  16  through the openings  24  in the sheets of material  14  such that the sheets of material  14  frictionally engage the sidewall  96  of the flower pot  16  to secure the sheets of material  14  about the flower pot  16  and thereby produce the decorative covering  18  for the flower pot  16 . 
     Alternatively, the individual can form the decorative covering  18  about the flower pot  16  by gripping at least one of the sheets of material  14  and thereafter moving such sheets of material  14  to a horizontally extending position with one hand. In this position, the individual disposes the lower end  92  of the flower pot  16  through the openings  24  in the sheets of material  14  with the other hand such that the flower pot  16  is moved downwardly through the opening  24  until the sheets of material  14  are engaged by the flower pot  16  whereby the weight of the flower pot  16  detaches the sheets of material  14  from the header assembly  12  along the line of perforations  52  and thereby forms the decorative covering  18  about the flower pot  16 . 
     When the decorative covering  18  is disposed about the flower pot  16 , portions of the decorative covering  18  extend circumferentially about and substantially encompass at least a portion of the sidewall  96  of the flower pot  16 . In this position, the decorative covering  18  extends angularly and outwardly from the sidewall  96  of the flower pot  16 , generally between the upper end  90  and the lower end  92  thereof. 
     Referring now to FIG. 6, shown therein is the flower pot  16  having the decorative covering  18  formed thereabout from one sheet of material  14  detached from the decorative covering assembly  10 . A cover bottom  104  is disposed about the lower end  92  of the flower pot  16 . The cover bottom  104  is typically constructed of a non-porous decorative material so that the cover bottom  104  functions not only to decorate the flower pot  16  but also to minimize the damage which may occur to a supporting structure as a result of the spillage of water and/or potting medium from the flower pot  16 . The cover bottom  104  has an upper end  106 , a lower end  108 , a closed bottom  110  and a continuous sidewall  112  extending upwardly from about a periphery  114  of the closed bottom  110  thereof. The sidewall  112  and the closed bottom  110  of the cover bottom  104  cooperate to define a receiving space  116  which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the lower end  92  of the flower pot  16  such that the sidewall  112  of the cover bottom  104  extends over at least a portion of the sidewall  96  of the flower pot  16  and the closed bottom  110  of the cover bottom  104  is disposed substantially adjacent the bottom  94  of the flower pot  16 . In this position, the upper end  106  of the cover bottom  104  is disposed substantially adjacent the decorative covering  18  formed from the sheets of material  14  of the decorative covering assembly  10  to maintain the decorative covering  18  in a stable position about the flower pot  16 . If desired, the cover bottom  104  may be shaped and dimensioned so that the cover bottom  104  can be secured to the flower pot  16  by frictional engagement of the cover bottom  104  with the flower pot  16 , or with a suitable bonding material (not shown) applied to the cover bottom  104  and/or the flower pot  16 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 7, shown therein is the flower pot  16  having the decorative covering  18  disposed thereabout wherein the decorative covering  18  is formed of one sheet of material  14  detached from the decorative covering assembly  10 . A cover bottom  120  is disposed about the lower end  92  of the flower pot  16 . The cover bottom  120  is typically constructed of a non-porous decorative material so that the cover bottom  120  functions not only to decorate the flower pot  16  but also to minimize the damage which may occur to a supporting structure as a result of the spillage of water and/or potting medium from the flower pot  16 . The cover bottom  120  has an upper end  122 , a lower end  124 , a closed bottom  126  and a substantially continuous sidewall  128  extending upwardly from about a periphery of the closed bottom  126  thereof. The closed bottom  126  and the continuous sidewall  128  of the cover bottom  120  cooperate to define a receiving space  132  which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the lower end  92  of the flower pot  16 . 
     In use, the lower end  92  of the flower pot  16  is disposed in the receiving space  132  of the cover bottom  120  so that the closed bottom  126  of the cover bottom  120  is disposed generally adjacent the bottom  94  of the flower pot  16  and the continuous sidewall  128  of the cover bottom  120  extends over a portion of the sidewall  96  of the flower pot  16  generally adjacent the lower end  92  of the flower pot  16 . The upper end  122  of the cover bottom  120  is disposed a distance from the decorative covering  18  formed about the flower pot  16  from the sheet of material  14 . If desired, the cover bottom  120  may be shaped and dimensioned so that the cover bottom  120  can be secured to the flower pot  16  by frictional engagement of the cover bottom  120  with the flower pot  16 , or with a suitable bonding material (not shown) applied to the cover bottom  120  and/or the flower pot  16 . 
     It should be noted that while the holder assembly  70  has been shown as having a plurality of spatially disposed prongs  80  for securing the respective header assemblies  12  and the header connector assembly  58  of the decorative covering assembly  10  to the holder assembly  70 , any suitable connector means for securing the respective header assemblies  12  and/or the header connector assembly  58  of the decorative covering assembly  10  to the substantially upright member  74  of the holder assembly  70  while permitting at least one sheet of material  14  to be readily detached from its respective header assembly  12  can be employed. For example, suitable connector means for securing the header assemblies  12  and/or the header connector assembly  58  to the holder assembly  70  can be clamps, clips, hooks, ring binders, or the like. 
     Further, while the holder assembly  70  has been shown as having the base member  72  and the substantially upright member  74  cooperating to hold the decorative covering assembly  10 , it should be understood that the holder assembly  70  may be provided with any suitable structure capable of holding the decorative covering assembly  10  so as to permit at least one of the sheets of material  14  to be detachably removed from its respective header assembly  12  when desired. 
     FIG.  8   
     Referring now to FIG. 8, shown therein is a holder assembly  70   a  which is constructed in accordance with the present invention and which supports a second embodiment of a decorative covering assembly  10   a  about the waist of an individual  140 . The holder assembly  70   a  includes a belt  142 . The decorative covering assembly  10   a  is substantially identical in construction as the decorative covering assembly  10  hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 1-4 with the exception that respective header assemblies  12   a  and a header connector assembly  58   a  of the decorative covering assembly  10   a  are provided with a first opening  144  and a second opening  146  formed therethrough which are shaped and dimensioned to receive the belt  142  for securing the decorative covering assembly  10   a  to the waist of the individual  140 . 
     FIGS.  9 - 10   
     Referring now to FIG. 9, shown therein and designated by the reference numeral  14   a  is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a sheet of material which is shown as being detached from a header assembly (not shown). The sheet of material  14   a  detachably connected to its respective header assembly (not shown) in substantially the same manner as each of the sheets of material  14  is connected to its respective header assembly  12 , as described hereinbefore with reference to FIGS. 1-5. In one embodiment, a line of perforations (not shown) is provided between the sheet of material  14   a  and its respective header assembly for detachably connecting the sheet of material  14   a  to its respective header assembly. Once detached from its respective header assembly, the sheet of material  14   a  can be disposed about the flower pot  16  to provide the flower pot  16  with a decorative covering  18   a  (FIG.  10 ), as will be described hereinafter. 
     The sheet of material  14   a  is substantially identical in construction and use as the sheet of material  14  hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 1-7, except that the sheet of material  14   a  is provided with a bonding material  148  applied to an upper surface  20   a  of the sheet of material  14   a  and generally adjacent an opening  24   a  provided through the sheet of material  14   a . Although the bonding material  148  has been shown in FIG. 9 as being applied generally about the opening  24   a  on the upper surface  20   a  of the sheet of material  14   a , it should be understood that the bonding material  148  can be applied to the entire upper surface  20   a  and/or lower surface  22   a  of the sheet of material  14   a  and/or in strips or spots about only a portion of the upper surface  20   a  and/or lower surface  22   a  of the sheet of material  14   a . The thickness of the bonding material  148  is greatly exaggerated in FIG. 9 for purposes of clarity. 
     When the sheet of material  14   a  is disposed about the sidewall  96  of the flower pot  16  to provide the decorative covering  18   a  (FIG.  10 ), the bonding material  148  contacts the sidewall  96  of the flower pot  16  and secures the decorative covering  18   a  to the flower pot  16  substantially as shown in FIG.  10 . Once the sheet of material  14   a  is disposed about the sidewall  96  of the flower pot  16  to form the decorative covering  18   a , the decorative covering  18   a  can be pressed about the sidewall  96  thereof so that overlapping portions of the decorative covering  18   a  having the bonding material  148  applied thereto are bondingly connected to form a plurality of bondingly connected crimped portions  150  in the decorative covering  18   a  to enhance the decorative effect of the decorative covering  18   a . Thus, the bonding material  148  serves not only to enhance the decorative effect of the decorative covering  18   a  but also to secure the decorative covering  18   a  to the flower pot  16 . 
     Once the sheet of material  14   a  is disposed about the flower pot  16  to form the decorative covering  18   a , the flower pot  16  can be disposed in the receiving space  116  of the cover bottom  104  or in the receiving space  132  of the cover bottom  120  to minimize the damage which may occur to a supporting structure as the result of the spillage of water and/or potting medium from the flower pot  16 , as previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. 
     FIGS.  11 - 13   
     Referring now to FIG. 11, shown therein is another embodiment of a sheet of material  14   b  which is shown as being detached from a header assembly (not shown). The sheet of material  14   b  is detachably connected to its respective header assembly in substantially the same manner as each of the sheets of material  14  is connected to its respective header assembly  12 , as described hereinbefore with reference to FIGS. 1-5. That is, in one embodiment a line of perforations (not shown) is provided between the sheet of material  14   b  and its respective header assembly for detachably connecting the sheet of material  14   b  to its respective header assembly. The sheet of material  14   b  is substantially identical in construction as the sheet of material  14  which was hereinbefore described with reference to FIG. 1, except that the sheet of material  14   b  is provided with a circular configuration and has a bonding material  148   b  applied to a portion of an upper surface  20   b  (FIG. 12) of the sheet of material  14   b , and an opening  24   b  shaped and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the floral grouping  102   a  (FIGS. 12 and 13) formed through a central portion of the sheet of material  14   b.    
     As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the bonding material  148   b  is applied substantially to the entire upper surface  20   b  of the sheet of material  14   b . However, it should be understood that the bonding material  148   b  can be applied to the sheet of material  14   b  in strips or spots and may cover only a portion of the upper surface  20   b  and/or a lower surface  22   b  of the sheet of material  14   b . The thickness of the bonding material  148   b  is greatly exaggerated in FIG. 12 for purposes of clarity. 
     Referring now to FIG. 12 in combination with FIG. 13, a floral grouping  102   a  is illustrated. The floral grouping  102   a  has a bloom end  152  and an opposed stem  154  end spaced a distance from the bloom end  152  thereof. The floral grouping  102   a  can be further characterized as having an upper portion  156  and a lower portion  158 . The upper portion  156  of the floral grouping  102   a  is disposed near the bloom end  152  thereof. The lower portion  158  of the floral grouping  102   a  is disposed near the stem end  154  thereof. 
     To form the sheet of material  14   b  about the floral grouping  102   a  to provide a decorative covering  18   b  thereabout, the stem end  154  of the floral grouping  102   a  is disposed through the opening  24   b  in the sheet of material  14   b  to a position wherein a portion of the stem end  154  of the floral grouping  102   a  extends through the opening  24   b  and a distance beyond the lower surface  22   b  of the sheet of material  14   b . The sheet of material  14   b  is then formed about the floral grouping  102   a  such that the upper surface  20   b  of the sheet of material  14   b  is disposed substantially adjacent the floral grouping  102   a  and the sheet of material  14   b  substantially encompasses the floral grouping  102   a  while a portion of the stem end  154  of the floral grouping  102   a  extends beyond a lower end  160  of the decorative covering  18   b  substantially as shown in FIG.  13 . 
     Desirably, the sheet of material  14   b  is tightly folded or wrapped about the lower portion  158  of the floral grouping  102   a  while forming the decorative covering  18   b  about the floral grouping  102   a . It should be noted that as the sheet of material  14   b  is formed about the floral grouping  102   a , portions of the sheet of material  14   b  having the bonding material  148   b  thereon are brought into contact and bonded with adjacent portions of the sheet of material  14   b  having the bonding material  148   b  thereon for securing the decorative covering  18   b  in a tightly wrapped position about the lower portion  158  of the floral grouping  102   a . Further, as the sheet of material  14   b  is formed about the upper portion  156  of the floral grouping  102   a , portions of the sheet of material  14   b  having the bonding material  148   b  thereon are brought into contact and bonded with overlapping and adjacent portions of the sheet of material  14   b  with the bonding material  148   b  thereon to form bonded overlapping folds in the decorative covering  18   b  which serve not only to enhance the decorative effect of the decorative covering  18   b  but also to secure the decorative covering  18   b  in a loosely wrapped position about the upper portion  156  of the floral grouping  102   a.    
     It should also be noted that when the bonding material  148   b  is applied to the upper surface  20   b  of the sheet of material  14   b , portions of the sheet of material  14   b  having the bonding material  148   b  thereon are also brought into contact with and bonded to portions of the lower portion  158  of the floral grouping  102   a  thereby bonding the sheet of material  14   b  to the floral grouping  102   a  generally about the lower portion  158  for securing the decorative covering  18   b  to the floral grouping  102   a  and for substantially preventing the floral grouping  102   a  from sliding out from or moving in a vertical direction within the decorative covering  18   b . Therefore, the bonding material  148   b  serves not only to enhance the decorative effect of the decorative covering  18   b  but also to secure the decorative covering  18   b  to and about the floral grouping  102   a.    
     While the sheet of material  14   b  and the method of forming the sheet of material  14   b  about the floral grouping  102   a  to provide the decorative covering  18   b  about the floral grouping  102   a  has been shown and described herein with reference to the bonding material  148   b  being applied to the upper surface  20   b  of the sheet of material  14   b , it should be noted that the bonding material  148   b  may be applied to the sheet of material  14   b  in various locations and configurations and thereafter formed about the floral grouping  102   a  substantially as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,991 issued to Weder et al. on May 17, 1994 which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIGS.  14 - 16   
     Referring now to FIG. 14, shown therein is another embodiment of a sheet of material  14   c  which is shown as being detached from a header assembly (not shown). The sheet of material  14   c  is detachably connected to its respective header assembly in substantially the same manner as each of the sheets of material  14  is connected to its respective header assembly  12 , as described hereinbefore with reference to FIGS. 1-5. That is, in one embodiment a line of perforations (not shown) is provided between the sheet of material  14   c  and its respective header assembly for detachably connecting the sheet of material  14   c  to its respective header assembly. 
     The sheet of material  14   c  has an upper surface  20   c , a lower surface  22   c , a first end  26   c , an opposed second end  28   c  spaced a distance from the first end  26   c , a first side  30   c  and an opposed second side  32   c  spaced a distance from the first side  30   c . The first end  26   c , second end  28   c , first side  30   c  and second side  32   c  cooperate to provide the sheet of material  14   c  with a periphery  34   c . A bonding material  148   c  is applied to at least a portion of the upper surface  20   c  and/or the lower surface  22   c  of the sheet of material  14   c . As shown in FIG. 14, in one embodiment the bonding material  148   c  can be characterized as a strip of adhesive extending near the second side  32   c  of the sheet of material  14   c  and generally between the first and second ends  26   c  and  28   c  thereof. 
     The sheet of material  14   c  has a length  164  and a width  166  which are both sized to permit the sheet of material  14   c  to be wrapped about the flower pot  16  (FIG. 16) or a floral grouping (not shown) to provide a decorative covering  18   c  thereabout. The length  164  of the sheet of material  14   c  extends generally between the first side  30   c  and the second side  32   c  thereof. The width  166  of the sheet of material extends generally between the first end  26   c  and the second end  28   c  thereof. 
     Referring now to FIG. 14 in combination with FIGS. 15 and 16, a method for forming the sheet of material  14   c  about the flower pot  16  to provide the decorative covering  18   c  will now be described. At least one of the sheets of material  14   c  is detached from its respective header assembly and thereafter formed into the shape of a loop (FIG. 15) such that the first side  30   c  of the sheet of material  14   c  extends past the second side  32   c  thereof in an overlapping fashion and the bonding material  148   c  contacts the lower surface  22   c  of the sheet of material  14   c  to provide a preformed decorative covering  18   c  for the flower pot  16 . In this position, the preformed decorative covering  18   c  forms a pot receiving opening  168  which is shaped and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the flower pot  16  or the floral grouping  102   a  therethrough. As shown in FIG. 16, the lower end  92  of the flower pot  16  is disposed through the pot receiving opening  168  of the preformed decorative covering  18   c  until the preformed decorative covering  18   c  engages the sidewall  96  of the flower pot  16  and extends angularly therefrom, substantially as shown in FIG.  16 . 
     Once the decorative covering  18   c  has been disposed about the flower pot  16 , the flower pot  16  can be disposed in the receiving space  116  of the cover bottom  104  or in the receiving space  132  of the cover bottom  120  to minimize the damage which may occur to a supporting structure as a result of the spillage of water and/or potting medium from the flower pot  16 , as previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. 
     The sheet of material  14   c  can also be wrapped about a floral grouping to form a decorative covering (not shown) thereabout substantially as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,875 issued to Weder on Sep. 12, 1995 which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The sheet of material  14   c  is constructed from any suitable material that is capable of being wrapped about the flower pot  16  or the floral grouping  102   a  as described herein. Desirably, the sheet of material  14   c  is constructed of paper (untreated or treated in any manner), cellophane, foil, man-made organic polymer film, cloth (natural or synthetic), burlap (natural or synthetic), cling wrap or combinations thereof. 
     Although the sheet of material  14   c  has been shown and described herein as having a substantially rectangular shape, it should be understood that the sheet of material  14   c  may assume any geometric, non-geometric or asymmetrical shape and any appropriate size so long as the sheet of material  14   c  can be disposed about the flower pot  16  or the floral grouping  102   a . For example, the sheet of material  14   c  may be square, rectangular, circular, heart-shaped or the like. 
     While the sheet of material  14   c  and the method for wrapping the sheet of material  14   c  about the flower pot  16  or the floral grouping  102   a  has been shown and described herein with reference to the sheet of material  14   c  having the bonding material  148   c  (strip of adhesive) extending near the second side  32   c  of the sheet of material  14   c , it should be understood that the bonding material  148   c  may be applied to the entire upper surface  20   c  and/or lower surface  22   c  of the sheet of material  14   c , near the periphery  34   c  of the upper surface  20   c  and/or the lower surface  22   c  of the sheet of material  14   c , and/or in fanciful patterns, strips or spots about the sheet of material  14   c  and that the sheet of material  14   c  having such various configurations of bonding materials  148   c  can be wrapped about flower pots and floral groupings substantially as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,814 issued to Weder on Sep. 21, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,016 issued to Weder et al. on Sep. 6, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,875 issued to Weder on Sep. 12, 1995; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,181 issued to Weder on Oct. 1, 1996 each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     It should be understood that portions of the embodiments shown and described herein may be used with other portions of the embodiments shown and described herein to create additional combinations of components for the decorative covering assemblies  10  and  10   a , and the decorative coverings  18 ,  18   a ,  18   b , and  18   c  disclosed herein. 
     Changes may be made in the construction and operation of the various components and assemblies described herein and changes may be made in the steps or the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.