Patent Publication Number: US-6701668-B2

Title: Floral sleeve having a decorative pattern

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a Continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/967,256, filed Sep. 28, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,539,667, which is a Divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 09/464,742 filed Dec. 16, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,467, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/067,498, filed Apr. 27, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,885, issued Feb. 15, 2000, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     The present application has subject matter which is related to the disclosures of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,625,979, and 5,572,851 and 6,023,885. The specifications of each of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to sleeves, and, more particularly, sleeves used to wrap floral groupings or flower pots containing floral groupings and/or mediums containing floral groupings, and methods of using same. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a sleeve having a base portion with a decorative pattern having a non-linear upper boundary and having an upper detachable portion constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a potted plant disposed within the sleeve of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 1 and a pot after the upper portion of the sleeve has been removed from the lower portion of the sleeve. 
     FIG. 4 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is an elevational view of yet another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is an elevational view of yet another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 8 when opened and with a pot disposed therein. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the opened sleeve of FIG. 8 after the upper portion has been detached therefrom. 
     FIG. 11 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 13 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 14 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 15 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a pot disposed within the opened sleeve of FIG.  15 . 
     FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the sleeve and potted plant of FIG. 16 after the upper portion of the sleeve has been removed from the base portion. 
     FIG. 18 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 19 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 20 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 21 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 22 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 23 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 24 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 25 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 26 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 27 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 28 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 29 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 30 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 31 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 32 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 33 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 34 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 35 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 36 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 37 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 38 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 39 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 40 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention contemplates in a preferred version a preformed tubular sleeve for covering a pot having an upper rim, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface. The preformed tubular sleeve comprises a lower portion and may further comprise a detachable upper portion generally sized to surround and enclose a floral grouping. The upper portion when present may be detachable via perforations, tear strips, weakened areas, or zippers. The upper portion may have one or more apertures or an extended upper portion for serving as a handle or support device. 
     The preformed tubular sleeve may form part of a plant package when used in conjunction with a pot disposed within an inner retaining space of the lower portion of the tubular sleeve, the pot having a floral grouping disposed therein. The pot is substantially surrounded and encompassed by the lower portion and the floral grouping is substantially surrounded and encompassed and enclosed by the upper portion when it is present as a part of the tubular sleeve. 
     Also, the lower portion of the sleeve may include a bonding material disposed on an inner peripheral surface thereof for bondingly connecting to a pot disposed therein. The bonding material may be disposed on an outer peripheral surface thereof. 
     The lower portion of the preformed tubular sleeve may be constructed from a first material and the upper portion (when present) constructed from a second material different from the first material. 
     The preformed tubular sleeve is initially formed in a flattened condition and may be expanded to an open condition prior to use, shipment, or sale. 
     The sleeve may comprise vertical or horizontal expansion elements, preferably comprising a plurality of folds. The folds may extend entirely circumferentially about the lower portion, or may extend only partially circumferentially about the lower portion, or may extend into a skirt portion of the lower portion. The expansion elements function to cause the lower portion to conform to the shape of a pot when a pot is disposed within the sleeve. The folds or expansion elements may extend the entire length from the lower end of the lower portion to the upper end of the sleeve or may extend only an intermediate distance therebetween. 
     The expansion elements may be a plurality of vertical pleats, a plurality of vertical folds each having a z-shaped cross section, a plurality of vertical accordion-type folds, or other similar types of expandable forms. Examples of such expansion elements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,979, the specification of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     These embodiments and others of the present invention are now described in more detail below. It will be appreciated that the examples provided herein are not intended to limit the scope and extent of the claimed invention but are only intended to exemplify various of the embodiments of the invention contemplated herein. 
     The Embodiments and Methods of Use of FIGS. 1-7 
     Shown in FIGS. 1-3 and designated therein by the general reference numeral  10  is a flexible preformed tubular sleeve (also referred to herein as simply a “sleeve”) of unitary construction. The sleeve  10  preferably initially comprises a flexible flat collapsed piece of material having a flattened condition which is openable in the form of a tube or sleeve having an open bottom, a closed bottom, or a closed bottom having drainage holes. Prior to shipment to the user, or prior to use by the user, the sleeve  10  may be formed in an opened frusto-conical configuration for example for shipment in a nested bunch. The sleeve  10  is preferably tapered outwardly from the lower end toward a larger diameter at its upper end. In its flattened state the sleeve  10  in a preferred embodiment has an overall trapezoidal or modified trapezoidal shape, and when opened is substantially frusto-conical. It will be appreciated, however, that the sleeve  10  may comprise variations on the aforementioned shapes as shown herein or may comprise significantly altered shapes such as square or rectangular, wherein the sleeve  10  when opened has a cylindrical form, as long as the sleeve  10  functions in accordance with the present invention in the manner described herein. 
     The sleeve  10  in a particularly preferred version has an upper portion  12 , a lower portion  14 , an inner retaining space  15 , an upper end  16 , and a lower end  18 , and in its flattened state has a first side  20  and a second side  22 . The sleeve  10  has an opening  23  at the upper end  16  and is, in a preferred embodiment, closed with a bottom at the lower end  18 . The bottom  19  has a perimeter  21 . A portion of the lower end  18  may have one or more gussets  38  therein constructed in a manner well known to one of ordinary skill in the art as shown in FIG. 1 for permitting a bottom of an object such as a pot  40  to be disposed into an inner retaining space  15  of the lower portion  14  of the sleeve  10 . Gussets  38 , and the construction of gussets, are well known in the art of constructing flexible containers, therefore further discussion of gussets or their construction is not deemed necessary herein. Further the lower end  18  may be constructed in the manner shown in copending U.S. Ser. No. 09/401,771, the specification of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. FIG. 5, discussed in more detail hereinbelow, shows a sleeve  10   b  formed without a gusset in a lower end  18   b  thereof. 
     The sleeve  10  is generally frusto-conically shaped, but the sleeve  10  may be, by way of example but not by way of limitation, cylindrical, frusto-conical, a combination of both frusto-conical and cylindrical, or any other shape, as long as the sleeve  10  functions as described herein as noted above. Further, the sleeve  10  may comprise any shape, whether geometric, non-geometric, symmetrical and/or fanciful as long is it functions in accordance with the present invention. The sleeve  10  may also be equipped with a drainage element (e.g., one or more holes) in the lower end  18  or ventilation holes (not shown) or can be made from permeable or impermeable materials. 
     The material from which the sleeve  10  is constructed preferably has a thickness in a range from about 0.1 mils to about 30 mils. Often, the thickness of the sleeve  10  is in a range from about 0.5 mils to about 10 mils. Preferably, the sleeve  10  has a thickness in a range from about 1.0 mil to about 5 mils. More preferably, the sleeve  10  is constructed from a material which is flexible, semi-rigid, rigid, or any combination thereof. The sleeve  10  may be constructed of a single layer of material or a plurality of layers of the same or different types of materials. Any thickness of the material may be utilized as long as the material functions in accordance with the present invention as described herein. The layers of material comprising the sleeve  10  may be connected together or laminated or may be separate layers. Such materials used to construct the sleeve  10  are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,637 entitled “Method For Wrapping A Floral Grouping” issued to Weder et al., on May 12, 1992, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Any thickness of material may be utilized in accordance with the present invention as long as the sleeve  10  may be formed as described herein, and as long as the formed sleeve  10  may contain at least a portion of the pot  40  and/or potted plant or a floral grouping  50 , as described herein. Additionally, an insulating material such as bubble film, preferably as one of two or more layers, can be utilized in order to provide additional protection for the item, such as the floral grouping  50 , contained therein. 
     In one embodiment, the sleeve  10  may be constructed from a sheet comprising two polypropylene films. The material comprising the sleeve  10  may be connected together or laminated or may be separate layers. In an alternative embodiment, the sleeve  10  may be constructed from only one of the polypropylene films. 
     The sleeve  10  is constructed from any suitable material that is capable of being formed into the sleeve  10  and wrapped about the pot  40  and the floral grouping  50  disposed therein. Preferably, the material comprises paper (untreated or treated in any manner), metal foil, polymeric film, non-polymeric film, fabric (woven or nonwoven or synthetic or natural), cardboard, fiber, cloth, burlap, or laminations or combinations thereof. 
     The term “polymeric film” means a man-made polymer such as a polypropylene or a naturally occurring polymer such as cellophane. A polymeric film is relatively strong and not as subject to tearing (substantially non-tearable), as might be the case with paper or foil. 
     The material used to construct the sleeve  10  may vary in color and may consist of designs or decorative patterns which are printed, etched, and/or embossed thereon using inks or other printing materials. An example of an ink which may be applied to the surface of the material is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,706 entitled “Water Based Ink On Foil And/Or Synthetic Organic Polymer” issued to Kingman on Sep. 15, 1992 and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     In addition, the material may have various colorings, coatings, flocking and/or metallic finishes, or other decorative surface ornamentation applied separately or simultaneously or may be characterized totally or partially by pearlescent, translucent, transparent, iridescent, neon, or the like, qualities. The material may further comprise, or have applied thereto, one or more scents. Each of the above-named characteristics may occur alone or in combination and may be applied to the upper and/or lower surface of the material comprising the sleeve  10 . Moreover, portions of the material used in constructing the sleeve  10  may vary in the combination of such characteristics. The material utilized for the sleeve  10  itself may be opaque, translucent, transparent, or partially clear or tinted transparent. 
     The term “floral grouping” as used herein means cut fresh flowers, artificial flowers, a single flower or other fresh and/or artificial plants or other floral materials and may include other secondary plants and/or ornamentation or artificial or natural materials which add to the aesthetics of the overall floral grouping. The floral grouping comprises a bloom or foliage portion and a stem portion. Further, the floral grouping may comprise a growing potted plant having a root portion (not shown) as well. However, it will be appreciated that the floral grouping may consist of only a single bloom or only foliage, or a botanical item (not shown), or a propagule (not shown). The term “floral grouping” may be used interchangeably herein with both the terms “floral arrangement” and “potted plant”. The term “floral grouping” may also be used interchangeably herein with the terms “botanical item” and/or “propagule.” 
     The term “growing medium” when used herein means any liquid, solid or gaseous material used for plant growth or for the cultivation of propagules, including organic and inorganic materials such as soil, humus, perlite, vermiculite, sand, water, and including the nutrients, fertilizers or hormones or combinations thereof required by the plants or propagules for growth. 
     The term “botanical item” when used herein means a natural or artificial herbaceous or woody plant, taken singly or in combination. The term “botanical item” also means any portion or portions of natural or artificial herbaceous or woody plants including stems, leaves, flowers, blossoms, buds, blooms, cones, or roots, taken singly or in combination, or in groupings of such portions such as bouquet or floral groupings. 
     The term “propagule” when used herein means any structure capable of being propagated or acting as an agent of reproduction including seeds, shoots, stems, runners, tubers, plants, leaves, roots or spores. 
     In accordance with the present invention, a bonding material may be disposed on a portion of the sleeve  10  to assist in holding the sleeve  10  to the pot  40  having the floral grouping  50  therein the pot  40  is disposed within the sleeve  10  or to assist in closing or sealing the upper portion of the sleeve  10 , or in adhering the sleeve  10  to the pot  40  after the pot  40  has been disposed therein, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,625,979 and 5,493,809, the specifications of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
     As noted above, the sleeve  10  in one embodiment is demarcated into the upper portion  12  and the lower portion  14 . The lower portion  14  of the sleeve  10  is generally sized to contain the pot  40 . The upper portion  12  of the sleeve  10  may be sized to substantially surround and enclose the floral grouping  50  contained within the pot  40  disposed within the lower portion  14  of the sleeve  10  or may only surround and enclose only a portion of said floral grouping  50 , as explained in more detail below. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve  10  is demarcated into the upper portion  12  and the lower portion  14  by a detaching element  24 , which may be a line of perforations for enabling the detachment of the upper portion  12  of the sleeve  10  from the lower portion  14  of the sleeve  10 . In the present version, the detaching element  24  extends circumferentially across the sleeve  10  from the first side  20  to the second side  22 . Although the upper portion  12  and the lower portion  14  are shown as detachable via the detaching element  24 , any detaching element, or combination of elements, or features, such as, but not by way of limitation, perforations, tear strips, zippers, and any other devices or elements of similar nature known in the art, or any combination thereof, which enable the tearing away or detachment of one object from another may be used. Therefore, while perforations are shown and described in detail herein as the detaching element  24 , it will be understood that tear strips, zippers, or any other “detaching elements” known in the art, or any combination thereof, could be substituted therefore and/or used therewith as long as they functioned in accordance with the present invention. 
     The upper portion  12  of the sleeve  10  may also have an additional vertical detaching element (not shown) comprising a plurality of vertical perforations for facilitating removal of the upper portion  12 . 
     It will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that equipment and devices for forming floral sleeves are commercially available, and are well known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, e.g., see U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,251 the specification of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. For example, the sleeves described herein may be formed by intermittently advancing two separate webs, one or two webs preformed in the form of a tube, or a single web folded double and sealing the longitudinal sides and bottom of the two facing panels then cutting the sleeve thus formed from the webs or web. Machines which can form sleeves from such single webs or pairs of webs are well within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     It should also be noted that for all versions of sleeves described, it may be desirable to have a release material or cover strip covering the adhesive or cohesive bonding material, when a bonding material is disposed on any portion of the sleeve, for preventing the bonding material from bonding to another surface until the desired time. Further in each of the cases described herein wherein the sleeve  10  is applied to the pot  40  or a covered pot, the sleeve  10  may be applied thereto either by depositing the pot  40  or covered pot downwardly into the inner retaining space  15  of the sleeve  10 , or the sleeve  10  may be brought upwardly about the pot  40  or covered pot from below the pot  40  or a covered pot. 
     It should be further noted that various features of the versions of the present invention, such as closure bonding areas, support extensions, handles, additional perforations, drainage means, ventilation holes, and combinations of material, may be used alone or in combination as elements of any of the embodiments described above herein. Therefore, further discussion of the specific methods of construction of the covers described herein is not deemed necessary. 
     As noted above, the sleeve  10  comprises a detaching element  24  which extends generally horizontally from the first side  20  to the second side  22  and which enables the upper portion  12  to be separated from the lower portion  14 . The lower portion  14  comprises a decorative pattern (or decorative design)  26  which may be printed on the sleeve  10 , attached to the sleeve  10 , or inherent in the sleeve  10  in any manner thereon which forms a non-linear upper boundary  28  on the sleeve  10 . The portion of the sleeve  10  between the detaching element  24  and the non-linear upper boundary  28  of the decorative pattern  26  is clear and thus constitutes a clear zone  30  of the lower portion  14  of the sleeve  10 . The non-linear upper boundary  28 , in a preferred embodiment, comprises a series of peaks  32  which alternate with troughs  34 . The peaks  32  are preferably of equal height, but may be of varying heights as discussed elsewhere herein. The portion of the sleeve  10  which is designed to extend above an upper rim  42  of the pot  40  is designated as a skirt portion  35  of the lower portion  14  of the sleeve  10 . The decorative pattern  26  may be a solid color, or multicolored print, or may be comprised of a plurality of individual patterns, such as a floral print composed of a pattern of leaves and blossoms, or may be a separate material attached to the lower portion  14 . The non-linear upper boundary  28  may comprise a distinct demarcation between the clear zone  30  and the decorative pattern  26 , or may comprise less definite boundary (for example, comprising edges of a floral print, but which when viewed from a distance still provides the sleeve  10  with an appearance of having a non-linear upper boundary  28 ). The decorative pattern  26  may cover all, or just a portion, of the lower portion  14  below the clear zone  30 . The peaks  32  are preferably within about 0.0 mm to about 25 mm of the detaching element  24  and the troughs  34  are generally about 10 mm to about 60 mm below the detaching element  24 . These distances are not absolute and the peaks  32  and troughs  34  of the non-linear upper boundary  28  may be lesser or greater than the distances listed above. 
     As shown in herein the non-linear upper boundary  28  of the decorative pattern  26  preferably comprises a curved pattern, for example, similar to a sine wave. However, the non-linear configuration of the non-linear upper boundary  28  of the decorative pattern  26  is not meant to be limited to such a curved design and may be constructed in any number of other non-linear patterns, for example as shown in FIGS. 12A-12D of U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,885, the specification and drawings of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Notable non-linear patterns which may be used include boundaries which have crenate, inverted crenate, crenelate or crenulate shapes. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand these are but a few of the patterns that the perforations may form and one of ordinary skill could contemplate many other suitable non-linear patterns. 
     The sleeve  10  may have apertures  36  in a portion thereof for enabling the sleeve  10  to be supported from a support device such as a wicket (not shown). 
     The sleeve  10  can be used to cover a potted plant. In FIG. 2 the sleeve  10  is shown in an opened condition disposed about the pot  40  having the floral grouping  50  disposed therein. The floral grouping  50  extends vertically a distance above the upper rim  42  of the pot  40 . The floral grouping  50  has an upper portion  52  and a stem portion  54  which extends from the pot  40 . As shown in the opened condition in FIG. 2, the sleeve  10  has an outer peripheral surface  44  and an inner peripheral surface  46 . In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper portion  12  is sized to substantially surround and encompass the floral grouping  50 . 
     When the upper portion  12  of the sleeve  10  is removed from the lower portion  14  by detaching along the detaching element  24 , the lower portion  14  of the sleeve is left with an upper edge  48  which is more or less straight and which is disposed a distance above the upper rim  42  of the pot  40  (FIG.  3 ). Although the upper edge  48  of the lower portion  14  is substantially straight, the lower portion  14  is given the illusion of having a non-linear upper edge due to the conspicuousness of the non-linear upper boundary  28  of the decorative pattern  26  and the relative transparency and thus the invisibility, for all intents and purposes, of the clear zone  30 . One advantage of having a generally straight detaching element  24  disposed a distance above the upper boundary  28  is that if the tear line is not torn exactly along the detaching element  24 , the decorative nature of the upper boundary  28  of the decorative pattern  26  is not marred. 
     Shown in FIG. 4 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Sleeve  10   a  is substantially similar to sleeve  10 , except for the size of an upper portion  12   a . The upper portion  12   a  is detachable from a lower portion  14   a  which has a decorative pattern  26   a  which has a non-linear upper boundary  28   a . A detaching element  24   a  (a line of perforations) is disposed between the upper portion  12   a  and the lower portion  14   a . As with the sleeve  10 , the area of the lower portion  14   a  disposed between the detaching element  24   a  and the upper boundary  28   a  of the decorative pattern  26   a  constitutes a clear zone  30   a . The sleeve  10   a  has an upper end  16   a  and a lower end  18   a  and may optionally comprise a gusset  38  therein. Contrary to the upper portion  12  of sleeve  10 , the upper portion  12   a  of sleeve  10   a  is not sized to substantially surround and enclose a floral grouping (not shown). Rather, the upper portion  12   a  serves to support the sleeve  10   a , via apertures  36 , from a support device such as a wicket (not shown) wherein a plurality of sleeves  10   a  can be supported together in the same manner as a plurality of sleeves  10  can be supported. When the upper portion  12   a  is separated from the lower portion  14   a  via the detaching element  24   a , and the lower portion  14   a  is disposed about the pot  40 , the lower portion  14   a  appears substantially the same as the lower portion  14  of the sleeve  10  shown in FIG. 3 after the upper portion  12  has been removed. 
     Shown in FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Sleeve  10   b  is substantially similar to sleeve  10  except the sleeve  10   b  does not comprise an upper portion detachable from a lower portion  14   b . Sleeve  10   b  comprises a decorative pattern  26   b  having a non-linear upper boundary  28   b . The sleeve  10   b  has a clear zone  30   b  between the upper boundary  28   b  of the decorative pattern  26   b  and an upper edge  48   b  of the sleeve  10   b . When opened and placed about a pot (not shown), sleeve  10   b  appears substantially the same as the embodiment of sleeve  10  shown in FIG. 3 after the upper portion  12  has been removed. 
     Shown in FIG. 6 is a sleeve  10   c  which is substantially similar to the sleeve  10 , comprising an upper portion  12   c , a lower portion  14   c , an upper end  16   c , a lower end  18   c , a substantially horizontal detaching element  24   c  (line of perforations) between the upper portion  12   c  and the lower portion  14   c , a decorative pattern  26   c  having a non-linear upper boundary  28   c  and a clear zone  30   c  between the line of perforations  24   c  and the upper boundary  28   c  of the decorative pattern  26   c . Sleeve  10   c  differs from sleeve  10  by having an outwardly-extending skirt portion  58   c  which extends angularly away from tapered first and second sides  20   c  and  22   c  of the lower portion  14   c  such that when the upper portion  12   c  is detached from the lower portion  14   c  and a pot is disposed in the lower portion  14   c , the skirt portion  58   c  extends at an angle away from the lower portion  14   c.    
     Shown in FIG. 7 is a sleeve  10   d  which is substantially similar to the sleeve  10  shown in FIG.  1 . The sleeve  10   d  has a decorative pattern  26   d  having a non-linear upper boundary  28   d , and has a detaching element  24   d  disposed between an upper portion  12   d  and a lower portion  14   d , and has a clear zone  30   d  between the upper boundary  28   d  of the decorative pattern  26   d  and the detaching element  24   d . Sleeve  10   d  differs from sleeve  10  primarily in that the detaching element  24   d  has a pattern which generally corresponds to the curvature of the upper boundary  28   d  of the decorative pattern  26   d . The clear zone  30   d  may be negligible or non-existent. 
     FIGS. 8-14 
     Shown in FIGS. 8-10 is a sleeve  10   e  which is substantially the same as sleeve  10  except for a difference in the position of a non-linear upper boundary of a decorative pattern thereon. As with sleeve  10 , sleeve  10   e  has an upper portion  12   e , a lower portion  14   e , and a detaching element  24   e  therebetween. The sleeve  10   e  further comprises an upper end  16   e , a lower end  18   e , a decorative pattern  26   e  on the lower portion  14   e , a non-linear upper boundary  28   e  in the decorative pattern  26   e  and a clear zone  30   e  between the detaching element  24   e  and the non-linear upper boundary  28   e . The sleeve  10   e  may optionally further have a gusset  38   e  therein. The non-linear upper boundary  28   e  of the decorative pattern  26   e  is configured on the lower portion  14   e  such that when the sleeve  10   e  is in the open position (for example when disposed about the pot  40 ) FIG. 9, each peak  32   e  of the non-linear upper boundary  28   e  is disposed a substantially equal peak vertical distance  60  from a perimeter  21   e  of a bottom  19   e  of the opened sleeve  10   e , and each trough  34   e  of the non-linear upper boundary  28   e  is disposed a substantially equal trough vertical distance  62  from the perimeter  21   e  of the bottom  19   e  of the opened sleeve  10   e , as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Where used herein, the term “substantially equal” vertical distance means that when viewed from a typical viewer perspective, the peaks  32   e  appear to be about the same height to a viewer and the troughs  34   e  appear to be about the same height to a viewer. 
     When the upper portion  12   e  of sleeve  10   e  is removed from the lower portion  14   e  by detaching along the detaching element  24   e , the lower portion  14   e  is left with a more or less straight upper edge  48   e  which is disposed a distance above the upper rim  42  of the pot  40  (FIG.  10 ). Although the upper edge  48   e  of the lower portion  14   e  is generally straight, the lower portion  14   e  is given the illusion of having a non-linear upper edge due to the conspicuousness of the non-linear upper boundary  28   e  of the decorative pattern  26   e  and the relative transparency, thus invisibility, of the clear zone  30   e  in a manner similar to that shown for sleeve  10  in FIG.  3 . 
     Shown in FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Sleeve  10   f  is basically the same as sleeve  10   e , except for the size of an upper portion  12   f . The upper portion  12   f  is detachable from a lower portion  14   f  which comprises thereon a decorative pattern  26   f  having a non-linear upper boundary  28   f . A detaching element  24   f  is disposed between the upper portion  12   f  and the lower portion  14   f . As with sleeve  10   e , a clear zone  30   f  of the lower portion  14   f  is disposed between the detaching element  24   f  and the upper boundary  28   f  of the decorative pattern  26   f . The sleeve  10   f  has an upper end  16   f  and a lower end  18   f  and may optionally comprise a gusset therein, as discussed in detail above. As opposed to the upper portion  12   e  of sleeve  10   e , the upper portion  12   f  of sleeve  10   f  is not sized to substantially surround and enclose a floral grouping  50 . Rather, the primary function of the upper portion  12   f  is to support the sleeve  10   f  from a support device such as a wicket (not shown) wherein a plurality of sleeves  10   f  can be supported together in the same manner as a plurality of sleeves  10   e  can be supported. When the upper portion  12   f  is separated from the lower portion  14   f  via detaching element  24   f , and the lower portion  14   f  is disposed about a pot, the decorative cover formed from the lower portion  14   f  appears substantially the same as the embodiment of the sleeve  10   e  shown in FIG.  10 . 
     Shown in FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Sleeve  10   g  is basically the same as sleeve  10   e  except sleeve  10   g  does not comprise an upper portion detachable from a lower portion  14   g . Sleeve  10   g  comprises a decorative pattern  26   g  having a non-linear upper boundary  28   g . The sleeve  10   g  has a clear zone  30   g  between the upper boundary  28   g  of the decorative pattern  26   g  and an upper edge  48   g  of the sleeve  10   g . When opened and placed about a pot, sleeve  10   g  appears substantially the same as the embodiment of sleeve  10   e  shown in FIG. 10 after the upper portion  12   e  has been detached. 
     Shown in FIG. 13 is a sleeve  10   h  which is substantially the same as sleeve  10   e , comprising an upper portion  12   h , a lower portion  14   h , an upper end  16   h , a lower end  18   h , a more or less straight detaching element  24   h  between the upper portion  12   h  and the lower portion  14   h , a decorative pattern  26   h  having a non-linear upper boundary  28   h  and a clear zone  30   h  between the detaching element  24   h  and the upper boundary  28   h  of the decorative pattern  26   h . Sleeve  10   h  differs from sleeve  10   e  by having an outwardly-extending skirt portion  58   h  which extends away from tapered first and second sides  20   h  and  22   h  of the lower portion  14   h  such that when the upper portion  12   h  is detached from the lower portion  14   h  and a pot not shown is disposed in the lower portion  14   h , the sleeve  10   h  has the skirt portion  58   h  which extends at an angle away from the lower portion  14   h.    
     Shown in FIG. 14 is a sleeve  10   i  which is substantially the same as sleeve  10   e  shown in FIG.  8 . The sleeve  10   i  has a decorative pattern  26   i  having a non-linear upper boundary  28   i , and has a detaching element  24   i  disposed between an upper portion  12   i  and a lower portion  14   i , and has a clear zone  30   i  between the non-linear upper boundary  28   i  of the decorative pattern  26   i  and the detaching element  24   i . Sleeve  10   i  differs from sleeve  10   e  primarily in that the detaching element  24   i  has a pattern which generally corresponds to the curvature of the non-linear upper boundary  28   i . The clear portion  30   i , therefore, may be negligible or non-existent. 
     FIGS. 15-21 
     Shown in FIGS. 15-17 is a sleeve  10   j  which is basically the same as sleeve  10   e  except for a difference in an upper boundary of a decorative pattern thereon. As with sleeve  10   e , sleeve  10   j  has an upper portion  12   j , a lower portion  14   j , and a detaching element  24   j  therebetween. The sleeve  10   j  further comprises an upper end  16   j , a lower end  18   j , a decorative pattern  26   j  on the lower portion  14   j , an arcuate upper boundary  28   j  in the decorative pattern  26   j  and a clear zone  30   j  between the detaching element  24   j  and the arcuate upper boundary  28   j . The sleeve  10   j  may optionally further have a gusset  38   j  therein. The arcuate upper boundary  28   j  of the decorative pattern  26   j  is configured on the lower portion  14   j  such that when the sleeve  10   j  is in an open position (for example when disposed about the pot  40 ), the arcuate upper boundary  28   j  of the decorative pattern  26   j  is disposed a substantially equivalent vertical distance  60   j  from a perimeter  21   j  of a bottom  19   j  of the opened sleeve  10   j . That is, the plane of the arcuate upper boundary  28   j  is substantially parallel to a plane of the perimeter  21   j  of the bottom  19   j  as shown in FIG. 16, and parallel to the upper rim  42  of the pot  40  when the pot  40  is disposed therein, as in FIGS. 16 and 17. 
     When the upper portion  12   j  is removed from the lower portion  14   j  by detaching along the detaching element  24   j , the lower portion  14   j  is left with an upper edge  48   j  which is disposed a distance above the upper rim  42  of the pot  40  (FIG.  17 ). The lower portion  14   j  is given the illusion of having an upper edge which corresponds to the upper rim  42  of the pot  40  due to the conspicuousness of the arcuate upper boundary  28   j  of the decorative pattern  26   j  and the relative transparency, and thus invisibility, of the clear zone  30   j.    
     Shown in FIG. 18 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Sleeve  10   k  is basically the same as sleeve  10   j , except for the size of an upper portion  12   k . The upper portion  12   k  is detachable from the lower portion  14   k  which comprises thereon a decorative pattern  26   k  which has an arcuate upper boundary  28   k . A detaching element  24   k  is disposed between the upper portion  12   k  and the lower portion  14   k . As with sleeve  10   j , the portion of the lower portion  14   k  disposed between the detaching element  24   k  and the upper boundary  28   k  of the decorative pattern  26   k  is a clear zone  30   k . The sleeve  10   k  has an upper end  16   k  and a lower end  18   k  and may optionally comprise a gusset therein. As opposed to the upper portion  12   j  of sleeve  10   j , the upper portion  12   k  of sleeve  10   k  is not sized to substantially surround and enclose a floral grouping  50 . Rather, the primary function of the upper portion  12   k  is to support the sleeve  10   k  from a support device, such as a wicket (not shown), wherein a plurality of sleeves  10   k  can be supported together in the same manner as a plurality of sleeves  10   j  can be supported. When the upper portion  12   k  is separated from the lower portion  14   k  via the detaching element  24   k , and the lower portion  14   k  is disposed about a pot not shown, the decorative cover formed from the lower portion  14   k  appears substantially the same as the embodiment of sleeve  10   j  shown in FIG. 17 after the upper portion  12   j  has been detached. 
     Shown in FIG. 19 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Sleeve  10   m  is substantially the same as sleeve  10   j  except sleeve  10   m  does not comprise an upper portion detachable from the lower portion  14   m . Sleeve  10   m  comprises a decorative pattern  26   m  having an arcuate upper boundary  28   m . The sleeve  10   m  has a clear zone  30   m  between the arcuate upper boundary  28   m  of the decorative pattern  26   m  and an upper edge  48   m  of the sleeve  10   m . When opened and placed about a pot (not shown), sleeve  10   m  appears substantially the same as the embodiment of sleeve  10   j  shown in FIG. 17 after the upper portion  12   j  has been detached. 
     Shown in FIG. 20 is a sleeve  10   n  which is substantially the same as sleeve  10   j , comprising an upper portion  12   n , a lower portion  14   n , an upper end  16   n , a lower end  18   n , a substantially horizontal detaching element  24   n  between the upper portion  12   n  and the lower portion  14   n , a decorative pattern  26   n  having an arcuate upper boundary  28   n  and a clear zone  30   n  between the detaching element  24   n  and the upper boundary  28   n  and a clear zone  30   n  between the detaching element  24   n  and the upper boundary  28   n  of the decorative pattern  26   n . In particular, sleeve  10   n  differs from sleeve  10   j  by having an outwardly-extending skirt portion  58   n  which extends away from tapered first and second sides  20   n  and  22   n  of the lower portion  14   n , when the sleeve  10   n  is in a flattened state, such that when the upper portion  12   n  is detached from the lower portion  14   n  and the pot  40  is disposed in the lower portion  14   n , the sleeve  10   n  has the skirt portion  58   n  which extends at an angle away from the lower portion  14   n.    
     Shown in FIG. 21 is a sleeve  10   p  which is exactly the same as sleeve  10   j  shown in FIG. 15 wherein the sleeve  10   p  has a decorative pattern  26   p  having an arcuate upper boundary  28   p , and has a detaching element  24   p  disposed between an upper portion  12   p  and a lower portion  14   p , and has a clear zone  30   p  between the arcuate upper boundary  28   p  of the decorative pattern  26   p  and the detaching element  24   p . Sleeve  10   p  differs from sleeve  10   j  primarily in that the detaching element  24   p  has a pattern which generally corresponds to the curvature of the arcuate upper boundary  28   p  of the decorative pattern  26   p . The clear zone  30   p  may alternatively be negligible or non-existent. 
     FIGS. 22-25 
     Shown in FIG. 22 is a sleeve  10   q  which is basically the same as sleeve  10   c  shown in FIG. 6 except for a difference in the position of the non-linear upper boundary of a decorative pattern thereon. As with sleeve  10   c , sleeve  10   q  has an upper portion  12   q , a lower portion  14   q , and a detaching element  24   q  therebetween. The sleeve  10   q  further comprises an upper end  16   q , a lower end  18   q , a decorative pattern  26   q  on the lower portion  14   q , an angularly shaped non-linear upper boundary  28   q  in the decorative pattern  26   q  and a clear zone  30   q  between the detaching element  24   q  and the non-linear upper boundary  28   q . The sleeve  10  also has an inner peripheral surface (not shown) which, when the sleeve  10  is opened, defines and encompasses an inner retaining space as indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The sleeve  10   q  may optionally further have a gusset therein. The non-linear upper boundary  28   q  of the decorative pattern  26   q  is configured on the lower portion  14   q  such that when the sleeve  10   q  is in the open position (for example when disposed about a pot), each peak  32   q  of the non-linear upper boundary  28   q  is disposed a substantially equal peak vertical distance  60   q  from a perimeter  21   q  of a bottom  19   q  of the opened sleeve  10   q  and each trough  34   q  of the non-linear upper boundary  28   q  is disposed a substantially equal trough vertical distance  62   q  from the perimeter  21   q  of the bottom  19   q  of the opened sleeve  10   q  in a manner similar to that shown for sleeve  10   e  in FIG.  9 . 
     When the upper portion  12   q  is removed from the lower portion  14   q  by detaching along the detaching element  24   q , the lower portion  14   q  is left with a more or less straight upper edge which is disposed a distance above an upper rim of a pot. Although the remaining upper end is generally straight, the lower portion  14   q  is given the illusion of having an angular upper edge due to the conspicuousness of the non-linear upper boundary  28   q  of the decorative pattern  26   q  and the relative transparency and thus invisibility of the clear zone  30   q.    
     Sleeve  10   q  further comprises an outwardly-extending skirt portion  58   q  which extends away from tapered first and second sides  20   q  and  22   q  of the lower portion  14   q  such that when the upper portion  12   q  is detached from the lower portion  14   q  and the pot  40  is disposed in the lower portion  14   q , the sleeve  10   q  has a skirt portion  58   q  which extends at an angle away from the lower portion  14   q.    
     Shown in FIG. 23 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Sleeve  10   r  is basically the same as sleeve  10   q , except for the size of an upper portion  12   r . The upper portion  12   r  is detachable from a lower portion  14   r  which has a decorative pattern  26   r  which has an angularly shaped non-linear upper boundary  28   r . A detaching element  24   r  is disposed between the upper portion  12   r  and the lower portion  14   r . As with sleeve  10   q , a clear zone  30   r  of the lower portion  14   r  is disposed between the non-linear upper boundary  28   r  of the decorative pattern  26   r  and an upper end  16   r . The sleeve  10   r  also has a lower end  18   r  and may optionally comprise a gusset therein. Contrary to the upper portion  12   q  of sleeve  10   q , the upper portion  12   r  of sleeve  10   r  is not sized to substantially surround and encompass a floral grouping. Rather, the primary function of the upper portion  12   r  is to support the sleeve  10   r  from a support device, such as a wicket (not shown), via apertures  36   r , whereby a plurality of sleeves  10   r  can be supported together in the same manner as a plurality of sleeves  10   q  can be supported. When the upper portion  12   r  is separated from the lower portion  14   r  via the detaching element  24   r , and the lower portion  14   r  is disposed about a pot, the decorative cover formed from the lower portion  14   r  appears substantially the same as the embodiment of sleeve  10   q  after the upper portion  12   q  is removed. 
     Shown in FIG. 24 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Sleeve  10   s  is basically the same as sleeve  10   q  except sleeve  10   s  does not comprise an upper portion detachable from a lower portion  14   s . Sleeve  10   s  comprises a decorative pattern  26   s  having an angularly shaped non-linear upper boundary  28   s . The sleeve  10   s  has a clear zone  30   s  between the non-linear upper boundary  28   s  of the decorative pattern  26   s  and an upper edge  48   s  of the sleeve  10   s . When opened and placed about a pot (not shown), sleeve  10   s  appears substantially the same as the embodiment of sleeve  10   q  after the upper portion  12   q  is removed therefrom. 
     Shown in FIG. 25 is a sleeve  10   t  which is basically the same as sleeve  10   q  shown in FIG. 22 wherein the sleeve  10   t  has a decorative pattern  26   t  having an angularly shaped non-linear upper boundary  28   t , and has a detaching element  24   t  disposed between an upper portion  12   t  and a lower portion  14   t , and has a clear zone  30   t  between the non-linear upper boundary  28   t  of the decorative pattern  26   t  and the detaching element  24   t . Sleeve  10   t  differs from sleeve  10   q  primarily in that the detaching element  24   t  has a pattern which generally corresponds to the angular curvature of the non-linear upper boundary  28   t  of the decorative pattern  26   t . The clear zone  30   t  may be negligible or non-existent. 
     Shown in FIG. 26 is a sleeve  10   u  which is substantially the same as sleeve  10   j  (FIG. 15) except for a difference in the relation of a non-linear upper boundary of a decorative pattern thereon and the perforations therein. As with sleeve  10   j , sleeve  10   u  has an upper portion  12   u , a lower portion  14   u , and perforations  24   u  therebetween. The sleeve  10   u  further comprises an upper end  16   u , a lower end  18   u , a decorative pattern  26   u  on the lower portion  14   u , and an arcuate upper boundary  28   u  in the decorative pattern  26   u  which has and arcuate shape. The sleeve  10   u  may optionally further have a gusset  38   u  therein. The arcuate upper boundary  28   u  of the decorative pattern  26   u  is configured to coincide with the perforations  24   u . When the upper portion  12   u  is removed from the lower end  14   u , the arcuate upper boundary  28   u  of the decorative pattern  26   u  comprises the upper end of the remaining lower portion  14   u  of the sleeve  10   u . Sleeve  10   u  is the same as sleeve  10   p  in FIG. 21 when there is no clear zone  30   r  in sleeve  10   p.    
     FIGS. 26-29 
     Shown in FIG. 26 is a sleeve  10   u  which is substantially the same as sleeve  10   j  (FIG. 15) except for a difference in the relation of a non-linear upper boundary of a decorative pattern thereon and a detaching element therein. As with sleeve  10   j , sleeve  10   u  has an upper portion  12   u , a lower portion  14   u , and a detaching element  24   u  therebetween. The sleeve  10   u  further comprises an upper end  16   u , a lower end  18   u , a decorative pattern  26   u  on the lower portion  14   u , and an arcuate upper boundary  28   u  in the decorative pattern  26   u  which has an arcuate shape. The sleeve  10   u  may optionally further have a gusset  38   u  therein. The arcuate upper boundary  28   u  of the decorative pattern  26   u  is configured to coincide with the detaching element  24   u . When the upper portion  12   u  is removed from the lower portion  14   u , the arcuate upper boundary  28   u  of the decorative pattern  26   u  comprises an upper end of the remaining lower portion  14   u  of the sleeve  10   u . Sleeve  10   u  is the same as sleeve  10   p  in FIG. 21 when there is no clear zone  30   r  in sleeve  10   p.    
     Shown in FIG. 27 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Sleeve  10   v  is basically the same as sleeve  10   u , except for the size of an upper portion  12   v . The upper portion  12   v  is detachable from a lower portion  14   v  which comprises thereon a decorative pattern  26   v  which has an arcuate upper boundary  28   v . A detaching element  24   v  is disposed between the upper portion  12   v  and the lower portion  14   v . As with sleeve  10   u , the arcuate upper boundary  28   v  of the decorative pattern  26   v  coincides with the detaching element  24   v . The sleeve  10   v  has an upper end  16   v  and a lower end  18   v  and may optionally comprise a gusset therein. Contrary to the upper portion  12   u  of sleeve  10   u , the upper portion  12   v  of sleeve  10   v  is not sized to substantially surround and enclose a floral grouping. Rather, the primary function of the upper portion  12   v  is to support the sleeve  10   v  from a support device, via apertures  36   v , such as a wicket (not shown), wherein a plurality of sleeves  10   v  can be supported together in the same manner as a plurality of sleeves  10   u  can be supported. When the upper portion  12   v  is separated from the lower portion  14   v  via the detaching element  24   v , the decorative cover formed from the lower portion  14   v  appears substantially the same as lower portion  14   u  of sleeve  10   u  when the upper portion  12   q  is detached therefrom. 
     Shown in FIG. 28 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Sleeve  10   w  is substantially the same as sleeve  10   u  except the sleeve  10   w  comprises only a body  14   w , not an upper portion detachable from a lower portion. Sleeve  10   w  comprises a decorative pattern  26   w  having an arcuate upper edge  48   w . When opened and placed about a pot, sleeve  10   w  appears substantially the same as the embodiment of sleeve  10   u  after the upper portion  12   u  is removed and the remaining lower portion  14   u  is disposed about a pot. 
     Shown in FIG. 29 is a sleeve  10   x  which is substantially the same as sleeve  10   u , comprising an upper portion  12   x , a lower portion  14   x , an upper end  16   x , a lower end  18   x , and an arcuate detaching element  24   x  which coincides with an arcuate upper boundary  28   x  of a decorative pattern  26   x . Sleeve  10   x  differs from sleeve  10   u  by having an outwardly-extending skirt portion  58   x  which extends away from tapered first and second sides  20   x  and  22   x  of the lower portion  14   x  such that when the upper portion  12   x  is detached from the lower portion  14   x  and a pot is disposed in the lower portion  14   x , the skirt portion  58   x  extends at an angle away from the lower portion  14   x.    
     Shown in FIG. 30 is a sleeve  10   y  which is substantially the same as sleeve  10   e  in FIG. 8 except for a difference in the position of a detaching element  24   y . As with sleeve  10   e , sleeve  10   y  has an upper portion  12   y , a lower portion  14   y , and the detaching element  24   y  therebetween. The sleeve  10   y  further comprises an upper end  16   y , a lower end  18   y , a decorative pattern  26   y  on the lower portion  14   y , and a non-linear upper boundary  28   y  in the decorative pattern  26   y . The non-linear upper boundary  28   y  of the decorative pattern  26   y  is configured to coincide with the detaching element  24   y . When the upper portion  12   y  is removed from the lower end  14   y , the non-linear upper boundary  28   y  of the decorative pattern  26   y  comprises an upper edge  48   y  of the remaining lower portion  14   y  of the sleeve  10   y . The sleeve  10   y  may optionally further have a gusset  38   y  therein. Sleeve  10   y  is the same as sleeve  10   w  (FIG.  28 ), as there is no clear zone in sleeve  10   y.    
     Shown in FIG. 31 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Sleeve  10   z  is essentially the same as sleeve  10   y , except for the size of an upper portion  12   z . The upper portion  12   z  is detachable from a lower portion  14   z  which comprises thereon a decorative pattern  26   z  which has a non-linear upper boundary  28   z . A detaching element  24   z  is disposed between the upper portion  12   z  and the lower portion  14   z  and coincides with the non-linear upper boundary  28   z . The sleeve  10   z  has an upper end  16   z  and a lower end  18   z  and may optionally comprise a gusset therein. As opposed to the upper portion  12   y  of sleeve  10   y , the upper portion  12   z  of sleeve  10   z  is not sized to substantially surround and encompass a floral grouping. Rather, the primary function of the upper portion  12   z  is to support the sleeve  10   z  from a support device, such as a wicket (not shown), via apertures  36   z  wherein a plurality of sleeves  10   z  can be supported together in the same manner as a plurality of sleeves  10   y  can be supported. When the upper portion  12   z  is separated from the lower portion  14   z  via the detaching element  24   z , and the lower portion  14   z  is disposed about a pot, the decorative cover formed from the lower portion  14   z  appears substantially the same as the embodiment of sleeve  10   y  after the upper portion  12   y  has been removed therefrom. 
     Shown in FIG. 32 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Sleeve  10   aa  is basically the same as sleeve  10   y , except sleeve  10   aa  does not comprise an upper portion detachable from a lower portion  14   aa . Sleeve  10   aa  comprises a decorative pattern  26   aa  having a non-linear upper edge  48   aa . The non-linear upper edge  48   aa  is comprised of peaks  32   aa  and troughs  34   aa . When opened and placed about a pot, sleeve  10   aa  appears substantially the same as the embodiment of sleeve  10   y  or sleeve  10   q  after the upper portion  12   y  or  12   z  has been removed and the remaining lower portion  14   y  or  14   z  has been disposed about a pot. That is, the upper edge  48   aa  of the sleeve  10   aa  is configured such that when the sleeve  10   aa  is in the open position (for example when disposed about a pot), each peak  32   aa  of the upper edge  48   aa  is disposed about a substantially equal peak vertical distance  60   aa  from an edge  19   aa  of lower end  18   aa  of the opened sleeve  10   aa  and each trough  34   aa  of the upper edge  48   aa  is disposed about a substantially equal trough vertical distance  62   aa  from the edge  19   aa  of the lower end  18   aa  of the opened sleeve  10   aa , in a manner similar to sleeve  10   e  shown in FIG.  10 . 
     Shown in FIG. 33 is a sleeve  10   bb  which is substantially the same as sleeve  10   y , comprising an upper portion  12   bb , a lower portion  14   bb , an upper end  16   bb , a lower end  18   bb  and a non-linear detaching element  24   bb  which correspond to a non-linear upper boundary  28   bb  of a decorative pattern  26   bb . Sleeve  10   bb  differs from sleeve  10   y  by having an outwardly-extending skirt portion  58   bb  which extends away from tapered first and second sides  20   bb  and  22   bb  of the lower portion  14   bb  such that when the upper portion  12   bb  is detached from the lower portion  14   bb  and a pot is disposed in the lower portion  14   bb , the sleeve  10   bb  has the skirt portion  58   bb  which extends at an angle away from the lower end  14   bb.    
     FIGS. 34-40 
     Shown in FIGS. 34-37 are sleeves  10   cc ,  10   dd ,  10   ee  and  10   ff  which are essentially the same as sleeves  10 ,  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c , respectively, except the non-linear upper edges  28   cc ,  28   dd ,  28   ee , and  28   ff  are irregular, for example, having random peaks and dips. 
     Likewise, sleeves  10   gg ,  10   hh , and  10   ii , of FIGS. 38-40, respectively, are like sleeves  10   y ,  10   z , and  10   aa  of FIGS. 30-32, respectively, except the non-linear upper boundaries  28   gg ,  28   hh , and  48   ii , are irregular, for example having random peaks and dips. 
     It will also be understood that any of the sleeves  10 - 10   ii  described herein can be used to contain a floral grouping and a growing medium without a pot, wherein the floral grouping is cultivated in the sleeves  10 - 10   ii , or placed with a growing medium in the sleeves  10 - 10   ii  in a substantially grown condition. 
     Changes may be made in the construction and the operation of the various components, elements and assemblies described herein or in the steps or the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.