Abstract:
The present inventive concept(s) relates, in general, to articles that are packaged in a compressed state relative to an uncompressed fully articulated state and methods of making and using same. In a specific embodiment, but not to be considered as limiting, the articles so packaged in a compressed state are plant covers that are either substantially rigid and/or substantially flexible.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE STATEMENT 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/785,534, filed Mar. 5, 2013; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/429,836, filed Mar. 26, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,413,375, issued Apr. 9, 2013; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/160,003, filed Jun. 14, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,171,670, issued May 8, 2012; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/378,564, filed Feb. 17, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,015,751, issued Sep. 13, 2011; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 11/100,205, filed Apr. 6, 2005, now abandoned; which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 60/644,544, filed on Jan. 18, 2005. The entire contents of each of the above-referenced patents and patent applications are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Flower pot covers, including plant covers, and methods of making and using same are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,182, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,182 it is disclosed that the flower pot covers could be flattened and packaged for shipment and storing. The disclosed methods in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,182 required flattening each cover individually before packing and storing. The cost of packaging such flattened flower pot covers with each cover being separately flattened is greater than using a fully erected flower pot cover because substantial mechanical or manual labor is required to flatten, open and erect each cover separately. 
         [0003]    In order to alleviate such deficiencies, the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s) provides the packaging, storing and shipping of plant covers (more specifically, flower pot covers, floral grouping covers, sleeves, bags, and tubes) at higher density levels thereby providing for the efficient and economical packaging, storing and shipping of plant covers without substantially affecting the decorative properties of the plant covers. The presently claimed methods entail, in one embodiment, the placing of one plant cover inside of another plant cover (i.e., nesting the plant covers) so as to form a stack of two or more plant covers and thereafter compressing the entire stack of plant covers in either or both of the horizontal and vertical planes (i.e., along the height, length and/or width of the plant covers). Compressing the nested plant covers so as too partially or completely flatten the covers horizontally and/or vertically provides for a means of packing, storing and/or shipping plant covers in an efficient and economical manner. 
         [0004]    By first nesting the plant covers and then compressing them, solely or primarily horizontally, the plant covers are made more easily useable than if the covers are individually flattened and then packed for shipping. The primary reason for this is that all of the covers can be re-erected to their full or semi-full three-dimensional shape with one motion of pressing horizontally on two opposing sides of the stack of nested covers so as to restore the covers to their fully erected form. This saves considerable time as opposed to erecting each individual cover, as is required if each cover has been individually flattened. Any remaining oval shape due to the plant covers being compressed are eliminated when the covers have been placed about a flower pot or placed about a floral grouping. 
         [0005]    These and other methods and apparatuses are disclosed and claimed herein and will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given the description, drawings and claims provided herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a plurality of nested plant covers. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the plurality of nested plant covers of  FIG. 1A  adjacent a base member of one embodiment of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s). 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s). 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a side view of one embodiment of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s). 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a further side view of one embodiment of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s) in operation. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s) in operation. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4B  is a side view of one embodiment of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s) in operation. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 5A-5C  are perspective views of one embodiment of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s). 
           [0014]      FIGS. 6A-6H  are side views of an alternative embodiment of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s). 
           [0015]      FIGS. 7A-7C  are side views of an alternative embodiment of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s). 
           [0016]      FIGS. 8A-8B  are side views of an alternative embodiment of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s). 
           [0017]    FIGS.  9  and  9 A- 9 D are side views of an alternative embodiment of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s). 
           [0018]    FIGS.  10  and  10 A-B are side views of an alternative embodiment of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s). 
           [0019]    FIGS.  11  and  11 A- 11 C are side views of an alternative embodiment of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s). 
           [0020]      FIGS. 12A-12C  are side views of an alternative embodiment of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s). 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    Before explaining at least one embodiment of the inventive concept(s) in detail, it is to be understood that the inventive concept(s) is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The inventive concept(s) is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways and, as such, all such embodiments and/or equivalents are to be considered as being encompassed within the scope and description of the present inventive concept(s). Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for a purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0022]    The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is drawn to a package containing a plurality of compressed articles, wherein the compressed articles are in a state substantially compressed from a fully articulated state. The package may further include a holding assembly having a retaining space, wherein the plurality of compressed articles is located within the retaining space. The package may also include means for securing the holding assembly in the state substantially compressed from a fully articulated state. The securing means may be selected from the group consisting of telescoping cartons, bags, shrink wrap, stretch wrap, bands, tape, adhesive, cohesives, staples, wire, ribbons, string, barbs and combinations thereof. The package may also include means for dispensing at least one of the compressed articles from the package containing the plurality of compressed articles. 
         [0023]    The compressed articles in the state substantially compressed from the fully articulated state are compressed to a percentage of the fully articulated state selected from the group consisting of from about 5 to about 10 percent, from about 10 to about 15 percent, from about 15 to about 20 percent, from about 20 to about 25 percent, from about 25 to about 30 percent, from about 30 to about 35 percent, from about 35 to about 40 percent, from about 40 to about 45 percent, from about 45 to about 50 percent, from about 50 to about 55 percent, from about 55 to about 60 percent, from about 60 to about 65 percent, from about 65 to about 70 percent, from about 70 to about 75 percent, from about 75 to about 80 percent, from about 80 to about 85 percent, from about 85 to about 90 percent, from about 90 to about 95 percent and from about 95 to about 99 percent. 
         [0024]    The compressed articles in the package may be nested or unnested and, in one embodiment, the compressed articles are plant covers. 
         [0025]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a method for packaging a plurality of nested plant covers utilizing the following steps: (a) providing a plurality of nested plant covers having a length and a width; (b) providing a holding assembly having a retaining space, the holding assembly having a compressed and an uncompressed condition; (c) placing the plurality of nested plant covers in the retaining space of the holding assembly; and (d) compressing the holding assembly from the uncompressed to the compressed condition such that the plurality of nested plant covers are compressed along at least one of the length and width of the plurality of nested plant covers thereby providing a package containing a plurality of compressed nested plant covers. 
         [0026]    In this embodiment, the holding assembly is selected from the group consisting of bags, boxes, tubes, at least one sheet of material and combinations thereof. This method may further include the step of securing the holding assembly via a means for securing such that the plurality of nested plant covers is maintained in the compressed condition. The securing means may be selected from the group consisting of telescoping cartons, bags, shrink wrap, stretch wrap, bands, tape, adhesive, cohesives, staples, wires, ribbons, strings, barbs and combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the nested plant covers in the compressed condition are compressed to a percentage of the uncompressed condition selected from the group consisting of from about 5 to about 10 percent, from about 10 to about 15 percent, from about 15 to about 20 percent, from about 20 to about 25 percent, from about 25 to about 30 percent, from about 30 to about 35 percent, from about 35 to about 40 percent, from about 40 to about 45 percent, from about 45 to about 50 percent, from about 50 to about 55 percent, from about 55 to about 60 percent, from about 60 to about 65 percent, from about 65 to about 70 percent, from about 70 to about 75 percent, from about 75 to about 80 percent, from about 80 to about 85 percent, from about 85 to about 90 percent, from about 90 to about 95 percent and from about 95 to about 99 percent. 
         [0027]    The method may also include the step of providing a means for dispensing at least one of the compressed nested plant covers from the package containing the plurality of compressed nested plant covers. 
         [0028]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a method for packaging a plurality of plant covers, comprising the steps of (a) providing a plurality of plant covers having a length and a width; (b) providing a holding assembly having a retaining space, the holding assembly having a compressed and an uncompressed condition; (c) placing the plurality of plant covers in the retaining space of the holding assembly; and (d) compressing the holding assembly from the uncompressed to the compressed condition such that the plurality of plant covers are compressed along at least one of the length and width of the plurality of plant covers thereby providing a package containing a plurality of compressed plant covers. 
         [0029]    In this embodiment, the holding assembly is selected from the group consisting of bags, boxes, tubes, at least one sheet of material and combinations thereof. This method may further include the step of securing the holding assembly via a means for securing such that the plurality of nested plant covers is maintained in the compressed condition. The securing means may be selected from the group consisting of telescoping cartons, bags, shrink wrap, stretch wrap, bands, tape, adhesive, cohesives, staples, wires, ribbons, strings, barbs and combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the nested plant covers in the compressed condition are compressed to a percentage of the uncompressed condition selected from the group consisting of from about 5 to about 10 percent, from about 10 to about 15 percent, from about 15 to about 20 percent, from about 20 to about 25 percent, from about 25 to about 30 percent, from about 30 to about 35 percent, from about 35 to about 40 percent, from about 40 to about 45 percent, from about 45 to about 50 percent, from about 50 to about 55 percent, from about 55 to about 60 percent, from about 60 to about 65 percent, from about 65 to about 70 percent, from about 70 to about 75 percent, from about 75 to about 80 percent, from about 80 to about 85 percent, from about 85 to about 90 percent, from about 90 to about 95 percent and from about 95 to about 99 percent. 
         [0030]    The method may also include the step of providing a means for dispensing at least one of the compressed nested plant covers from the package containing the plurality of compressed nested plant covers. 
         [0031]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a method for packaging a plurality of plant covers, comprising the steps of (a) providing a plurality of plant covers having a length and a width; (b) compressing the plurality of plant covers from an uncompressed condition to a compressed condition such that the plurality of plant covers are compressed along at least one of the length and width of the plurality of plant covers; (c) providing a holding assembly having a retaining space; and (d) placing the plurality of plant covers in the compressed condition in the retaining space of the holding assembly thereby providing a package containing a plurality of compressed plant covers. 
         [0032]    In this embodiment, the holding assembly is selected from the group consisting of bags, boxes, tubes, at least one sheet of material and combinations thereof. This method may further include the step of securing the holding assembly via a means for securing such that the plurality of nested plant covers is maintained in the compressed condition. The securing means may be selected from the group consisting of telescoping cartons, bags, shrink wrap, stretch wrap, bands, tape, adhesive, cohesives, staples, wires, ribbons, strings, barbs and combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the nested plant covers in the compressed condition are compressed to a percentage of the uncompressed condition selected from the group consisting of from about 5 to about 10 percent, from about 10 to about 15 percent, from about 15 to about 20 percent, from about 20 to about 25 percent, from about 25 to about 30 percent, from about 30 to about 35 percent, from about 35 to about 40 percent, from about 40 to about 45 percent, from about 45 to about 50 percent, from about 50 to about 55 percent, from about 55 to about 60 percent, from about 60 to about 65 percent, from about 65 to about 70 percent, from about 70 to about 75 percent, from about 75 to about 80 percent, from about 80 to about 85 percent, from about 85 to about 90 percent, from about 90 to about 95 percent and from about 95 to about 99 percent. 
         [0033]    The method may also include the step of providing a means for dispensing at least one of the compressed nested plant covers from the package containing the plurality of compressed nested plant covers. 
         [0034]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a method for packaging a plurality of plant covers, comprising the steps of (a) providing a plurality of nested plant covers having a length and a width; (b) compressing the plurality of nested plant covers from an uncompressed condition to a compressed condition such that the plurality of nested plant covers are compressed along at least one of the length and width of the plurality of nested plant covers; (c) providing a holding assembly having a retaining space; and (d) placing the plurality of nested plant covers in the compressed condition in the retaining space of the holding assembly thereby providing a package containing a plurality of compressed nested plant covers. 
         [0035]    In this embodiment, the holding assembly is selected from the group consisting of bags, boxes, tubes, at least one sheet of material and combinations thereof. This method may further include the step of securing the holding assembly via a means for securing such that the plurality of nested plant covers is maintained in the compressed condition. The securing means may be selected from the group consisting of telescoping cartons, bags, shrink wrap, stretch wrap, bands, tape, adhesive, cohesives, staples, wires, ribbons, strings, barbs and combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the nested plant covers in the compressed condition are compressed to a percentage of the uncompressed condition selected from the group consisting of from about 5 to about 10 percent, from about 10 to about 15 percent, from about 15 to about 20 percent, from about 20 to about 25 percent, from about 25 to about 30 percent, from about 30 to about 35 percent, from about 35 to about 40 percent, from about 40 to about 45 percent, from about 45 to about 50 percent, from about 50 to about 55 percent, from about 55 to about 60 percent, from about 60 to about 65 percent, from about 65 to about 70 percent, from about 70 to about 75 percent, from about 75 to about 80 percent, from about 80 to about 85 percent, from about 85 to about 90 percent, from about 90 to about 95 percent and from about 95 to about 99 percent. 
         [0036]    The method may also include the step of providing a means for dispensing at least one of the compressed nested plant covers from the package containing the plurality of compressed nested plant covers. 
         [0037]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a method for packaging a plurality of plant covers, comprising the steps of (a) providing a plurality of nested plant covers having a length and a width; (b) compressing the plurality of nested plant covers from an uncompressed condition to a compressed condition such that the plurality of nested plant covers are compressed along at least one of the length and width of the plurality of nested plant covers; and (c) securing the nested plant covers in the compressed condition thereby providing a package containing a plurality of compressed nested plant covers. 
         [0038]    In this embodiment, the holding assembly is selected from the group consisting of bags, boxes, tubes, at least one sheet of material and combinations thereof. This method may further include the step of securing the holding assembly via a means for securing such that the plurality of nested plant covers is maintained in the compressed condition. The securing means may be selected from the group consisting of telescoping cartons, bags, shrink wrap, stretch wrap, bands, tape, adhesive, cohesives, staples, wires, ribbons, strings, barbs and combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the nested plant covers in the compressed condition are compressed to a percentage of the uncompressed condition selected from the group consisting of from about 5 to about 10 percent, from about 10 to about 15 percent, from about 15 to about 20 percent, from about 20 to about 25 percent, from about 25 to about 30 percent, from about 30 to about 35 percent, from about 35 to about 40 percent, from about 40 to about 45 percent, from about 45 to about 50 percent, from about 50 to about 55 percent, from about 55 to about 60 percent, from about 60 to about 65 percent, from about 65 to about 70 percent, from about 70 to about 75 percent, from about 75 to about 80 percent, from about 80 to about 85 percent, from about 85 to about 90 percent, from about 90 to about 95 percent and from about 95 to about 99 percent. 
         [0039]    The method may also include the step of providing a means for dispensing at least one of the compressed nested plant covers from the package containing the plurality of compressed nested plant covers. 
         [0040]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a method for packaging a plurality of nested plant covers comprising the steps of (a) providing a plurality of nested plant covers having a length and a width; (b) compressing the plurality of nested plant covers from an uncompressed condition to a compressed condition such that the plurality of nested plant covers are compressed along at least one of the length and width of the plurality of nested plant covers; (c) securing the nested plant covers in the compressed condition; (d) providing a holding assembly having a retaining space; and (e) placing the nested plant covers in the secured compressed condition in the retaining space of the holding assembly thereby providing a package containing a plurality of compressed nested plant covers. In this embodiment, the holding assembly is selected from the group consisting of bags, boxes, tubes, at least one sheet of material and combinations thereof. 
         [0041]    This method may further include the step of securing the holding assembly via a means for securing such that the plurality of nested plant covers is maintained in the compressed condition. The securing means may be selected from the group consisting of telescoping cartons, bags, shrink wrap, stretch wrap, bands, tape, adhesive, cohesives, staples, wires, ribbons, strings, barbs and combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the nested plant covers in the compressed condition are compressed to a percentage of the uncompressed condition selected from the group consisting of from about 5 to about 10 percent, from about 10 to about 15 percent, from about 15 to about 20 percent, from about 20 to about 25 percent, from about 25 to about 30 percent, from about 30 to about 35 percent, from about 35 to about 40 percent, from about 40 to about 45 percent, from about 45 to about 50 percent, from about 50 to about 55 percent, from about 55 to about 60 percent, from about 60 to about 65 percent, from about 65 to about 70 percent, from about 70 to about 75 percent, from about 75 to about 80 percent, from about 80 to about 85 percent, from about 85 to about 90 percent, from about 90 to about 95 percent and from about 95 to about 99 percent. 
         [0042]    The method may also include the step of providing a means for dispensing at least one of the compressed nested plant covers from the package containing the plurality of compressed nested plant covers. 
         [0043]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a method for packaging a plurality of nested plant covers, comprising the steps of (a) providing a plurality of nested plant covers having a length and a width; (b) providing a means for compressing and securing the plurality of nested plant covers, wherein the plurality of nested plant covers are compressed along at least one of the length and the width; and (c) compressing and securing the plurality of nested plant covers in a single step utilizing the compressing and securing means thereby providing a package containing a plurality of compressed nested plant covers. 
         [0044]    This method may further include the step of securing the holding assembly via a means for securing such that the plurality of nested plant covers is maintained in the compressed condition. The securing means may be selected from the group consisting of telescoping cartons, bags, shrink wrap, stretch wrap, bands, tape, adhesive, cohesives, staples, wires, ribbons, strings, barbs and combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the nested plant covers in the compressed condition are compressed to a percentage of the uncompressed condition selected from the group consisting of from about 5 to about 10 percent, from about 10 to about 15 percent, from about 15 to about 20 percent, from about 20 to about 25 percent, from about 25 to about 30 percent, from about 30 to about 35 percent, from about 35 to about 40 percent, from about 40 to about 45 percent, from about 45 to about 50 percent, from about 50 to about 55 percent, from about 55 to about 60 percent, from about 60 to about 65 percent, from about 65 to about 70 percent, from about 70 to about 75 percent, from about 75 to about 80 percent, from about 80 to about 85 percent, from about 85 to about 90 percent, from about 90 to about 95 percent and from about 95 to about 99 percent. 
         [0045]    The method may also include the step of providing a means for dispensing at least one of the compressed nested plant covers from the package containing the plurality of compressed nested plant covers. 
         [0046]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a method for packaging a plurality of nested plant covers, comprising the steps of (a) providing a plurality of nested plant covers having a length and a width; (b) providing a compressing assembly capable of compressing the plurality of nested plant covers along at least one of the length and the width; (c) placing the compressing assembly about the plurality of nested plant covers; (d) activating the compressing assembly such that the plurality of nested plant covers are compressed by the compressing assembly from an uncompressed condition to a compressed condition; and (e) securing the compressed plurality of nested plant covers in the compressed condition thereby providing a package containing a plurality of compressed nested plant covers. 
         [0047]    This method may further include the step of securing the holding assembly via a means for securing such that the plurality of nested plant covers is maintained in the compressed condition. The securing means may be selected from the group consisting of telescoping cartons, bags, shrink wrap, stretch wrap, bands, tape, adhesive, cohesives, staples, wires, ribbons, strings, barbs and combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the nested plant covers in the compressed condition are compressed to a percentage of the uncompressed condition selected from the group consisting of from about 5 to about 10 percent, from about 10 to about 15 percent, from about 15 to about 20 percent, from about 20 to about 25 percent, from about 25 to about 30 percent, from about 30 to about 35 percent, from about 35 to about 40 percent, from about 40 to about 45 percent, from about 45 to about 50 percent, from about 50 to about 55 percent, from about 55 to about 60 percent, from about 60 to about 65 percent, from about 65 to about 70 percent, from about 70 to about 75 percent, from about 75 to about 80 percent, from about 80 to about 85 percent, from about 85 to about 90 percent, from about 90 to about 95 percent and from about 95 to about 99 percent. 
         [0048]    The method may also include the step of providing a means for dispensing at least one of the compressed nested plant covers from the package containing the plurality of compressed nested plant covers. 
         [0049]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a method for packaging a plurality of nested plant covers, comprising the steps of (a) providing a plurality of nested plant covers having a length and a width; (b) providing a holding assembly, the holding assembly having a retaining space that has at least one of a length and a width that is less than the length and the width of the plurality nested plant covers; and (c) placing the plurality of nested plant covers into the retaining space of the holding assembly and thereby compressing the plurality of nested plant covers from an uncompressed condition to a compressed condition along at least one of the length and the width of the nested plant covers thereby providing a package containing a plurality of compressed nested plant covers. 
         [0050]    This method may further include the step of securing the holding assembly via a means for securing such that the plurality of nested plant covers is maintained in the compressed condition. The securing means may be selected from the group consisting of telescoping cartons, bags, shrink wrap, stretch wrap, bands, tape, adhesive, cohesives, staples, wires, ribbons, strings, barbs and combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the nested plant covers in the compressed condition are compressed to a percentage of the uncompressed condition selected from the group consisting of from about 5 to about 10 percent, from about 10 to about 15 percent, from about 15 to about 20 percent, from about 20 to about 25 percent, from about 25 to about 30 percent, from about 30 to about 35 percent, from about 35 to about 40 percent, from about 40 to about 45 percent, from about 45 to about 50 percent, from about 50 to about 55 percent, from about 55 to about 60 percent, from about 60 to about 65 percent, from about 65 to about 70 percent, from about 70 to about 75 percent, from about 75 to about 80 percent, from about 80 to about 85 percent, from about 85 to about 90 percent, from about 90 to about 95 percent and from about 95 to about 99 percent. 
         [0051]    The method may also include the step of providing a means for dispensing at least one of the compressed nested plant covers from the package containing the plurality of compressed nested plant covers. 
         [0052]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a method for transporting a plurality of nested plant covers, comprising the steps of (a) providing a holding assembly having an open configuration and a closed configuration, the holding assembly further having a retaining space; (b) providing a plurality of nested plant covers, wherein the plurality of nested plant covers have a length and a width; (c) placing the plurality of nested plant covers in the retaining space of the holding assembly; (d) compressing the holding assembly from the open configuration to the compressed configuration so as to compress the plurality of nested plant covers along at least one of the width and length of the plurality of nested plant covers; and (e) transporting the plurality of nested plant covers in the carton assembly to a predetermined location. 
         [0053]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a method for transporting a plurality of nested plant covers, comprising the steps of (a) providing a carton assembly capable of being reversibly articulated from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the carton assembly further having a base member and a lid member, the base member having an inner surface and an outer surface with the inner surface defining a retaining space; (b) providing a plurality of nested plant covers, wherein the plurality of nested plant covers have a width and a length; (c) placing the plurality of nested plant covers in the inner retaining space of the base member; (d) compressing the plurality of nested plant covers along at least one of the width and length of the plurality of nested plant covers; (e) matingly engaging the lid member with the base member so as to put the carton assembly in the closed configuration; and (f) transporting the plurality of nested plant covers in the carton assembly to a predetermined location. 
         [0054]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a plant cover transport assembly for transporting a plurality of nested plant covers from a first location to a second location, the plant cover transport assembly comprising (a) a base member and a lid member, the base member and the lid member being matingly engageable with one another, the base member further including an exterior surface and an interior surface wherein the interior surface defines an inner retaining space sized and shaped so as to be capable of receiving a plurality of nested plant covers having a width and a length and wherein the lid member is sized and shaped so as too substantially matingly engage the base member and compress the plurality of plant covers along at least one of the width and length of the plurality of nested plant covers when the transport assembly is in a closed configuration. 
         [0055]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a package containing a plurality of nested plant covers, the package comprising (a) a base member and a lid member; and (b) a plurality of nested plant covers having a width and a length. The base member may further include an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface defining an inner retaining space sized and shaped so as to be capable of receiving the plurality of nested plant covers, the lid member sized and shaped so as to compress the plurality of plant covers in the inner retaining space along at least one of the width and length of the plurality of plant covers when the lid member matingly engages the base member thereby placing the package containing the plurality of nested plant covers in a closed configuration. 
         [0056]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a plant cover, comprising (a) a plant cover that substantially encompasses and surrounds a flower pot, wherein the plant cover has been transported from a first location to a second location utilizing a transport assembly. In this embodiment, the plant cover transport assembly further includes (a) a base member and a lid member, the base member and the lid member being matingly engageable with one another, the base member further including an exterior surface and an interior surface wherein the interior surface defines an inner retaining space sized and shaped so as to be capable of receiving a plurality of nested plant covers having a width and a length and wherein the lid member is sized and shaped so as too substantially matingly engage the base member and compress the plurality of plant covers along at least one of the width and length of the plurality of nested plant covers when the carton assembly is in a closed configuration. 
         [0057]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a method for storing a plurality of nested plant covers, comprising the steps of (a) providing a carton assembly capable of being reversibly articulated from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the carton assembly further having a base member and a lid member, the base member having an inner surface and an outer surface with the inner surface defining a retaining space; (b) providing a plurality of nested plant covers, wherein the plurality of nested plant covers have a width and a length; (c) placing the plurality of nested plant covers in the inner retaining space of the base member; (d) compressing the plurality of nested plant covers along at least one of the width and length of the plurality of nested plant covers; and (e) matingly engaging the lid member with the base member so as to put the carton assembly in the closed configuration to thereby provide a carton assembly having the plurality of nested plant covers stored therein. 
         [0058]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a method for transporting a plurality of plant covers, comprising the steps of (a) providing a carton assembly capable of being reversibly articulated from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the carton assembly further having a base member and a lid member, the base member having an inner surface and an outer surface with the inner surface defining a retaining space; (b) providing a plurality of plant covers, wherein the plurality of plant covers have a width and a length; (c) placing the plurality of plant covers in the inner retaining space of the base member; (d) compressing the plurality of plant covers along at least one of the width and length of the plurality of plant covers; (e) matingly engaging the lid member with the base member so as to put the carton assembly in the closed configuration; and (f) transporting the plurality of plant covers in the carton assembly to a predetermined location. 
         [0059]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a plant cover transport assembly for transporting a plurality of plant covers from a first location to a second location, the plant cover transport assembly includes a base member and a lid member, the base member and the lid member being matingly engageable with one another, the base member further including an exterior surface and an interior surface wherein the interior surface defines an inner retaining space sized and shaped so as to be capable of receiving a plurality of plant covers having a width and a length and wherein the lid member is sized and shaped so as too substantially matingly engage the base member and compress the plurality of plant covers along at least one of the width and length of the plurality of plant covers when the transport assembly is in a closed configuration. 
         [0060]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a package containing a plurality of plant covers; the package includes (a) a base member and a lid member; and (b) a plurality of plant covers having a width and a length. The base member further has an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface defining an inner retaining space sized and shaped so as to be capable of receiving the plurality of plant covers, the lid member sized and shaped so as to compress the plurality of plant covers in the inner retaining space along at least one of the width and length of the plurality of plant covers when the lid member matingly engages the base member thereby placing the package containing the plurality of plant covers in a closed configuration. 
         [0061]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a plant cover, the plant cover substantially encompasses and surrounds a flower pot, wherein the plant cover has been transported from a first location to a second location utilizing a transport assembly. In this embodiment, the plant cover transport assembly further includes a base member and a lid member, the base member and the lid member being matingly engageable with one another, the base member further including an exterior surface and an interior surface wherein the interior surface defines an inner retaining space sized and shaped so as to be capable of receiving a plurality of plant covers having a width and a length and wherein the lid member is sized and shaped so as too substantially matingly engage the base member and compress the plurality of plant covers along at least one of the width and length of the plurality of plant covers when the carton assembly is in a closed configuration. 
         [0062]    In an alternative embodiment, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides a method for storing a plurality of plant covers, comprising the steps of (a) providing a carton assembly capable of being reversibly articulated from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the carton assembly further having a base member and a lid member, the base member having an inner surface and an outer surface with the inner surface defining a retaining space; (b) providing a plurality of nested plant covers, wherein the plurality of nested plant covers have a width and a length; (c) placing the plurality of nested plant covers in the inner retaining space of the base member; (d) compressing the plurality of nested plant covers along at least one of the width and length of the plurality of nested plant covers; and (e) matingly engaging the lid member with the base member so as to put the carton assembly in the closed configuration to thereby provide a carton assembly having the plurality of nested plant covers stored therein. 
         [0063]    Turning now to the Figures, shown in  FIGS. 1 through 5  is one embodiment of an article packaging assembly  10  which is constructed in accordance with the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s). The article packaging assembly  10  is adapted to package, store and ship a plurality of articles (both nested and unnested articles, with an example of unnested articles shown more particularly in  FIG. 4B ) in a compressed condition or state. The term “compressed condition or state” is defined as a condition wherein the article occupies less space than the fully erected or uncompressed article. While the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s) will be discussed primarily as being a packaging system, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the article packaging system  10  can also be used to store a plurality of articles in a compressed condition, to ship a plurality of articles in a compressed condition, or to package, ship, and/or store a plurality of articles in a compressed condition. 
         [0064]    It should be noted that the presently claimed and disclosed article packaging system  10  is described herein as being capable of packaging, storing and shipping a plurality of nested and unnested articles with a plurality of nested plant covers  12  being shown for purposes of description in the Figures and should not be regarded as limiting. The presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s) should not be regarded as being limited to the plurality of nested plant covers  12  (a type of article that is extremely advantageous for use with the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s)): rather, the term “article” is intended to cover any item that is capable of being placed into a compressed condition or state for packaging, storing or shipping. For example but not by way of limitation, the articles may be drinking cups, flower pots, flower pot covers, flower pot sleeves, flower sleeves, vases, hats, saucers, Easter baskets, containers for use in microwave ovens (such as containers made from paper, plastic, synthetic or natural fibers), rose stem boxes, egg cartons, potting trays, pans, trays, bowls, basket liners, candy trays, candy cups, planter trays for growing plants, disposable bowls and dishes, silverware, corsage boxes and containers, food service trays (such as those used for bakery goods, French fries, ground beef, liver and other raw meats in supermarkets, for example), boxes for hamburgers or pies and the like, and various other articles. The term “article” as used herein is intended to encompass all of the specific articles just mentioned and the term article also is intended to be interpreted broadly enough to encompass any other article having a predetermined shape where the article may be compressed and uncompressed and still be capable of substantially maintaining its intended uncompressed function. 
         [0065]    The article packaging system  10  is shown with the plurality of nested plant covers  12  in  FIGS. 1-5  as shown in  FIG. 1A , the plurality of nested plant covers  12  have a skirt portion  14 , a base portion  16 , a bottom  17 , a length  18 , a width  20  and a height  22 . The base portion  16  further has an outer peripheral surface  24 , an inner peripheral surface  26 , and a holding space  28  defined by the inner peripheral surface  26  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0066]    The article packaging system  10  (shown in  FIGS. 1B , and  2 - 4 ) also includes a holding assembly  30 . The holding assembly  30  has a base member  32  and a lid member  34 . The base member  32  has a first side  36 , a second side  38 , a first edge  40 , a second edge  42  and a bottom side  44 , all of which cooperate to define and form a base member inner retaining space  46 . The base member  32  and the base member inner retaining space  46  are shown generally in  FIG. 1B  as a carton or tray type of device. While this carton or tray type of device is one preferred embodiment of the base member  32 , the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s) should not be regarded as being limited to this embodiment: rather, all configurations of the base member  32  that meet the functional limitations and requirements herein set forth for the base member  32  are to be considered within the definition and description of the base member  32 . 
         [0067]    The lid member  34  of the holding assembly  30  has a first side  48 , a second side  50 , a first edge  52 , a second edge  54  and a top side  56 , all of which cooperate to define and form a lid member inner retaining space  58 . The lid member  34  and the lid member inner retaining space  58  are shown generally in  FIG. 1B  as a carton or tray type of device. While this carton or tray type of device is one preferred embodiment of the lid member  34 , the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s) should not be regarded as being limited to this embodiment: rather, all configurations of the lid member  34  that meet the functional limitations and requirements herein set forth for the lid member  34  are to be considered within the definition and description of the base member  32 . 
         [0068]    Optionally and in a secondary embodiment, the holding assembly  30  may also include a base portion support member  60  and a holding space support member  62 , both being shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . The base portion support member  60  is generally U-shaped and has a first flange  64 , a second flange  66  and a platform  68  suspended between the first flange  64  and the second flange  66 . Although the platform  68  is shown as being suspended from a first edge  70  of the first flange  64  and a first edge  72  of the second flange  66  in  FIGS. 2-4 , the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s) should not be considered as being limited to such a configuration. Rather, the platform  68  may be suspended from a middle portion  74  of the first flange  64  and a middle portion  76  of the second flange  66 . Alternatively, the platform  68  may be suspended from a second edge  78  of the first flange  64  and a second edge  80  of the second flange  66 . Furthermore, the platform  68  may be suspended between any of the first edge  70 , middle portion  74 , second edge  78 , first edge  72 , middle portion  76 , and second edge  80 . 
         [0069]    The platform  68  of the base portion support member  60  also has an upper surface  82 , a lower surface  84  and a passageway  86  extending there through. The passageway  86  further includes a peripheral edge  88 . The base portion support member  60  is fit around the base portion  16  of the plurality of nested plant covers  12  so as to hold and support the base portion  16  of a first plant cover  90  of the plurality of nested plant covers  12  when placed in the base member inner retaining space  46 . 
         [0070]    The holding space support member  62  has a first end  92 , a second end  94  and a length  96  extending there between. The holding space support member  62  is placed into the holding space  28  of the base portion  16  of a last plant cover  98  of the plurality of nested plant covers  12  such that the first end  92  of the holding space support member  62  is adjacent the bottom  17  of the holding space  28  of the last plant cover  98  of the plurality of nested plant covers  12 , and the second end  94  of the holding space support member  62  is adjacent the second edge  42  of the base member  32  with the length  96  of the holding space support member  62  extending there between. In this manner, the holding space support member  62  biases the plurality of nested plant covers  12  away from the second edge  42  of the base member  32  so as to keep the plurality of nested plant covers  12  in a substantially tightly nested condition or state. 
         [0071]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the holding assembly  30  forms an integrated structure when the base member  32  and the lid member  34  are matingly engaged with one another. In particular, the lid member  34  fits into the base member  32  wherein the lid member retaining space  58  and the base member inner retaining space  46  integrally mate to form a holding assembly inner retaining space  100 . The holding assembly inner retaining space  100 , when fully formed, is sized and shaped to be smaller than at least one of the length  18 , width  20  and height  22  of the plurality of nested plant covers  12  so as to put the plurality of nested plant covers  12  in the compressed state or condition when the base member  32  and the lid member  34  are integrally mated to form the holding assembly inner retaining space  100 . 
         [0072]    After the base member  32  and the lid member  34  are integrally mated to form the holding assembly inner retaining space  100  (and thereby compressing the plurality of nested plant covers  12 ), at least one securing assembly  101  (with three securing assemblies  360  being shown in  FIG. 4 ) can be placed onto the holding assembly  30  so as to hold the base member  32  and the lid member  34  in the integrally mated condition and thereby maintain the plurality of nested plant covers  12  in the compressed condition or state. One of ordinary skill in the art given the present specification would appreciate that the holding assembly  30  and the at least one securing assembly  101  may be a single unitary device. For example but not by way of limitation, cling wrap may be used such that its inherent properties would fulfill the function or operation of both the holding assembly  30  and the at least one securing assembly  101  in a single unitary device. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art given the present specification would recognize that many other devices other than the cling wrap could be used such as stretch wrap, barbs, staples, bands and so forth and these examples should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0073]    The at least one securing assembly  101  is shown in  FIG. 4  as a band or segment of adhesive tape. The at least one securing assembly  101  is not to be considered as being limited to these embodiments, however, and the at least one securing assembly  101  may be a carton, a telescoping carton, tubes, bags, shrink wrap, stretch wrap, bands, tape, adhesive, cohesive, staples, wire, ribbons, string, twine, barbs, wireless staples, staples, cling wrap, interlocking members, tabs and mating members, ratcheting members, step lock members, bonding materials, chains, slats, strapping and combinations thereof. Also, although the at least one securing assembly  101  is shown in  FIG. 4  as being placed on an outer surface  102  of the lid member  34  and extending around at least a portion of an outer surface  103  of the base member  32 , one of ordinary skill in the art would also appreciate that the at least one securing assembly  101  may be alternatively placed on the outer surface  102  of the lid member  34  and thereafter engage an inner surface  104  of the base member  32  to hold the base member  32  and the lid member  34  in the integrally mated condition. Conversely, the at least one securing assembly  101  may be placed on the inner surface  104  of the base member  32  and thereafter engage the outer surface  102  of the lid member  34  to hold the base member  32  and the lid member  34  in the integrally mated condition. 
         [0074]    Optionally and in another embodiment, the holding assembly  30  may also include a dispensing means  107  for dispensing at least one of the plurality of nested plant covers  12  from the holding assembly inner retaining space  100  of the holding assembly  30 , as shown for example in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . Although the dispensing means  107  is shown as a rectangular cutout, the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s) should not be considered as being limited to such a configuration. 
         [0075]    Preferably, the dispensing means  107  is formed in at least one of the lid member  34  and the base member  32  of the holding assembly  30  prior to the lid member  34  and base member  32  being positioned in the integrally mated condition. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the dispensing means  107  can be formed in at least one of the lid member  34  and the base member  32  of the holding assembly  30  after the lid member  34  and base member  32  are positioned partially or completely in the integrally mated condition. 
         [0076]    As shown in  FIG. 4A , the dispensing means  107  can be utilized to dispense at least one of the plurality of plant covers  12  from the holding assembly  30  when the plurality of plant covers  12  are nested. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the dispensing means  107  can be utilized to dispense at least one of the plurality of plant covers  12  from the holding assembly  30  when the plurality of plant covers  12  are unnested. In operation, once the at least one plant cover  12  is dispensed from the holding assembly  30  via the dispensing means  107 , the at least one plant cover  12  can be re-erected to its full or semi-full three-dimensional shape with one motion of pressing horizontally on two opposing sides of the at least one plant cover  12  so as to restore the at least one plant cover  12  to its fully erected form. 
         [0077]    Shown in  FIG. 5  is one embodiment of a compressing assembly  105  used to place the lid member  34  and the base member  32  in the integrally mated condition and thereby placing the plurality of nested plant covers  12  in the compressed condition or state. The compressing assembly  105  includes a containing member  106  and a compressing member  108 . 
         [0078]    The containing member  106  includes a first side  110 , a second side  112 , a first edge  114 , a second edge  116 , a bottom  118 , a top portion  120  and a bottom portion  122 , all of which cooperate to form a retaining space  124  having an inner peripheral surface  126  and an outer peripheral surface  128 . At least one of the first side  110 , the second side  112 , the first edge  114  and the second edge  116  have at least one access point  130  (with six access points  130  being shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C ). 
         [0079]    Although a biasing member  132  is shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C , the biasing member  132  is an optional element and part of an alternate embodiment of the containing member  106  of the compressing assembly  105 . The biasing member  132  has a top edge  134  and a bottom edge  136  and is generally triangularly shaped with the top edge  134  being generally narrower in a first depth  138  than a second depth  140  at the bottom edge  136  of the biasing member  132 . The biasing member  132  acts to position the outer surface  102  of the first side  48 , the second side  50 , the first edge  52  and the second edge  54  of the lid member  34  into a configuration so as too easily fit adjacent the inner surface  104  of the first side  36 , the second side  38 , the first edge  40  and the second edge  42  of the base member  32 . 
         [0080]    As mentioned and shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C , the compressing assembly  105  includes the compressing member  108 . The compressing member  108  has a plunging member  142 , a cross-member  144 , a plurality of pressuring members  146  and a plurality of compression members  148 . The plunging member  142  includes a first end  150 , a second end  152  and a length  154  there between. The cross-member  144  includes a first end  156 , a second end  158  and a length  160  there between. The plurality of pressuring members  146  includes a first end  162 , a second end  164  and a length  166  there between. The plurality of compression members  148  includes an upper surface  168 , a lower surface  170  and an outer peripheral edge  172 . Although there are shown four pressuring members  146  in  FIGS. 5A-5C , any number of the pressuring members  146  may exist. Likewise, although there are shown four compression members  148  in  FIGS. 5A-5C , any number of compression members  148  may exist. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the number of pressuring members  146  and the number of compression members  148  may be widely varied and the inventive concept(s) should not be considered as being limited to any specific number and certainly should not be limited to the number shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C . 
         [0081]    In operation, the article packaging system  10  packages, stores and/or ships a plurality of articles such as the plurality of nested plant covers  12 . One such use of the packaging system  10  is shown in  FIGS. 1-5  with alternative embodiments shown in the remaining figures. The plurality of nested plant covers  12  are placed in the base member inner retaining space  46 . In an alternate embodiment (shown in  FIGS. 2-4 ), prior to the plurality of nested plant covers  12  being placed in the base member inner retaining space  46 , the base portion support member  60  is placed on the base portion  16  of the first plant cover  90  of the plurality of nested plant covers  12  and the holding space support member  62  is placed within the holding space  28  of the last plant cover  98  of the plurality of nested plant covers  12 . While the process is described as placing the plurality of nested plant covers  12  in the base member inner retaining space  46 , it is also contemplated that the plurality of nested plant covers  12  could be initially placed within the lid member inner retaining space  58  as well. 
         [0082]    Once the plurality of nested plant covers  12  are placed in the base member inner retaining space  46  of the base member  32 , the lid member  34  is fitted within the base member  32  such that the outer surface  102  of the lid member  34  is adjacent the inner surface  104  of the base member  32 . Alternatively and not shown, the lid member  34  may be fitted around the base member  32  such that an inner surface  173  of the lid member  34  is adjacent the outer surface  103  of the base member  32 . In either embodiment, the base member  32  and the lid member  34  form a telescoping box-like configuration integrally mating to define and form the holding assembly inner retaining space  100 . 
         [0083]    After the mating of the base member  32  and the lid member  34  is accomplished thereby placing the plurality of nested plant covers  12  in the holding assembly inner retaining space  100 , the bottom side  44  of the base member  32  and top side  56  of the lid member  34  are urged generally toward one another to thereby compress and place the plurality of nested plant covers  12  in a compressed state or condition. The term “compressed state or condition” means that the plurality of nested plant covers  12  have at least one of the length  18 , the width  20  and the height  22  being less in the compressed state or condition than a similar plurality of nested plant covers that are in a fully uncompressed condition or state. The term “compressed state or condition” may also be conceptualized or described as the state or condition wherein the holding assembly inner retaining space  100  has a volume that is less than the volume of a plurality of nested plant covers in a fully erected and uncompressed condition or state. 
         [0084]    It is contemplated that the plurality of nested plant covers  12  in the compressed condition or state are compressed to a percentage of the fully uncompressed condition from about 5 to about 10 percent, from about 10 to about 15 percent, from about 15 to about 20 percent, from about 20 to about 25 percent, from about 25 to about 30 percent, from about 30 to about 35 percent, from about 35 to about 40 percent, from about 40 to about 45 percent, from about 45 to about 50 percent, from about 50 to about 55 percent, from about 55 to about 60 percent, from about 60 to about 65 percent, from about 65 to about 70 percent, from about 70 to about 75 percent, from about 75 to about 80 percent, from about 80 to about 85 percent, from about 85 to about 90 percent, from about 90 to about 95 percent and from about 95 to about 99 percent. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of nested plant covers  12  are compressed from about 40 to about 60 percent, an amount that allows for the compressed plurality of nested plant covers  12  to be rearticulated or uncompressed without substantially affecting the structure or appearance of the plurality of nested plant covers  12 . In a further preferred embodiment, the plurality of nested plant covers  12  are compressed about 50 percent, an amount that allows for the compressed plurality of nested plant covers  12  to be rearticulated or uncompressed without substantially affecting the structure or appearance of the plurality of nested plant covers  12 . 
         [0085]    Once the plurality of nested plant covers  12  have been compressed within the holding assembly inner retaining space  100 , the at least one securing assembly  101  is applied too at least a portion of the outer surface  102  of the lid member  34  and too at least a portion of the outer surface  103  of the base member  32  to maintain the holding assembly  30  in the compressed condition or state. It should also be apparent that the at least one securing assembly  101  may be placed on at least a portion of the outer surface  102  of the lid member  34  and too at least a portion of the outer surface  103  of the base member  32  prior to the step of compressing the holding assembly  30 . In this embodiment, the at least one securing assembly  101  could be the means of compressing the holding assembly  30  or the at least one securing assembly  101  could be activated by the act of compressing the holding assembly  30  and thereafter maintain the holding assembly  30  in the compressed state or condition. 
         [0086]    Any method by which the plurality of nested plant covers  12  can be compressed within the holding assembly  30  is contemplated as being within the scope of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s). While preferred embodiments of means in which to compress the holding assembly  30  are hereinafter set forth in detail, these preferred embodiments should not be regarded as limiting. Rather, these embodiments are set forth for the purpose of explaining one or more ways in which to compress the holding assembly  30  and thereby compress the plurality of nested plant covers  12  along at least one of the length  18 , the width  20  and/or the height  22 . 
         [0087]    One such embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C . In this embodiment, the plurality of nested plant covers  12  is placed in the base member inner retaining space  46 . The base member  32  containing the plurality of nested plant covers  12  is thereafter placed in the retaining space  124  of the containing member  106  of the compressing assembly  105 . When placed in the retaining space  124 , the outer surface  103  of the base member  32  is substantially adjacent the inner peripheral surface  126  of the containing member  106 . The lid member  34  is then positioned over the retaining space  124  of the containing member  106  containing the base member  32 . The lid member  34  is then moved downwardly (or the containing member  106  is moved upwardly) such that the outer surface  102  of the lid member  34  engages the biasing member  132  and thereafter the biasing member  132  urges at least one of the first side  48 , the second side  50 , the first edge  52  or the second edge  54  of the lid member  34  to fit within the base member  32  such that the outer surface  102  of the lid member  34  is substantially adjacent the inner surface  104  of the base member  32 . In this manner the plurality of nested plant covers  12  are placed in the compressed condition or state within the holding assembly inner retaining space  100 . 
         [0088]    The act of moving the lid member  34  downwardly to engage with the base member  32  to compress the plurality of nested plant covers  12  within the holding assembly inner retaining space  100  can be accomplished in any number of ways. In the simplest embodiment, the lid member  34  is moved downwardly by hand to engage with the base member  32 . Alternatively, any mechanical method may be used and the method may be fully automatic, partially automatic or manually actuated and used. 
         [0089]    One such mechanical method is shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C . In  FIGS. 5B and 5C  the compressing member  108  is shown as urging or moving the lid member  34  downwardly so as to engage the base member  32 . In particular, the lower surface  170  of the plurality of compression members  148  are placed substantially adjacent to and in contact with the outer surface  102  of the lid member  34 . The compressing member  108  is thereafter moved downwardly causing the lid member  34  to matingly engage the base member  32  and thereafter compress the plurality of nested plant covers  12  within the holding assembly inner retaining space  100 . The compressing member  108  is shown in  FIG. 5C  as maintaining downward pressure on the outer surface  102  of the lid member  34  (thereby maintaining the plurality of plant covers  12  in the compressed state or condition) while at least one securing assembly  101  is placed adjacent at least a portion of at least one of the outer surface  102  of the lid member  34  and the outer surface  103  of the base member  32  so as to maintain and secure the plurality of nested plant covers  12  in the holding assembly inner retaining space  100  in the compressed condition or state. 
         [0090]    The first end  150  of the plunging member  142  may be connected to any type of machinery (not shown) that is capable of moving the compressing member  108  vertically so as to be capable of reversibly applying pressure or compressive force on the holding assembly  30 . Alternatively, the first end  150  of the plunging member  142  may be manually grasped (not shown) and moved in a vertical manner so as to be capable of reversibly applying pressure or compressive force on the holding assembly  30 . 
         [0091]    Once the at least one securing assembly  101  is placed about the holding assembly  30  to maintain the holding assembly  30  in the compressed condition or state, the compressing member  108  is removed and the holding assembly  30  containing the compressed plurality of nested plant covers  12  in the holding assembly inner retaining space  100  is removed from the containing member  106  of the compressing assembly  105  to provide a plurality of compressed plant covers (i.e., a compressed article) in a package that can be stored and shipped in an economical and efficient manner. 
         [0092]      FIGS. 6A-6H  show one embodiment of a semi-automated or fully automated method of compressing the plurality of nested plant covers  12  in the holding assembly  30 . Shown in  FIGS. 6A-6H  is a compressing assembly  105   a . The compressing assembly  105   a  includes a containing member  106   a , a compressing member  108   a , a conveyor assembly  174  and a securing member  176 . The compressing member  108   a  includes a plunging member  142   a , a cross member  144   a  and a plurality of compression members  148   a . The plunging member  142   a  has a first end  150   a , a second end  152   a  and a length  154   a  extending between the first end  150   a  and the second end  152   a . The cross member  144   a  includes an upper surface  178 , a lower surface  180  and an outer peripheral edge  182 . The plurality of compression members  148   a  are shown in  FIGS. 6A-6H  as being integrally attached to the lower surface  180  of the cross member  144   a . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6A-6H , the compression members  148   a  are rollers or any other device capable of moving independently of the cross member  144   a  and in a direction generally perpendicular to the movement of the cross member  144   a  and parallel to the movement of the holding assembly  30  through the compressing assembly  105   a.    
         [0093]    The containing member  106   a  is shown in  FIGS. 6A-6H  as being generally box-shaped although the containing member  106   a  can be of any shape and size as long as it maintains the function ascribed to the containing member  106   a . Indeed, the containing member  106   a  is an optional element of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s) and one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the containing member  106   a  is not essential to the operation of the compressing assembly  105   a . When used and as shown in  FIGS. 6A-6H , the containing member  106   a  includes an opening  184 , an exit  186  and a passageway  188 . 
         [0094]    The conveyor assembly  174  includes a staging member  190  and a conveyor belt assembly  192 . The securing member  176  includes an opening  194 , an exit  196  and a passageway  198  extending between the opening  194  and the exit  196  of the securing member  176 . The conveyor belt assembly  192  is positioned and extends under the containing member  106   a  and through the securing member  176 . Alternatively (not shown), the conveyor belt assembly  192  may be positioned and extend through the containing member  106   a  as well as through the securing member  176 . 
         [0095]    In operation, the holding assembly  30  containing the plurality of nested plant covers  12  is placed on the staging member  190 . Alternatively, the base member  32  may be placed on the staging member  190  and thereafter the plurality of nested plant covers  12  are placed within the base member inner retaining space  46  with the lid member  34  then being matingly engaged with the base member  32  as described herein above with respect to the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-5 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the holding assembly  30  can be constructed prior to placing it on the staging member  190 , that the holding assembly  30  can be partially constructed prior to placing it on the staging member  190  or that the holding assembly  30  can be fully constructed on the staging member  190 . As can be appreciated from  FIG. 6A , the base member  32  and the lid member  34  when placed on the staging member  190  may only be partially matingly engaged with one another —, i.e., the outer surface  102  of the lid member  34  may only be partially adjacent the inner surface  104  of the base member  32  such that the plurality of nested plant covers are not compressed or only partially compressed. 
         [0096]    After the holding assembly  30  is placed on the staging member  190 , it is moved onto the conveyor belt assembly  192  and into the passageway  188  of the containing member  106   a  as shown in  FIG. 6B . After placing the holding assembly  30  into the passageway  188 , the compressing member  108   a  is activated and moves downwardly such that the plurality of compression members  148   a  engage at least a portion of the outer surface  102  of the lid member  34  and urge or move the lid member  34  downwardly toward the base member  32  thereby compressing the holding assembly  30  and the plurality of nested plant covers  12  contained in the holding assembly inner retaining space  100 . An alternate view of the containing member  106   a , the holding assembly  30  and the compressing member  108   a  is shown in  FIG. 6D  and more clearly shows the compression of the holding assembly  30  and the plurality of nested plant covers  12  within the holding assembly inner retaining space  100 . 
         [0097]    As shown in  FIG. 6C , after the holding assembly  30  is compressed, the holding assembly  30  is moved along the conveyor belt assembly  192  out of the containing member  106   a  and through the passageway  198  of the securing member  176  wherein at least one securing assembly  101   a  is placed about the holding assembly  30 . The at least one securing assembly  101   a  is the same as the at least one securing assembly  101  and performs the same function, i.e., to maintain the holding assembly  30  in the compressed state or condition after compression. As the holding assembly  30  moves through the securing member  176 , additional securing assemblies  101   a  may be applied about the holding assembly  30  with three such securing assemblies  101   a  being shown applied to the holding assembly  30  in  FIGS. 6E-6G . 
         [0098]    An alternate embodiment of the conveyor assembly  174  is shown in  FIG. 6H  as further including a secondary plunging member  200  which may be automatically, semi-automatically or manually actuated to assist in the movement of the holding assembly  30  through the containing member  106   a . In operation, the secondary plunging member  200  has a first end  202 , a second end  204  and a length  206  extending there between. The first end  202  of the secondary plunging member  200  is placed adjacent the outer surface  103  of the base member  32  and thereafter the secondary plunging member  200  is moved in a direction indicated by arrow  208  and generally toward the securing member  176 . In this manner, the secondary plunging member  200  assists in moving the holding assembly  30  through the containing member  106   a  and the securing member  176 . 
         [0099]    An alternate embodiment of the compressing assembly is shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C  and referenced generally as a compressing assembly  105   b . The compressing assembly  105   b  is generally similar to the compressing assembly  105   a  described herein above except that an extension conveyor assembly  210  is further included. The extension conveyor assembly  210  is generally disposed a distance  212  above the conveyor assembly  174  and is placed in line between the containing member  106   a  and the securing member  176 . 
         [0100]    In operation, the holding assembly  30  is passed through the containing member  106   a  and compressed via the compressing member  108   a  (as shown in  FIG. 7B ) such that the holding assembly  30  fits between the extension conveyor assembly  210  and the conveyor assembly  174 . In combination, the extension conveyor assembly  210  and the conveyor assembly  174  thereafter move the compressed holding assembly  30  into the securing member  176  wherein at least one securing assembly  101   a  is placed about the compressed holding assembly  30  to maintain the compressed holding assembly  30  and the plurality of nested plant covers  12  in the compressed condition or state. 
         [0101]    A further embodiment of the compressing assembly is shown in  FIGS. 8A-8B  and referenced generally as a compressing assembly  105   c . The compressing assembly  105   c  includes the securing member  176  and the conveyor assembly  174 . The compressing assembly  105   c  also includes a second conveyor assembly  214  having a tapered portion  216  and a horizontal portion  218 . The second conveyor assembly  214  is disposed generally above the conveyor assembly  174 . The tapered portion  216  of the second conveyor assembly  214  defines a tapered channel  220  disposed between the conveyor assembly  174  and the tapered portion  216  of the second conveyor assembly  214 . The horizontal portion  218  of the second conveyor assembly  214  defines a horizontal channel  222  disposed between the conveyor assembly  174  and the horizontal portion  218  of the second conveyor assembly  214 . 
         [0102]    In operation, the holding assembly  30  having the plurality of plant covers  12  disposed therein is placed within the tapered channel  220  and moved into the horizontal channel  222  and generally toward the securing member  176 . As the holding assembly  30  is moved through the tapered channel  220  and into the horizontal channel  222 , the lid member  34  is moved generally downward so as too integrally mate with the base member  32  and thereby compress the plurality of nested plant covers  12  within the holding assembly inner retaining space  100 . As the compressed holding assembly  30  leaves the horizontal channel  222 , the compressed holding assembly  30  enters the securing member  176  wherein at least one securing assembly  101  is placed around the compressed holding assembly  30  so as to hold the compressed holding assembly  30  in the compressed condition and/or state. 
         [0103]    An alternative embodiment of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is shown in  FIGS. 9A through 9D  and designated as article packaging system  10   d . Article packaging system  10   d  includes the plurality of nested plant covers  12 , a holding assembly  30   d  and a compressing assembly  105   d . The plurality of nested plant covers  12  used with the article packaging system  10   d  are identical to the plurality of nested plant covers previously described herein. As such, the description of the plurality of nested plant covers  12  will not be repeated here. 
         [0104]    The holding assembly  30   d  is shown in  FIGS. 9A through 9D  as generally being a carton type of container having a base member  32   d . The base member  32   d  has an inner surface  104   d , an outer surface  103   d , a bottom side  44   d , a top side  224  and an inner retaining space  46   d.    
         [0105]    The compressing assembly  105   d  includes an urging member  232  and a biasing member  234 . The biasing member  234  has an inner surface  236 , an outer surface  238 , a top side  240  having a width  242 , a bottom side  244  having a width  246 , and a passageway  248  defined by the inner surface  236  and extending from the top side  240  to the bottom side  244 . As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 9A , the width  242  of the top side  240  of the biasing member  234  is greater than the width  246  of the bottom side  244  of the biasing member  234 . The urging member  232  has a first end  250 , a second end  252  and a length  254  extending between the first end  250  and the second end  252 . 
         [0106]    In operation, the bottom side  244  of the biasing member  234  is placed adjacent and, in at least one embodiment, within the top side  224  of the base member  32   d . In this embodiment, the width  246  of the bottom side  244  of the biasing member  234  is less than a width  256  of the inner retaining space  46   d . The plurality of nested plant covers  12  are then placed adjacent the top side  240  of the biasing member  234 . The first end  250  of the urging member  232  is then brought into contact with the plurality of nested plant covers  12  such that the plurality of nested plant covers  12  are urged into and through the passageway  248  of the biasing member  234  and into the inner retaining space  46   d  of the base member  32   d . As the plurality of nested plant covers are urged through the passageway  248  of the biasing member  234 , they are compressed along at least one of their length  18 , width  20  or height  22 . Once in the inner retaining space  46   d  of the base member  32   d , the biasing member  234  is removed and the top side  224  of the base member  32   d  is closed or sealed to thereby provide a compressed and packaged system including the plurality of nested plant covers  12  shown in  FIG. 9C . In an alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 9D , the width  242  of the top side  240  of the biasing member  234  may be adjustable so as to accommodate differing sizes of the plurality of nested plant covers  12  into the base member  32   d . In the embodiment of  FIG. 9D , the biasing member  234  has at least one hinge (not shown) that allows the width  242  of the top side  240  of the biasing member  234  to be varied. 
         [0107]    In yet another embodiment of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s), shown in  FIGS. 10-10B  is an article packaging system  10   e  which includes the plurality of nested plant covers  12 , a holding assembly  30   e  having a base member  32   e  having a plurality of supports  258 , and at least one securing assembly  101   e . The plurality of nested plant covers  12  used with the article packaging system  10   e  is identical to the plurality of nested plant covers previously described herein. As such, the description of the plurality of nested plant covers  12  will not be repeated here. 
         [0108]    In operation, the plurality of supports  258  are placed generally about the plurality of nested plant covers  12  with three such supports  258  being shown positioned about the plurality of nested plant covers  12  in  FIGS. 10-10B . The plurality of nested plant covers  12  are then compressed along at least one of their width  20 , height  22  and length  18  with the plurality of nested plant covers  12  being shown compressed along their width  20  in  FIGS. 10-10B . After the plurality of nested plant covers  12  are compressed, at least one securing assembly  101   e  is placed around the plurality of nested plant covers  12  and the plurality of supports  258  such that the plurality of nested plant covers  12  are held in a compressed state. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the at least one securing assembly  101   e  could be applied around the plurality of nested plant covers  12  and the plurality of supports  258  either prior to or immediately after the plurality of nested plant covers  12  are compressed along at least one of their width, height and length. 
         [0109]    In an alternate embodiment of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), shown in  FIGS. 11-11C  is an article packaging system  10   f  which includes the plurality of nested plant covers  12 , a holding assembly  30   f , a support assembly  259  and a conveyor assembly  174   f . The holding assembly  30   f  includes an outer surface  260 , an inner surface  261 , and an inner retaining space  100   f . The support assembly  259  includes an arm member  262  having a hanging assembly  264 , an upright member  266  and a base  268 . The conveyor assembly  174   f  includes an activation assembly  270 . 
         [0110]    As shown in  FIGS. 11-11C , the holding assembly  30   f  is a bag-like device or member capable of receiving the plurality of nested plant covers  12  within the inner retaining space  100   f . The holding assembly  30   f  may be constructed of any material capable of receiving the plurality of nested plant covers  12  and may be for example but not be limited to, cellophane, plastic, paper, cloth, synthetic polymers, natural polymers, burlap and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the holding assembly  30   f  would comprise a shrink-wrap type of material such that the holding assembly  30   f  can be made to conform to the contours of the plurality of nested plant covers  12  disposed in the inner retaining space  1001  of the holding assembly  30   f.    
         [0111]    As shown in  FIG. 11A , the holding assembly  30   f  may also include a bonding assembly  272  that is capable of substantially closing and holding closed an upper end  274  of the holding assembly  30   f . The bonding assembly, as used herein, is interchangeable with the term “bonding material.” The term “bonding material” when used herein means an adhesive, frequently a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a cohesive. When the bonding material is a cohesive, a similar cohesive material must be placed on the adjacent surface for bondingly contacting and bondingly engaging with the cohesive material. The term “bonding material” also includes materials which are heat sealable and, in this instance, the adjacent portions of the material must be brought into contact and then heat must be applied to effect the seal. The term “bonding material” also includes materials which are sonic sealable and vibratory sealable. The term “bonding material” when used herein also means a heat sealing lacquer or hot melt material which may be applied to the material and, in this instance, heat, sound waves, or vibrations, also must be applied to effect the sealing. 
         [0112]    The term “bonding material” when used herein also means any type of material or thing which can be used to effect the bonding or connecting of the two adjacent portions of the material or sheet of material to effect the connection or bonding described herein. The term “bonding material” may also include ties, labels, bands, ribbons, strings, tapes (including single or double-sided adhesive tapes), staples or combinations thereof. Some of the bonding materials would secure the ends of the material while other bonding material may bind the circumference of a wrapper, or a sleeve, or, alternatively and/or in addition, the bonding materials would secure overlapping folds in the material and/or sleeve. Another way to secure the wrapping and/or sleeve is to heat seal the ends of the material to another portion of the material. One way to do this is to contact the ends with an iron of sufficient heat to heat seal the material. 
         [0113]    Alternatively, a cold seal adhesive may be utilized as the bonding material. The cold seal adhesive adheres only to a similar substrate, acting similarly as a cohesive, and binds only to itself. The cold seal adhesive, since it bonds only to a similar substrate, does not cause a residue to build up on equipment, thereby both permitting much more rapid disposition and use of such equipment to form articles and reducing labor costs. Further, since no heat is required to effect the seal, the dwell time, that is, the time for the sheet of material to form and retain the shape of an article, such as a flower pot cover or flower pot, is reduced. A cold seal adhesive binds quickly and easily with minimal pressure, and such a seal is not readily releasable. This characteristic is different from, for example, a pressure sensitive adhesive. 
         [0114]    The term “bonding material” when used herein also means any heat or chemically shrinkable material, and static electrical or other electrical materials, chemical welding materials, magnetic materials, mechanical or barb-type fastening materials or clamps, curl-type characteristics of the film or materials incorporated in material which can cause the material to take on certain shapes, cling films, slots, grooves, shrinkable materials and bands, curl materials, springs, and any type of welding method which may weld portions of the material to itself or to the plurality of nested plant covers  12 , or to both the material itself and the plurality of nested plant covers  12 . 
         [0115]    In operation, the plurality of nested plant covers  12  are placed in the inner retaining space  100   f  of the holding assembly  30   f  in a direction indicated generally by arrow  276 . Once the plurality of nested plant covers  12  are placed in the inner retaining space  100   f , the upper end  274  of the holding assembly  30   f  is substantially closed by the bonding assembly  272 . Thereafter, the holding assembly  30   f  is removed from the support assembly  259  and placed on the conveyor assembly  174   f . The conveyor assembly  174   f  enters and extends through the activation assembly  270  such that the holding assembly  30   f  is moved into and through the activation assembly  270 . Once in the activation assembly  270 , the holding assembly  30   f  is shrunk so as too substantially conform to the size and shape of the plurality of nested plant covers  12 . The activation assembly  270  may be an oven wherein the heat generated by the activation assembly  270  causes the holding assembly  30   f  to shrink. Alternatively, the activation assembly  270  may be a device capable of generating microwaves which cause the holding assembly  30   f  to shrink and substantially conform to the size and shape of the plurality of nested plant covers  12 . One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the activation assembly  270  may be any device capable of causing the holding assembly  30   f  to contract and/or shrink so as too substantially conform to the size and shape of the plurality of nested plant covers  12 . In a more preferred embodiment, the activation assembly  270  would cause the holding assembly  30   f  to shrink or compress to such an extent that the plurality of nested plant covers  12  would be reduced in overall area such that the compressed plurality of nested plant covers  12  take up less space than an uncompressed and plurality of nested flower pot covers. Such a compressed plurality of nested plant covers  12  are shown in  FIG. 11C . 
         [0116]    A further embodiment of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is shown in  FIGS. 12A-12C , as an article packaging system  10   g . The article packaging system  10   g  includes the plurality of nested plant covers  12 , a holding assembly  30   g , a support assembly  259   g , and a securing assembly  101   g . The holding assembly  30   g  includes a base member  32   g  having a plurality of supports  258   g  which are arranged in such a manner so as to provide an inner retaining space  46   g . The support assembly  259   g  includes an upright member  266   g  and a base  268   g . The plurality of supports  258   g  operably engage the base  268   g  such that they may be placed into the base  268   g , be supported therein and later be removed partially or completely from the base  268   g.    
         [0117]    The securing assembly  101   g  includes a spindle  282  and a securing element  284 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12A-12C , the securing element  284  is a web of material that is wound around the spindle  282 . Alternatively, the securing element  284  may be wound around a spool (not shown) and the spool is thereafter placed on the spindle  282 . The web of material can be any material such that the securing element  284  is capable of being wrapped around an object. For example but not by way of limitation, the web of material may be cling wrap, polymer wrap and/or any other material capable of reversibly or irreversibly bonding to itself. Alternatively, the web of material may be coated with a bonding material as described herein above. Indeed, the web of material may include any material previously disclosed herein for use with any of the embodiments of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). 
         [0118]    In operation, the plurality of nested plant covers  12  are placed in the inner retaining space  46   g  that is created by the plurality of supports  258   g  which are placed into the base  268   g  of the support assembly  259   g . The securing element  284  is thereafter wound about the plurality of supports  258   g  and thereby squeezing the plurality of nested plant covers  12 . The squeezed plurality of nested plant covers  12  occupy space or volume less that the space or volume of the uncompressed plurality of nested plant covers  12 . After the securing element  284  is wound around the entirety of the plurality of supports  258   g , the securing element  284  is severed or torn along a detachment element  286  which, as shown in  FIG. 12B , comprises a series of perforations in the securing element  284 . Once the securing element  284  has been severed or torn, the plurality of supports  258   g  are removed thereby leaving a compressed plurality of nested plant covers  12  occupying substantially less space or volume than an uncompressed plurality of nested plant covers  12 . 
         [0119]    Changes may be made in the construction and operation of the various components, elements and assemblies described herein or in the steps or sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined in the following claims.