US20060266004A1 - Flower pot cover with indented ring portion and apparatus for forming same - Google Patents
Flower pot cover with indented ring portion and apparatus for forming same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060266004A1 US20060266004A1 US11/475,348 US47534806A US2006266004A1 US 20060266004 A1 US20060266004 A1 US 20060266004A1 US 47534806 A US47534806 A US 47534806A US 2006266004 A1 US2006266004 A1 US 2006266004A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- flower pot
- pot cover
- female die
- male die
- indented
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
- B65B11/02—Wrapping articles or quantities of material, without changing their position during the wrapping operation, e.g. in moulds with hinged folders
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G7/00—Flower holders or the like
- A47G7/02—Devices for supporting flower-pots or cut flowers
- A47G7/08—Covers for flower-pots, e.g. ornamental pots
- A47G7/085—Covers for flower-pots, e.g. ornamental pots made of flexible sheets of non-resilient material
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1002—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina
- Y10T156/1028—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina by bending, drawing or stretch forming sheet to assume shape of configured lamina while in contact therewith
Abstract
An apparatus and method is provided for forming a flower pot cover with at least one indented portion to retain the flower pot cover on the flower pot. The apparatus includes a male and female die. The female die has a plurality of fingers movable radially into an opening of the female die. The male die has a recess formed between the lower end and the upper end and adapted to receive the fingers of the female die to form the at least one indented portion of the flower pot cover when the sheet of material is pressed between the female die and the male die.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/687,038, filed Oct. 16, 2003, now abandoned; which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 60/419,134, filed Oct. 16, 2002. The entire contents of each of the above-referenced patent applications are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates generally to an article forming apparatus, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an improved apparatus and method for forming an article, such as a flower pot cover having an indented ring portion from a sheet of material.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flower pot cover constructed in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the flower pot cover ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a cutaway, partial sectional view of the flower pot cover ofFIG. 1 shown with a flower pot disposed therein. -
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a molding apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention for forming the flower pot cover ofFIG. 1 -
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the molding apparatus ofFIG. 4 shown with a male die engaged with the female die. - The present invention is generally directed to an apparatus for forming an article having a predetermined shape from a sheet of material which is commonly referred to in the art as a “film.” The sheet of material contemplated to be used with the present invention is fabricated from a polymeric material selected from a group consisting of polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or combinations thereof. The sheet of material contemplated to be used with the present invention is also relatively thin having a thickness in a range from about 0.5 mil to about 30 mil, and the sheet of material is very flexible and flimsy so that the sheet of material will not normally maintain or hold a predetermined formed shape (non-shape sustaining).
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FIGS. 1-3 illustrate aflower pot cover 10 preferably, although not exclusively, formed from a generally square-shaped sheet ofmaterial 12. Theflower pot cover 10 includes abase 14 having an open upper end 16, a closedlower end 18, an object opening 20 extending through the upper end 16, and a decorative border orskirt 22 which extends at an angle upwardly and outwardly from the upper end 16 of thebase 14. Thedecorative border 22 includes four accentuated and sculptured flared petal-like portions 24. Each flared petal-like portion 24 terminates with a pointed end which is formed by one of the four corners of the square-shaped sheet ofmaterial 12. Further, each flared petal-like portion 24 extends a distance at an angle upwardly and outwardly from the upper end 16 of thebase 14 terminating with the pointed end of the flared petal-like portion 24. The flared petal-like portions 24 are spaced apart circumferentially about thedecorative border 22 with the flared petal-like portions 24 being spaced apart at about ninety degree intervals, and a flare connectingportion 26 disposed between each pair of adjacent flared petal-like portions 24. Each of theflare connecting portions 26 extends a distance angularly upwardly and outwardly from the upper end 16 of thebase 14 less than the distances which the pointed ends of the flared petal-like portions 24 extend from the upper end 16 of thebase 14. - The object opening 20 of the
flower pot cover 10 is shaped and sized to receive a flower pot 27 (FIG. 3 ). When theflower pot 27 is disposed in the object opening 20 of theflower pot cover 10, thebase 14 substantially encompasses the outer peripheral surface of theflower pot 27 extending generally between the upper and the lower ends of theflower pot 27 with the upper end 16 of thebase 14 being disposed generally near the upper end of theflower pot 27 and thelower end 18 of theflower pot cover 10 being disposed generally near the lower end of theflower pot 27. The closedlower end 18 of theflower pot cover 10 extends across and encompasses the lower end of the flower pot. When theflower pot cover 10 is disposed about the flower pot, thedecorative border 22 of theflower pot cover 10 extends a distance angularly upwardly and outwardly from the upper end of the flower pot and theflower pot cover 10 extends generally circumferentially about the upper end of the flower pot. - The
base 14 of theflower pot cover 10 includes a plurality of longitudinal, overlapping folds 28 (only some of the overlappingfolds 28 being designated by a reference numeral in the drawings). Substantial portions of theoverlapping folds 28 extend at angles to a vertical direction and at angles to a horizontal direction, the various angles being arbitrary and varying from oneoverlapping fold 28 to anotheroverlapping fold 28. Further, thebase 14 includes a plurality of overlappingfolds 28 with the various overlappingfolds 28 being positioned at various positions about the entire outer peripheral surface of thebase 14 and at various positions between the upper and thelower ends 16 and 18 of thebase 14. The overlappingfolds 28 provide an overall decorative appearance to thebase 14. However, more significantly, the overlappingfolds 28 provide mechanical strength to thebase 14 for enabling thebase 14 to stand upright (substantially retain the shape formed by the apparatus of the present invention described below) on the closedlower end 18 of thebase 14. In this manner, thebase 14 of theflower pot cover 10 has sufficient mechanical strength to stand upright about a flower pot without the necessity of mechanically connecting thebase 14 to a flower pot, other than the connection normally provided when the lower end of a flower pot engages thelower end 18 of theflower pot cover 10 when theflower pot cover 10 is disposed about a flower pot. - Each
overlapping fold 28 extends an arbitrary distance and most of the overlappingfolds 28 extend at arbitrary angles over thebase 14. This structure enhances the mechanical strength of thebase 14, as compared to the mechanical strength which might be imparted to thebase 14 by overlapping folds extending only in vertical or horizontal directions. Significantly, the overlappingfolds 28 permit relatively thin sheets (films) of material to be utilized to form the decorativeflower pot cover 10 in a manner and for reasons to be discussed further below. - The
base 14 is further shown to have at least one indentedportion 29, such as an indented ring portion, at the upper end of thebase 14. The indentedportion 29 serves to retain theflower pot cover 10 on theflower pot 27. Theindented portion 29 extends about thebase 14 and inwardly a distance sufficient to extend over the upper rim of theflower pot 27. WhileFIG. 2 illustrates a continuous indented ring portion, it is to be understood that the scope of the present invention includes the use of a single indentation or a plurality of indentations, such as one or more dimples formed on a golf ball, as well as other shapes, including but not limited to, one or more segments or arcs of indented portions that may form a continuous or semi-continuous ring portion. - The sheet of
material 12 has an upper surface 30 and alower surface 32, and either the upper surface 30 or thelower surface 32 or both the upper surface 30 and thelower surface 32 are adapted to be bondable so that when portions of the bondable surface are brought into bondable contact, such portions are bondably connected. The overlappingfolds 28 are formed by overlapping portions of the bondable surface and bringing such overlapping portions into bondable engagement or contact. In this manner, the overlappingfolds 28 are permanently fixed in theflower pot cover 10. When anoverlapping fold 28 is formed with a portion of the sheet ofmaterial 12 during the forming of theflower pot cover 10, portions of the upper surface 30 are overlapped and brought into bondable contact or engagement and, with respect to the same overlappingfold 28, portions of thelower surface 32 also are overlapped and brought into bondable contact or engagement. - As mentioned before, at least one of the upper and the
lower surfaces 30 and 32 is prepared to form a bondable surface which is adapted to be bonded to portions of a similar bondable surface when bondably contacted with a similar bondable surface portion. Thus, in those instances when only thelower surface 32 is prepared to form a bondablelower surface 32, the overlapping portions of the bondablelower surface 32 are brought into bondable contact during the forming of theflower pot cover 10 and such overlapping portions are bonded to form the overlappingfolds 28. The corresponding overlapping portions of the upper surface 30 are not bonded. Similarly, in those instances when only the upper surface 30 is prepared to form a bondable upper surface 30, the overlapping portions of the bondable upper surface 30 are brought into bondable contact during the forming of theflower pot cover 10 and such overlapping portions are bonded to form the overlappingfolds 28. The corresponding overlapping portions of thelower surface 32 are not bonded. Finally, in those instances when both the upper and thelower surfaces 30 and 32 are prepared to form bondable upper andlower surfaces 30 and 32, the overlapping portions of the upper and thelower surfaces 30 and 32 forming each overlappingfold 28 are brought into bondable contact during the forming of theflower pot cover 10 and such overlapping portions of the upper and thelower surfaces 30 and 32 are bonded to form the overlappingfolds 28. - It has been found to be necessary only to prepare one of the upper and the
lower surfaces 30 or 32 to form a bondable surface so theflower pot cover 10 is formable from the film sheet ofmaterial 12 having sufficient mechanical strength to retain its formed shape in accordance with the present invention. However, it should be noted that preparing both the upper and thelower surfaces 30 and 32 to form bondable surfaces provides additional mechanical strength which may be desired in some applications and particularly in those applications where the additional mechanical strength is needed to enable the formed article to maintain or retain its formed shape. Such additional strength may be desired either because of the particular shape of the article or the particular thickness or characteristics of the particular film forming the sheet ofmaterial 12. Various techniques are utilized to prepare the sheet ofmaterial 12 with at least one bondable surface in accordance with the present invention. - One technique for preparing the bondable surfaces is to utilize polyvinyl chloride film to form the sheet of
material 12 which is heat sealable. When utilizing a processed organic polymer heat sealable film, the upper and thelower surfaces 30 and 32 of the sheet ofmaterial 12 are bondable surfaces and the sheet ofmaterial 12 must be heated during the forming of the article or, more particularly, the forming of overlappingfolds 28. Thus, in this instance, the term “bondable contact” or “bondable engagement” means contacting engagement and the application of the required amount of heat to effect heat sealable bonding of the contacting surfaces. - It should be noted that a light activated adhesive also is suitable for use in preparing the bondable surface in accordance with the present invention. In this instance, heating elements would not be necessary. However, means for lighting the areas to be bonded would be necessary which might be effected by utilizing a light source during the forming of the
flower pot cover 10. In this instance, the term “bondable contact” or “bondable engagement” means contacting engagement and the applications of sufficient light to effect the bond. - Another technique for preparing the bondable surfaces is to utilize a non-heat sealable film to form the sheet of
material 12 and to apply a heat sealable coating to either the upper surface 30 or thelower surface 32 or both. Heat sealable adhesives are commercially available. The term “bondable contact” or “bondable engagement” as used in this instance means contacting engagement and the application of the required amount of heat to effect heat sealable bonding of the contacting surfaces. The heat sealable coating also can be a heat sealable lacquer, a pressure sensitive adhesive which also requires heat to effect the bond, or a non-melt adhesive. - An additional technique for preparing the
bondable surfaces 30 or 32 is to utilize a non-heat sealable film to form the sheet ofmaterial 12 and to apply a contact adhesive coating to either the upper surface 30 or thelower surface 32 or both. Contact adhesives are commercially available. The term “bondable contact” or “bondable engagement” in this instance means contacting engagement sufficient to effect the adhesive bond between the contacted surfaces. - For aesthetic purposes, it is preferable that the
decorative border 22 and particularly the flared petal-like portions 24 remain substantially smooth and substantially free of the overlapping folds. Also, it is desirable that theflare connecting portions 26 also remain substantially smooth and substantially free of overlapping folds. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , amolding apparatus 50 for forming theflower pot cover 10 is shown. Themolding apparatus 50 is adapted to form the sheet ofmaterial 12 into an article, such as theflower pot cover 10. Broadly, themolding apparatus 100 includes amale die 52 and afemale die 54. - The male die 52 is shaped and sized to formingly mate with the female die 54 during the forming of an article, such as the
flower pot cover 10. The male die 52 is characterized as having anupper end 56, alower end 58, and amale die surface 60. The male diesurface 60 extends a distance generally from thelower end 58 toward theupper end 56 of themale die 52. A portion of themale die surface 60 forms abase portion 62 of themale die surface 60. Thebase portion 62 of themale die surface 60 has an outer peripheral surface which is shaped about the same as the outer peripheral surface of a flower pot; the dimensions of thebase portion 62 being slightly larger than the comparable dimensions of the outer peripheral surface of a flower pot so that a flower pot cover formed by themolding apparatus 50 of the present invention will fit generally about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot when the flower pot cover is disposed about the flower pot. - The
base portion 62 has an upper end and a lower end. Thebase portion 62 of themale die surface 60 generally is frusto-conically shaped with the diameter of thebase portion 62 generally at the lower end being smaller than the diameter of thebase portion 62 generally at the upper end of thebase portion 62. The male diesurface 60 also includes a flaredportion 64 which flares a distance angularly outwardly and upwardly from the upper end of thebase portion 62. The flaredportion 64 of themale die surface 60 is characterized as having an upper end and a lower end with the lower end thereof being connected to the upper end of thebase portion 102. The lower end of the flaredportion 64 is provided with an annular recess 66. - A plurality of openings (not shown) may be formed through the male die 52 with each opening extending through the
male die surface 60. The openings are connected to the blower (not shown) and a vacuum source (not shown) in a manner well known in the art such that fluid communication is established between the openings and the blower and the openings and the vacuum source. - A heater element (not shown) may be secured to the
upper end 56 of the male die 52 to heat the male diesurface 60 to a predetermined temperature level during the operation of themolding apparatus 50. The heater element is connected to an electrical power source. A temperature sensing device (not shown) is positioned in the male die 52 and connected to the electrical power source to sense the temperature level of themale die surface 60 and maintain the temperature level of themale die surface 60 at a desired predetermined temperature level. - The male die 52 is supported above the female die 54 by a
cylinder 68 whereby the male die 52 is movable between a discharge position (FIG. 4 ) and a forming position (FIG. 5 ). In the discharge position, the male die 52 is removed from the female die 54 so that the sheet ofmaterial 12 can be positioned between themale die 52 and the female die 54 and so that a formed article, such as theflower pot cover 10, is removable from the male die 52. In the forming position, the male die 56 is matingly disposed into thefemale die 54. - The female die 54 is secured to a support frame (not shown) and is characterized as having an
upper end 70, a lower end 72, and anopening 74 formed through theupper end 70 of the female die 54 extending a distance generally toward the lower end 72 of thefemale die 54. Theopening 74 is defined by afemale die surface 76. - The female die 54 includes a
base section 78, amiddle section 80, a slidingsection 82, atop section 84, and a plurality offingers 86 adapted to be received in the annular recess 66 of themale die 52. Thebase section 78 is generally circularly shaped with a central opening 88 for receiving aplunger 90 for assisting in the removal of the flower pot cover 10 from thefemale die 54. The slidingsection 82 is positioned within themiddle section 80, which is rigidly connected to thebase section 78, and the slidingsection 82 is biasingly supported on thebase section 78 by a plurality ofsprings 92. The slidingsection 82 is adapted to move between aninternal shoulder 96 of themiddle section 80 and an upper surface of thebase section 78. The slidingsection 82 has a generally frusto-conically shapedinner surface 94 that coincides with thefemale die surface 76. The slidingsection 82 may be provided with a plurality of openings (not shown) formed in thefemale die surface 76. The openings are connected to a blower (also not shown) such that fluid communication is established between the openings and the blower. - The
fingers 86 are positioned between themiddle section 80 and thetop section 84 and spaced uniformly about a circumference of thefemale die 54. Each of thefingers 86 is connected to anactuator assembly 98 to move thefingers 86 radially inward in response to downward movement of the slidingsection 82. Each of thefingers 86 has anarcuate nub 100 with eacharcuate nub 100 having substantially the same curvature as the curvature of the recess 66 of themale die 52. Each of thefingers 86 is preferably heated to facilitate formation of the at least oneindented portion 29 of theflower pot cover 10. Thefingers 86 are sized and arranged to merge to form at least one indented portion in theflower pot cover 10 when thefingers 86 are moved inwardly into the recess 66 of themale die 52. However, as mentioned above, it is also contemplated that thefingers 86 may be annularly spaced so that theindented portion 29 is formed as segments of indented portions. - Each
actuator assembly 98 includes acam 102 rigidly attached at one end to the slidingsection 82 so that thecam 102 moves with the slidingsection 82. Acam surface 104 located at the other end of thecam 102 is adapted to engage a cam follower orroller 106 attached to one end of apivot arm 108. Thecam 102 extends from the slidingsection 82 and through acam slot 110. Thepivot arm 108 pivots about apivot pin 112 that is rigidly attached with respect to themiddle section 80. An opposite end of thepivot arm 108 is pivotally attached to acorresponding finger 86. Aspring 114 is positioned between themiddle section 80 and each of thefingers 86 so as to outwardly bias thefingers 86 when the male die 52 is in the discharge position. - The
top section 84 is connected to themiddle section 80 and includes a flaredportion 116 corresponding to the flaredportion 64 of the male die 52 for forming thedecorative border 22 of theflower pot 10. - A heater element (not shown) may be secured to the lower end 72 of the female die 54 to heat the
female die surface 76 to a predetermined temperature level during the operation of themolding apparatus 50. The heater element is connected to the electrical power source. A temperature sensing device (not shown) is positioned in the female die 54 and connected to the electrical power source to sense the temperature level of thefemale die surface 76 and maintain the temperature level of thefemale die surface 76 at a desired predetermined temperature level. - As the male die 52 moves in a downward direction, the male die 52 moves to a position wherein the
lower end 58 of the male die 52 initially engages the portion of the sheet ofmaterial 12 disposed over theopening 74 in thefemale die 54. The male die 52 continues to move in the downward direction to the forming position wherein themale die surface 60 is matingly disposed with the female die 54 with thelower end 58 of the male die 52 being disposed generally near the lower end of the slidingsection 82 with portions of the sheet ofmaterial 12 being disposed generally about themale die surface 60 and generally between themale die surface 60 and thefemale die surface 76. - As the male die 52 continues to move downwardly, a downward force is exerted on the sliding
section 82 sufficient to overcome the bias ofspring 92. Thus, the slidingsection 82 moves downwardly toward thebase section 78, thereby causing thecams 102 to move downwardly and causing thecam surface 104 to engage thecam followers 106. In turn, thepivot arms 108 rotate so as to cause thefingers 86 to move radially inwardly into the recess 66 of themale die 52. - In the forming position of the
male die 52, the slidingportion 82 of the female die 54 cooperates with thebase portion 62 of the male die 52 to form the portion of the sheet ofmaterial 12 disposed therebetween into thebase 14 of theflower pot cover 10. The flaredportion 116 of the female die 54 cooperates with the flaredportion 64 of the male die 52 to form the portion of the sheet ofmaterial 12 disposed therebetween into the lower portion of thedecorative border 22 generally adjacent the upper end of thebase 14, thereby establishing or forming the angle at which thedecorative border 22 extends upwardly and outwardly from the opened upper end 16 of thebase 14. Finally, thefingers 86 of the female die 54 cooperate with the recess 66 of the male die 52 to form theindented portion 29 of theflower pot cover 10. - Upon the expiration of a predetermined dwell time, the vacuum and blower are activated in the male die 52 and female die 54, respectively, and the
cylinder 68 is caused to retract. The retraction of thecylinder 68 removes the male die 52 from the female die 54 with the formedflower pot cover 10 disposed on the male die 52. - The term “polymer film” as used herein means a man-made polymer such as a polypropylene or a naturally occurring polymer such as cellophane. A polymer film is relatively strong and not as subject to tearing (substantially non-tearable), as might be the case with paper or foil.
- The sheets of
material 12 described herein may be constructed of a single layer of material or a plurality of layers of the same different types of materials. Any thickness of the sheet ofmaterial 12 may be utilized in accordance with the present invention as long as the sheet ofmaterial 12 may be formed into a preformed pot cover with a skirt or decorative border, as described herein. The layers of material comprising the sheet ofmaterial 12 may be connected together or laminated or may be separate layers, and the layers of material comprising the sheet ofmaterial 12 need not be uniform in shape or composition. - Any thickness of the sheet of
material 12 may be utilized in accordance with the present invention as long as the sheet ofmaterial 12 may be formed into a flower pot cover, as described herein. Additionally, an insulating material such as bubble film, preferable as one of two or more layers, can be utilized in order to provide additional protection for the item wrapped therein. - A decorative pattern, such as a color and/or an embossed pattern, and/or other decorative surface ornamentation may be applied to the inner peripheral surface and/or the outer peripheral surface of the sheet of
material 12 or cover or portions thereof including, but not limited to printed design, coatings, colors, flocking or metallic finishes. The sheet ofmaterial 12 also may be totally or partially clear or tinted transparent material. - The term plant or “botanical item” when used herein means a natural or artificial herbaceous or woody plant, taken singly or in combination. The term “botanical item” also means any portion or portions of natural or artificial herbaceous or woody plants including stems, leaves, flowers, blossoms, buds, blooms, cones, or roots, taken singly or in combination, or in groupings of such portions such as bouquet or floral grouping.
- The term “propagule” when used herein means any structure capable of being propagated or acting as an agent of reproduction including seeds, shoots, stems, runners, tubers, plants, leaves, roots or spores.
- The term “growing medium” when used herein means any liquid, solid or gaseous material used for plant growth or for the cultivation of propagules, including organic and inorganic materials such as soil, humus, perlite, vermiculite, sand, water, and including the nutrients, fertilizers or hormones or combinations thereof required by the plants or propagules for growth.
- The term “floral grouping” where used herein, means cut fresh flowers, artificial flowers, a single flower, other fresh and/or artificial plants or other floral materials and may include other secondary plants and/or ornamentation or artificial or natural materials which add to the aesthetics of the overall floral arrangement. The floral grouping comprises a bloom or foliage portion and a stem portion. However, it will be appreciated that the floral grouping may consist of only a single bloom or only foliage (not shown). The term “floral grouping” may be used interchangeably herein with the term “floral arrangement”.
- The term “flower pot cover” when used herein also means a decorative cover or simply a cover.
- The term “flower pot” as used herein also means a pot, a plant pot, or a container. The flower pot may contain a floral grouping, a growing medium, a propagule or any other botanical item.
- From the above description it is clear that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the invention. While presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the spirit of the invention disclosed and as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (16)
1. A method for forming a flower pot cover, comprising:
positioning a sheet of material between a female die and a male die, the female die having an inner peripheral female die surface defining an opening intersecting one end of the female die and the male die shaped such that at least a portion of the male die is positionable in the opening of the female die;
inserting the male die into the opening of the female die so as to form the flower pot cover from the sheet of material; and
moving a plurality of fingers radially into the opening of the female die so as to cause the fingers to be received in a recess formed in the male die and form at least one indented portion in the flower pot cover for retaining the flower pot cover on a flower pot.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one indented portion in the flower pot cover is an indented ring portion.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the indented ring portion is a continuous ring portion.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one indented portion comprises at least two indented segments, wherein the at least two indented segments form an indented ring portion.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one indented portion is a single indentation.
6. A preformed flower pot cover for covering a flower pot, the flower pot cover comprising:
a base having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and an object opening extending through the upper end;
a decorative border extending upwardly and outwardly from the upper end of the base; and
at least one indented portion located between the base and the decorative border so as to be engageable with an upper end of the flower pot to retain the flower pot cover on the flower pot.
7. The preformed flower pot cover of claim 6 , wherein the at least one indented portion is an indented ring portion.
8. The preformed flower pot cover of claim 7 , wherein the indented ring portion is a continuous ring portion.
9. The preformed flower pot cover of claim 6 , wherein the at least one indented portion comprises at least two indented segments, wherein the at least two indented segments form an indented ring portion.
10. The preformed flower pot cover of claim 6 , wherein the at least one indented portion is a single indentation.
11. An apparatus for forming a flower pot cover from a sheet of material, the flower pot cover having at least one indented portion for retaining the flower pot cover on a flower pot, the apparatus comprising:
a female die having an upper end, a lower end, and an opening intersecting the upper end and extending a distance toward the lower end forming an inner female die surface, the female die having a plurality of fingers movable radially into the opening; and
a male die having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer male die surface extending a distance generally between the lower end and the upper end of the male die, the male die shaped such that at least a portion of the male die is receivable in the opening of the female die, the male die and the female die movable relative to one another between a discharge position wherein the male die is removed from the opening of the female die such that the sheet of material is positionable between the male die and the female die and a forming position wherein at least a portion of the male die is disposed in the opening of the female die so as to form the flower pot cover from the sheet of material positioned between the male die and the female die, the male die having a recess formed between the lower end and the upper end of the female die and adapted to receive the fingers of the female die to form the at least one indented portion of the flower pot when the sheet of material is pressed between the female die and the male die.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the female die further comprises:
a base section;
a middle section connected to and extending upwardly from the base section;
a sliding section slidably positioned within the middle section and biasingly supported relative to the base section; and
a plurality of actuator assemblies, each actuator assembly connected to the sliding section and to a corresponding finger such that the fingers are caused to move radially inwardly in response to downward movement of the sliding section.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the plurality of actuator assemblies each comprise:
a cam rigidly attached to the sliding section;
a pivot arm pivotally attached to the middle section and having one end engageable with the cam and one end pivotally connected to one of the fingers such that the cam engages the pivot arm and pivots the pivot arm to cause the fingers to move radially inwardly in response to downward movement of the sliding section.
14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein each of the fingers has an arcuate nub that substantially conforms to the contour of the recess of the male die.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the fingers are uniformly spaced around a circumference of the female die when the male die presses the sheet of material against the female die.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the arcuate nub of the fingers substantially circumscribe a circle when the nubs are positioned in the recess of the male die.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/475,348 US20060266004A1 (en) | 2002-10-16 | 2006-06-27 | Flower pot cover with indented ring portion and apparatus for forming same |
US12/313,594 US8056283B2 (en) | 2002-10-16 | 2008-11-21 | Flower pot cover with indented ring portion and apparatus for forming same |
US13/253,207 US20120023820A1 (en) | 2002-10-16 | 2011-10-05 | Flower pot cover with indented ring portion and apparatus for forming same |
US13/724,313 US8601738B2 (en) | 2002-10-16 | 2012-12-21 | Flower pot cover with indented ring portion and apparatus for forming same |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US41913402P | 2002-10-16 | 2002-10-16 | |
US10/687,038 US20040118043A1 (en) | 2002-10-16 | 2003-10-16 | Flower pot cover with indented ring portion and apparatus for forming same |
US11/475,348 US20060266004A1 (en) | 2002-10-16 | 2006-06-27 | Flower pot cover with indented ring portion and apparatus for forming same |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/687,038 Continuation-In-Part US20040118043A1 (en) | 2002-10-16 | 2003-10-16 | Flower pot cover with indented ring portion and apparatus for forming same |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/313,594 Continuation US8056283B2 (en) | 2002-10-16 | 2008-11-21 | Flower pot cover with indented ring portion and apparatus for forming same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060266004A1 true US20060266004A1 (en) | 2006-11-30 |
Family
ID=46324736
Family Applications (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/475,348 Abandoned US20060266004A1 (en) | 2002-10-16 | 2006-06-27 | Flower pot cover with indented ring portion and apparatus for forming same |
US12/313,594 Expired - Fee Related US8056283B2 (en) | 2002-10-16 | 2008-11-21 | Flower pot cover with indented ring portion and apparatus for forming same |
US13/253,207 Abandoned US20120023820A1 (en) | 2002-10-16 | 2011-10-05 | Flower pot cover with indented ring portion and apparatus for forming same |
US13/724,313 Expired - Fee Related US8601738B2 (en) | 2002-10-16 | 2012-12-21 | Flower pot cover with indented ring portion and apparatus for forming same |
Family Applications After (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/313,594 Expired - Fee Related US8056283B2 (en) | 2002-10-16 | 2008-11-21 | Flower pot cover with indented ring portion and apparatus for forming same |
US13/253,207 Abandoned US20120023820A1 (en) | 2002-10-16 | 2011-10-05 | Flower pot cover with indented ring portion and apparatus for forming same |
US13/724,313 Expired - Fee Related US8601738B2 (en) | 2002-10-16 | 2012-12-21 | Flower pot cover with indented ring portion and apparatus for forming same |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (4) | US20060266004A1 (en) |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1735721A (en) * | 1927-12-14 | 1929-11-12 | Barro Antonio Perez | Device for making receptacles |
US2703042A (en) * | 1954-01-26 | 1955-03-01 | Constellation Cup Corp | Apparatus for grooving paper cups and the like |
US4297811A (en) * | 1980-05-19 | 1981-11-03 | Seven W Enterprises, Inc. | Laminated printed foil flower pot wrap with multicolor appearance |
US4522618A (en) * | 1982-04-08 | 1985-06-11 | Sprinter Systems Incorporated | Mechanism for assembling tapered, nested containers |
US5350473A (en) * | 1992-08-10 | 1994-09-27 | Highland Supply Corporation | Cover forming apparatus having pivoting forming members |
US5716474A (en) * | 1984-05-22 | 1998-02-10 | Southpac Trust International, Inc. | Method of forming a flower pot cover |
US6151831A (en) * | 1993-10-12 | 2000-11-28 | Southpac Trust International, Inc. | Article formed by an article forming system and method |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5361482A (en) * | 1984-05-22 | 1994-11-08 | Highland Supply Corporation | Method of forming a flower pot cover with crimped portion |
-
2006
- 2006-06-27 US US11/475,348 patent/US20060266004A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2008
- 2008-11-21 US US12/313,594 patent/US8056283B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2011
- 2011-10-05 US US13/253,207 patent/US20120023820A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2012
- 2012-12-21 US US13/724,313 patent/US8601738B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1735721A (en) * | 1927-12-14 | 1929-11-12 | Barro Antonio Perez | Device for making receptacles |
US2703042A (en) * | 1954-01-26 | 1955-03-01 | Constellation Cup Corp | Apparatus for grooving paper cups and the like |
US4297811A (en) * | 1980-05-19 | 1981-11-03 | Seven W Enterprises, Inc. | Laminated printed foil flower pot wrap with multicolor appearance |
US4522618A (en) * | 1982-04-08 | 1985-06-11 | Sprinter Systems Incorporated | Mechanism for assembling tapered, nested containers |
US5716474A (en) * | 1984-05-22 | 1998-02-10 | Southpac Trust International, Inc. | Method of forming a flower pot cover |
US5832663A (en) * | 1984-05-22 | 1998-11-10 | Southpac Trust International, Inc. | Article formed by an article forming system and method |
US5350473A (en) * | 1992-08-10 | 1994-09-27 | Highland Supply Corporation | Cover forming apparatus having pivoting forming members |
US6151831A (en) * | 1993-10-12 | 2000-11-28 | Southpac Trust International, Inc. | Article formed by an article forming system and method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20120023820A1 (en) | 2012-02-02 |
US8601738B2 (en) | 2013-12-10 |
US20130111853A1 (en) | 2013-05-09 |
US8056283B2 (en) | 2011-11-15 |
US20090084034A1 (en) | 2009-04-02 |
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